A group of local people with a shared interest in the area’s wealth of ancient houses founded the Society in 1975. Monthly winter talks, on a wide range of topics broadly related to local history, entertain and educate. Monthly summer visits are arranged to historic houses and sites around the county.
In 2008 the Society enjoyed a private tour to Godolphin House, near Helston, on the day after the National Trust opened it to the public. We also visited the Rolle Canal, seas locks and Annery Kilns in North Devon, and A La Ronde, Exmouth and Strand House, Topsham in South Devon. Nearer to home we saw Tiverton Castle and some local chapels with spectacular family monuments.
Members are welcomed from Chulmleigh, Morchard Bishop and other surrounding villages. Their current interests range among landscape and industrial archaeology, traditional building construction, parish, family, house, church, transport and maritime history to Dartmoor, Exmoor and maps.
Monthly winter talks (normally illustrated) are held on the third Thursday of each month at Chulmleigh Community College, starting at 7.30pm.
Recently these have featured: Old Devon Milestones, Christmas Traditions, Building Stones of Devon, the Church and Families of Eggesford, and Devonshire Artists.
Further talks in 2009 will be: Chulmleigh Lady Town Crier on 29th January, Tin Working on Dartmoor on 19th February, The Life of W R Lethaby on 19th March, and Fever – A story from a Devon Churchyard on 16th April.
Annual membership is currently £5 single and £7 joint (two people sharing an address), with £2 payable at each lecture attended. Visitors are welcome to attend at £4 per person. We do hope you will come and join us.
Enquiries to:
Co-chair Mrs Ann Adams on 01363-82292
Hon Sec Mrs Sue Ellwood on 01363-877355