COFFEe TIME TALKS BEGIN AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2025
The important Messengers passport (photo: Commons)
The Fairlynch Museum Coffee Time Talks start a new season on the 3rd 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.
There is an exciting programme taking us through until April of next year. The topics include a unique Budleigh artist, the coastal footpath that takes so many people through our town, the wildlife of the Lower Otter Valley and much much more.
This will be the sixth year we’ve organised these events. The aim is twofold; to keep the museum in people’s minds whilst the museum is closed for the winter and to raise much-needed funds for our museum.
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
The Silver Greyhound: Life as Her Majesty's Messenger; Speaker: Peter Hearn
The first talk on the 3rd September tells the story of a lifetime of service to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the many miles travelled as a diplomat, one of her Majesty’s Messengers. A role that Devon resident Peter Hearn filled for over 30 years. He’ll be diplomatically telling the story of his historic but discreet service to Queen and country.
The Fairlynch Museum Coffee Time Talks start a new season on the 3rd 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.
There is an exciting programme taking us through until April of next year. The topics include a unique Budleigh artist, the coastal footpath that takes so many people through our town, the wildlife of the Lower Otter Valley and much much more.
This will be the sixth year we’ve organised these events. The aim is twofold; to keep the museum in people’s minds whilst the museum is closed for the winter and to raise much-needed funds for our museum.
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
The Silver Greyhound: Life as Her Majesty's Messenger; Speaker: Peter Hearn
The first talk on the 3rd September tells the story of a lifetime of service to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the many miles travelled as a diplomat, one of her Majesty’s Messengers. A role that Devon resident Peter Hearn filled for over 30 years. He’ll be diplomatically telling the story of his historic but discreet service to Queen and country.
Dancing on the QE2 by Beryl Cook
Wednesday 1st October 2025
Beryl Cook. A distinctive Devon Artist; Speaker: Marilyn Bishop
On the 1st October we hear about the popular artist Beryl Cook, who lived in Devon until her death 17 years ago. Beryl had her own unique style and was not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. Her pictures were often comical and featured the people she met in everyday life.
Devon art historian Marilyn Bishop examines her work and her legacy.
Beryl Cook. A distinctive Devon Artist; Speaker: Marilyn Bishop
On the 1st October we hear about the popular artist Beryl Cook, who lived in Devon until her death 17 years ago. Beryl had her own unique style and was not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. Her pictures were often comical and featured the people she met in everyday life.
Devon art historian Marilyn Bishop examines her work and her legacy.
Jewish Kindertransport children arriving in Britain in 1939 (Photo Getty Images)
Wednesday 5th November 2025
Kinder Transport. The part Devon played in the escape from Nazi persecution; Speaker Stewart Raine
On 5th November, in the build up to Remembrance Day, we recall the part East Devon played in the remarkable story of the Kindertransport.
With war in Europe looming, thousands of Jewish children were evacuated from the threat of Nazi Germany. Six of the 23 Polish children who came to Britain found sanctuary in Talaton near Whimple. Stewart Raine recounts their story and that of Otto Deutsch, who left Vienna in 1938.
Kinder Transport. The part Devon played in the escape from Nazi persecution; Speaker Stewart Raine
On 5th November, in the build up to Remembrance Day, we recall the part East Devon played in the remarkable story of the Kindertransport.
With war in Europe looming, thousands of Jewish children were evacuated from the threat of Nazi Germany. Six of the 23 Polish children who came to Britain found sanctuary in Talaton near Whimple. Stewart Raine recounts their story and that of Otto Deutsch, who left Vienna in 1938.
Rosemary Griggs gets ready to celebrate a Tudor Christmas
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
A Tudor Christmas; Speaker: Rosemary Griggs
We'll be finding out in distinctive style how our Tudor forebears celebrated Christmas with Rosemary Griggs in December. Last season she gave us a talk as Sir Walter Raleigh's remarkable mother, Katharine Champernowne. This time, assisted by her loyal peasant, she will be demonstrating, in period costume, what Christmas meant to the Tudors. As special guests, we are invited to join Sir Philip Champernowne's Christmas feast at the Modbury Court House and we'll discover the etiquette, menu and customs of a sixteenth century yuletide.
A Tudor Christmas; Speaker: Rosemary Griggs
We'll be finding out in distinctive style how our Tudor forebears celebrated Christmas with Rosemary Griggs in December. Last season she gave us a talk as Sir Walter Raleigh's remarkable mother, Katharine Champernowne. This time, assisted by her loyal peasant, she will be demonstrating, in period costume, what Christmas meant to the Tudors. As special guests, we are invited to join Sir Philip Champernowne's Christmas feast at the Modbury Court House and we'll discover the etiquette, menu and customs of a sixteenth century yuletide.
One of the Otter's first reintroduced beavers, 'Mrs Bob' with her kit: photo by David White
,Wednesday 7th January 2026
It's not just birds!; Speaker: David White
Local Wildlife photographer David White has become well known in the area for his wonderful pictures, many of them taken on the Lower Otter. Not surprisingly it’s his fabulous pictures of the birds that have received so much praise.
But there’s so much more to see if, like David, you know where to look.
It’s two years since David last spoke at a Fairlynch coffee-time talk but this time he’ll be concentrating on the animals, amphibians, butterflies and other insects that make their home in the area. There’ll also be some rare pictures of wildcats!
This is a change of speaker. Becks Pearson will now be talking about the land army in Devon on the 4th Nov 2026
It's not just birds!; Speaker: David White
Local Wildlife photographer David White has become well known in the area for his wonderful pictures, many of them taken on the Lower Otter. Not surprisingly it’s his fabulous pictures of the birds that have received so much praise.
But there’s so much more to see if, like David, you know where to look.
It’s two years since David last spoke at a Fairlynch coffee-time talk but this time he’ll be concentrating on the animals, amphibians, butterflies and other insects that make their home in the area. There’ll also be some rare pictures of wildcats!
This is a change of speaker. Becks Pearson will now be talking about the land army in Devon on the 4th Nov 2026
'Looking West' by Brenda Thomas
Wednesday 4th February 2026
A unique Budleigh Artist; Speaker: Brenda Thomas
On 4th February we look back at one of the most successful exhibitions the museum has held. Brenda Thomas, who lives in our town, has a unique style, using sewing and embroidery to capture local scenes. Many visitors have been amazed by her ability to depict our area in such an unusual medium. Brenda will be showing some of her latest pieces and demonstrating how she goes about creating them.
A unique Budleigh Artist; Speaker: Brenda Thomas
On 4th February we look back at one of the most successful exhibitions the museum has held. Brenda Thomas, who lives in our town, has a unique style, using sewing and embroidery to capture local scenes. Many visitors have been amazed by her ability to depict our area in such an unusual medium. Brenda will be showing some of her latest pieces and demonstrating how she goes about creating them.
photo by Visit Devon
Wednesday 4th March 2026
The South West Coastal Footpath; Speaker: David Westcott
In March there will be a chance to enjoy a hike along the cherished South West Coast Path without getting out of breath, sunburnt or soaked! It is a route that has gathered many new fans thanks to the writing of Raynor Winn and the film of her first book The Salt Path.
David Westcott has walked it with his camera and he will be taking us along on the journey from Exmouth, through Budleigh Salterton and on to Swanage.
The South West Coastal Footpath; Speaker: David Westcott
In March there will be a chance to enjoy a hike along the cherished South West Coast Path without getting out of breath, sunburnt or soaked! It is a route that has gathered many new fans thanks to the writing of Raynor Winn and the film of her first book The Salt Path.
David Westcott has walked it with his camera and he will be taking us along on the journey from Exmouth, through Budleigh Salterton and on to Swanage.
Lower Otter Nature Reserve, midsummer morning 2025. (photo Jan Oke)
Fairlynch's Coffee Time 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 .
COFFEE TIME TALKS HELD IN 2024/25.
4th Sept. Delivering aid to the Ukraine. Speaker: Andrew Canning OBE
2nd Oct. Robert Maxwell. Did he jump or was he pushed? Speaker: David Kerr
6th Nov. Bungle in the Jungle, a Devon take on the world’s great gold swindle. Speaker: Ken McKechnie
4th Dec. Unsung heroes;The WW2 delivery woman of the Air Transport Auxiliary. Speaker: Candy Atkins
8th Jan 25. The Lower Otter Nature Reserve. What we’ve learned so far. Speakers: Rick Lockwood & Sam Bridgewater
5th Feb. Belinda Lee, Budleigh’s controversial film star. Speaker: Professor Phil Whickham
5th Mar. Meet Sir Walter Raleigh’s mother. Speaker: Rosemary Griggs
2nd April. Devon’s part in the Battle of Britain. Speaker: John Smith
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 in 2023/2024 were 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 in 2023/2024 were 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.
