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Newton Abbot Victorian Evening
Elfic the Juggler set to wow crowds at Newton Abbot’s Victorian Evening
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 and Instagram.
Free family fun in Newton Abbot as the Christmas season begins!
RESIDENTS and visitors have been urged to put Saturday November 23 in their diaries as that’s the date for the big Christmas lights switch-on in Newton Abbot.
The day will feature street food stalls, free children’s entertainment, a walkabout Polar Bear, stiltwalkers and live broadcasts by Devon Air Radio presenter Chris Coleman.
Also promised is a return visit from the Ipplepen Carnival Float, the crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station in one of their gleaming red engines (subject to operational demands) and, of course, Santa and his sleigh.
Events get under way at 9am when street food vendors fire up their stoves.
Free facepainting, balloon modelling and crafts will take place from 12 noon – 4pm and free fireside selfies can be had in Santa’s Grotto at St Leonard’s Tower between 2pm – 4pm.
The walkabout Polar Bear will be in town 2pm – 2.30pm and again from 3pm – 3.30pm while the ever-popular Taiko Drummers will perform at 2.30 pm and 3.10pm.
Stilt walkers will mingle with the crowds from 4pm then attention will shift towards St Leonard’s Tower shortly before 5pm when free hats and sweets will be handed out by Santa’s little helpers.
The giveaway will be followed by the arrival of the great man himself and the rest of the festive parade, with the lights switch-on being conducted by Mayor Cllr Alex Hall and Father Christmas at 5.30pm.
Afterwards Mr and Mrs Clause will meet with their army of young fans until 6.30pm.
Cllr Hall said: ‘Once again the town of Newton Abbot will welcome the start of the Christmas season with a wonderful day of free family fun and entertainment, courtesy of the Town Council and no end of helpers behind the scenes.
‘The celebrations will be followed on Wednesday December 4 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.
‘Look out for the posters, follow the Town Council on social media and visit our website for all the details.
‘Here we go Newton Abbot, Christmas 2024 is on its way!’
The full events listing can be viewed at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.
Some images below from previous Christmas events in Newton Abbot
Newton Abbot Remembrance Sunday
Newton Abbot Remembrance Sunday Parade to be live streamed!
ANYONE unable to attend Abbot’s Remembrance Sunday Parade on November 10 will be able to stream the event live on Facebook with organisers saying the ceremony should be able to proceed despite long-term roadworks in Queen Street.
Participants will begin to gather in Courtenay Street at 10am with the parade, led by the Devonport Royal Naval Volunteer Band, moving off at 10.35am.
The route through Queen Street will be passing by the ongoing civil engineering project but Newton Abbot Town Council is in talks with the District and County Authorities to ensure safe and sufficient access is maintained.
On arrival at the War Memorial, the Salvation Army Band will play an introduction followed by the first hymn, Lord For the Years, led by singer Tracey Pearce.
Prayers will follow, as will a scripture reading by Martin Wrigley MP, a Bible reading and the Exhortation “They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old”.
The Last Post will be played at 10.58am with two minutes of silence starting at 11am, ended by the Reveille.
The service Service will conducted by Royal British Legion Chaplain, Reverend Bruce Porter, and Royal Air Force Cadets Chaplain Gareth Regan.
It will be followed wreath laying from Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Alex Hall, the Chairman of Teignbridge District Council, Martin Wrigley MP, representatives of the Royal British Legion and members of the public.
Prayers for the Armed Forces will precede an address by Cllr Hall, further hymns and the reading of a poem by Corinna Richards from the 8th Newton Abbot Guides.
After the Lord’s Prayer, National Anthem and Blessing, the Parade will reform and march back to the Royal British Legion Headquarters.
The Mayor, accompanied by the Senior Naval Officer and the Presidents of the Royal British Legion, will take the salute at the War Memorial.
The parade will fall-out in Marsh Road at the Royal British Legion.
Once the standards have cleared, the Mayor, Councillors and uniformed groups will move onto the pavement in front of the War Memorial.
The Cubs, Brownies and Rainbows will remain in the fenced area to form a Guard of Honour for the Mayor.
To stream the event live visit Newton Abbot Town Council’s Facebook page.
A short service will also be held at the War Memorial on Monday 11th November at 10.45am.
Public Notice – Vacancy for Co-option for the Brunel Ward, Newton Abbot
NEWTON ABBOT TOWN COUNCIL – VACANCY FOR CO-OPTION
BRUNEL WARD X 1
The requisite number of electors having not called for an Election to fill one vacancy in the Brunel Ward; Newton Abbot Town Council wishes to invite local residents who qualify to be a Councillor to apply.
Anyone interested in finding out more should apply for a Co-option Pack from:-
Newton Abbot Town Council
Newton’s Place
Wolborough Street
Newton Abbot
TQ12 1JQ
Tel. 01626 201 120
Email: [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 12 Noon, Thursday 7th November 2024
Couple awarded Freedom of Newton Abbot
A NEWTON Abbot couple have been awarded the Freedom of the Town after decades of service to the community.
Carol Bunday and Mike Hocking, who stepped down from the Town Council in May, were presented with the awards by Mayor Cllr Alex Hall in a ceremony at Newton’s Place on October 9.
They were nominated for the titles of Honorary Freeman and Freewoman by former Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce who felt their years of commitment needed official recognition.
‘There are many people in Newton Abbot’s history who have contributed significantly to the town’s well-being with Mike and Carol being up there with the best of them,’ he said.
‘Nominating them for the Freedom of the Town was the least they deserved.’
Carol Bunday, a former Behaviour Support Officer at Coombeshead College, had served as Mayor of the town and Vice Chair at Teignbridge District Council.
She was also a volunteer at Buckland Youth Club and a governor at both Coombeshead College and Highweek Primary.
She remains Chair of Newton Abbot Air Cadets, is a member of The Court Leet and Newton Abbot Community Interest Company.
Mr Hocking, a former VOSA inspector and vehicle engineer at quarry firm Watts Blake Bearne, also served as Mayor and was Chair at Teignbridge.
He was a governor at three local schools.
Today he sits as Chair of Newton Abbot Community Transport Association, is Treasurer of Newton Abbot Air Cadets and a member of The Court Leet.
He said about the award: ‘It’s great, we’re both very very honoured and it’s a privilege to be given the freedom of our town.’
Ms Bunday added: ‘To be honest we’re very humbled.’
The couple, who have each spent almost 40 years in public life, said they intend to enjoy more travel and time with friends now their council duties have come to an end.
Their commitment to other voluntary roles will continue.
The only other community stalwarts to have been awarded Honorary Freeman status in Newton Abbot are the late Henry Cole and Di Nichols. Both held many unpaid offices and served as Mayor
The below image shows Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Alex Hall with Honorary Freewoman Carol Bunday and Honorary Freeman Mike Hocking.
Newton Abbot Remembrance Sunday Parade to be live streamed
ANYONE unable to attend Abbot’s Remembrance Sunday Parade on November 10 will be able to stream the event live on Facebook with organisers saying the ceremony should be able to proceed despite long-term roadworks in Queen Street.
Participants will begin to gather in Courtenay Street at 10am with the parade, led by the Devonport Royal Naval Volunteer Band, moving off at 10.35am.
The route through Queen Street will be passing by the ongoing civil engineering project but Newton Abbot Town Council is in talks with the District and County Authorities to ensure safe and sufficient access is maintained.
On arrival at the War Memorial, the Salvation Army Band will play an introduction followed by the first hymn, Lord For the Years, led by singer Tracey Pearce.
Prayers will follow, as will a scripture reading by Martin Wrigley MP, a Bible reading and the Exhortation “They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old”.
The Last Post will be played at 10.58am with two minutes of silence starting at 11am, ended by the Reveille.
The service Service will conducted by Royal British Legion Chaplain, Reverend Bruce Porter, and Royal Air Force Cadets Chaplain Gareth Regan.
It will be followed wreath laying from Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Alex Hall, the Chairman of Teignbridge District Council, Martin Wrigley MP, representatives of the Royal British Legion and members of the public.
Prayers for the Armed Forces will precede an address by Cllr Hall, further hymns and the reading of a poem by Corinna Richards from the 8th Newton Abbot Guides.
After the Lord’s Prayer, National Anthem and Blessing, the Parade will reform and march back to the Royal British Legion Headquarters.
The Mayor, accompanied by the Senior Naval Officer and the Presidents of the Royal British Legion, will take the salute at the War Memorial.
The parade will fall-out in Marsh Road at the Royal British Legion.
Once the standards have cleared, the Mayor, Councillors and uniformed groups will move onto the pavement in front of the War Memorial.
The Cubs, Brownies and Rainbows will remain in the fenced area to form a Guard of Honour for the Mayor.
To stream the event live visit Newton Abbot Town Council’s Facebook page.
A short service will also be held at the War Memorial on Monday 11th November at 10.45am.
THE Mayor of Newton Abbot, Cllr Alex Hall, has led a ceremony to commemorate Ukraine Independence Day.
The event took place in the town centre at 11am on Saturday August 24.
With supporters gathered in front of St Leonard’s Tower, some draped in Ukrainian colours, Cllr Hall said: ‘On this Ukrainian Independence Day we take a moment to reflect on the reliance and courage of the Ukrainian people.
‘This day marks not just a celebration of freedom but also a solemn recognition of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of that freedom.
‘As we honour the past, let us look forward with hope, united in the belief that peace and sovereignty will prevail.’
A service was conducted by Revd Dave Brown, Team Rector of Newton Abbot, and followed by a speech from Ukrainian refugee Inessa Zierova who now lives and works in Newton Abbot.
‘Originally I am a teacher in Ukraine but now I am working here as a teaching assistant and in the process of confirming all my degrees,’ she said after stepping away from the microphone.
‘We are so grateful for the hospitality and warm support we have received here, it means very much to us.’
The Ukrainian flag was flown above St Leonard’s Tower as the country’s national anthem was played.
The ceremony ended with a spontaneous round of applause.
The Mayor of Newton Abbot, Councillor Alex Hall
Inessa Zierova addressing the crowd
Service led by Rev. Dave Brown
The Ukrainian flag flying above St. Leonard’s Tower
Annual Town Meeting gives councillors food for thought
THE new Mayor of Newton Abbot, 22-year-old Cllr Alex Hall, had his first official outing on Saturday [May 18] when he attended the Annual Town Meeting in Courtenay Street.
Hundreds of shoppers took the opportunity to quiz Cllr Hall and his fellow members on a wide range of matters including pot holes and town centre regeneration.
Also present at the event were maintenance staff showing off the new £160,000 street cleaning machine the town council has invested in following service cuts by the district and county councils.
‘It was great to meet so many people and most had some very good things to say about Newton Abbot, including those folk who regularly travel into town from other communities to enjoy our shops and facilities,’ said Cllr Hall.
‘Quite a few people don’t understand the different roles undertaken by town, district and county councils and I get that, all residents want is to have the services they need delivered at a fair price.
‘We were able to amplify our concerns about Teignbridge Council’s plans to reduce on-street parking and introduce traffic restrictions in Queen Street.
‘It also appears that many residents are yet to be convinced about Teignbridge’s plans for the regeneration of the Market Hall and Market Walk.
‘Those doubts aside, it was clear to me that Newton Abbot remains a much-loved town by its residents and a favoured destination for people in places like Torbay who told me there’s so much more life and vitality here.
‘I congratulate our Town Development Manager, Sally Henley, and the business community for their incredible efforts in the face of an economic storm.
I also applaud our Events Co-ordinators, Natalie Hicks and Kelly Burridge, for compiling a wonderful year-round events programme that we know is popular with residents and visitors alike.
‘Finally, hats off to museum staff, including Kate Green and Lucy Cokes, who entertained families during the annual town meeting with their free craft activities.
‘I cannot say how proud I am to be Mayor of Newton Abbot and am already thoroughly enjoying the job of championing our fantastic town.’
The above image shows Cllr Alex Hall at the Annual Town Meeting
A NEW initiative by Newton Abbot Town Council to promote grass roots arts and cultural projects has got off to a flying start according to the organiser.
Kate Green, Community Outreach Worker with Newton Abbot Museum, set up her stall in Courtenay Street on Wednesday [April 17] to share information about local events and organisations.
Dubbed ‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’, the pop-up gazebo attracted plenty of interest from people ranging from aspiring authors to film-makers and those simply looking for something to do other than stay at home watching television.
Kate’s arrival was announced by Town Crier Nigel Kenneison whose sonorous tones soon had passers by stopping to find out more.
‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’ really started out as an idea that the museum should have a presence in the town centre on market days which is why I’ve brought some items from the collection with me,’ she said.
‘I talk to so many people who say they didn’t realise what events were taking place in the town or that they’re lost for something to do in the evenings or at the weekend, so this is a brand new initiative to fill that gap.
‘We’ll be in Courtenay Street every Wednesday between 11am – 1pm with information about workshops, exhibitions and any other creative or cultural opportunities people tell us about.
‘For example, today we’ve got loads of information about Teign U3A who have 60 different interest groups, Irish ceilidh dancing at The Jolly Farmer, the next performance at the Alexander Theatre, a new local film about cycling, plus leaflets about the museum as amazingly some people still don’t realise we have one in town.
‘Hopefully on future stalls we’ll be joined by members of the arts community who can tell the public all about their projects and in time this will be known as the go-to place for knowing what’s on, all the more important now we have no tourist information office.
‘Already on the first day I’ve talked with lots of people which is great start and I look forward to meeting many more.’
Anyone wanting to join Kate or have information on display at the weekly stall can leave leaflets at the museum or call 01626 201121.
Alternatively email [email protected].
Newton Abbot Museum and its outreach programme are funded by Newton Abbot Town Council, both located at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.
The below photo shows Kate and Town Crier Nigel at the stall in Courtenay Street.
For more information please email [email protected]..
