Programme

For a printable copy of the latest click here for the PDF version


	Please note due to a change in charging policy, in future we may not have access to the Council Chamber until 2-15pm. Despite this we aim to start as close to 2-30pm as possible.
Tuesday April 4th at 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	A short AGM will be followed by a talk by Todd Grey "Slave owners of Devon and the Dawlish connection". Based on his book "Devon and the Slave Trade", Dr Todd Grey FRHistS MBE, who is an expert on the history of Devon at the University of Exeter, takes a look at the county's links with the slave trade including links to Dawlish.
Tuesday May 2nd at 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	"Bishopsteignton - Home to Nelson's Admirals", by Jenny Ridd When Jenny moved to the Bishopsteignton seven years ago, she discovered three admirals' tombs in the churchyard and found that they all had links with Nelson. That started her interest in the Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torquay admirals, of whom there are many. This talk is not all about their naval careers, but about the effect they had on the village, the grand houses they built, and the lovely gardens they created, most of which can still be seen along Forder Lane today.
Tuesday June 6th at 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The Building of Exeter Cathedral part 1 by John Allen 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.
22nd June (List Full)	Visit to Fursdon House Late June proposed visit to Fursdon House. If you would like to be added to the list and can offer or require a car share please contact us. A date will then be agreed between the interested parties.
Tuesday July 4th VISIT - CANCELLED	Homeyards Walk & Tour, Shaldon. (VISIT CANCELLED) Due to the lack of interest from member the visit to FRIENDS OF HOMEYARDS BOTANICAL GARDENS in Shaldon has been cancelled.
AUGUST 2023	The Council Chamber is not available on our normal day. The Manor House as of June 23rd has been closed for events due to a building defect. If the Council Chamber is not available for our September talk we will try and arrange an alternative venue
5th SEPTEMBER 2023 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	A History of Southernhay, Exeter by Michael Richards. Michael presented a talk on Exeter Hospitals in 2022 and this year he presents a talk about the History Of Southernhay in Exeter. "Mike Richards retired from the Devon and Cornwall police 20 years ago and since then has developed an interest in local history. He is a Redcoat Guide in Exeter and also at Exeter Cathedral (both voluntary positions) and helps to train aspiring guides. This talk will explore the Southernhay area of the city from Roman times to the present day and will look at it's development from parkland and an area for hunting, public executions and leisure activities to its current position, how most of it survived the blitz and is now a centre for financial services. We'll look at some of the noteworthy buildings and interesting characters who have lived there".
Saturday September 9th 2023 WALK	Dawlish Walking Festival Walk led by Suzanne Jones. History Group Walk - Eastern side of Dawlish Manor Meet at Brookdale Terrace Bus Stop (direction Exeter) at 1.45pm for 1.55pm for the No.2 bus towards Exeter. Alight at Cockwood Harbour. The walk will cover the history of Cofton and Cockwood before walking back to Dawlish as close to the old route that would have been taken pre-1750. The walk will be on lanes, pavements and grass paths and there are two hills. The walk finishes at St Gregory's Church at the heart of old Dawlish. Distance 5.2mile and will take about 2 hours. Contact: dawlishwalkingfestival@gmail.com or 07999 218216 to book a place.
VISIT 3rd OCTOBER 2023	Powerderham Castle visit and tour - This tour is limited to 20 people. Meet at 2-30pm for a 2-45pm tour. There will be a charge for this visit but as a group there are some discounts to be applied hence the visit will be offered at reduced cost compared to normal admission. Group size is 20 people. Please E mail Bob to say if you would like to be on the list.
Tuesday November 7th at 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Shaldon by Alec Collyer Alec Collyer MBE is a former BBC broadcast cameraman and has written books on Shaldon, the most recent in 2021. Alec will talk us through images of Shaldon from his collection.
Tuesday December 5th at 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Festive refreshments, a talk by Keith Gibson and a Quiz Events of a BBC Cameraman by Keith Gibson. A short guess the date quiz. Festive refreshments.

Tuesday January 9th at 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The "Dartmoor Conchies" by Simon Dell MBE Simon Dell MBE is one of the most sought-after public speakers in the county with talks on a range of themes from his vast historical knowledge of Dartmoor. He has written and number of books including MUTINY ON THE MOOR and the THE DARTMOOR CONCHIES. You can view his books at simondell.co.uk/shop/
Tuesday February 6th at 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	The Exeter Canal by Grahame Fordham, the Harbour Master for Exeter Port Authority. The historic Exeter Ship Canal first opened to shipping in 1566 and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. The canal basin and quay are an historic gateway to the city and if you journey along the canal the tow path brings you to the Double Locks pub and later to the Turf Hotel at the furthest reach of the canal.
Tuesday March 5th 2024 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Dawlish Weather by Mike Trigger The talk will build upon the information in the 2010 Dawlish Local History Group publication "The Weather in Dawlish Past, Present and Future" by A R Thompson and see what has changed. Mike Trigger was a Forecaster at many locations across the country and ended his career as one of the Deputy Chief Forecasters at the Met Office in Exeter.
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 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:
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.