Sidmouth Repair Café > Saturday 25th May > part of an international movement

The next Repair Café at the Manstone Youth Club will be next Saturday:

Sidmouth Repair Cafe - Home | Facebook

The Repair Café movement is truly international:
Repair Café International - Home | Facebook

The Herald's monthly magazine carries a piece on the Café - and this is the latest:

Sidmouth's Repair Café - part of an international movement

PUBLISHED: 07:00 12 May 2019 | UPDATED: 09:14 13 May 2019

A youngster tries her hand at one of the many Repair Cafes in the world.

Repair Cafés are opening up all over the world, in schools, churches and youth centres.

At one Belgian college, 'dysfunctional devices' belonging to members of the community are brought in and repaired by students. As the head said: "It helps them enhance their skills, while raising their awareness on issues of sustainability."

Martine Postma, director of Repair Café International also says it's about education: "Our volunteers are happy to show their neighbours the basics of repairing, but the real change will come when repair skills are put on the curriculum once more."

At Sidmouth's Repair Café, it's also not just about fixing stuff. It's also about showing people why things have broken down. And if spare parts are needed, then advice is always given - and so even those whose gadget isn't immediately fixed leave happy.

The next Repair Café is on Saturday, May 25, 10am to 1pm, at the Youth Centre in Manstone Lane.

To read more features from East Devon Resident, click here.

Sidmouth's Repair Café - part of an international movement | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald
.
.
.

"So you’ve declared a Climate Emergency, now what?" > Exeter University > Thursday 23rd May

A 'Climate Emergency' has been declared - by the County Council and by central government:
Futures Forum: Climate change > County Council declares 'climate emergency' but fails to commit to becoming carbon neutral by 2030

On Tuesday, Extinction Rebellion will be meeting:
Futures Forum: Climate Emergency > What could government be doing? > talk and discussion with Exeter Extinction Rebellion > Tuesday 21st May

And on Thursday, Transition Exeter and the University will also be considering where to go next:

So you’ve declared a Climate Emergency, now what?

Thursday 23 May 2019, 6.00 - 9.00 pm

Alumni Auditorium, The Forum, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4SZ

Both Devon County Council and the UK Parliament have declared a Climate Emergency. Transition Exeter has partnered with the Exeter University's Global Systems Institute to run a free public event:  Now what?  

The panel will include Youth Striker Sophie Sleeman, climate scientist Richard Betts, newly elected Exeter Green councillor Diana Moore and Alice Mosely speaking on Citizens Assemblies.  

Book your place now, and bring questions and comments to the meeting on Thursday 

Transition Exeter - Home | Facebook 

With more on the Eventbrite site:

So you’ve declared a Climate Emergency, now what?

Date: Thursday 23 May 2019

Time: 18.00 - 20.00

Venue: Alumni Auditorium, The Forum, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4SZ

Video link: Exchange Lecture Theatre, Penryn Campus

This public event is hosted by the University of Exeter Global Systems Institute in Partnership with Transition Exeter and Exeter Community Energy.

Event Information

On 1 May 2019 UK MPs approved a motion to declare an environment and climate emergency.

More than 60 towns and cities across the UK have already declared "a climate emergency" including Devon and Cornwall County Councils.

Last month the University of Bristol became the first UK university to make a similar declaration. There is no single definition of what "a climate emergency" means but many local authorities state they want to be carbon-neutral by 2030. This will only be achievable through dramatic cuts in emissions which requires social transformation.

What steps are required to achieve rapid and extensive change?

Deep cuts in emissions will involve far-reaching changes to everyday lives, physical infrastructures, patterns of investment and divestment. How can we ensure such change is rapid and extensive, yet also socially acceptable, fair and leaves no-one behind? Research suggests most people are not willing to voluntarily give up consuming meat and dairy products, driving a car and taking overseas holidays.

Is this likely to change? If so, how? What is the potential for a Citizens Assembly to enable social transformation?

This public meeting will explore these issues with a diverse panel and questions from the audience. Join us for some lively discussion and distraction from the European elections!

Panel members

• Event chair: Patrick Devine-Wright, Professor in Human Geography
• Richard Betts, Chair in Climate Impacts
• Alice Moseley, Lecturer in Politics
• A Fridays for Future (Exeter) representative
• Glenn Woodcock, Exeter City Futures
• Local authority / public sector representative (tbc)

A public event hosted by the Global Systems Institute

The Global Systems Institute is applying Earth system science to generating networked solutions. Our aim is to work with others to secure a flourishing future for humanity as an integral part of a life-sustaining Earth system. We are uniting a trans-disciplinary group of researchers, educators and partners to look beyond single ‘environmental’ issues to a truly systemic view of coupled global changes in the human social and economic sphere and the biosphere.

www.exeter.ac.uk/gsi

Venue

Main venue: Alumni Auditorium, The Forum, Streatham Campus, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4SZ. Building number 3 on the Streatham Campus map.

For Streatham maps and directions, please visit this page.

Video link: Exchange Lecture Theatre, The Exchange, Penryn Campus, TR10 9FE.

For Penryn maps and directions, please visit this page.

Registration

To register for the event please click the 'register' link at the top of this page.

If you have any enquiries regarding the event, please email research-events@exeter.ac.uk

Please note filming, recording and photography may take place at this event.

So you’ve declared a Climate Emergency, now what? Registration, Thu 23 May 2019 at 18:00 | Eventbrite
.
.
.

Climate Emergency > What could government be doing? > talk and discussion with Exeter Extinction Rebellion > Tuesday 21st May

A legitimate question raised by Exeter Extinction Rebellion:

Talking Climate Policies  Extinction Rebellion Event Climate Emergency - What could government be doing? Tuesday 21st May  7 - 9 pm Exeter Community Centre

Talk and discussion about policy options that could cut climate impact with the urgency and scale needed. When government and councils come up with proposals we need to know what would be good enough.  We’ll look at ‘kicks’ that start a process and ‘shifts’ that change the rules

 Climate Emergency - What could government be doing? 
.
.
.

'Trees for climate change' > former Chief Scientist of Met Office Julia Slingo > Thursday 23rd May

It's Tree Week next week:
Sidmouth Arboretum

And on Thursday evening, Julia Slingo, a patron of the Arboretum, will be giving an illustrated talk to the general public:

‘Trees for climate change’

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Music Room, Sidholme Hotel, Elysian Fields, 
Sidmouth, EX10 8UJ

Trees for climate change - Illustrated talk by Julia Slingo - Vision Group for Sidmouth

Dame Julia Slingo served as Chief Scientist of the UK Met Office from 2009 to 2016:
Julia Slingo | Royal Society

And has given all manner of speeches:

The Evolution of Climate Science: A Personal View from Julia Slingo | World Meteorological Organization

Including at NASA back in January:

NASA Climate Change

Published 09.05.2019

Dame Julia Slingo served as Chief Scientist of the U.K. Met Office from 2009 to 2016 when she retired. Throughout her research career she has developed and used complex weather and climate models to understand the climate system and to predict its evolution. Her special interests are in tropical weather and climate variability, understanding their influence on the global climate system and their role in monthly to decadal climate prediction. 

Climate change will be one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century; how we respond will determine our future prosperity, health and well-being and the sustainability of Earth’s natural environment. However, these responses must be underpinned by the best possible climate science to ensure that we make wise decisions on how to build resilience to weather and climate extremes, and adapt to and mitigate climate change. 

In this talk, Dame Julia Slingo will discuss the history of our understanding of how the climate system works, how this understanding has been embedded in the development of climate models, and how we use these models now to guide our actions to deliver a safe and sustainable future. 

Originally presented January 11, 2019, at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California.

Climate Science and its Fundamental Role in 21st Century Challenges - YouTube

It was ten years ago in the run-up to Copenhagen that she released a statement, together with the UK's leading scientific organisations involving most of the UK scientists working on climate change:
Full text: Climate science statement | Environment | The Guardian
.
.
.

Café Scientifique @ Sidmouth Tree Week >>> a talk on "Trees for Multiple Purposes" > Tuesday 21st May

It's Tree Week next week:
Sidmouth Arboretum

Much of the time will be spent walking through some arboreal delights - and much of the time will be spent talking climate change:
What are the effects of global warming in the UK? - Woodland Trust

The Science Fest's Café Scientifique will be hosting a talk on what a good thing trees are - starting with the climate:

Cafe Scientifique: Sidmouth Tree Week: Trees for Multiple Benefits

Tuesday 21st May 2019 3:00 PM –to 4:30 PM

Location/Venue: Kennaway House Coburg Road EX10 8NG

Trees for Multiple Benefits with Bob Chard, Member of the Royal Forestry Society

VISION FOR A FOREST NATION

So now it is accepted as true. Climate change is for real and a very urgent emergency problem. The Government is going into panic mode about what to do. We have to give them some credit for their vision. UK is the first nation in the world to adopt necessary climate action targets which are both adequate and credible. Also in some respects including forestry policy the UK Government is quite well prepared for fast acceleration in new directions. We will commit to a very large increase in tree planting targets to double the woodland area. 

However achieving tree planting number targets is the easy part; what is of more  concern to me is the more difficult part. Will we plant the right trees and will they be planted in the right places?  Will public money be spent wisely and will it be managed in the best possible way? To be sure many people in all walks of life will want to be part of the action but in the past we have made mistakes with forestry policy and we need to learn from that and not simply throw money at achieving targets. 

I would like to share my knowledge and experience with you and suggest some trees which we can all plant and nurture, as well as my own project which is designed to grow unusual trees as substitutes for current unsustainable imports of tropical hardwood timbers; much of which is being illegally felled, is uncertified and imported from the other side of the planet with a large carbon footprint, at ever increasing cost.  We have to do better.

Everyone welcome. This is a free event so please buy a drink to keep it so

Cafe Scientifique: Sidmouth Tree Week: Trees for Multiple Benefits | Sidmouth Science Festival

.
.
.

Sidmouth Plastic Warriors > beach clean at the Sea Fest Saturday 18th May > and taking things to the next level

Last month saw a very successful session on the beach:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Plastic Warriors > Surfers Against Sewage's Spring Clean - Summit To Sea campaign: Saturday 6th April

Which was part of a national effort:
Futures Forum: The Big Spring Beach Clean > a record-smashing 45,771 people showed up

The Plastic Warriors will be at the Sea Fest this Saturday: 

Sidmouth Plastic Warriors Public Group | Facebook

With a further message from the chair of the Warriors: 

Beach clean and an update...

Dear fellow Plastic Warriors

This Saturday is the annual Sea Fest extravaganza on the Ham (and later on throughout town) and we will be right in the middle of it with a beach clean at 10am until 12. Please come along and join in, or if you can’t please share the attached flyer far and wide. As usual equipment is provided but do bring your own if you have it.

We have been given a load of litter pickers from EDDC for our Adopt A Spot scheme ( http://sidmouthplasticwarriors.org/adopt-a-spot/ ). If you are already an 'adopter', please let me know if you want one of the pickers, and if you want to sign up to be one then email me on info@sidmouthplasticwarriors.org and let me know where you are adopting, and again if you want a litter picker. I am compiling a list and then will get them all out to those who need them asap.

Lastly, what a busy few weeks it has been! Thank you to anyone who voted for me in the elections that resulted in me now being an East Devon District Councillor and Sidmouth Town Councillor! I felt the time was right for change and was proved right. We had our first informal town council meeting last night, to meet each other and get up to speed with how everything works, and it really feels like we can make some positive changes around the town – with a green agenda at the heart of it (if I have anything to do with it!) However, this has raised a bit of an issue… I want to grab this opportunity with both hands to make sure the environmental issues we all care about are really heard, in order to reflect in policy how we all feel. I hope that I can make a huge difference but I have to pour all my energy into it for a bit while I deal with the enormously steep learning curve I face.

This means I will be very busy. And I don't want to step down in any way from the warriors but I NEED HELP. This doesn't come easy to me as I am a natural control freak but was wondering how to delegate some areas. I know that a lot of you, if not all, are busy too of course but I think it may be time to get a proper committee system going, with groups for beach cleans, fund raising, plastic free status maybe, with someone in charge of each one and getting various people on each sub committee... and so I am hoping that some people will come forward who can give us some time and experience to take the Warriors to the next level. We could do with a meeting to take this further so please email info@sidmouth-plasticwarriors.org if you are able to potentially join in. It seems like a good time to do this anyway, as the ‘Plastic Free Sidmouth’ bit seems to have stalled (mainly due to me just not having time!) so we can push that forward and start to make inroads again. Don't worry if you think you're going to get loads put on you that you don’t have time for - I've managed fine up to now just doing these things myself but if we can push for more, grow, make it more a team effort, I think we will see a huge benefit.

Oh and I still want to be on the beach clean committee! :-)

Thanks all and see you Saturday at 10ish I hope

Denise

--
Denise Bickley (Now Cllr Bickley!)
Sidmouth Plastic Warriors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/181478989253793/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SidPlasticWar
Website: http://sidmouthplasticwarriors.org/

.
.
.

Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > "Contributing to an awareness of the upcoming elections and the importance of voting."

The hustings in Sidmouth went well last night:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > political speed dating

To quote a commentator:

"I thought it was a good convivial event which achieved its purpose for voters who attended. It was good to see the candidates being engaged and convivial with each other, and all in all I think the event was worthwhile, contributing to an awareness of the upcoming elections and the importance of voting."

There is further lively comment happening on the East Devon Watch blog:
Tories no-show at Sidmouth hustings last night | East Devon Watch

The organisers of the event were at pains to contact all the candidates. 

• All current Councillors who are standing in contested wards were contacted.
• However some of the other candidates did not have email addresses readily available.
• The following agents, political parties and representative groups were contacted with the request that the invitation to the hustings be passed on:
• Devon UKIP: local agent
• East Devon Conservative Party: office@eastdevonconservatives.org
• East Devon Labour Party: local agent
• East Devon Liberal Democrats: info@eastdevonlibdems.org.uk
• Independent East Devon Alliance: info@eastdevonalliance.com
• Sid Valley Democracy: sidvalleydem@gmail.com

• Otherwise, letters of invitation were sent to those with no such contact address or party/group affiliation.
• The following candidates sent in their apologies:
• Stuart Hughes (District Conservative; Town Independent)
• Ian McKenzie Edwards (Town)
• Louise Thompson (Town Independent)
• Jenny Ware (District Conservative; Town Independent)
• Otherwise, several candidates did not attend or send in apologies, despite their agents, political parties and representative groups being contacted.

Here is more information about the candidates:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > Tuesday 30th April > candidates' manifestos

Finally, it was noted that several members of the public popped into the Hall to 'have a look' but did not want to venture in - feeling either that 'there was no point in voting' or that 'all politicians are corrupt/useless/a waste of time'...

Let's hope that voters do nevertheless turn up tomorrow on voting day:
East Devon Elections – Why go to the Hustings? - Vision Group for Sidmouth
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > Tuesday 30th April > meet the candidates in one-on-one Q&A sessions
.
.
.

Herbert Girardet - former chair of Schumacher Society and patron of Soil Assn - speaks at Trill Farm on "An Economy for a Sustainable Future" > Friday 10th May

Next week sees an interesting speaker come to Trill Farm, Axminster: 

Prof. Herbert Girardet is an author, filmmaker and international consultant specializing in ‘regenerative development’. He is co-founder, former program director and honorary member of the World Future Council. Recipient of a UN Global 500 Award for outstanding environmental services, he has been consultant to UNEP, UN-Habitat, and cities such as London, Vienna, Riyadh and Bristol. He has authored many TV documentaries, such as “Far From Paradise”, “Jungle Pharmacy” and “Halting the Fires”, as well 13 books such as “Cities, People, Planet“ and “Creating Regenerative Cities”.

In 2003, Herbert was inaugural ‘Thinker in Residence’ in Adelaide, defining eco-development strategies for South Australia most of which have since been implemented. From 1996 to 2008 he was chairman of the Schumacher Society, UK. Herbert is a member of the World Academy of Art and Science, an honorary fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a patron of the Soil Association, UK, and a visiting professor at University of the West of England.

Girardet, Herbert • Club of Rome
Prof. Herbert Girardet - World Future Council
Herbert Girardet - Beyond Sustainability Bristol Green Week Schumacher lectures 2013 - YouTube

Here are the details of the talk and supper: 

Trill Farm: Supper & Conversation

Friday, May 10th - An Economy for a Sustainable Future

Speaker: Herbert Girardet

One of Trill Farm’s Supper and Conversation evenings coming up looks interesting for anyone grappling with finding solutions for the threats to our planet. More information. Tickets are available for £5 for the talk or £30 for talk and supper.

Extract from their web site:

“Humanity is engaged in an attempt to build prosperous economies across the world, yet current economic practices are threatening the very future of humanity and the natural world. In the face of a looming earth emergency, can new thinking lead us to new practices?

To address the deteriorating condition of our home planet in the Anthropocene, there is an emerging consensus that we need to think towards ‘regenerative’ practices: It is not sufficient to try and just sustain the global environment in an increasingly depleted and polluted condition. The world is a dynamic and ever-changing place, life is continuously renewed through the action of great variety of interconnected forces. Could modern economies operate in a similarly regenerative manner?”

Trill Farm - S&C: AN ECONOMY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
.
.
.

Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > political speed dating

The District Council has done 'speed dating' whereby councillors meet up with students for head-to-head questioning:
Political speed dating - East Devon
18 March 2019 - District, parish and county councillors take part in fast paced political speed dating at The King’s School, Ottery St Mary - East Devon
King's School students go speed dating | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald
Political speed dating at King’s School | Susie Bond

Other councils have done a similar thing - but for the actual elections.

In Sheffield in May 2014:

Election candidates in a Sheffield Council ward will take part in ‘political speed dating’ at a community hustings. Candidates for Crookes ward will sit at tables for questions by groups who move on to the next party after 10 minutes.

‘Date night’ on the cards for Sheffield Council election candidates - The Star

And in Totnes in April 2015:

Welcome to POLITICAL SPEED DATING! Which candidate will you fall in love with and vote for on May 7? To get you chance to meet every candidate up close and look them directly in the eye as they answer your questions, just come along and take your turn at each candidate's table.

This isn't the normal General Election Hustings where only a few lucky people get to put a single question to the candidates. Oh no! We've put every Totnes Constituency Parliamentary Candidate in the hottest of seats! All five Prospective Parliamentary Candidates for the Totnes Constituency will available for your questions, so you can sit down one-on-one with each of them, and ask anything on your mind.

GENERAL ELECTION 2015 | POLITICAL SPEED DATING | MEET ALL THE TOTNES CANDIDATES

That's how it works! And the same will be happening tomorrow night in Sidmouth:
Local elections May 2019 - Vision Group for Sidmouth
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > Tuesday 30th April > candidates' manifestos
.
.
.

Sidmouth Town and District council elections > "less than a week to go"

Things are hotting up:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > Tuesday 30th April > candidates' manifestos 

With a call for voters to cast their vote:
East Devon Elections – Why go to the Hustings? - Vision Group for Sidmouth
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > Tuesday 30th April > meet the candidates in one-on-one Q&A sessions

Here's the latest blog entry from Feniton's current Councillor Susie Bond:

Less than a week to go …

Posted on April 27, 2019by susiebond

The District Council elections are now looming after what feels like the longest build-up ever.

This time round the atmosphere has been far more frenetic. I’ve been out leafleting and chatting to anyone who wanted to chat, but the cynicism on the doorstep is almost palpable.

I’m being told that everyone’s had enough of politics. No-one’s going to vote because apparently it doesn’t make any difference. Millions turned out to vote on their nation’s future, only to have the result of their vote largely ignored. Yes … dare I mention the word … it’s Brexit. I believe that the Brexit effect is likely to impact on the local council elections (2 May), both here in Feniton ward and across the country, with people turning their backs on the ballot box.

Whatever you feel about Brexit, the candidates standing in the District Council elections are there because they want to do the very best for their communities. This is your opportunity to express your opinion … and it’s certain that if you don’t vote, nothing will change.

One kind supporter suggested that Claire Wright and I could resolve the Brexit negotiations on our own. Apart from banging heads together, I’m not sure how!

On my first day on the stump, I met a gentleman who asked me what I was doing. When I explained, he said he didn’t trust any of the councillors because they are all corrupt and had I seen the size of their cars at the Council HQ! I told him that I drive a 03 reg VW Polo … and he responded that my bank account must be bulging. I thought it was rather a depressing exchange!

I met a sweet dog when I was out last week. It was a Poodle Shih Tzu cross and her delightful owner said that the combined name was rather tricky for her. The dog barked at me as I opened the gate, barked at me as I walked down the drive and barked at me as I put my leaflet on the door mat, as the door was ajar. I turned and walked back to the gate, only to discover the dog at my heels, in silence because my leaflet was clamped between her jaws. She looked at me with great disgust and dropped the leaflet at my feet. I felt that if dogs could vote, this one shared the general disenchantment of the electorate and would not be turning up to the polling station!

Elections are always a time of anticipation and change, but the bombshell which has landed at this 11th hour is that the excellent Tory councillor, Ian Thomas, Leader of East Devon District Council, has resigned the Party Whip and is now standing in the forthcoming election as an Independent. The Independent Group is delighted that he’s turned his back on party politics. Unsurprisingly, the Conservatives remain tight-lipped on the subject.

The last full East Devon District Council meeting was on Wednesday evening and apart from a planning meeting next week (complete with 400 page agenda), it’s full steam ahead to the election on Thursday!

Numerous kind people have offered support throughout the election period as well as help on the day. I cannot begin to express how immensely grateful I am to them for their encouragement.

If you live in Feniton, your polling station is the Sports & Social Club in the village. If you live in Buckerell, you can vote at Doug’s Shed (Splatthayes) and if you live in Gittisham, your polling station is the Village Hall.

The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. on Thursday 2 May, so hopefully everyone will have ample time to have their say.

Less than a week to go … | Susie Bond
.
.
.

Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > Tuesday 30th April > candidates' manifestos

This week sees candidates for both council elections making themselves available for questions from their electorate:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Town and District council elections > HUSTINGS event > Tuesday 30th April > more details

Here are the lists of candidates from the council's website for the District Council:
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903680/sid-rural.pdf (1 seat)
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903695/sidmouth-sidford.pdf (3 seats)
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903683/sid-town.pdf (2 seats)

Following a Boundary Commission review in 2017, the district will be divided into 30 electoral wards for this election and there are 60 district councillors representing the wards.Who is my councillor? - East Devon

Here are the wards for the District Council - and Sidmouth has 6 places:
district-ward-composition.pdf
East Devon District Council Elections - 2 May 2019 - East Devon

And here is the list of streets for each ward:
Street Index
Local elections May 2019 - Vision Group for Sidmouth

Here are the lists of candidates from the council's website for the Town Council:
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903869/sid-east-tc.pdf (1 seat)
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903872/sid-north-tc.pdf (4 seats)
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903686/sidford-salcombe-regis-tc.pdf (2 seats)
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903692/sidford-village-tc.pdf (2 seats)
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2903689/sidford-south-tc.pdf (5 seats)

These are the contested seats:
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2878768/contested-towns-and-parishes.pdf

And these are the uncontested seats:
For Sidmouth (Primley), Sidmouth (Sidbury) and Sidmouth (West)
http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2880014/notice-of-uncontested.pdf
Town and Parish Elections - May 2019 - East Devon

Unfortunately, no street index is available.

The Herald has the manifestos for candidates standing in the District Council election: 

East Devon elections 2019; Meet the candidates for EDDC's Sidmouth and parish seats

11 April 2019

Clarissa Place

East Devon District Council elections are fast approaching with candidates hoping to win electorates votes on May 2.

Meet the candidates standing in Sidmouth’s Rural, Sidford and Town wards.

A hustings event will be held in Sidmouth on April 30.

Sidmouth Rural (one seat)

David Barratt (Independent)

I am currently a Town and District Councillor. As a true Independent, I work with Councillors from any Party on individual issues, gaining agreement through trust and respect, not constant opposition. I stand by my record of fighting strongly against inappropriate development, notably the Sidford Business Park proposal, and I will be speaking to object at the upcoming Appeal. There is a lot left to do. I promise to work hard to do it.

Ray Davison (Labour)

Ray has been a member of EDDC standard’s committee and active school governor in Exmouth for over thirty years. On Labour’s national policy forum he successfully moved the amendment which secured abolition of National museum and gallery charges. “In these days of masterplans, outsourcing and so-called regeneration projects with their commercially protected internal debates and Chinese whispers, the key issues of public transparency and accountability to voters need addressing to ensure that public assets are protected and retained.”

John Loudoun (Independent East Devon Alliance)

I live in Sidbury within the Sidmouth Rural Ward. I have a strong commitment to public service. I will stand up for Sidmouth and Sid Valley. I want better and more efficient services for local residents and visitors. I will have no personal vested interest to pursue and I want to make improvements to our lives locally. Tough times need high standards and leadership. I will provide both.
Facebook election page: JohnLoudoun4SidmouthRural
Website information: eastdevonalliance.com

Lewis Ragbourn (Liberal Democrat)

Lewis, who is a retired wine trade professional, lives on the outskirts of Sidford. He is strongly committed to protecting the interests of rural areas, alongside the considerable development challenges facing Sidmouth. He considers that East Devon District Council is too remote and secretive and would press for greater accountability and openness. He believes that local councils need to do all they can to combat climate change, including by increased recycling and plastic reduction.

Chris Wale (Conservative)

Having had the privilege of growing up in Sidmouth I know many people within the Sid Valley. Having served 12 years as the district ward member and 18 years on Sidmouth Town Council, I am seeking re-election as I believe the next four-year term will be crucial to the health, safety, prosperity, and happiness of everyone in Sidmouth and Sid Valley Rural requires a strong knowledgeable councillor who will represent them regardless of their political persuasion.

Sidmouth Sidford (three seats)

Stuart Hughes (Conservative)

I believe the record shows the results achieved on a wide range of issues that I am someone who stands up for what is right for both the individual and wider community. If re-elected I shall continue to provide a strong voice on East Devon for the Sid Valley giving 100 per cent in my community leadership role working with residents, community groups, schools, town and county councils on local issues and enhancing and safeguarding local services.

Dawn Manley (Independent East Devon Alliance)


Sidmouth is a beautiful town to live, work and play in. I was fortunate to have been born and lived my 49 years here. We have seen many changes, with some good and some not so good, and have been an Independent councillor for eight years. If re-elected I will continue to represent the people, not some distant party political machine with no care for what is important in our unique community. I stand for people not politics.

Zachary Marsh (Conservative)

“I have lived in East Devon all of my life and am a Sidford ward resident. I want local people to feel their councillors are working with them, not over them. That for me means fighting Sidford Business Park, supporting our brilliant small businesses, and properly grappling with issues of parking and policing to improve the quality of life for residents. Sidmouth needs action not words and EDDC needs stable, proven Conservative leadership.”

Colin Mills (Labour)

Colin was born and brought up in Sidmouth. He served as a parish councillor in the Chilterns and worked as a volunteer for the local Oxfam, Chiltern Open Air Museum. He worked in the civil service and graduated from the Open University. Combatting isolation and loneliness in the elderly and retired is also another of his concerns. Planning, education and libraries are areas in which he intends to address.

Marianne Rixson (Independent East Devon Alliance)

“As a councillor, I have opposed the Sidford business park due to inadequate road access, flooding and harm to our AONB; supported the successful Drill Hall campaign; spoken out against high business rates; challenged issues such as poor broadband coverage,120% increase for parking at Sidford and introducing charges for public toilets. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for the interests of Sid Valley residents and a new access to Alexandria Industrial Estate.”

Jenny Ware (Conservative)

Jenny Ware was born in Sidmouth. Her family dates back many generations. She successfully ran her hairdressing business “Jenstyle” in the town centre. “I was born in the beautiful Sid Valley which I am so blessed to be able to call my home and if I am elected as your ward councillor I will do my utmost to be there for you and to listen and help where I can to resolve your problems.”

Ken Warren (UK Independence Party)

“My wife and I are from the Midlands but so love Sidmouth we retired here. As your representative I will work to focus council spending on essentials, because I believe people and local businesses are better judges of how their money should be spent. I will challenge any plans to build over our lovely countryside – and don’t even think about windmills! Moreover, your vote for me will signal your dismay at the unfolding Brexit betrayal.”

Sidmouth Town (two seats)

Denise Bickley (Independent East Devon Alliance)

“I am a keen environmentalist, founder of Sidmouth Plastic Warriors and Regional Representative for Surfers Against Sewage, running regular beach cleans and helping to gain ‘Plastic Free Community’ status for Sidmouth. I am standing because I strongly believe we should all put something back into our community. I will always act according to my conscience and the people I represent. I am not a fan of party politics and believe it’s time for change.”

Nicholas Diprose (Labour)

Nick has lived in Sidmouth for three decades and feels qualified to represent Sidmouth at both town and district level. Nick will do his best to listen to all representations without favour, and to respond with the necessary vigour, whilst acting with dignity and empathy. Nick comes from a strong trade union background, specialising in occupational safety and health, teaching health & safety at work to reps over the South West and at City College Plymouth.

Cathy Gardner (Independent East Devon Alliance)


“As a councillor and local resident I have spoken up for the town using any means possible. I intend to continue to do that if re-elected to represent you. I will: encourage collaboration to support our high street and improve the street scene; call for action on the delayed Beach Management Plan; push for improvements at Port Royal to capitalise on the redevelopment of the Drill Hall; and call for transparency on the true cost of relocation.”

Sheila Kerridge (Conservative)

SHEILA has lived in Sidmouth for 46 years, married to Martin for 50 years, and owned and traded as Vinnicombes Bakers and Confectioners in the town. SHEILA’s previous experience as a councillor includes serving on EDDC as tourism champion, STC on its tourism & economy committee and the Sidmouth Parishes Pathways Partnership. She is very interested in sustainable tourism within our town and keeping our pathways and bridal ways safe for all our residents and tourists.

Timothy Venner (Conservative)

“I am a lifelong lover of Sidmouth. As a lifelong Conservative my priorities for Sidmouth and East Devon are a council run efficiently keeping council tax low by strict financial control. My main concerns are keeping East Devon a place where young people can return from education to work and find family housing to ensure a balanced age profile for benefit of all. Beach stabilisation is urgently needed, an area in which I have extensive knowledge.”

Who is standing for Sidmouth in East Devon District Elections 2019? | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald

And here are the Town Council candidates' manifestos: 

East Devon elections 2019; Who is vying for a Sidmouth Town Council seat?

11 April 2019

Clarissa Place

Residents will head to the polls on May 2 to elect their chosen candidates to represent them on Sidmouth Town Council.

The Primley, Sidbury and West wards will not be contested on election day resulting in standing candidates to be elected unopposed.

Deirdre Hounsom, Emma Murdoch and Jeff Turner will take the seats as the Primley ward members, John Loudoun will represent Sidbury and Louise Cole will retain her seat as the west ward representative.

The remaining candidates vying out for the remaining seats.

Sidmouth East (one seat)

Marc Kilsbie (Independent)

No statement provided.

Louise Thompson (Independent)

“I love living in Sidmouth, and am proud to have returned home to live in the town I grew up in. I co-launched The Lighthouse community business hub this year, and want to continue to contribute to our wider community. If elected I am keen to focus on initiatives that support our local economy, the environment, and the range of opportunities and facilities available for all ages to thrive here at work and play.”

Sidmouth North (four seats)

Charissa Evans (Independent)

“I aim to protect our beautiful green spaces, ensuring that Sidmouth is a place for all ages to enjoy and feel secure in. Having taught in state schools for twenty years, I’m passionate about Youth Services and acutely aware of the demand for activities and areas for our growing population. Increasing cuts to services mean we must unite. We must protect our High Street, and boost Sidmouth’s economy by encouraging people to shop locally.”

Stuart Hughes (Independent)

“Having represented the North Ward since first being elected to the Town Council 28 years ago I have worked hard in supporting the community, and as both Snow & Road Warden have gone the extra mile in helping the town become more resilient in times of inclement weather. Re-elected I shall continue to work in champion the completion/implementation of the cycle/footpath links to Sidbury and Feniton and help deliver the climate change agenda.”

Sheila Kerridge

SHEILA has lived in Sidmouth for 46 years, married to Martin for 50 years, and owned and traded as Vinnicombes Bakers and Confectioners in the town. SHEILA’s previous experience as a councillor includes serving on EDDC as tourism champion, STC on its tourism & economy committee and the Sidmouth Parishes Pathways Partnership. She is very interested in sustainable tourism within our town and keeping our pathways and bridal ways safe for all our residents and tourists.

Dawn Manley (Independent)

“Sidmouth is a beautiful town to live, work and play in. I was fortunate to have been born and lived my 49 years here. We have seen many changes, with some good and some not so good, and have been an Independent councillor for eight years. If re-elected I will continue to represent the people, not some distant party political machine with no care for what is important in our unique community. I stand for people not politics.”

Andie Milne (Independent)

“I moved to Sidmouth nine years ago, from the moment I arrived I have been active with various community voluntary organisations. Since being a member of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group I have become passionate about positive communication between the residents of Sidmouth and elected town council members. If you vote for me, I will endeavour to promote transparent communication by listening and facilitating the best action plans to benefit all those who reside in our beautiful town.”

Jenny Ware (Independent)

Jenny Ware was born in Sidmouth. Her family dates back many generations. She successfully ran her hairdressing business “Jenstyle” in the town centre. “I was born in the beautiful Sid Valley which I am so blessed to be able to call my home and if I am elected as your ward councillor I will do my utmost to be there for you and to listen and help where I can to resolve your problems.”

Edward Willis Fleming

“Sidmouth matters, to everyone who lives, works or visits here. I want to serve both young and old, to help preserve and improve, enhance and advance our precious green and blue spaces and our incredible built environment. By helping to found Sidmouth Arboretum and The Sidmouth Trust, and as a local business person, I hope I’ve shown how much Sidmouth matters to me. Let me help represent your concerns too and what matters to you.”

Sidmouth Salcombe Regis (two seats)

Ian Barlow

“Most people know me as a local businessman but for the last eight years I have also been your local town councillor, most recently as it’s vice chairman. I have used the experience gained from 40 years living and working here to help transform Sidmouth Town Council into the most proactive, efficient, innovative and courageous town council in East Devon. I seek your vote so I can continue this work for the benefit of us all.”

David Barratt (Independent)

“I am currently a Town and District Councillor. As a true Independent, I work with Councillors from any Party on individual issues, gaining agreement through trust and respect, not constant opposition. I stand by my record of fighting strongly against inappropriate development, notably the Sidford Business Park proposal, and I will be speaking to object at the upcoming appeal. There is a lot left to do. I promise to work hard to do it.”

Cathy Gardner

“The Town Council should be more open and proactive for all parts of the Sid Valley. Cuts to street cleaning by EDDC have led to more litter and weeds: we need a street cleaner to clear up problem areas and do small jobs abandoned by EDDC. I fought relocation from the Knowle and to ‘Retain, Refurbish and Reuse’ the Drill Hall - which is now happening! The Town Council must now push ahead to improve Port Royal, using s106 money from Sanditon.”

Sidmouth Sidford Village (two seats)

Peter Blackmore

“Whilst living In Sidmouth for 11 years, I have seen many changes in the Town and going forward I plan to make the council more accountable for. Its important to improve the Health and Wellbeing of our citizens,young and old. I am a committee member of The Gig Club, was involved in the campaign to protect the Drill Hall and I will be campaigning to Stop the Sidford Business Park other sites are available.”

Jack Brokenshire (Independent)
Residents of Sidford. Thank you for your faith in me in the past years and hope you will have faith in me for the next four. We do not want the business park at Sidford for obvious reasons. Traffic congestion. Danger. It is bad enough trying to cross the roads now especially at the bottom of Sidford high street. Possible chance of flooding. Packhorse bridge in times of the floods cannot take any more.”

Ian McKenzie-Edwards

“I have been a town councillor since 1988 the majority of the time representing Sidford. I have always involved myself in all aspects of council activity. As a planning committee member I oppose the Sidford employment land proposal. Sidford still has a sense of community based on its two halls. Now EDDC have moved I would like to see the town council be as proactive as possible in securing the future of the valley.”

Colin Mills (Labour)

“Colin was born and brought up in Sidmouth. He served as a parish councillor in the Chilterns and worked as a volunteer for the local Oxfam, Chiltern Open Air Museum. He worked in the civil service and graduated from the Open University. Combatting isolation and loneliness in the elderly and retired is also another of his concerns. Planning, education and libraries are areas in which he intends to address.”

Marianne Rixson

“I’d like the Town Council to adopt a ‘can do’ attitude, put the community first and welcome public engagement. I have fought the proposed industrial site at Sidford because of the adverse impact HGVs would have on both villages; other sites are available for local employment. I will campaign against any plans to charge for public toilets, which would be disastrous for residents and visitors. I will also support initiatives to save our high street. “

Sidmouth South (five seats)

Denise Bickley

“I am a keen environmentalist, founder of Sidmouth Plastic Warriors and Regional Representative for Surfers Against Sewage, running regular clean-ups. I believe we should all put something back into our community. I have many ideas to help Sidmouth: encouraging events that will benefit the community; protecting the natural environment; supporting local businesses and re-energising our town; supporting our youth services; making volunteering easier to get involved in; researching the possibility of evening classes and improving the town’s website.

Kelvin Dent (Independent)

“I am standing for re-election in Sidmouth Town Council’s South Ward where I live with my wife, Sue, and which I have represented since 2013. My present duties include chairing the Planning Committee and organising the Hopper Bus which I hope to continue if I am re-elected. I also want to safeguard the Knowle park and gardens for public enjoyment. My hobbies include playing music for various groups which help raise money for local charities.”

Nicholas Diprose

Nick has lived in Sidmouth for three decades and feels qualified to represent Sidmouth at both town and district level. Nick will do his best to listen to all representations without favour, and to respond with the necessary vigour, whilst acting with dignity and empathy. Nick comes from a strong trade union background, specialising in occupational safety and health, teaching health & safety at work to reps over the South West and at City College Plymouth.

Christopher Lockyear

“Sidmouth is home and I am proud of where we live. I am a Governor of Sidmouth College and chair the programme committee of the Sidmouth Science Festival. The Council needs to ensure Sidmouth remains an attractive place to live and work, but also to visit. We have a fantastic natural environment which we must preserve. We also have a huge amount of human talent, of all ages, which we must use to benefit all.”

John Rayson

“There are a number of challenges facing our town–the loss of public halls, crumbling cliffs, shops closing and adjusting for the move of the district council out of Sidmouth. I hope to continue to play a part in sorting out these problems. The whole Port Royal area should be developed. I would like to see our own Jurassic coast centre as part of any development. There is also wide support for a pier or jetty.”

Paul Wright

“I have been pleased to represent the Sidmouth South ward for the past four years, acting as councillor with financial responsibility for the past three years. During my time, I have led the introduction of water refill stations around the town to reduce plastic waste, introduced a wildflower meadow at St Margaret’s and a sea swimming platform for this summer. Married and father of four teenagers, we have lived in Sidmouth for over ten years.”

East Devon elections 2019; Who is vying for a Sidmouth Town Council seat? | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald
.
.
.