News in Axminster

What as always proved a mystery for me is finding who in fact owned the ground on which the US army hospital was built at Millwey Rise.

I have approached many people on the subject but to date have drawn a blank. I presume at one time it was part of the Cloakham Estate which was finally broken up and sold so this is where I start my time line:

Plans for a new primary school in Uplyme that would provide a "21st entury education" for pupils have been given the go ahead.

The provision of a new primary school for Uplyme has been a long held ambition of the school trust and is included in the proposals map for the Neighbourhood Plan.

The Crafty Hobbit has become the second shop to open in the revamped Trinity House building in Axminster town centre.

Keen crafters Sarah and Terry Webb have taken the plunge in opening a new shop, having run an online craft and printing business from home for some time.

An Axminster healthy eating charity has been awarded nearly £18,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Project Food - formerly the HALFF charity in South Street - will use the grant to continue to finance the support given to local residents during the Civid-19 crisis.

The annual Christmas Day lunch - served by volunteers in Axminster Guildhall for those in the town who are on their own - will not take place this year.

Launched five years ago, the event has proved to be extremely popular with around 100 people being served a tradition turkey dinner.

Axminster Property, which is currently renovating the town's flagship Trinity House building, has also taken on a major project in neighbouring Colyton.

The derelict Old Town Mill in the centre of Colyton is being given a new lease of life with eight business units currently under development.

Do you fancy a free pint in Axminster this month?

Great British Pubs has launched its 'Here's To The Pub' campaign this month, offering free drinks in some of your favourite watering holes up an down the country.

The Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion are busy making plans for a socially-distanced outdoor service on Remembrance Sunday.

The Legion will be marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the First World War on Remembrance Sunday, which this year falls on November 8th.

Residents of the Raymond's Hill are being consulted on a proposed children's play park for the area.

Axminster Town Council is proposing creating a play park for Raymond's Hill residents, with a potential site agreed in principle with the landowner at Diamond's Tea Room in Cooks Lane.

A planning application has been submitted to make repairs to Weycroft Manor in Axminster after significant damage was caused to the Grade II* listed building in a fire in March.

The proposals include the complete replacement of the roof and repair and reinstatement of the walls, windows, ceilings, masonry, plasterwork, finishes and internal joinery. There are also plans to install a stair lift and bath lift, fire compartmentalisation, loft access, thermal insulation and breathable membrane in the roof, a log burner, chimney liner and chimney pots, and to carry out full electrical rewiring.