The County Hall Tree Walk will be starting at the earlier time of 11.00am. Ed Dolphin will lead the walk, which is scheduled for approx. 90 mins, but the length is flexible and depends on the weather. It will be joint event with Sidmouth Arboretum, as they celebrate their tree week. Numbers are limited to 15 from us: Sat, 18 April, my count was up to 9, so 6 spaces left only. You need to book yourself in via out whatsapp group or send me a text message to 07766 706614. I will let you know once the booking is full.

A social event where visitors and guests are welcome and refreshment will be available. Ed Dolphin, our speaker for this meeting, will talk about Sidmouth Arboretum. Sidmouth's remarkable treescape was recognised in 2012 when the town and surrounding valley were declared a Civic Arboretum where all the local trees are celebrated. Originally a community led project, it is now a registered charity dedicated to engaging people with their trees and enhancing the treescape.

Hilary Neville will lead a walk in the St. James's Park area. We will look at the history of the area, including some changes that have taken place since Hazel Harvey wrote Exeter Civic Society's "Discovering Exeter: Sidwell Street" in the 1980s, which is now being revised for its second edition. Those who joined our visit at the Football Stadium last year will remember how rural this area looked in the 19th century.

Wendy Rakestrow is guiding a walk through Exwick, Come and join us to see what we can find of the old Essoic village. Mentioned in the Domesday Book and more recently in Pevsner, Exwick grew exponentially in the late twentieth century. The walk is mostly on the flat and the one hill can be missed out if necessary. Please be aware that the walk is no circular one, it will finish at The Thatched House pub, where there is a bus stop nearby and shops as well as access back to the river walk. Unfortunately the pub isn't open in the afternoon and the public toilets are also closed. As always, you do this walk at your own risk. You won't be insured by the society or the lead walker.

The modern University of Exeter plays a major role in all aspects of the city’s life. But how did so small a city, even with so long a history, come to be selected as a base for a university? Julia Neville explores how - against the odds - a few dedicated men and women nurtured the idea of a university in Exeter and fought for funding and support to make tier vision a reality.

Keith and Gert will lead a meeting dealing with latest developments, concerns and issues in Exeter. This will inform you about the work we are currently doing and will provide you with the chance of input and raising new issues.

Stuart Blaylock has agreed to guide us through Bowhill. The numbers of visitors will be limited to max 20. We visit Bowhill, the house on Dunsford Hill, which Stuart Blaylock talked to us about earlier in 2025. He has agreed to guide us on our visit and there will be a small charge of £3 each to cover his costs. If you wish to attend this visit please contact Keith Lewis by email keithatecs@gmail.com, but numbers will be limited to 20. We hope to provide some light refreshments. Parking is possible but if you are using the bus, the P should take you to Dunsford Hill, the E to Buddle Lane and the A to Cowick Lane, but please check the Stagecoach timetables.

In a more light-hearted meeting with some musical extracts, John Davidson will start the New Year 2026 off with a talk about a selection of Exeter Buildings and stories associated with them.

This walk will follow the route we set up as a possible walk for the North Street Improvement project. The rich history of this area will perhaps make a nice shorter walk for tourists who want to get rid of the normal trails. In January we want to explore the possibilities. Gert will lead this walk, but hopes participants will chip in with whatever they know. You need a good amount of mobility, as we will climb stairs and have to master some up and down walking. As always, you do this walk at your own risk. You won't be insured by the society or the lead walker.

A social event where visitors and guests are welcome and refreshment will be available. Ever asked youself who puts up the Christmas Lights or is responsible for all floral decorations in the city centre? Come and find some answers in Nicola Wheeler's talk. She is the CEO of InExeter and will speak about Exeter's BID (Business Improvement District) and what inner city improvements she is planning to do in the next 5 years.

Martin Weiler will lead this visit to St James Park. Come and enjoy a leisurely stroll around Exeter City Football Club's stadium St James Park. Learn about the history of this 'Parish Field' stretching back as far as the 1600s. Hear how the pitch that was once used for fattening pigs played host to European Champions Manchester United. Visit the Club's Museum with a vast array of items relating to the Club's heritage including the unique fact that Exeter City were Brazil's first ever opponents.

An early note that the Society’s Annual General Meeting will be on Saturday 15 November at the Mint Methodist Church on Fore Street. We expect the formal business will be followed by a discussion about the Society’s activities and a social lunch. If you have any items you want to raise at the meeting or nominations for the committee, please let Andy McKeon know – andy.mckeon@btinternet.com .