SATURDAY, September 10 saw the launch of the Crediton History Trail, which is designed for young people and adults alike and leads them on a two-mile journey around the town and was the inspiration of Lucy Betts, of East Town Cafe.

Crediton’s Town Crier, Kevin Payne, got the historic day off to a great start with an entertaining “Shout Out” to the crowd of intrepid History Trailblazers and Church Heritage enthusiasts.

The event was organised on Devon Historic Churches Day and Crediton Parish Church prepared exhibits, videos and tours of rarely seen parts of the church including the Governors’ Room, the Bells and the Clockworks.

Devon County Councillor Nick Way, who helped to fund the Crediton History Trail gave a speech and stated he particularly enjoyed visiting the Governors’ room for the first time and will be taking his grandchildren back to see it.

Preb Nigel Guthrie, Rector of Crediton Parish Church, also welcomed everyone. Amy Dugard from Mid Devon District Council’s Community Development and Regeneration Unit attended and was particularly impressed in the trail’s illustrations by Mark Ashmore and the heritage attractions of the church.

The event attracted more than 60 people and Crediton History Trail Co-ordinator Lucy Betts particularly wanted to say thank you to Bill Jerman, chairman of the Holy Cross Crediton Campaign Roof Appeal, and Nigel Guthrie for allowing the trail to be launched on the Heritage Day.

She said it was a great experience working with the church.

By the end of the trail participants found out a lot about Crediton’s history and hidden gems such as Libbet’s Well. One lady was particularly pleased to return to Australia with pictures of herself with the Town Crier.

The trail starts at the Crediton Station Tea Rooms, goes to the Signal Box, then up Downshead Lane, to East Town Cafe, General Buller’s grave, Libbet’s Well, the statue of St Boniface, The Green House, Poppy’s in the Creedy Centre, Crediton Museum, the “Crediton Courier”, Crediton Community Bookshop, the Chapel of St Lawrence, Kirton Clothing, Crediton Fire Memorial, Chantry House and ends at Crediton Parish Church.

At each location the answers to the questions on the leaflet can be found.

Support for the Trail has come from Crediton Town Council, the Crediton Station Tea Rooms, Crediton Area History and Museum Society, Hedgerow Print, Devon County Councillor Nick Way and many shops and businesses.

Trailblazer badges will be awarded to those who complete the Trail and these will be available from the outlets where the Trail is available, namely Crediton Museum, East Town Cafe, Crediton Parish Church, The Green House, Crediton Station Tea Rooms, Kirton Clothing Company, the “Crediton Courier”, Crediton Community Bookshop and Poppy’s Cafe.

You can also download the trail from the website: www.creditonhistorytrail.moonfruit.com .

The Trail is supported by Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and leaflets promoting have been distributed at stations along the Tarka Line to encourage visitors to come to Crediton to visit the town and take part in the Trail.