Barnstaple Reflections. 'This is Me!' Documentary Photography Open 2026 Exhibition

The Documentary Photography Open 2026 is an exhibition of photographs sent in by the public in response to the theme, This Is Me.  The theme asked the public to explore who they are, as people living in North Devon today.  In a world that is constantly changing, where people are constantly moving, the public was invited to reflect on what makes them unique.

To complement the Open, a selection of historic portraits by photographer, James Ravilious, will also be on display. The warmth and affection that Ravilious felt for his subjects shines out, each bringing to life the unique character and personality of each individual.

 

In addition, the exhibition will include photographs taken by GCSE students from Pilton Community College as part of a portrait project run by local photographer, Carole Evans and funded by the Richard and Siobhan Coward Foundation Fund. The ‘Selfies’ to Self-Aware Portrait Project encouraged students to explore what makes a good portrait, how to use low key and natural lighting and consider the question ‘what one word captures what is it to be a young adult in 2025’ in their portraiture.

Bill Cooke in his kitchen, Colehouse, May 1988, James Ravilious © Beaford Arts (All Rights Reserved)

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This is Me! Documentary Photography Open 2026

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

25th April – 20th June 2026

 

Website link - This is Me! Documentary Photography Open 2026 – Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

 

01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

New exhibition opening at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

A new exhibition opening at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon on Saturday 21st March sheds light on the life and work of former Mayor of Barnstaple, Bruce William Oliver, who died 50 years ago this year.

The exhibition, Bruce Oliver: A Grand Old Man of Barnstaple, has been created in collaboration with North Devon Athenaeum and paints a portrait of an accomplished local man as of many talents. In his professional life Oliver was a well-known local architect, but he was also an accomplished artist, photographer, musician, actor, historian, and sportsman.

Bruce Oliver was elected Mayor of Barnstaple in 1931 on the strength of his services to community, charity, and entertainment. He joined the North Devon Athenaeum in 1932 as a board member, and he became Trustee and Chair in 1951. Following his death in 1976, Bruce Oliver left the bulk of his estate to the North Devon Athenaeum – which includes notes, drawings, watercolours, photographic slides and more, including his house, Homestead in South Park, Barnstaple. Some of the items from his estate will be shown as part of this exhibition.

Bruce Oliver: A Grand Old Man of Barnstaple. Photo copyright Bruce Oliver Exhibition (All Rights Reserved)

Bruce Oliver: A Grand Old Man of Barnstaple

21st March – 16th May 2026

All welcome | Admission FREE

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01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

 

PULL UP A CHAIR TO CUNNY CORNER – THE PODCAST LIFTING THE SKIRTS OF VICTORIAN BARNSTAPLE

Forget prim bonnets and polite parlours – Cunny Corner is here to tell you what really went on in the back alleys, taverns, and courtrooms of Victorian Barnstaple. 

Hosted by local historian Sue Pengelly and writer Stef Fox, this brand-new podcast dives into the scandal, hardships, and gallows humour of the town’s 19th-century prostitutes. 

Not so much about genteel ladies ... more about gin, gossip and grit. 

Each episode revives the voices of individuals – such as Sarah Hammett, Eliza Boastfield, Mary Heard, and others – who faced poverty, prejudice and pompous magistrates with wit, resilience, and an unshakeable sisterhood. 

Sue has pieced together their stories using court records, newspaper clippings, historical documentation and the town’s oral history and, in conversation with Stef, reveals how these women made their own rules in a world that tried to break them. 

“They weren’t just names in police reports – they were mothers, rebels, and entrepreneurs, trying to feed themselves and their children,” says Sue. “As well as very real and incredibly brave … with, quite frankly, some cracking stories.” 

Packed with meticulous research, laugh-out-loud moments, and just enough filth to mean you’ll have to listen through headphones if kids are around, Cunny Corner is history with its corset unlaced. 

Expect: 

•  True tales from Barnstaple’s underbelly – raw, witty, and 100% real  

• Women who fought back, looked out for each other, and gave Victorian respectability the side eye 

•  A great mix of historical fact and bawdy banter 

•  Stories that will make you gasp, grin, and maybe Google a few old slang words! 

CUNNY CORNER – THE PODCAST LIFTING THE SKIRTS OF VICTORIAN BARNSTAPLE 

Barnstaple, North Devon, UK.

Cunny Corner is available now on all major podcast platforms including Apple, Amazon, Spotify 

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 Website: cunnycorner.co.uk 

 Instagram @cunnycorner 

 Facebook @cunnycorner 

 TikTok @cunnycorner

Honouring Tony Haynes: A Legacy of Dedication and Service in the RAF

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we are celebrating the military service of Anthony 'Tony' John Haynes who has chosen to continue his life’s journey at Heanton Nursing Home. His military journey began on 5th January 1971, when he joined the RAF with a desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, Flight Lieutenant Walter Haynes, a pilot during World War II. Tony aspired to become an engineer, a goal he achieved with distinction over his 15-year career in the RAF.

Tony's two older brothers, Roger and Richard, also dedicated their lives to service, spending a combined 60 years in the Royal Navy. As an Aircraft Propulsion Technician, Tony's expertise took him across five tours of duty at RAF Halton, Valley, Lossiemouth, Coltishall, and back to Halton. He worked on numerous iconic RAF aircraft and even had the privilege of flying in some. Tony's dedication to passing on his knowledge was evident when he transitioned to the role of Technical Instructor, mentoring the next generation of aircraft engineers.

Tony's achievements were recognised with a promotion to Sergeant in December 1977, a milestone he holds with great pride. Beyond his technical skills, Tony also competed in show jumping, representing the RAF in various competitions. In October 1985, Tony and his wife Dorothy (Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Dorothy (Woodcock) Haynes), a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), were married in a joint forces wedding. They met at a formal Mess Dinner at RAF Halton. They began their married life on the Chequers Estate, where Dorothy served as Curator.

Upon leaving the RAF in June 1986, Tony continued to serve at Halton as a civilian instructor before moving to Saudi Arabia to instruct and work for BAE Systems on Tornado aircraft.

Learning was a priority for Tony, who earned both an HNC and ONC in Engineering during his time in the RAF and went on to complete a bachelor's degree in 1999 whilst working full time.

Tony and Dorothy have two supportive children, Adam and Ruth. Upon Adam and Ruth leaving home to pursue their own lives and after 27 years in Lancashire, Tony and Dorothy retired to North Devon in 2018. Throughout his life, Tony has been a caring and loving family man. Living with Dementia has been heartbreaking for his family and friends.

Dorothy Haynes MBE expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the team at Heanton for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time. Their dedication to Tony's well-being has been a source of comfort and strength for the Haynes family.

At the core of Heanton Nursing Homes's philosophy lies a commitment to nurturing independence no matter what complexity you live with.

To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit  https://www.heantonnursinghome. 

Heanton Punchardon

Barnstaple

EX31 4DJ

England

HEANTON NURSING HOME IN BARNSTAPLE TAKE RESIDENT FOR A GAME OF BADMINTON

John Miles who is fondly referred to as Rex from Heanton Nursing Home, enjoyed a game of Badminton along with team members during a recent outing. The game began with Rex taking the first drop shot and he enjoyed some smashes with his opponent.

Noufal, one of the Team Members accompanying described the moment as being simply amazing “Rex didn't take his eyes off the game, and he even told me to be quiet as he was not able to focus! He was impressed by the quality of his fellow players.”

Being involved within the local community and encouraging the continuation of past interests is part of the ethos at the North Devon nursing home. Creating shared experiences that bring together companionship, laughter, and a deeper sense of connection for individuals living with a Dementia.

Occupational activities are not just pastimes they are pathways to joy, fulfilment, and bring a sense of purpose to family members, living at the nursing home to create a true sense of continuation of life. These activities encompass a wide range of interests, from arts and crafts to gardening, music, games, and so much more. They promote engagement, stimulate cognitive abilities, and foster social connections, creating an environment full of personalities and Individuality. 

To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home 

visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home, Heanton, Barnstaple EX31 4DJ - Tel: 01271 813744

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