Destination Dartmoor: Saturday 24 September
Visit Okehampton station on Saturday 24th September (10am – 4.30pm) for a FREE day of creativity, heritage and exploration as part of the Destination Dartmoor project.
Some activities must be booked in advance (see ‘bookable’ section below), and numbers are limited. Don’t miss out!
At Okehampton station
Victorian photobooth (10.30-12.30 and 1.30-4pm)
Come along to our Victorian-style photo booth and have your family portrait taken by expert heritage photographer Stephen Rafferty. He’ll be using a historical photographic process with a bellowed large format camera. Experience the magic of seeing the prints developed in our portable darkroom.
Hand-built solar-powered station clock
Artist and inventor Peter Moon has built this bespoke steampunk-inspired clock especially for the Destination Dartmoor event. The clock will be in action on the heritage platform at the station.
Remembering Okehampton station (documentary)
Documentary film shown on a loop all day in the main station building. Students from Okehampton College’s media department have been working with the Dartmoor Railway Association to gather stories from previous railway workers.
The Fireman (short film, 2009)
We will be showing an early film by BAFTA award-winning Cornish filmmaker Mark Jenkin which documents the story of a railway fireman. On a loop in the main station building (alternating with the above documentary).
Wren Music Junk Band (2pm)
Come and make a band out of rubbish! We’ll set up our junk instruments made of recycled industrial items, like gas pipes and car wheels. We’ll learn rhythms and make new sounds, and together we’ll make a band!
No musical experience needed to take part. Run by professional music leaders from Wren Music. Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied). Meet on the heritage platform.
On-train event
Art on the Train with Sally Crabtree
Sally Crabtree is an award winning poet and artist. She will be travelling on the 10 32 departure from Exeter Central to Okehampton and the 11 27 departure from Okehampton to Exeter Central.
Those travelling on board can help themselves to an item from Sally’s art trolley and create Dartmoor inspired postcards, edible poetry and more. No pre-booking required, activities are free but train fares apply.
Bookable events
All are FREE, but advance booking required:
Photography walk (11am to 12.30pm)
Suitable for all abilities (age 12+), this workshop with Harry Fricker will teach you how to frame photographs to create captivating images. Meet outside the entrance of the main station, after a short walk the workshop will start and end at nearby Simmons Park. You can use any type of camera including camera phones or tablets. Book now
Station heritage walk (12pm to 1pm)
Join Tom Baxter from the Dartmoor Railway Association for a tour of the station and learn all about its restoration and re-opening. Meet at the entrance to the heritage platform. Book now
Mindful photography walk (1.30pm to 3pm)
This session (age 12+) is a practical introduction to using photography to connect to nature for wellbeing. No experience necessary. Note – does not include technical photography tips. You can use any type of camera including camera phones or tablets. Meet outside the entrance of the main station, after a short walk the workshop will start and end at nearby Simmons Park. Book now
Nature walk with Dartmoor’s Daughter (1.45pm to 4pm)
Join Emma Cunis on this walk exploring the flora and fauna of Dartmoor. This is a moderate 2.5 mile walk on tarmac roads, through woodland and fields. Please wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothes. Meet outside entrance to the main station. Book now
This event has been funded by the Great Western Railway Community Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Read more in the event press release.
The Destination Dartmoor project – led by Mayes Creative – aims to raise the profile of the fascinating heritage of the area made accessible and sustainable through the re-opening of the Dartmoor Line.