Community news in-brief from East Devon, photos, what’s on from across the district. Email your community news to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
East Devon – what’s on
Family theatre for deaf and hearing audiences will be performed at two East Devon libraries at the end of July.
The Librarians combines British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English in a performance for children aged four to nine-years-old, and their families.
The show can be seen on Wednesday, July 29, at 10am at Sidmouth Library and again at 2pm at Exmouth Library.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council member for libraries, said: “Our libraries are places where everyone should feel welcome. This wonderful show brings stories to life in a way that can be enjoyed by deaf and hearing children together.
“It’s a great example of how libraries can inspire imagination, bring communities together and help more children discover a love of reading.”
Budleigh Salterton
The service to remember Matthew Upham, who died during the Budleigh Salterton festive swim in December 2025., was attended by Exmouth RNLI volunteers, some who tried to save him, and the charity’s CEO. Photo: Ken Clayton.
A concert held in Budleigh Salterton in memory of a businessman who died when tragedy hit the town’s festive dip was attended by Exmouth RNLI volunteers who tried to save his life.
RNLI volunteers were at the end of June invited to the opening of Budleigh Music Festival for a concert at St Peter’s Church to remember Matthew Upham, who died on Christmas Day 2025 after taking part in the town’s festive swim.
The concert raised more than £1,600 for the RNLI.
A spokeswoman for Exmouth RNLI said volunteers and staff had been ‘humbled’ by the community support.
She said: “In a very moving evening, the love and high regard in which Matthew Upham is held by his friends was evident to all who attended.”
Also at the memorial concert was Peter Sparkes, RNLI chief executive and the charity’s regional staff.
Mr Sparkes spoke about the tragedy and thanked the RNLI crews, emergency services, Budleigh community and the festival committee for their support.
Exmouth
Exmouth coastguard volunteers will continue being paid for callouts and training after a government U-turn scrapped planned cuts to payments.
David Reed MP, Exmouth and Exeter East MP, who backed the Save Our Service campaign, repeatedly lobbied the Government, highlighting the potential impact on local Coastguard teams if volunteers were reduced to claiming expenses instead of receiving guaranteed callout and training payments.
The move to scrap payments was the result of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s plans to change Coastguard Rescue Officers to expenses-only following a Court of Appeal ruling on employment status.
David Reed MP said the U-turn was a ‘victory for the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team’ and volunteers nationwide.
Mr Reed, who raised concerns directly with the Maritime Minister in Parliament, said: “Coastguard Rescue Officers are highly trained emergency responders who give up their time to keep others safe. They do not do it for the money, but the modest payments they receive help make service possible alongside work, family life and other commitments.
“When Coastguard Rescue Officers warned that experienced people could reduce their hours or leave the service, MPs from all parties listened and took those concerns directly to ministers.”
Broadclyst
Pictured here are some of the youngsters benefitting from Broadclyst Parish Council’s agreed boost to youth work funding, investing £50,000 annually. Photo: with permission.
Weekly youth clubs in Broadclyst are being supported by the parish council at a cost of £50,000 a year.
Broadclyst Parish Council recently announced it was celebrating 12 years of investing in youth work, after teaming up with YMCA Exeter in 2014.
The parish council said it had taken ‘proactive steps’ to boost its youth service support, increasing its funding ‘despite severe budget constraints’.
Teenagers can learn new skills at the free youth group sessions. Photo: with permission.
The council in 2024 agreed a hike in youth work funding, investing £50,000 annually to provide free activities including arts, crafts, cooking and games. Currently around 150 young people take part across Broadclyst, Tithebarn and Westclyst.
Angie Hurren, Broadclyst council clerk, said: “Often it’s the teenagers that slip through the gap, but we want to make each young person feel that they matter. A youth group keeps young people physically busy, provides a safe space for face-to-face mental health support and helps to engender pride and a sense of belonging to their club.”
Broadclyst offers free activities for youths. Photo: with permission.
Gareth Sorsby, YMCA Exeter joint CEO, said he hoped the partnership with Broadclyst would inspire other councils and organisations to get involved.
He said: “What Broadclyst Parish Council has chosen to build over 12 years, and the courage they’ve shown in continuing to invest when so many others have stepped back, is something we are incredibly proud to be part of.”
Bicton
Bicton College students from the Elite Riding Team, who will benefit from a new sponsorship agreement. Photo: Bicton College.
Student horse riders at college in East Devon are celebrating winning the backing of an equestrian footwear brand.
A new sponsorship package from Chatham will directly support Bicton College’s Elite Riding Team.
Ed Parrish, college principal, said: “Support from respected employers and recognised industry brands helps create valuable opportunities for our students and strengthens the learning experience we are able to offer.”
Philip Marsh, managing director at the footwear firm, said the brand was ‘proud’ to support the college and next generations of equestrians.
