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A FREE ‘Eggstraordinary Easter Trail’ in Newton Abbot has proved to be a hit with families.

The adventure, organised by Town Development Manager Sally Henley in conjunction with museum and library staff, involved a hunt for 15 egg-related objects placed in the windows of shops and businesses throughout the town.

Children had to note where they’d found the hidden treasures then hand their completed forms to staff at the library or museum.

Hundreds of people took part and on April 19 the first name to be drawn from the winner’s hat was that of nine-year-old Jack Purver from Kingsteignton.

He was presented with a £40 Austins voucher, a Lego kit and giant Easter egg.

‘I feel quite good about winning,’ he quipped as the prizes were piled into his arms.

‘The trail was something to do rather than being stuck inside and I look forward to the next one.’

Pleased with the trail’s reception from the public, Sally said: ‘We had a huge entry to this event and lots of feedback saying that participants had really enjoyed themselves.’

‘I certainly saw lots of families out and about over Easter, clutching their entry forms.

‘Participating businesses were equally enthusiastic with some saying it was the first time families had come across them.

‘It’s fair to say the trail was a great success and I thank everyone who took part, not least Austins for their sponsorship which also included a £20 voucher and Easter egg for second place contestant James Heiss, also nine years old.

‘I’m looking forward now to setting up another free trial for the summer holidays so watch this space!’

Pictured outside Austins

Left – right: Sally Henley, Austins Senior Manager Deborah Maloney, Charlotte Dixon, Jack Purver and Matthew Lovell from Libraries Unlimited.

VISITOR numbers at Newton Abbot Museum continue to grow as the facility enters a second full year at its new location.

The museum’s old site in Devon Square could expect a total of approximately 2,500 visitors in an entire year.

In the first quarter of 2023 more than 3,600 people came through the doors at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street, up approximately 20 per cent on last year.

The figures have cheered staff who spent six years and a seven-figure sum on the move.

‘When Newton Abbot Town Council, our main funders, decided to buy the former St Leonard’s Church it was a bold move and potentially not without risks,’ said Curator Dr Charlotte Dixon.

‘The total cost of buying, converting, restoring and conserving the Grade Two listed building, carried out during a global pandemic don’t forget, was some £2.5 million.

‘For that the town has now got a fantastic new museum, community rooms and accessible council offices.

‘And thanks to careful financial management, and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund who provided almost half the cost, not a single penny was added to council tax bills to achieve this great result.

‘Now our visitor figures confirm that people really enjoy coming here, viewing superb displays such as the Ipplepen Roman coin collection, on loan from Torquay Museum until March next year, which we know is attracting visitors in its own right.

‘We’re also staging plenty of outreach work plus activities for schools and families, and ensuring we have the necessary skills and facilities to make visits enjoyable for everyone, no matter what their needs.’

With Dr Dixon about to commence maternity, colleagues have welcomed India Jolly who will assume the curator’s role for a year.

‘I’m very excited, there are lots of incredibly interesting projects I’m looking forward to taking on and hopefully I’ll come up with some new ones as well,’ said India who previously managed Liskeard and District Museum.

‘The outreach programme is brilliant and it’s just great to get the community involved with its museum.

‘It’s going to be a wonderful year and I look forward to meeting ever

The below image shows India Jolly

Date: March 10 2023

Newton Abbot Town Council to provide free family fun for the Coronation weekend

LIVE music and free family-friendly activities will be at the heart of Newton Abbot’s celebration of the King’s Coronation weekend.

On Saturday May 6 Courtenay Street will host morning performances by The Hot House Combo, a much-loved four-piece whose repertoire features foot-tapping jazz and swing from the 1930s.

In the afternoon the equally popular Cahoots will take to the stage while walkabout characters will mingle with the crowds and free balloon modelling can be enjoyed.

St Leonard’s clocktower will be royally equipped and open for ‘Coronation selfies’ with visitors also able to sign the book of congratulations for King Charles and the Queen Consort.

On Sunday May 7 the festivities will move to Courtenay Park with a 12 noon – 4pm Party in the Park featuring a band concert, face painting, magical bubbles, balloon modelling, make and create children’s activity stall, Coronation selfie frame and free giveaways.

Families will be encouraged to bring picnics in line with the Coronation Big Lunch theme and there will also be a cocktail bar and ice cream van.

All the attractions, except the refreshments, are being provided free of charge by Newton Abbot Town Council.

Mayor Cllr Carol Bunday said: ‘A Coronation is a rare event in our national life and we want to ensure that the people of our town have the opportunity to share the experience.

‘The beauty of modern technology means we’ll all be able to watch the events at Westminster and Windsor Castle at a time of our choosing yet also come together to enjoy the party atmosphere.

‘And we’re fully aware of the tough economic times which is why we wanted to create a truly affordable weekend with no charge for any of the activities.

‘We’ve also learned from our Jubilee celebrations last year and booked an extra face painter as it proved to be so very popular then and we don’t want any disappointed children this time.

‘We hope, of course, for good weather and to see Newton Abbot coming together to experience this wonderful milestone in our country’s history.

‘God save the King!’

For more information please email [email protected] or call 01626 201120.

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