Upcoming Events
Richard Hunt, the grandson of the originator of Hunts Cider giving the history of the business.
A talk by Rosemary Griggs.
(Please note this talk date may change)
Steve Banks and John Risdon will be providing a “Christmas Special” with songs from Steve and dialogue from John.
Bill became the County Archaeologist and Historic Environment Manager in 2006 and helps to facilitate archaeological survey and research across the county.
Sandy and Ian Howard give a wide ranging talk on the history of Greenway.
An illustrated talk by our very own historian John Risdon.
Past Events
See some of our past events below.
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.
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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.
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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.
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An illustrated talk by David Hinchliffe
This talk traces the search for water to supply Torquay’s ever-expanding population, from the era of pumps and wells in 1801 through to the construction of a chain of reservoirs on Dartmoor.
A series of marker stones then returns us to the town, and brings us into the 1950s. History, archaeology and some lovely scenery combine to tell the story.
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An Illustrated Talk by John Risdon
Our very own historian, John Risdon tells the unique story of the Fairmile B Motor Launch that was built for WW2 as RML 497 (Rescue Motor Launch) and which later saw peacetime service as The Western Lady.
This motor launch is closely associated with Galmpton & Torbay.
Fairmile RML 497
in WW2
As The Western Lady
in Peacetime
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The History Society has arranged a repeat visit to the Pengelly Caves at Buckfastleigh on Tuesday 19th August 2025 starting at 11.00 am.
The tour will be led by Sheila Phillips as before plus many will remember the subject talk that she gave at the Institute in October 2024.
The two above events have led to the request for a return visit – albeit the numbers are limited to 24 with plenty of spaces still available. The tour will take a nominal 2 hours.
Prices are £8 per adult and £4 for children to be paid in cash on the day.
There is ample free parking – the trick is to find Russets Lane, which is a narrow turning on the right as you approach the South Devon Railway via brown signs.
To sign up for this event please contact Tony Warner by e-mail: foxgloves3434@btinternet.com
Google Map showing Russets Lane
There will be a chance to see us and our local history exhibit at the Galmpton Village Institute on Sunday 8th June, 11am – 4pm, as part of the Open Gardens Day in Galmpton
Having been presented with probably the only surviving original copy of our 1839 Parish Tithe Map, due to its size and rarity, we thought it only right that it should be taken to the Devon County Archive at Exeter for safe keeping.
However, before leaving our Parish it will be ‘on show’ as our main exhibit at the Institute during Open Gardens Day.
We will be retaining copies for reference, available on line, or in print form through Churston Library ( Local History) or the History Group Committee.
A day long nostalgic Dartmoor exploration by car of places and views off the main highways. See the hidden gems! Led by John Risdon
This trip is ideal for those who no longer have the ability to walk the open moors freely!
The group size is restricted to a total of four vehicles and there is only room for 2 more vehicles with drivers and passengers. (2 drivers plus 6 – 8 passengers, depending on the size of car)
There will be a number of short exploratory stops, Including for refreshment, with lunch break at Widecombe.
Cost: A share of mileage costs per vehicle. No other group charge.
For those interested, we are looking for 2 drivers with vehicles, and also individual passengers.
For more details and to book a place, please contact John Risdon
email: johnrisdon@heritage-southdevon.co.uk
tel. 07768 418417
The following events are in the planning stages, with more information to follow in due course.
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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.
There will be a short meeting for the AGM followed by an illustrated talk by Bob Mark entitled ‘South West Coast Path – A Smuggling Legacy’
Bob Mark is a former Chair of the Board of Trustees of the South West Coast Path Association, the charity which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, and which has been largely responsible for the restitution of the 630 mile coast path.
Bob’s lecture will trace the origins of the path from its earliest days as a key tool in the deadly battle between the revenue and smugglers. The role of tea, taxes, high-finance, and Napoleon’s scheme of economic warfare against his arch-foe Britain. Along the way we will meet a few colourful local characters.
The second half of the talk will bring the story up to date as a key part of the SW economy and social fabric.
About Bob Mark
Bob lives in Kingswear, returned to his roots, having trained as a young Naval Officer at Britannia Royal Naval College, and then subsequently teaching navigation at the College to young officers in his turn.
Bob specialised as a Hydrographic Surveyor in the navy, after twenty years at sea, he spent the latter third of his naval career in policy and strategy roles in the Ministry of Defence, before embarking on a second career in the private sector. He was fortunate to command several specialist naval hydrographic ships in various parts of the World, including charting UK shores so this coast has been part of his profession.
In tandem with his later work in the private sector, he spent a dozen or so years as a volunteer non-executive on various National Trust Boards, giving him a good understanding of the conservation, recreational, and economic background of the SWCP – the NT owns about a third – and something of the West Country elites who in their turn added layers to the rich history of the coast path.
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