So many memories, I remember the shanties right on the water where people lived, that all went when the horrible new builds went up, what's sad is that a whole way of life as been lost, very very sad. The older people who were forced out of the shanties were heartbroken, it really was awful. Sometimes development is needed, but this so called development really did change the town, and take away what was precious to so many local people, a way of life that can never be replaced.
Removing 'character' (or what makes something different) is rarely ever a good move - prestigious apartments to draw in those with money, at the expense of precious, simple ways of life - real life... not pretentious, showy holiday flats. In our current society, money wins, it has power. Until we realise this way is far from the path to true happiness, this kind of 'reform' will go on.
The developer at 1:00 was suggesting that single bedroom units would sell for £55,000. In 1989, £55,000 (equating to around £275,000 in 2019) would have purchased a 3 bedroom town house in Exmouth, so he was having a laugh with his statement that “the price range is as such that they are within the region of most local people”. Currently, a two-bedroom apartment on the marina sells for around £400,000 minimum (equating to around £80,000 in 1989), so marina properties were never actually intended for “local people”. And we all knew that, even back then! Some interesting personalities in the video, known to many. And a fleeting scene at 16:36 showing a very young Geoff Ingram, Lifeboat volunteer and professional fisherman who lost his life in a trawler-sinking incident in Torbay around 2014-ish. Thanks for the memories and the upload, John Penfold.
Born in Exmouth in 1951 & spent all my summers at Shelly beach as a youngster. It was magical as a ten year old playing in those warm pools filled with tiddlers when the tide was out. The sound of the boat masts chinking away in an otherwise very peaceful part of the world. Walking between those wonderful charming chalets bare foot on warm sandy paths. Used to fish off the pier & terrified when we caught a weaver & fascinated by the large grey mullet that glided around under the pier, we could never catch them.. The chap at the end of the bridge had budgerigars in the outdoor aviary opposite the garage, we used to chat to him. So many memories, all good but then the greedy developers with nothing but pound signs in their eyes ruined the lot, forever. Ok, the chalets were old & eventually would need to go but the souless cold buildings there now are just that, souless & cold. I moved away from Exmouth but have such good memories of a time & place that still feels magical because it was.
You paint a beautiful picture of an idyllic childhood Robert. I remember it in much the same way, although I had those experiences in the 1970's - some time after you, but things hadn't changed much in that time. We all know things have to move on, but something good has disappeared from that place. The tall flats that replaced the chalets aren't unattractive, but they look out of place in a town of our size, and they make a statement of affluence, on the part of the people who rent them, and the owners. The chalets represented a simpler life, the clinking masts and the warm sand between the chalets speaks of a more charmed existence, focused on just enjoying the natural beauty in an unhurried way. I think that's what's missed mostly.
Used to holiday here from 84-89, the memories are as fresh now as they were at the time. So sad to see such heritage and community bulldozed for the sake of financial gain. I appreciate that times change and we have to move on but this was pure vandalism of the legal kind. So sad that it has ALL gone. Progress? Keep it.
Im the Gr. Gr Granddaughter of Exmouths first Coxwain Edward Tupman. My parents lived in Quay Cottage, facing the dock area. My family had our holidays in No 25 Shelly for years. This video shows the disregard for the people of Exmouth who used the Docks and Shelly Rd for work or pleasure. The Marina (as its advertised) now boasts some flats with an asking price of a million! "A desirable residence on Exmouths Marina" No mate, what you've got is a 'flat down the docks'
This was the moment the gentrification of Exmouth began. 30 years on my mum is being forced out of Exmouth having lived there for all her 63 years. The town is now unrecognisable in areas. She cannot afford to live in Exmouth anymore
