Folk Festival thanks compere Tony Beard for 35 years’ service

TONY Beard, the Wag from Widecombe, recently received a gift from the Dartmoor Folk Festival Association (DFFA), which organises the annual three-day Dartmoor Folk Festival each August.

Tony has been the compere for the Music Hall held on the last night of the festival for the past 35 years.

In recognition of this, the festival association commissioned South Zeal artist Kari McGowan to paint a watercolour to convey thanks and appreciation of everything he has done.

Jason Rice, DFFA chairman, along with Mark Bazeley, artistic director and local musician and entertainer, Bill Murray, travelled to Widecombe in the Moor to present Tony with the watercolour painting.

Bill Murray together with Tich Scott stood in as MC at the Music Hall in August as Tony was unable to attend due to illness.

Jason Rice said: "Tony, who was recently given the all clear following his treatment for bladder cancer, has been a fantastic supporter of the folk festival through his BBC Radio Devon Sunday Request Show, and acted as MC at our festival Music Hall event for 35 years.

"We were pleased to present Tony with the gift for all he has done for the festival and we wish him all the best for the future."

The watercolour shows a scene from the folk festival, including children broom dancing, musicians, step dancing, morris men, people watching, a marquee and Dartmoor hills in the background.