Area: Devon

'Discover A la Ronde's interesting history, admire its beautiful interior decoration and find out about its interesting legacy on a pre-booked visit. Knowledgable guides are on hand to tell you its many secrets and stories as you explore the unusual sixteen-sided home of the Parminter cousins.'

'Agile Rabbit puts on events about issues that matter: ideas, culture, global affairs, and the natural and scientific world. They are an opportunity to be in the room with some of the greatest minds in the world—and have a conversation. Agile Rabbit’s key theme is that cutting edge thinking can be at the centre of everyday life. There is an informal atmosphere at events, with discussion between the audience and the people who speak. Whether you agree with them or not, your opinion is heard ... We are pleased to be in partnership with the University of Exeter.

'Appledore Book Festival is a charity founded in 2006 by Nick Arnold, author of Horrible Science, in a bid to raise money to save Appledore Library. His campaign brought our community together and saved the library, which is still at the heart of our village. Today, the Appledore Book Festival continues to thrive and has become one of the biggest cultural festivals in Devon, attracting world-class authors, speakers and artistes. Run almost exclusively by a team of volunteers, who do everything from stewarding the events to adorning the village with bunting, our Festival is a unique experience.'  Normally held September.

'Our Club offers a warm and friendly welcome, not only to the more experienced photographer, but to those who just want to improve their photographic skills and get the very best out of their camera or from their images. We have an even mix of gender within the club, with abilities that vary from the “point and shoot” to the more sophisticated digital camera users ... We have a full programme of lectures, fun events, competitions, practical's and the opportunity to get out with your camera with like-minded individuals throughout the North Devon region. For the winter period we meet each Thursday evening at 7.30 pm.'

'We are a small and friendly Photographic Club, still based in the North Devon town of Bideford, with a passion for all kinds of photography ... We love to meet anyone at any stage of your photography – whether it’s just learning to use a smartphone or getting to grips with a mirrorless or DSLR camera, we have a variety of members able to help you get more out of your images ... Weekly indoor club evenings throughout the winter months ... New summer programme each year.'

'The Branscombe Project began more than twenty years ago. A group of people, some of whom have lived all their lives in Branscombe, others relative newcomers, decided they wanted to find out more about their village and the wider landscape ... We put on biennial exhibitions, winter talks, documentary dramas and "disappeared houses" walks.'

'The club for photography enthusiasts in North Devon.  Any adult with an interest in photography is very welcome, whatever your level of ability ... We meet in Braunton, North Devon, on Monday evenings from September to April ... During the Summer months we take advantage of the lighter and hopefully warmer evenings with an informal programme of gatherings at various locations to enjoy taking photographs. We have a full programme of events and competitions.'

'The Chudleigh History Group's purpose may be summed up as "Preserving Our Parish History". We take a very active interest in any matters relating to the history, preservation or investigation of the fabric of the community, and we constantly monitor any proposed changes or rearrangements affecting the town ... The History Group meets once a month (apart from January and normally on the first Friday) ... Each meeting consists of an illustrated talk or presentation given by a member or guest speaker on some aspect of the history of Chudleigh, the local area or other part of Devon and occationally beyond.'

'A Lecture Forum on World Affairs held in the idyllic village of Clovelly, North Devon, where a soft backdrop of picturesque England welcomes tough discussions. The purpose of this Forum is to provide information on policy directions for making informed choices.'

'Our monthly online lecture series showcases some of the most globally impactful research in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences. In each lecture, our world-class academics will share an area of their research relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.'

'Forthcoming events relevant to the College of Social Sciences and International Studies. Any SSIS staff or postgrads may always attend, although registration may be required (the event will specify if so). Anyone else should contact the department or the centre in question.'

Established in 1979: 'The Club's members come from a wide variety of walks of life and span a considerable age range. They have a great deal of knowledge that is always available to aid fellow members ... We always welcome visitors .... The club always has a good range of speakers along with a varied programme of events. While the subject may not always be something you consider to be interesting, you will always learn something at each meeting'.

'For over 200 years the Devon and Exeter Institution has been a centre for radical thinking and public education in Science, Literature and the Arts. Its collections date from the late 15th century with some items containing even earlier fragments. We need your support to help us to preserve the Institution and its remarkable collections for future generations and to continue to reach out to our membership and the wider community with our learning and engagement programmes.'

'If you are interested in becoming a Beekeeper or just interested in beekeeping generally, join a Local Branch of the Association ... DBKA is organised into 11 Branches ... Members may attend meetings of any Branch, but it is advisable (and courteous) to contact the Branch Secretary first.'

'The Society’s objects are to promote the study of genealogy and history, especially of Devon families and places, to educate the public therein through advice and instruction, and, for the public benefit, to encourage the preservation and transcription of relevant documents and records, especially for the county of Devon. The Devon Family History Society, formed in 1976, is one of the largest FHS in the UK.'

The Devon History Society is a registered charity that promotes the study of all aspects of Devon’s history through: lectures, meetings, conferences and visits ... Many of Devon’s active local history societies are affiliated to the Devon History Society, supporting the Society’s work and benefiting from reduced charges and early booking opportunities to DHS events, regular news updates and an annual copy of The Devon Historian.'

'Dedicated to the study and exchange of information and ideas on all matters concerning the county of Devon – in particular, the cultural identity of the county and its distinctiveness – through research, recording and publication ... The Association has six Branches that cover most of the county and offer a broad range of topics tailored to the diverse interests of their members. Each Branch has its own committee which arranges a broad-based, annual programme of Devon-related talks, excursions and social gatherings.'

'Exbourne is a small village in the heart of the West Devon countryside, close to Dartmoor National Park and the towns of Hatherleigh and Okehampton. Our small but thriving Local History Group, holds meetings on the third Tuesday of the month, except August ... The aim of the group is to learn more about of the history of the people, buildings, businesses, pastimes and traditions of the village of Exbourne and also about the surrounding area and to share this information through meetings, publications, exhibitions, our website and photographic archive. There is a programme of guest speakers, for meetings throughout the year. Each talk lasts about an hour including questions, followed by light refreshments and a chance for informal discussion.'

'Exmouth Stamp Club is a small but active club of stamp collectors and postal history enthusiasts. We meet regularly in the beautiful seaside town of Exmouth in East Devon.' Club Activities include 'one monthly meeting with a programme of interest to all levels of collector. We have regular visiting speakers from nearby clubs who share their specialised knowledge of their collections with us'.

'One of the foremost academic institutions in the UK offering research and taught degree programmes in a wide range of areas within the field of Arab, Middle Eastern, and Islamic Studies. We offer Arabic and Middle East languages as well as comprehensive education in the literatures and cultures of the Arab world and Middle East, the history, politics, economies, societies, and anthropology of the region and almost every aspect of Islamic studies from medieval to modern Islam ... The Institute holds the Gulf Conference and a seminar and lecture series featuring distinguished scholars and public figures from the Islamic world and the West.'

'The Lord Caradon Lectures Trust was established to commemorate the life and work of Hugh Mackintosh Foot, Lord Caradon (1907-1990). Lord Caradon had himself been involved in the original planning of an annual lecture on international affairs to be given in Plymouth by an eminent speaker. As it happened the inaugural, and by now commemorative lecture, was given in 1991, the year following Lord Caradon’s death. By the terms of the Trust all lectures are open to the public and admission is free ... The lectures are always on a theme of international significance related to Lord Caradon’s life and work.'

'The Plymouth Athenaeum is a charity dedicated to the study and promotion of learning in science, technology, literature and art ... The Athenaeum building, located at Derry’s Cross in Plymouth city centre, includes a 340-seat theatre, lecture hall, lounge, meeting rooms and a library.' Organize a wide range of events, including a Lecture Series.

'Plymouth Humanists provide a range of activities where non-religious people can meet, socialise, debate and support each other. We are a partner group of Humanists UK ... We organise a talk each month, for which we bring in an external speaker, as well as holding social events, discussions and outdoor activities. One Sunday a month we run a "conservation walk" clearing up local woodland. We take an active interest in all other local groups that have a similar outlook.'

'The Society was purportedly founded in 1876 and is affiliated to Wessex Philatelic Federation and the Association of British Philatelic Societies. Today the Plymouth Philatelic Society enjoys a vibrant atmosphere at meetings ... PPS has a varied and interesting programme of events, including presentations, an annual auction, members displays, an annual competition night and at the AGM, the committee usually entertains. The club is “forward thinking and backward looking” with a history project in being to discover our roots.'

'The Sid Vale Association is the oldest Civic Society in Britain. On September 18, 1846, the first meeting of the Sidmouth Improvement Committee took place. This was the first expression of concern by our "founding fathers", to conserve the charm and attractiveness of Sidmouth and the Sid Valley.  Later the SVA was registered as a charity: "… for the Protection of the Beauties and Amenities of the Neighbourhood and to promote and aid its Cultural Development".  The SVA has been active since that time. Over the years we have bought land in the Valley and opened a Museum, maintaining them both through volunteers, organised walks and talks and generally helped to both preserve and improve the appearance and amenities of the Valley.'

'Tiverton & Mid Devon AS is an enthusiastic and friendly group who meet regularly for talks, social events and night sky observing sessions. Our aim is to encourage people of all ages and abilities and from all walks of life to learn about the wonders of our Universe. Please come along and try one of our meetings without obligation. Previous knowledge of astronomy is not necessary.'

'Our Society dates back to 1968, when many local citizens became very concerned about the adverse effect of some planning decisions on the town and the need to protect the local environment. It was therefore agreed to form a local civic society to safeguard the future development of Tiverton and its nearby surroundings. “WATCH & WARD” became our motto, and since then a major aim of the society has been to remain alert to significant changes affecting the local environment, and to prevent or reduce any adverse consequences arising from them.'

'We are a group of people of all ages and from all walks of life bound together by a common interest in astronomy. Whether you are an experienced astronomer or a newcomer and just curious to find out a little more about the cosmos, we pride ourselves on offering a convivial setting to meet and learn ... The TAS generally holds two meetings per month through the astronomical "season" from September to April. One meeting per month is primarily an "observational" event. The other monthly meeting is a "lecture" event ... We welcome non-members at all of our meetings. Non-members are asked to pay a small visitor's fee.'

'Torbay Photographic Society is a friendly club for anyone with an interest in photography, regardless of your age, level of skill or the camera equipment. Membership is open to photographers of all abilities, both amateur and professional. Our members range from experienced photographers, including professionals, to complete beginners. More experienced members are always on hand and willing to offer advice to less experienced members.'

Lectures and seminars. conferences, research events, etc.

'Forthcoming events relevant to the University of Exeter Business School.  Any UEBS staff or students may always attend, although registration may be required (the event will specify if so). Anyone else should contact the department or the centre in question.'

'Discover what's going on in the University's academic and research community - upcoming conferences and seminars, workshops and exhibitions.'

Formed in 1982 'by a group of people who believed there was a need to study the fascinating history of the villages nestling on the Yelverton side of Dartmoor, and to make an effort to record as much of that history as possible while the places existed free of development and the people remembered the past ... Today, the Society has around 140 members, a programme of walks and talks throughout the year ... and an illustrated journal – published periodically when contributions from members & friends allow'.