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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 

Subscribers get these in our email newsletter. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can Subscribe Free here.


Sir Walter Raleigh – the Queen’s favourite Devonian

Date: 30 January 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Galmpton Village Institute
Entrance Fee: £3
Sir Walter Raleigh Portrait Drawing by Jacques Reich

An illustrated talk by Phil Badcott

Follow the ups and downs of the life of Devon’s 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.

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/

The Wildlife of Dartmoor

Date: 6 February 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Galmpton Village Institute
Entrance Fee: £3
Book cover for The Wildlife of Dartmoor by Norma Baldock and John Walters

An illustrated talk by John Walters

Buckfastleigh based John Walters, a wildlife consultant, author, photographer and painter shares his extensive knowledge of the wildlife of Dartmoor.

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/

AGM followed by Kents Cavern Talk

Date: 13 March 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Galmpton Village Institute
Entrance Fee: £3
Kents Cavern - stalagmites and stalagtites

Our AGM, followed by an illustrated talk on Kents Cavern by Nick Powe

Nick Powe is a former owner of Kents Cavern and became the fifth generation of the Powe family to manage the cavern since the Victorian escavations. He ran the caves from 2000-2023 when he took over from his father John.

Nick also chairs the board of trustees at Torquay Museum and heads up the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark as well as other roles around Devon.

Kents Cavern - stalagmites and stalagtites
Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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?

More About Us