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Some of the images we saw are on view at Exmouth library, which holds a sizable collection of paintings in their archives, some were from RAMM and others from a variety of museums and private collectors. This was both a fascinating and informative look at the Exmouth coastline and estuary, illustrating not only how much the landscape has changed but also the importance of Exmouth to painters and visitors at that time.
March Meeting cont/d ... The airport was sold by Devon CC in 2007 to a consortium and in June 2013 was bought by Patriot Aerospace Division of the Rigby Group which also owns Coventry Airport. Today, the airport is thriving as more people take holidays abroad. There are no flights to London as it is deemed too close to be viable. Janet Atkins thanked Stephen for a very interesting talk. The next meeting will be on Thursday 10 April when the speaker will be Jennifer Kirkham–Sandy talking about Books in the Changing World. At the May meeting, Julian Limb will tell us about his recent trip to India and in June the will be a trip to Dartmouth.
Painting of the view of the Beacon and Windmill, Exmouth
March Meeting Stephen Ayres gave an informative talk entitled Exeter Airport – Then & Now. The airport had started as a grass field for club flying before being constructed in 1937 and opened as Exeter Airport in 1938 at a cost of approx. £20.000. In WW2 it was an important RAF Fighter Command airfield during the Battle of Britain. It was also used by the United States Army Air Forces Ninth Air Force as a D Day troop transport base, taking paratroops to land on Normandy beach head. In 1946 it was made available for civil use. Exeter was a joint RAF/civil airfield right up until the 1960s.
Exeter Airport 1938
Exeter Airport 2014
COMMUNITY POLICE REPORT PCSO 30028 Donna Baker, Tel 08456 569412 Donna.baker@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk On Sunday 16 February a dog walker was bitten whilst trying to separate his dog from two other dogs that had attacked his dog. The dogs were being walked on Woodbury Common. On Tuesday 18 February a car parked on Woodbury Common was broken into; the rear window was smashed and a handbag and contents stolen. Also on Tuesday 18 February a second car was targeted; the door lock was damaged but no entry gained. We have had more thefts from motor vehicles in other tourist/dog walker venues so I would stress the importance of never leaving valuables in your car; please be aware you might be watched as you so carefully hide that handbag in the boot! Have your say – if you have any local police issues you wish to raise with me please contact me either by the above phone number or email; or, you can speak to me on Friday 25 April when I will be in the Village Hall car park at 9.00am. Suspicious person Exton – an unknown male rang the door bell of a property in Exton in the early hours of Sunday 9 March; this person may have been looking for an unoccupied property. I would ask all residents to report any unusual/suspicious activity in your area to the police using the 101 number. Be particularly vigilant in checking both vehicle and house security particularly when away from your property. Thank you. A day-time burglary occurred on 11 March on Exmouth Road, Exton, between 10am and 1pm, cash stolen.
SEE WOODBURY ONLINE www.woodburydevon.co.uk