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CLUBS, CHARITIES & SOCIETIES - in the Sid Valley

Telephone numbers - if you're calling from outside the area, please add the (01395) dialling code to all six figure numbers starting with 5

American Square Dancing (Sidmouth College) The Club meet on Wednesdays at Church House 7.30-9.30pm in term time. A fun and friendly club. If yore a graduated dancer or would like to learn - just come along or call Wendy on 514092.

Alzheimer's Carers Group Meeting on the 3rd Thursday of month at Darlington Room, Abbeyfield, Station Rd. at 1.45pm. Interesting speakers. Free tea & biscuits. Co-ordinator Charles Nex 578726

Apple Tree Pre-School We welcome children aged 3 - 5 years old during term time on Mon to Fri mornings from 9 - 11.45am and Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri afternoons from 12.50 - 3.15 pm. A lunchtime club runs Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 11.45 - 12.50pm. Located at Sidmouth Infants School, Manstone Avenue. For details 577233.

Arthritis Research Campaign This group meet several times a year to raise money for this vital research. For further info, ring the Chairman on 577266.

Ballroom Dancing Club The club meets at St Francis Hall, Woolbrook most Thursdays of the year from 8.00 to 10.00pm. Membership is for couples only and we enjoy informal dancing to strict tempo music on CD in a friendly atmosphere. All abilities welcome. Contact David or Jean on 579856.

Bel Canto Choir Well established harmonious group of men & women singers meet every Wed afternoon in Sidmouth, to rehearse for performance, a mainly classical repertoire. If you enjoy music and socializing together (2 parties a year), call 514931 or 516827.

Cameo Singers (The) The Cameo Singers. Ladies choir. Rehearsals held each Wed at 10am. St Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook. New Term commences Sept 5th. New members welcome especially 2nd sopranos or altos. Info Rosemary Luff 579345.

Carers National Association    Sid Vale Branch The Sid Vale Branch was formed to enable carers to meet together, to offer mutual support, the chance to share experiences and practical help and advice with people in similar situations who understand the feelings of carers, or to point the carer in the right direction for information or help. We meet on the 2nd Monday monthly at Trumps Court, Ham Lane 2.15pm where there’s cup of tea and a welcome for all carers. Tel 514664. See Sidmouth Diary for list of events.

Children's Hospice South West    East Devon Friends Group Regular meetings are held, at present in Honiton on the last Wed in month. Further details Chair 01404 815324 or 516375

Churches Together in Sidmouth We welcome new visitors and residents to all our services. Details available from your hotel/guest house reception desk; or Sidmouth Info Ctr on 516441.

Devonshire Association (The) Monthly meetings are held at The Arts Centre, Station Rd during the winter. Guests & visitors always welcome. Enquiries: Rev. Geoffrey Wrayford 01395 267838. See Sidmouth Diary for list of events.

East Devon Fuchsia & Pelargonioum Society Talks held at St. Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook Rd, Sidmouth. New members welcome for details phone Eric Richardson (sec) on Seaton (01297) 20698.

East Devon Organ Club The Club is open every 2nd Tues in month at Primley Rd, Church Hall, at 7.30pm start. Call Pat Luxton 514982.

Fortfield Duplicate Bridge Club Duplicate Bridge at The Sidmouth Club, 10 Fortfield Terrace on Friday evenings - 6.45 for 7.00 p.m. Contact Anne Woolf 578859 or Brenda Miller 01404 47948

Friends Bridge Club Social rubber bridge at Sidmouth Cricket Pavilion on Mondays & Fridays 1.30-4.30pm. Contact Jill Emery 578815.

Hope and Homes for Children    East Devon Support Group Exists to help provide small family homes for children who have lost everything through war or disaster. For info contact co-ordinator Barbara Mence on 579220 or Carol Laird on 513948

Israel / Jewish Folk Dance Club Meets at Sidmouth College main hall on Thurs evenings during term-time at 7pm. Friendly group, beginners welcome. Price £4. Details: Sue Wakley-Stoyle on 01404-822554. If you don’t know your Miserlou from your Ma’Na’Vu, then why not come and join us!

Living with Cancer We are a self help group which meets the 1st Thurs of month at Lymebourne & Arcot Social Hall. Our aim is to help & encourage new sufferers and their carers to be positive & to introduce them to other sufferers so that they can enjoy the comradeship & share knowledge to help others. For further details, please call Bill or Evelyn Lancaster on 512805.

North & East Devon Prostate Support Association A source of help for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. And for their wives and partners. Sidmouth group meets bi-monthly at The Royal York and Faulkner Hotel. Coffee, speakers, relaxed comradeship. New members welcome. Further details from David Jannaway 567159 or visit website www.nedpsa.org.uk

Otters Childcare Clubs After School & Holiday Care Clubs Mon to Fri, located at Sidmouth Infants School, Manstone. Otters Twilight Club: 3.15pm to 6pm term times. Otters Holiday Club: All school holidays & non-pupil days, 8am to 6pm. Children aged 3-11 can take part in a wide range of activities in a welcoming - safe environment. Snacks provided. To book or for more info phone: Cheryl Paterson 512437 or email: info@otterschildcare.co.uk

Outlook Social Club Outlook Social Club is a friendship club, which is non-political & non-denominational. It’s run entirely by its members for their benefit, most in their 40's and 50's. The club provides an opportunity for friendship and to take part in a wide variety of social activities including: walks, outings, talks, theatre, concerts, meals out, pub visits, skittles, bowling & games evenings. During the winter months, indoor meetings held on fourth Thurs evening of month at Newton Poppleford Church Hall with an invited guest speaker. Weekends away are organised during the year. New members are always very welcome. For a free programme tel: John 515448 or Pam 01392 259056.

Primley Wives Club Meet every first & third Tues of month from Sept to May at Primley Church Hall at 7.45pm, where we have such things as Guest Speakers, Films/Slide Shows and Social events etc. All welcome. Contact Mrs Hodge 577816.

Rotary Club of the Sid Valley Meets every Mon evening at Blini’s Café Bar, Fore Street at 7pm. Membership of the club is open to men and women, new members are most welcome. Contact Val Jones (Sec) on 442455 or Mr Mike Lavers on 516633

Rotary Club of Sidmouth Meets for lunch on Wed at 12.15 for 12.45pm at Hotel Riviera except in Jan; when there are five Weds in a month there may be an evening meeting. Membership of the Club is open to men and women and new members are very welcome. Contact David Raistrick on 519183 or Brian Pankhurst on 512067.

Royal British Legion    Sidbury and Sidford The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading charity providing financial, social & emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces, including their dependents. We welcome men & women of all ages to become members of the Legion, whether they have served in the armed forces or not. Please call the Sec for application details on 515012.

Senior Council for Devon (The) Meets 3rd Wed every other month. It’s an independent, non-party political forum for people aged over 50 in the Sidmouth area. All are welcome. Contact 568716 www .seniorcouncildevon.org.uk

Sidbury Short Mat Bowls New members welcome at Sidbury Village Hall. Mons 7-9.30pm, Thurs 2-4.30pm & 7-9.30pm. For info call 515173 or 597629

Sid Vale Association The oldest Civic Society in Britain ! Founded in 1846, for the protection of the beauties and amenities of the neighbourhood and to promote and aid its cultural development. Programme with monthly speakers. The Association welcomes new members and volunteer helpers. For more info please contact Andrew Scott on 519797, or write to Memb Sec at 67 Malden Road, Sidmouth, EX10 9LZ

Sid Vale Ladies' Probus A very friendly club for retired ladies and meets on the 2nd Mon in month at the Sidholme Hotel. Guest speaker followed by booked lunch. For full info, contact the Sec 515186

Sid Vale Probus Club (The) This friendly club for retired professional & businessmen meets at 10.30 am on alternate Tues from Sept to June at the Blue Ball Inn. We have a guest speaker presentation followed by an optional snack lunch at about 1pm. For further info please contact the Sec on 514699 or the Membership sec on 513820.

Sid Vale Over 60's Meeting 3rd Mon of every month at 2.30pm at the United Reformed Church Hall. Speaker every month and approx 7 coach trips annually. Visitors and people new to Sidmouth welcome. Contact Mrs Betty Hawkins 577599

Sid Vale Painting Group The group meet in the Garden Room at Twyford House, Wednesdays 10-12 noon, September to April. New members & visitors welcome. Contact Stewart Gordon on 512372.

Sid Vale Swimming Club The Club welcomes competent swimmers ages 8 - 21 to our Friday Night Sessions during term time from 7pm at Sidmouth Pool. Enquiries to Derek Walkden 512765.

Sidford Folk Dance Club The Club meets at Sidford Social Hall in Byes Lane, Sidford from mid Sept to mid May. Dancing is from 8pm to 10.30pm. Admission 75p. New members & visitors welcome, also beginners who will be helped. Contact 01404 813863 .

Sidford Playgroup Held at Sidford Social hall every weekday morning during term time between 9.30 am and 12 noon with a lunch club on Mon and Tues. We welcome children from the term before their 3rd birthday until 5 yrs for a range of fun activities. Contact us on 07966 953096 or call in to hall.

Sidford Scottish Dancing Club The Club meets at the Sidford Social Hall on Mondays from 7.45pm to 9.45pm October to April. New members welcome. Contact Brian Martin on 01404 850416

Sidford Tennis Club Tennis all the year round - Two Floodlit Courts. League & friendly matches at both Junior and Senior level. Coaching for juniors is on Friday nights. Social events. For more info contact Gill Dolling 513243.

Sidford W.I. Meetings are held each month in Sidford Social Hall at 7.15 pm on the 2nd Wed of month. Everyone welcome. For further information call 579725

Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society Productions are staged at the Manor Pavilion Theatre Sidmouth. Three plays & our annual pantomime plus social events throughout the year. Interested in joining contact Peter Monck on 515616 for details and an application form.

Sidmouth Blind Club Meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays every month from 2 - 4pm in Sidford Church Hall (St Peters). Enjoy a quiet afternoon, either chatting, playing cards or dominoes. Carers or relatives also welcome. For further info, call Mary Trilsbach on 516572.

Sidmouth Bowling Club The Club is open to both ladies & gentlemen & has facilities for indoor & outdoor bowling. New members welcome, training courses are run regularly. Contact the membership sec, Sidmouth Bowling Club, Coburg Rd, Sidmouth or phone 516652.

Sidmouth Bridge Club - EBU Affiliated The Club plays at the Sidmouth Rugby Club, Heydons Lane for 5 sessions a week. Duplicate - Mon & Thur afternoons from 1.30/1.45pm. “No Fear” Rubber - Tues & Fri afternoons from 1.30/1.45pm. For these sessions a ‘stand in’ is available which guarantees visitors a game. In addition, competitive duplicate bridge is played on Tues evening from 6.45/7.00pm. Partners arranged by contacting Treasurer on 577513. Tea & biscuits always provided at early session & parking allowed during summer. Info 514154, 516804, 577513.

Sidmouth British Heart Foundation Volunteers always welcome for our Sidmouth charity shop and sort room. We cherish your help in helping us prolong lives and help save others. It's a great way of meeting people and making new friends. No age limit and many benefits, including valuable retail work experience and retail training certificates for c/v's. If interested, do pop in or if you prefer, you can phone me on 512414. Ask for Linda (Manager).

Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce General meetings for members three times a year and social events. Newsletters twice a year. Breakfast Club every second Wed of the month (8am at Dukes). Info from Sec, S. Brownlee on 514011 email sidmouthchamco@tiscali.co.uk

Sidmouth Choral Society Meets every Tues evening from Sept to April 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. in St Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook. Two main choral concerts per year plus a Christmas celebration. New members assured of a warm welcome. Contact Andrew Scott (Sec) on 519797.

Sidmouth College Folk Dance Club The club meets in the Main Hall, Sidmouth College, Primley Road on Fridays , 7.30 - 9.30pm. Traditional, contemporary country dances taught. Beginners, new members & visitors welcome. Call Doreen on 513131.

Sidmouth College French Circle Meets Wed 2.30 till 4.00pm at Church House for friendly French conversation practice. For contact details 568716.

Sidmouth Concert Society Tickets for all concerts can be obtained from Paragon Books or at the door. Subscription for six concerts from the Treasurer on 597230.

Sidmouth Conservative Club New members welcome, phone 578389 for details. Visit our web site www.sidmouthconservativeclub.co.uk

Sidmouth Core Hill W.I. Meetings are held in St. Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook, at 2.30pm on 3rd Thurs afternoon every month except Aug. New members & visitors very welcome. Tel 513102 or 514111

Sidmouth Cricket, Tennis, Croquet & Hockey Club This friendly club is located right on the sea front between the Belmont and Bedford Hotels. We offer excellent sporting facilities for all age groups. If you live in Sidmouth or are visiting you are most welcome to join us. Our four membership secretaries are Mike Dibble for cricket on 577561; Diane Kendall-Torry for tennis on 01404 81425; Muriel Philpott for croquet on 516731 and Clare Jones for hockey on 07970 160710. We also have a beautiful thatched clubhouse where as a non-playing member you can enjoy sport from a deck chair, for this membership contact David Mason on 516183. If you would like to hire the club facilities for a private event contact David Mason on 516183.

Sidmouth Daycare Nursery Care available Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm 52 weeks of year for children 6 months to school age. We are registered to accept children who qualify for early years grant and have 5 morning sessions during term time. Please phone Karin Persson on 515510 or call in for more info.

Sidmouth & Dist Dyslexia Association Help & advice for adults or children with reading, spelling & writing difficulties. Contact 519882, 568191 or 568546.

Sidmouth & Dist Lancastrian Assoc The club meets once a month from Sept to May in order to promote friendship amongst fellow Lancastrians - call Maureen McGuinness 512943.

Sidmouth & Dist Past Rotarians Club The club meets for lunch on the first Tues of each month 12.00 for 12.30 pm at Bedford Hotel, The Esplanade. There are no meetings in Aug or Jan. For more info contact Hon. Sec Alan Stirner on 579293.

Sidmouth Photographic Club Fortnightly meetings held on Wednesdays 7.30 pm from 13th September 2006 until 2nd May 2007, at The Darlington Room, Abbeyfield Court, Station Road, Sidmouth. New members and guests always welcome. For more details contact the Secretary, Beryl Fish, on 01395 514273. sidmouthphotoclub.co.uk

Sidmouth Flower Arrangement Club We meet at St Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook, on the 4th Tues of each month at 2.00pm, unless otherwise stated in our Programme. Contact J. McGauley on 512745

Sidmouth Garden Club All events take place at All Saints Church Hall at 2.30pm. Refreshments & Plant stall. Visitors welcome £1. New members welcome, contact Memb Sec Mike Horton on 513041.

Sidmouth Group of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship All x civil-servants are welcome to our coffee mornings at 10.15 am on the 2nd Wed of month at Sidholme Hotel, Elysian Fields. Contact M Robinson on 578718.

Sidmouth Homeopathic Group The clinic is held one day per month. Contact 512863

Sidmouth Inshore Rescue Service The members of SIRS meet every Tues - 7.00 p.m. at Lifeboat Station, The Esplanade. Additional training meetings take place on every other Sunday. New members, either crew, committee or fund-raisers are always welcome. Contact Mr Noel Barwick on 519471.

Sidmouth Lions Club Lions usually meet at 8pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Anchor Inn, Sidmouth. If you would like to know more about the Lions' activities and social events please call 577450 or 512923.

Sidmouth Men's Forum Meetings with good speakers on a wide range of subjects, at 3pm each Thurs between Oct & Mar (except Dec 21 & 28), held at All Saints Church Hall. New members welcome and may attend as visitors for their 1st meeting. Our programme caters for a wide range of interests, with good speakers. Contact 513460

Sidmouth Methodist Wesley Guild Everyone welcome to the weekly meetings at our Guild which takes place each Tues at 7.30pm from Oct. Everyone welcome. Tel 578941.

Sidmouth Music Club The Club meets on the first Thurs of the month, Oct to April except Jan. Call 514915

Sidmouth Patchwork Club Tel: 514383

Sidmouth Photographic Club Fortnightly meetings held on Weds 7.30pm from 17th Sept until 13th May 09 at the Darlington Room, Abbeyfield Court in Station Rd. New members & guests welcome. Contact Beryl Stanley 514273. www.sidmouthphotoclub.co.uk

Sidmouth Pre-School Playgroup Children aged 3 & 5 years are welcome to join our friendly pre-school. We are open during term times at All Saint’s C of E Infants School on Mon to Fri 9.00 - 11.30am and 12.30 - 3.00pm. A lunch club runs Mon to Fri 11.30 - 12.30. For more info, contact Manager Lynne Rattue on 07816 931680 during school hours or leave a message out of hours.

Sidmouth "Poetry Please" An informal afternoon poetry reading group meeting once a month (2nd Tues) at 2pm in the Leigh Browne Room, The Old Meeting (opposite Fords/Post Office). No subs. Contact Mr or Mrs Packer 01626 367281

Sidmouth Poetry Readers This friendly, informal group, established in 1984, meets once a month in Sidmouth. Its aim is to share an appreciation of all types of poetry. Outings to places connected with poets and public poetry readings are organised. New members welcome. Contact Paula Parkyn on 01404 812676.

Sidmouth Radio Controlled Car Club Meeting weekly to race 1/27 scale electric cars - either Xmods or Mini-z’s. No membership cost, only weekly charge £1 to cover venue fees. Contact 512166.

Sidmouth Rotary Club (The) The Club meets for lunch on Wed 12.15 for 12.45 pm at Hotel Riviera, except in Jan; when there are 5 Weds in a month there may be an evening meeting. Membership of the Club is open to men and women and new members are very welcome. Contact David Raistrick 519183 or Brian Pankhurst 512067.

Sidmouth Running Club The Club meets every Wed evening for a Social Run or a Training Session starting from the Sailing Club on Esplanade at 7pm. All runners welcome. For further info contact Chris Long 597314 or Malcolm Bayer 07751 522

Sidmouth Sequence Dance Club Dancing at All Saints Church Hall on Mondays 7.15 - 9.45pm. New members and visitors very welcome. Phone 515513 or 577904.

Sidmouth Society of Artists Evening demonstrations in Arts Centre alternate Wednesdays from late Sept to early May. Annual exhibitions of members’ paintings in July held at the Arts Centre for two weeks & an Open Air Exhibition at Connaught Gardens in late Aug. New members are welcome, contact secretary on 515253.

Sidmouth St John Fellowship The Fellowship meets every month at the St Johns Hall, Blackmore Drive, Sidmouth. We would like to hear from past members who for whatever reason, need assistance. New members welcome tel 519425.

Sidmouth St John's Brigade Weekly meetings on Tuesdays. Badgers ages 5 -10yrs 5 -6pm. Cadets ages 10 -18yrs 6.30 -7.30pm. Adults 8 -10pm. Male & female welcome, contact Brian Johansen 577568.

Sidmouth Stars American Dance Club St Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook on Weds 7.30-9.45. For both venues, call 514092 for more info.

Sidmouth Stroke Club Social activities, (with a speaker) at Trumps Court, East Street on the 2nd Tues each month 2.30 - 4.30p.m. Contact Mrs F Wells (Sec) on 512873.

Sidmouth Tennis Club Sidmouth Tennis Club welcomes all new members. Three newly refurbished hard courts and one grass court. Coaching available for Juniors on Sat mornings. Open night on Thurs from 5pm (Summer season only). Bar & Catering facilities in the historic pavilion. Contact Guy Patton on 519635.

Sidmouth Town Band The band meets on Tues and Fridays 8pm at Band Hut, Woolcombe Lane. Juniors & beginners meet every Fri at 7pm. New members always welcome. Contact Sheelagh Pearson on 579768.

Sidmouth Townswomen's Guild    Woolbrook Meetings held on 3rd Wed of each month in St. Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook at 2.30 p.m. We are happy to welcome new members. Contact 513396 or 514024.

Sidmouth Trefoil Guild Meets on the 1st Tues of month at Guide Headquarters, Lawn Vista, at 2.30pm. Ex-Guiders and other members of the movement will be made very welcome. Call 578762

Sidmouth Valley Townswomen's Guild (evening) Meet on the 1st Fri each month at 7pm in Darlington Room of Abbeyfield Court, Station Rd. New members welcome. Contact Mrs Hilary Hatherley 513589.

Sidmouth Volunary Services Day Centre catering for anyone over 60 that wishes to drop in for friendship, chat and refreshments. Lunches also provided (£3.00). Contact Twyford Ho, Coburg Rd 515063. Also Transport service abailable, see adverts pages 6 & 7.

Sidmouth Wednesday Club The Wednesday Club is for ladies to widen their circle of friends. We meet once a month for an interesting talk, demonstration or a trip out. New members welcome. Call Daphne Gibbings on 577367

Slimming World Meet 4.30pm & 6.30pm every Wed at St Johns Hall, Blackmore Drive (Nr Library). Welcome new members, men & women, lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived. Contact Katrina 01404 841110.

U3a - Sidmouth Branch u3a is part of Third Age Trust, whose main focus is on 'lifelong learning'. We meet at St Francis church hall, Woolbrook, at 10am on 2nd Tues of each month, usually with a guest speaker. Membership £8 per year. A warm welcome is extended to all - just arrive or contact 514906.

Vision Group for Sidmouth Our Vision for Sidmouth is“To cherish the heritage of our Regency Resort and the surrounding coast and countryside; to seek to improve amenities and facilities appropriate for residents and visitors in the 21st Century; to encourage a vibrant economy; and to commend our vision to the Local Development Framework.” If you would like to become involved in the Group, please contact the Secretary on: jaydoubleyou@onetel.com

50's World A friendship group for the over 50's. Activities include monthly lunch meet with speaker on general topics, at an East Devon venue, visits to places of interest, coffee mornings, strolls etc. Non-political / religious / profit making. Annual subs: couples £15, singles £10. Faith Stammers (01404) 812684.