Publicity about the Appledore Book Festival mainly focusses on the big names who will be gracing our much-loved coastal village this September. But alongside Rick Stein, Nigel Planer, and Judy Murray, there is plenty of exciting local interest too. 

Wednesday 18^th is dedicated to ‘Seafaring: Past, Present, and Future’ when our Chair Mike Teare – the driving force behind Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour – will be talking about how our unique maritime heritage from Appledore to Torrington has shaped what we are today and is already inspiring aspirations for the future. There will be opportunities on the day to hear more about the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Project – new plans have just been published – and from the General Manager of Harland and Wolff Appledore, about which there has been so much uncertainty lately. There is also a free drop-in session throughout the day with opportunities to talk to local seafaring charities including the North Devon Maritime Museum, RNLI Appledore, Lundy Marine Protected Area as well as Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour. 

No-one with an interest in our heritage will want to miss the Local History Day on Tuesday 17^th September. When Professor Mark Horton spoke at Bideford Town Hall last year, he presented new data showing how important Richard Grenville’s first American colony was in American history. His talk on Charles Kingsley and the Elizabethan adventurers who inspired him looks to be no less stimulating. On a similar theme, local historian Teresa Tinsley will be presenting some fascinating stories of North Devon sailors and merchants who came up against the Spanish Inquisition during Elizabeth’s reign.

Those interested in more recent local history may prefer Nick Arnold’s session on prominent figures who sought safety in Appledore during the Second World War, or Simon West’s on a ‘secret fortress’ in Appledore to protect against Nazi invasion.

David Carter’s talk on Thomas Benson, probably Appledore’s most infamous character, is a must for anyone who has not yet heard it. Benson was an 18^th century MP and tax dodger who deliberately scuttled his ship off Lundy to claim the insurance. 

The memory of the Benson family, who were prominent in developing the quay at Middle Dock, where the Clean Maritime Innovation Centre is to be built, is being memorialised in the name of one of the new buildings. This will recall an earlier building and Appledore’s role in the tobacco trade and export of convicts to Viriginia. Hopefully, it will not be seen as celebrating the antics of a fraudster. 

TT