The Hallsands Centenary Committee presented three cheques to the Salcombe RNLI, Prawle Point Coastwatch and the Fishermen’s Mission at the Cricket Inn in Beesands last week.

On January 26, hundreds of people gathered on the cliffs above Start Bay on the centenary of the loss of the old village, to pay their respects to those who lost their homes and livelihoods. In 1917, a great storm destroyed all but two houses in the old village.

During the events to commemorate the centenary, £1,531.64 was raised and split equally between the three charities, with each charity receiving a cheque for £510.54.

John Churton, exhibition designer and curator from the Hallsands Centenary Committee said: “All these charities help to keep our coast safe. Unfortunately our forebears didn’t have the benefit of these services, but we recognise the valuable work these charities do.

“The focus of these commemorations was to recognise the dispersion of the Hallsands community within local hamlets. If we’re able to raise additional funds for local charities, it’s what we wanted to do.”

Superintendent John Anderson from the Fishermen’s Mission said: “It’s important that we work with all fishing communities along the coast.

“The Hallsands committee have raised the money so it’s important that we’re here to show our gratitude and maintain links with the community.”

Andy Thomson, station manager at the NCI said: “This has given us the opportunity to upgrade the lookout computer and enhance the service we provide.

“We monitor 500 square miles of sea - having this computer enables us to keep a better watch on vessels in the vicinity.”

This month, a local chartered accountant, John Shepherd OBE FCA, produced a transparent record of the accounts of the centenary commemorations, detailing exactly how much money was raised and where the money went.

Mr Churton explained: “To be precise about the funds raised in relation to the whole event, these were divided into two parts.

“The funds included funds raised from local commercial businesses, Stokenham Parish Council and local supportive, like-minded citizens with a will to see the event succeed (this was the first time anything like this had been attempted).

“This sum included a portion of the church service collection, an auction and raffle and the sale of donated lithographs. This money was needed to pay for the numerous outgoings concerned with manufacturing and putting on the event, such as event direction signs and flags, the exhibition and associated artwork, free local transport between the three venues (the commemoration plaque dedication, church service, the exhibition and crab supper), cast bronze commemoration plaques, the order of service and insurance.

“And cash collected in charity buckets for the NCI Prawle Point, The Fishermen’s Mission and the RNLI.”

Mr Churton continued: “The total income and donations was recorded as £6,305.06 and in addition the sum of £1,337.85 was raised in the charity collection buckets. From the total cash sum raised of £7,642.91, the sum of £1,531.64 was split equally for the three charities involved, representing all of the cash raised in the charity buckets plus a surplus balance of £183.79 from the funds raised for the event.

“In addition to the funds raised, it is also very important to note that several local businesses and individuals provided their services and goods without charge. “Without their generous support, this activity simply would not have taken place. This was just as important as the cash and funds raised.”

There are now plans to show the exhibition detailing the history of the village throughout this year.

“The exhibition will be available to benefit schools and in other forms. It’s not dead, it’s not over - it’ll move forward and will be available for others to see, for schools and other intended groups within the South Hams,” Mr Churton added.

The full list of sponsorship, donations, supporters and acknowledgments of the Hallsands Centenary Commemorations:

The exhibition:

Building Materials and exhibition boards - RGC Dartmouth, Bovey Construction, Cruse and Bridgeman and Jewson

Paint and expertise - Robert W Lynn Ltd

Printing – Interfreight UK Ltd

Storage Space - Graham Tolchard

10 Lino Prints – Mike Glanville

Thanks to St Andrew’s church for hosting the event and all the people who gave time to man the exhibition.

Raffle prizes:

Claire Pauley – picture

Whalesborough Cheese – Miss Muffet Cheese

Picture of Hallsands – Tim and Rose Lynn

Ships Lantern – Jonathan Hale

Bus:

Provided by Tally Ho!

Paid for by Stokenham Parish Council

Opening Old Hallsands and house:

Gay Martin

Plaques:

Thanks to Sir Geoffrey and Lady Newman for permission to place the plaque on land above Hallsands

Thanks to Fordworth Housing Association

Church Service:

Thanks to Father Michael Berrett and John Baverstock

The Bell ringers

The Choir

Flower ladies

All the readers

Crab Supper:

Nigel and Rachel and all their staff at The Cricket Inn

Blue Sea Fish – Donation of crab

RTL International Ltd – Donation of fish

Milegate Ltd – Donation of prawns

Storm and Old Gaffers – sea shanty singers

Auction:

Signed Gorillaz 7" boxset – Damon Albarn

Crab Pot – Steve Inch

Lino Print – Mike Glanville

Two Crabs – Britannia Shellfish

Donations:

Ken and Barbara, Hallsands

Purple Bricks

Rick Mitchelmore

Jon Moss

Hallsands 100 Community Group:

Tim Lynn

Rose Lynn

Jonathan Hale

Colleen Pearce

John Churton

Alison Churton

David Marcer

Lynne Marcer

Samantha Chapman

Supported by Beshlie Pool of South Devon & Channel Shellfishermen Ltd