COFFEe TIME TALKS BEGIN AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2024
The Fairlynch Museum Coffee Time Talks start a new season on the 4th of September. Talks begin at 11am on the first Wednesday of every month in the Peter Hall behind St Peter's Church just off Budleigh Salterton High Street. Do come early and enjoy tea or coffee and a biscuit beforehand!
The cost is £4.00 for Friends of Fairlynch (please bring your membership card) or £6 for other members of the public.
They say today’s news is tomorrow’s history and so we begin on the 4th September with events which are, sadly, making both the news and history.
4th September.
Delivering Aid to Ukraine. Speaker: Andrew Canning OBE
East Budleigh’s Andrew Canning OBE served for over 33 years as a Royal Marines officer and was involved in operations and training in many parts of the world. Since September 2022 he has been volunteering for the not-for-profit Ukraine Freedom Company, collecting and delivering much needed aid to the Ukrainian forces close to the frontline in the war with Russia, and elsewhere in Ukraine. Who knows what will be happening out there by 4th September, so we are sure of an up to date talk on “Delivering aid to Ukraine “.
The Fairlynch Museum Coffee Time Talks start a new season on the 4th of September. Talks begin at 11am on the first Wednesday of every month in the Peter Hall behind St Peter's Church just off Budleigh Salterton High Street. Do come early and enjoy tea or coffee and a biscuit beforehand!
The cost is £4.00 for Friends of Fairlynch (please bring your membership card) or £6 for other members of the public.
They say today’s news is tomorrow’s history and so we begin on the 4th September with events which are, sadly, making both the news and history.
4th September.
Delivering Aid to Ukraine. Speaker: Andrew Canning OBE
East Budleigh’s Andrew Canning OBE served for over 33 years as a Royal Marines officer and was involved in operations and training in many parts of the world. Since September 2022 he has been volunteering for the not-for-profit Ukraine Freedom Company, collecting and delivering much needed aid to the Ukrainian forces close to the frontline in the war with Russia, and elsewhere in Ukraine. Who knows what will be happening out there by 4th September, so we are sure of an up to date talk on “Delivering aid to Ukraine “.
2nd October.
Robert Maxwell: did he jump or was he pushed? Speaker: David Kerr
Twenty three years after he died Robert Maxwell still needs no introduction. His was a life that began in Czechoslovakia and ended in the Mediterranean. Along the way he left many pensioners impoverished. His death has been the subject of much speculation. David Kerr was a Daily Mirror journalist for 40 years; he now lives in East Devon. If being sacked by Maxwell is a qualification, then David’s verdict on whether he jumped or was pushed should be most illuminating.
Robert Maxwell: did he jump or was he pushed? Speaker: David Kerr
Twenty three years after he died Robert Maxwell still needs no introduction. His was a life that began in Czechoslovakia and ended in the Mediterranean. Along the way he left many pensioners impoverished. His death has been the subject of much speculation. David Kerr was a Daily Mirror journalist for 40 years; he now lives in East Devon. If being sacked by Maxwell is a qualification, then David’s verdict on whether he jumped or was pushed should be most illuminating.
6th November.
Bungle in the Jungle: A Devon take on the world's great gold swindle. Speaker Ken McKechnie
Ken McKechnie, Devon’s own ex-gold mine and author was able to watch the greatest gold mining scam in history. But luckily for us on the right side big the law. At the height of the dotcom bubble tens of thousands of investors lost fortunes in a sophisticated $6 billion fraud that played out in the jungles of Borneo and the boardrooms of North America.
Now he tells the tale of the ingenious conmen, the greedy speculators and the predatory mining giants that perpetrated this gigantic swindle.
4th December.
Unsung heroes: the WWII delivery women of the Air Transport Auxilliary. Speaker Candy Atkins
Jackie Moggridge was one of the unsung heroes of WW2, delivering planes to keep the war effort going. Her daughter Candy Atkins has researched her mum‘s amazing story. It was known as the “graveyard run” working for the Air Transport Auxiliary. Jackie survived, many of her friends didn’t. Candy will be here on the 4th Dec to tell us more.
8th January 2025 - not the first, but the second Wednesday in the month!
The Lower Otter Nature Reserve: what we've learned so far. Speakers Rick Lockwood and Dr Sam Bridgewater
January’s talk is also up to date but closer to home. The Lower Otter restoration project may have been controversial in some quarters, but it has transformed the area. As anyone looking at Limekiln car park will know it’s rapidly becoming a tourist attraction in its own right. Rick Lockwood, the nature reserve warden and Sam Bridgewater from Clinton Devon Estates will give their verdict on how the project has gone, the lessons learnt and the plans for the future. It will be the first time they’ve talked about the project to a group like ours and it promises to be an insightful event. The talk will be on the 8th of January because we may all have other things to do on New Year’s Day!
The Lower Otter Nature Reserve: what we've learned so far. Speakers Rick Lockwood and Dr Sam Bridgewater
January’s talk is also up to date but closer to home. The Lower Otter restoration project may have been controversial in some quarters, but it has transformed the area. As anyone looking at Limekiln car park will know it’s rapidly becoming a tourist attraction in its own right. Rick Lockwood, the nature reserve warden and Sam Bridgewater from Clinton Devon Estates will give their verdict on how the project has gone, the lessons learnt and the plans for the future. It will be the first time they’ve talked about the project to a group like ours and it promises to be an insightful event. The talk will be on the 8th of January because we may all have other things to do on New Year’s Day!
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5th February 2025
Belinda Lee, Budleigh's controversial film star. Speaker Professor Phil Whickham
In February, we turn our attentions to Budleigh‘s own film star Belinda Lee who died in a road accident in California in 1961 at the age of 26. She was often compared, unfavourably, with Diana Dors. She was a fine actress when given serious parts, but many directors saw her as a type cast “blonde”. Prof. Phil Whickham, from Exeter’s Bill Douglas Cinema Museum will tell us her story.
Belinda Lee, Budleigh's controversial film star. Speaker Professor Phil Whickham
In February, we turn our attentions to Budleigh‘s own film star Belinda Lee who died in a road accident in California in 1961 at the age of 26. She was often compared, unfavourably, with Diana Dors. She was a fine actress when given serious parts, but many directors saw her as a type cast “blonde”. Prof. Phil Whickham, from Exeter’s Bill Douglas Cinema Museum will tell us her story.
5th March 2025
Meet Sir Walter Raleigh's mother. Speaker Rosemary Griggs
In March we welcome Sir Walter Raleigh‘s mother. Well, not actually his mother but the acclaimed writer and historian Rosemary Griggs, who has researched the story and lovingly plays out the part of Katharine Champernowne. Her book, “A Woman of Noble Wit”, was published recently. Rosemary has been called “the Devon time traveller” and she admits she spends as much time in 16th century dress as 21st century attire!
Meet Sir Walter Raleigh's mother. Speaker Rosemary Griggs
In March we welcome Sir Walter Raleigh‘s mother. Well, not actually his mother but the acclaimed writer and historian Rosemary Griggs, who has researched the story and lovingly plays out the part of Katharine Champernowne. Her book, “A Woman of Noble Wit”, was published recently. Rosemary has been called “the Devon time traveller” and she admits she spends as much time in 16th century dress as 21st century attire!
2nd April 2025
Devon's part in the Battle of Britain. Speaker John Smith
We end the talks season in April with a look ahead to the Battle of Britain commemorations. The focus of attention, quite rightly, is on the role Kent played. But Devon had a significant part in the successful defence of Britain’s skies. John Smith’s talk and demonstration of life in the area as a Roman soldier delighted us a couple of years ago. He returns to Budleigh Salterton with what promises to be an equally informative insight.
Devon's part in the Battle of Britain. Speaker John Smith
We end the talks season in April with a look ahead to the Battle of Britain commemorations. The focus of attention, quite rightly, is on the role Kent played. But Devon had a significant part in the successful defence of Britain’s skies. John Smith’s talk and demonstration of life in the area as a Roman soldier delighted us a couple of years ago. He returns to Budleigh Salterton with what promises to be an equally informative insight.
The talks have become part of the Budleigh calendar but just as importantly they raise funds to keep our acclaimed museum open. Please put the dates in your diary and tell your friends. They are all welcome either as guests or as new members of the Friends of Fairlynch Museum. Once again we will meet in St Peter’s Hall for coffee at 10:30 and the talks will begin at 11. £4 for Friends and £6 for non-members .
So please put these dates in your diary.
4th Sept. Delivering aid to the Ukraine.
2nd Oct. Robert Maxwell. Did he jump or was he pushed?
6th Nov. Bungle in the Jungle, a Devon take on the world’s great gold swindle.
4th Dec. Unsung heroes;The WW2 delivery woman of the Air Transport Auxiliary.
8th Jan 25. The Lower Otter Nature Reserve. What we’ve learned so far.
5th Feb. Belinda Lee, Budleigh’s controversial film star.
5th Mar. Meet Sir Walter Raleigh’s mother
2nd April. Devon’s part in the Battle of Britain
COFFEE TIME TALKS September 2023-24
Coffee Time Talks take place every first Wednesday of the month from September to April (apart from November's, which is timed to take place close to Armistice Day), at the Peter Hall behind St Peter's Church in Budleigh Salterton. The talks begin at 11am and refreshments are available from 10.30. The cost is £4.00 to Friends of Fairlynch and £6.00 to the general public, which includes a drink and biscuit.
The talks this year are as follows:
Wednesday 6th September: Roger Conant by Ian Blackwell
Wednesday 4th October: Who Sank the Mary Rose? by Peter Marsden
Wednesday 8th November: RAF Exeter and its vital role in winning World War II by Chris Wiseman
Wednesday 6th December: B Movies by Martin Fisher
Wednesday 3rd January 2024: Wildlife on the Otter by David White
Wednesday 7th February 2024: Guilty as Charged? by Sir Richard Gibbs
Wednesday 6th March 2024: Joyce Dennys by Sarah Bussey
Wednesday 3rd April 2024: Admiral Preedy by Trevor Waddington
The talks this year are as follows:
Wednesday 6th September: Roger Conant by Ian Blackwell
Wednesday 4th October: Who Sank the Mary Rose? by Peter Marsden
Wednesday 8th November: RAF Exeter and its vital role in winning World War II by Chris Wiseman
Wednesday 6th December: B Movies by Martin Fisher
Wednesday 3rd January 2024: Wildlife on the Otter by David White
Wednesday 7th February 2024: Guilty as Charged? by Sir Richard Gibbs
Wednesday 6th March 2024: Joyce Dennys by Sarah Bussey
Wednesday 3rd April 2024: Admiral Preedy by Trevor Waddington
TRiassic coast walks in 2023
Fairlynch geologist Nicky Hewitt led five walks beside Budleigh Salterton beach in the summer of 2023, to explain the geology of our stunning Triassic coastline
The cost was £2.50 per person, with under 16s free, but no unaccompanied children please.
Part of the route included descending Steamer Steps and walking a short distance on the pebble beach to the start of the pebblebed formation in the cliffs, those who preferred waiting on the benches at the top of the steps until the beach party returned and the walk continued eastwards along the seafront promenade.
The cost was £2.50 per person, with under 16s free, but no unaccompanied children please.
Part of the route included descending Steamer Steps and walking a short distance on the pebble beach to the start of the pebblebed formation in the cliffs, those who preferred waiting on the benches at the top of the steps until the beach party returned and the walk continued eastwards along the seafront promenade.
