FOR anyone with an interest in history they will find a wide variety of topics in the 2025 programme for Bow and District Historical Society.

The first talk, on January 27 will be by local author and historian Tracey Norman on the subject of Plants, Poultices and Persecution.

Those attending are asked to arrive at 7.15pm for the 7.30pm start.

Tracey will explore some fascinating 17th century remedies and reveal how our ancestors managed a range of ailments, from bruises to toothache; the role of snails and earthworms in medicine and what prompted accusations of witchcraft against some people, yet not others?

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting at Bow Village Hall (EX17 5HU).

Visitors entry is £4 and tea/coffee and biscuits are included in the admission cost.

Bow and District History Society Annual Membership is £15 and it is free to people under 18. Enquiries can be made on 01363 82468.

The programme continues, usually on the fourth Monday of the month, as follows:

February 24 - Aethelred the Unready - Prof Levi Roach; March 24 - Smuggling in Devon - Robert Hesketh; April 28 - Graveyards and headstones - Charlotte Coles; May 19 - From Sorcery to super computers - Catherine Ross; June 23 - Tour of Downes House in Crediton - Meet at Downes at 7pm; July 28 - Charles Bailey, surveyor and musician - Nigel Browne; August - No meeting; September 22 - The real life, not the myths of agricultural labourers in past times - Becky Milsom; October 27 - The Great Fire of Crediton - Tony Gale; November 4 - AGM, Social and Talk - Sam Bellamy, a pirate born in Hittisleigh - Elly Babbedge; December - No meeting.