"Nowadays they all get a quid instead, and that's hardly enough for an ice cream!". "The village school children always have a day off school," said Tony, "and I remember when I was a kid, we were all given sixpence to buy an ice cream. Newton Abbot Community Transport will be at the Fair to provide a limited number of mobility aids for hire. The ghostly 'Grey Mare' of the song may in fact refer to a lost folk custom similar to the Mari Lwyd or Hobby Horse of Welsh and Cornish tradition. Widecombe Fair ...with old Uncle Tom Cobley and All! The following Saturday the same paper reported that “A cattle fair was held at Widecombe-in-the-Moor for the first time on Tuesday last.” It was said to have been a busy affair with a large attendance of yeomen and gentlemen of the district where 736 sheep, 1,507 cattle, and … Plymouth is a city with a proud naval history, famed as the port where the Pilgrims set off to America on the Mayflower in 1620. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Widecombe Fair takes place on the second Tuesday of September each year and attracts visitors from far and wide. mit Feuereifer. There's vintage machinery, fancy dress, bale tossing and a traditional tug of war. possible outcomes. But Tom Pearce's old mare hath not trotted home, With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke, … Widecombe Fair takes place annually on the second Tuesday in September, attracting thousands of visitors to the tiny Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends.. History. As Utopia is no place so Uchronia is no time. Widecombe Fair 2016 Get the pick of the week's stories and fascinating Devon history features direct to your inbox every Saturday morning in our exclusive Weekend Report newsletter Sign me up! It all started more than 150 years ago, with a cattle show, a sheep sale and an old folk song - telling the story of Uncle Tom Cobbley and all. Widecombe Fair takes place annual in september. History of Widecombe Fair Please consider making a donation to support our work preserving the history of Widecombe. The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as ‘a cattle fair’. "I've also been sent some old programmes from the 1930s and 40s, and even one from the 1920s.". You can click on the picture for a larger view. Today, however, it occupies a large field to the south of Widecombe (known to locals as The Fair Field). But it always had the same theme of Tom Pearce and Tom Cobley. A rare Dartmouth Pottery tankard, Widecombe Fair in excellent condition. Reply. Widecombe Fair is an annual fair in England, held in the Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor on the second Tuesday in September. Widecombe Fair: a history Widecombe Fair is famous not just in Devon, but across the world. Reg has already taken part in a route rehearsal with local personality Jimmy Frost and his team of walkers. Visitor Traffic and Parking 2020 . The beautiful village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor lies between green fields and high, moorland hills in a sheltered valley on the East side of Dartmoor. Since then, the song Widecombe Fair has travelled across the world - taken to distant shores by people who emigrated from the West Country. As a former Widecombe Fair Cross Country Champion in 1982 he should be sure to be an early finisher although he may have to leave Ali behind as in the race he won she finished second to last! Widecombe Fair The Official Website. In 1989, it was decided to cancel the pony classes following an outbreak of Equine flu (these were replaced with terrier races, which have continued ever since). A Widecombe family history. There are various spellings of Widdicombe and the characters in the song; Cobley is sometimes rendered Cobbleigh, as in the 1968 illustrated book Widdicombe Fair An Old English Folk Song, by Christine Price. One of the many performers who've interpreted the song is Tony Beard, the Wag from Widecombe. And off they drove to Widecombe fair, With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. last updated: 21/05/2008 at 14:47created: 21/05/2008, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites, Watch a selection of old films from the BBC archives, BBC Devon website, Broadcasting House, Seymour Road, Plymouth, PL3 5BD. It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends. For this is the day of the Widecombe Fair, immortalised by the enduring Devon folk song, featuring ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’. Gough, sang the famous folk song ‘Widecombe Fair’, WDLHG, p.41. Locals and tourists alike turned up … All parts played/sung by me. New idiom. Tony says his main interest in the fair is the heritage and history of it. Widecombe Fair was suspended during the Second World War, but reinstated in 1945 with new attractions, including a gymkhana and tug of war. You can click on the picture for a larger view. "Widecombe Fair" is possibly Devon's best-known song. You can do this securely through PayPal by clicking on this button: compete. All along, down along, out along lea. Widecombe Fair (1929) Drama | 3 November 1929 (USA) A rich widow helps a poor squire by pretending his ancestor his a treasure. Discover Widecombe Fair Horse in Widecombe in the Moor, England: This painted wooden sculpture depicts the characters of a popular Devon folk song. The lyrics which refer to Widecombe Fair became well-known after being published in 1889, and then played across England at a concert lecture tour. The annual Widecombe Fair event was back today in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. … When asked if there was anything he would change about Devon, Reg Hannaford responded: “Why would I change anything about what is a near perfect place to live?”. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Widecombe_Fair&oldid=999536988, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 10 January 2021, at 18:09. The song can be traced back to well before 1850. These days if you go along to the fair, you can still see 'Uncle Tom Cobbley' and his faithful nag riding to Widecombe. 4. However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair, with locally-relevant lyrics and characters. Please Visit the History Group Publications Page to consider buying their publications, including their book 'History of Widecombe Fair'. trade. website. However, despite these interruptions, the event has steadily grown in size and reputation. Memories of a bygone era. The village is well known for Widecombe Fair, held annually and celebrated by a folksong of the same name, featuring "Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All". However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair… They show the vegetables they've grown throughout the year, and they perform a Maypole dance. Walking in and around Widecombe Accompanied by a short history of the area and its attractions Introduction From Shanks’ Pony to Charabanc WALK 1 Wag’s Village Walk WALK 2 Walking the lanes around Widecombe WALK 3 Tracks through Time Age of the Motor WALK 4 Moor Medieval WALK 5 Two Crosses to Grimspound WALK 6 Buckland Beacon WALK 7 Heights of the Bronze Age 4 4 6 12 … Its words were first published in 1880, and the characters from the song are featured in many of the souvenirs on sale in the local shops. The annual event is organised by a team of village residents who work for months to prepare everything. Mobility Aids at the Fair. Incidentally, this was the first village sign to be erected in the whole of Devonshire, a fact that has not gone unnoticed as a plaque on the pillar testified. The original Tom Cobley is thought to have died in Spreyton, just north of Dartmoor, in 1794. Historically, hardy Dartmoor folk would bring their sheep and horses to the Fair, and buy and sell livestock based on their own supply of feed for the following winter. Other fields become car parks, and a complex policing and marshalling system is put in place, with the narrow lanes transformed into a one-way road system. On the second Tuesday in September - for almost every year since the middle of the 19th century - people flock to Widecombe-in-the-Moor in droves. The film's plot was adapted from a 1913 novel by Eden Philpotts, loosely based on the popular folk song "Widecombe Fair". It's been held every year since then - with a break only for World War II and the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001. Then, as day turns to night, villagers' thoughts turn to music, and they dance until the early hours. This book is also available from some local shops. A historian has made a controversial claim about the history of one of Devon's best-known songs. 16 of his Songs of the West, published in 1891, is Widdecombe Fair with “Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan’l Whiddon, Harry Hawk and old Uncle Tom Cobbleigh (and all)” in the chorus. It's described as a real Devon country fayre, with something for everyone. Widecombe-in-the-Moor A Meeting of The Widecombe and District Local History Group was held at The Church House, Widecombe on Wednesday 6th April 2005 at 7.30 p.m. people come from all over the world to this special day when animals are shown, sporting events take place, the history of the area is on display. April 30, 2020 at 8:35 am. The fair gave us the well-known folk song, 'Widecombe Fair', which tells the story of Uncle Tom Cobbley and All, and the sad fate of the old grey mare they borrowed from Tom Pearce. Not sure about the german origin of the grey mare – … Apologies were received from:- Fred Daw, Phyllis Pascoe, Jenny Pascoe, John Kimber, Bessie French, Pat and Val Watson, Chris Mayhead, Margaret Phipps and Nora Lamb. Early products were brown clay pottery with simple cream slip patterns under an amber glaze moulded designs on brown or blue dyed moulded items with white slip on relief designs like the sporting tankards and Widecombe Fair souvenirs as due to wartime restriction still in place colour decorated pottery was only for export. The lyrics which refer to Widecombe Fair became well-known after being published in 1889, and then played across England at a concert lecture tour. The final lineup hasn’t been finalised yet, but it promises to be another fantastic variety of traditional attractions and those that are a bit ‘different’ (of course, some are a mixture of the two!). He finds it so fascinating that he's getting together with the local history group to compile a history of the Widecombe Fair. During the break forced on Widecombe by the war, farmers found other places to buy and sell their animals, so the fair became more of a show than a market. May 22, 2019 at 8:26 pm. Hicca. In 1933, stalls were introduced, selling rural arts and crafts. The annual Widecombe Fair event was back today in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. As with all true English folk songs, the words - and the tune - appear from time to time with slight variations. Site activity. Widecombe Fair tuesday 8th September.2020 widecombe.dartmoor.9am ‘til late. As part of the ceremony two villagers, Mr. C. Churchward and Mr.F. It was collected by the Rev. visit . This book is also available from some local shops. Memories of a bygone era. Sabine Baring-Gould from peasant singing and published by him in the collection he called "Songs of the West" in 1890. Dave Rado. The lyrics of Devon's best known folk song tell a simple enough story - seven men and a grey mare set off for Widecombe Fair, but before completing their journey the old horse collapses from exhaustion because of carrying too many men along the way. what, when and where to. The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as ‘a cattle fair’. For this is the day of the Widecombe Fair, immortalised by the enduring Devon folk song, featuring ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’. Song No. It all started more than 150 years ago, with a cattle show, a sheep sale and an old folk song … See more pictures in Picture of the Month. While reading Guido the other day, I was inspired to create an arrangement of this Devonshire folk tune. make offer - rare vintage dartmouth widecombe fair blue/white bas relief pint tankard 1950's. Widecombe Fair was an opportunity for farmers to sell stock when it was begun several hundred years ago, but now it is more of a fun gathering. A steam traction engine at Widecombe Fair. And off they drove to Widecombe fair, With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Author – Roger Claxton Publisher – Widecombe History Group ISBN (print) – 978-1-9162849-0-6 ISBN (ebook) … 2 comments . Widecombe Fair is a 1928 British silent comedy drama film directed by Norman Walker and starring William Freshman, Marguerite Allan, Moore Marriott and Judd Green. Archives for posts with tag: Widecombe Fair. The words and tune varied according to the part of the country it was found. For details (including sheet music, and a … World War I saw cancellation between 1915 & 1918. Widecombe Fair takes place annually on the second Tuesday in September, attracting thousands of visitors to the tiny Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends.. History. "I mentioned it on BBC Radio Devon and I've already had a good response from listeners," said Tony. Being in Reg’s company is a real pleasure, within seconds you cannot fail to be inspired by his passion for the county of his birth. My thoughts have been directed to change, counting time and mapping data, the aura of place and sacred sites, and the lure of the apocalypse. In its earlier years, it was held in various locations around the village, including the village green. We visited the fair a couple of years ago.The fair is in the tiny village of Widecombe (pronounced widdecomb) in … Vintage Dartmouth Pottery Blue Ceramic Grapevine Bowl / Vase 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 Widecombe Fair has grown from its humble beginnings as a simple market into a local institution which attracts visitors from across the globe. The Fair was cancelled altogether in 2001 due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, besides 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic. November 7, 2015 // 0. Events and Attractions 2020. By 1890 when the Reverend Baring Gould published the lyrics in his 'Songs of the West' it had become known in its present form. What's On. The song was published by Sabine Baring-Gould in the book Songs and Ballads of the West (1889–91) (referring to the West Country in England), though it also exists in variant forms. All our old favourites, plus some new ones for 2020! On the second Tuesday of September each year we hold the Annual Widecombe Fair. "I've been sent a copy of the Daily Express from 1935 which includes a write-up of that year's fair. Widecombe Fair is an annual fair in England, held in the Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor on the second Tuesday in September. Subject: Origins: Widecombe Fair From: BB Date: 11 Sep 07 - 02:56 PM Having seen mention of the song Widecombe Fair in another thread, prompts me to ask this: Widecombe Fair has been in full swing today, and so was mentioned on our local news, when I found out, to my surprise, that it has only been in existence since 1850. Parking and Traffic information for 2020 will be available shortly. ... Read about music throughout history Read. The title is spelt "Widdecombe Fair" in the original publication, though "Widecombe" is now the standard spelling of the town Widecombe-in-the-Moor. All the money raised is given to local charities, and local children play a full part in the event. It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends. Local newspaper cutting from 1982 Sent in by Alan Rawson. History However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair… The lyrics which refer to Widecombe Fair became well-known after being published in 1889, and then played across England at a concert lecture tour. In her book, Price says Uncle Tom Cobbleigh was a real person, an 18th Century Englishman who lived near Widecombe-on-the-Moor where the September Fair was a big event. Please Visit the History Group Publications Page to consider buying their publications, including their book 'History of Widecombe Fair'. Today's visitors will still see displays of quality livestock, although there are many other attractions, including: a dog show, displays of local produce, vintage farm machinery, rural arts and crafts, bale tossing and a now traditional appearance by "Uncle Tom Cobley": a local resident in fancy dress, riding a grey mare. The Widecombe History Group have researched the lives of those men from the Parish of Widecombe who fought in the First World War as our part of the county-wide project “Devon Remembers”. Widecombe-in-the-moor Learn how and when to remove this template message. And you can visit his grave there. Locals and tourists alike turned up … Sent in by Alan Rawson. All profits were donated to the 'Local Welcome Home Fund' for returning soldiers, sailors and airmen. See more pictures in Picture of the Month. Delve deeper though and the history of the song becomes a little more muddled. It soon became an opportunity to show and sell other livestock, particularly locally bred sheep and Dartmoor ponies, and by the 1920s it had also become a sports day for local schoolchildren. The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as a cattle fair. Widecombe Fair is famous not just in Devon, but across the world. It began as a place for farmers to buy stock, and after a particularly successful market in 1850 some of the local gentry held a dinner to celebrate. Tony is one of Devon's most colourful characters, and has been involved in the fair all his life. Then Friday came, and Saturday noon. You are in: Devon > History > Local history > Widecombe Fair: a history. It's always on the second Tuesday in September, and is a major local event with gymkhana, pony shows, sheep and cattle shows. If “he original Tom Cobley died in 1794” and Widecombe Fair didn’t start up until 1850, how did Tom manage to get to the Fair? 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