Budleigh Past and Present

Just to prove that I'm not totally gripped by Raleighmania, and that I do occasionally do other things like watching TV soaps, here’s an informative piece about a Budleigh character who raised a few hackles in his time and who might even catch the eye of a producer one day.  Budleigh’s latest Blue Plaque, a tribute to 18 th century bookseller James Lackington, has appeared at the town’s Temple Methodist Church on Fore Street.  The plaque was unveiled by the Councillor for Exmouth and Budleigh Coastal Ward, Cllr Christine Channon, at the invitation of the Minister, the Reverend Jonathan Froggatt.  An element of the story behind the project, initiated by Fairlynch Museum and supported by a Devon County Council grant, is very much part of the plotline of  a BBC popular historical drama series. Except that the Budleigh hero honoured at today’s event was never as likely to set hearts a flutter as Poldark st...

A scene from the 60s: Kids help the fishermen on Budleigh beach    Image credit: Fairlynch Museum   The first thing I need to say is that Fairlynch Museum may be featured on BBC1 tomorrow, Friday 19 February, 2016 at 3.45pm. I shall of course, be watching, though with some regret. Many months ago the Museum was approached by TV company Raise the Roof Productions for permission to film the building. The company was intending to make a programme in the ‘Holiday of My Lifetime’ series, in which a celebrity recalls his or her first memorable holiday in a conversation with Len Goodman. Yes, the Len Goodman who judges all those Amazing Contestants on Strictly Come Dancing.  The celebrity in question was going to be Valerie Singleton. Is going to be Valerie Singleton. You know!  The one in the middle in that Blue Peter Annual Number 5.  Blue Peter from many moons ago o...