THE Folklore Library and Archive’s Warm Winter programme of free events got off to a great start on Sunday, January 19 with a packed audience of more than 50 people enjoying a concert at Crediton Library from popular folk singer Jim Causley.

Jim was joined by folk singer Bill Murray and artist Simon Pope to present a concert based around the theme of wassailing.

Local charity the Folklore Library and Archive is offering the programme, funded by Devon County Council’s Growing Communities Fund, through the cold winter months to help ease fuel poverty.

Hot drinks and other refreshments are available free of charge, and people can enjoy great entertainment from a range of presenters in a welcoming environment.

The next event will see local filmmaker Dom Lee come to Crediton Library at 7pm on Friday, January 24. Dom will be showing two of his films made in and around Crediton – “Fort Box” and “Between the Lines” – the latter being a musical comedy set in a library.

Later, on Friday, January 31 at 7pm, historian Tony Gale from Crediton Museum will be giving a talk about the 1675 book “Ogilby’s Britannia”, one of the first influential road atlases of the country, and what it reveals about Crediton.

The rest of the programme is as follows: James Downs will speak on the history of photography relating to Crediton on February 7; William Mearns will speak on the history of Devon libraries on February 21; there will be a shanty evening on February 28; Tracey Norman will speak about church folklore and urban legends on March 14; and finally there will be a harp concert with Elizabeth-Jane Baldry on March 28.

They will all take place on Fridays at 7pm.

To book your place at any of the free events, telephone Crediton Library on 01363 772578 or email [email protected].

Mark Norman