Coffee break news from East Devon. A round-up of celebrations, schools and young people news, community and free events, plus photos and what’s on – including Exmouth, Sidmouth, Cranbrook, Axminster, Seaton, Ottery St Mary.
Half term, What’s On – Ottery St Mary
A half term coffee morning in aid of East Devon Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) returns to Cadhay House, Ottery St Mary, on Thursday, May 28, 10am until 12noon. Entry is free, donations are welcome.
On the day there will be coffee, tea and cake, plus a plants and book sale and raffle with locally donated prizes.
All are welcome. Donations and proceeds go directly towards supporting East Devon RDA’s activities and riders.
Mary Boulton, volunteer for East Devon RDA, said: “We were overwhelmed by the support we received last year and had such a great day with everyone.
“Raising £1,000 was a fantastic achievement and made a real difference to our riders. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back again this half term for another enjoyable morning supporting a local cause.”
East Devon RDA provides therapeutic riding opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, helping to improve confidence, wellbeing, and independence through interaction with horses.
Otterton – What’s on
Entry is free to a debut photo-art exhibition in Otterton of works by photographer James Wakefield.
The exhibition of James’s landscape photography is at Sea View Art Barn, Ladram Bay, Otterton, on Saturday May 30, 10am until 6pm, and Sunday, May 31, 11am until 4pm.
Joining James in exhibiting for the first time is Kit Williams and sculptor and painter Frances Margaret.
East Devon
Pictured here are the managers from the holiday parks who donated a community hedgerow toolbox for local groups to borrow. Photo: EDDC.
A day of conservation work in East Devon was made possible when district council countryside rangers teamed up with young people and employees from the area.
Youngsters supported by Exeter Chiefs Engage programme and staff from Haven Holiday Parks headed for to Clyst Meadows – a new public, green space to help protect key conservation sites at East Devon’s Pebblebed Heaths and the Exe Estuary.
Both groups spent a day volunteering at the site within the Clyst Valley Regional Park, set to open to the public later this year.
Haven Holiday Parks managers maintained hedgerows and afterwards donated a community hedgerow toolbox for local groups to borrow, so community members to take part in practical conservation activities across East Devon with support from the district council countryside team.
James Chubb, countryside manager, said: “This green space is still in the early stages of development, and seeing so many people come together to help shape its future is genuinely inspiring.
“With continued community involvement, I’m excited to see how Clyst Meadows will flourish as a haven for wildlife, a place for people to connect with nature and to enjoy with their dogs.”
Clyst Meadows is owned by East Devon District Council and managed by the East Devon Countryside Team in partnership with Broadclyst Parish Council and the local community.
To volunteer or for more about activities, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk
Sidmouth
Sidmouth Beach Lifeguards have returned for the summer season.
Photo:Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat
Beach lifeguards returned to Sidmouth for the summer season from Saturday (May 23), with a team carrying out patrols.
The Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat’s lifeguards will monitor the beach at weekends, half term and over the summer holidays.
The last few weeks has been spent in training and on exercises, including first aid, basic life support and rescue techniques.
The team is made up of five seasoned lifeguards and five new recruits.
The beach lifeguards have spent the last few weeks has been spent in training and on exercises.
Photo:Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat.
Axminster
A woodland blaze at Axminster has prompted the town’s firefighters to call for people to download the What3Words App.
Earlier in May firefighters were called to an unattended smouldering fire in woods at Trinity Hill spotted by a member of the public, but location details were ‘very limited’
Axminster firefighters located the blaze, which was close to gorse and at risk of spreading.
A spokesperson for the Axminster crew said What3Words was ‘fantastic’ – giving information to direct the emergency services straight to the location.
They said: ‘”Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue control room received a phone call from a member of the public informing them of an unattended smouldering fire within the woods at Trinity Hill outside Axminster.
“Fire control immediately mobilise to investigate.
“Unfortunately, the details passed over to our crew were very limited with the location of this fire, which meant potential concerns when deploying firefighting media. However, fortunately this time crew were able to locate the unattended fire.
“Our crew swiftly extinguished this fire. Due to the landscape on Trinity Hill, it was fortunate that this fire was tackled when it was as it was only a couple metres away from some gorse which could’ve made this incident a lot trickier.”
The spokesperson added: “What three words is a fantastic app which will give a unique reference to the location you are in and this can be shared to a fire control team to support a direct and effective response.”
Sidmouth
Sidmouth residents are invited to new informal drop-in sessions with town and district councillors, to raise concerns or float ideas.
The one-to-one sessions are being trialled over six months, starting on Friday, May 29, from 10am to 12noon pm at Sidmouth Library. The second session is on Friday, June 26, at Stowford Community Centre.
Th council will monitor the trial and if it proves successful the sessions are likely to continue.
The aim is to encourage residents and councillors to keep in touch in a ‘simpler, more relaxed way’, to hear about priorities and what matters to the community to ‘keep local voices at the heart of decision-making’.
Councillor Hilary Nelson, chair of Sidmouth Town Council, said: “We hope these informal drop in sessions will make it easier for residents to talk to us, share their ideas and let us know what matters to them. We would love people to come along, have a chat and help us make Sidmouth even better for everyone.”
Devon
Devon County Show organisers confirmed a record-breaking 106,000 visitors to this year’s show, an increase of 5,000 compared to 2025.
Lisa Moore, show manager, thanked the event volunteers, those who visited, adding planning for the 2027 show had begun.
Sidmouth
The green waterlogged boat was washed up on Jacob’s Ladder and towed back to Sidmouth.
Photo: Beer Coastguard Rescue Team.
An abandoned boat discovered on Jacob’s Ladder beach on Tuesday morning (May 26) sparked a callout from the Sidmouth lifeboat crew and Beer Coastguard.
The Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat launched to the far end of Jacob’s Ladder, to a washed-up boat, which it towed back to Port Royal Beach.
A Beer Coastguard Rescue Team spokesperson said: “Team members walked to the far end of the beach where a small green motor boat, which was full of water, was located.
“On investigation, nothing concerning was discovered so the boat was emptied and towed ashore by Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat.”
Cranbrook
Cranbrook pupils were at Bicton for a science lesson, learning about flowers and plants. Photo: with permission.
Science was brought to life for Cranbrook pupils when they looked at the life of plants during a visit to Bicton Park, in East Devon.
The Cranbrook Education Campus Year 3 youngsters’ hands-on science lesson included planting sunflower seeds to take home, making detailed drawings of plants, and journaling.
Cranbrook Education Campus youngsters planted sunflower seeds to take home and grow.
Photo: with permission.
Stephen Farmer, Cranbrook Education Campus head, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for our Year 3 pupils to experience science learning beyond the classroom. The visit to Bicton Park brought their learning to life in a really engaging way and helped them develop curiosity, observation skills and a deeper understanding of plant life cycles.”
Cranbrook pupils had a hands-on science lesson in plant life at Bicton Park, East Devon.
Photo: with permission.
Sidmouth
MP Richard Foord was grilled by Sidmouth College Students keen to hear his stance on issues affecting young people and their wider community.
Mr Foord, MP for Honiton & Sidmouth, was quizzed by the student council about business rates, transport challenges, potholes, and concerns about reduced opportunities for face-to-face activities for young people outside of technology.
Richard Foord, MP for Honiton & Sidmouth, spent time with Sidmouth College student council. Photo: with permission.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton and Sidmouth spent an hour with student council members, who attended school during half term, discussing a range of issues affecting young people and their wider community.
Alex Evans, Sidmouth College headteacher, said: “Our student council asked thoughtful and well-informed questions, and it was excellent to see them confidently discussing issues that matter to them and their community. We are grateful to Richard Foord for taking the time to listen and respond so fully.”
Exmouth and Exeter
Councillor Charlotte FitzGerald will stand as the Liberal Democrats’ candidate for Exmouth & Exeter East.
The Liberal Democrats have announced Councillor Charlotte FitzGerald as their candidate for Exmouth & Exeter East in the next General Election.
The party said the local activist was an established community campaigner on high streets, sewage pollution, and the economy.
Cllr Fitzgerald, pictured here, who lived in Exeter and now in the Budleigh Salterton area, said: “Trust in politicians needs reviving. This is what I have been hearing on the doorsteps around the constituency. I am determined to be that change, being a local champion for Exmouth & Exeter East.”
Axminster
The blue painted swan had been a Diamond Jubilee feature. Photo: with permission.
A large hand-painted swan sculpture commissioned by the Mayor of Wells in 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has sold at an auction in Axminster for £270.
The Swans of Wells sculpture trail invited community groups, businesses, charities and individuals to decorate one of 60 large swan statues in a bid to raise funds for charity, and increase footfall to UK’s smallest city during jubilee celebrations.
Auctioneers Atkins Auctions said the hand-painted fibreglass swan was the ‘most discussed item’ on sale day.
A spokeswoman for the auction house said: “The new owner is delighted to have such a unique piece for their garden.”
Cranbrook
A total of 5,670 new trees have been planted across Cranbrook County Park as part of two-year town project launched in winter 2024.
The new woodland includes 20 native broadleaf species, including oak, alder and willow, all selected to boost the natural environment, ease flooding and support wildlife.
Volunteers from a host of groups and organisations of all ages planted the trees.
Andrew Chapman-New, Cranbrook ranger, said “It has been a pleasure to lead these projects and see many volunteers and community groups played a part in the tree planting activities, whether for a single session or all, braving the elements in all weather conditions.
“A big thank you to everyone who joined in and stopped for a chat along the way.
“These trees will continue to grow and provide lasting benefits for our biodiversity and the Cranbrook community for years to come.”
The tree planting project was funded Forestry Commission’s England Woodland Creation Offer and the Devon County Council Local Authority Treescapes Fund.
Sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth is celebrating scooping a national film award for Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures, highlighting the cruelty behind the donkey skin trade.
The charity won the Smiley Charity ‘People’s Choice’ Gold award for its campaign film, shining a light on donkey owners in Kenya, and the impact the trade has had on their lives.
Marianne Steele, The Donkey Sanctuary CEO, said: “This award is so meaningful because it reflects the public’s support for exposing one of the most urgent animal welfare threats today.
“The global donkey skin trade sees millions of donkeys slaughtered every year for their skins to make traditional Chinese medicine, often in brutal conditions. As this film shows, not only is this decimating global donkey populations, it is also devastating the communities who depend on donkeys for their livelihoods.”
She added: “Through powerful storytelling, this film helps us shine a light on this hidden crisis and inspire action. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted and will continue to raise our voices until this inhumane trade is brought to an end.”
Exmouth
Exmouth Community College students were taught beach and water safety. Photo: with permission.
Exmouth Community College students learned beach safety skills when the RNLI held a water smart assembly at the school.
Students were taught beach and water safety, how to float to survive and what to do if caught in a rip current.
Tom Inman, Exmouth Community College headteacher, said: “Living so close to the sea is a real privilege for our community, but it also comes with responsibilities.
“It is essential that our young people understand how to stay safe in and around water, and these sessions provided them with vital life skills that could make a real difference.
“We hope students will share what they have learned with their families and friends, helping to spread these important safety messages across our wider community.”
Sidmouth
Sidmouth College cheerleading team competed in the South West Schools Division and was placed first. Photo: with permission.
A cheerleading team from Sidmouth has been crowned regional champions at the South West Cheerleading Championships, in Torquay.
Sidmouth College cheerleading team competed in the South West Schools Division and was placed first.
Alex Evans, Sidmouth College headteacher, said: “This is a brilliant achievement for the cheerleading team, who represented the college strongly against tough opposition from across the region.
“Their commitment to training and teamwork has been evident throughout the season, and their success is fully deserved.”
Seaton
Seaton care home owners Geoffrey Cox and his wife, Margot Whittaker, are pictured here at a Buckingham Palace garden party, where they met King Charles.
Photo: with permission.
Seaton nursing home owners Geoffrey Cox and his wife, Margot Whittaker, met King Charles when they were invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of their contributions to social care.
Geoffrey and Margot, the director of nursing and compliance, who have nursing homes in Exeter, Seaton, Plymouth and Dawlish, shook hands with the King, who was attending the event with Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal family, and briefly spoke to him as they stood with other garden party guests.
The pair were at the front of a line of guests waiting to greet the Monarch when the King came over.
Geoffrey said: “He made eye contact and I put my hand out to shake the King’s and he asked me where we were from. I said ‘Devon’ and he replied, ‘it’s a lovely county, a beautiful place.’ It’s an experience I won’t forget.”
He added: “It was an incredible honour to attend the Royal garden party and to represent the social care sector at such a prestigious occasion.”
East Devon
Councillor Paul Arnott, the leader of East Devon District Council. Photo: EDDC.
Councillor Paul Arnott re-elected as East Devon District Council Leader for seventh consecutive term
He thanked councillors for electing him again as leader before setting out what he saw as ‘main ambitions and challenges’ facing the council in the year ahead.
He said it was ‘crucial’ to forge ahead with projects including transforming the council’s recycling and waste service, arranging a new leisure contract, continuing placemaking in Exmouth, and building the new town of Marlcombe.
Letter
Dear Editor,
This Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), I want to pay tribute to the people in Devon who are quietly changing children’s lives.
Across the county, 19,786 children are eligible for free school meals, a stark reminder that for many families here, getting by is a daily struggle. Nationally, 4.5 million children are living in poverty: going to school hungry, wearing worn-out uniforms, unable to join in with friends. Devon volunteers for The Children’s Society are helping us reach those children, through befriending, community events, charity shops, and speaking up as local ambassadors.
To every volunteer in Devon: Thank you. Your time and commitment make our work possible.
But we need more people to step forward. Whether you can spare a few hours in one of our shops, support a young person directly, or use your voice as a speaker or ambassador, every contribution matters.
To find out how to get involved, visit http://childrenssociety.org.uk/volunteer or call 0300 303 7000.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Russell OBE
Chief Executive, The Children’s Society
- Send your community news and photos to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
