....and talking of Volunteers

Twenty five years of persuasion, cajoling and nagging by a determined group of Volunteers in Teignmouth came to a triumphant conclusion on Independence Day, 4th July 2009 when the historic Orangery building in the grounds of Bitton House was re-opened after a major restoration. Local Authorities have a responsibility to ensure that historic buildings in public ownership are maintained to at least minimum standards but sadly funding is not always forthcoming. Persistence paid off for the Friends of Teignmouth Orangery when Teignbridge District Council agreed to pay for a major overhaul of the building which is used as originally intended nurturing plants from all over the world. Built in 1842 the Orangery is a rare example of it's type still in use in the country and yes, it does house an orange tree whose fruit is made into marmalade and sold to raise funds for the upkeep of the plants!