Budleigh Past and Present

    "The best of Budleigh Salterton is on display in Fairlynch. Local history and local geology sit together in a charming building. Every time I walk past or go inside, I am reminded of why this town is so special."   That’s what the broadcaster and former Budleigh resident Sue Lawley told us a few years ago. Yes indeed. May is National Walking Month. Living Streets, the national charity that works to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, is encouraging people to walk with their successful annual initiatives of Walk to Work Week and Walk to School Week during the current month. Living Streets is also urging people to enjoy the thrill of making those wonderful little finds that happen only when you’re on foot. “ Walking is a great way to discover hidden gems in your neighbourhood - be it for the view, the ambience, or a particular attraction,” they say. The charity has launched a campaign to discover such hidden gems, inviting people to join wit

  Fairlynch is losing one of its volunteers who helped make a popular Friday afternoon attraction at the Museum with the retirement of resident lacemaker Margaret Leese.   Exmouth resident Margaret delighted and intrigued hundreds of visitors to the Museum with the demonstration of her intricate and beautiful work.   “Lacemaking was very much a traditional cottage industry in this part of Devon , so I am sorry not to be continuing at Fairlynch,” she said. “It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience to be part of the Museum’s lace team in such a special way.”   Originally from Cornwall , Margaret first started lacemaking over 25 years ago when she saw the skill being demonstrated at Ottery St Mary. “I hadn’t been in the area all that long but I thought that looks quite exciting and challenging as a hobby,” she recalled.   Various pieces of Margaret’s work are on show at Fairlynch, including a lace version of the Museum’s doorknocker. She reckons that it

  Have you ever found a curious coin while out walking?   Or a puzzling piece of pottery?   Or even an  ancient axe-head? Anyone who has made such a fascinating find is invited to bring the item to Fairlynch Museum on Thursday 23 May 2013 between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm. Archaeologist Danielle Wootton, who works for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, will be on hand to identify objects that people may have found while out digging in the garden or rambling in the countryside.   Metal detectorists are welcome, says Danielle. “Finds Days like this are a wonderful opportunity for objects to be identified and recorded by experts. We would like to see anything that has been made or shaped by humans in the past such as flint, bone, pottery and metal objects or coins - but not things like rocks or fossils, dolls or antique furniture.   Even if you haven’t found anything, drop in to find out more about Archaeology and the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Everyone is welcome.”