Programme


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 and is passionate about aviation. Last year we heard the history 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.
October 30th Exeter Cathederal event.	2025 Annual Library Lecture: The secrets and silences of Exon Domesday, in person or on line. This information is for information only and is not connected to Dawlish Local History Group. 2025 Annual Exeter Cathederal Library Lecture: The secrets and silences of Exon Domesday Exon Domesday is the oldest of the three original manuscripts surviving from William the Conquerors Domesday Survey of 1086. It was long recognised as connected with Domesday Book, but its importance has not been fully appreciated until very recently. The 2025 Annual Library Lecture will reveal some of the many secrets of Exon Domesday. Tickets: Ten pounds in person; eight pounds online.
Tuesday November 4th 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	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 17th March 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	A Devonshire Association event in Dawlish The Early History of Dawlish by Derek Gore. A talk for the Devonshire Association will be held in the Manor House, Dawlish, at 2-30pm on Tuesday 17th March 2026, hosted by the Dawlish Local History Group. In 1881 a paper "On the Early History of Dawlish" was read at a meeting of the Devonshire Association in Dawlish. Since then, there have been a number of Archaeological finds and excavations in the Dawlish area, not least the discovery of the Dawlish Hoard (which is on display at the RAMM) and a possible Romano/British defended farmstead discovered by ground radar prior to the new housing development in the Gatehouse area. Derek Gore has been a Teaching Fellow at Exeter University and a part-time lecturer in archaeology and will present an updated view of the Early History of Dawlish. The admission charge for this event is £3 for members of the Devon Association and Dawlish Local History Group and £5 for visitors. We do not have card facilities at this venue so please bring cash, ideally the correct amount, thank you. A link to the 1881 report can be found below. Website link to the Internet archive copy of the Transactions Of The Devonshire Association Vol 13 1881 in Dawlish
Tuesday 7th April 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	AGM followed by a talk about the works on the Lawn for SW Water. Provisionally the Project Manager, Carl Wyne, will give us an overview of the work on the Lawn and Sandy Lane to date and what this should mean for Dawlish. It is anticipated thay any changes have been agreed for the look of the Lawn following completion of the work.
	Information about talks from May 2026 will appear below once confirmed.
Tuesday September 1st 2-30pm in the Manor House, Dawlish.	Battle of Britain by Chris Wiseman The Battle of Britain Memorial date is on the 15th of September each year. As we approach that date we are pleased to welcome back Chris Wiseman who will take us through the events and the involvement of RAF Exeter.