MONDAY, March 14 sees the launch of a new series of monthly illustrated talks at Crediton Library organised by Friends of Crediton Library (FoCL).

These begin with a presentation given by Crediton Dairy. Doors are open for refreshments at 7pm, with each talk beginning at 7.15pm.

“Local Industries - A Day in the Life” is the overall title of the series.

The evening events, held on the second Monday of each month, will reveal what goes on behind the factory gates of Crediton’s four largest manufacturers: Crediton Dairy, Graphic plc, Crediton Milling Company and Ernest Jackson and Co Ltd.

The additional dates are: Monday, April 11: Graphic plc, Monday, May 9: Crediton Milling Company, Monday, June 13: Ernest Jackson (dates subject to confirmation).

Each company will give its own presentation about many aspects of their own business, including its history in Crediton, local employment statistics, products and manufacturing processes, from raw materials to distribution locally, around the UK and beyond.

FoCL Chair Paul Vincent says: “FoCL is very grateful to the directors and staff of the companies who have generously agreed to share ‘a day in the life’ of their factories.

“This will be a fascinating and rare opportunity to learn about Crediton’s principal manufacturers, who between them employ nearly 800 people locally.”

Admission is open to all, but there is an upper audience limit of 40 at the library. To be sure of a seat, reservations may be made by calling Crediton Library on 01363 772578.

FoCL aims to raise funds for special projects and improvements at the library and a donation of £4 will be invited to support current projects, which include providing disabled access to the new outdoor Community Garden space at the rear of the building.

In 2019 FoCL organised a well-attended series on “The Senses” presented by, respectively, sculptor Andrew Sinclair, musician and composer Philip Lancaster, neuroscientist Gavin Buckingham, and a local produce tasting event introduced by historian Paul Cleave.