Axminster Annual Parish Meeting 

Residents of Axminster are warmly invited to attend the Annual Parish Meeting at the Axminster Guildhall at 7:00pm on Monday, 2nd March.

Whilst hosted by Axminster Town Council, this meeting is not a formal meeting of the Town Council. Instead, it is a valuable opportunity for the community to come together, hear updates on local matters, and engage in open discussion about the issues that matter most to the town.

While the Town Council facilitates the event, the focus is firmly on the wider community through presentations by local organisations, volunteers, partners, and residents who all contribute to Axminster’s wellbeing.

The list of themes and speakers are as follows: 

Anti-Social Behaviour  |  A talk by PC Linda Ebdon about how the Police are tackling Anti-Social Behaviour in Axminster. Residents will have the opportunity to understand what is being done already, and how they can help support a safe and respectful community environment.

Tackling Loneliness & Social Isolation | This subject will be a major focus of the evening, with each speaker highlighting the practical steps their organisation is taking to reduce social isolation, strengthen connections, and ensure vulnerable residents feel supported and included. Speakers include:

• John McFadzean - Axminster Community Shed.
• Shiobhan Pickering - Dementia Friendly Axminster.
• Mary Darlow - Nourish. 
• Dave Hardy - Axminster Branch of the Royal British Legion. 
• Matt Smith - The Community Waffle House

Events in Axminster  | Events play a significant role in the life and economy of the town, and several speakers will outline what lies ahead for Axminster’s events calendar for the coming year. Speakers include:

• Mike Vine, Chair of the newly reformed Axminster Carnival Committee.
• Bev Milner-Simonds - Eat Festivals, discussing Axminster Gate to Plate.
• Barrie Hedges – For The Love of a Railway.
• Kara Burrough – Light Up AxminsterCharles
• David-Purdon will outline proposals to raise funds for charities through locally organised electronic dance music events, demonstrating how new and diverse initiatives can contribute to community causes.

Axminster's Roads | A representative from Devon County Council (still to be confirmed) will discuss our road network, offering insight into infrastructure challenges such as pothole repairs and highway maintenance, as well as future public highway planning considerations. Both remain issues of significant interest to residents and businesses alike.

The presentations will then be followed by a public forum where residents are invited to speak about subjects close to their hearts and raise any matters of concern for the Axminster area, before a series of short annual reports from representatives of the Town, District and County Councils.

We look forward to seeing you there. 

All enquiries regarding the meeting should be directed to the Town Clerk, Paul Hayward: clerk@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk