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EXTON NEWS
from August 2023
Exton Garden Club
It was a very hot June day for our visit to Stonelands House Garden in Dawlish.
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Saul Walker, head gardener, met our group of eleven at the imposing white gates and we were immediately invited into a cool avenue of trees along a curving drive, past a waterfall, then an orchard, before arriving at the house. Seated on the terrace, we learnt about the history of the house and garden, and spotted some sparrowhawks in the beautiful woodland. We then spent some time wandering between flowerbeds around the house before exploring the orchard, meadow, tennis court garden, pond, impressive compost heaps and vegetable garden, finishing off the tour by walking through the cool woodlands by the river to a charming bridge. Among some of the star plants and trees were two Lucombe oaks - a cross between a cork and turkey oak - and a perennial Baltic parsley, which was used to good effect in the borders. Our host was very knowledgeable, answering many queries, and we all came away much the wiser.
No garden club outing is complete without tea and cake, and thankfully Saul and his team did not fail us!
Sarah Kellagher
EXTON’S ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC
A thoroughly British occasion! Despite a distinctly un-summer temperature and the threat of rain, the annual Goosefield picnic went ahead at the end of June. Armed with picnic hampers, blankets, waterproofs, (and possibly having dug out their thermals from winter storage), around 50 Exton residents and friends descended on the Goosefield for the evening’s entertainment.
By popular request, the singer Andy Marshall made a return visit, with his extensive repertoire of vintage songs and engaging repartee. The audience loved it! Picnic suppers were supplemented with drinks from the bar, organized and run by members of the Goosefield committee, and people had the chance to catch up with friends and neighbours. This annual picnic is one of several events organized over the course of the year by Goosefield committee members, to raise funds for the general upkeep of the field. We are very grateful to them for their hard work, which helps to keep a lovely village amenity in good shape for all to enjoy.
Liz Williams
Editor’s Note : In order to maximise submitted copy and photographs into Woodbury News, it may be necessary to reduce the size of some items. The Editorial team will attempt to do this as carefully as possible.