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Welcome to the website of the Galmpton and Churston Ferrers Local History Group

We organise regular illustrated history talks at the Galmpton Village Institute. Why not check our events page to see when the next one is and come along. You can also subscribe to our email newsletter which tells you about upcoming events.

The group was formed in 1996 by a group of enthusiasts eager to record and preserve features and information about our parish. Since then, our email subscriber list has grown to over 160.

  • An aerial view illustrating the entire coastal boundary of Churston Ferrers parish from Broadsands Beach to Churston Cove. The contrast is clear between the the natural features of coastline beach, Elbury Common & Cove, woodland fringe, and the spread of 20th century development.

Upcoming Events 

Subscribers get these in our email newsletter. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can Subscribe Free here.


The Story of the Water Supply to Torquay

Date: 14 November 2025
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Galmpton Village Institute
Entrance Fee: £3
Dartmoor landscape reservoir imagined

An illustrated talk by David Hinchliffe

This talk traces the search for water to supply Torquay’s ever-expanding population, from the era of pumps and wells in 1801 through to the construction of a chain of reservoirs on Dartmoor.

A series of marker stones then returns us to the town, and brings us into the 1950s. History, archaeology and some lovely scenery combine to tell the story.

Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.

If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/

Sir Walter Raleigh

Date: 16 January 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Galmpton Village Institute
Entrance Fee: £3

An illustrated talk by Phil Badcott

More information to follow soon…

Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.

If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/

The Wildlife of Dartmoor

Date: 20 February 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Galmpton Village Institute
Entrance Fee: £3

An illustrated talk by John Walters

More information to follow soon…

Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.

If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/

AGM followed by Kents Cavern Talk

Date: 13 March 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Galmpton Village Institute
Entrance Fee: £3

Our AGM, followed by an illustrated talk by Nick Powe

More information to follow soon…

Subscribers of our newsletter get automatic emails when this event is coming up, along with the latest information.

If you are not yet a subcriber, why not sign up here for free here https://www.galmptonandchurstonhistory.org.uk/subscribe/

What We Do

The group investigates and records details of our local past, preserves such as the Galmpton Lime Kiln and the Broadsands Neolithic Chambered Tomb, and provides information about the history and wildlife in the Galmpton Creek area.

A comprehensive ‘Guide to Galmpton’ map containing information of local historic interest is available via this link or at the Manor Inn and Galleon Stores.

A programme of talks and guided walks/visits is organised annually and listed on this website.

If you would like to keep up to date with our upcoming talks at the Galmpton Village Institute hall and other activities why not subscribe to our email newsletter here.

Talks at the Village Institute are usually just £3 to attend, payable on the door.

We are a friendly group and are always pleased to meet new potential members, so why not come along to our next talk?

More About Us