DESCENDANTS of the Pincombe family, originating from Queen Dart near Rackenford, held their first ever family reunion at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum - and what a memorable occasion it was!

More than 140 adults, plus children, gathered together, some from as far away as Yorkshire and Cheshire, to reminisce and study photographs of several generations.

William and Sarah Pincombe started farming at Queen Dart at the end of the 19th century, where they brought up 11 children.

The Pincombe family continued to farm there for the next 100 years.

Large gilt framed photographs of William and Sarah Pincombe were on display as well as the Pincombe coat of arms, which was incorporated onto a large reunion cake.

The 11 members of the original Queen Dart family were Jack, Emma, Bessie, Fred, Frank, Bert, Ernest, Winnie, Henry and Gladys, who continued the family tradition of farming, marrying locally and settling in the area as have very many of their descendants; in fact you don't have to go very far in North Devon without bumping in to a member of the Pincombe family!

The eldest person at the reunion was 91 year old Ruby Cole and the youngest was six month old William Parris, whose grandparents, Winston and Heather Pincombe were celebrating their Ruby Wedding: certainly an unforgettable day for them.

Everyone agreed that it was a most successful and enjoyable event and thoughts have now turned to the possibility of holding a similar event in a few more years.

Alan Quick