THIRTY years ago, dowser and science teacher John Bowers who lived at Winkleigh, was teaching introductory “Dowsing for Beginners” at Chulmleigh, South Molton and Okehampton Community Colleges.

The courses were very popular and it was after one that it was suggested it might be a good idea if there was some sort of follow-up where people could meet and practise together.

So he, John Bowers and John Lott with Michelle Boyd, decided to form Devon Dowsers. That was late in 1992. The response was overwhelming, more than 40 people were at the Okehampton classes, boosting membership.

At one time Devon Dowsers was the largest dowsing society in the country with more than 200 members.

The first annual meeting was in November, 1993. Meetings carried on being held at South Molton and Okehampton until the Dowsers moved to the Fox and Hounds at Eggesford.

In 2014, because of changes at the Fox and Hounds, the Dowsers moved to the Red Lion Hotel in Chulmleigh until covid put a stop to the gatherings. Meetings now tend to be held at Ashburton or Spreyton, trying to accommodate members from the north and south of the county.

OUT AND ABOUT

Because of lockdowns, meetings are now also held via Zoom which has meant that speakers from all over the world can be added, usually people the Dowsers would not have a chance to meet.

In 1993 John Lott had become the first editor of the Devon Dowsers magazine. A library began and a shop selling dowsing equipment.

Programme details are on the website: www.devondowsers.org.uk and new members are always welcome. Field trips are among the itinerary.

At the Dowsers’ 30th birthday party at Spreyton, the birthday cake was cut by Marjorie Bowers, wife of the late John, with Steve Bolt.

A buffet meal had been arranged with the Uncle Tom Cobley Inn at Spreyton, an excellent birthday cake was cut and Winkleigh Morris performed, getting most of those present to join in a couple of dances.

Sue Read THIRTY years ago, dowser and science teacher John Bowers who lived at Winkleigh, was teaching introductory “Dowsing for Beginners” at Chulmleigh, South Molton and Okehampton Community Colleges.

The courses were very popular and it was after one that it was suggested it might be a good idea if there was some sort of follow-up where people could meet and practise together.

So he, John Bowers and John Lott with Michelle Boyd, decided to form Devon Dowsers. That was late in 1992. The response was overwhelming, more than 40 people were at the Okehampton classes, boosting membership.

At one time Devon Dowsers was the largest dowsing society in the country with more than 200 members.

The first annual meeting was in November, 1993. Meetings carried on being held at South Molton and Okehampton until the Dowsers moved to the Fox and Hounds at Eggesford.

In 2014, because of changes at the Fox and Hounds, the Dowsers moved to the Red Lion Hotel in Chulmleigh until covid put a stop to the gatherings. Meetings now tend to be held at Ashburton or Spreyton, trying to accommodate members from the north and south of the county.

OUT AND ABOUT

Because of lockdowns, meetings are now also held via Zoom which has meant that speakers from all over the world can be added, usually people the Dowsers would not have a chance to meet.

In 1993 John Lott had become the first editor of the Devon Dowsers magazine. A library began and a shop selling dowsing equipment.

Programme details are on the website: www.devondowsers.org.uk and new members are always welcome. Field trips are among the itinerary.

At the Dowsers’ 30th birthday party at Spreyton, the birthday cake was cut by Marjorie Bowers, wife of the late John, with Steve Bolt.

A buffet meal had been arranged with the Uncle Tom Cobley Inn at Spreyton, an excellent birthday cake was cut and Winkleigh Morris performed, getting most of those present to join in a couple of dances.

Sue Read