News - Newton Abbot Town Council

Newton Abbot Town Council News

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.

Town Councillor vacancy in Brunel Ward, Newton Abbot

Town criers turn up the volume in Newton Abbot

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!’

Great start for Newton Abbot bid to regain Fairtrade status

AN event in Newton Abbot to gauge the public’s support for the Fairtrade movement has been hailed a success by the organisers.

On Saturday [September 7] members of the Town Council were joined by Fairtrade representatives and political figures to ask shoppers if they would like the campaign to have a higher profile with more traders and consumers choosing products that guarantee global farmers a fair price.

The response was so positive that it looks certain a steering committee will soon be formed with the aim of winning official Fairtrade status for Newton Abbot, a title it once held but which lapsed some years ago.

The Town Council had already taken the first critical step of giving its backing to a bid and now plans are being drawn up to take the project forward.

Encouraged by the public reaction Cllr Louise Cooke (Bradley Ward) said: ‘British farmers are struggling, I have relatives who are farmers and struggling, but that’s nothing compared to what some farmers in other parts of the world are up against.

‘And if we want to keep Newton Abbot relevant we have to be thinking about these matters.’

Cllr Richard Buscombe (Bradley Ward) agreed but emphasised the need for public involvement if the scheme is to succeed.

‘It reminds me of town twinning where it’s got to come from the community itself, it’s not something the Town Council can impose,’ he said.

‘I just hope we can find an audience and a group of people that can take this forward, I think it’s an excellent idea.’

Former Teignbridge District Council Leader and Newton Abbot resident, Gordon Hook, had written to the Town Council earlier in the year to ask how the Fairtrade movement could be better highlighted.

Also pleased with Saturday’s event he said: ‘I’m really delighted the Town Council has grasped the nettle and very much hope that the town will regain Fairtrade status.

‘It does promote a magnificent organisation that’s doing a fantastic job around the world and we must all get behind it.’

Sue Errington, Co-ordinator for Fairtrade Devon, was present 30 years at the inaugural meeting which led to the movement’s creation.

She said: ’I really didn’t think it was going to work but actually it’s been fantastic and there’s something like two million farmers now who are part of the scheme and benefiting from higher prices or wages.

‘Factor in the families and that’s ten million people who are positively impacted by people choosing to buy a Fairtrade banana or piece of chocolate so it’s been fantastically successful.’

Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley said: ‘I helped Dawlish become a Fairtrade town ten years ago and it’s flourished. It’s not virtue signalling, it’s reminding people that you have to make the market fair. Fair trade is fundamentally important.’

Bovey Tracey Town Councillor Steve Oldrieve oversees his town’s Fairtrade status and has offered to host Newton Abbot’s first meeting. He said: ‘We have a wider Devon coordinated Fairtrade group and we like to help each other when we can.’

Anyone interested in learning more about the Newton Abbot project can email [email protected] or call 01626 201120.

A free conference to mark Fairtrade’s 30th anniversary is due to take place at Exeter Community Centre in St David’s Hill, Exeter, on Saturday September 14.

It is open to everyone and includes lunch, donations are requested.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fairtrade-30th-anniversary-conference-tickets-945669702537 for details.

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

Let’s keep antisocial behaviour at bay this summer

Please see the below links for the latest press releases from this office.

Let’s keep ASB at bay this summer · Devon & Cornwall Police & Crime Commissioner (devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk)

Police crack down on antisocial behaviour and serious violence with additional hotspot patrols · Devon & Cornwall Police & Crime Commissioner (devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk)

Creating change with collaboration and hotspot policing · Devon & Cornwall Police & Crime Commissioner (devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk)

Restoration work gets under way on iconic Newton Abbot railway gantry

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.

Classic car show attracts bumper crowds to Newton Abbot

CROWDS flocked to Newton Abbot on Saturday May 25 for the town’s latest and largest gathering of cherished vehicles.

The event saw almost 70 classic cars, motorbikes and vans park up in Courtenay Street, Wolborough Street and Bank Street with Market Square pressed into action for the first time to accommodate the display.

Live music from three different acts and market stalls added to the atmosphere, while the weather played ball too, attracting what is thought to be the biggest audience yet for such an event.

Town Development Manager Sally Henley, employed by Newton Abbot Town Council, said: ‘What an amazing turn out of both vintage vehicles and people coming to see them, it’s been a brilliant day.

‘My thanks go to the Teignbridge Classics car club for organising such a well-run event, also to the owners for showing off their prized motors.

‘It was great to see some familiar models on show as well as new ones, I was particularly taken with an American station wagon which was big and brash but I just loved it.

‘We began these classic car gatherings before the pandemic and knew they were becoming popular but today we’ve had the largest number of entries ever and more people in town than I can remember for a long time.

‘Some people are very quick to write off our nation’s high streets but it’s clear to me that if we stage the right events, and maintain a healthy mix of big brands and independent traders, then Newton Abbot at least has a very healthy future ahead of it.

‘I’m already looking forward to our next Sunday market, in conjunction with The Plot Deli, on June 5 and a whole summer of events including the next classic car show on September 14.

‘All the details are on the town council’s website, www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.’

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 Mayor for Newton Abbot

NEWTON Abbot’s youngest ever Mayor has been sworn into office.

Cllr Alex Hall is 22-years-old and has served as Deputy Mayor since 2023.

On Wednesday May 15 he took over the reins in a ceremony at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

Looking forward to the year ahead he said: ‘It is an honour to be entrusted as Mayor by my fellow councillors.

‘To have the opportunity to represent my hometown, and being the youngest Mayor Newton Abbot has ever had, is a role I take very seriously.

‘My ambition as Mayor is to always do my best to represent our town and sell it to its fullest potential at every official engagement and opportunity I can.’

He added: ‘Over the last 12 months, being Deputy Mayor has filled me with great pride. Witnessing all the brilliant work that goes on within our community can so often go unheard.

‘Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation is something I continue to look forward to over the forthcoming year and being able to share my experiences with everyone on my social media.

Thinking back on his year in office, Cllr Corney-Walker, said: ‘Your council is continuing to take on the jobs the bigger councils find they can no longer afford. We have invested in high quality machinery to extend our ability to maintain the cleanliness of our town centre and residential areas and have recently appointed a fourth Facilities Maintenance Officer.

‘The regeneration plans for Queen Street have proved very controversial. It has to be emphasised, however, that Newton Abbot Town Council has no control over this and many other issues that affect us.

‘My year has concluded with a succession of happy events. On March 1st Austins celebrated their centenary. The store has become synonymous with our town and attracts visitors and shoppers from a very wide area. Long may it continue to do so.

‘In April we marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of Newton Abbot Council by planting two oak trees in Courtenay Park. The three days of the annual Maltingsfest drew long queues of attendees and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) made a very generous contribution to my charity for the year – Devon Air Ambulance.

‘Finally on the 5th of May we had the first of our monthly Sunday Markets. Though the weather was not kind attendance showed these are likely to prove a successful innovation.

My sincere thanks to all the officers at the Town Council for all their hard work and support for this Mayoral year and to all those councillors who have given me their support and encouragement at throughout the whole of this year.’

The above images shows Cllrs Hall and Corney-Walker at the Mayor-Making ceremony.

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