Seale Hayne

Here we are at Seale Hayne!

Once a famous agricultural college (thanks to a man called

Charles Seale Hayne

who left the bulk of his considerable estate to:

''establish and endow a college...'');

later on, passing into the hands of Plymouth University;

after that, becoming the subject of much controversy when the university

decided in its wisdom to relocate and restructure

(which had absolutely nothing to do with the Teignbridge structure plan,

a possible huge housing development on the site, money ,

(kerching kerching ...you get the picture!)

It was back in 2002, (Charles Seale Hayne could probably

be heard turning in his grave ! ) when students and staff

found out the devastating news...they had to relocate to Plymouth!

Not good news!

******

It was only a year before that, when Nich and myself

had visited a Seale Hayne Open Day, with a view to considering

certain degree options/courses and we listened to various speakers

promoting Seale Hayne and then wandered around taking in the

beautiful surroundings...and believe me it is very beautiful.

Prior to that, I'd taken a class of children to Seale Hayne, whilst

learning about food and farming and we'd had a wonderful time there.

Well, there were many protests about the closure but to no avail.

Indeed, the housing development looked like it might well happen...but

thankfully in the end it all fell through! Yippee!

In 2009, a new buyer was found....

The Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, a charity that provides education

and care for young people with severe disabilities.

You can read about Hannahs at Seale Hayne, here:

http://www.hannahssealehayne.com/

We wandered around on Saturday, looking at the various craft units

Most of them were locked , it being the weekend but

my camera zoomed in on Nicky's new home:

And it was lovely to see what was on offer in the craft shop at Seale Hayne,

as well as have coffee in the busy little cafe .

I think that Charles Seale Hayne would be quite relieved

to see crafters and educators going about their business

on what was once his land. I reckon he can sleep easy now!

As for the University trying to make a fast buck from something

which was not left to them...well words fail me and so

I'll say no more on that subject...apart from the fact that it is they who,

in their greed, ( in my opinion )

attempted to take away education from this beautiful spot.

***

Charles Seale Hayne was once an MP ...for Ashburton!

I think he'd be very happy to see such a thriving and bustling town!

And that was the next stop on our little outing!