Category: Uncategorized

Huge thanks to Guides and Rainbows from Pinhoe, Broadclyst, Stoke Canon and St Lawrence for their beautiful, bright, cheery cards! Pinhoe Community Support sends cards out on all sorts of occasions – there’s nothing quite like a handmade card and the thought, creativity and care shines through #LovePinhoe

With magnificent views across the estuary and out to sea, fields at the top of Pinhoe have always been a valuable vantage point.

In 1001, a priest from Monkerton famously came to the rescue of local defences against the Saxons, bringing fresh withies for their arrows on the back of his donkey. He saved the day and became immortalised on local school badges.

When the Spanish armada was threatening our coastline, Beacon Field was part of the vital network of Armada beacons alerting local sea defences.

Now we have a very 21st century battle to save these historic fields. Reaching across from Cheynegate to Park Lane, these green lungs of Pinhoe are facing further development which runs riot with our sense of history, restricts local access to open spaces, decimates our green lanes and will dominate the skyline itself.

There is new science and new evidence to show how important these spaces are to all our wellbeing. A hyper-local approach to neighbourhoods is finally being recognised as a vital direction for future planning, where local distinctiveness and character are valuable assets which benefit from community engagement and ownership.

The tide is beginning to turn.

Beautiful Higher Field at the top of the village is not only a hub for local wildlife and biodiversity, it is an important connection point as a wildlife corridor. The Pinhoe Ridgeline connects us to the woodland skyline which is one of Exeter’s most beautiful features. Please sign our petition for NEW THINKING and formal protection. The petition is open to ANYONE IN EXETER who cares about trees, wildlife, Exeter’s skyline and our sense of connection to the natural environment.

http://committees.exeter.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=46

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With the promise of wonderful views after a steady climb, this walk weaves through points of history in Pinhoe. Approximately 2 miles; 45 mins – 1 hr

1. AMERICA HALL – START HERE!
Generosity and community lie at the heart of the history of America Hall. From the original gesture of thanks to local people who so warmly welcomed the American troops during the Second World War, to the sustaining fundraising of generations of people in Pinhoe.
The building you see today is testament to the efforts of so many in our community – past and present. Whether a weathervane to celebrate the Millennium, or donated trees planted in the grounds in 1976, the history of Pinhoe’s local community is woven through this building.

2. CHANCEL LANE INTO EASTERN FIELDS
Walking along De la Rue Way into Chancel Lane, turn right at the bottom of Chancel Lane into the footpath which leads into Eastern Fields. In 2016, a group of local residents successfully campaigned for this area to be protected as a Village Green

This map (below) reveals a time when Pinhoe’s brickworks and quarry were busy but its train station was disused. Note the grain silo & railway sidings at the top of Exhibition Way.

Enjoy your walk through Eastern Fields, once the Devon County show ground!

3. PINBROOK HOUSE
Walking down from Easter Fields, cross Pin Brook to find this imposing Grade II* listed building at the intersection of Beacon, Cheynegate and Harrington Lanes. Look for the wooden shield above the front door, carved with a Coat of Arms and dated 1679.

With a varied history, including hosting a garrison during the Napoleonic wars (1803-15) Pinbrook House marks the furthermost edge of Pinhoe’s electoral ward. But, as with all lived experience of places, this boundary is blurred by history connecting Beacon Heath to the site of Pinhoe’s own protective beacon…

The walk up the steep footpath takes you along the edge of the quarry development – a wildlife trail with trees full of birds and particularly beautiful in spring with all the bulbs planted here >

4. BEACON VIEW
With stunning views over the River Exe and beyond to the sea, the peaceful wildflower field at the top of this footpath holds secrets of violent history and maritime strategy. The Saxon battle of Pinhoe was fought here in 1001 CE and the furthermost top of the field was the site of one of Devon’s vital Fire Beacons.

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In 2001, to mark the one thousand year anniversary, Pinhoe Church Council with the direction of Heather Sommerwill and the flower festival, staged a brilliant re-enactment of the Battle of Pinhoe!

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Enjoy your stroll back down the hill, circling the quarry site to the sound of birds and the hush of trees along one of Pinhoe’s treasured footpaths.

Thanks to everyone who joined our workshop at America Hall on 3rd March. With a brilliant selection of old photographs, maps, silk painting, knitting and crochet, there was something for every level of interest and it was really fantastic to see everyone having a go.

UPDATE: we are not scheduling meetings at the moment due to precautions regarding transmission of the coronavirus. If you would like to continue to knit and crochet leaves etc or are interested in working with a small quilting and embroidery group, please let us know so we can send you some patterns! mail@portfoliofive.co.uk

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