From Watercolours, acrylics and, her favourite medium Oils, Ann captures the atmosphere of the day with her artworks. Preferring to paint 'en plein air’ Ann admits there is no better way to capture the scene than being there in person. Her art shows this with atmosphere and light, saying even on an overcast day there can be contrasts.

Ann can often be seen setting up her easel at various locations around Exmoor National Park. Exmoor itself offers so many different challenges with landscapes, seascapes and wildlife.

01598 752509 NPCLynmouth@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Parracombe is hosting its first arts and literary festival, including workshops, walks, talks, theatre, music and film, all taking place between the two bank holidays in May. Highlights include Daily Telegraph writer Eleanor Steafel talking about her ABC of cookery, author Luke Aylen is part of our writer's workshop, unpacking the three big components for fiction writing: setting, characters, and plot-types while Annie Garthwaite discusses her novel 'Cecily', focussing on one of England's greatest medieval women. There's plenty more on the schedule, too. Don't miss it. Tickets range from £15 to free

07966486743 westcoastnews@btinternet.com

Simonsbath Festival is a non profit making community festival which celebrates all things Exmoor in the six weeks between May Day and Midsummer. In the spirit of diversity the festival offers a variety of events and activities including talks, classical, folk and jazz music. The festival also collaborates with partners The Exmoor Society and the Exmoor Running and Walking Festival whose events showcase properties and locations on Exmoor that are not easily viewed from public roads. You can find more details of these collaborative activities in the events section of this website. They give an unrivaled insight into Exmoor countryside, its heritage, life and people.

Marian Lloyd - 01643 831451 philip.hull@simonsbathfestival.org.uk