What a beautiful little village! I have visited Devon before many years ago with my parents but I am so glad I have visted as an adult!!

Until recently, I had never visited Devon and had never heard of Ashburton. My friend and I arrived in Ashburton last month, exhausted from a long journey, having spontaneously decided that we both deserved a holiday! I didn't know where to go or where to stay, and there right on the car park behind the Town Hall was your Information Centre - a beacon to two weary travellers! The staff were so helpful and friendly, especially Janet (I think she is the Manager - and what a fine job she does!). The Information Centre was very well laid out. We purchased a couple of local history books, and visited lots of places on Dartmoor whilst making our base in Ashburton. Through Janet, we learnt all about your town's history, even about electoral reform after visiting St Lukes Church - on Janet's recommendation! Janet also told us about the Agaric, where we enjoyed marvellous food and we had a drink in the wine bar down the road. There are so many wonderful antique shops in Ashburton - I spent a fortune!Happily, when I got home, even my husband was impressed with my purchases! We are coming back next year with both our families. The grandchildren will stay at Dart Country Park with their parents and we will be staying at the Agaric. What a terrific, friendly, welcoming town with an Information Centre which is so well placed - and second to none! It must be a marvellous boost to your local businesses. Thank you so much for a very enjoyable week.

Joyce and I loved to visit Ashburton and Doris Turner our dear friend at Melrose, happy days that live on in my heart.

I am trying to compile a list of former Ashburton Carnival Queens so that there can be a permanent record on the Carnival Royalty Float. If you were a former carnival queen, or you know who was queen in a particular year, please contact me by phone or e-mail. Many thanks. prmoore08@btinternet.com

Good luck to Ashburton AFC in their quest to advance into the final of the George Belli Cup. Its many years since I battled with Phil Goodwin for the only large shirt in the kit bag. But it was always a pleasure to play alongside Paddy Harding, Mike Harding, Dougie Distin, Adrian Daw, Lol Avery, Rob Brailley, Pete Wooton, John Brixey, Barry French and many more stalwarts of the club. Not forgetting Cyril Bowen who would be shouting encouragement to us from the touchline. Well I think it was encouragement, because he always did it with a smile. I recall we were playing Upton Reserves in Torquay and one of their players, Puff Gibson, was getting a bit 'niggly' so Cyril told me to sit on him, hoping he would react and draw the ref's attention. I kind of misinterpereted what Cyril said and 'upended' Mr Gibson a few times, and at halftime Cyril came over to me and said, smiling, I didn't mean sit on him literally, just to mark him closely. Happy days.

How I miss Ashburton I grew up there but haven't been back for 30 years one day if I'm lucky.

Ashburton can only be described as gods own town where no matter who you are you can always be sure of a warm welcome. I grew up there until I married in 1985 and moved away, however Ahsburton has and always will be home it's where my heart really is. Last month I saw my dad William (Bill) Shapley sworn in as the new master baliff I felt so proud of him and of the town I grew up in among such wonderful people. It only leaves me to say good luck dad in your office and you can count on our support wherever possible.

Interesting to read the visitor's book and recognize familiar names. On a personal note I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to William James Shapley on being sworn in as the new Master Bailiff. Have a very good year in this historic office, of the Ancient Stannary Town of Ashburton.

Thank you to one of your wonderful locals, Linda P, who sent me the link for your fabulous website! My GGG Grandfather, John EALES (1799 - 1871), was born in Ashburton to John Eales Sr & Elizabeth Leaman (1775 - 1804). I'm trying to break through a family tree brick wall, that is pre-Australian Eales, so if there are any extended family members out there, please feel free to contact me at ldrury@bigpond.net.au.

My three times great grandmother Grace WEBBER b. 1836 came from Ashburton, as did her father and mother, Richard WEBBER b. 1798 and Elizabeth WEBBER nee LEAMAN b. 1802. I would love to hear from any decendents,contact: brianpritchard41@aol.com