THE revival of Okehampton has been the topic of many conversations and articles in this and other newspapers. However, revivals take many forms. Over the past couple of weeks I have been to three inaugural events in Okehampton and one in Torrington which will certainly impact Okehampton.

The first was the Dartmoor section of NADFAS –the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts, in the Charter Hall. Over a hundred people attended a fascinating lecture on the Bayeux Tapestry. The vast majority of this audience came from outside Okehampton. Afterwards, I wondered how many stayed for lunch in the town or wandered round the shops. This monthly meeting could be a very great asset to the town hospitality trade and our shops.

The second event was the Acoustic Café, held on the second Saturday of the month in the Okement Centre, an eclectic mix of music and words in many genres which was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Again, there were a good number in the audience.

Thirdly, was the Devon Association's inaugural meeting of the music section (devoted to music and songs and musicians with a Devonian connection), held in the Plough, Torrington. Sadly, we don't have a similar venue in Okehampton. However, the town was well represented in the gathering, culminating in a concert of folk and very modern music by Devon artists.

Why do I mention this? Because the first chairman of this new section, and no-one is better suited to this role, is Paul Wilson, of Wren Music. A renowned national figure in music education and as a musician, composer/songwriter, this appointment raises the profile of Okehampton and recognises Paul as the musical tour de force he undoubtedly is.

Finally, last week I was helping at the lantern-making workshops where toddlers, children, teenagers and adults of all ages had a wonderful time making assorted lanterns ready for the first lantern procession through the town from either side, (rugby club and Giblands).  

The lights will represent our two rivers as they meet in Simmons Park for a joyous celebration of music and singing. The sheer delight on the faces of the young mothers as they completed their lanterns 'helped' by their toddlers. The huge star made by one teenage girl made her a star with all the smaller children!

I was delighted to see such concentration and determination in the children to finish the task. The sense of achievement was visible in everyone. One granny returned to the second workshop minus the children, to make another lantern of her own, and made her husband wait while she finished it!

'Will there be another one next year?' 'I've had a brilliant time, can we do it again?'

I must have been asked this a dozen times. The answer from Marilyn Tucker, of Wren Music, who has organised this: 'We hope so!'

Fingers crossed for fine weather at 6pm on Thursday 23rd!

So, Okehampton celebrates our cultural life — the arts are alive and well and thriving in our town!

Jan Goffey

Simmons Close

Okehampton