Remembrance Day parades in Sidmouth and Exmouth on Sunday, November 10, will honour the Fallen.

They are among events taking place across East Devon and the country to mark the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended the nation’s freedom and protected its way of life.

Professional photographer Simon Horn was in Sidmouth as the town turned out to pay its respects on Remembrance Sunday in 2021.
Photo: Simon Horn.

Sidmouth

In Sidmouth, a parade to the town’s war memorial will move off from the top of High Street and head down Market Place from around 10.30am.

It will feature serving and former Armed Forces personnel, representatives of service cadets, emergency services, young people’s groups, and be led by Sidmouth Town Band.

An Act of Remembrance will take place at the war memorial and include the sounding of the Last Post and a two-minute silence.

Serving personnel, veterans or other representatives wishing to take part should be in place no later than 10.15am at the top of High Street, say organisers.

On Monday, November 11, a short service to and two-minute silence will be held at the war memorial on Armistice Day.

Exmouth

Exmouth Town Council and the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion have invited veterans, residents, businesses and organisations to join the annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service on The Strand.

The parade will be formed up by Parade Marshal, Lt (SCC) Sarah Andrews, in Imperial Road at 10.25am and will proceed along Victoria Road into The Strand for the commencement of the service at 10.50am.

Councillor Joe Whibley, Mayor of Exmouth, Neil Gregory, chairman of the Royal British Legion, The Reverend Steve Jones and town crier Roger Bourgein will lead the service at the war memorial.

Members of the public are welcome to lay their own tributes on the south side of the memorial.

Organisers say that that Imperial Road, Victoria Road, Chapel Hill, Rolle Street and St Andrews Road will be partly closed to traffic from 10.15am for the parade.

Some of the roads will not reopen until the event has concluded at noon.

Further information is available from town clerk Lisa Bowman by calling on 01395 276167 or emailing townclerk@exmouth.gov.uk.

Exmouth Tourist Information Service named a finalist in Devon Tourism Awards

The Exmouth Tourist Information Service celebrating its 10th anniversary. Image: Exmouth Town Council

Exmouth Tourist Information Service has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Devon Tourism Awards.

This recognition arrived shortly after the  East Devon hub, on The Strand, celebrated its 10th anniversary of supporting visitors and promoting the town’s attractions, events and businesses.

The service is managed by Exmouth Town Council and relies on the dedication of a committed team of 15 volunteers.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be named as finalists,” said tourism officer Rons Boatman.

“This acknowledgment is a testament to the hard work of our team, especially our wonderful volunteers. Their dedication helps us deliver an exceptional service to visitors and provide support to the local community, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The Devon Tourism Awards celebrate the best in the region’s tourism sector. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 21 in Plymouth.

‘Appalling’ winter fuel cuts could hit 8,000 OAPs in Honiton and Sidmouth constituency

MP Richard Foord.
Image: LDRS.

Government Winter Fuel Allowance cuts could hit more than 8,000 over-80s in the Honiton and Sidmouth constituency, says the area’s MP.

Liberal Democrat Richard Foord said of the measures confirmed in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget: “I am deeply disappointed to see the Government push ahead with cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance which could plunge a vast number of people into crisis.

“Over 8,000 people aged over 80, across the Honiton and Sidmouth constituency will be subject to these cuts. It’s appalling!

“Hundreds of people have written to me, extremely worried about how they’re going to keep warm or buy enough food this winter.

“I will continue to vociferously oppose these cuts that will harm people, many of whom are already struggling.”

‘Doom and gloom’ turns to Britain in Bloom awards success for residents in Poltimore

Bloomin’ brilliant! Politmore residents celebrating success in 2024. Image: Poltimore in Bloom

Residents in East Devon village Poltimore have overcome ‘doom and gloom’ and damage to a pair of its landmarks by scooping gold acclaim from Britain in Bloom.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recognition follows an effort from residents in the 309-strong community four miles outside Exeter.

One of its iconic ‘Poltimore bowls’ on the entry road to the village, off the B3181 turning, was smashed in a car crash in November 2020.

More misery was in store when the nearby Poltimore House was badly damaged by fire following an arson attack in April this year.

Residents said they felt ‘powerless to put matters right’ but a community effort in 2024 has seen Poltimore in Bloom net golden recognition.

The RHS awarded the village overall ‘gold’ in the Britain in Bloom awards.

Residents John and Jennie Edwards were handed community champion awards.

There was also gold recognition for Poltimore’s business entry – Lathys Farm shop- and its outstanding-rated village hall garden.

A wild area and church garden were recognised as ‘establishing’ and ‘thriving’ respectively.

Finally fixed – the iconic ‘Poltimore bowls’. Image: Poltimore in Bloom

In September, scaffolding holding up the badly-burned frontage of Poltimore House was removed allowing the continuing renovation of the village landmark to recommence.

And in October 2024 – more than three-and-a-half years after the ‘Poltimore bowl’ was damaged – it was finally recovered and repaired.

Villagers held a celebratory evening in October. Volunteers gathered for a group photo the following days and preparations are now under way for Britain in Bloom 2025.

Invite to festive Jingle and Mingle event in Exmouth to toast  ‘what makes town special’

A free Jingle and Mingle Community Showcase event is being held in Exmouth to celebrate ‘what makes the town special’.

Organisers are calling on residents and community groups to get involved.

The festive fun will take place on Wednesday, December 18, from 10am to 4pm at the Christmas Village marquee in Strand Gardens.

Exmouth Town Council has joined forces with Exmouth Christmas Village to deliver the yuletide antics.

The event ‘represents a fantastic opportunity for our community groups and local organisations to come together, share what you do, promote participation/volunteering opportunities, and highlight your contribution to the Exmouth community’, says the council.

“We are inviting all voluntary community groups and organisations to get involved,” said a spokesperson.

“We hope that the event will be a celebration of Exmouth’s amazing community spirit and the wonderful range of activities and support available across our town.

“Participation is completely free for any group wishing to take part.”

To book a place, visit the event’s website here.

More information is available by calling Exmouth Town Council on 01395 276167 or emailing reception@exmouth.gov.uk.

Feniton FC’s pitch-perfect donation for Sidmouth donkeys

A kind gesture by Fention Football Club team means furry residents at The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth can enjoy continued wellbeing through exercise and play.

The East Devon outfit donated 60 used footballs to the charity after hearing that the animals often play with them as part of their enrichment activities.

Enrichment is incredibly important for the herds; helping prevent boredom and allowing them to be more physically and mentally active.

Donkeys in Sidmouth gratefully received a donation of footballs from Feniton FC. Image: The Donkey Sanctuary

Physical stimulation and the opportunity to play and interact with objects such as wellies or footballs also plays an important part in their wellbeing.

The footballs, which had seen plenty of action at the feet of the senior and youth clubs at Feniton, were destined to be disposed of.

But now they have a new life at the hooves of the sanctuary’s donkeys.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s Louise Blair said: “We can’t thank Feniton FC enough for this generous donation.

“We routinely change objects for donkeys to explore and play with, from natural resources such as herbs and hazel, to welly boots and rope toys. These items add interest and stimulation for the donkeys, giving them the opportunity to express natural playful behaviours and help enrich their environment.”

Rachel Brown, from Feniton Football Club, added: “We are pleased that the old footballs have been given a second life.”

“We hope all the donkeys have lots of fun with them and if Feniton Football Club are ever short of players – we’ll know who to call!”

Volunteers boost for Discovery Hut at Seaton Wetlands

A dozen new volunteers have joined the popular Discovery Hut team at Seaton Wetlands following a recruitment drive.

The ‘significant boost’ will help enhance the attraction’s ability to engage with the public and provide a ‘fantastic’ visitor experience, says East Devon District Council (EDDC).

Jan Lazar is a volunteer at Seaton Wetlands. Image: EDDC

Countryside team bosses say Seaton Wetlands is their ‘flagship’ site and attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year.

The Discovery Hut, which is operated by a team of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, is where visitors can learn about recent wildlife sightings, enjoy refreshments, and hire pond-dipping equipment.

It is normally open Friday to Monday, from 10am to 4pm during the summer, and 11am to 3pm in the winter.

Extra volunteers mean the hut will be able to open daily during school holidays.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: “Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the visitor experience at Seaton Wetlands.

“We’re thrilled with the public’s response to our recruitment drive for the Discovery Hut and are excited to offer consistency throughout the year.

“This ensures that more people can explore and learn about the incredible wildlife that makes this site so special.

James Chubb, Countryside team manager, added: “Our volunteers are fantastic ambassadors for the site, sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with visitors to ensure everyone has a memorable experience. We’re thrilled with the response to our call for volunteers and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to the Discovery Hut in the coming months.”