An introduction to star-gazing:

Part 1. The Night Sky – An illustrated talk, by Andrew Watkinson-Trim, on what to look for in the September sky, 7:30pm till 9:00pm at West Buckland School. 4th September 2012.

Part 2. The Night Sky – Looking at the Night Sky from the West Buckland School Observatory. 10:00pm to midnight.  5th September 2012.

Tickets  £12 for both parts 1 & 2 per person. Tickets Here

Andrew Watkinson-Trim first became interested in astronomy as a schoolboy, inspired by a copy of the Observer’s Book of Astronomy by Patrick Moore. However other interests and activities soon took precedence as he made his way to read Theology at St. Chad’s College Durham, and at Queens’ College and Magdalene College in Cambridge. It was the arrival of a Springer Spaniel just a few years ago and the consequent late-night “walkies” that focused his attention once more upon the stars – “I used to know the name of those constellations,” he thought, and resolved to renew his acquaintance with the night sky. Hence the aim of providing a fun, non-technical introduction to star-gazing for complete beginners: what you can see, how you can see it, where to look, and what equipment will work for you. Could you be a lunatic? Have you ever been phased by a faint fuzzy? Does the thought of a big Mak’ make you drool? Why can you sometimes see more when you stop looking? How many astronomers does it take to change a light-bulb? These and many other questions will be discussed on the first evening. On the second night we hope to be out at the newly-refurbished West Buckland School Owl Observatory with a variety of telescopes and the North Devon Astronomical Society, having fun in the dark!

(Image above: Andrew Watkinson-Trim and Sir Patrick Moore chat before lunch at Farthings)

To be held in the West Wing of Castle Hill – by kind permission of the Countess of Arran.

Viewing from 6:00pm. Auction starts at 7.30pm, Saturday 1st September

Venue: Castle Hill Estate, Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0RH

Castle Hill provides a wonderful setting for our auction… Read more about Castle Hill  >

Auction lots include:

FIVE DAYS GUIDED WALKING AND/OR CLIMBING IN SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK

An outstanding five/six day walk and rock climbing holiday in the hills and splendour of Snowdonia National Park . This rare Lot, for two people, includes a guide who is an experienced climber and walker in North Wales . With accommodation. At a date to be agreed up to September 2013.

A DAY’S HUNTING WITH THE DEVON AND SOMERSET STAGHOUNDS

With your own horse. For two people with one nights B&B at the 16 th century White Horse Hotel situated on the banks of the River Exe in Exford at the heart of Exmoor National Park . To be taken during the 2012-2013 season.

The Auction will be led by one of the West Country’s best know Auctioneers – Geoffrey Clapp.

Download the Auction Catalogue

Friday Night is Music Night

Friday 7th September – 7.30pm in St. Peter’s Church, West Buckland

A concert of Popular Classical Music with a group of highly talented singers and musicians.

Master of Ceremonies: Harry the Piano

Neil Hamilton, John Hobbs, Louise Lloyd, Fiona Robertson, Veronika Shoot and others

Tickets (including refreshments) £12.00 in advance, £13.00 on the door, £6.00 for children under 14. Tickets Here

If there is a problem with this please contact Peter Bright.

Last Call

If you would like to exhibit in the 2012 West Buckland Festival please click the link below ASAP – time and space is running out.

During the Festival The Gallery exhibition will enable visitors to view and in some cases buy works of art by local Devon artists. Please exhibit with us.

The aim of the The Gallery exhibition is to promote selected, amateur and professional artist living within the dispersed communities of North Devon and beyond. Past exhibitions have received critical acclaim and have been remarkably successful for artists and visitors, with sales and commissions. Diversity has been the success of these exhibitions, with entries ranging from textiles, painting, carving, printmaking and ceramics etc.

Please fill in the online entry form here: Exhibitor entry form

On Monday 3rd September, you will have the opportunity to learn all about the care and handling of hawks and about the sport of hawking. Have hands on experience of flying hawks, with Nigel of North Devon Hawk Walks -     http://www.northdevonhawkwalks.co.uk/      Meet Lady Macbeth and Cassius, the Harris Hawks and Artemis, a Sparrow Hawk. This is an all day experience, commencing at 11.00a.m. and finishing at 4.00p.m. The day will start with instructions and demonstrations, moving onto the actual flying of the birds. We have limited the number of places, so that everyone will have a chance to handle and fly a hawk. Don’t forget your camera and your lunch box. Get your tickets soon, places are limited.

Lady Macbeth

Tuesday 4th September, we have Part 1 of The Night Sky. This will be an illustrated talk by Andrew Watkinson-Trim, using the facilities at West Buckland School.
Thursday 6th September is Part 2 of The Night Sky, you will have the opportunity to study the stars, planets and constellations from the Observatory at the School.                    In the event of poor weather conditions we have alternative arrangements.

Friday 7th September sees the return, by popular demand, of Naturalist, Cyril Cole. This is an outdoor workshop. Join Cyril on a guided walk around the area to explore the habitat of the local flora and fauna of North Devon.

Saturday 8th September Who likes chocolate? I know I do and this is one master class I wouldn’t want to miss. On Friday we shall be under the expert tutelage of Carlo Melchior, from Melchior Chocolates of South Molton. The class is to be held at West Buckland School. Learn how to make luxury chocolates. Make your own selection. Make a chocolate sculpture. This is a chocoholic’s dream class. Places are limited, so if you love chocolate, don’t delay in buying your ticket to chocolate heaven.

For times and prices of all the Master Classes please see the Events page of this website.

It was decided that we needed 50 Lots for the Grand Festival Auction to be held on 1st September 2012.

The Countess of Arran agreed that the Auction could be held in the West Wing of Castle Hill, Filleigh and it was decided that Lots could be looked at from 6p.m. A full Catalogue would be available from 1st August (have it posted to you – call Maureen 01598 760287) and the Auctioneer, Geoffrey Clapp of Geoffrey Clapp Associates in South Molton (pick up a copy from his offices) would be the Auctioneer.

Geoffrey has a very strong and extensive experience of leading Auctions – be they for houses, farms, farm animals or special charity auctions like this one – and we needed someone really good. Someone to give everyone an enjoyable evening and to help raise some money for our charities. Geoffrey was clearly the right man.

It was also decided that every person who comes along will have a glass of white wine (a donation will be welcome) and will enjoy the sound of Susan Sherratt playing the harp. Susan is known all over the British Isles and is in constant demand for recitals, weddings, lunches and dinners, birthdays and many special occasions. And, most importantly Susan will be one of the Lots – and to have her playing at one of your special functions has to worth a few hundred pounds.

So, that is one Lot but how do you find Lots where the majority should have a value of between £80 to £800.

Well, there are a dozen different ways – ask people to search their attics or even to part with a piece of furniture or china or jewellery that they no longer use. Or, most important, tell people that the main Charity that we are backing this year is the North Devon Hospice – a hospice that depends entirely on charity and that needs some £3 million a year to maintain the fantastic work that it and its staff do for people all over Devon. I asked a Nursery that grows and sells rare trees and shrubs. They are based in the Midlands and do not know Devon at all. But, the owner had a very good experience with his local Hospice when his mother was very poorly. So, he said ‘yes’ immediately. And in the Auction you will find three very good, rare shrubs. Ask hotels for a special weekend and always offer good publicity to the Donors. The Tree nursery could well get some new customers; the hotel may well have follow up visits from either the successful bidder or from others at the auction.

We have talked to retailers and artists and company owners and hotels and … and … the list goes on. Some, in these difficult economic times, say ‘no’ but so many, once we explain the West Buckland Festival and our aims and objectives simply say ‘yes of course’. You will see the results in the West Wing of castle Hill at 6p.m. on 1st September or if you get a Catalogue beforehand.

It is not always easy to ask but in the end people can only say ‘no’ and that doesn’t hurt but more often than not they say ‘yes’.

So we have 45 really top quality Lots and anyone who wants to see a Catalogue with an amazing array of quality Lots should call (01598 760287) and come along – Saturday, 1st September, Castle Hill, Filleigh at 6p.m. for a very interesting and enjoyable and hopefully beneficial evening. You may leave with a pair of tickets for one of the most wonderful Opera Houses in the world or with the opportunity to visit the Bank of England on a private tour or with a special original painting. COME ALONG!!

The SATURDAY Show

7.30pm – 10.30pm in St. Peter’s Church West Buckland

An all star cast hosted by your MC Harry the Piano

(‘the best pianist in the civilised world’ – Jonathon Ross)

With

The Chivenor Military Wives Choir

Mystical Chris – watch your jewellery!

Tickets (including refreshments) £12.00 in advance, £13.00 on the door, £6.00 for children under 14. Tickets Here

Back to Events

The West Buckland festival is pleased to annouce that The SYD LITTLE Laughter Show will be appearing at the 2012 Festival.

Laugh, smile, reminisce and listen to fantastic music and songs – Rock around the Clock, That’ll be the Day, Peggy Sue and many more, with Syd on his ukulele. Enjoy his stories and jokes. Then hear some of your favourite tunes on our very special Wurlitzer Organ with Michael Wooldridge.

A must for all the family. 7.30pm – 10.30pm in St. Peter’s Church West Buckland – you will hear and be able join in with the songs of the 50s 60s and 70’s.

Tickets (including refreshments) £12.00 in advance, £13.00 on the door, £6.00 for children under 14

Tickets Here