News

December 2008

About forty-five people gathered on the Recreation Ground at the Small Craft Club on Saturday, 25th October.  Amongst those present were representatives of the Topsham Society, Topsham Museum, Small Craft Club, Topsham Sailing Club and the Moorings Association. The occasion was the Dedication and Blessing of a bench in memory of Bob Andrew and in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the life of Topsham and the estuary area over many years. The funds for the bench were raised, and the short ceremony arranged, by Myra Green on behalf of The Topsham Society and other Topsham and Exe Estuary organisations to which Bob contributed so much. Enough money had been raised to buy the seat with a Memorial plaque and also to pay for the positioning of the seat by Exeter City Council.

Mrs Andrew and her son Rob and daughter Jane were present at the ceremony, which was conducted by the Reverend John Davies who was a close friend of Bob's and had often sailed with him. Appropriately the inscription on the plaque chosen by the Andrew family was Safely Anchored. 

A reception was held at the Topsham Sailing Club after the ceremony. Those present shared their memories of Bob, and in particular the enormous contribution he made  to the organisations in which he was involved and his help and friendship to everyone he worked with.

We have now received five nominations for the Enhancing Topsham Award. These are:

• The Slow Food Market- now a regular event in Matthews Hall
• The new Quay Brasserie
• The RSPB viewing platform on the Clyst
• The development of Anchor House
• The improvements made to Topsham Station by the Topsham Station Adopters Group
    in conjunction with the Avocet Line Users Group.

GEOFF WILKINSON (879107)

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