Community catch-up news from East Devon and Exeter. A round-up of celebrations, schools and young people, free events, plus photos and what’s on – including Sidmouth, Axminster, Broadclyst, Poltimore, Budleigh Salterton, Otterton, Exmouth, East Budleigh. Send your community news and photos to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
Sidmouth
The Red Arrows over Sidmouth.
Archive photo: with permission Sidmouth Town Council.
Supporters of Sidmouth Air Show are being urged to help out at the summer event with fundraising collections.
The organisers of the free family-friendly event are calling on residents to give a bit of time to volunteer to help the fundraising team collect donations from the thousands set to flock to the town on Friday, August 28.
Sidmouth Town Council said public donations were ‘vital’ to safeguard the airshow’s future.
A spokesman for the event said: “Donations collected on the day help cover the overall cost of staging the event and support its future in the years ahead.
“With overheads such as insurance, security and infrastructure continuing to rise, bringing such events to Sidmouth remains challenging so your help is needed to help ensure the event can continue.”
Sidmouth Regatta Airshow organaisers have confirmed the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, and Fairey Swordfish of the Navy Wings flight among the 2026 line-up.
Other events over the regatta weekend include live music, a three-legged race and raft race.
- To help collect air show donations, email Sidmouth Town Council towncouncil@sidmouth.gov.uk or call on 01395 512424
Exeter
Students learned how to spot misinformation online. Photo: with permission.
Isca Academy students in Exeter took part in online safety sessions designed to protect youngsters’ safety.
Exeter MP Steve Race teamed up with YouTube and Parent Zone, organising the Be Internet Citizens programme at the school, helping students spot online lies and boost awareness of how digital information and content is created.
Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said: “So much online content is questionable, especially with the rapid growth of AI, so it is vital that young people can work out what is real and accurate, and what is not.”
Sidmouth – what’s on
Sidmouth Town Band has announced its annual summer season of concerts and the Last Night of the Proms for 2026.
The band is holding its free concerts every Sunday in Connaught Gardens at 8pm, from now until September 6. Donations are welcome.
A spokesman for the band said: “Proving incredibly popular every year, the concerts offer a relaxing way to enjoy some of the very best brass band music in the South West, all in the setting of the beautiful Connaught Gardens.
“Playing a wide variety of music including show and film themes, traditional classical and modern arrangements, the concerts are always well attended.
“For regular concert goers there are also some new compositions and arrangements to look out for as the season progresses.”
Some deck chairs are available but it is advised to take along seating.
Later in the season, the band will perform its Last Night of the Proms on Saturday August 15, at 7.30pm, with a guest celebrity compere, soloists and a varied programme of music leading up to the usual proms’ favourites. See here for ticket information.
East Devon
Richard Foord MP for Honiton and Sidmouth has challenged the Government over slapping South West Water with a ‘loose change’ penalty amid pollution and sewage dumping, saying the fine was small enough to have no impact on the company.
Mr Foord told environment minister, Emma Hardy, how South West Water caused serious environmental harm but was hit with just £2million for seven pollution episodes, dating back as many years, including at Kilmington, in East Devon, and last year failing to provide clean drinking water in Brixham, South Devon, leaving hundreds ill.
He said: “This company had revenue of nearly three quarters of a billion pounds last year. How is the Minister upholding the ‘polluter pays’ principle when the polluter only has to set aside loose change?”
After the meeting, Mr Foord said: “I am frustrated that the penalties for serious pollution incidents are not proportionate to the damage done to our rivers and coastal waters.
“The pollution of the River Axe at Kilmington caused thousands of fish to die, including protected species.
“The Government is not being tough enough with water companies. We need to see much more stringent enforcement, with tougher financial penalties for incidents of sewage pollution, and the supply of drinking water that is not fit to drink.”
Exmouth
Gareth Morgan, from Exmouth, was invited to the garden party by King Charles and military charity The Not Forgotten. Photo: with permission.
A former Royal Marine from Exmouth was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of his support for the armed forces’ family.
Gareth Morgan, aged 42, who now works for South West Water, was invited to the garden party by King Charles and military charity The Not Forgotten.
The event celebrated those who are supporting veterans and service personnel through community activities and projects.
Gareth was invited in recognition of his work mentoring new recruits alongside his engineering work with the water company.
Budleigh Salterton
Residents had a cream tea and picnic.
Photo: with permission.
Care home residents in Budleigh Salterton had a cream tea afternoon during a visit to National Trust property A La Ronde, in Exmouth.
Residents at The Firs had a picnic and learned about the history of the 16-sided house.
Exeter – what’s on
The dog show has proved popular in previous years. Photo: with permission.
A dogs’ day out near Exeter in aid of emergency vet care for street cats and dogs in Sri Lanka is being held on Sunday, June 28, from 12noon until 5pm. Entry is free.
The Pawsome Day Out, at St Martin’s Football Club, Exminster, near Exeter, organised by Lucas Helps Dogs and Claudia’s Canines, is an afternoon of dogs, demos, food, live entertainment, stalls, games and family fun.
The organisers promise the day will be ‘bigger, busier and better than ever’ with host of entertainment, unique stalls, a raffle, auction, kids’ games, bouncy castle, plus activities and demonstrations for four-legged friends, plus a dog show with novelty classes such as Fastest Pupaccino Eater or Waggiest Tail.
All proceeds from the day will go directly towards helping vulnerable cats and dogs in Sri Lanka to fund emergency treatments, vaccinations and sterilisation programmes, plus education for children.
Devon – what’s on
Devon youngsters are being challenged to take part in a summer reading adventure being launched in July in time for the school holidays.
The Summer Book Quest: Mission to Wayfarer Island encourages children to follow a group of friends on a transport-themed adventure through a mix of reading and activities in return for a medal on completion.
The Summer Book Quest, for kids aged four to 11, launches on Saturday, July 11 at Tiverton Library with activities and storytelling for children.
Children can sign up to take part at their local library and have until Saturday, September 12 to complete their quests, which can include writing a book review, picture drawing or bike riding.
Alex Kittow, Libraries Unlimited chief executive, said: “I love that The Summer Book Quest helps get kids reading over the summer holidays. Rather than being stuck behind a screen, they can engage their imaginations and explore new ideas.
“Plus, with The Summer Book Quest, you don’t have to read a set number of books to finish. It’s about finding joy in stories, and reaping all the wellbeing, learning and confidence benefits reading can bring them.”
Exeter
Austel (Annie Rew Shaw) is marking the album’s launch with a 10-date tour around the UK. Image: with permission.
Artist and producer Austel, from Exeter, has released her second album Mirror to Mine, and has announced her UK tour.
Self-produced ‘Mirror To Mine‘ is an alt-folk 10-track record, marking a new chapter for Austel. Her new release explores childhood and how early experiences can continue to shape lives.
Album track Coast To Coast looks back over the past decade when Austel left her home in Exeter to move to London to pursue music.
Austel (Annie Rew Shaw) is marking the album’s launch with a 10-date tour around the UK.
East Devon
Kate Weedon was presented with her award at Kennaway House in Sidmouth by last year’s winner, Laura Hewitt from Seaton Museum. Photo: with permission.
A Poltimore House supporter has been named Art & Culture East Devon (ACED) volunteer of the year in recognition of her impact on the district’s heritage.
Scooping the 2026 accolade is Kate Weedon, whose interest in the heritage of the house and its grounds prompted her to volunteer at Poltimore, East Devon for more than 20 years.
During her time volunteering Kate has launched a future People’s Archive and the Poltimore Archive.
Kate was presented with her award at Kennaway House in Sidmouth by last year’s winner, Laura Hewitt from Seaton Museum.
Councillor Nick Hookway, member for culture, sport, leisure and tourism at east Devon District Council, said: “This annual award recognises the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our cultural life across the district.
“The range of nominations was impressive. It is always a difficult decision for the panel to make, given so many volunteers go above and beyond their role, but Kate’s 20 years as a volunteer and her outstanding contribution to protecting local cultural history truly deserve recognition.”
The shortlisted nominees were Jacqui Blackmore, Sidmouth Jazz Festival. Dr Madeleine Collie, Budleigh Music Festival, Cat Easeman, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Roz Hickman, Fairlynch Museum and Billie McGovern, Axminster Guildhall.
Also, Jane Nicholls, Sidmouth Folk Festival, Andrew Pilkington, Sustainable Project Live. Jacky Stockhill, Exmouth Museum & Heritage Centre, and Peter Thomas, Seaton Museum.
Pictured here are the shortlisted nominees. Photo: with permission.
Axminster
Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support is celebrating a student achieving a successful Bronze Duke of Edinburgh project, creating a new bench for the charity’s garden.
Tom Whelan, aged 14, a student at The Woodroffe School, in Lyme Regis, made the bench with the backing of local businesses Bradfords and Travis Perkins, who provided the materials.
Pictured here is Tom Whelan, aged 14, with the bench he made for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support. Photo: with permission.
Mary Kahn, Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support founder and CEO said: “We were absolutely delighted that Tom chose ALCS for his volunteer project. The bench exceeded our expectations and it’s a wonderful asset for our clients.”
Tom Whelan said: “I enjoyed working with Mary and would like to thank Bradfords and Travis Perkins for the materials. I hope that the clients will enjoy using the bench. It’s meant a lot to give back to the charity.”
Exeter
An Exeter schoolboy who recently travelled to the Netherlands to compete in a European BMX round in Tiel hopes to represent Great Britain at the 2027 World Championships.
Oliver Bridle, aged eight, who secured first-place finish on day one, followed by second place on day two, returned to the UK to compete in the opening rounds of the national BMX series in Manchester, where he achieved second place on day one, and first place on day two, setting a new personal best time.
Pictured here is eight-year-old Oliver Bridle celebrating his latest BMX success. Photo: with permission.
The youngster hopes to qualify in the top 14 riders nationally in his age group to be considered for selection to represent Great Britain at the 2027 World Championships.
He said: “I love BMX because it is a sport that is fun and I have good friends from. I love both the competition and winning, and I’ve won lots.”
Elise Redman, Wynstream Primary School, headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of Oliver and all he has achieved so far.
“His commitment and enthusiasm are truly inspiring, and it is wonderful to see him representing both his school and community on such an exciting stage.
“We look forward to following his journey and cheering him on as he continues to pursue his goals.”
East Devon
MP David Reed officially opened the Clyst Caring Friends book exchange in Broadclyst. Photo: with permission.
A new book community exchange officially opened in Brodclyst, East Devon, with Exmouth and Exeter East MP David Reed invited to cut the ribbon.
The book-swap has been set up in retired red telephone box on the main B3181 road through the village, organised by Clyst Caring Friends.
During his visit, the MP celebrated the charity’s 40th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony, plus a drop-in to the Clyst Caring Friends charity shop and day centre.
Mr Reed said: “It has been a pleasure to visit Clyst Caring Friends and see first-hand the incredible work the charity does to support local people. From the day centre and community activities to the dedicated volunteers who give their time so generously, the organisation makes a real difference to the lives of so many people across Broadclyst, the surrounding area, and communities served by Pinhoe and Broadclyst GP services.”
He added: “The new book exchange is another wonderful example of the charity’s commitment to bringing people together and strengthening our community. I am delighted to officially open it and congratulate everyone involved.”
Sarah Gaisford, Clyst Caring Friends chair of trustees said the charity was ‘delighted’ the MP had joined in celebrations to recognise the work of the staff and volunteers.
East Budleigh
East Budleigh residents are celebrating the village twinning with the city of Salem, Massachusetts.
The connection was made possible through the link that Salem was founded 400 years ago by Roger Conant, who was born in East Budleigh.
Today (June 12) Salem and East Budleigh will mark the twinning with a zoom meeting across the miles.
Making a short speech from Salem will be Mayor Dominic Pangallo, Nicola Moss, British Deputy Consul General, Boston, Senator Joan Lovely, and Representative Mannie Cruz.
From All Saints Church in East Budleigh, where Conant was baptised in 1592, John Tresidder, parish council chairman, will lead the celebrations, alongside other dignitaries, plus Ian Blackwell, who lives in the village and is penning a biography on Conant.
The twining celebrations will be sealed with a joint meal, a chowder and cornbread supper in East Budleigh and lunch in Salem, followed by a mutual toast to bring the speeches to a close.
In a nod to the Salem founder, East Budleigh unveiled a blue plaque in 2023, attended by two Conant descendants.
Sidmouth
Sidmouth College students are pictured here with headteacher Alex Evans. Photo: with permission.
Sidmouth College students and staff are celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection after the school hit the ‘expected standard’ across the board.
Ofsted inspectors visited the Primley Road school in March, assessing achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, plus inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, along with post-16 provision.
Alex Evans Sidmouth College headteacher, said: “We are delighted with this outcome and very grateful to our students, staff, families and wider school community for all their hard work and support.
“We are proud that Ofsted has recognised the many strengths across the college, particularly the positive relationships between staff and students, the ambition of our curriculum, and the strong foundations in place for learning.”
He added: “It is especially pleasing that inspectors highlighted the strong progress students make through the curriculum.
“While this provides a strong foundation, we remain ambitious for every student. We’re now focused on continuing to ensure our students love coming to school and strengthening consistency in the classroom, improving outcomes further, and making sure every young person benefits from high-quality teaching every day.”
Exeter
A young wildlife fan from Exeter recently raised more than £700 for the Devon Wildlife Trust after successfully completing her first triathlon.
Polly, pictured here, a pupil at Exwick Heights Primary School, swam, cycled and ran as part of her Torbay and Devon Civic Award.
Pictured here is Exwick Heights pupil Polly, who has raised funds for the Devon Wildlife Trust.
Photo: with permission.
The 10-year-old triathlete, who is ‘passionate’ about saving the environment, beat her own fundraising target by more than double, donating £788 to Devon Wildlife Trust.
Gemma Wills, Headteacher at Exwick Heights Primary School, said: “We are incredibly proud of Polly for taking on such a tough challenge and showing real determination in completing her first triathlon.
“It is wonderful to see pupils using opportunities like this to support causes they care about and make a positive difference in their communities.”
Devon Wildlife Trust praised the youngster’s ‘huge challenge’ , thanking her for the ‘incredible’ donation.
Devon
Colin Slade, pictured, has a new Sunday show on DevonAir Radio. Photo: DevonAir.
Radio station DevonAir, from its studios in Exmouth, has announced presenter Colin Slade has joined its team, with a new weekly show airing on Sunday evenings.
Colin, who has been a familiar voice on local radio for more than 50 years, is on every Sunday, from 4pm until 6pm.
Andy Green, DevonAir station manager, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Colin to the DevonAir family.
“His passion for local radio, connection with listeners, and wealth of broadcasting experience make him a fantastic addition to our weekend schedule.
“Colin is a well-known and respected voice across the region, and we’re delighted that he’ll be joining us every Sunday afternoon. We’re confident our listeners will give him a very warm welcome.”
Exeter
Exwick Heights Primary School pupils had a hands-on science lesson through a mobile planetarium. Photo: with permission.
Exeter pupils took part in a virtual journey through space when a mobile planetarium visited the school.
Inside the Space Odyssey giant inflatable dome, Exwick Heights Primary School pupils explored the planets in the solar system and learned facts about how they differ in size, temperature and distance from the sun, plus the different phases of the moon, and astronomy data.
Gemma Wills, Exwick Heights Primary School headteacher, said: “The space dome visit was a fantastic experience for our Year 5 pupils and brought their science learning to life in a really memorable way.
“The children were fascinated by the different planets and loved learning more about the Moon and the wider universe. Experiences like this help inspire curiosity and excitement about science.”
Otterton – what’s on
Tickets are now on sale the Otterton Grand Soap Box Derby, on Saturday, June 20, in what is believed to be the only off-road course in the UK.
The event, now in its third year after a 40-year break, raises funds for youth activities and other needy causes in the village.
Tickets, available to buy in Otterton from the Kings Arms pub and the village shop, are £4 in advance, to include parking, and £5 on the day, with concessions for children. Under-fives go free.
Gates open from 9am and with karts start running from 11am.
Exeter
Danny Brown, Rydon Primary School headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of this report because it reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment of our pupils and staff. Photos: with permission.
Rydon Primary School, in Exeter, is celebrating a successful Ofsted report after inspectors said it met the ‘expected standard’ across the board.
Danny Brown, Rydon Primary School headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of this report because it reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment of our pupils and staff. It is particularly pleasing to see Ofsted recognise the progress we have made in developing an ambitious curriculum, our strong personal development offer and the positive attitudes our pupils show every day.
“The report celebrates what makes Rydon special, our values, our sense of community and our belief that everyone belongs. We see this report as part of our journey and as a springboard to achieve even more for our children going forward.”
Exeter
Retired teacher Carol Willis, pictured here with husband Trevor, was invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition for her long service in education. Photo: with permission.
An Exeter primary school teacher has been recognised for her dedication to the profession with an invite to a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Carol Willis, who recently retired from Wynstream Primary School in Exeter after 38 years, was joined by her husband, Trevor, for a garden party to celebrate those who have made a difference in their communities, through public service, education and voluntary work.
Carol joined the school as a parent helper, became a teaching assistant, then trained as a teacher. Now retired, she continues as a governor and volunteer.
Elise Redman, Wynstream Primary School headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of Carol and this very well-deserved recognition.
“Her commitment to Wynstream over so many years, both as a teacher, governor and volunteer, has had a lasting and positive impact on our school community.
“This honour reflects everything she has given to support our children and families.”
