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AS visitor numbers continue to grow at Newton Abbot Museum a call has gone out for extra volunteers.

Help is needed both at the welcome desk and nearby St Leonard’s Tower which opens for the 2025 season in May.

The opportunities come with full training and only a modest time-commitment, with perks of being a volunteer including meeting new people, CV boosting, being part of the museum community, attending Friends of the Museum talks for free and volunteer socials.

Curatorial Assistant Katie Petley-Jones said: ‘The museum’s continued success means we always need fresh faces and we’d really appreciate an extra couple of people for our front of house team.

‘Ideally that would be every week or on an ad hoc basis and it involves welcoming visitors, helping with sales in the shop and handing out activity trails.

‘They can explain how our Pastport scheme works, also the Curio app which allows people to scan QR codes for more information about objects within the museum collection.

‘Of course, we don’t expect new volunteers to come equipped with all the knowledge they’ll need so we’ll make sure they are fully trained and feel supported in the role.

‘We’re also a very friendly bunch and enjoy our work together.’

Nearby St Leonard’s Tower is due to open for the summer in May.

The historic structure is all that remains of a 13th century church and is the town’s best-known landmark.

It was built by the wealthy Abbots of Torre and stood at the heart of old Newton Abbot

‘In the Tower our volunteers welcome visitors and offer them a bit of information about its history,’ said Katie.

‘They keep a tally of how many people come in, they go through the risk assessment and have the option to show visitors the upper floor.

‘If they’re more comfortable staying on the ground floor there’s still plenty to talk about both inside and out.

‘I’m confident that our volunteering opportunities both in the tower and the museum are truly fulfilling and we look forward to making the new recruits really welcome.’

For more information call 01626 201121 or email groups@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.

FOLLOWING complaints about abandoned shopping trolleys in the River Lemon and elsewhere, Newton Abbot Town Council has called on supermarket giant Asda to honour its pledge to round up the rogue items.

The matter was raised at a meeting of the Full Council in January when members heard from resident Tom Pearce.

In a letter to the Clerk Phil Rowe he wrote: ‘In light of the continuous issue of abandoned trolleys in the River Lemon and hedgerows around the town, will Newton Abbot Town Council formally request Asda Supermarkets add a coin return mechanism and connecting chains to their trolleys?

‘A similar system is used at the Lidl store in Kingsteignton and prevents this antisocial behaviour issue.’

After debating the matter it was agreed that a letter be sent to the firm, insisting that it tidy up its act.

Within days a response was received and although Asda has ruled out a coin-return scheme it has provided information about the measures it has in place, including the magnetic wheel lock that should operate when a trolley is taken off site.

A spokesman said: ‘We have a trolley retention system in place on the car park of our Newton Abbot store, as well as a service agreement with Collex who collect any abandoned trolleys free of charge.

‘While we know that the majority of our customers take care of our trolleys, if anyone spots one where it shouldn’t be, they can let us know by calling 0800 1860 600, emailing request@collextrolley.com, or by downloading the Collex App, so the trolley can be collected as soon as possible.’

Mr Rowe was not hugely impressed with the statement.

‘The firm claims it has a system in place but clearly it hasn’t been working as well as it could.

‘It’s a shame that it has to be the public that picks up the baton on this but at least we now know how to get abandoned trolleys removed.

‘So jot down that number, put the email address in your contacts list and download the app.

‘Perhaps together we can rid the town of this annoying problem, and thanks to Tom Pearce for asking the question.’

The below images show an abandoned trolleys.

Essential modernisation work will start next week to replace the lift at the multi-storey car park on Sherborne Road, Newton Abbot. The lift will be out of use from Monday 20 January 2025 for up to 8 weeks while it is replaced. Over recent years, the lift has become unreliable and now needs to be replaced to avoid the cost of further repairs due to faults and breakdowns.

We understand this may cause inconvenience to people with mobility issues and parents with prams, and are sorry for the disruption. However, the work does need to take place to ensure we can provide a reliable lift in the longer term. Alternative disabled parking spaces are available in both the Cattle Market and Halcyon Road car parks. We will keep you updated on when the work is due to be completed. For further information please email: assets@teignbridge.gov.uk

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.

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 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.

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: info@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk

CLOSING DATE: 12 Noon, Thursday 7^th November 2024

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.

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.