The Shaldon branch of Cancer Research UK was started in 2000 and has been extremely active raising well on the way to £200,000 almost entirely within Shaldon.
We have a large committee of dedicated volunteers who hold coffee mornings as well as house-to-house collections in April, an Open Gardens event in June, and a Strawberry Tea in July. Various other events throughout the year contribute to an annual total in the region of £10,000 The development of new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer has enabled survival rates to double in the last forty years.
Open Gardens – June 2026
I’m absolutely delighted to let you know that Shaldon’s much loved Open Gardens Weekend in aid of Cancer Research raised a staggering £4397.93, a new record by far!
All 14 gardens, 5 cafes and various stalls were busy. We received so many very positive comments and feedback, it brought our lovely community together and showcased our beautiful village to the wider community.
Every single penny will be used to further research into new treatments and cures for this terrible disease.
This was a real community effort with so many people involved.
Firstly thank you to those who so generously donated the Raffle and Tombola prizes, planned the programme, to all those that came out in droves to support this event and giving so generously, to all those who very kindly agreed to open their gardens for us or volunteered in our 5 pop up cafes, and to all the delicious cake makers, and to the local businesses that sold tickets for us.
A massive shout out to Bradleys, both the Shaldon and Teignmouth branches, who sold tickets and collected Tombola prizes. Bradleys in Shaldon have supported the Open Gardens for many years. I have to say their contribution was outstanding and was central to the event being so successful. They donated our advertising banners, helped us with the planning and securing gardens, they created and reproduced the programmes and posters and set out all the sign directions round the village to guide our visitors. Thank you Bradleys … your support is very much appreciated!
Lastly, a massive thank you to all the Cancer Research Committee and all our volunteers who worked so hard generously volunteering their time and enthusiasm.
The Book Box
Please remember to visit the Book Box (formerly known as the Martin Gallery), our converted phone box in Palk Close, Ringmore which continues to sell paperbacks throughout the year.
Austin Hobbs
We are sad to report the passing of our our much loved ex-treasurer Austin Hobbs. He died peacefully on September 15th 2022 in Coalville, Leicestershire, at the age of 91. Our condolences to his family.
Austin requested that any donations in his memory should go to Shaldon branch of Cancer Research UK. There is a donations page here.
Sponsored Abseil – September 11th 2021
At 12.20pm on Saturday 11th September 2021, in aid of Shaldon Branch, Austin Hobbs’ son Simon is abseiling down the 418 foot high tower which was once a lift testing facility. It’s the world’s highest static abseil in an iconic building in the centre of Northampton.
Simon tried to persuade Austin to join him but so far has not been successful.
If you would like to sponsor Simon’s abseil (and Austin to stay at home), please go to the CR UK Giving page https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/simons-ridiculously-high-abseil1 or leave a donation at Bradley’s Estate Agents.
Update Sunday 19th October :
Well done Simon, the total raised so far online, plus gift aid, plus donations at Bradley’s is £900. And thank you Austin for thinking of us at Shaldon Branch.