Newton Abbot Town Council

NEWTON ABBOT’S VICTORIAN EVENING!

Wednesday 8th December saw the annual Victorian Evening take place in Newton Abbot in the Market Square and Walk.  It is a well known event now in the South Devon area and everyone looks forward to the charity evening with the Victorian atmosphere.

Top children entertainer ‘Jungle Jim’ was entertaining children and adults alike in the Market Square throughout the evening.  He is well known as a children’s ventriloquist with a number of wild and wacky animal characters which seemed to be enjoyed by the crowds last night.

Once again the Market Square and Market Walk was jam packed with local charity stalls selling their wares.  In total there were 48 stalls selling Christmas items from tree decorations, homemade cakes and buns to Christmas cards and ‘bric a brac’.  This year the ‘best dressed stall’ trophy went to ‘Friends of All Saints Marsh Primary School’ they received a trophy as well as a cheque for £50 for their charity, congratulations to all the efforts they had put into making their stall look so appealing.

l/r Becky Gentry, Kate Parsons, Maxine Bradley, Maria Pritchard (from All Saints Marsh Primary School) and Carol Bunday (NA Mayor).

Pupils from All Saints Marsh and Bearnes and Hennock Primary School entertained shoppers during the evening with their carol singing in the Market Square between 6.45 pm – 7.15 pm.

Silver Wings Falconry were also in the town centre again showing off their wonderful birds of prey to the general public. Children were also entertained with two walk about acts which included a gentleman on a penny farthing who was making balloon models for the children and also a larger than life stilt walking policeman.   Plus live music from local group the ‘Chordettes’ on Courtenay Street were singing a number of festive tunes at 7 pm.

Santa was in residence in his Clock Tower grotto this year and will be there again on Saturdays in December as well as late night Wednesdays.  Why not come and visit him, he is free and donations are welcome which will this year go to the Mayors chosen charities ‘The Tower Unit’ and ‘Memory Cafe’.

Natalie Hicks, Events Co-ordinator for the Town Council says  ‘The event was a great success, the night is always well attended and I must thank everyone for coming out still in the arctic conditions.  A big thank you must go to all those involved including the Snack Cabin for the refreshments for the school children.  Plus the  charity stalls looked very festive with a Victorian twist, a great effort all round.’