Taw Valley Venture ‘the Value for Money Venue’ 

Taw Valley Venture begun with a vision, a vision of a ‘Lifelong Long Learning Centre’ Who’s vision? Kate Lowe’s vision.

Taw Valley Venture ‘the Value for Money Venue’ 

Taw Valley Venture begun with a vision, a vision of a ‘Lifelong Long Learning Centre’ Who’s vision? Kate Lowe’s vision.

Who is Kate?

Kate Lowe originally arrived in Mid Devon as a Rolle College student teacher. From the outskirts of Manchester to the ‘Wilds of Winkleigh’ was a most startling but rather pleasant culture shock back in 1968! Following a few years teaching in the primary sector of education she got sidetracked into residential outdoor education by way of covering for Devon LEA’s outdoor residential centre warden during holiday periods.

In the 1970’s at the relative young age of 24 she was appointed as the first full-time warden at the Wembworthy Centre. Her 19 years service there was followed by 12 years of journalism, supply teaching, 3 seasons as a Forestry Commission Education Ranger, a brief stab at co-owning a bookshop in Chulmleigh and latterly a spell as part of the Marketing Team for Bicton College.

How did she achieve her vision?

One day minding her own business she spied a billboard advertising the former Eggesford Forest District Office for letting. After a couple of days deliberation, negotiations were begun and the rest is history. That was some 4 years ago now.

Today

Taw Valley Ventures  in Hilltown woods near Eggesford station is an established part of the local business scene; very much a grass roots enterprise and one of several incorporated into the Eggesford Business Partnership providing affordable lifelong learning experiences in a tranquil forest setting.

Courses Provided

Courses are grouped under the headings of  -  Wildlife & Conservation, Wellbeing & Lifestyle, Arts & Crafts, Gender, Kids & Family and Literature.

Our fortnightly walking scheme is constantly expanding.

Current courses are listed on the Chulmleigh website at www.chulmleigh.org under events.