News

August 2011

Our Annual General Meeting was held on 23 June in the Malt House. At that meeting Geoff Wilkinson, Chairman gave a report of the activities of the Society for the past year and talked about some of our ongoing interests, particularly in planning matters. He stood down after three years in the chair and was thanked for his work by the President, John Conolly.

Following the election of Officers and Committee Members, Geoff has been appointed as a Vice President, Elizabeth Hubbick as Chairman and Marieke Biggs and Mike Ness continue in their roles as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

At the end of the meeting the presentation of the Enhancing Topsham Award was made to Kathryn and Paul Russell for their repair and refurbishment of the Hayloft Coach House at Follett Lodge in Ferry Road.

The speaker following the formal business of the meeting was Ed Williams- Hawkes who has recently acquired the Salutation in Fore Street. He outlined his plans for the building and for the business that will be run there. We can look forward to a high quality restaurant with hotel rooms. Ed’s son who has already made a name for himself as a chef at the Abode in Exeter will be joining him in the business. The restoration of the hotel and the plans to operate it as part of the Topsham community were welcomed by the meeting. Subsequent to the meeting the formal application for planning permission for the alterations to the building has been published. The Topsham Society, in line with its usual policy of not endorsing applications, has not made any comments.

The results of the Topsham in Bloom contest, organised for the third year by The Topsham Society, were as follows:-

Residential Front Gardens. Winner, 11 Grove Hill. Runner Up, 20 Victoria Road.

Residential Pots etc. Winner, 6 Victoria Road. Runners Up, 7 Tresillian Cottages & 86a Fore Street.

Communal Groups. 4&5 Trees Court. Runner Up, Grove House.

Non Residential. Winner, Topsham Bowling Club.

The Judges said that they thought that Pam & Freddie Bush had created a front garden with a varied style and range of interests that will delight the senses throughout the seasons. In the baskets & pots category, they particularly liked the way that Rod & Amanda Lyons had shown how the full palette of plant colour can be used to provide a profusion of tones, even in a relatively small plot. Scott & Sharon Drew and their neighbour Brenda Webb combined to bring a vibrant range of colours which help to make their interesting secluded spot even more attractive. And finally, the judges said that in giving their award to Topsham Bowling Club, they wanted to recognise the labours of love that had gone in to the enhancement of the appearance and atmosphere of a traditional scene, with its immaculate Green.

ELIZABETH HUBBICK

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