Category Archives: Press Release

A NIGHT among Amazonian animals is the tantalising promise behind this season’s Lantern Parade in Newton Abbot.

The dazzling event is set to take place in the town centre on the evening of Wednesday December 11 and will showcase the talents of youngsters from the town’s primary schools.

Any number of exotic beasts from the world’s largest rainforest is expected to feature in the illuminated spectacle that draws in the crowds year after year.

Starting at 6.30pm from Bearnes Primary School in Queen Street, the procession will pass through Courtenay Street and come to a halt at St Leonard’s Clock Tower.

Outside Santa will be looking forward to meeting his young fans while anyone wanting to take a fireside selfie in is grotto can pop into the tower itself.

Live music will accompany the celebrations and late night shopping will no doubt prove popular with present-hunters.

Anyone feeling peckish or looking for something to drink can choose from the nearby pubs, bars and cafes or check out the street food stalls for extra choice.

‘It may be the middle of December but a visit from some amazing animals of The Amazon will add a little tropical warmth to our festive celebrations,’ said Natalie Hicks, Events Co-ordinator at Newton Abbot Town Council.

‘All the entertainment will be free and we hope everyone has a really wonderful evening.’

Events to enjoy before the Lantern Parade include 10am – 3pm Sunday Markets on December 1 and 8, with another to follow on December 15.

Each will feature food, drink and crafts with live music from acts such as Gypsy Dreams.

The annual Victorian Evening on Wednesday December 4 will include carolling, live music, walkabout acts and free visits to Santa.

As always it will centre around the many charity stalls with those taking part dressed in period costume and hoping to take the title of best dressed team.

This year’s Dog-Friendly Carol Service is set to take place between 12 noon and 1pm in Wolborough Street on Saturday December 7 while on the same day between 10am – 12 noon live music will be performed in Courtenay Street by The Salvation Army Band.

Afterwards the Spectrum Concert Wind Band will invite the crowds to join them for carols until 2pm, again in Courtenay Street.

Anyone missing the Salvation Army’s first performance will have another chance on Saturday December 14 and again on Saturday December 21.

Other events to look forward to include carols in Courtenay Street from the children of Highweek Primary School between 2.15pm – 3.15pm on Monday December 16.

The 6.30pm Mayor’s Carol Service at St Leonard’s Clock Tower will be on Wednesday December 18 while earlier that day, between 4pm – 5pm, pupils from Canada Hill Primary School will be in Courtenay Street performing a selection of carols.

The Spectrum Concert Wind Band take over at 6pm with another appearance scheduled for 12noon – 2pm on December 21.

‘The high street is about so much more than shopping, it’s a social thing,’ said Natalie.

Some images above from previous Christmas events in Newton Abbot.

Storm Bert has forced the cancellation of the Christmas Lights celebrations in Newton Abbot tomorrow.

The day was due to be packed with free family activities and the first appearance of Santa and his sleigh.

But with gale force winds and heavy rain predicted, organisers at Newton Abbot Town Council have been advised to cancel the programme for safety reasons.

‘We simply cannot put anyone at risk and our insurers would refuse to cover us if we allowed gazebos to be erected in the high wind speeds expected to come with Storm Bert,’ said Events Co-ordinator Natalie Hicks.

‘We’re gutted for everyone involved and the countless families who were looking to attend but it’s the right call.’

Natalie and her colleagues are now looking forward to the rest of the seasonal programme.

‘On Wednesday December 4 we continue with our traditional Victorian Evening, then we will have the lantern workshop and 12pm dog-friendly carol service on Saturday December 7.

‘The Lantern Parade at 6.30pm on Wednesday December 11 will no doubt prove to be a huge draw once again, then on December 18 I’ll be hosting the Mayor’s Carol Service from 6.30pm at St Leonard’s Tower.

‘Don’t forget there will be late night shopping each Wednesday on December 4, 11 and 18 when Santa will be in town and his grotto open for selfies.

‘There will also be street markets with food, drink and crafts each Sunday on December 1, 8 and 15 between 10am – 3pm.

‘Look out for the posters, follow the Town Council on social media and visit our website for all the details.

‘Storm Bert may have scuppered some of our plans but Christmas 2024 in Newton Abbot is more than one day!’

The full events listing can be viewed at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.

THE ever-popular children’s entertainer, Elfic, is just one of the free attractions drawing the crowds into Newton Abbot on Wednesday December 4 for the town’s annual Victorian Evening.

The award-winning comedy juggler is renowned for wowing audiences with his madcap shows which this year will take place at 5.30pm and 7pm in Market Square.

Visitors are also encouraged to keep an eye out for a wandering polar bear, stilt-walking policeman and an old-fashioned gent pedalling his penny farthing bicycle.

Santa and Mrs Claus will be present too as will a wide range of charity stalls and hot food vendors.

Many shops and cafes will offer late night opening while the Spectrum Orchestra provides a seasonal backdrop with popular carols.

Anyone keen to take a peak into Santa’s Grotto can pop into St Leonard’s Clock Tower and snap a selfie while the great man is outside on his sleigh meeting with fans.

Natalie Hicks, Events Co-ordinator at Newton Abbot Town Council said: ‘The Victorian Evening has been a family favourite for many years with all our charity stallholders in period costume and vying to win the best-dressed stall award.

‘It’s not an event that’s stuck in the past though, with plenty of free attractions we know go down well with young and old alike.

‘Let’s hope we get some clear skies to add that winter sparkle, we’ll see you there between 5pm and 8pm!’

Another festive event is the Doggy Carol Service with Rev Gareth Regan in Wolborough Street at 12 noon on Saturday December 7.

Families and their beloved pet pooches are encouraged to take part with free lyric sheets and gingerbread biscuits on offer.

Musical encouragement will be provided by the Forte Singers and Spectrum Orchestra.

For event details follow Newton Abbot Town Council on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The Grade One listed Tudor manor sits near the Penn Inn junction and Brunel Industrial Estate and is currently in the possession of Teignbridge District Council.

It has been used as offices and a venue for wedding and events but fails to meet the accessibility criteria of the Disability Discrimination Act.

A recent refurbishment of neighbouring Forde House, the District Council’s headquarters, and introduction of hybrid working, has also reduced demand for use by officers.

Now the authority wants to dispose of the centuries-old treasure as it said running costs of £120,000 a year were no longer sustainable.

It also claimed that ‘significant amounts of capital expenditure’ were required for future upkeep.

Now Teignbridge Deputy Leader Cllr David Palethorpe has written to the Town Council announcing the move.

He said Old Forde House had been accepted as an ‘asset of community value’ meaning that interested parties could have a six-month exclusivity period in which to develop plans that would secure public use for the future.

If that failed to materialise then Teignbridge could put Old Forde House on the open market and sell to the highest bidder although no price has been indicated.

Members of Newton Abbot Town Council have asked Clerk Phil Rowe to investigate both the potential benefits and risks of ownership.

He said: ‘We have begun the process of requesting information from surveyors and other experts in order to understand whether taking on Old Forde House would genuinely be in the community’s interests.

‘We are also looking at what financial support might be available and, given the building’s Grade One listing, whether it could ever be properly adapted for modern public use.

‘If the sums add up and we’re told the building can be modified, then taking ownership is something that Newton Abbot Town Council would be very keen to consider.

‘But we must ensure we’re acquiring an asset for the town and not a liability.

‘We cannot risk placing an unfair burden not only on today’s council tax payers but potentially also on those for generations to come.’

Old Forde House, originally known as Forde House, was built in the mid-1500s. In the early 1600s it was redeveloped for Sir Richard Reynell, then MP for Mitchell in Cornwall.

The changes included an E-shaped floor plan, possibly in in honour of Queen Elizabeth I who died in 1603.

In September 1625 King Charles I stayed at the house while on a trip to Plymouth.

During the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell and Colonel Fairfax rested there before the second Siege of Exeter.

Newton Abbot Town Council has a successful track record of taking on and repurposing old buildings.

In 2016 it acquired the former St Leonard’s Church in Wolborough Street, developing it into Newton’s Place, now home to the town’s museum, public events space and council offices.

The c£2.2 million project was delivered without increasing council tax bills.

THERE is a new face at Newton Abbot Town Council.

Businessman Paul Parker has been co-opted to serve as councillor for the Brunel Ward after the seat fell vacant.

Cllr Parker, an Independent, saw off competition from six other candidates, winning the required proportion of more than 50 per cent of the ballot among sitting members.

He said: ‘I’m so pleased that a majority of the councillors actually want me. I will try to serve the community and help with any problems they may have.’

The vote in the council chamber took place on November 13 as a result of no call from the public for an election.

Cllr Parker also sits as member for the Ambrook Ward at Teignbridge District Council and is a former member of Ashburton Town Council.

AN ARTS project that allows free after-hours access to Newton Abbot Museum is attracting a growing number of participants.

The Twilight Sketching sessions are for people of all abilities and have been taking place each fortnight for the past 18 months.

Those attending are encouraged to use the 17,000 objects in the collection as their inspiration.

Now the organisers are hoping to increase the number who enjoy the opportunity even further as they ramp up plans for a new museum extension providing better storage and improved public access to the treasured items.

‘Everything we do is about the collection,’ said Community Outreach Worker Kate Green.

‘Having people come in after hours creates a new means of allowing them to interact with the objects, interpret them in a unique way and produce artworks which themselves become part of the museum’s story.

‘Our What’s in Store project will deliver much better facilities for the collection and public alike and as we embark on that journey we’d like as many people as possible to help shape the outcome.

‘Museums aren’t stuffy silent places, they’re alive with inspiration from the past that can help shape our future.

‘Come and be part of this exciting opportunity, we’ll even provide the paper and pencils plus a free cuppa.’

For the November 11 session Kate brought out items dating back to the First World War.

They included postcards from the front line, a bugle, medals and trench art, none of which is usually on display.

Among those capturing their stories on paper was David Bailey who only started drawing again earlier this year after a break of 30 years.

He said: ‘You look at things differently when you draw them. Standing in front of them for a while, you look at it, really understand how it’s made and what it’s made of.

‘The light that shines on it, the textures it has, the colours, it all means you enjoy the objects more.’

In addition to the artistic pleasure the sessions bring, there’s companionship and support too.

Former Museum Curator Felicity Cole is also among those who take part.

‘It’s that common denominator of art that appeals to me, it doesn’t feel clubby,’ she said.

‘It just feels natural and as someone said to me, you’ve found your tribe.’

All ages attend including seven-year-old Ernest and his brother Arthur, 11.

‘We come because we like drawing, we like being creative,’ said Arthur.

Ernest drew a World War Two American checkers set and himself wearing a vintage top hat, an act that took him to a past he never knew.

‘It felt really good,’ he said.

Mum Hannah Couch added: ‘There’s always something to sort out clean or cook, but actually just coming here and doing something creative is more important. And the only cost was a a three-minute walk down the road.’

The fortnightly 4pm – 6pm Twilight Sketching sessions are free to attend and booking is not required.

Visit www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk for details.

Above: Details of a Felicity Cole drawing

Below: Tina Fox studying the Sandford Orleigh Screen

Below Hannah Couch

Above Therese Rowe and David Bailey

Below Arthur Couch

Above: Ernest Couch drawing the American WW2 checkers set

Crowds turned out in force on Saturday when Newton Abbot staged its annual Town Criers’ Competition.

The action got under way near St Leonard’s Tower at 10.45am with the first of two rounds featuring criers from communities across the South West.

A second round was staged at 12.45pm with the public providing plenty of applause while the judges kept their thoughts private until decision time.

First place and the Devon Championship Title were eventually awarded to John Pitt from Plymouth with Calne’s Mark Wylie taking second and also the Top Volume award.

Roger Pinder of Kingsbridge was given third place.

Phil Northcott from Penzance was named Best Dressed Crier while the Best Dressed Escort title was awarded to Michael Davies representing Newton Abbot Borough.

Robert and Heather Graham from Dawlish were named Best Dressed Couple while Rosalind Charlton-Chard from Hatherleigh was given the Best Second Cry award.

Newton Abbot’s own crier, Nigel Kenneison, hosted the event but the rules prevented him from taking part.

Mayor Cllr Alex Hall was also present. He said: ‘It was marvellous to see a centuries-old tradition alive and well in our town centre on Saturday, I congratulate all those who took part and provided such great entertainment. ‘One thing’s for sure, no one could accuse Newton Abbot of being a sleepy old town on the day!’

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.