Seaton
East Devon Coast & Country magazine visits:
See our feature overleaf...
East Devon Coast & Country magazine visits:
S
eaton’s setting is truly magical as you approach from the top of Seaton Down Hill. It never ceases to impress that’s for sure, the whole expanse of the Axe valley disappearing northwards, whilst to the right it opens out into the magnificent Lyme Bay. There’s such an expanse of countryside in one panoramic vista that the camera really doesn’t do it justice.
It’s no surprise that the Romans came here and settled, because the valley’s sheltered from the prevailing winds with marshes for wildfowl, salmon and seatrout in the river and fertile soil for crops (see previous issue online - Honeyditches ).
Seaton Seaton has a peaceful charm of its own and the town’s pedestrianised centre allows you to amble about in a relaxed manner, enjoy shops or have a coffee outside in the sunshine. Over the last few years, Seaton’s been experiencing major changes such as the addition of a large supermarket. There are new businesses coming into the town, introducing new vigour and flair, which is welcome by all and certainly augurs well for the future. These new businesses include The Shed, Amore and Totally Polished. Let’s wish them all the best with their new enterprises.
EAST DEVON
Coast & Country
I recently met up with Edward Willis Fleming of the Axe Riverside Company, who’s very optimistic about the future of the town. He said “Seaton could have between £50 to £100 million invested in it over the next five years on the various sites available, which can only be good news”. He also goes on to say “there are plans for a complete face lift at the seafront, and in a few years Seaton could be East Devon’s most vibrant and optimistic seaside towns.” Seaton certainly has an awful lot going for it, when you consider the sublime estuary and countryside of the valley. Not forgetting the
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The beautiful and unspoilt Axe Valley - long may it remain so!
Axe Valley Wetlands - a real haven for birdlife, Seaton also has its own harbour and moorings, a tramway, unique flora and fauna in the Undercliff Walk, a golf course, a lovely beach, and not forgetting the new Information Centre which makes available a wealth of information for both visitors and residents alike - the list goes on. Also coming soon is the Discovery Centre which will be run by the Devon Wildlife Trust and the Stop Way Line - a long distance walking and cycling route running from Seaton and finishing in Weston -Super-Mare, covering over 70 miles through Devon and Somerset.
Seaton’s also not short on great local amenities with the renowned Colyton Grammar school just up the road and train links 5 miles up the valley in Axminster - it’s extremely well served. On the opposite side of the river Axe lies Axmouth, a quiet village about a 1/2 a mile up from the seafront. It’s easy to spot from the Seaton side of the valley, as the tower of St Michael’s church is easily recognisable in the distance. It’s a small village with a neat stream running down the side of the road, and has a couple of pubs, a church, community orchard, a campsite and to the north
Moored up ready for fishing
Gulls riding the waves
for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk
east it’s overlooked by an ancient hillfort. In the 13-14th century Axmouth was a port of considerable importance and was said to have 14 public houses. Don’t forget that back in those days the pebble spit blocking the mouth didn’t exist and the river wasn’t silted up, so ships could be brought in from open water to safe harbour. The Phoenicians sailed in the river Axe, and Axmouth was a significant port in Roman times. Ancient roadways all led to the harbour and the Fosse Way ended at Axmouth. The Danes landed
Axemouth harbour
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History books on Seaton & Axmouth The Book of Seaton - Ted Gosling. Axmouth Village - Ted Gosling and Mike Clement. Seaton and Axmouth within living memory - Ted Gosling and Mike Clement. All available to purchase at Seaton Museum.
Ted Gosling - a fine fellow as well as the museum's curator, he's the fount of local history knowledge. He was awarded the freedom of Seaton in Oct 2011. Ted's a regular contributor to COAST & COUNTRY magazine.
an army under Anlaf in 937, but they were defeated in a large battle at Axminster by king Athelstan. In medieval times, monks of Newenham and Sherborne fostered the harbour’s growth until in the 14th century, when heavy storms caused part of the Haven Cliff to fall, which partially blocked the estuary, and the shingle bank started to build up, which in turn resulted in silt being deposited in the estuary. Axmouth Bridge was opened in 1877 and has the honour of being the oldest concrete bridge in England. Incidentally if you’re a history buff, books on Seaton and Axmouth are detailed higher up on this page. Axmouth harbour now is home to several local fishermen, Seaton
Sailing Club and the Seaton Canoe and Kayak Club. If you own a kayak, I can thoroughly recommend a trip up the Axe estuary. On the quay, there’s a great angling tackle shop, very useful if you have any requirements for beach/boat fishing as they have a wide selection of baits and don’t miss the cafe next door - they do a great bacon and egg sandwich. We certainly hope these pages will help you discover what Seaton and Axmouth has to offer. This feature will be permanently online in our digital version of COAST & COUNTRY and it will also linked to the popular East Devon Hub what’s on website which now has over 2,340 organisations registered and using this events information platform. EAST DEVON
Coast & Country
Axmouth Church
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Looking up the estuary from the road bridge
Axmouth shore at full tide for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk
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@
Seaton ^
Eyre Court 01297 21455 www.eyrecourthotel.co.uk
Just Flowers 01297 20662 www.justflowersofseaton.co.uk
Usala Gallery 01297 553980
A small family run guest house situated in the middle of Seaton which allows you and the family to dine in a friendly atmosphere.
For nearly 100 years Seaton and the Axe Valley have been served with hand-tied bouquets from Just Flowers.
Many local artists display a wonderful range of artwork. Proprietor Ursula Pratt MBE organizes many charity exhibitions (daughter Hazel in photo).
A warm welcome from the Seaton shopping and business community awaits you. Seaton's a great place to do a bit of shopping, you can amble around the town centre at a leisurely pace, particularly because the town is pedestrianised down Fore Street and Queen Street. With ample parking and just a short walk from the sea front, Seatons' town centre offers a wide range of independent, friendly shops. From art galleries boasting talented local artists to a range of shops offering all manner of items, the town really does have something for everyone. Long standing businesses such as Just Flowers which have been serving the surrounding areas for over 100 years sit comfortably beside recent new businesses such as Frank Property who have recently celebrated their 3rd birthday. Whether you are looking to enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake or you're looking to take the family out for an evening meal, Seaton has plenty to offer. There are a selection of quirky cafes and eateries as well as traditional independently owned pubs in which you can enjoy the town's warm and relaxed atmosphere. Seaton's shopping front really plays a large part in the community, and with new businesses and shops coming into the area, the town is really becoming a bustling and exciting place to visit.
Pedestrianised Fore Street and Queen Street allows relaxed shopping
EAST DEVON
Coast & Country
Don't miss a visit to Axe Vale Heritage Museum while you're in Seaton, it's well worth a visit and the curator Ted Gosling, is on hand to answer any of your questions.
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Seaton ^
Frank Property 01297 24022 www.frankproperty.co.uk
Temptations Cafe 01297 24300
PB Home Solutions 01297 22559 www.pbhomesolutions.co.uk
If you're looking to sell or buy your house in East Devon or West Dorset, feel free to pop in to Frank Property for a cup of tea and a chat.
Tea, coffee, cakes, lunches and dinners on evenings. Mon-Thur 9am-4pm Fri & Sat 9am-9pm Sunday 9am-4pm - carvery at lunchtime
Looking for fitted kitchens, bathrooms or bedrooms? Find friendly and helpful advice along every step, from designing to fitting.
John Wood & Co 01297 20290 www.johnwood.co.uk
Steve's Print & Design 01297 22602
Silk Stocking 01297 24440 www.bras4u.net
Established in 1977, John Wood & Co are local, independent and professional. For total commitment chat to their experienced team.
For all your print and stationery needs, including letterheads, comps, leaflets, photocopying, brochures, cards
Silk Stocking offers a wide range of lingerie while giving that personal touch to suit any shape.
You're sure of a warm welcome when you visit Nicola at PB Home Solutions showroom in Fore Street. They're a local success story, with a new showroom (Devon Applicances) opened at Fosse Way Park (at the back of Seaton). You can visit this store or buy onlline as they have a full e-commerce site. Delivery is free if you live locally.
Do you wish to have your town featured in COAST & COUNTRY magazine? Call Richard Woodward on 01395 513383 or richard@prestige-media.co.uk
for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk
East Devon Sports Therapy & General Injury Clinic 01297 5989605 www.eastdevonsportstherapy.co.uk They offer a wide range of pain relief treatments and strive to ensure that all clients get the same treatment as Olympic sports teams. Beth & Guy above.
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FRESH , SUSTAINABLE and LOCALLY CAUGHT FISH at:
Left to right: Fishermen Dan Colquhoun, Nigel Birt and John Wallington at their retail outlet at Miller's Farm Shop, Kilmington.
Set up by two local commercial fishermen from Axmouth in Seaton. Their idea was to fish and catch sustainably in Lyme Bay and bring the fish direct from their boats to the Fish Shack and direct to the customer.
The two boats that run from Axmouth Harbour, skippered by John Wallington (Outcast) and Nigel Birt (KT-SAM)
The Lyme Bay fish shack is run by a friendly local team. John Wallington has been in the industry for 15 years and is well known and respected as an excellent Bass fisherman and chartered skipper. Working along side him also is Nigel Birt. More recent to the industry, Nigel works as the fishermen's apprentice. Behind the counter at their shop at Millers Farm Shop in Kilmington, Dan Colquhoun works as the team's fishmonger. He was bought up in the fishing village of Beer and has spent his whole life around the fishing industry. Their fishing methods involve using rod and line and static gear, this means that the fish landed is in superb condition and any undersize fish are put back. The team catch a variety of fish including Bass, Pollack, Cod, Mackerel, Black Bream, Crabs, and Lobsters. They also work very closely with other local fishermen who supply them with hand dived Scallops, Plaice, Skate and Dover Soles etc. Nigel and John successfully fish Lyme Bay sustainably whilst also bringing the customer the best quality fresh fish at great prices.
EAST DEVON
They operate out of Axmouth Harbour
Coast & Country
Visit
Lyme Bay Fish Shack at:
Millers Farm Shop Kilmington Axminster Devon EX13 7RA Telephone:
07736546244 or
07563778124 56
Painting of Sidmouth circa 1905 by Barry Mason, one of the top Historic Marine Artist in the country.
Usala Gallery would like to thank Barry Mason and everyone who supported the Art Exhibitions early this year in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance. A cheque for the sum of £3000.00 was presented by Ursula last month. She would also thank her wonderful friends and the staff from Pecorama and Kennaway House for giving their valuable time in helping to set up the Shows. The Paintings were won by two lucky couples from Tiverton and Bridport.
GALLERY
8 Fore Street, Seaton Large selection of Greetings Cards Paintings and Prints by local Artists Table Mats, Coasters and Jigsaws by Usala Silver Jewellery and other Gifts Steiff Bears and Animals Leach Pottery, local made Ceramics Glass Gifts and Silk Scarves
SEATON TRAMWAY www.tram.co.uk
01297 20375 Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devonʼs glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.
Upcoming events Electric Shock ʻO Horror Zombie Fest - 26th & 31st October Halloween Tram of Terror - 26th to 31st October Visit Santa By Tram - 15th, 21st to 24th December
Riverside Depot, Harbour Road, Seaton EX12 2NQ for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk
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John Wood & Co
Coast & Country Since 1977
Sea Views from Seaton Seaton, Stylish Bungalow with Outstanding Views - £585,000
Seaton, Four Bedroom Fine Detached House - £570,000
A superb, stylish and beautifully presented three bedroom detached bungalow located in delightfully landscaped private gardens approaching half an acre with outstanding views. The property benefits from a swimming pool, summerhouse and double garage. EPC rating D.
A fine detached house located on one of Seaton’s premier roads in most appealing landscaped gardens and grounds with outstanding sea views available from the majority of aspects of the property and the landscaped gardens. Detached garage. Workshop. EPC rating D.
Seaton, Edwardian Semi Detached House - £415,000
Seaton, Detached 4/5 Bedroom Bungalow - £445,000
A superbly restored and presented late Edwardian four bedroom semi-detached house close to the town centre and enjoying sea views. Open fronted garage, gardens and parking. EPC rating C.
An exceptional spacious bungalow with sea views in one of the premier roads in Seaton offering up to 5 bedrooms and integral annexe potential. Landscaped gardens. Double garage. EPC rating D.
49 Queen Street, Seaton, EX12 2RB 01297 20290
Residential Sales & Lettings www.johnwood.co.uk EAST DEVON
Coast & Country
Market Place Colyton, EX24 6JR 01297 553691 58
We Value Your Home
GORDON & Rumsby
Thorncombe Guide £600,000 Gd II Listed Former Farmhouse with Outbuildings. Approx. .75 Acre.
Colyton £438,500 Beautiful Period 4 Bed Home with Spacious Accom. Large Walled Garden.
01297 553768 Visit us at Market Place, Colyton www.gordonandrumsby.co.uk
Lyme Regis £449,500
Axminster £399,950
Axminster £349,500
1920’s Detached 4 Bed house with Self contained Flat. Garden & Sea Views.
Detached 3 Bed Period House. Double Garage & Garden. Edge of Town.
Detached Architect Design 4 Bed Home. Garden. Garage. Outskirts of Town.
Kilmington £289,950 Refurbished Detached Bungalow. Garage. Garden. Further Potential.
Honiton £175,000 Delightful 3 Bed Cottage Tucked Away in Heart of Town. Parking & Garden.
for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk
Colyton £225,000 Detached 2 Bed Barn Conversion. Courtyard & Balcony. Barn /Workshop
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26 Fore Street, Seaton, Devon EX12 2AD. T: 01297 - 21158 Steve and Chris took over KM News @ 26 Fore Street, Seaton in 2006 and moved their printing business from 41 Fore Street into the new premises and combining the Newsagents with the printing business. The store has some history for Steve and Chris as back in 1952 Steve’s mum was the manageress of the shop, when it was a newsagents and when she married Len they started their married life in the flat above the shop. They stayed there until Steve’s brother Keith was born. Steve and Chris have made many changes to the shop, the last of which was converting the shop into a full convenience store under the Londis banner and moved their printing business to 23 Fore Street. “We have many ‘SuperValu’ products that are keen for the purse, keeping the cost of the daily shop to a minimum. Weekly offers are available, always changing, there is something for everyone. “Has it been a good move?; we think so. With the support of our customers, friends and the encouragement we get on a daily basis, in a very difficult trading climate, makes it all worth while. “ We offer a friendly service and our staff have high standards to keep up. You only have to ask for help and they will assist you. “We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the businesses and people who have continued to support us. Seaton has many new shops opening and we would like to think that Seaton is know becoming a great town again. Who knows what tomorrow may bring, but it will not be without trying to put a smile on someone’s face and make their day by taking time out to spend a little time talking and listening to them”.
“That is what the little shops are about, making a difference and making the community spirit live on.”
Open: Mon - Sat 6.30am - 8.00pm. Sun 6.30am - 6.00pm Steves News Londis, has plenty to offer • Lottery • Paypoint • Dry cleaning service • E top up EAST DEVON
• Newspaper deliveries • Fresh food & groceries • Wines, Beers & Spirits • Own brand range - SuperValu Coast & Country
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Flowers of Distinction
Axe Valley Heritage Association Seaton Museum, Seaton Town Hall Open Mon - Fri 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-5pm
Director: M. D. Hammett
Telephone: 01297 20662 Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5pm 11 Queen Street, Seaton Devon EX12 2NY All major credit cards accepted www.justflowersofseaton.co.uk
For that personal touch...
Visit Seaton Museum on the top floor of Seaton Town Hall to find out about the World Heritage site of the Devon and Dorset Jurassic Coast. See the updated interactive display on the dedicated computer. Also new Information panels on the local geology.
Silk Stocking For the pretty petite to the beautiful larger lady. Ladies lingerie specialist and fitting service. Sizes 28 to 50 and cup size AA to K. Lingerie includes: • bra’s & briefs • nightwear
The World Heritage Site and Jurassic Coast Information Centre
• swimwear including mastectomy/ maternity
Visit us at 14 Fore Street, Seaton EX12 2LA www.bras4u.net or call 01297 24440
The Norman Whinfrey Geological collection and selected fossil display. Rare prints and books. Seaton Museum is supported by the Chairman Geoff Marshall whoʼs a trained geologist and also by Ted Gosling, who was curator of the Lyme Museum in the 1960s and has a good knowledge of fossils.
Friendly, helpful family run business
Kitchens
PANIC DESIGN
Outdoor, hiking and casual wear: • Stockist of the famous Tilley Hats including the limited edition genuine Harris Tweed winter hats and genuine Australian and South African leather hats. • Large selection of waterproof clothing including Jack Murphy, Target Dry and Hoggs of Fife. • Lackner, Gri Sport and Trezeta walking boots and shoes. • Deal and Captain Corsaire casualwear. • Hiking poles and much, much more.
Bedrooms Bathrooms
01297 20900
Marine Place, Seaton
Appliances www.pbhomesolutions.co.uk
TEL: 01395 570002 / 01297 22559
PB
HOME SOLUTIONS
The Eyre Court Hotel, Bar and Restaurant
Family run and Family friendly Excellent home cooked food served every day Rooms available all year round from £60.00 per night Function room available & Live music every Sunday 4pm to 7pm
www.eyrecourthotel.co.uk for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk
info@eyrecourthotel.co.uk 61
EAST DEVON
Coast & Country
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for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk
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East Devon Sports Therapy & General Injury Clinic
01297 598605
Get back into Sports, Get back into life!
At East Devon sports therapy we offer a wide range of treatments from pre event massage to body strength and conditioning, laser therapy (LLLT) to kinesology taping; injuries are managed in a professional manner resulting in full recovery to optimal fitness. Providing instant pain relief and a speedy recovery, we use the same low level laser therapy (LLLT) system as the Olympic and top international sports teams, for acute and chronic pain, including post operation recovery, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, fractures and general body pains.
01297 598605
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In our treatments we can also provide ultrasound, TENS, kinesiology taping, strapping and manual therapies including manipulations and mobilisation. The clinic also offers gait analysis and bike fittings using our highly accurate computer software. This can help to improve sporting performance, reduce musculoskeletal stress minimising the risk of injury, correct posture and also allow for custom orthotic fittings.
Using our rehabilitation gym, exercising injuries is made easy and specific to every individuals need. Although we deal with sports injuries, we also have a very high number of patients who have never competed in sport in their lives, ranging up to the age of 98! Any aches and pains are welcome for treatment, we strive to ensure all patients leave us with a better quality of life, pain free!
Each injury has a specific rehabilitation programme drawn up which can be sport specific or general strengthening.
41 Fore Street, Seaton, EX12 2AD
www.eastdevonsportstherapy.co.uk
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contact@eastdevonsportstherapy.co.uk
A Proper Education
Trill Farm Trill Farm, near Axminster, is a 300 acre organic farm, and home to a number of small enterprises and an educational charity.
Life Matters Balancing the stresses of work and living with health and relaxation
Life Matters Editor - Averil Quinain coachingholistic@gmail.com tel: 01395 513383 07891 447710 Averil is a Personal Life Coach and Business Development Coach. She works voluntarily for the Princes Trust as a mentor for young people, and for Oxfam as a school speaker. With a passion for inspired and responsible living, she also runs an organic natural remedy business. Averil trained at the internationally renowned CoachInc.com and is a member of the ICF.
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Trill Farm is set in lovely countryside
T
rill Farm was bought by Romy Fraser (founder of Neal’s Yard Remedies) in 2006. In addition to transforming the farm into an example of productive organic farming, Romy set up the Trill Trust to help realise her aspirations for education. A former teacher, Romy has had a long-standing interest in helping young people to learn more about the relationship between the health of our natural environments, and human health and well-being. So far, the Trust has been running a variety of short courses at Trill Farm and offering nature-based EAST DEVON
activities for schools and other groups throughout the year. Next year, the Trust will be launching and piloting a new flagship project, a residential ‘Fellowship programme’ for young adults. This will be a kind of alternative ‘gap year’, an opportunity to learn new skills, discover new interests and capabilities, and reflect on what will be useful and meaningful careers in this century. Dr Rhys Kelly, a university lecturer who is helping to design the fellowship programme, explains a little more:
Coast & Country
“These are quite challenging times for many young people, not just in the UK but across many parts of Europe. There are high rates of youth unemployment, and the cost of education is increasing significantly. At the same time, it is becoming clearer that issues like climate change and energy security require us to think carefully - as individuals and societies - about what we should invest our time, resources and talents in. We want to create a programme for young adults that will enable them understand some of the most important environmental, economic and political issues that will shape their lives in the coming decades, so they can make informed choices about what education or work they might choose in the future. We also want to enable young people to learn about the possibilities of and potential for more sustainable ways continued overleaf...