Topsham Town Page

Topsham news

2011-11-02T15:56:00.023Z

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FEATURED EVENTS LISTING

Feb 2nd 2012
See the Express & Echo: Anger as parking petition 'ignored', which tells how Exeter City Council are to radically raise the parking charges in Topsham despite a petition signed by 1400 people.

Jan 19th 2012
The Express & Echo carried a news item about the controversial planned Seabrook Orchards development: 700 new homes praised as an 'exciting concept'. Criticisms were previously reported on January 5th: Golf club members object to 700 new homes bid. The Grainge Architects site has a detailed plan and artist's impressions of the planned estate: Seabrook Orchards, Topsham, Exeter.

Jan 18th 2012: PARKING FEES MEETING
You may well have seen the petition of protest in local shops concerning the news of prospective parking fee rises, with the conversion of Matthews Hall and Quay car parks to short-stay. For example, parking for more than five hours on Topsham Quay currently costs £1.80 but is to rise to £10.80. See the Express & Echo: Parking charges are set to soar.
There is a public meeting tonight - Wednesday January 18th
6.30pm in the Globe Malthouse.

Jan 17th 2012:
The Exmouth Journalfor Jan 16th reports: Topsham charity Devon In Sight is looking for new volunteers. "The charity, which provides services for blind and visually impaired people, is currently looking for people to help with a variety of tasks. These include writing press releases, compiling and putting together newsletters, promoting the charity, developing a catalogue of information about products available from its resource centre, and running activities. Anyone who can help is asked to call the charity on 01392 876666, or visit its resource centre in Holman Way".

Nov 18th 2001:
The Galley restaurant has won Gold in the Taste of the West Awards 2011, after only 10 months under new ownership, and its head chef has been made a full member of the Master Chefs of Great Britain. See the press release for further details.

Nov 1st 2011:
As of Nov 1st, due to an amicable termination of partnership, the bookshop at 27 Fore Street is operating as The Topsham Bookshop (www.topshambookshop.co.uk) and owned and managed by Lily Neal. Joel Segal will continue to trade as Joel Segal Books (www.segalbooks.com) and will be operating from The Cafe, 76 Fore Street, Topsham.

Site changes

2011-07-06T12:10:00.007+01:00

The featured events listing now has its own page here.

Matthews Hall now has its own website: www.matthewshalltopsham.co.uk
This is now the official contact site for Matthews Hall, the Saturday Market, Hall Bookings, etc. Matthews Hall Cafe is open daily in Matthews Hall cafe/foyer. Mon-sat 8-4, Sun 10-4. Tel: 07925304204.

Devon Museums have overhauled their website.
Visit www.devonmuseums.net/topsham to see the new-look Topsham Museum pages.

New Topsham ferry

2011-04-18T01:15:00.003+01:00

"Shimmer", the new Topsham Ferry

As reported in various local papers - for instance, New ferry launched today - the new Topsham ferry (named Shimmer, apparently by schoolchildren) went into service on Wednesday 13th April. It runs on the same route as the old, from the Ferry Road slipway opposite the Passage House Inn to the canal bank near Topsham Lock. Upgraded to serve increased traffic with the opening of the Route 2 cycle route, it can carry six to eight bicycles and 12 passengers. It's highly stable and has side door access (no more precarious clambering); the ferryman, Mike Stevens, told me he was delighted with it.

Topsham Ten map

2010-08-17T00:45:00.000+01:00

Luke Hanney kindly sent us an annotated map he created in Google Maps showing the location of the current "Topsham Ten". Thanks! See the Food and Drink page.

Nello's Longest Table

2010-06-27T20:46:00.003+01:00

Nello's Longest Table Topsham. UK- 2010 from Dan Burton Photography on Vimeo.

This year's Nello's Longest Table - a charity event commemorating Topsham restaurateur Nello Ghezzo and in aid of the Topsham Community Association, FORCE, and the Shop Local campaign - was a resounding success, with no sign of the rain that slightly dampened the start of the 2008 event. Some 2000 people attended. From the organisers:

Thanks everyone for an absolutely amazing weekend! It couldn't have gone better. Truly Topsham at its best. Liz, Kim, Marc and the festival organizers.

Marc Millon has written an illustrated report: Nello's Longest Table -- a midsummer night's dream. See also the YouTtube channel for "Redquarry", who has uploaded some video clips of the Longest Table, as well as the band T5 playing on Topsham Quay on the previous evening.

Topsham Tales

2010-05-11T12:27:00.012+01:00

... of trickery, tragedy and turbulence ... a film by Sara Vernon and Jan Rider.

"If you love Topsham, you will love these tales of poaching, the river, pubs and the characters who have, over the years, lived, loved and toiled here. Sales benefit the Estuary League of Friends and Topsham Museum. A wonderful gift for all those who truly love Topsham."

On sale from 22nd May 2010 at Estuary league of Friends Shop and Topsham Museum, £14.00

History

2010-04-21T09:10:00.004+01:00

Topsham has a rich and varied history. First documented as a Roman settlement, it was granted a Charter as a town on 22nd August 1300 by Edward I, developing into a major British port and shipbuilding centre that in its heyday rivalled London. There are Dutch houses from this maritime past, and fine examples of Georgian and Edwardian architecture. In the year 2000 we celebrated our 700th year, when the Queen visited and went to a pub for the first time!

Topsham postcards
A gallery of Mick Cooper's collection of postcards of old Topsham. This is a frames-based site. Use the back button of your browser to return to the Topsham website.
1280x1024 (monochrome / colour). 1024x768 (monochrome / colour). 800x600 (monochrome / colour).

The Steam Packet
An on-site gallery of the Steam Packet in its final days as a pub before its conversion to Route 2 cafe bar.

General links

Topsham Museum Devon Museums official site
GENUKI, Topsham Historical resources for Topsham and its genealogy.
Diary of Phyllis Bethel - wartime diary published in blog form: "From Wiesbaden Germany 1929 to Topsham, Devon, Great Britain 1953".
Exeter Memories This site has a deal of interesting material (for instance, history of Topsham's pubs and notable buildings - put Topsham into its internal search).
Topsham community page Brief history at the Devon Libraries Local Studies Service site.
Old Maps click the Maps link and enter "topsham" (without quotes) in the search box. This leads to a zoomable 1890 map.
Topsham 1841 Census From GENUKI, churchwarden's census of "a Portion of the Labouring Population".
Topsham Cinemas The long-defunct Cosy and Tivoli (from Clive Polden's West Country Cinemas gazetteer).
Topsham, Devon, through time Topsham at the Vision of Britain historical gazetteer.
Topsham School hosts a short history of the First School and the Parkfield Road site (both now redeveloped as residential) plus extracts from School logbooks
Topsham Quay At the SWMHS site, David Wheeler's recollections of Topsham around 1970 in its last days as a working cargo port.
Topsham railways Extremely nice history and photos at Alex Seal's Alextrack website.
Tryphena Sparks who after a romance with Thomas Hardy, married a Topsham publican and lived here until her death.
The Devil's Footprints (1) Summary account of this peculiar event in 1855.
The Devil's Footprints (2) Charles Hoy Fort's compilation of contemporary references.
The Bridge Inn's Royal Visit HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Museum opening 2010

2010-03-30T00:12:00.003+01:00

From the Express & Echo: Topsham Museum is revamped and ready for season:

Revamped displays will welcome visitors to Topsham Museum as it opens for the new season on Wednesday.
...
The main exhibition will celebrate Topsham Sailing Club's 125th anniversary. The club's new Commodore Doctor Kate Hattersley will open the exhibition on Wednesday at 7pm.
...
Smaller exhibitions have been arranged for the season, starting off with paintings by Cynthia Rowan. This will continue until Monday, May 10, when the Royal Albert Memorial Museum will display The Global Gardeners' exhibition

See the official page at Devon Museums - http://devonmuseums.net/topsham - for full details of the Museum and the current schedule for 2010.

Topsham's Longest Table 2010

2010-03-25T16:00:00.006Z

Following the incredible success of the Topsham Food Festival and Longest Table in 2008 (see www.topshamfoodfestival.org.uk and YouTube for a reminder) a new date has been set for another Longest Table this year.

Sunday 20th June 2010

The official announcement:

As part of the weekend celebrations for the Topsham Food Festival, we are organising another Nello's Longest Table, an evening celebration of food and friends. It was originally Nello Ghezzo's idea to create an occasion whereby our whole community can sit down together to enjoy meals prepared from local and locally sourced foods at a table stretching the entire length of Topsham Fore Street, part of Ferry Road and The Quay. Music will be played throughout the street to create that "fiesta" atmosphere. Our first Nello's Longest Table in 2008 was such a great success, we hope that you will enjoy another!

To achieve this, Fore Street will have to be closed to traffic and parking from 2pm on Sunday June 20th in order to set up the tables. We hope that this won't cause you problems or too much inconvenience. Indeed, we hope that you will join in the celebrations in what will be Topsham's biggest ever street party.

If you would like to join in, we are giving residents and businesses along the route the opportunity to reserve your tables before they are offered to the general public.

Tables cost £25 (for up to 6 people). For this amount, you will receive a table. It will be up to you to bring your own meal (local and locally sourced, pelase); friends; and chairs.

All proceeds from the Topsham Food Festival will go toward the Topsham Community Assocation (for community use), to Force Cancer Charity, and to Shop Local Campaign to help run the festival.

To reserve your table, please book at The Globe from May 4th (not before 9am please). Table reservations will then be available to the rest of the community from May 11th. There will be a limit to not more than 4 tables being booked by each household during the priority period as we appreciate that many friends may want to book through you as soon as possible! Demand is high! Times and details about the event will be on your booking forms.

For further information about the Topsham Food Festival, visit www.topshamfoodfestival.org.uk; contact Liz at The Globe (873471 or sales@globehotel.com); or e-mail Marc Millon (marc@quaypress.com).

If you have any queries regarding the parking and road closure, please contact our policing team - Kevin or Percy on 874630.

We look forward to sharing the special event with you!

Liz, Marc, Kim and the Topsham Food Festival Organisers.

Fishers Mill Bridge proposal

2010-02-20T19:37:00.003Z

Public Exhibition, The Globe Hotel, Topsham
Thursday 25th February 2010, 10.00am-7.30pm

The public will soon be able to see Devon County Council's proposals to construct a new bridge crossing of the River Clyst at Fishers Mill Topsham. The proposed cycle/foot bridge will provide an additional link to the cycle network already being developed in the area and to the Exe Estuary Trail. It will also provide a significant safety improvement for both pedestrians and cyclists currently using the existing narrow Clyst Bridge at Fishers Mill which carries traffic along the busy commuter route between Topsham and Clyst St. George.

As part of a consultation process, the County Council will be holding a public exhibition at the Globe Hotel, Topsham on Thursday 25th February. The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am until 7.30pm on the day, and visitors will be able to see a number of options for the bridge crossing under consideration. Devon County Council staff will be on hand to explain and discuss the proposals, and answer any queries relating to the scheme. Members of the public will be able to make comments at the exhibition, by post, or via e mail.

See www.devon.gov.uk/fishersbridge for more details and a PDF poster.

Dave Brooks: round-the-world rower

2010-01-22T14:10:00.000Z

From the Exeter Express & Echo: Rower Dave is still going strong in bid to conquer oceans.

Intrepid rower Dave Brooks is now into the second week of his record-breaking attempt to cross the world's two largest oceans. Dave, from Topsham, is tackling some of the world's wildest sea conditions in a bid to row 13,000 miles solo around the globe — the furthest anyone has rowed in a single expedition.

For background and continuing progress reports, see Dave's website davebrookssolo.co.uk and his weblog.

News

2009-11-10T18:40:00.006Z

November 2009

Good news for a number of Topsham businesses: in the Taste of the West 2009 awards, Darts Farm won a Gold Award in the retail outlet class, the Georgian Tea-Room a gold in the tea room class, and Oliva a silver in the restaurant class.

Meanwhile, Denley's Essence of India was awarded a Silver Four Star Plaque for its placing in the top 100 of around 12,000 nominations for the British Curry Awards 2009.

The Avocet Cafe on Fore Street, and Route 2 (Cafe Bar and Cycle Hire) at the Topsham Quay, have newly-launched websites.

The popular Marcello Restaurant is under new management, Onur and Karine Egitim. A website is under way, but pending that, contact details for enquiries/booking are 01392-879061, (e-mail onurgtm@googlemail.com).

Ancient right exercised

2009-08-30T14:05:00.004+01:00

See the BBC story Traffic makes way for sheep herd for a video of Mary Evans exercising her right as an honorary alderman to herd sheep down Fore Street. Note the error in the story: "Traffic came to a standstill in a Devon town when an ancient right to drive sheep through the town was exercised". Fore Street is always closed to traffic from 1.30pm on Carnival Day, so nothing was stopped for the sheep-herding at 2.30.

James Woodrow Matthews

2009-08-15T12:01:00.004+01:00

In answer to a number of enquiries about the builder and donor of Topsham's Matthews Hall, here's a brief biography.

James Woodrow Matthews, J.P., started his career in Topsham as a clerk in the office of one of the old sailing ship insuring clubs in the building [Grove House, then residence and business premises of John Holman] in which, having bought the property, he spent the last few years of his life. He was for many years with Messrs. W Lamplough & Co., Insurance Brokers, and was manager for them until, in 1901, he founded Matthews, Wrightson & Co. in conjunction with Mr Harry Wrightson and his brother Mr R.G. Wrightson. The firm became a private limited company in 1911, when Mr Matthews was appointed as chairman, and he held that position until his retirement in 1924. He was an annual subscriber to Lloyd's from 1901 to 1916, when he became an underwriting member. He underwrote marine in the syndicate of Mr Eustace R. Pulbrook [Sir Eustace Pulbrook, 1881-1953, Chairman of Lloyds] and non-marine, motor and employers' liability under the agency of Messrs. Matthews, Wrightson & Co. Ltd. He was one of the founders of the Corporation of Insurance Brokers, and was later its treasurer and a member of the council, finally being elected a vice-president. He was a prominent Freemason, a member of its Grand Lodge. He died at Grove House on July 30 1934 aged 83.
- from Times obituary, July 31, 1934 (thanks to Michael G Matthews for the enquiry that led to filling in the details).

Topsham Town Fayre 2009

2009-08-12T14:56:00.009+01:00

22nd-29th August 2009

A warm welcome to Topsham's biggest annual community event. The word "community" is used a lot these days, but true communities get harder to find with each passing year.

We try to make Town Fayre a week where everyone in Topsham can get together to enjoy one or more of the events and activities.

Inevitably, there are some people who see the week as a disruption to their routine, and others who merely see it as an opportunity to make money. However, we know that there are still many residents and traders who enter into the true community spirit of Town Fayre.

The climax of Town Fayre Week is always the Carnival Procession. It's a chance for people to dress up and parade around the town to entertain the thousands who turn up to watch. We hope to see lots of local entries again this year.

We would also like to welcome our new Town Crier, Keith Smith, and his deputy, Ben Turner. We're sure they will be seen at many of the week's events in their splendid new finery.

Enoy the week!

Shirley Hack (Chair), Veronica Coe (Treasurer), Kevin Hack (Secretary), Gerry Hannaway (Committee), Gary Turley (Committee), Stuart Preestley (Committee).

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Full details of events, entry forms etc are in the offficial brochure, 50p from Topsham News, Topsham Post Office, and other local shops.

Saturday 22nd August
10.30am-noon ... Jazz from "Catch a Train", outside Matthews Hall
10.30am-3.30pm ... Open day at Butts Park allotments. Photo competition display in Trading Hut.

Sunday 23rd August
2.00pm ... Topsham Flower & Vegetable Show, in Matthews Hall.
Sales of produce, teas and cakes from 2pm, presentation of awards at 3.45pm.

Monday 24th August
10.30am ... Children's Pavement Art Competition, at Topsham School (in Matthews Hall if wet).
3.00pm-7.00pm ... Croquet Challenge, on Matthews Hall Green.
6.30pm ... Town Fayre Bingo, at Matthews Hall. Eyes down 7.30pm.
7.15pm ... Crowning of the 2009 Royal Family, at Matthews Hall.
8.00pm ... Cheese & Wine Evening at the Globe Hotel Malt House. Tickets £5 from the Globe or at the door.

Tuesday 25th August
10.30am .... Topsham Museum Sumer Market and Coffee Morning.
2.30pm ... Dog Show, on Matthews Hall Green. Parades and judging: 2.45pm for crossbreeds, 3.00pm for pedigrees.
7.45pm ... Euchre at the Exeter Inn. Sign on from 7.45pm, start at 8pm.

Wednesday 26th August
7.00pm ... The famous Topsham Pub-a-Thon: an evening of fun team games in fancy dress around Topsham's pubs. Entries fully booked, but come and watch.
10.30pm ... results and presentations at the Globe Malt House.

Thursday 27th August
10.00am ... Flower Arrangement Exhibition - theme of "Song Titles" - in St Margaret's Church social area. 10am-12noon: coffee and biscuits. 12noon-2pm: lunches.
11.00am ... Children's Flower Competition at the Globe Malt House.
7.30pm ... General Knowledge Quiz, Globe Malt House. £18 entry fee for table of six; forms from Globe Hotel and Topsham News.
8.00pm ... Morris Dancing Display, 8pm outside Lighter, 9pm outside Globe.

Friday 28th August
10am ... Flower Arrangement Exhibition (details as Thursday)
TBA ... Children's Fun, at the Globe Hotel
8.30pm ... Live Music at Drakes

Saturday 29th August

CARNIVAL DAY

9.30am-12.30pm ... Flower Arrangement Exhibition (details as Thursday)
10.00am-noon ... Family Morning at Topsham Pool
10.00am ... Brownies' Coin Trail and Jazz from "Jazz Bag", outside Matthews Hall
10.00am ... Fire Station Open Day
2.30pm ... Town Criers' Procession fom Globe to Matthews Hall and back, for the Town Criers' Competition, 3pm at the Globe.
2.30pm ... Ceremonial herding of sheep, by Alderman Mary Evans, from Matthews Hall to Topsham Quay.
4.30pm ... Family Fun Run: a 3k fun run around the streets of our old port town. Entry forms from Topsham News and Route 2 Cafe.
5.30pm ... Children's Hour and Pre-Carnival Entertainment, children's disco/karaoke & games with the Stuart Preestley Roadshow, ootuside Matthews Hall.

All evening ... Fore Street Fayre - burgers, hot dogs, licensed bar, stalls.
Fore Street will be officially closed to unauthorised traffic from 1.30pm.

6.30pm ... Judging of Carnival Entries, in Elm Grove Road
7.30pm ... CARNIVAL PROCESSION
9.00pm ... Music and dancing in the street with "The Bobkatz", outside Matthews Hall.
9.45 pm ... Grand Prize Draw: the winning tickets will be drawn by the Carnival Queen and Princesses.

CARNIVAL ETIQUETTE
We hope that you enjoy the Carnival Procession and will show your appreciation by giving generously to the official collectors. However, for safety reasons, please do not throw coins at any float except the Last Appeal Float. Have a safe and enjoyable Carnival!

FOR FULL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY, AND ENTRY FORMS
See the official programme, available from Topsham News, Topsham Post Office, and various other Topsham shops.

Current News

2009-07-26T22:46:00.012+01:00

Oct 1, 2009 Many national papers have reported the return to Topsham of Dave and Hazel McCabe after their four-year world cruise in the converted trawler Rosa Ailither. See The Telegraph: Couple return from four year sailing honeymoon - with two year-old child among others (Google News).

July 28th: the appointment of our new town crier officially took office today. As covered in the E&E - Keith and Ben appointed town's new criers - Keith Smith has been appointed as the new town crier with Ben Turner as his deputy, replacing Jon Reed. The criers' duties include publicising charity and other events that happen throughout the town all year round, as well as special appearance at the town criers' procession and competition at the forthcoming Town Fair. Keith can be contacted at keethsmeeth@blueyonder.co.uk.

Topsham Wine Cellar

2009-06-16T15:03:00.012+01:00

click images to enlarge

Geoff Bowen just sent me details for the Topsham Wine Cellar. The wine cellar for Topsham's Pebblebed Vineyard, its style is similar to vineyard bars found in Italy and France, offering a warm welcome and introduction to local food and drink.

Local wines including other Devon Wines and selected Imported wines from small producers. Also local beer and imported lager. Food: "local tapas" (wooden platters of local meats, cheese, pate and fish).

Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 5:30 till 9:30pm, Saturday 11am till 2:30pm, or otherwise by arrangements. No reservations taken except for large groups (which are welcome, up to maximum 40). Private hire by arrangement.

www.pebblebed.co.uk / email cellar@pebblebed.co.uk/ tel 07814788348

Apologies for the previous omission. With my not being a wine drinker, I think this one dropped into a memory hole. Photos to follow.

Topsham Leisure Directory

2009-01-25T13:03:00.004Z

This comprehensive guide to Topsham leisure activities and facilities, compiled by the Topsham Community Association, is now available in print form for £1.00 from Topsham News, Joel Segal Books and other outlets. We've also put it online: see topshamleisuredirectory.blogspot.com/ or click the logo now in the Topsham.org sidebar.

The Steam Packet

2008-11-05T23:27:00.016Z

The Steam Packet was a public house at the roundabout by Topsham quay, which finally closed as a general public house when its last landlord, Barry Stock, retired on November 8th 2008.

This was a pretty historic event; though the Bridge Inn is considerably older as a building, the Steam Packet is the second oldest pub in Topsham, and the oldest one purpose-built. It began its days as the Red Lion, and was renamed in 1850 after the steam packet Zephyr that called at Topsham as part of its weekly run between Torquay and London. Its owner in the late 1890s was Charles Gale (who also ran the London and South Western, now Drakes) whose wife, Tryphena Sparks, was a cousin of Thomas Hardy.

Basics thanks to Exeter Memories: see The Steam Packet - Topsham Quay for further historical background. (Image: scanned from Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, June 4th 1846).

Gallery, November 2008 (click images to enlarge)

Route 2

The Steam Packet was bought by the owners of the Globe Hotel. Renamed Route 2 after the local branch of the national cycle network, it reopened in June 2009 as a licensed cafe bar offering cycle hire, open 8am-8pm, with holiday apartments above.

Food Festival photos & reports

2008-06-17T22:12:00.000+01:00

See the Topsham Food Festival gallery at the South West Media Group, which coordinates photos for the local press. Kim Millon also has a photo gallery online.

Marc Millon's Notes from a Devon Kitchen has reports online of the Festival and Nello's Longest Table.

"Woolserybloke" has posted a YouTube video of the band playing Queen numbers outside the Globe.

Nello's Longest Table

2008-06-16T04:35:00.000+01:00

The Nello's Longest Table community feast was a resounding success: 264 tables stretching for a third of a mile, and around 1500 people present. After initially shaky weather, Sunday ended in a mild bright evening. People had managed to find a remarkable number of gazebos at short notice when it began raining toward the start time; these turned out to be unnecessary for shelter, but definitely added to the general party atmosphere. Co-organiser Marc Millon said: "This quote from our friend Natacha sums up Nello's Longest Table perfectly."

It was a perfect evening, like a cross between a Sicilian wedding and summer fete gone bonkers; England flinging its knickers in the air!

Here's a video slideshow I put together of the whole length of the table. More photos shortly.

Topsham Community Association

2004-08-29T10:20:00.020+01:00

20 June 2011: Annual Report and Accounts

The 2011 Annual Report and Accounts are now online: 5.8 Mb PDF

The Topsham Community Association - registered charity no. 274593 - was formed in 1977. Its objects and activities are to:
* promote the wellbeing of the inhabitants of Topsham without distinction of sex, race, religion, political or other opinions by: assisting the local authorities and voluntary organisations; advancing education; and by providing facilities in the interests of social welfare and recreation.
* secure, maintain and manage a Community Centre (Matthews Hall) for activities promoted by the Association in furtherance of its objects.

Topsham Community Plan 2007-2012
Starting in May 2004, under the auspices of Topsham Community Association and Topsham Community Association, a series of meetings began, for the purpose of collating a Community Plan for Topsham's future at the beginning of the 21st century. A public meeting in late 2004 presented the issues and asked for comment, followed up with further questionnaires in 2005 and public meetings in 2006, resulting in the publication of the plan by the Topsham Community Plan Action Group.

Topsham Community Association activities
Topsham Community Association is active in many local issues relating to the quality of life in Topsham: campaigning for road signs, finger posts and pedestrian crossings; the instigation of a Car Club car-sharing scheme; representing residents over bus service needs; coordinating opposition to proposals that adversely affect the character of the town; youth leisure activities; and hosting community discussion meetings.

Its organisation
All Topsham residents are automatically members of the Topsham Community Association (TCA). It is a voluntary organisation having 4 trustees, and a General Committee consisting of 5 honorary officers namely a President, Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary , 3 elected members, up to 4 coopted members and an Exeter City Council representative. The Vice Chair is the Chair of the Matthews Hall Committee who, together with the Secretary, Treasurer, two elected members, a Saturday Traders’ representative, and 3 part time employees (live in Caretaker, Bookings Manager and Market Manager), manage the running and maintenance of the Hall and report to the General Committee.

Matthews Hall
Matthews Hall is leased to the Association by Exeter City Council under a 25 year lease dated 14/04/99. It is managed by a live-in Caretaker and 2 part time employees reporting to the Hall Chairman who is a member of the General Committee. Matthews Hall is in daily use for preschool playgroup; badminton; line dancing; drama groups; pantomime; art and music groups; meetings of many local clubs and societies; private functions; and - on Saturdays - a traders’ market. There is a cafe in the entrance hall, and the Hall otherwise serves as Town Hall, for example as a polling station.

Matthews Hall has its own website at www.matthewshalltopsham.co.uk

Matthews Hall

2004-08-29T10:10:00.020+01:00

Matthews Hall now has its own website: www.matthewshalltopsham.co.uk

Follow the link for general information and hall booking details.

Exeter Memories has a good historical article - The Rex/Tivoli - Topsham - describing the hall from its origins as a cinema.

A number of enquirers have asked about the origin of the name. The hall is named after its donor and builder, James Woodrow Matthews. A brief biography:

James Woodrow Matthews, J.P., started his career in Topsham as a clerk in the office of one of the old sailing ship insuring clubs in the building [Grove House, then residence and business premises of John Holman] in which, having bought the property, he spent the last few years of his life. He was for many years with Messrs. W Lamplough & Co., Insurance Brokers, and was manager for them until, in 1901, he founded Matthews, Wrightson & Co. in conjunction with Mr Harry Wrightson and his brother Mr R.G. Wrightson. The firm became a private limited company in 1911, when Mr Matthews was appointed as chairman, and he held that position until his retirement in 1924. He was an annual subscriber to Lloyd's from 1901 to 1916, when he became an underwriting member. He underwrote marine in the syndicate of Mr Eustace R. Pulbrook [Sir Eustace Pulbrook, 1881-1953, Chairman of Lloyds] and non-marine, motor and employers' liability under the agency of Messrs. Matthews, Wrightson & Co. Ltd. He was one of the founders of the Corporation of Insurance Brokers, and was later its treasurer and a member of the council, finally being elected a vice-president. He was a prominent Freemason, a member of its Grand Lodge. He died at Grove House on July 30 1934 aged 83.
- from Times obituary, July 31, 1934 (thanks to Michael G Matthews for the enquiry that led to filling in the details).

Travel

2004-08-29T08:20:00.003+01:00

View Larger Map

This is an active map that can zoom anywhere between global and street level: click-and-drag to pan. Use controls to pan, zoom and change the view format ("hybrid" is aerial with road overlay).

Topsham is easy to reach by road and public transport, and also makes an excellent centre for exploring east, south and central Devon, as well as the Jurassic coast of Devon and west Dorset. Wessex Trains run an hourly direct service from Topsham to Paignton, enabling day trips to popular coastal destinations such as Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torquay.

The Exeter-Exmouth train: half-hourly; all day; to/from Exeter St Davids and Central. Trains alternately go on to Paignton and Barnstaple.
The 57 Exeter-Exmouth bus: every 12 minutes; all day; to/from Exeter Bus Station; terminus at Topsham High Street.
The T bus: to/from Exeter High Street; Mo/Fri and Sat, half-hourly 10am-2pm, terminus at Topsham Quay.

Sea Dream II: Topsham to Turf Ferry
The Sea Dream II, owned and operated by Steve and Marianne Garrett, offers return sailings to the popular Turf Locks Inn, Sat & Sun Easter-October, daily Easter holidays and early May to mid-September. RSPB bird-watching cruises, Dec-March. Also available for private charter. All enquiries: 07778 370582 For Sea Dream II sailing times, see www.topshamtoturfferry.co.uk.

Topsham Ferry and Water Taxi
Ferry from The Passage to Turf Lock. Summer: Apr-Sep, 9.30am-5.30pm. Closed Tuesdays. Winter: weekends and Bank Holidays, 10.00am-5.00pm. Subject to tides and conditions. Ring 07801 203338 (also for evening water taxi).

Sea approach
For a very useful guide, see Exmouth and River Exe (including Topsham) at visitmyharbour.com. Entrance to the Exe Estuary is quite tricky and tide-critical.

More on buses
Stagecoach Buses - Local bus timetables
Dartline Coaches - Clyst St Mary based.
Western Travel - Coach hire, excursions, group travel.

Trains
First Great Western Trains - South West Intercity Routes, timetables and Information.
National Rail Enquiries - Source page for 'British Rail' train times: extremely useful service that quickly calculates your route and timetable, even if it's cross-network, given where and when you want to go.

Cycling

Topsham is on the Exe Estuary Trail section of National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 2, with convenient access to routes on both sides of the Exe.

Route 2 - this Cafe Bar also offers cycle hire, repairs and maintenance.

Miscellaneous
Exeter International Airport - the official website.
Exeter City Council Public Transport page
exe co-cars - Community Car Club
Topsham Car Parking and Travel - Buses, trains and automobiles of course!
Topsham & the M5 - How to get to Topsham from the M5.
Topsham Street Map - How to get around in Topsham.

USA Topshams

2004-08-29T08:10:00.004+01:00

Topsham is not exclusive to England. Although the English Topsham is older, it doesn't mean that it's the greatest or the best - just the first. There are two Topshams in America: the larger is in Maine, but there is also one in Vermont, comprising East Topsham, West Topsham and Topsham Corners. If you know of any other Topshams, let us know and we'll add them here.*

Topsham, Maine, USA
Official Town site
Topsham, Maine, on Wikipedia

Topsham, Vermont, USA
Virtual Vermont: Topsham
Topsham, Vermont, on Wikipedia

* Best try so far: Torptsen (a.k.a Dorpsenn, Torpen, Torperen, Torpsum, Turphum, Turschum) - according to the Dutch Wikipedia a now-vanished mediaeval settlement in the Dollart.