A round-up of community news, events, photos, celebrations and what’s on from across East Devon and Exeter – including Exmouth, Sidmouth, Honiton, Cranbrook, Beer, Branscombe.
Cranbrook
Cranbrook’s country park was recognised with a prestigious Green Flag Award for the second year running.
Image: with permission.
Celebrations were held in Cranbrook when the town’s country park was presented with a prestigious Green Flag Award for the second year running.
Cranbrook Town Council said it was ‘delighted’ the area had again been highlighted as one of the very best parks and green spaces in the UK.
The council said thanks to volunteers and a maintenance crew, the last year had been ‘significant’ in boosting the park’s wildlife and biodiversity through tree planting and creating new habitats.
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager, said Cranbrook Country Park was a ‘vital green space’ that was free, where the community could enjoy nature and socialise.
Councillor Les Bayliss, Cranbrook Town Council chairman, said: “This prestigious recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and local community, who take such pride in caring for this wonderful green space.”
He added: “The Green Flag Award shows what can be achieved when our community comes together to create and maintain a beautiful, accessible, and sustainable environment for everyone. Our tree planting programme, which began last winter, has been a major step forward in making the country park an even more vibrant and resilient green space for the future.
“We are proud of the country park and remain committed to maintaining the high standards that make it a welcoming, safe, and beautiful place for everyone to enjoy. We hope residents and visitors will continue to appreciate it and help look after this special place with us.”
Exmouth
A bird avery was destroyed when a blaze broke out in Exmouth in the early hours Monday morning (July 14).
Firefighters from Exmouth were called to Hawthorn Grove, in Brixington, shortly after 1.30am after a report a shed was on fire.
When crews arrived, they found a bird avery on fire that spread to a fence and property.
The fire service said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.
A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Two fire engines were sent to a report of a shed on fire in a garden in Hawthorn Grove, Exmouth.
“On arrival crews confirmed this was a bird avery that was on fire and had spread to the fence and property.”
They added: “The avery was totally destroyed by fire and there was 10 per cent fire damage to an extension of the property and approximately 12 metres of fencing destroyed.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
Crews wore breathing apparatus and used a hose reel jet and safety jet to tackle the blaze, and a thermal imaging camera to check for any remaining hot spots.
Sidmouth – what’s on
Sidmouth Town Band is gearing up for the return of its popular Last Night of the Proms event, at Connaught Gardens on Saturday, August 16.
Tickets are now on sale for Sidmouth Town Band Last Night of the Proms.
Photo: with permission
Broadcaster Charles Nove, who audiences will recognise as a BBC continuity voice and newsreader for many years, is set to compere the evening, while soloist Catherine Moore will lead the crowd in proms favourites such Pomp and Circumstance and Rule Britannia.
Tickets are £7.50, available from McShaw Optometrists, 123 High Street, Sidmouth, or from any Sidmouth Town Band Sunday evening concert.
A spokesman for the event said: “Prom goers can expect a very varied and engaging programme of music including some new arrangements as well all the usual ‘Last Night’ favourites.
“The annual event attracts hundreds of concert goers who are encouraged to bring tables, chairs, candelabras, picnic hampers and refreshments and take in an evening of music and the unique atmosphere of the beautiful Connaught Gardens.”
The Last Night of the Proms in Sidmouth starts at 7.30pm. The lawned area of the gardens will be open from 6pm.
Exeter – competition
Grass roots sports clubs are among a host of community groups invited to enter a competition to win a prize of turf donated by a Topsham business.
HCT Turf is donating up to 150 square meters of turf – the equivalent of a third of a netball court – together with professional turf-laying to the winning community group, school, sports club, charity or individual within a 20-mile radius of the company’s headquarters.
Pictured here are Richard Hockley, turf specialist, and Steff Dennis at one of the Topsham turf fields.
Photo: Sue Cade.
To enter, email why your group, or an organisation needs the turf, and the approximate size of the area. The closing date for entries is Friday, September 5.
Steff Dennis from HCT said: “In 2022 we ran a garden photo competition which was a great success. This time we wanted to mix it up a bit and make a practical donation that will really benefit a local community group or an individual who has gone the extra mile, perhaps as a volunteer for charity.
“It’s an unusual prize to offer, but one that we think will be genuinely useful.”
Deciding the winner will be a panel of judges from the Exeter community and the turf company.
See the company’s website for the full terms and how to enter.
Branscombe
An orchard in Branscombe is featuring nature-inspired poetry this summer, penned by youngsters at school in the village.
Branscombe Primary School pupils teamed up with the National Trust to create one of the children who wrote haiku poems, now on display at the Old Bakery Orchard.
Photo: Meg Vallender.
Branscombe Primary School pupils have teamed up with the National Trust to create haiku poems, now on display at the Old Bakery Orchard.
Will Bentall, Branscombe Primary School teacher, said: “It was a joy to see our children so inspired by the beauty of the orchard.
“Learning outside the classroom offers so many benefits—from sparking creativity to boosting well-being—and this experience gave our pupils the chance to slow down, observe the world around them, and express those moments through poetry.
“Their haiku poems are a beautiful reflection of nature through young eyes, and we’re proud to share them with the local community.
One of the poetry boards at the orchard.
Photo: Meg Vallender.
Meg Vallender, National Trust spokeswoman, said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with the children, seeing how wildlife in the beautiful wild space on their doorstep has inspired their creativity.
“The orchard came alive not only with the soft pink blossoms of apple trees but also with the joyful voices and imaginations of Branscombe Primary School’s children. Their poems will add a magical new layer to this special place.”
A poem board.
Photo: Meg Vallender
Exeter
Wynstream Primary School pupils took environmental action on tackling food waste and rubbish reduction.
Photo: with permission.
Classroom rubbish was collected by pupils in Exeter, who carried out a waste audit in a bid to improve recycling at the school.
The waste audit aimed to improve recycling at the school.
Photo: with permission.
Wynstream Primary School pupils took environmental action on tackling food waste and rubbish reduction after one youngster started a 300-strong petition, backing recycling improvements.
School staff praised the pupils, calling them ‘true sustainability champions’.
The waste audit aimed to improve recycling at the school.
Photo: with permission.
Sidmouth
Beach-goers at Sidmouth now have daily full-time summer lifeguard patrols, from 10am until 6pm.
Sidmouth Independent Beach Lifeguards, who work closely with the town’s lifeboat crew, will be on patrol every day from now until September 7, providing professional lifeguard cover, rescue services, first aid, prevention, education, and advanced medical support.
The lifeguards are back patrolling Sidmouth beach fr the summer.
Photo: Guy Russell.
Already this season, the town’s lifeguards have completed 20 patrol days, helped with 16 rescues, given first aid, taught beach and water safety to more than 2,500 students across 20 local schools, and helped another organisation with marine mammal support.
Devon
The Devon Cattle Breeders Society’s national show returns to Westpoint, near Exeter, in 2026.
The Devon County Show has announced it will host the event at its three-day May agricultural event next year.
The national competition is being hosted by Devon County Show.
Photo: with permission.
The cattle breeders’ national show is traditionally held at venues across the country. The last event was held at the Royal Cornwall Show.
Andy Lane, Devon Cattle Breeders Society president, said: “The Devon County Show feels very much like our natural home, and we are delighted to be returning in 2026.
“The national show typically attracts up to fifty exhibits, offering a diverse showcase of this magnificent breed and supporting our mission to ensure its continued success in Devon and across the UK.”
Entries for the 2026 national show open in February.
Honiton
Honiton Community College students at the leadership workshop.
Photo: with permission.
Leadership skills were learned by Honiton Community College students when a group of girls were invited to take part in cricket sessions in a bid to boost confidence and teamwork.
The college teamed up with the Devon Cricket Foundation, with the aim of empowering girls to take the lead in the game.
Girls were invited to take part in cricket sessions in a bid to boost confidence and teamwork.
Photo: with permission.
The newly-trained leaders will now go on to help primary school pupils play the game.
Caroline Brothwood, Honiton Community College headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of how these students embraced the challenge and stepped up as young leaders. “Initiatives like this build lasting confidence and show our students that they have the power to lead, inspire and support others.”
Exeter
An ‘important’ and rare piece of Exeter history, an Anglo-Saxon silver penny made more than 1000 years ago, has ‘come home’ to the city.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) has announced it has acquired the earliest and rarest coin minted in Exeter – one of only three known examples, with the other two in the British Museum.
On one side it proclaims AELFRED REX SAXONUM (Alfred King of the Saxons) and on the other EXA (Exeter).
Photos: Simon Tutty.
The other side of the coin.
Photos: Simon Tutty.
The penny was made in Exeter around 895-899, more than 1,100 years ago, on the orders of King Alfred the Great.
The coin had been in the Dr Irving Schneider Collection in America since 1989, but when the collection came up for auction in Zurich in May, RAMM took the opportunity to acquire what has called a’ hugely important piece of Exeter’s history’.
The museum said the silver coin is the earliest object to bear the name Exeter. On one side it proclaims AELFRED REX SAXONUM (Alfred King of the Saxons) and on the other EXA (Exeter).
Tom Cadbury, RAMM’s assistant curator, said: “This little coin is an incredibly important piece of Exeter’s history. It was made 1,130 years ago making it the earliest known use of the name ‘Exeter’.
“Only three of these coins have ever been found and the museum has been aware of this one’s existence since 1868. It’s incredible that it’s finally coming home.’
Councillor Bob Foale, Exeter City Council lead for arts, culture and tourism, said:
‘We’re delighted that this coin, evidence of Exeter’s important role in the history of the nation, has been acquired for the city.”
He added: “We are grateful to the donors who supported the museum in this acquisition, and look forward to having the coin on display in the near future.’”
The museum said the coin marks the point where Alfred identified Exeter, alongside Winchester, as the headquarters from which to strengthen his rule as king.
A RAAM spokesperson said: “Alfred’s confidence in Exeter was a turning point in the city’s fortunes after being virtually abandoned since Roman times.
“The city walls were repaired and new street grid, different from the Roman one, was laid out. The city evidently grew rapidly. By the year 1000 it was about the sixth most prosperous city in Britain.”
Sidmouth
Students at Sidmouth College took full advantage of being allowed to throw throwing wet sponges at teachers in a bid to raise awareness and funds for a suicide prevention charity.
Students were invited to throw soaked sponges at teachers’ faces, raising £60 for Suicide Prevention UK, which supports those struggling with mental health.
The event was filled with laughter, cheers, and plenty of water flying, the college said.
Students were invited to sponge the teacher, raising £60 for Suicide Prevention UK.
Photo: with permission.
Lisa Whitworth, Sidmouth College headteacher, said: “A massive well done to Mr Jackson’s tutor group for taking the lead and putting on such a fun, well-organised event. It’s fantastic to see our students so engaged in supporting important causes.”
Beer
The grandson of Thomas the Tank Engine creator has been in East Devon, celebrating Pecorama’s 50th birthday.
The attraction, which started in July 1975, was first opened by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, when he unveiled locomotive Thomas Jnr on The Beer Heights Light Railway.
The Reverend Wilbert Awdry, when he unveiled locomotive Thomas Jnr on The Beer Heights Light Railway.
Image: with permission.
This week Richard Awdry, grandson, visited to sign books and share stories of his grandfather.
To mark the attraction’s big birthday, youngsters from schools in Colyton, Musberry, Beer, Branscombe and Seaton were invited to a free visit and a ride on locomotive, Thomas Jnr.
Anniversary celebrations include Pecorama welcoming photos from the 1975 grand opening of the attraction.
Locomotive Thomas Jnr on The Beer Heights Light Railway in 1975.
Image: with permission.
Email photos to julie.newbery@peco.co or post to Pecorama, Underleys, EX12 3NA. Images will be returned.
The attraction opened in July 1975.
Image: with permission.
Exmouth – what’s on
A midnight walk in Exmouth is being held in September to help raise funds for stroke survivors.
Entry to the Exmouth Stroke Survivors’ Club memory midnight walk, on Friday, September 19, is £20, to include a medal to all taking part.
The walk leaves from Orcombe Point, along the Esplanade to the end of the sea front, along Victoria Road to Alexandra Terrace, back along the seafront, Queen’s Drive, finishing in the car park.
A spokesman for Exmouth Stroke Survivors’ Club said: “We aim to raise £750 to support our vital programs and services. Your contribution will help ensure that stroke survivors receive the care and support they need. Register now and join us in making a difference.”
He added: “The midnight walk is not just an event; it is a family-friendly gathering filled with hope and remembrance.
“This special night allows us to shine a light on the cherished memories of those who are no longer with us, while also striding forward to secure a brighter future for stroke survivors in Exmouth and East Devon, both at home and within our community club.
“Whether you participate for fun, fitness, or in loving memory of someone special, we invite you to embrace this opportunity.
“No matter the weather, let’s unite for a night that promises to be unforgettable. Together, we can make every midnight mile matter.”
To enter, call 07468913916.
Sidmouth – what’s on
The new season of Sidmouth Film Society has been announced, starting at the end of July.
This season, six films will be shown at the town’s Radway Cinema. Tickets for the screenings are £5, or £6.50 for a balcony seat.
Martin Jennings-Wright, co-founder of the society, said: ‘The cineastes of East Devon will find much to entertain, inform and, on occasion, challenge them here. The line-up is quite diverse, so there should be something for.
“As ever, we’re very keen to hear what others would like to see – suggestions via email are very welcome.
“Not all films are available for theatrical screening – licenses can lapse, for instance – but we’ll certainly see what we can do.”
There will be an introduction before each screening, either from a film society member or from an external collaborator. Film notes will usually be distributed where available.
The season’s line-up:
Sunday, July 27, 7pm: OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH [PG], with introduction from the National Trust
Sunday, August 31, 7pm: I’M STILL HERE [15] (Ainda Estou Aqui)
Sunday, September 28, 7pm: TWIGGY [12A]
Sunday, October 26, 7pm: ROSEMARY’S BABY [18]
Sunday, November 30, 7pm: REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE [PG]
Sunday, December 14, 7pm: THE WIZARD OF OZ [U]
Email film suggestions to sidmouthfilmsociety@gmail.com
