Events

Hear about our events first!

We list our events here on our website, but you can also read about events on the ASHBURTON Facebook and in local magazines - Around Ashburton and St Andrew's Parish News.

InCon Concert - Autumn Sun

20th September, 7.30pm

Tickets £5 from Jane 07818 844346, Ashburton Information Centre or on the door

Guild of St Lawrence AGM

Tuesday, 23rd September, 7.30pm

All welcome

Sam Richards Piano Recital

5th October, 2pm

Emma Cunis talks to Sophie Pierce

9th October, 7pm

From pixies to giants, and witches to wisht hounds….explore Dartmoor’s legends with guide and author Emma Cunis and writer Sophie Pierce. They’ll be delving into the Moor’s best-known myths, many of which have been circulating for hundreds if not thousands of years, and looking into their origins and their deep connection to land and roots.

From Bowerman’s Nose to the Devil at Widecombe Church, and more recently, the Hairy Hands, why do these legends persist, and what is their relevance today? At a time when many of us are seeking connection and belonging, folk tales can engage our imagination, inviting us out of the mundane and into a world of eternity, magic and archetypes.

Emma’s new book, Dartmoor Myths and Legends, delves into the history of these old stories, and explores their relationship with the place from which they come. Emma also has a fascinating personal story.  She is the granddaughter of Eric Hemery, author of High Dartmoor: Land and People (1982) one of the most celebrated books on Dartmoor, often referred to as ‘Dartmoor’s Bible’. Her reconnection with Dartmoor in mid-life, after a high-powered international corporate career, is a compelling story of the restorative power of returning to your roots. Emma will be in conversation with writer and broadcaster Sophie Pierce.

Two Moors Festival

10th October, 5pm

 

Carol Hughes reads the poetry of Ted Hughes 5pm
Booking through
tickets.twomoorsfestival.co.uk or box office 01392 665938

 

 

Daisy Rickman Concert

22nd November

Further details to follow

Incon Christmas Concert

13th December, 7.30pm

Tickets from Jane 07818 844346

St Lawrence Chapel open to visitors

REGULARLY OPEN from beginning of May - the end of September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 2 - 4pm and Saturdays from 10am - 12 noon, to visit the unique Grade ll* Listed Building and Archives (including the history of the building, the Ashburton Portreeve and Courts and Ashburton Grammar School which occupied the building), Medieval Ashburton Timeline and view the historical exhibitions. Not open during the Associated Board Royal Schools of Music Exams at the end of June.

Major weekend events take place during the year, as detailed below.

 

Visit the unique Grade ll* Listed Building and its archives, which include archives of the building when it was Ashburton Grammar School and of the Portreeve and Medieval Courts. During the summer from early May to the end of September (opening times as above).

IN ADDITION:

Medieval Ale Tasting & Bread Weighing Ceremony:  Saturday 18th July 2026. Chapel open to visitors from 10am - 4.pm.

Heritage Open Weekend: early Sept.dates to be confirmed.:  Saturday from 10am - 4pm and Sunday from 1.30pm - 4pm.

Regular bookings

St. Lawrence Chapel has a number of regular events and activities booked each week, including:

*  Incon Singers rehearsal Wednesdays at 7.30pm.

*  A.A. meetings on Thursday evening 7.30pm and Saturday lunchtime 12.30pm

*  Yoga Mondays 10 am

*  West Country Embroiderers

The venue has a number of rooms suitable for a wide variety of events - from art, craft and photographic exhibitions through to recitals, concerts,recordings, drama, rehearsals, seminars, meetings and other community events. It is also a venue for the Associated Board Royal School of Music exams for the South West of England and the regular meeting place of the Portreeve and Courts Leat & Baron.

The Chapel has an excellent grand piano which is available to hire for piano practice or concerts and has superb acoustics.

For further details about bookings at St. Lawrence Chapel or to make a booking, please email us at stlawrencebookings@yahoo.co.uk

Ashburton Medieval History TIMELINE

The Timeline is now on display in St Lawrence Chapel and is well worth viewing. Can be seen during Summer opening times or by appointment. Ring 01364 652768.

The large coloured Community Timeline shows Ashburton Medieval history events and above, national events, in order to put Ashburton events in a context.
We would like to thank all who have contributed to the Timeline, including children from Ashburton Primary School.

 

 

Ashburton History & Preservation Society

Meetings always start at 7.30pm unless stated differently below.

FUTURE TALKS AND EVENTS - These will, hopefully start again later in 2025

At St Lawrence Chapel we now have a community library of medieval history books about Medieval England and also a developing archive of historical records of Ashburton. Access to the library and archive is by appointment. Please contact Brian Lewis on 01364 652768. We welcome any additions to be added to the above.

********************************************************************************************************************************************All Activities are at St. Lawrence Chapel, St Lawrence Lane, Ashburton (unless stated otherwise above). Refreshments at the end of talks when there is a chance to talk to the speaker. Attendance charge for talks is £2.50 and £1.50 for Guild of St Lawrence Members (the Guild of St. Lawrence owns and manages St. Lawrence Chapel).