So, at last Amy has persuaded me to put fingers to the keyboard and tell you our latest exploits....my first chance to blog!

Last week, Win Scutt kept around 30 of us well entertained on the subject of Devon Place Names in our lovely lecture room here at Shilstone. The water and wind of the dark nights didn't deter our stalwart supporters, but we also welcomed new folk from Blackawton, Plymouth and.......

Win gave us a few 'warm-up' place names to get the ball rolling (leigh and burh, ton and salt ....)and then played excerts of ancient languages to get our ears tuned into the origins of current words. the hour flew by and there were enough keen students local history to keep Win busy with questions.

From the point of view of those of us who work in the Archive, it was wonderful to have people enjoying the Archive room, the current display of Dartmoor Century photographs and a chat over a welcoming hot drink to make it feel that our work is of value.