UNUSUAL aspects of local history were revealed at a recent meeting of Exbourne Local History Group.

Okehampton historian Mike Wreford revealed a number of gems in a talk given to members in the village hall on Tuesday, November 16.

Mike recounted the full history relating of the one-time Folly Gate airport. Other topics included the castle at Gidleigh, the history of the Meldon lime quarries, glass mine, the viaduct and the pond. Sourton ice works and peat workings were included, as well as the history of the late Ross Salmon, who came to Bridestowe having been a cowboy on ranches in America. Mike was thanked by Gaye Langham.

Instead of a meeting in December members are holding their annual Christmas Dinner at the Railway, North Tawton. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 18 in Exbourne Village Hall at 7.30pm.

The speaker will be Simon Dell on ‘Lydford and the Stannary Towns’. Visitors are welcome – £3 entry.