Category Archives: news

VOLUNTEERS from the South Devon Railway are busy restoring one of Newton Abbot’s best loved landmarks.

The British Rail Western Region signal gantry on busy Torquay Road is being given an overhaul courtesy of the rail buffs and Newton Abbot Town and GWR Museum.

Among the tasks involved are the rubbing down and repainting of the 70-year-old steel structure, replacing arms and fitting new glass.

The gantry and the land it sits on are owned by Newton Abbot Town Council which funds Newton Abbot Museum.

Curator Dr Charlotte Dixon said: ‘This very much needed work is kindly being carried out by volunteers at South Devon Railway. It is being restored to how it was in living memory and this will ensure the longevity of this iconic landmark for Newton Abbot.

‘The project has been made possible by donations, in particular from Denis Lewis from the Railway Studies Group who sadly passed away.

‘Donations to the museum will now be allocated to go towards this project for the duration of the work.’

The gantry originally stood in the neighbouring railway station but became redundant when modernisation works were carried out in the 1980s.

Author David St John Thomas, co-founder of the David and Charles publishing business, bought it from British Rail and had it moved into its current position which was then part of his company’s headquarters.

Among the volunteers carrying out the restoration is Trevor Hodgson, a former Assistant Linesman who worked on the gantry when it was still in service.

‘I never thought I’d be back here working on it again,’ he said from his lofty position on the scaffolding that now enshrouds the structure.

‘I was based at Newton Abbot and helped maintain this for a while, it was right up outside the west singal box.

‘Its job was to control movements from the down platform to the through line out of Newton Abbot station towards Aller Junction.

‘It was an important bit of kit.

‘Of course, it was replaced by modern colour light signalling.’

Fellow volunteer Bill Gadd is part of the Signal and Telegraph Team at South Devon Railway.

‘When the scaffolding was going up a lot of people were concerned that the gantry was being taken down, we’ve had one or two comments like that,’ he said.

‘I’m pleased that it’s being refurbished although rusty bolts are proving to be a bit of a problem.

‘Hopefully though if you come back in a few weeks it will all look a lot smarter.’

The David and Charles business was sold to Reader’s Digest in the early 2000s and eventually moved out.

In 2018 Aldi was given planning permission for the site, despite concerns that the scheme would involve demolishing a Victorian carriage and wagon repair shop.

The gantry, however, was retained.

Clerk Phil Rowe said: ‘The Town Council is very grateful for the invaluable assistance of volunteers and donations to the museum which will help fund this project.

‘The gantry is important to the people of Newton Abbot and I’m very pleased that it’s getting the attention it needs.’

The project is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete.

The below images show Bill Gadd (left) and Trevor Hodgson (right) working on the gantry.

CROWDS flocked to Newton Abbot on Saturday May 25 for the town’s latest and largest gathering of cherished vehicles.

The event saw almost 70 classic cars, motorbikes and vans park up in Courtenay Street, Wolborough Street and Bank Street with Market Square pressed into action for the first time to accommodate the display.

Live music from three different acts and market stalls added to the atmosphere, while the weather played ball too, attracting what is thought to be the biggest audience yet for such an event.

Town Development Manager Sally Henley, employed by Newton Abbot Town Council, said: ‘What an amazing turn out of both vintage vehicles and people coming to see them, it’s been a brilliant day.

‘My thanks go to the Teignbridge Classics car club for organising such a well-run event, also to the owners for showing off their prized motors.

‘It was great to see some familiar models on show as well as new ones, I was particularly taken with an American station wagon which was big and brash but I just loved it.

‘We began these classic car gatherings before the pandemic and knew they were becoming popular but today we’ve had the largest number of entries ever and more people in town than I can remember for a long time.

‘Some people are very quick to write off our nation’s high streets but it’s clear to me that if we stage the right events, and maintain a healthy mix of big brands and independent traders, then Newton Abbot at least has a very healthy future ahead of it.

‘I’m already looking forward to our next Sunday market, in conjunction with The Plot Deli, on June 5 and a whole summer of events including the next classic car show on September 14.

‘All the details are on the town council’s website, www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.’

NEWTON Abbot’s youngest ever Mayor has been sworn into office.

Cllr Alex Hall is 22-years-old and has served as Deputy Mayor since 2023.

On Wednesday May 15 he took over the reins in a ceremony at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

Looking forward to the year ahead he said: ‘It is an honour to be entrusted as Mayor by my fellow councillors.

‘To have the opportunity to represent my hometown, and being the youngest Mayor Newton Abbot has ever had, is a role I take very seriously. 

‘My ambition as Mayor is to always do my best to represent our town and sell it to its fullest potential at every official engagement and opportunity I can.’

He added: ‘Over the last 12 months, being Deputy Mayor has filled me with great pride. Witnessing all the brilliant work that goes on within our community can so often go unheard. 

‘Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation is something I continue to look forward to over the forthcoming year and being able to share my experiences with everyone on my social media.

Thinking back on his year in office, Cllr Corney-Walker, said: ‘Your council is continuing to take on the jobs the bigger councils find they can no longer afford.  We have invested in high quality machinery to extend our ability to maintain the cleanliness of our town centre and residential areas and have recently appointed a fourth Facilities Maintenance Officer. 

‘The regeneration plans for Queen Street have proved very controversial.  It has to be emphasised, however, that Newton Abbot Town Council has no control over this and many other issues that affect us. 

‘My year has concluded with a succession of happy events.  On March 1st Austins celebrated their centenary.  The store has become synonymous with our town and attracts visitors and shoppers from a very wide area.  Long may it continue to do so.

‘In April we marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of Newton Abbot Council by planting two oak trees in Courtenay Park.  The three days of the annual Maltingsfest drew long queues of attendees and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) made a very generous contribution to my charity for the year – Devon Air Ambulance. 

‘Finally on the 5th of May we had the first of our monthly Sunday Markets.  Though the weather was not kind attendance showed these are likely to prove a successful innovation.

My sincere thanks to all the officers at the Town Council for all their hard work and support for this Mayoral year and to all those councillors who have given me their support and encouragement at throughout the whole of this year.’

The above images shows Cllrs Hall and Corney-Walker at the Mayor-Making ceremony.

ALL roads will lead to Courtenay Park throughout the weekend of July 13 – 14 when Party in the Park comes to Newton Abbot.

The two days of affordable family fun will kick off with the gruelling Rotary Club wheelbarrow race, the dramatic Taiko Drummers plus performances from the Shining Stars Academy and Newton Abbot Martial Arts.

Trade and charity stalls will be accompanied by a paid-for bouncy castle and although everyone is encouraged to bring picnics, those wanting something extra can take advantage of the food and drink stalls.

On Sunday families will be able to enjoy free live music, balloon modelling, face-painting and a hula hoop show.

There will also be free activities from Creative Newton Abbot and the Bubble Fairy plus, for those wanting to splash out a little, there will be a cocktail bar, ice cream van and coffee truck

Saturday’s fun and games will take place 10am – 4pm and Sunday’s 11am – 4.30pm.

The first day is being organised by the Rotary Club of Newton Abbot and the second by Newton Abbot Town Council whose Events Coordinator Natalie Hicks said: ‘We’re so excited about Party in the Park and cannot thank Rotary enough for what they’re doing.

‘Their members are utterly dedicated to supporting the community so we know it’s going to be a brilliant day.

‘On Sunday the town council will be taking the lead with plenty of free activities and for both days there’ll be no need to book places or buy tickets, just turn up and enjoy the party.

‘It’s so important to us that as the summer gets properly under way, we provide some really good and properly affordable family fun.

‘Unless people wish to take advantage of the bouncy castle or caterers, there’ll be absolutely no need to put their hands in their pockets, just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

‘So get the dates in your diary, Party in the Park is coming to Newton Abbot July 13 – 14.

‘See you there!’

All the event details can be viewed at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.

The below images are from Party in the Park 2023, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Newton Abbot.

TWO native oak trees have been planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Newton Abbot Town Council.

On Saturday April 14, Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker was joined by colleagues past and present for the ceremony in Courtenay Park.

Following a proclamation by Town Crier Nigel Kenneison, Cllr Corney-Walker and Deputy Mayor Cllr Alex Hall scattered mulch over the Quercus Robur specimens before heading to Newton’s Place for a civic reception.

The audience was addressed by former Town Clerk, Rod Tuck, who highlighted some of the many extra responsibilities the Council has taken on in its 50-year history.

The current Clerk, Phil Rowe, added to the list including items such as increased street cleaning and the development of Newton’s Place with its museum and community rooms.

Both men’s observations chimed with those in a national news report published in The Guardian. The article quoted Councillor Keith Stevens, chair of the National Association of Local Councils, who said: “England’s parish and town councils are the unsung heroes of local government, stepping up to play a more active role in improving their communities, and increasingly taking on more responsibilities from financially challenged larger local authorities.

‘While their small share of council tax is just 1.9 per cent of overall council tax, they are investing five times more in local communities than they were two and half decades ago, helping tackle some of the biggest challenges our communities face – from health to housing, the climate and cost of living crisis, and supporting younger and older people.”

Cllr Corney-Walker added: ‘Another significant initiative from Newton Abbot Town Council was the creation of our Town Development Manager role.

‘Retailing has changed beyond recognition in recent years and our decision to appoint Sally Henley has meant our town centre is fairing so much better than many other communities.

‘I thank her and all our officers for their tireless work on behalf of our town, and of course all councillors past and present whose time is given willingly with no financial reward in return.’

Newton Abbot Town Council came into being in April1974, at the same time as Teignbridge District Council was formed.

Both came about as as a result of the Local Government Act 1972.

The below image shows the ceremony in Courtenay Park.