Musical Dartmoor Evenings

This programme devised and produced by John Bartlett in 1979 features an array of musical, amateur productions and entertaining acts from the small villages of the north of Dartmoor. June Smith and Edna Dunning are shown performing a comedy act in front of a local audience. Locals explain that they are trying to preserve and revive the local traditional songs and stories of Devon and Dartmoor. The Devonshire dialect for example is an important aspect of the local historical culture and they would like to see it preserved. Gordon Ching sings the local songs he learnt as a boy at school. Jack Rice is shown playing the harmonica to a local tune, along with step dancer Les Rice. Dave Alford is shown playing the bones. These pastimes were filmed at the Village Hall in Gidleigh, the Northmore Arms at Throwleigh and The Three Crowns pub in Chagford.

A look at the various pastimes and entertainments of the small villages north of Dartmoor. Including amateur productions and musical nights. Part 1