Devon dialect book at National Park Centres

A book featuring an A-Z of Devon dialect has recently been published thanks to a grant from theMoor than meets the eye Parishscapes project. 

The book was inspired by a traditional rhyme quoted by the late ‘Wag of Widecombe’ Anthony (Tony) Beard and has been illustrated by Widecombe-based artist Joanna Radford, who sadly passed away in 2016. The dialect featured in the book includes some local examples and much of the original artwork was inspired by scenes and locations from around the parish. 

The book, published by the Widecombe History Group was launched at Widecombe Fair earlier this year. 

Parishscapes project lead and Moor than meets the eye Community Heritage Officer Emma Stockley explains “publishing this beautiful dialect book has helped to preserve an element of Dartmoor’s heritage that is seldom recorded in written form.  The project wouldn’t have happened without the kind support of the Radford family and Widecombe History Group, so a huge thanks to them for all their hard work in making this project a reality”. 

Sales from the book will support a legacy of future community heritage projects within the parish, led by the History Group.  To buy a copy of the book online, please visit https://www.widecombe-in-the-moor.com/history/alphabet /

Copies of the book, which will make a great stocking filler for those with an interest in Dartmoor and the region, are now also available from Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centres priced at £11.00. Why not pick one up at the National Park Christmas Fair, taking place in the Princetown Visitor Centre this Saturday 2 December. A chance to buy some great Dartmoor gifts for friends and family – come along and meet the producers of the Dartmoor Range of products and have a great Dartmoor day out.