Mrs Ray Wilson was born in Newton Poppleford and can trace her family history back to the 18th century. Ray has recently published a book called 'Yesterday in Newton Poppleford'. So join her as she shows you round her home town.

One of the first things you notice as you arrive at Newton Poppleford is a family of carved wooden bears which my brother Bryan has erected to welcome you to the village. They live on the grass verge by the stone bridge and just past that is the large clock attached to the red telephone box in my other brother Kenneth's garden. You can see how my whole family likes to welcome everyone to the village.

Local landmark - the wooden bears

To find the village follow the A 3052 between Exeter and Sidmouth. The Roman Road from Axmouth to Exeter used to go through the village with Toll Houses at each end, but only one of these remains today.

With expansion, quite a few new estates have been built, keeping this a thriving community. The Post Office acts as the hub of for the villlage as it's also the newsagent and general store. Near the church there's the usual shops with a butchers, a hairdresser, furnishing showroom and for all the cars the essential garage for repairs.

Quiet street in Newton Poppleford

The village has two Public Houses which serve food and both have skittle alleys. On the hill coming into Newton Poppleford there's a restaurant with a good reputation and in the village itself there are three other eating places serving cream teas and more substantial fare. No one ever need go hungry or thirsty in this village.

Continue Ray's tour of Newton Poppleford