Wednesday, 23 October 2024

Author, Liz Shakspeare brings new life to old stories around Devon.

A North Devon author is having a very busy year. Since Liz Shakespeare published her seventh book The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones in April, she has been touring the county to sign copies of her new book and to give talks at literature festivals, historical societies and social groups. She specialises in bringing to life the stories she finds in old newspapers, on gravestones and in parish records - her most recent book, The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones, tells the true story of a nineteenth century Torrington scandal.

‘Sales have been very good,’ says Liz. ‘Many people like to read true stories set in Devon; I find that once people have read one of my books, they usually go on to read the other six.’

Despite attending many more events in the run-up to Christmas, Liz is already starting to research her next book. ‘Each book takes me 3-4 years to write,’ she says, ‘but readers are already asking me when the next one will be published!’

There are many more opportunities to meet Liz and buy a signed book as a present, or hear her speak about her research and writing. You can find her at the local events llisted below:
  • 26th October at Appledore Craft Market
  • 29th October at Westward Ho! Artisan Market
  • 31st October at Bampton Fair
  • 3rd November at Hartland Farmers’ Market
  • 7th and 8th November at Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock
  • 10th November at the Early Bird Market, Winkleigh
  • 13th November a talk on The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones for Northam Library
  • 16th and 17th November, book signing at Affinity Christmas Market
  • 21st November at the Hospice Christmas Fair, Durrant Hotel
  • 23rd November at Appledore Craft Market
  • 28th November at 7pm, a talk on The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones for The Plough at St Anne’s, Barnstaple
  • 30th November at Swimbridge Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair
  • 1st December at South Molton Fatstock Show
  • 6th December book signing at Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock for Dickensian Evening, 9am – 9pm
  • 14th and 21st December, book signing at the Big Sheep
  • 22nd December, 5-9 p.m at Hartland Farmers’ Market

Liz’s books can also be ordered post-free from her website www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

Author, Liz Shakspeare brings new life to old stories around Devon.


Thursday, 17 October 2024

National Park celebrates 70th 'Exmoor Day'

It’s a day when we take a moment to celebrate all that Exmoor offers and this year it’s an extra special one, as it marks the National Park’s 70th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Exmoor has officially been a National Park since 19 October 1954.

Sarah Bryan CEO of Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) wants to remember and thank “everyone who had the vision and foresight to create National Parks and allow people to have that access to and enjoyment of nature.”

Sarah continued: “National Parks were created in response to the end of World War Two, ensuring outstanding landscapes were protected into the future as national assets. 70 years on, we have been reflecting on where we have come and what the future may hold. The challenges surrounding looking after nature and enabling everyone to benefit from these spaces are greater than they’ve ever been, but so too are the opportunities. As we look to the next 70 years, we are committed to doing more for nature and people and we really appreciate everyone’s support in helping us fulfil those opportunities.”

Exmoor 70 for 70 virtual walk

Thank you to everyone who is walking, running, cycling, or riding 70 miles this month for Exmoor - It isn't too late to sign up...

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor70

You can clock up your steps any time, any place, any how while raising funds for CareMoor for Exmoor.

Donate to our CareMoor 70 for 70 Appeal

We know not everyone will be up for walking, but we're encouraging everyone who loves Exmoor to consider giving a gift, or fundraising in any way they like to raise £70 for 70 years of Exmoor as a National Park. Thank you to our 10 Platinum Sponsors for supporting our #exmoor70 appeal:

Exmoor Distillery, Porlock Holidays, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Tors Park, Cottage Beer Project, The Fox and Goose, Seven Fables Dulverton, Woodcombe Lodges,  Exmoor Tea Company

Share your photos, memories and experiences of Exmoor or let us know how you’re celebrating by using the #Exmoor70 #ExmoorDay hashtags.

Look out for local business holding special promotions by searching #Exmoor70 #ExmoorDay online and on social media.

Visit one of our award-winning (and dog friendly) National Park Centres in Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth. There are interactive displays, Exmoor Films (with dedicated film theatres at Dunster and Lynmouth), and information on Exmoor’s dark skies as part of this year’s Dark skies Festival, Friday 18 October until Sunday 3 November www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival

To mark #Exmoor70 our National Park Centres will offer a Discount of 10% off on Saturday 19 October to everyone mentioning the phrase ‘Exmoor Day 70’ and a Discount Code for 10% off in the online shop EXMOORDAY70 http://shop.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Give a unique gift

Why not dedicate a tree that you and your family can watch grow over the next 70 years or donate a gate at a special spot with a personalised plaque to remember loved ones, or to commemorate a special anniversary.

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor

Visit an historical site or enjoy one of our Exmoor Walks

There are lots to choose from for all abilities, from ‘accessible strolls’ to more challenging ‘classics’ – lots of inspiration here on our historical 70 sites for 70 years blog and at www.exmoorwalks.org

National Park celebrates 70th 'Exmoor Day'  

National Park celebrates 70th 'Exmoor Day'  

National Park celebrates 70th 'Exmoor Day'  

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EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK MEDIA RELEASE

Ilfracombe Carnival Dazzles Edenmore Nursing Home Residents

Residents of Edenmore Nursing Home enjoyed a delightful evening filled with laughter and excitement during a special visit to the local Ilfracombe carnival.

Four residents, affectionately known as family members, along with five team members, made their way to the starting point of the procession. Joining the Ilfracombe Community, who wouldn’t let the weather dampen their spirits, they cheered on the carnival from the sidelines along the high street. Each family member was armed with their own bags of change to donate to local charities participating in the carnival. They admired the fabulous floats, lively dancing, music and vibrant costumes that were on display. With the support of the team, they were encouraged to independently choose which charities to donate to.

“Everyone in the carnival came over to us, and some even had photos with our family members!” said Registered Manager Gayle Cooper “the family members had so much fun, I’m sure a return visit is in order for next year!”

When asked if the family members enjoyed their evening out, one family member at Edenmore Nursing Home said, “This has been amazing,” and another added that he “loved every minute.”

The North Devon Nursing Home is committed to ensuring a continuation of life for the family members at Edenmore by providing them with fulfilling and active opportunities. This visit into the community to see the carnival is a perfect example of that commitment.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com
Ilfracombe Carnival Dazzles Edenmore Nursing Home Residents, Photo copyright Edenmore Nursing Home (All Rights Reserved)

When asked the family members what they thought post carnival 

Peter - "loved every minute, can we do it again tomorrow?"  

Penny - "had so much fun, brings back memories."  

Kate - "I loved it". 

Gladys - "this has been amazing, I would pay money to watch this" 

Pam - "had a massive smile on her face" 

AN EDENMORE NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE