Welcome to the website of the Galmpton and Churston Ferrers Local History Group
We organise regular illustrated history talks at the Galmpton Village Institute. Why not check our events page to see when the next one is and come along. You can also subscribe to our email newsletter which tells you about upcoming events.
The group was formed in 1996 by a group of enthusiasts eager to record and preserve features and information about our parish. Since then, our email subscriber list has grown to over 160.
An aerial view illustrating the entire coastal boundary of Churston Ferrers parish from Broadsands Beach to Churston Cove. The contrast is clear between the the natural features of coastline beach, Elbury Common & Cove, woodland fringe, and the spread of 20th century development.
Upcoming Events
The following events are in the planning stages, with more information to follow in due course.
Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when these events are coming up, along with the latest information about them. If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free by clicking here
MONDAY 12th MAY
Ageless Dartmoor. Hidden gems of Dartmoor by car with very short strolls, led by John Risdon. Day’s activity with refreshment stops.
SUNDAY 8th JUNE
Galmpton Open Gardens Day – History Group presentation at Galmpton Village Institute.
TUESDAY 10th JUNE
Visit and tour of Dartmouth Museum relating to history of steam power, led by Dennis Sheen. 11 a.m.
SATURDAY 12th JULY
Dart Estuary Evening Cruise, from Greenway Quay 6.30 to 9.30 p.m.
Booking commences 1st June through John Risdon Tel. 844102
TUESDAY 19th AUGUST
Repeat visit to Buckfastleigh Caves organised by Tony Warner
SEPTEMBER
Lower Greenway Farm visit led by John Risdon 2 p.m. followed by refreshments at Greenway.
For further information please contact John Risdon on 01803 844102 or 07768 418417.
This will be an organised visit to Dartmouth Museum on Tuesday 10th June 2025 – 11.00am.
Museum Chairman Mike Rowley will give us a guided tour.
This is a fascinating museum, due to both the ancient building itself, and its contents .
Of particular interest is the link to Thomas Newcomen of Dartmouth who invented the first successful steam engine which enabled water to be pumped from otherwise flooded mines.
A working model of his engine can be seen at the Visitor Centre adjacent to the main car park.
The design was progressively improved over time and Model Maker David Hulse has created eight exceptional working models illustrating the developments, which thanks to Museum Chairman Mike Rowley are now on permanent exhibition in the museum.
Visit the museum website https://www.dartmouthmuseum.org and follow the link to see pictures and details of each engine.
The museum has many other interesting features including the structure itself.
The museum opens at 11.00 am and a maximum of 30 will be permitted.
Normal museum entry fee of £5 will apply (payable on the door).
If you are interested please reserve places below.
Dartmouth Museum Visit – 11am on 10th June 2025
Guided tour of the museum by museum chairman Mike Rowley
An illustrated talk by John Risdon
More information to follow soon…
Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.
If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/
An illustrated talk by David Hinchliffe
More information to follow soon…
Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.
If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/
An illustrated talk by Phil Badcott
More information to follow soon…
Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.
If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/
An illustrated talk by John Walters
More information to follow soon…
Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.
If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/
Our AGM, followed by an illustrated talk by Nick Powe
More information to follow soon…
Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.
If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/
What We Do
The group investigates and records details of our local past, preserves such as the Galmpton Lime Kiln and the Broadsands Neolithic Chambered Tomb, and provides information about the history and wildlife in the Galmpton Creek area.
A comprehensive ‘Guide to Galmpton’ map containing information of local historic interest is available via this link or at the Manor Inn and Galleon Stores.
A programme of talks and guided walks/visits is organised annually and listed on this website.
If you would like to keep up to date with our upcoming talks at the Galmpton Village Institute hall and other activities why not subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Talks at the Village Institute are usually just £3 to attend, payable on the door.
We are a friendly group and are always pleased to meet new potential members, so why not come along to our next talk?