OKEHAMPTON and District Local History Society will receive a talk on Meldon Reservoir from David Bubear on Wednesday, February 11 at 7.30pm.

Eight reservoirs were built on Dartmoor between 1861 and 1972 to provide water for surrounding areas. The last of these was Meldon.

As today, with fracking, wind turbines and solar farms, conservationists —particularly the Dartmoor Preservation Society —fought, from its inception in 1962 to the beginning of construction in 1970, to block the project.

Despite a petition to Parliament and to the Ombudsman permission was finally granted and work began in March 1970.

Next month Dr Todd Gray will speak on ancient bench ends in Devon's churches. The AGM will be held in April, when members will be given the new programme for 2015-2016.

Meetings are held in the Ockment Centre. New members are always welcome.