Hele and its History

IIn the 19th Century the character and growth of Hele was forged by two industrial influences.  Its situation on the river Culm and the existence of a grist mill made it a natural site for participation in the development and expansion of paper making.  With the onset of the railways it became a centre for the collection and distribution of livestock and goods.  Most of the existing buildings resulted from the success and wealth generated by these activities.

The Hele Society

Hele embraces three Parish Councils and two District Councils within Devon County.  The Hele Conservation Society was formed in 1991 by a small group of residents who were intent on ensuring that their concerns in safeguarding all aspects affecting the hamlet were taken into account at all levels in the local authority. The Society has recently undertaken a review of its constitution, one outcome of which was to re-name the Society as simply ‘The Hele Society’ to both broaden its appeal and to better reflect its aims and activities.

The Society belongs to the following organisations:

Aims of the Hele Society

1. To act as a focus for interests in Hele, including community and social activities, for the benefit of all residents.  
2. To care for and enhance the hamlet of Hele whilst retaining its historic character.
3. To promote the natural environment of the hamlet.
4. To support other local community organisations

Activities

	Community Work The Society has been involved in many community projects to improve Hele’s environment. We have pursued road safety issues, planning policies and Local Authority Consultation Strategy Plans. We have funded the activities of other local organizations eg Bradninch Climate Change Group, the Duchy School the Bradninch Allotment Association and the planting of a Pin Oak at Townlands, Bradninch. We have even taken on the old telephone box as an information centre! Throughout the year there is a programme of meetings, talks, visits and social events to accommodate the interests of members/residents of Hele.
	Environmental Work The Society has been very involved in work on the natural features around Hele, in association with the Environment Agency, to develop wildlife habitats, improve water quality in the River Culm, constructed a fish pass,  created a copse of native trees called Weir Spinney and made an otter meander area on the river edge. Surveys were made of the otter and water vole activity while others covered hedgerows, trees which resulted in Tree Preservation Orders and footpaths which are regularly monitored.
	Tree planting and the Community Orchard We have been very busy in this area over the last 18 years with some 300 trees added to many areas of the hamlet. The start was with a single copper beech in the very centre of Hele as a statement that the residents were here and willing to care for and enhance our hamlet. Later, rare Devon black poplars were planted along the river, native crab apples along the roads, and infill to the historic avenue of London Planes. A small orchard in the centre has been restored with local varieties of apples. We have recently planted road verge daffodils and placed planters on the river bridge. Our latest project was reinstating an historic line of Lombardy Poplars along Station Road.
	Community Composting Our activities naturally produce green waste. So, consistent with our policies, our research discovered the Community Compost Initiative run by Devon County Council. We became an early member and the scheme has been extremely successful. We started with a few bins in the Community Orchard but have since moved to a larger site at Clyst Farm in Strathculm Road. It continues to grow, taking garden waste from Hele and the surrounding areas. We have achieved award-winning compost, a reduction of material to the local landfill and an added income for the work of our Society.

The Hele Paper Mill Archive

Reproduced by kind permission of Ordnance Survey
© Crown Copyright NC/2004/28801

Forthcoming Events

Saturday 10th April - Composting Open Day

An opportunity to see how the Society processes garden waste into quality compost, diverting that waste from landfill and raising funds for the Society. The event will be held at the composting site towards the top of Strathculm Road from 1.30 – 4.30pm. Cream teas for those attending!

Saturday 17th April – Coffee morning at Bradninch Guildhall

The regular Saturday coffee mornings held at the Guildhall are run by various local groups to provide both a service to the community as well as to raise funds. The Society will be organizing the event on 17th April. Helpers needed, as are donations of books & bric-a-brac, cakes and raffle draw prizes. Please contact David Abrahams (01392 881457).

Monday 19th April – River Litter Pick

The aim will be to clear the litter that has accumulated through flooding along the banks of the River Culm in the Hele hamlet area. Volunteers will meet at Hele Centre at 6.30pm. The task should only take an hour or so after which, as an incentive, we’ll repair to the Crossways pub for a well-earned drink – the first round on the Society!

Saturday 8th May – Coach Visit to the Eden Project

A coach has been booked, which will leave Hele at 9am and depart from the Eden Project at 5pm. The coach will be free to Society members and only £5 to non-members. Payment for entry into the Project will be an individual responsibility but a very worthwhile group discount has been arranged. The discounted prices are: adult £12, senior citizens (60+) £8.50, students £6, children £4, under 5s free. Please contact Dawn Abrahams (01392-881457 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for further details and to book a place.

Wednesday 26th May – Society Meeting

The Society holds regular bi-monthly meetings in different members’ houses which start at 7.30pm. Peter and Dawn Hall have kindly offered to host the meeting next time at Mews Cottage.

Saturday 19th June – Welcome BBQ

Given the number of new residents, it is intended to hold a barbecue to introduce new members into the Hele community. All members and new residents will be welcome, as will any contributions in the form of a salad or dessert. Our Chairman, Rick Andrews and his wife, Vicki, have offered to host this evening event at The Coach House on Strathculm Road from 7pm. Please let us know if you’re coming, by the 12th June, either by calling 01392 881065 or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Wednesday 21st July – Conducted Historical Tour in Exeter

Exeter has a long and rich history. Our Treasurer, Professor Gareth Shaw, who has much experience in conducting tours of the city for new university students, will lead this tour. The tour will cover the City’s development from Roman times to the present, with emphasis on the medieval period, and will start at 7pm. Please register with Gareth (01392 881633 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) who will provide details of the meeting venue to those interested nearer the time.

Saturday 31st July – Annual General Meeting & BBQ

The Society’s AGM will be held this year at Strathculm East, the home of Paul and Nicky Mather. The short formal meeting to receive reports and re-elect officers will be followed, as usual, by a barbecue. The evening will start at 7pm. As always, any contributions to the barbecue will be welcome.

For further information on membership please contact:-

DAVID ABRAHAMS
Rose Bungalow
Strathculm Road
Hele
EX5 4PR
Tel:  01392 881457
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For further information on composting and compost sales please contact:-

JOHN PARKER
Mulberry View
Station Road
Hele
EX5 4PL
Tel:  01392 881570
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it