Programme


Tuesday April 1st 2025 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	AGM and a talk "Pictures, people and places, a look at the DLHG archive" by Mike Trigger. What is the Dawlish Local History Group Archive? Why is Park Road so called? Why are there leisure facilities at Sandy Lane? What estates made up Dawlish? Was there a tower in the north side of St Gregories? etc....
Tuesday May 6th, 2025 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The Building of Exeter Cathedral part 2 by John Allen In June 2023 John Allan presented part 1 of his talk and has agreed to continue the story with part 2. John as the Archaeologist at Exeter Cathedral, has been closely involved in the extensive conservation work of the Cathedral. Founded in 1050 with the enthronement of the first Bishop of Exeter, in the presence of King Edward the Confessor and Queen Edytha, Exeter Cathedral is one of Europe's great Cathedrals. The building was significantly developed from the 12th to 14th centuries and remains the most complete example of a first rank church in the English Decorated architectural style.
Tuesday June 3rd 2025 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook, the first 100 years by Angela Dodd-Crompton The Italian Garden is a magical place. It is Edwardian, once-lost and grade-II-listed. My talk involves a PowerPoint slideshow and covers (i) a virtual tour (starting with a blank map that gets filled in as we go round, while leaving mysteries along the way that get answered by original photos and data in the later sections), (ii) the garden's rediscovery under a bramble- and ivy-infested wood in 1988 and (iii) information about its creators. It does not cover the renovation / restoration work being carried out by the volunteers on behalf of the new owners, who bought it in 2016.
2pm Tuesday 1st July. VISIT	The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook guided tour. The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook with a guided talk. Limited to 12 people with car sharing required due to limited parking. Cost ten pounds each. Possible additional dates if more people want to come minium 8 people on each tour.
2-30PM Tuesday 5th August. VISIT	A guided walk around Historic Starcross, by Jon Nichol Meet at 2-30pm outside Starcross Station. Number 2 bus also stops at this location. There are a couple of car parks (fee payable) in Starcross and limited street parking.
Tuesday September 2nd 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Wartime History of Exeter Airport (RAF Exeter) 1937 to 1945 by Chris Wiseman Chris Wiseman has lived in Exeter, Devon, all his life from 1960 and is passionate about aviation. Last year we heard the hist of the Polish 307 Squadron based at Exeter and this talk aims to complete the wartime history including when the Americans came.
Tuesday October 7th 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Executions in Exeter, by Michael Richards. Michael Richards, the well known Red Coat guide, has presented various talks to Dawlish Local History Group and this talk will give an insight into Executions in Exeter. The last one in Exeter Prison was in 1943!. Putting this in context the last execution in the UK was by hanging and took place in 1964. Capital punishment for murder was suspended in 1965 and finally abolished in 1969.
Tuesday November 4th in the Manor House, Dawlish.	A talk about Torquay Pottery by Jeremy Julian Jeremy Julian from the Torquay Pottery Collectors Society whose aims are to raise the profile and the collecting of the magnificent pots produced by the Torquay and South Devon potters in the second half of the 19th Century through to the late 20th century. "Torquay Pottery" has become the generic term covering the numerous potteries that made Art Pottery and later souvenir/household pottery, from around 1860 until the late 20th century, mainly using local sources of red Devon clay. These potteries were based within about 5 miles of Torquay, in Devon, but also include a few other West Country potteries which copied the Torquay style. They were usually established by craftsmen who had learnt or practised their skills in Torquay. If you have a pot to bring along for members to view, then please do.
Tuesday 2nd December 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Festive event including a talk, refreshments and a quiz. It is a time to send Christmas cards so Peter Halmkin will present a talk about the Postal Services in Starcross. There will be festive refreshements and if time permits a short quiz.

Tuesday 6th January 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The growth of Dawlish as a holiday destination. Brunel's legacy. by David Force David is a well known local historian and has published a number of books including "Dawlish through the ages". In a previous life he was owner of Force and Sons the local estate agent and during Covid gave us a zoom talk "One brick short of a full house".
Tuesday 3rd February 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Devon Dead and Buried by Hugh Meller Hugh has visited 700 or more religious buildings and burial sites in Devon where a cross section of society lies. These include aristocrats and artists, paupers and politicians, merchants and missionaries, sailors and suicides. Their often-neglected stories form the the basis of the talk and are recounted in the book Devon Dead and Buried by Hugh Meller.
Tuesday 3rd March 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The Lieutenancy of Devon by Rear Admiral Chris Snow CBE DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant. What is The Office of the Lord Lieutenant. The Lieutenancy was created during the reign of Henry VIII (1509 to 1547), taking over the military duties of the Sheriffs and control of the military forces of the Crown. From 1569 there was provision for the appointment of Deputy Lieutenants, and in 1662 the Lord-Lieutenant was given entire control of the militia. The Regulation of the Forces Act 1871 transferred this function back to the Crown, and in 1921, the office lost its power to call upon men of the county to fight in case of need. Since 1711 all the Lord Lieutenants have also been Custos Rotulorum of Devon. In 2026 The Lieutenancy helps to promote Devon communities, culture, services, heritage, business and charitable success while drawing attention to those addressing challenges and problems in the County. It also has a role in supporting the three Services and, in particular, the Reserve forces and cadets.
Tuesday 7th April 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	AGM with a talk to be arranged.