Allies Mid Devon – the Inception and Inspiration
Allies Mid Devon began life in 2016 as a community group. There were just four founding members -Ben Holdman, Amanda Davis RIP, Rodney Chilcott and Adam Walker. This small group of people from diverse backgrounds and ages shared a common goal; they wanted to see a more vibrant Tiverton, and surrounding area. With a simple aim, to make life more enjoyable for all. They were inspired to be the change that makes good things happen.
What were the first steps?
We formed a community group – we even developed our own constitution stating that everything we would do, would be for the benefit of the community.
How did you decide what to do first?
Local community engagement had told us that the bus shelters in West Exe needed attention. Initially working with Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) who are responsible for the shelters, we intended to just clean them up. However, it quickly became apparent that they were beyond tidy-up. There followed lots of conversations with Devon County Council (DCC), Mid Devon District Council (MDDC), Tiverton Town Council (TTC) and the Town Centre Manager, as we looked to find a way to replace the bus shelters. Sadly, it was not a priority for MDDC to replace them although they were looking for a long-term solution. Allies approached Fernbank Advertising Company and got them to agree to pay for and maintain two new bus shelters which were sourced through DCC. A heck of a learning journey and experience in multi-stakeholder engagement.
How have you engaged with the wider community?
We used the Listening Matters Project to reach to people. Steven Kearney helps to link and build communities We used, with his permission, a slightly revised version of a template he developed. The Listening Matters Project revealed the type of things our community wanted. Little things that make a difference, a pleasant environment that can be enjoyed by all, and a sense that things were being looked after. We regularly reach out to maintain community engagement to influence next projects.
Over 10 Years of Community Projects
For **more than 10 years**, Allies Mid Devon has worked with residents, community organisations, local councils, businesses and volunteers to improve our communities, support local people and protect the places that matter to us.
Our projects have included environmental improvements, community facilities, heritage restoration, fundraising, volunteering and support for families.
Community Projects & Achievements
**Bus Shelters – West Exe Area**
Supported improvements to bus shelters in the West Exe area.
**Old Railway Line – Bench**
Raised funds for a new bench along the old railway line, creating a place for residents and visitors to sit and enjoy the area.
**Fore Street – Town Centre**
Facilitated improvements to the town centre on Fore Street, with the work funded by Mid Devon District Council.
**Tiverton Cemetery – Two Benches**
Secured Tesco grant funding for two benches at Tiverton Cemetery.
**People’s Park – Replacement Bench**
Originally secured Tesco grant funding for a bench in People’s Park. Following vandalism and the destruction of the original bench, donor funding was secured for a replacement metal bench.
**Canal Hill / Old Road – Replacement Bench**
Facilitated and paid for the replacement of the bench along Canal Hill, Old Road, Tiverton.
**Tiverton Football Club – Replacement Bench**
Facilitated the replacement of a bench at Tiverton Football Club, funded by Tiverton Town Council.
**West Exe Recreation Ground – Bin**
Supported improvements to facilities at West Exe Recreation Ground, including the replacement of a bin funded by Mid Devon District Council.
**People’s Park – Ornamental Drinking Fountain**
Led the restoration project for the historic ornamental drinking fountain in People’s Park.
**132-Year-Old Ornamental Drinking Fountain Restoration**
The restoration began in 2020 and was completed in September 2021, helping preserve an important piece of Tiverton’s heritage.
**Daffodil Project – COVID-19 Memorial**
Planted **130,000 daffodils** as a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
**Wildflower Project – Willand**
Supported a wildflower project in Willand, helping improve local green spaces and encourage biodiversity.
**Community Litter Picking**
Organised and supported community litter-picking activities, bringing volunteers together to improve local streets, parks and public spaces.
**SEND Support**
Supported families with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including helping establish a support group for families.
**SEND Soft Play Events**
Helped organise inclusive soft play events, giving children and families opportunities to socialise and enjoy activities in a supportive environment.
### Celebrating Our Community
**Community Recognition Awards**
Over the years, Allies Mid Devon has also recognised members of our community who **go above and beyond to help others**.
Our community awards celebrate people who give their time, energy and commitment to making a difference — often quietly and without seeking recognition.
These awards are our way of saying **thank you** to the volunteers, community champions and local residents who help make our communities stronger.
From helping a neighbour, supporting vulnerable people, volunteering with local organisations or simply going the extra mile for others, we believe these contributions deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
More Than Projects
Our work is about more than benches, parks and physical improvements. It is about **bringing people together, supporting communities, recognising volunteers and making a positive difference to people's everyday lives**.
After more than a decade of community work, we continue to identify projects where a relatively small amount of community effort, fundraising and partnership working can make a lasting difference.