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One Okehampton
One Okehampton is a collective promoting community inclusion and reducing loneliness. Its volunteers recently organised the festive markets which saw more than 10,000 people come into the town on Sundays during the run-up to Christmas. As part of these events, the Okehampton ‘Elf Outpost’ saw 476 children take part in their letter writing workshop.
Now, its Fresh Food Project is providing free produce to locals donated by supermarkets and restaurants which have not been collected by other charities. Anyone can turn up and save the food from the skips it would otherwise be destined for! One week 28 sacks of broccoli was distributed, the next, 100 boxes of cookies!
Okehampton Vegan Group arose from a discussion whereby One Okehampton member Rebecca Green was challenged to find something for vegans to do in the town. Not wanting to admit defeat, One Okehampton started a monthly meeting at The Heart Space on Station road, where each person brings along a tasty vegan snack to share.
One Okehampton is also working with local groups and historians, backed by Red Lion Yard owner Angus McPhie, on a special history trail and series of events. Dark and Dastardly, Fabulous and Fantastic: The Alternative History of Okehampton will feature a special walk through town with characters to meet who will explain their tales of woe or wonder.
The group is also working hard to establish a weekly market in Okehampton, probably on a Tuesday, to provide a new outlet following the scaling back of Hatherleigh Market.
Rebecca said: ‘One Okehampton believes that if people feel valued by their community, they will be happier within it. Our amazing ever-growing team of volunteers are so valuable - thanks to their support and our team’s diverse experience, we will continue to run events for the community that are free of charge.
‘We will also run low-cost fundraising events to be able to do this. We operate a sustainable project policy; if we don’t have the cash and can’t raise it within the community, we don’t do it. Our aim isn’t to control groups we establish - we set them up, support them and let them run by those who use them.’
What next? Markets, magic and mayhem . . . Watch the Facebook page www.facebook.com/OneOkehampton for details or to find out how to get involved, pop into Mooplehog in West Street or call Rebecca on 07398 720015.