South Hams District Council elects its new chairman

Posted on 23rd May 202423rd May 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

South Hams District Council elects its new chairman

Issued: 23 May 2024

South Hams District Council has announced its new chairman for the next 12 months at this year’s Annual Council meeting on 23 May.

Cllr Bernard Taylor, ward member for Charterlands, will be the chairman for the coming year. Cllr Taylor accepted the chain of office from the outgoing chairman, Cllr Guy Pannell. Cllr Pannell, ward member for South Brent, was appointed as vice-chairman of the council.

Cllr Taylor said: “I would like to thank our leader Julian Brazil and all of our members for having faith in me to represent the council for the next 12 months. I hope that I can do this honorary role justice on behalf of the council.

“We have some work to do as a team. Most important of all is to build affordable housing, which I believe should be top of our spending list. Not forgetting climate change and biodiversity of course, which is very important.

“Cllr Pannell has been an excellent chairman, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him. I hope that I can have a year as chairman as successful as his.”

The following committee positions were also confirmed during the Council meeting.

Executive

Cllr Julian Brazil – Leader
Cllr Dan Thomas – Deputy Leader
Cllr John McKay
Cllr John Birch
Cllr Denise O’Callaghan
Cllr Victor Abbott
Cllr Jacqui Hodgson
Cllr Nicky Hopwood
Cllr Nadine Dommett

Audit and Governance Committee

Cllr Lee Bonham – Chairman
Cllr Alison Nix – Vice Chairman

Development Management Committee

Cllr Mark Long – Chairman
Cllr Bernard Taylor – Vice Chairman

Licensing Committee

Cllr Simon Rake – Chairman
Cllr Sam Penfold – Vice Chairman

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Cllr Jonathan Hawkins – Chairman
Cllr Ben Cooper – Vice Chairman

Council Tax Setting Committee

Cllr Julian Brazil - Chairman

To watch the Annual Council as it happened and to see all the appointments made during this meeting, go to our YouTube page.

Making space for wildlife

Posted on 9th May 20249th May 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Making space for wildlife

Issued: 9 May 2024

Work to enhance Salcombe’s Hangar Marsh nature reserve has been completed, with part of the site reopening to the public this month.

This is part of South Hams District Council’s ongoing commitment to address biodiversity loss across the District. The Council declared this a priority within their Council Plan and they are thrilled to showcase this as just some of the excellent work which is currently being delivered with the community in the South Hams.

The small wetland reserve, located behind North Sands beach and car park, includes a sizable pond, reedbeds and other wildlife habitats. The pond has been restored, the reedbeds are actively being conserved, and woody leaky dams have been created along the stream to help manage water levels in the wetland.

A replacement section of boardwalk has been built, leading to a new bird hide next to the pond. Interpretation boards giving information about the reserve are also being updated and installed.

The reserve, owned and managed by the District Council had funds secured in 2023 amounting to £20k from Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL). The funding, administered by South Devon National Landscapes, were to restore and enhance the almost a hectare of wetland and involved 15 community volunteer days.

Local social enterprise ParkLife South West has been central in managing the restoration of the site.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change & Biodiversity said: “This is exactly the kind of conservation work to increase biodiversity that we’re more actively involved in and is just one of very many projects we’ll be sharing with residents in the future.

“Although this is only a small site, wetland habitats are very important, supporting a wide range of specialist wildlife species. These reed bed sites lock-in large amounts of carbon, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.

“We’re excited about the opportunities projects like this one offer, not just for improving biodiversity, but also so our communities can come together to work side-by-side with us and our partners on climate change, biodiversity and conservation work. The bird hide provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy wetland wildlife up close.”

ParkLife South West is an organisation that supports environmental volunteering, and a combination of volunteers from the local community and visiting educational groups have helped out with conservation projects at the marsh. This includes young people from Dartington-based Lifeworks, and students from Ivybridge Community College who worked at the site to help create the woody dams.

ParkLife Director, Keith Rennells, said: “The site lends itself to community activity and is a great place for visiting groups to learn about nature. We would like the community to help us manage and maintain the reserve, with projects like cutting and raking the reedbeds.”

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (FiPL) is funded by Defra and delivered by protected landscapes i.e National Landscapes and National Parks. It started in July 2021 and is set to continue until March 2025 as part of the government's Agricultural Transition Plan. It funds land managers, like the Council, and farmers for projects that deliver for at least one of the following - Climate, Nature, People or Place.

John Yeoman Chair of the FiPL Local Assessment Panel, commented: “This project has enabled the land manager to protect a unique site in Salcombe. It gives volunteers the opportunity to be involved and makes it possible for locals and visitors to enjoy this special area. The improvements to the boardwalk, bird hide and interpretation panels will help with the understanding and enjoyment of the area. All this addresses one of the main outcomes of the scheme, ‘people’ and to encourage their involvement in the environment.”

The Panel made up of farmers, with representatives from Natural England, RSPB, the Environment Agency and FWAG meets every two months and still has funds to distribute this year. Further information about criteria for funding, past projects and how to apply is available at www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/farming-in-protected-landscape-programme-2021-2025 .

Access to Hangar Marsh is to the back of North Sands car park. A short section of boardwalk leads to the pond and hide, but beyond that the wetland reserve is not accessible to the public.

For more information about volunteering at Hangar Marsh, or educational visits: please contact the team at parklifesw@gmail.com

ENDS

Welcome To Our May Newsletter!

Posted on 9th May 20249th May 2024 by admin

Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary

Devon Climate Emergency | May 2024

Welcome To Our May Newsletter!

There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy. Here are our picks for the month!

You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.

The BIG FIX Returns In May And Aims To Boost Repair Cafés

Throughout May, The BIG FIX event aims to breathe new life into broken items. Skilled volunteers repair items like electrical equipment, bikes, clothing and jewellery, fostering sustainability and saving money. Now a nationwide initiative for the fourth time, with 60 Repair Cafés participating, it aims to empower people with repair skills for the future. It is coordinated by Devon County Council.

Read More

UK’s First ‘Habitat Bank’ Arrives In Devon

Devon is now home to the country’s first registered “habitat bank“, a 3.2-hectare site in Duryard Valley Park, developed through collaboration between Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, and BioGains Limited.

Read More

First Tree And Woodland Strategy For Devon

The Devon Local Nature Partnership has recently adopted Devon's first Tree and Woodland Strategy. The aim of this strategy is to protect and enhance the county's tree and woodland resources, including those in Plymouth and Torbay, until 2050.

By 2030, the goal is to increase the area covered with trees and woodlands by 3000 hectares. This would increase Devon's tree cover from 14% to 16.5%, which is in line with the national target set for the UK.

Find Out More

Get Outdoors This Naturally Healthy May

Devon is celebrating #NaturallyHealthyMay, encouraging people to get outside, connect with nature, and enjoy being active outdoors.

Throughout May, Active Devon and the Local Nature Partnership will be sharing a variety of events around the county, along with places to walk, wheel, and cycle, areas to breathe in fresh air, and wildlife to spot in Devon.

To find events in your local area, or to list an event you are running, visit www.devonconnect.org and let’s all celebrate naturally healthy month together!

Find Out More

Recruitment Takes Place to Appoint a Devon Climate Emergency Support Officer

The Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) team will shortly have more capacity following the advertisement for a Climate Emergency Support Officer, which had a good response from applicants.

The Support Officer's responsibilities will include communicating the project through the website, social media and newsletter and engagement with partner organisations and the public. It is hoped that the successful candidate will be in post by mid-June.

Organisation Spotlight - Devon Air Ambulance

Devon air ambulance flying above Dartmoor

Devon Air Ambulance is a proud signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration.

As a socially responsible organisation, Devon Air Ambulance has been proactive for many years in making its operations as environmentally friendly as possible. Since signing the Climate Declaration in 2021, they have been working with employees and external consultants to survey and improve their environmental impact.

They have set objectives for improving building insulation, reducing transport emissions, favouring investments with strong environmental credentials, reducing waste, and working with green suppliers.

Recently, they have installed EV charging points at their airbases and are transitioning from petrol-engine cars to electric vehicles.

Devon Air Ambulance Trust CEO Helena Holt, said:

“We take very seriously our commitment towards Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship, as outlined in our strategic plan. It is essential that we play our part in working towards achieving the 45% drop in carbon emissions required globally by 2030, if we are to reach net-zero by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of climate change by keeping warming below 1.5 degrees. As a charity that cares for the health of those we serve, we recognise that our ability to deliver our service effectively is very much subject to the impact of climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse. We are fortunate, therefore, to have a highly-motivated workforce that is entirely behind the strategic goals set out to achieve this.”

We are delighted that environmentally conscious organisations have supported our Climate Declaration as we work to deliver the Devon Carbon Plan.

If you would like to learn more about signing the Declaration, please visit our website, following the link below:

Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

Find out about upcoming events, funding and opportunities across Devon below.

The BIG FIX Continues

11 May

The BIG FIX brings Repair Cafés across the UK together, aiming to break records by fixing as many broken household items as possible throughout May.

This Saturday, May 11th, Chudfix Repair Cafe, Proper Job - Reclaim, Reuse, Recycle, Sustainable Tiverton and Uffculme Green Team will be mending, repairing, and sharing lots of cake. The weather looks great, so make a day of it and visit your local repair café!

Bring along your electricals, jewellery, toys, clothing, IT equipment, and more to your nearest Repair Café to bring your item back to life.

Find a Repair Café

Devon County Show Returns

16 - 18 May, Westpoint, Clyst St Mary EX5 1DJ

Enjoy a three-day festival of agriculture, food, and fun at this year’s Devon County Show.

The Devon Agri-Tech Alliance (DATA) will host a space on Innovation Avenue for its members to connect and showcase their innovative and regenerative farming projects, including running a selection of workshops. Additionally, the Devon Food Partnership will have a stand in this space which will serve as a pop-up opportunity for local food and drink producers to promote themselves.

Workshop topics include regenerative agriculture, soils, solar PV for farms and growing your own with speakers from the Apricot Centre, Symbiosis Soils, Bloom Renewables and Taw Valley Microgreens.

Find Out More

2024 Totnes Local Entrepreneur Forum

16 May

Royal Seven Stars Hotel Ballroom, Totnes
18:00 – 21:30

Join the 12th Totnes LEF! An amazing community gathering aimed at bringing into being a resilient, ecological, just, convivial local economy. An opportunity for new entrepreneurs – and old – to connect, build relationships with peers, supporters and investors. And then 4 entrepreneurs will pitch to the Community of Dragons!

Find Out More

rows of trees with crops growing between them

Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024

17 - 20 May

A weekend in the year when farms and other sites with agroforestry planting are open in co-ordination with each other to welcome visitors. A number of Devon sites are involved this year.

Agroforestry is the practice of combining agriculture and trees.

Photo by Nicolas Barbault on Unsplash

Find Out More

Big Saunton Beach Clean,

19 May, 11.00 - 13.00, Plastic Free North Devon

Get some fresh air, feel good and do good!

- Free parking for volunteers

- Hot drinks will be provided (in a reusable cup only) by the wonderful Saunton Break Cafe - Remember to bring your own cup!

Beach cleaning equipment is provided but if you have your own, bring it with you.

Find Out More

Funding Opportunities

Support for Tree Planting

Devon County Council (DCC) is administering grants and resources for tree planting, supported by The Woodland Trust and The Forestry Commission. DCC are looking for community groups, including schools, town and parish councils that would like to plant trees on their land. The land can be public or private, but ideally the land should be publicly accessible, or at least accessible to a specific community group (i.e., orchards and allotments).

Please contact Elliott Saloman-Carter for more information by direct email elliott.saloman-c@devon.gov.uk

Photo by name_ gravity on Unsplash

Contact the scheme

Water Restoration Fund: Grants Now Available

The deadline to apply is 7 June 2024.

Through the new Water Restoration Fund, local groups can apply for funding to bolster their capacity and capabilities for delivery of on-the-ground projects which improve the water environment.

Grant value: from £75,000 to £250,000

Photo by Robert Zunikoff on Unsplash

Find Out More

Grants to Help Get People Back on their Bikes this Summer

Grants of up to £3,500 are available to deliver cycling events to get people back on their bikes this summer.

The Big Bike Revival Programme will support activity to encourage people who do not currently cycle to consider either starting or returning to cycling.

The closing date for applications is the 25th June 2024.

Find Out More

Recycle Devon Reuse Fund 2024-25

Designed to seed and support schemes to increase the amount of reuse and improve involvement and awareness of reuse projects such as Repair Cafés, Libraries of Things and clothes swap events in East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge, and West Devon.

To encourage and support more groups, two rounds of funding are proposed every year and applications can only be made once every 2 years (i.e., once every 4 rounds). The closing dates are:

Round 1: Wednesday 26^th June 2024
Round 2: Wednesday 27^th November 2024

For more information or to request an information and application form, please contact Jennifer.cooper@devon.gov.uk.

Photo by Ravin Rau on Unsplash

community fund with an illustration of a hand with crossed fingers

Climate Action Fund – new funding information Session

Online, 21 May

An information session about new funding from the Climate Action Fund.

This is an opportunity for interested groups to find out more about this funding and hear about the types of projects they are looking to fund.

Book Here

Devon Climate Emergency
County Hall, Topsham Road
Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD

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Free decarbonisation support for South Hams businesses

Posted on 9th May 20249th May 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Free decarbonisation support for South Hams businesses

Issued: 08 May 2024

Businesses in the South Hams are receiving free specialist help and advice on how to reduce their environmental impact, thanks to support from Libraries Unlimited and funding from South Hams District Council.

Libraries Unlimited is providing specialist consultancy across the district to help businesses develop a decarbonisation plan. These plans will help identify a range of actions to reduce their carbon footprint and on their overall impact on the planet.

Those who take part in the scheme can also apply for Rural England Prosperity Fund decarbonisation grants, which could help to pay for implementing one or more of the measures highlighted in their decarbonisation plans.

The programme links into one of the Council’s key priorities by supporting businesses important to the local economy, helping them to save money by becoming more efficient, boosting their resilience for the years ahead while reducing their carbon footprint.

Businesses can sign up for the project by registering an interest online at https://bipc.librariesunlimited.org.uk/decarbonisation-plans/

The project has received £60,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money from South Hams District Council, so that the project can be rolled out to as wide a range of businesses as possible. Any type of business can apply for the support.

So far, 24 businesses in the South Hams have signed up to receive a decarbonisation plan.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “The work being done by Libraries Unlimited on decarbonisation for businesses is important. Business activity can have a huge impact on the environment that we may not even realise, so this work raising awareness and supporting businesses to reduce their environmental impact can only be a good thing.”

Richard Love, Business and IP Centre Manager for Libraries Unlimited, said: “As a charity, Libraries Unlimited are keen to support the businesses of the South Hams to reduce their carbon footprint. Working in partnership with the council, we designed a consultancy and decarbonisation programme that would cater to businesses small and large, to provide them not only with a carbon footprint baseline, but also a decarbonisation plan with recommendations to reduce their emissions.

“Upon receipt of your decarbonisation plan, the businesses are then eligible to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to implement those measures.

“We’ve created a tailored programme that takes into account whether your business is at the start, or at a more advanced stage on your sustainability journey, and all it takes to register your interest in joining.”

Alex Pickstone, who runs Brackenhill Glamping, one of the businesses who have signed up for a decarbonisation plan, said: “We’ve got an ongoing commitment to green tourism. I think it’s on our guests’ minds as well. They’re looking to stay in the UK, they’re looking for sustainable options. We have got beehives on site, which is really good for pollination. We manage the land, so we’ve got long areas of grass, for biodiversity.”

To find out more, visit:

Thousands in funding for two pools in the South Hams

Posted on 1st May 20241st May 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Thousands in funding for two pools in the South Hams

Issued: 01 May 2024

Dartmouth Open Air Pool and Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge have received tens of thousands of pounds from the Swimming Pool Support Fund.

Quayside Leisure Centre has received £77,000 to go towards variable speed pumps and to upgrade the building management system, while Dartmouth Open Air Pool has received £48,000 for photo voltaic solar panels and pool covers.

325 swimming pools and leisure centres across England have received money from the £60.5million Phase II of the fund to help ensure their long-term sustainability by improving their energy efficiency.

The works at Dartmouth and Quayside will make them more resilient for the years ahead, ensuring these important community pools continue to improve community wellbeing and serve the people of the South Hams for years to come.

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams Executive Member for Community Services and Operations, said: “It’s brilliant that the District Council and its officers have secured funding for both Dartmouth and Quayside pools. They are both tremendous assets to their communities and this money will help ensure they continue to serve the people of the South Hams.

“Rising energy costs have hit us all, but leisure centres have felt these increases harder than most in recent years. It’s good to see this funding supporting centres across the country, as these facilities are hugely important to their communities.”

Jo Squires, Treasurer and Pool Manager of Dartmouth Open Air Pool, said: “We are very grateful to have been awarded £48,000 from the SPRS, as once the solar and cover are installed and all in working order, it will help to reduce our astronomic electricity bill, which was £33,000 for just the four months we are open.

“Without this money we would have to remain closed until the electricity prices came back down again. We are slowly modernizing our community pool, which has been there for 37 years. If it had to close it would be a loss to the locals who love it, as it provides a completely different swimming experience to the indoor pool.”

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Millions of people swim every year in England, but high energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially. I know from personal experience the health benefits of getting down to your local pool, whether that’s just for a few lengths, to swim with friends, or a water aerobics class.

“This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will make hundreds of swimming pools more energy efficient so they can keep offering their vital community and health benefits for generations to come.”

Over 500 capital interventions in over 300 facilities with swimming pools have been awarded funding from the Government and Sport England’s £60m capital investment programme. The interventions include photo-voltaic cells, LED lights and pool covers as well as variety of other capital improvements aimed at improving the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools in the medium to long term.

264 local authorities have received a share of the funding, of which £20m has been provided by Sport England via the National Lottery and just over £40m has been provided by the Government as part of their commitment to support the long-term sustainability of public leisure.

Salcombe community helping shape its future

Posted on 1st May 20241st May 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Salcombe community helping shape its future

1 May 2024

In its commitment to help local businesses thrive and flourish, South Hams District Council is working to support the economy of local towns and rural areas across the District.

As part of this wider economic priority, it has today launched a public consultation across Salcombe and its neighbouring parishes so that its residents, businesses and second homeowners can help shape the future of the town.

In its drive to make sure businesses and residents achieve their aspirations, South Hams District Council is working with the Salcombe and surrounding community to develop a Community Economic Plan. The plan will build on the town’s existing Neighbourhood Plan, create a clear economic vision and develop various projects to support growth.

Salcombe is the second town to take part in the project, with the first already happening in Ivybridge.

With climate change a top priority for both the District Council and local communities, the project also looks at ways local businesses can reduce their carbon emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change.

The project is being supported by a local steering group made up of residents, business owners, Ward Members and Salcombe Town Council. The group has been set up to make sure all voices of the community are heard.

South Hams District Council’s, Executive Member for Economic Development, Cllr John Birch, said: “Salcombe, like so many of our towns is a place where people want to work, live and visit. So that our towns can thrive and prosper, we must continue to first and foremost support the needs of the local community as well as attract visitors to the area.

“The actions and aspirations within Salcombe’s Community Economic Plan will be reflective of local opinions so we encourage all the community to take part in the consultation.”

Anyone living, working or who owns a second home in Salcombe, Marlborough or East Portlemouth can now have their say on the next chapter of their town by taking part in an online survey until 31 July.

There will also be opportunities to join local focus groups which will take place over the next three months.

Find out more details at www.mysalcombe.commonplace.is

ENDS

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Royal Live Saving Society UK

Posted on 29th April 202429th April 2024 by admin

40-year lease renewed for popular Totnes Caravan Site

Posted on 29th April 202429th April 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

40-year lease renewed for popular Totnes Caravan Site

Issued: 29 April 2024

South Hams District Council has awarded a new 40-year lease to the Caravan and Motorhome Club on its Steamer Quay Road site near the riverside, in Totnes.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club occupied the campsite on a seasonal basis since 1970, a massive 54 years of Totnes visitor history.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club won a competitive tender in 2022 with proposals to spend in excess of £1m to improve its year-round facilities and to modernise the campsite.

The Club’s investment into the campsite is hoped to boost the town’s visitor economy, extending the use of the campsite into the off-peak seasons and throughout the year. Visitors would then spend money in the wider South Hams as they explore the area.

The work, which includes improvements to pitches, washroom and reception facilities and also includes installing solar power, is supported by local District Councillors and work started in mid-April.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Commercial Strategy, Cllr John Birch, said: “This is great news for Totnes to increase the number of visitors to the town throughout the year. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has a good reputation nationally and with renewed facilities, this will encourage visitors to our wonderful town and the surrounding area.

“We cannot underplay the economic impact that visitors have to our local businesses and attractions. It’s so important that as a Council, we continue to support opportunities to get the best possible outcomes for our communities and economy to thrive.”

A spokesperson for the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: "Steamer Quay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is a hugely popular destination for members and non-members alike. The latest report by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance shows that UK holiday parks and campsites generate £12.2billion in visitor spending each year and play a vital role in supporting local economies across the nation.

“Visitors to UK holiday parks and campsites stay 82% longer and spend 12% more than the national tourism average. Holiday parks and campsites also have strong ties to the local communities in which they are based, whether that’s through employment, supporting local marketing or fundraising initiatives.

“The Club is delighted South Hams District Council have awarded a new 40-year lease to the Club to enable people to continue to enjoy this wonderful location."

Plans for major arts festival in the South Hams

Posted on 18th April 202418th April 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Plans for major arts festival in the South Hams

Issued: 18 April 2024

Plans are afoot to create a district-wide arts festival for the South Hams next summer.

In conjunction with South Hams District Council, NDP Circus is working on delivering a week-long festival across the district in the summer of 2025. The festival would bring together community organisations focused on the arts and culture, while encouraging collaboration with town and parish councils too.

The festival would also bring together event organisers to help co-ordinate activities in each area. The key theme of the festival would be climate change, a subject of importance to South Hams District Council.

Cllr John Birch, South Hams Executive Member for Economic Development and Commercial Strategy, said: “An arts festival encompassing our communities would be a huge boon for the district. We are looking for our towns and parishes to really buy into the idea, so that this truly is an event for the whole South Hams.

“The festival would be great for the economy, as events would attract visitors to our towns and venues and encourage people to spend money and support our local businesses.

“The Council has an ambition to develop an arts and culture strategy for the South Hams. The festival could be a launchpad for wider activities in the district and leave a significant legacy.

“Climate change is something affecting us all and making it a key theme of the festival will also highlight this important issue.

“Events like this create memories. They get people engaged in the arts, learning new skills and trying new things. They build community spirit by bringing people together. Businesses benefit as people come out from their homes and spend time in the heart of their communities. I’m excited to see what NDP Circus can pull together and the programme of events our residents can look forward to.”

NDP Circus has a track record of bringing arts events to the district following their successful Totnes Festival in 2022. The event was delivered around Totnes and Dartington, with highlights including a performance by the Globe Theatre at Dartington Hall.

The organisation successfully attracted £65,000 of Arts Council funding for the Totnes Festival, along with further funding from Totnes Town Council and South Hams District Council.

The 2025 arts festival is predicted to cost around £175,000, and they will again look to secure funding from the Arts Council and private sector, as well as town and parish councils. They will also aim to work with arts organisations locally to co-ordinate events.

Sign of the Owl Letter (240416)

Posted on 16th April 202416th April 2024 by admin