MYSTERY and folklore were the subjects of a fascinating and animated talk given by Paul Rendell recently at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton. 

Wherever you go on Dartmoor you will find stories and accounts of ghosts and ghostly happenings. From the tragic spirits of victims of murder and suicide to the hilarious telling of the tale of the big black dog who drank too much beer and now haunts that spot, to the still unexplained mystery as to who puts the flowers on Jay's grave.

Mary Jay was a poor country girl who committed suicide after her lover deserted her leaving her with child. In spite of many investigations over the years no has discovered who places the flowers there.

But no account of the Devil, ghosts, black dogs and other ghostly and mythical creatures would be complete without mention of the hairy hands that loom without explanation out of the darkness.

Paul Rendell's talk was the second in a series of tea and talks being organised at the museum.