Exeter Stories

Recorded live at the Devon & Exeter Institution, this episode features Charlie Courtenay, the 19th Earl of Devon, as he reflects on heritage, stewardship, and the future of Exeter.We explore:What it means to “inherit” a story and reshape it for the modern world.How the historic Earldom and the city of Exeter remain intertwined, from medieval trade to modern innovation.His dual life as a barrister in technology and intellectual property law and a custodian of Powderham Castle, balancing tradition and sustainability.Insights from his work with the Exeter Place Partnership, uniting city and rural Devon around shared environmental and economic challenges.Powderham’s approach to sustainability, land management, and cultural preservation as a model for intergenerational stewardship.Resources & LinksPowderham Castle https://www.powderham.co.ukExeter Place Partnership https://placeexeter.co.ukHouse of Lords Members Profile: Earl of Devon https://members.parliament.uk/member/4744

Jeanie Lynch, Head of Service for CoLab Women, reflects on decades of community work and what it means to build trust, safety, and hope in Exeter.We discuss:Her early activism in the 1980s Exeter women’s movement and her journey back to the city.The origins of CoLab Exeter and how it evolved into a multi-agency support hub.Founding Resilient Women, now CoLab Women, a programme helping women rebuild their lives after trauma, homelessness, or the justice system.A relationship-based model focused on “what’s strong, not what’s wrong.”The new Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance and innovative recovery programmes tailored to each woman’s pace.How creativity, art, and belonging underpin recovery.Resources & LinksCoLab ExeterDevon Domestic Abuse AllianceJulian House Devon & Cornwall

We sit down at Exeter’s quayside with Tim Stares of CoCreate CIC, a creative social enterprise turning waste timber into purpose and connection.You’ll hear about:How CoCreate combines sustainable design, mental health, and skills training.Their four pillars: Community, Collections, Courses, and Commissions.Projects like Boatyard Bikes, Women in the Workshop, Chop & Chat, and Holy Fool Coffee barista training.Building partnerships with local groups such as Hospiscare, CoLab, and Ride On Exeter to create a circular, inclusive local economy.The joy and power of “making things together” as a route to wellbeing and belonging.Resources & LinksCoCreate CIC https://www.cocreatexeter.co.ukHospiscare Exeter https://www.hospiscare.co.ukHoly Fool Coffee https://www.holyfoolcoffee.comRide On Cycling Exeter https://rideoncycling.org

In this deeply moving conversation, Dr Suaad Genem, founder of the Exeter Respect Festival and former Exeter councillor, shares her remarkable journey from Haifa to Exeter.We discuss:Her belief in universalism: “every piece of land is my land, every human my family.”The founding of Exeter Respect Festival, celebrating diversity, equality, and community spirit for over 25 years.Experiences as a human rights campaigner, Sufi-inspired activist, and one of Exeter’s first women of colour elected to office.The power of joy, music, and storytelling in breaking down prejudice and building unity.What “Respect” truly means for a city, and how Exeter can continue to grow as an inclusive, compassionate community.Resources & LinksExeter Respect FestivalDevon United Women FCSt Sidwell’s Community Centre

Director, writer and performer Katie Villa of Quirk Theatre talks about imagination as activism, and how Theatre can help us imagine better futures.In this joyful, reflective chat we cover:Katie’s creative roots and her discovery of Exeter’s vibrant arts scene.The evolution of Quirk Theatre, renowned for inventive family productions blending playfulness and purpose.Creating Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow — a show co-designed with Exeter’s children and climate scientists to explore optimistic futures.The process of turning big global challenges into accessible, funny, and emotionally resonant stories.Why “mischief and love” are at the heart of every Quirk show.Resources & LinksQuirk Theatre https://www.quirktheatre.co.ukThe Bike Shed Theatre (Archive) https://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.ukExeter Phoenix https://www.exeterphoenix.org.ukTheatre Alibi https://www.theatrealibi.co.uk

Chris Wood, organiser with Exeter Community Alliance (ECA), a city-wide umbrella network helping nearly 100 local groups collaborate, share space, and engage the public. We talk about moving “beyond protest” to long-term, community-led action; why shared high-street space matters; and how ECA is weaving climate, social justice, culture and civic groups into a practical, supportive network. In this episode:How XR activism led to forming Exeter Community Alliance and a public-facing hub model. Why the original charity was called Climate Action Hub Exeter and why it now trades as Pulse (to reflect broader crises beyond climate). The “movement of movements” idea: coordinating newsletters, events, and joint actions across ~100 groups. Making empty shops work for people: using the Climate Emergency Centres model and new High Street Rental Auctions powers. Practical examples: People’s Assemblies, the Climate Fresk workshop, an ECA city-wide events calendar, and public drop-ins. Resources & Links MentionedExeter Community Alliance (ECA) – umbrella network & hub info: https://www.exetercommunityalliance.net Pulse (formerly Climate Action Hub Exeter) – charity/home of the hub (20 Queen St): https://climateactionhubexeter.net Climate Emergency Centres (CEC) – the “use empty shops as community hubs” model: https://climateemergencycentre.co.uk Exeter Community Energy (ECoE) – community-owned renewables / energy advice: https://www.ecoe.org.uk 

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Alice Mills and Dr Natalie Whitehead, co-founders of the Exeter Science Centre, to explore how two physicists turned their passion for public engagement into a grassroots movement for science, sustainability, and community connection in the South West.Together, we talk about:How a chance conversation between two physicists sparked the idea for a new kind of science centre.Why hands-on discovery and local relevance matter for tackling global challenges like climate change.The innovative Living Wall project in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, and what it’s teaching us about biodiversity, wellbeing, and urban cooling.Citizen-science projects including the Citizen Phage Library and Freshwater Watch, empowering schools and local communities to monitor water quality and discover new bacteriophages.The vision for future Exeter Science Centres as cultural and scientific hubs: spaces where art, science, and community come together to imagine a better future.And their hopes for a greener, more connected Exeter that leads the way in climate action and public engagement with science.Resources & Links MentionedExeter Science Centre – official site, newsletter signup, and volunteer opportunities https://www.exetersciencecentre.orgAssociation for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) – UK network of 50+ science centres https://www.sciencecentres.org.ukCitizen Phage Library – information on phage discovery and antibiotic-resistance research https://www.citizenphagelab.comFreshwater Watch – global citizen-science programme monitoring water quality https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.orgPositive Tipping Points Research (University of Exeter) – studies on how collective actions create systemic change https://positivetippingpoints.comUniversity of Plymouth – Living Wall Research https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/livingwallsFollow Exeter Science Centre onInstagram: @ExeterScienceCentreX / Twitter: @ExeterSciCentre

Callum Elliott-Archer, Centre Manager of Exeter Library, reveals how breaking decades-old rules, listening to teenagers, and moving furniture on wheels transformed a declining library into an award-winning cultural hub with higher footfall than pre-COVID.When Callum took over as Centre Manager in 2020, libraries nationwide were closing and visits were declining. Rather than accept the trend, he asked fundamental questions: What is a library in 2025? Is this building actually welcoming? The answers led to revolutionary changes – allowing food, creating dedicated teen spaces, hosting opera performances, and running over-sixties discos. The result? A "living room of the city" that's reversed national trends.Services Beyond BooksFree computer access and WiFiTech support for those unfamiliar with smartphones/internetDigital audiobook setup helpSocial housing applications and Universal Credit supportSpace for community groups (no permission needed)Cultural performances at accessible pricesStudy and meeting spacesWebsite & Resources MentionedLibraries Limited: https://www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/Exeter Library events calendar: https://discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk/whats-on#/?location=Exeter%20Library

Julian Tagg, Chairman of Exeter City FC, shares an extraordinary journey from ball boy to boardroom and reveals how a community-owned football club is tackling Exeter's biggest social challenges.In this episode, Julian recounts the dramatic rescue of Exeter City from administration in 2003, when the club faced £4.8 million in debt and sheriffs literally came to seize the floodlights. But this is more than a survival story, Julian shares how this fan-owned club has evolved into a community powerhouse delivering over £12 million worth of value to Exeter and beyond.Ways you can support the Community TrustVisit Exeter City FC website for Supporters' Trust informationCheck out ExeterCCT.org for Community Trust programsResourcesExeter City Community Trust ExeterCCT.orgExeter City FC https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/Exeter City Supporters' Trust https://www.weownexetercityfc.co.uk/King George V development consultation website https://www.kgvexeter.com/

Cameron Mills shares the remarkable journey from a small rock project to a creative education empire reaching over 1,000 children across the South West, and reveals his vision for Exeter as the next cultural capital.In this episode, Cameron explains how his frustration with traditional music education led to creating something completely different: a creative ecosystem where kids can explore everything from DJing and podcasting, to animation and West End-style drama. Starting with just 25 children five years ago, Cameron Mills Group now works in dozens of schools and has ambitious plans to revolutionise how young people access creative education.Get InvolvedVisit: cameronmillsgroup.com for details of programmes availableSocial media: Instagram and FacebookContact for school partnerships and outreach programs

Emma Dunn, Director of the Devon and Exeter Institution, shares the dramatic story of rescuing a collapsing 13th-century building and transforming an exclusive gentlemen's club into an accessible heritage charity serving all of Exeter.When Emma arrived in 2015, scaffolding held up library ceilings, buckets caught drips from failed roofs, and nets captured falling debris, all while members calmly read newspapers below. The building had been on the Heritage at Risk register for three years. Through two major projects totalling £3 million, Emma led the transformation of this nationally significant institution into a thriving cultural hub with accessible facilities, diverse programming, and partnerships across the city.Get Involved:Visit: Devon and Exeter Institution at 7 The Close, ExeterWebsite https://devonandexeterinstitution.org/Free Wednesday tours: 1-4pm, drop-inJoin online or in person - memberships from £1/monthVolunteer opportunities through Exeter Heritage PartnershipContact for school partnerships and group bookings

Fiona Carden, CEO of CoLab Exeter, shares the remarkable 10-year journey of creating a community hub that revolutionizes how services support people in crisis.In this episode, Fiona explains how CoLab evolved from an uncertain vision with public health funding into what Bishop Robert called "the holder of hope in the city." Rather than just co-locating services in one building, CoLab has created a unique culture of collaboration that wraps around individuals experiencing complex challenges.Ways you can support CoLab:Visit CoLab's website for volunteering opportunities and impact volunteeringFollow CoLab on social mediaContact Fiona directly to learn more about the workWatch for upcoming citizen conversation events and pop-up spacesResources:CoLab Exeter website https://www.colabexeter.org.uk/Devon Mental Health Alliance https://www.mentalhealthdevon.co.uk/Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance https://ddaa.org.uk/Wellbeing Exeter https://www.wellbeingexeter.org.uk/