Programme


April 2nd 2024, 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	AGM and talk "A short history of Cofton Holiday Camp" by Valerie Jeffery Holiday Caravan and Camping sites have changed somewhat over the years since Cofton Holidays was established by the Jeffery family in 1975.
Tuesday May 7th, 2-30PM in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Sir Walter Raleigh the Queen's favourite Devonian by Phil Badcott Please note this talk will be held in room 4a upstairs. There is a lift if required. Follow the ups and downs of the life of Devons soldier, statesman, scholar and sea-explorer from his birth in 1552 in East Devon to his death in 1618. Be surprised at the incredible achievements of our Devonshire genius. Phil Badcott is a Torquinian and has lived in Devon all his life. After a career at BT, Devon County Council and running his own business, Phil now devotes much of his time to studying, writing and speaking about the history of Devon. He is the author of three books including: Please note this talk will be held in room 4a upstairs. There is a lift if required.
Tuesday 4th June 2024, 2-30PM in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The Port of Teignmouth: A Dangerous Place by Lesley McGinn A look at the hazards faced when working in Teignmouth Port. Please note this talk will be held in room 4a upstairs. There is a lift if required.
Thursday 4 th July 2024 VISIT SORRY CANCELLED.	Due to circumstances beyond our control the guided talk about Medieval Exeter by the well known red coat guide Michael Richards has had to be CANCELLED.
Tuesday 6th AUGUST 2pm VISIT	Members only visit to Ashcombe Tower. Details by E mail. Please note due to logistics we are no longer going back to Ashcombe Hall for coffee - sorry.
Tuesday 3rd September 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Surnames in Devon and Beyond by Robert Hesketh Robert, a well known writer, speaker and Devon walker, will talk about the names of people and places across Devon and beyond.
Tuesday October 1st, 2-30PM in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Polands 307 Squadron by Michael Parrott The Squadron that protected Exeter in WW2. 307 Squadron was based at RAF Clyst Honiton, now the site of Exeter Airport, between 1941 and 1943 to defend the South West against night attacks by enemy bombers. On the main night of the Exeter Blitz. The squadron heavily outnumbered with just four available aircraft to tackle 40 enemy planes shot down four German bombers which were primed to release their bombs on Exeter, potentially preventing total destruction of the city.
Tuesday November 5th, 2-30PM in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Exeter's Royal Visitors by Michael Richards Michael Richards has presented various talks to Dawlish Local History Group and for this talk about the many Royal visitors to Exeter over the centuries. These, amongst others, include: King Athelstan, in the early 10th. The Duchess of Clarence, the wife of William IV, stayed at the (Royal) Clarence Hotel. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited after the Blitz. The then Prince Charles, now King Chales III, who visited in 1979 and 2021.
Tuesday December 3rd 2024 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Festive refreshments and a talk Christmas Traditions around the world by Adrienne Hesketh. Adrienne Hesketh will present a talk on music and traditions at Christmas around the world.

January 7th 2025 2-30PM in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Provisional: A look at some information from the Archive. Extracts from the Dawlish History Group Archive showing aspects of Dawlish people and places.
Tuesday February 4th 2025 2-30PM in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Recent Excavations in Roman Exeter and Area by Derek Gore Detail to be added
Tuesday March 4th 2025 2-30PM in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Talk by Todd Gray Details to be confirmed
Tuesday April 1st or 8th 2025 (to be confirmed) 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	AGM and talk. Details to be confirmed
Tuesday May 4th, 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 hist talk and has agreed to continue to 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.