Shaping Devon’s Future
We need your help to shape the future of local government in Devon by telling us what matters to you.
In December 2024, Government set out its intention that all areas with two levels of local government (District and County Councils) were required to develop plans for a single level of Government.
In March 2025, a proposal setting out our initial thoughts on the future of local government in Devon was submitted on behalf of all the Devon District Councils, except Exeter. Final proposals are being prepared and are due to be submitted to the Government in November.
Now, everyone with a connection to the South Hams is being asked what matters to them to help shape our final proposals so they reflect the needs and aspirations of people living and working in the area.
The short survey can be found on our website, which also has more information on local government reorganisation, including Frequently Asked Questions.
Over the next few months, a series of engagement events around South Hams will be taking place with residents, towns and parish councils and other organisations. Details on how you can get involved will be available soon.
Totnes Fringe Festival: A Bold New Celebration of Local Creativity
11–13 July 2025
In July Totnes will host its first ever Fringe Festival, – a three-day celebration of bold, independent performance. With a focus on theatre, spoken word, contemporary dance, comedy and children’s storytelling, the festival will transform venues and public spaces across the town into platforms for fresh ideas and original voices.
The Festival is the brainchild of Danielle McIlven, a theatre director living in Totnes, and is entirely volunteer-led, with a team of theatre professionals, PR specialists, designers, marketing professionals and tech experts donating their time and skills.
Events will take place in both indoor and outdoor settings, including the Civic Hall, Barrel House, Seven Stars and even the launderette, as well as the Castle, The Rotherfold and Leechwell Gardens. The latter will host a dedicated programme of children’s theatre, creating space for young audiences to enjoy imaginative and interactive performances.
With over 100 applications from artists and companies around the UK, the programme will showcase a wide range of local and national talent. True to Fringe values, events are designed to be affordable or free, and artists will receive a generous 80/20 revenue split to help support their work.
The festival is funded through a mix of crowdfunding, business sponsorship, grants, and ticket sales. Local businesses are already stepping up to support, gaining excellent visibility while helping to make the arts more accessible in Totnes.
With its community-led ethos and daring programming, the Totnes Fringe Festival promises to become a regular fixture on the town’s cultural calendar.
If you’d like to volunteer to help, buy tickets or view the full programme go to Totnes Fringe and follow on social media @totnesfringe on Instagram and Facebook.
Temporary traffic restriction:
Mon 30 June for 5 days max
Between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30 no person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed on the sections of Affected Roads.
Roads affected - HILL CROSS TO GOVETON
The alternative, signed, route for vehicles will be via - BLACKRIDGE CROSS TO GOVETON-SANDY LANE- BOTH WAYS/VICE VERSA
This temporary restriction is considered necessary to enable service connection works
For additional information contact:
SUNBELT RENTALS , Tel:: 03700 500792
It is likely that this work will not take 5 days to complete
Voting results
Devon County Council elections took place on Thursday 1 May.
Louise Wainwright, Liberal Democrats, has been elected councillor for our parish.
For up-to-date info visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDEVONCC/bulletins/3da5edb
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council was held on 15 April. Following Councillor Diana Jones’ roundup of the year’s events, a presentation was made to Councillor Rufus Gilbert, who is retiring from the County Council after many years of service. Parishioner, Rob Moore, gave a personal speech of thanks to Rufus for his hard work and support of our local community. The evening’s highlight was a fascinating talk from para-athlete, Jonny Huntington, who was the first disabled person to ski to the South Pole solo and unsupported. His talk was insightful and inspiring and he answered a barrage of questions from the audience. A collection raised £200 to Givestar which supports the veteran and disability charities which have particularly helped Johnny through his recovery and journey to the start line. The evening ended with tea and coffee and a lovely selection homemade cakes.
Devon & Cornwall Police Alert Team
We have had reports that there could be fake £20 notes in circulation locally.
How to detect fake notes:
• Thoroughly examine the note: Check for inconsistencies in the holographic images and other security features.
• Compare with a genuine note: If you have any doubt, compare the suspect note with a genuine one you know to be real.
Advice on how to check if banknotes are genuine or counterfeit can be found here: How to check your banknotes | Bank of England
Advice from Action Fraud on what to do if you receive counterfeit money can be found here: Counterfeit currency: What to do if you receive counterfeit notes or coins and where to report | Action Fraud
If you suspect a note is counterfeit, and you know who gave it to you, inform the Police immediately.
Making change happen
The Parish Council Annual Meeting has a special guest speaker this year - Jonny Huntington - who was the first disabled person to ski solo to the South Pole. Jonny, from Kingsbridge, achieved this in January this year. The talk will be both fascinating and inspiring.
Please come and celebrate this extraordinary achievement with Jonny.
Annual Meeting
St Peter’s Church
18.00
Refreshments provided
Reading matters
The Goveton phone box has been restocked with books for the summer. Do pop in and have a browse. Take a book - there is not charge - and leave one if you have books to spare. There is a wide selection to suit all tastes.
Photo: Diana Jones
Making a difference
The Parish Council is looking for people across the parish who would like to make a difference in the community by joining the Parish Council. Just a small amount of your time each month can make a huge difference. For further info or an informal chat contact Helen, our new parish clerk, or one of the councillors.
Sign up for new parking scheme
The new South Hams Resident Discount Parking Scheme comes into effect on 1 April. Sign up to get your discount. Discounts for both parking with the App and cash payments.
Annual Gully & Road Sweeping
During the parish gully clean in December four tons of spoil was lifted from our roads and gullies. The Parish Council organises the gully clean – removing waste and debris to improve drainage and prevent flooding.
Photo Jonathan Harrison
Christmas cheer at St Peter’s
What a tremendous success the Christmas fair was at St Peter’s Church - raising a record-breaking £800 for the St Peter’s Fabric Fund. A huge thanks to the support of the community and friends in providing an array of crafts and goodies and attending the event. Fun was had by all.
Life’s a Bench
We are pleased to announce Jonathan Mathys has kindly provided a chestnut rustic bench for the village. It seats four and is nicely situated next to the Parish notice board. The position was chosen in consultation with neighbours with special thanks to the Blazebys and Hindsons. .
Do come and enjoy.
Beware of Rogue Traders
The Parish Council has been made aware of incidents in Devon of rogue traders knocking on doors and suggesting work needs carrying out on the owners roof. These people are giving the false impression of being a local reputable company making it difficult to instantly recognise as a rogue trader. Advice from the Local Authority, Devon and Cornwall Police and Trading Standards is not to employ anyone knocking on your door touting for business.