+++ 21 November AGM and Planning Ahead meeting at the Mint Methodist Centre  +++

Our two events on Saturday, 17 Oct 2026, were well visited and proved a great success. The morning event was all about the launch of our new 'Discovering Exeter' booklet on 'Sidwell Street and St James'. We were able to welcome 70+ guests at the Positive Light Projects venue in Sidwell Street. The afternoon then saw a workshop about the wider bus station and Sidwell Street area (the so-called East Gate redevelopment) with 40 participants and a lively debate over 90 minutes.
Exeter Civic Society is collaborating with Exeter-based writer and composer Chris Hoban to celebrate the remarkable life of Thomas Gregory (1872-1926), lifesaver of Exeter Quay. We hope to raise enough money to place a blue plaque on what was his last home, now part of the Prospect Inn at Exeter Quay.
Exeter Central Station has been given grade II listed status following the application made by Devon Buildings Group earlier this year. The Group wishes to thank everyone who wrote to Historic England in support of their application.
Exeter Civic Society AGM 2026
Saturday 21st November 2026 at 10:30 - 13:30
The Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT, Rowe Room (upstairs)
Time for our AGM again. Tea and coffee will be available from 10.30 with the AGM starting at 11.00. After the AGM we invite you to some planning ahead for next year - we want to enquire what your preferences and ideas are. Lunch will be available afterwards. There will be more details closer to the time. But, if you would like to put an item on the agenda and/or become a committee member, please contact Keith Lewis at keithatecs@gmail.com or Andy McKeon at andy.mckeon@btinternet.com .
Then, now and next walk: Sidwell Street and Black Boy Road area
Wednesday 2nd December 2026 at 14:00-16:00
Meet outside entrance of John Lewis, Sidwell Street
Gert will lead - weather permitting - walk through streets you probably will have walked a hundred times. He was surprised that once you start to walk left and right there is so much more to explore. We will lift the mystery of what is hiding in plain sight in the photo. The walk has been inspired by our new 'Sidwell and St James' booklet, which Julia Neville launched at our October event. We will meet at the entrance of John Lewis and do a circular walk, mainly flat, but with a few hilly parts up Black Boy Road.
Open Meeting: Ben Clapp on St. Nicholas
Saturday 12th December 2026 at 10:30 - 12:15
The Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT
We all know that St Nicholas is associated with Father Christmas. But who was the real St Nicholas and how did he become Santa Claus? Ben Clapp from St Nicholas Priory will take us through the life of St Nicholas, why he became a saint and how his story has developed through the ages. The image of a 16th century stained glass roundel shows St Nicholas working one of his miracle. A social event where visitors and guests are welcome and refreshment will be available.

Whether you’re a newcomer to Exeter or have lived here since before the War we’re sure you’ll love this great little city. It has a vibrant charm and a fascinating mix of buildings, and people! From the Roman Wall and Norman Castle to the lively city centre venues, shops and restaurants there is something for everyone. But a city is always changing, and those changes can be for the better or for the worse.

Exeter Civic Society was set up to care for Exeter and make sure that further redevelopments are of the highest possible standard for our city and for our quality of life. If you want to keep track of changes to the city, or find out more about its history you have come to the right place. Not only do we monitor new developments but we have talks about Exeter’s history and visits to local places, some of which you may not even know exist.

Exeter Civic Society publishes 'Prospectus'

Our 28pp “Prospectus for the Redevelopment of the Wider Water Lane Area” was published on 31 Oct 2022. For details please visit the ‘Current Concerns’ section of our website, then ‘Wider Water Lane Area Redevelopment’. 

 

 

Wider Water Lane Area Redevelopment