LADIES of the Okehampton WI took to the town's streets yesterday (Wednesday) to give guided walking tours to more than 100 visiting members from other branches in the county.
It was the idea of past-president Norma Hynes and the project has been completed by current president Iris Tancock.
'Norma read that some other WIs had done this and thought it would be a good idea to do it here,' said Mrs Tancock.
All the guides, said Mrs Tancock, had to do their own research.
'I thought it would be an onerous task but it became a pleasure as it went on. Reading up on Okehampton you realise how little you know about the town,' she said.
'I have researched at the museum and gone through old maps to see how the town developed. I was really amazed by not what we have now but by what we have lost over the years. There were four town mills and four quarries. It's amazing.'
A total of ten guides divided the guests into groups and took them on various tours around Okehampton.
The visitors were initially welcomed by Mrs Tancock and were addressed by Okehampton mayor Cllr Christine Marsh.
Norma Hynes started the proceedings by introducing Ian Cann who showed slides depicting the history of Okehampton. After visiting the ancient talking points of the market town the visit was rounded off with a reviving tea party provided by the WI at the Church Hall.
'I think there will definitely be a follow-up to this because we found there was too much information to cram into one afternoon,' said Mrs Tancock.