Community news in-brief from East Devon, photos, what’s on from across the district. Email your community news to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
Topsham
More than 1,000 riders tackled The Nello 2026 challenge in aid of cancer charity, FORCE. Photos: with permission.
The annual Nello cycle ride, starting and finishing in Topsham, raised more than £82,000 for cancer charity, FORCE.
Some 1,265 riders tackled 100-mile or 60-mile route through the Devon countryside, and into Somerset.
The Nello, annually held on the last Sunday in June, is in memory of Topsham restaurateur Nello Ghezzo, who in 1997 with his friend Marc Millon cycled from the town to St Mark’s Square in Venice to raise money for FORCE.
The annual Nello cycle ride, starting and finishing in Topsham, raised more than £82,000 for cancer charity, FORCE. Photos: with permission.
When Nello died of cancer in 1999 at the age of 50, Marc and his wife, Kim, in 2000 launched the Nello Century Cycle Challenge ride to raise money in his memory, which has gone on to raise more than £1.5milion for Exeter-based FORCE.
Event organisers said the ride would return in 2027 on Sunday June 27.
Marc Millon, who tackled the 60-mile route, said: “What another amazing year – the 27th Nello. I was so thrilled to see this incredible atmosphere and so many people turning up to take on the challenge, many riding for their own personal reasons, their own sad reasons, others just out to enjoy a fabulous day and support FORCE.
“I can’t thank the organisers enough for keeping this incredible event going, keeping above all the spirit of friendship and camaraderie that is such an important part of The Nello.”
The Nello, annually held on the last Sunday in June, is in memory of Topsham restaurateur Nello Ghezzo. Photos: with permission.
Chloe Richardson, FORCE events organiser, praised all who took part and supported the ride.
She said: “A huge thank you to everyone who fundraised for FORCE or who made a donation. It is because of your kindness and generosity that we are able to offer our services free of charge to local people affected by cancer.”
Exmouth
Exmouth Community College dance students with former pupil turned professional dancer Hattie Musgrove, who returned to help with exam choreography. Photo: with permission.
Dance students at Exmouth Community College teamed up with a two professionals for a series of workshops to help create original exam choreography.
Former community college student Hattie Musgrove and university dance lecturer Kuldip Singh-Barmi led the workshops, praising pupils’ talent, creativity, enthusiasm and professionalism.
University dance lecturer Kuldip Singh-Barmi led choreography workshops for Exmouth Community College exam students. Photo: with permission.
Tom Inman, Exmouth Community College headteacher, said: “I have been incredibly proud of all of the students involved. They approached every challenge with professionalism, creativity and determination, working together to create some truly stunning performances.
“Having the opportunity to learn from both a successful former student and a university dance specialist has been invaluable. Experiences like these help our students see the exciting possibilities available to them and inspire them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.”
Former Exmouth Community College student Hattie Musgrove, now a professional dancer, returned to school to help exam pupils create original choreography. Photo: with permission.
What’s on Sidmouth
See artist Dayle Helsby’s work for free in Sidmouth, from July 21-July 26. Image: with permission.
Artist Dayle Helsby is exhibiting his work at Kennaway House, Sidmouth, July 21-26. Photo: with permission.
An exhibition of Spanish paintings by Devon artist Dayle Helsby is on display at Kennaway House, Sidmouth, from Tuesday, July 21 until Sunday, July, 26, 10am until 4pm. Entry is free.
Exhibition poster shows the painting titled Moonlit Semaphore. Image: with permission.
The Iberia exhibition of paintings, cityscapes, street scenes and interiors were inspired by the artist’s Spanish travels in Madrid and Andalucia.
Madrid Empurpled is one of Dayle Helsby’s works inspired from his travels. Image: with permission.
What’s on Devon
Around 100 boats are expected in the waters at Torquay when the Fireball World and National Championships kicks off next week, hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.
Scores of competitors are expected to take part in the Fireball World and National Championships. Image: with permission.
The Fireball UK Nationals is from Monday, July 20 until Friday, July 24.
The Fireball World Championships runs from Sunday, July 26 until Friday, July 31.
What’s on East Devon
Pictured here is artist Patricia Dixon. Photo: Sally Dove.
Contemporary stained glass of objects linked to a National Trust property in East Devon are on display until November 1.
Artist Patricia Dixon was commissioned by the National Trust at Killerton, near Broadclyst, to showcase Our Killerton community collaboration, inspired by eight objects chosen by staff, vistitors and volunteers connected to the property.
Artist Patricia Dixon was commissioned by the National Trust to showcase Our KIllierton. Photo: Steve Haywood.
Patricia ran creative workshops at Killerton with some of the group who selected the chosen objects.
Katarina Robinson, Killerton collections and house manager, said: “People’s stories have always been, and continue to be, embedded in the history of Killerton’s objects.
“We really wanted to showcase the voices of all the people connected to Killerton, through the lens of the objects in the house.”
Creative workshops at Killerton with some of the group who selected the chosen objects. Photo: Patricia Dixon.
Devon
A Devon-wide campaign to recruit more volunteer drivers to boost community transport groups has launched.
Devon Community Drivers, a partnership between Devon Communities Together and Devon Access to Services, hopes to recruit drivers aged over 21 with at least two years’ experience behind the wheel.
The volunteer role is flexible and mileage expenses are reimbursed.
Ben Feasey, Devon Communities Together project manager, said: “Volunteer drivers make an enormous difference to people’s lives every day.
“For many residents, particularly in rural communities, these journeys provide a vital link to healthcare, social activities and community life.
“We’re looking to attract a new generation of volunteers by demonstrating just how flexible and rewarding this role can be.”
Exmouth
David Reed, MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, recently secured a pledge from the Government to judge if water and sewage infrastructure can keep up with proposed large-scale housing developments in East Devon.
Highlighting Exmouth residents’ concerns to the proposed EXMO_20 development of 700 homes on the outskirts of the town, and the impact on the sewage set-up, Mr Reed called on Water Minister Emma Hardy to work with him and the Housing Minister.
He urged ‘rigorous scrutiny’ on future proposals, and that plans would be challenged if South West Water could not guarantee the infrastructure.
David Reed MP told the House of Commons sewage pollution in East Devon was a serious and everyday concern for residents.
He said: “Communities have seen what happens when development races ahead of infrastructure. Cranbrook is a clear example of lessons that must be learned. We cannot allow thousands of new homes to be built without confidence that water and wastewater services will be able to cope.”
Water Minister Emma Hardy gave her backing to Mr Reed and agreed where homes were built, water and waste supplies should be adequate.
East Devon
Richard Foord MP for Honiton & Sidmouth has called for the Government to back community hospitals, amid concerns of cost-cutting health service centralisation.
He told MPs how four East Devon community hospitals no longer have in-patient beds.
Richard Foord MP is championing community hospitals in East Devon. Photo: with permission.
Mr Foord said: “Years ago, they all provided in-patient beds, minor injuries units and rehabilitation services, acting as halfway houses after discharge from the acute hospital, which for us was the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, and before home.
“They also provided support after operations, cared for the elderly and freed up beds in the RD&E and other acute hospitals.
“Today, much of that capacity has been stripped away. Of those five community hospitals, only Sidmouth retains in-patient beds—and a mere 25 at that. For a region of 150,000 people dealing with constant discharge pressure from Exeter, that is plainly insufficient. Honiton is the only one of the five that still has a minor injuries unit.”
