Free pancakes, Newton Pop panto and Sidmouth’s Got Talent

1) Join members of the Catholic Church of the Most Precious Blood, Sidmouth, for free pancakes tomorrow (Tuesday, February 9).

The event is open to all to mark Shrove Tuesday, which is the start of Lent.

A church spokesman said: “Lent is when people used up their luxury food items of eggs, milk and sugar before starting their Lenten fast. It is a time of feasting and celebration before we turn our thoughts to Lent.”

Pancakes will be served between 4pm and 6pm at St Teresa’s Hall, on the corner of Connaught Road.

2) The Riverside Players’ production of Aladdin, by Alan P Frayn, takes place at at Newton Poppleford Village Hall this week.

The pantomime runs from Wednesday, February 10, to Saturday, February 13, at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £8 (under 16s £4 on Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon) and available from 01395 568897.

3) ‘Some 19th century Budleigh worthies’ will come under the spotlight in a talk by Dr Roger Lendon on Friday (February 12).

The event will follow East Devon’s annual branch meeting of the Devonshire Association, which will be in the Manor Pavilion at 2.30pm. All are welcome. Go along for membership details, or contact Philip Wilby on 01395 514312.

4) Performers will be taking to the stage in St Teresa’s Hall to prove Sidmouth’s Got Talent from 7pm on Saturday (February 13).

The HCPT Westcountry Youth Group is staging the event to boost its trip to Lourdes at Easter, where it will be helping children with special needs on a pilgrimage holiday. Each act pays £5 and performs to win the contestants’ pot. Audience tickets are also £5 and come with a vote for the winner. Call Steve on 01395 512520.

5) The SidCombers will be back on Sidmouth’s beach for a clean-up from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday (February 13). Any volunteers are asked to wear sensible clothes and gloves and take along a bucket. Plastic bags will be provided. Call Sidmouth in Bloom chairman Lynette Talbot for more information on 01395 578081.