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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, X and Instagram.

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.

NEWTON Abbot Town Council is investigating the possibility of taking ownership of the 16th century Old Forde House.

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.

New Town Councillor for Newton Abbot

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.

Drawing on the past

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

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.

Devon Countryside Access Forum

The Devon Countryside Access is advertising opportunities to become a member.  The Devon Countryside Access Forum (DCAF) is a local access forum under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act). Its statutory remit is to give independent advice “as to the improvement of public access to land in the area for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area…”  Section 94(4) of the Act specifies bodies to whom the Forum has a statutory function to give advice.

The DCAF currently has nineteen members, appointed by Devon County Council, who represent the interests of landowners/managers, access users and other relevant areas of expertise such as conservation and tourism.

The Forum deals with a wide range of recreational and functional access-related matters, giving advice to councils as well as local and national organisations. During the past year, this has included comments on proposed walking and cycling schemes, new woodlands, Local Plans, disability access improvements and common land proposals. There is also scope to develop a proactive agenda as well as responding to consultations.

Applications are welcome from anyone with interests in land management, recreational access or other relevant interests.  The Devon Countryside Access Forum website for further information is www.devon.gov.uk/dcaf

The application form is available on this link Devon Countryside Access Forum application The closing date is 30th November 2024, with appointments commencing in April 2025.

Public Notice – Vacancy for Co-option for the Brunel Ward, Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot Town Council

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.

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