CROWDS were out in force along Fore Street in Okehampton on Tuesday to celebrate a defining moment in British history ? victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. Okehampton was the scene of great pageantry as the journey of Lt John Lapenotiere from Falmouth to London carrying the news of victory at Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson 200 years ago was meticulously recreated. Cheers greeted the arrival at noon of an actor playing the role of Lt Lapenotiere in a replica post-chaise vehicle flanked by a team of horse riders from the Okehampton area. The vehicle stopped outside the Town Hall and Alex Price, assuming the role of Lt Lapenotiere, descended from the post chaise to be greeted by the Earl of Devon, the vice Lord Lieutenant of Devon and Mayor of Okehampton Cllr Tony Leech. The actor then preceded to read the New Trafalgar Dispatch to the people of the town. ?We celebrate all the heroes of Trafalgar,? he said. ?Especially the 1,115 men of Devon.? He read the names of six men from the Okehampton area who had served in the fleet: Watkin Williams, John Lowe, Issac Coram, John Guest, Robert Rice and John Hooper. On being presented with the scroll, Cllr Leech said: ?It is a great honour to receive this New Trafalgar Dispatch, which we will treasure and place on public display. We thank you for bringing it to us here in Okehampton from which town many of Nelson?s sailors and marines hailed.? Following presentations to local landlords and landladies and to pupils on behalf of Okehampton Primary School and Okehampton College, a bronze plaque which will serve as a lasting memorial to the 200th anniversary of Trafalgar was unveiled outside the White Hart Hotel. The plaque is one of a series inaugurating the Trafalgar Way from Falmouth to London, which are being unveiled as the re-enactment team make their way along the route. Following the official unveiling, Lt Lapenotiere announced ?Okehampton is now on the Trafalgar Way? to a clamour of jubilant applause from the gathered crowd. Kevin Moore, chief executive of the White Hart group, said he was delighted to have a key involvement in such a historic event. ?It was absolutely fantastic. The turnout was better than I think anyone expected. ?I think it does Okehampton proud to have so many people come out today,? he said. Mrs Daisy Passmore, a former mayoress of Okehampton said she had been delighted to see so many people supporting the event. ?It is a wonderful occasion for Okehampton,? she said. The Lorna Doone stage coach was also on display in the town centre and was admired by residents and holidaymakers alike. Members of the Courtenay Players were dressed in period costume and the Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band played to mark the occasion. Hatherleigh Town Crier Ros Chard was also on hand to announce the imminent arrival of the momentous messenger to the crowd. A copy of the New Trafalgar Dispatch can be examined at the Museum of Dartmoor Life, as well as copies of other dispatch materials including ?The Pickle at Trafalgar? a graphic description of the exploits of Lt Lapenotiere aboard his schooner HMS Pickle. After leaving Okehampton, the New Trafalgar recreation team went on to Sticklepath, South Zeal, Whiddon Down and Crockernwell presenting further dispatches. l More pictures on page 3.
