Seaton Visitor Centre Trust

Since the appointment of our Project Manager, Tracey Guiry, in September last year, the case for a viable top quality Visitor Centre has been proved and much work towards the realisation of this Centre has been undertaken since then by Tracey.  In order to take these projects forward, in August of this year SWRDA, DCC and EDDC oversaw the incorporation of the Exmouth Seaton Jurassic Coast Interpretation Centres Trust which is managed by a Board appointed from the private sector with Local Authority representatives.  This Board meets on a regular basis, liaising with the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust.

The Visitor Centres proposed for Seaton and Exmouth are part of wider regeneration schemes within these towns, and the feasibility studies undertaken to prove the viability of these Centres have identified the need for funding from developers towards building costs.  The Seaton Visitor Centre Trust, however, is only involved in regeneration issues when they directly affect the proposed Seaton Centre.

Tesco, as many residents of Seaton will be aware, held a public exhibition last week of their proposals for Seaton.  Although they have been briefed by Tracey Guiry on the requirements for a Visitor Centre, those who attended the exhibition were astonished to see that it does not form part of Tesco’s first phase planning application that they are submitting to EDDC shortly.  Tesco and their representatives were not able to explain why the Visitor Centre is excluded from their plans.  Although we have sought a meeting with them before, this has not materialised  and members of Seaton Visitor Centre Trust are now seeking a meeting with Tescos as a matter of urgency.  In the meantime, we ask residents to respond to Tesco and EDDC, urging them to ensure that this Centre is included in their imminent planning application, reminding them of the work and money already spent and of the studies that have proved that such a Centre is not only an important regenerator for the town but is vital for raising Seaton’s profile and for fulfilling its role as a Primary Gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site..

Another proposal being put to EDDC shortly is from Sainsburys who are seeking to build a supermarket and Visitor Centre in Seaton, together with other facilities.  They have met with members of Seaton Visitor Centre Trust on several occasions to discuss the vision and content of a Visitor Centre.  They are ready to present their plans to residents and are holding a public exhibition in Seaton Town Hall on 23rd, 24th & 25th October.  We hope residents will visit that exhibition and take the time to comment on it.

I’d like to make everyone aware of the variety of projects that are on-going for locals and visitors alike through the unceasing work of the charity called the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust (originally the Seaton Gateway Town Group).

The group recognises that it will be some time before the centre is built so, in the meantime, it is working hard to keep Seaton looking vibrant and encouraging a sense of community. Our projects include the stunning banners (created by local students) that now hang from Seaton’s lamp posts, additional fun activities for all during carnival week, themed walks, a climate control exhibition, an annual symposium, a New Year’s Eve party and Jurassic Coast cruises.

The group has always had representatives from many of Seaton’s community groups and has grown from the dozen or so people who, even before World Heritage status was awarded to the Jurassic Coast back in 2001, started to promote the concept of a high quality interpretation centre for the area and to develop ideas for its content and place in the community.

Decisions about the centre are being made by funding bodies such as the South West Regional Development Agency, Devon County Council and East Devon District Council.

Through our research and sound arguments and the efforts of our project manager, Tracey Guiry, we have proved the case for a viable top quality visitor centre. We are involved in regeneration issues only when they directly affect the proposed centre and we are not duplicating the work of any other groups.

If you would like to join us, or just like to know more, please see our new website www.SeatonVisitorCentreTrust.org or attend one of our meetings (in Seaton Town Hall at 3.30pm on the third Tuesday of every month except August and December).

Bernard Dunford

Chairman

Seaton’s fourteen colourful new “Walk Through Time” banners, as reported at the end of May, will be installed during the 16th and 17th June on lampposts along the seafront and throughout the town. Their production is an initiative of the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust.

The Esplanade banners depict Seaton’s Jurassic Coast marine links and the ones along Fore Street depict the town’s own history.

These colourful banners were designed by the pupils of Seaton Primary School and Axe Valley Community College, under the guidance of artist Jane Witheridge who the Trust arranged to bring over from France for three weeks. The Trust also secured the funding for the whole project, including money for the printing of the final banners, from Devon County Council. A reception to celebrate and thank the banner project participants and sponsors is to be held during the evening of July 3rd, in the Town Hall.

A range of merchandise is being created using these exclusive designs and should be available during the summer from local outlets.

This year the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust is combining with the Carnival Committee to make the Carnival Festival Week better than ever by staging extra events throughout the week. More information about the work of the Trust and dates for events can be found on the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust website www.SeatonVisitorCentreTrust.org .

We would like to thank everyone who helped organise and support the wonderful 2007 New Year’s Eve Party at Seaton Town Hall.  We had a great party to welcome the New Year.

Many thanks to the organisers from the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust and the Seaton Tourist Information Centre for hosting the evening.  Also, grateful thanks to the superb bar team led by Rosemary Partridge-Hogbin and the excellent catering team.

The entertainment was provided by Shirli, our beautiful cabaret singer, and the disco by Nigel of Partyvibe, Honiton.

Our raffle was generously supported by Seaton Tramway, Pecorama and the Radway Cinema which raised £180.  In addition, our local artisit Bob Bradshaw, donated a limited edition print which auctioned for £130.  Our appreciation to Mr Bradshaw and also Kevin Frost, our wonderful auctioneer.

Many thanks to Teri, the photographer for taking photos of us all in our party clothes, with our friends.

The team of Ian and Yvonne Waite, Karen Chipperfield, Julie Richens and Sharon Bruce thank all the guests who came and enjoyed the evening with us.

The proceeds totalling £1400 will be shared between the Tourist Information Centre and the Visitor Centre Trust.

Tickets for the 2008 New Year’s Eve function will be available from November 2008 at Seaton Tourist Information Centre.

Sharon Bruce