SOME of the hidden gems in and around Newton Abbot were revealed to astounded members of the Newton Abbot and District Civic Society at their annual meeting.
Their main speaker was Andrew Cooper, pictured right, a wildlife producer, whose experience and expertise has long been renowned worldwide.
President Keith Stokes-Smith introduced Andrew Cooper as the society held its annual meeting, the first for two years face-to-face, at the Courtenay Centre attended by a number of its members.
Andrew has worked for the BBC and has been the producer of many programmes including some narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Members were treated to a slideshow which highlighted the work that Andrew has put in to that area, which included slides of the wildlife that now occupies the restoration of both the pond and the surrounding landscape.
Many members were astounded at the variety of fauna and flora together with the variety of many species of insects and animals that have taken advantage of the restoration that has been carried out.
Andrew also gave members an insight as to how our landscapes throughout the world but most importantly Devon, has changed over the billions and thousands of years and how all this has impacted upon our lives even today.
In my opinion, members and I’m sure many residents of Newton Abbot, are totally unaware of the history of this area and as we drive past the hidden gems that is just a short distance away from the main roads. After his talk and slideshow Andrew stayed on to talk to members.
The president thanked Andrew for an enlightening presentation and felt sure that members would be scheduling a visit to the area to acquaint themselves of the history that is obviously not so well known.
President Keith Stokes-Smith opened the meeting by welcoming members to this annual meeting and having received a note of apologies and approved the minutes of the virtual annual meeting into 2020, the president moved to the formal parts of the meeting.
The chairman and treasurer’s report were received enthusiastically and accepted.
Officers and members of the executive committee elected were: Chair, Mrs Ann Jones; vice chair, Miss Eloise Rokiliov; secretary, Mrs Jan Chope; treasurer, Mr Christopher Jones; chair of planning, Miss Eloise Rokilirov; press liaison officer, Mr Mike Joyce.
The president having dealt with the agenda items including members approving six resolutions to bring the civic societies business up-to-date, a short coffee break was taken where members were treated to refreshments including a coffee cake and a Victoria sponge donated by Margaret and Ann Jones.