News

July 2008

Over sixty members attended the recent AGM of the Topsham Society held at the Globe Malthouse.  Topsham Society President, John Conolly, thanked the retiring Chairman, David Woods, for his outstanding contribution to the Topsham Society during his four year term of office.  He also congratulated Geoff Wilkinson who was elected as the new Chairman, Elizabeth Hubbick who was elected as Vice Chairman and Geoff Bowen, whom he welcomed  as a new member of the committee. David Woods has agreed to continue with the Society as Vice President.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Topsham Society Enhancing Topsham Award to the Topsham Museum for the new River Gallery Development.  David Woods commented that the new extension was a fine piece of work which would bring considerable benefits to the Topsham community. David Clement, Chairman of Topsham Museum thanked the Society for the Award, saying that this support had been an important contribution in helping the Museum to reach the final stages of the Art Fund Prize.

To conclude the evening, John Milverton from Persimmon Homes gave a presentation of the proposed development on the former Royal Naval Supply Depot on the Exeter Road.

Over thirty people attended, and greatly enjoyed,  the Society’s Summer Outing to Sherborne and Sherborne Castle on 3 June. Much appreciation was expressed for Jane Coleman’s efforts in making all the arrangements and for her continuing ability to come up with such appropriate and interesting places for us to visit.

Roy Wheeler
With the death of Roy Wheeler, Topsham has lost a lively and much loved member of the community. Roy had a keen interest in everything that went on in our town and played a part in its living history. Roy's great love of and commitment  to Topsham led him to be involved with The Topsham Society from its earliest days. He was an active member of our Committee for many years, and his part in setting up the annual Topsham School Trophy helped him to maintain his contact with the School and to encourage civic pride and a special knowledge of our town. Perhaps more than anything else, people will remember Roy for the guided Town Walks that he led for more than 20 years.  His many stories, often told with a twinkle in the eye when recalling his easily remembered youth, were a delight to attend.  Only a couple of years ago Roy gave a talk about the Topsham of the 1920's and 30's in Matthews Hall; but this was not a routine story of halcyon days seen through rose tinted spectacles, for Roy could paint beautiful word pictures of real life and the reality of lives gone by, and he could do it all with a natural ease that none of us will forget.  He will be greatly missed.

Shân Toyne adds a personal reflection:
Some years ago, when Roy was still an active Top Soc Committee member, he offered a conducted walk of Topsham to any interested members.  I was the only one who turned up at Holman Way Car Park. Slightly disappointed Roy suggested perhaps we cancel the walk and, with that wicked twinkle in his eye,  was delighted when I asked if he would just take me.  An hour or so later, exhausted with laughter at his tales and history (?!) of Topsham people and places, and stopping to chat en route with his many friends and admirers, I returned home rejuvenated by the jovial company of a true Topsham gentleman. I don't feel there will be much Rest in Peace for Roy for it won't be long before he will be organising conducted walks somewhere nearly as beautiful as Topsham.This Town will miss him.  
Shân Toyne

GEOFF WILKINSON (879107)

Archive: May 2008 / April 2008 / Feb 2008