THE Mayor of Newton Abbot has said the proposed Band D increase of 16.9p per week to provide town council services such as street cleaning, public events and the museum would be the lowest since he became a councillor.

Cllr Alex Hall took his seat in the chamber in 2021 at a time when the pandemic and international affairs were sending prices sky high.

An additional burden on the Town Council had been the public’s expectation that services were maintained at a time when county and district authorities were reigning back from their traditional roles owing to cuts in government funding.

As a result, Newton Abbot Town Council’s share of the Council Tax bill had needed to increase by as much as 21 per cent in recent years.

But with some pressures easing, a meeting of Newton Abbot Town Council’s Finance and Audit Committee on Wednesday January 15 was given a report from Deputy Clerk Sam Scott.

She said that an increase of 16.9 pence per week for a Band D property, a figure calculated after scrutinising the books since July 2024, would be sufficient to cover the authority’s costs.

‘The increase is more in line with pre-Covid times which is encouraging,’ she said.

Cllr Hall, recommending that members approve the 4.83 per cent lift, said: ‘This is one of the lowest percentage increases I’ve seen since I started with the council.’

Committee Chair Cllr Colin Parker agreed and said the ‘economic crisis’ the entire country had experienced had increased costs all round.

He added that Newton Abbot Town Council had invested in new street cleaning equipment and additional maintenance staff while providing the wider area with many of its cultural services, such as the museum.

Cllr Phil Bullivant said the ‘regrettable but small’ increase was needed at a time when the chances of both the district and county councils being replaced by a larger authority were increasing.

‘I want Newton Abbot to be at the forefront of any developments that take place,’ he said.

The proposed 2025/2026 budget was discussed at Full Council on Wednesday January 22.

The Newton Abbot Town Council Band D charge in 2024/25 was £ £181.88. If the 4.83 per cent change is adopted the rate for 2025/26 will be £190.67.

For more information email [email protected] or call 01626 201120.

NEWTON Abbot Museum is set to re-open on Tuesday January 21 with five ‘firsts’ for visitors.

Bound to catch peoples’ attention as they enter the popular free attraction in Wolborough Street is the collection of silver on loan from the medieval church of St Blaise in Haccombe.

‘These ecclesiastical items are incredible, the earliest is Elizabethan and they are in such good condition,’ said Curator Dr Charlotte Dixon.

‘We have flagons, chalices, alms plates and patens, all of which would have been used in church services.’

Another first is a boy’s sailor outfit with likely connections with the Curtis family of Denbury Manor.

‘Lettice Curtis was a notable Newtonian and during the Second World War she was one of the first female pilots and certainly the first female to pilot a four-engined bomber,’ said Dr Dixon.

‘The sailor outfit is new to our collection, coming in late last year from someone with links to Denbury Manor.

The costume case is now graced by a Victorian lady’s embroidered silk dress that was worn at Buckingham Palace while the object of the month is a 19th century barrister’s horse hair wig discovered in a local office that once housed a legal firm.

‘It’s an amazing find being so fragile yet still intact and with its original case,’ said Dr Dixon.

The conservation case houses a display about specialist techniques used in keeping objects in good condition while the last ‘first’ is a uniform worn by a midwife whose 1940 visit to a patient near the railway coincided with a Luftwaffe bombing raid.

‘We’re optimistic about the coming season and looking forward to welcoming people in,’ said Dr Dixon.

‘The old museum in Devon Square used to attract between 2,000 – 2,500 people each year, now we’re in Newton’s Place and we predicted perhaps 12,000.

‘Last year the actual figure rose to more than 15,000 and we’re hopeful of matching or even exceeding that.’

The new collections are being complemented by an extensive program of mostly free family activities and workshops, details of which can be found at www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk.

Newton Abbot Town and GWR Museum is funded by Newton Abbot Town Council.

The below images show the barrister’s wig, Victorian dress and new Museum Assistant Joanna Eccles with the Haccombe silver

For more information email [email protected] or call 01626 201121.

CONTEMPORARY dance is coming to Newton Abbot Museum in the groundbreaking form of a feminist reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

The two free performances of Ophelia on Saturday February 1 are being staged by the Exeter-based Chhaya Collective with Kay Crook as Ophelia and Sean Moss as Hamlet.

It will feature a community cast from the town alongside the Chhaya Youth Dance Company.

Choreographed by Kay Crook and co-directed with Aileen Gonsalves, the organisers said Ophelia ‘gives voice to a woman whose story has been overshadowed for centuries. At its heart lies the deep yet fragile love between Ophelia and Hamlet, a bond marked by tenderness, betrayal and tragedy.’

The show promises to chart Ophelia’s journey, her struggles, strength and ‘reclamation of power in a world that sought to define and diminish her’.

The action will move throughout the building, starting upstairs in the community rooms before moving into the main exhibition space.

Accompanying the performance will be Women in Waves, a visual art exhibition featuring commissioned works by Jeannie Clarke and local artists.

It aims to explore ‘the symbolic relationship between women and water, creating a rich dialogue with the themes of the production.’

Curator Dr Charlotte Dixon said: ‘This is something completely new to us and comes after the Chhaya Collective contacted us to say they’d received a grant from the Teignbridge Arts Project to stage a performance in a cultural venue.

‘Ophelia is based around Hamlet’s love letter and we have an 18th century example on display so the performance here is very appropriate.

‘It’s all very exciting and the first time we will have staged anything like this.’

Performances are due to take place at 2pm and 5pm.

On January 25 the museum will also host a performance by the Sing and Sign Jukebox Choir with a Makaton performance called Warm Hands, Full Hearts.

Tickets for both events are free and can be booked at www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk, call 01626 201121 for more information.

A wide selection of images and videos is available at www.chhayacollective.com.

For more information please email [email protected] or call 01626 201121.

A NIGHT among Amazonian animals is the tantalising promise behind this season’s Lantern Parade in Newton Abbot.

The dazzling event is set to take place in the town centre on the evening of Wednesday December 11 and will showcase the talents of youngsters from the town’s primary schools.

Any number of exotic beasts from the world’s largest rainforest is expected to feature in the illuminated spectacle that draws in the crowds year after year.

Starting at 6.30pm from Bearnes Primary School in Queen Street, the procession will pass through Courtenay Street and come to a halt at St Leonard’s Clock Tower.

Outside Santa will be looking forward to meeting his young fans while anyone wanting to take a fireside selfie in is grotto can pop into the tower itself.

Live music will accompany the celebrations and late night shopping will no doubt prove popular with present-hunters.

Anyone feeling peckish or looking for something to drink can choose from the nearby pubs, bars and cafes or check out the street food stalls for extra choice.

‘It may be the middle of December but a visit from some amazing animals of The Amazon will add a little tropical warmth to our festive celebrations,’ said Natalie Hicks, Events Co-ordinator at Newton Abbot Town Council.

‘All the entertainment will be free and we hope everyone has a really wonderful evening.’

Events to enjoy before the Lantern Parade include 10am – 3pm Sunday Markets on December 1 and 8, with another to follow on December 15.

Each will feature food, drink and crafts with live music from acts such as Gypsy Dreams.

The annual Victorian Evening on Wednesday December 4 will include carolling, live music, walkabout acts and free visits to Santa.

As always it will centre around the many charity stalls with those taking part dressed in period costume and hoping to take the title of best dressed team.

This year’s Dog-Friendly Carol Service is set to take place between 12 noon and 1pm in Wolborough Street on Saturday December 7 while on the same day between 10am – 12 noon live music will be performed in Courtenay Street by The Salvation Army Band.

Afterwards the Spectrum Concert Wind Band will invite the crowds to join them for carols until 2pm, again in Courtenay Street.

Anyone missing the Salvation Army’s first performance will have another chance on Saturday December 14 and again on Saturday December 21.

Other events to look forward to include carols in Courtenay Street from the children of Highweek Primary School between 2.15pm – 3.15pm on Monday December 16.

The 6.30pm Mayor’s Carol Service at St Leonard’s Clock Tower will be on Wednesday December 18 while earlier that day, between 4pm – 5pm, pupils from Canada Hill Primary School will be in Courtenay Street performing a selection of carols.

The Spectrum Concert Wind Band take over at 6pm with another appearance scheduled for 12noon – 2pm on December 21.

‘The high street is about so much more than shopping, it’s a social thing,’ said Natalie.

Some images above from previous Christmas events in Newton Abbot.

Storm Bert has forced the cancellation of the Christmas Lights celebrations in Newton Abbot tomorrow.

The day was due to be packed with free family activities and the first appearance of Santa and his sleigh.

But with gale force winds and heavy rain predicted, organisers at Newton Abbot Town Council have been advised to cancel the programme for safety reasons.

‘We simply cannot put anyone at risk and our insurers would refuse to cover us if we allowed gazebos to be erected in the high wind speeds expected to come with Storm Bert,’ said Events Co-ordinator Natalie Hicks.

‘We’re gutted for everyone involved and the countless families who were looking to attend but it’s the right call.’

Natalie and her colleagues are now looking forward to the rest of the seasonal programme.

‘On Wednesday December 4 we continue with our traditional Victorian Evening, then we will have the lantern workshop and 12pm dog-friendly carol service on Saturday December 7.

‘The Lantern Parade at 6.30pm on Wednesday December 11 will no doubt prove to be a huge draw once again, then on December 18 I’ll be hosting the Mayor’s Carol Service from 6.30pm at St Leonard’s Tower.

‘Don’t forget there will be late night shopping each Wednesday on December 4, 11 and 18 when Santa will be in town and his grotto open for selfies.

‘There will also be street markets with food, drink and crafts each Sunday on December 1, 8 and 15 between 10am – 3pm.

‘Look out for the posters, follow the Town Council on social media and visit our website for all the details.

‘Storm Bert may have scuppered some of our plans but Christmas 2024 in Newton Abbot is more than one day!’

The full events listing can be viewed at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.

THE ever-popular children’s entertainer, Elfic, is just one of the free attractions drawing the crowds into Newton Abbot on Wednesday December 4 for the town’s annual Victorian Evening.

The award-winning comedy juggler is renowned for wowing audiences with his madcap shows which this year will take place at 5.30pm and 7pm in Market Square.

Visitors are also encouraged to keep an eye out for a wandering polar bear, stilt-walking policeman and an old-fashioned gent pedalling his penny farthing bicycle.

Santa and Mrs Claus will be present too as will a wide range of charity stalls and hot food vendors.

Many shops and cafes will offer late night opening while the Spectrum Orchestra provides a seasonal backdrop with popular carols.

Anyone keen to take a peak into Santa’s Grotto can pop into St Leonard’s Clock Tower and snap a selfie while the great man is outside on his sleigh meeting with fans.

Natalie Hicks, Events Co-ordinator at Newton Abbot Town Council said: ‘The Victorian Evening has been a family favourite for many years with all our charity stallholders in period costume and vying to win the best-dressed stall award.

‘It’s not an event that’s stuck in the past though, with plenty of free attractions we know go down well with young and old alike.

‘Let’s hope we get some clear skies to add that winter sparkle, we’ll see you there between 5pm and 8pm!’

Another festive event is the Doggy Carol Service with Rev Gareth Regan in Wolborough Street at 12 noon on Saturday December 7.

Families and their beloved pet pooches are encouraged to take part with free lyric sheets and gingerbread biscuits on offer.

Musical encouragement will be provided by the Forte Singers and Spectrum Orchestra.

For event details follow Newton Abbot Town Council on Facebook, X and Instagram.