THE series of events to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the consecration of All Saints Church continues this week.
On Saturday July 16 the Friends of All Saints Church will be celebrating with a medieval-style party at Northwood Farm near Abbeyford Woods from 4pm.
The event is free, with everyone welcome to enjoy entertainment for both children and adults, buy a raffle ticket and have a drink at the bar.
The catering is bring and share, and there will be a prize for the child and adult with the best medieval costume.
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Wartime letters inspire Okehampton writer's novelOn Sunday July 17, celebrations move back to the church, with a Service of the Sea.
All Saints has a long tradition of supporting Missions to Seafarers, which provides practical and spiritual support to seafarers around the world. Shantymen 'Mariners Away' will perform at the service.
The Rev Stephen Cook said: 'Shanty singing has been rediscovered in recent years, especially in the South West. It is part of our local folk tradition, and I personally love it.
'When the missionaries went to some of the wild fishing villages they sometimes persuaded local men to turn their talents to singing hymns and a wide range of sea hymns were born.
'We will be using some of them in the service. I am really looking forward to it.' After the service there will be refreshments and further shanty singing. All are welcome.
The church will take a deeper look at its history on Tuesday July 19, with organisers setting the scene on what the church would have looked like in 1261 before a number of local experts will be on hand to discuss its history and the town.
Maurie Webber, curator of the Museum of Dartmoor Life and a minister at the church, said: 'This will not be a series of talks. Those who come will be able to move around the church, and hear from several different people about the fascinating history and architecture of our town.
'All Saints is a jewel in Okehampton's crown, and we want to show it off — an awful lot has happened here in 750 years.'
Registers and other items of historical interest will be on display. The event is free, but donations are invited to help cover costs.
The celebratory events continue until the end of July. Keep your eyes peeled as further details of these events will be in the Times in the following weeks.