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News from the GeoparkWalkers enter Geopark spirit29 May 2009Friday, May 29, 2009 An ancient practice of beating the bounds helped drive away bad spirits from Churston. The beating of the parish bounds by a group of around 20 walkers was part of the English Riviera Geopark Festival which continues next week. The walk was led by local historian John Risdon who said they tramped some 12 miles following as closely as possible the boundary which runs from Tor Bay to the River Dart. "It was a celebration of what is an old tradition which goes back to the days of warding evil spirits away from your home," said John who is leading several walks during the festival. News of the English Riviera's geopark status was spread around the world. During a special festival radio event, contacts were made with stations around the planet. New this year was an award scheme for radio enthusiasts who received a special certificate with words of congratulations from HRH Duke of Edinburgh if they contacted two geoparks. The event was so successful some 400 amateur radio stations are now eligible for the certificate. Organiser Martin Foster said: "This year's event was better than last year with excellent radio contacts throughout the 48-hour period. This gave us some great long distance contacts. "We reached Russia, South Korea and Australia and plenty of American and European stations. "Having an English Riviera Geopark award certificate endorsed by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh increased the worldwide interest in establishing contact with us and the other participating European Geopark stations." Nick Powe, chairman of the English Riviera Geopark organisation and owner of Kents Cavern, said: "Interest in taking part in this event across the European Geopark network is building fast and receiving confirmation of Royal support for the work we are doing in the English Riviera Geopark to promote geological heritage across Europe and the world is particularly satisfying. "I sense the profile of the geopark on the English Riviera is beginning to rise and there is a much wider local commitment to the geopark status and its ability to make a tangible difference to the area." Also taking part during the festival were the opening of the Ancestors exhibition at Torquay Museum, and farmyard fun for youngsters at Occombe Farm, Paignton. There are plenty more events taking place during the next two weeks for the English Riviera Geopark Festival, finishing on June 5 and 6 with the Occombe Farm Beer festival and the naming of a Geopark beer. For details of all the events see www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk |