Events 2025

Unless otherwise stated, all meetings are held in Lustleigh Village Hall – TQ13 9TA at 7.30 pm – Refreshments from 7.00 pm

Visitors are welcome – charge £7.50

In the summer there are visits arranged, which are bookable in advance and may attract extra charges.

Wednesday January 29
Reopening The Drewe Arms – Imogen Clements

Drewsteignton has saved and restored their historic North Dartmoor pub by fundraising, campaigning and organising. How can our pub businesses succeed in the 2020s? What are their plans for the future?

Wednesday February 26
Dartmoor’s struggle for consensus – Adrian Colston

The search for compromise on conserving the moor in a time of change.
Stories from Dartmoor – hill-farming, wildlife, re-wetting, historic landscapes and re-wilding – whither Dartmoor?

Wednesday March 26
Art in Devon: A Pride of Painters – Jenny Pery

This illustrated talk tells the story of the linked lives of six 18th and early 19th century artists, mainly from Plymouth, including Joshua Reynolds, who transformed the national aesthetic and raised the status of the artist in England.

Wednesday April 30
Dartmoor in the time of hunter-gatherers – Emma Stockley

As Britain was becoming an island in the Mesolithic, 11,000–6,000 years ago, groups of hunter-gatherers moved seasonally between the coast and uplands in the South West. From finds of the stone tools or ‘lithics’ they made, as at Sanduck, Emma sheds light on what life was like before farming.

Wednesday May 28
The Three Hares A Curiosity Worth Regarding – Susan Andrews

Medieval roof bosses of three hares running in a circle, joined by their ears to form a triangle appear in 17 Devon churches. The research Susan contributed to found the motif across cultures from Buddhist cave temples in China, to Islamic metalwork, illuminated Christian manuscripts and in Jewish synagogues, linking diverse cultures over 1400 years.

Thursday June 5 2pm–4pm
VISIT – Guided tour of Exeter Cathedral – John Allan

Following John’s popular presentation about the Cathedral’s archaeology in February 2024, he will show us the features which date the structure and significant finds, some of them recent. This tour will involve walking but no steep stairs. Tour price £20 (including Cathedral entry)

Friday July 11 11.30 Start
VISIT – Old Walls Vineyard Tour Bishopsteignton

A two-and-a-half hour tour with a walk around the vineyard, where vines have flourished since Roman times. It’s well known for its fine whites and Palace Red wine. The price includes a talk in the winery, wine-tasting or coffee and cake. Tour price £20

Wednesday September 24
Lustleigh in World War Two – Chris Wilson and friends

On the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, members of the Society who have been writing a commemorative book about the village’s wartime experience present aspects of their research in short and engaging talks.

Wednesday October 29
The Legends of South Devon – Kevin Dixon

Did Napoleon have a Torbay baby? Is Torquay built on seven hills like Rome? Did Hitler want to live there? Was Corbyn Head named after a pirate captain who was hanged there? Are there more ghosts in Torquay than anywhere else in England? The Riviera’s pre-eminent historian, Kevin Dixon, looks at these legends and more.

Wednesday November 26
Lustleigh Society Annual General Meeting

followed by refreshments and entertainment