34th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
 
The Civic Buildings of Barnstaple

                        Saturday 23 June 2018 at Barnstaple Guildhall, Butchers Row, Barnstaple, EX31 1BW

 
 
Barnstaple historically was the third town of Devon after Exeter and Plymouth and a regional centre in its own right.  Its past importance is reflected in its legacy of civic buildings. The meeting will take place in one of these – the fine Guildhall of 1826, listed grade 2* which is in the centre of the town next to the Market Hall.
 
Speakers will include Terry Green, who has been closely involved with the Historic Urban Characterisation study of the town, on the history of Barnstaple, Collette Hall on conservation issues, Jo Cox and John Thorp on St Anne’s Chapel and Stuart Blaylock on Queen Anne’s Walk. After lunch we will visit the buildings we have heard about in the morning as well to Penrose and Horwood Paige’s almshouses to which we will have access.
 
The meeting will commence with cakes and coffee at 10.30 a.m. and the first talk will be at 11.00 a.m. The Guildhall is right in the middle of Barnstaple on the High Street. There are various town car parks (see the Parkopedia website) although the central ones are quite expensive for long-term parking. There are trains from Exeter to Barnstaple with a 17 minute walk from the station to the town centre.
Lunch will be taken independently.
 
It would be helpful to know how many members are coming so please let Peter Child know either by email to peterchild2@gmail.com or tel: 01363 866813.
 
Guests will be welcome at the usual charge of £10.00 each but must be booked in advance.