Following in Sir Walter's footsteps

East Budleigh with its ancient church and its picturesque thatched houses is one of Devon's most attractive villages. Steeped in history, with its intriguing connection to America through two of its former residents - Sir Walter Raleigh and Roger Conant - it's a place that inspires.

The farmhouse of Hayes Barton, Sir Walter's birthplace, is on its own worth the trek out from Budleigh Salterton just for the view of this beautiful building pictured above in its tranquil setting, even though the house is not open to the public.

Just occasionally a private visit can be arranged, and on Wednesday 26 January 2011 it's the turn of lucky members of the Art Fund, who meet at Hayes Barton at 10.30 am for a tour of the farmhouse before being escorted on a tour of East Budleigh church, famed for its magnificent sixteenth century bench ends.

The cost of the visit, which ends at 1.00 pm is £12 per person. It's clearly a popular event as the trip is, I'm told, "grossly over subscribed."

The Raleigh family pew, dated 1537, in All Saints' Church

The Art Fund is the national fundraising charity for works of art and plays a major part in enriching the range and quality of art in the UK. It campaigns, fundraises and gives money to museums and galleries to buy and show art, and promote its enjoyment through the Fund's events and membership scheme.

For more details about the Art Fund click on http://www.artfund.org/ For information about the local branch contact Kate Sisum on 01392 877537 or email katesisum@yahoo.co.uk by 30 December.

The Art Fund members are most grateful to Katie Down for tour of Hayes Barton and to Hanneke Coates who will guide them around the church.