THE fourth annual Dartmoor Society Award was presented to Okehampton-based community folk arts organisation the Wren Trust last week, at a concert marking the start of the Baring-Gould Festival 2001.
The society presents the award each year to individuals or groups it believes has made a special contribution to Dartmoor.
The award was in the form of a specially commissioned decorated ceramic plate, made by Devon potter Penny Simpson, with calligraphy by Susanne Haines.
The plate bears the inscription: 'Presented to Wren Trust for giving new life to Dartmoor music and song'.
It was presented to Trust directors Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson in Bratton Clovelly last Friday by chairman of the Dartmoor Society, Dr Tom Greeves.
Dr Greeves said: 'We have been immensely impressed with the high quality and commitment of work by Wren Trust over many years to stimulate understanding and performance of music and song derived from Dartmoor and Devon.'
Dr Greeves said the Wren Trust's discovery and presentation of songs noted from Dartmoor singers by the Rev Sabine Baring-Gould more than 100 years ago, had been 'hugely significant' in sparking modern awareness of the moor's cultural heritage.
'It would be hard to overestimate the importance of this achievement, which has changed perceptions about music on Dartmoor.
'It has also made a major contribution to a revival of interest locally, nationally and internationally in traditional Devon music and performance, and has stimulated new creative activity throughout communities in West Devon and beyond,' said Dr Greeves.
Previous winners of the award are Dr Jeremy Butler, Geoffrey Weymouth and Fred Barlow.