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The following extracts from the Exeter Flying Post 1858 describe two very different occasions at Newton Poppleford.
The first piece concerns a celebratory meal held at the Cannon Inn, Newton Poppleford by the Conservative electors of Harpford and Venn Ottery.  Some fifty people attended and in the newspaper article several of them are identified by name.  At the occasion it was feared there might be a disturbance, some kind of Radical demonstration there being a manufactory in the town.  However this was avoided as the mill hands were invited into the room, given some food and sang to all those assembled.  They were duly thanked and offered a forthcoming treat of their own.
The second newspaper extract is a report of that Factory Treat which took place some weeks later.  Some 200 factory workers sat down for a meal at the Wesleyan Sunday School room. The treat was provided by the proprietor of the silk mills, Thomas Wood. Earlier the group had processed around the village following the Newton Poppleford brass band led by Joel Carter.  Joel Carter was forty-two years old and was the corn miller from neighbouring Dotton where he lived with his wife and children.  This Joel Carter was the oldest son of the Joel Carter (1793-1879), who is featured in a series of articles on OVApedia.

NEWTON POPPLEFORD. – The Conservative electors of Harpford and Venn Ottery dined together on Wednesday to celebrate the return of Sir Lawrence Falk and Lord Courtenay.  Fifty sat down to a substantial repast, which was served up in excellent style by the host and hostess of the Cannon Inn.  A more happy and convivial political meeting has not taken place in this neighbourhood since the defeat of Lord John Russell by Mr. Parker.  The chair was very ably filled by the Rev. S. Gattey, who was supported on the right by Dr. Mackenzie and on the left by W. Arnold, Esq., of Cove-hill, both of whom contributed largely to the amusement of the evening by their admirable speeches, which were enthusiastically received.  It was feared (says our correspondent), there being a manufactory in the town, that there would have been some Radical demonstration.  It was, however, far otherwise, for the poor lads were so very orderly that Mr. Arnold had them in the room and gave them a very feeling address, in which he told them that himself and company were so much pleased with the manner in which they behaved that he would head a subscription with 5s. for giving them a treat.  The proposition was well received, and one and all contributed.  It was a very pleasing sight to see the young fellows enjoying their repast, which was no sooner finished than they sang in excellent time and tune one of their favourite songs, and then took their departure, vociferously cheering their kind friends. Among the company were the aged Mr. Ballen, of Bowd – he has been thirty-five years a tenant of the Rolle family, and is hale and hearty at eighty-four; also Messrs. Beer and brother, Pyle, Lawrence, Horsford, J. Carter, Wreford, R. Carter (of Haynes), Brice, Sage, Chamberlain, Godfrey, &c., &c.  During dinner and after each toast a brass band played some very appropriate tunes, the leader Mr. Joel Carter.  Just as the toasts were about to be proposed fifteen to twenty ladies, headed by Mrs. Gattey entered the room and took their seats behind the president.  They were vociferously cheered on entering as well as when “The Ladies” were given.  The toast of the evening, after that of our beloved Queen and the Conservative members, was that of “Lady Rolle” and also “The Hon. Mark and Lady E. Rolle,” which toasts were most enthusiastically received.  Other toasts were given, and nothing was wanting to make it what was intended – a happy gathering.  The room was very prettily decorated with white and blue paper chains, laurel, and flags, with P.C. in white chains on a blue ground.

NEWTON POPPLEFORD

The first anniversary of the Wesleyan Sunday School was celebrated last Monday week.  A public tea was provided, of which a number partook.  The prosperity of the school is mainly indebted to Thomas Wood, Esq., of the silk mills, who has been most zealous in the cause of Christian education.  Several addresses were delivered, and the choir performed some beautiful pieces of sacred music.

FACTORY TREAT. – On Saturday last the factory operatives, to the number of 200, sat down to an excellent tea in the schoolroom here, provided by the worthy proprietor of the silk mills, Thomas Wood, Esq., after having perambulated the village in good order, headed by the Newton Poppleford brass band, ably led by Mr. Joel Carter.  After tea the worthy employer was presented with a piece of plate, furnished for the occasion by Mr. Samuel Warren, of Ottery St. Mary, and subscribed for  by the operatives in the employ of Mr. Wood. The inscription was as follows: - “Presented. To Thos. Wood, Esq., as a tribute of grateful respect and esteem by the hands in his employ, at the Newton Poppleford Silk Mill, September 25, 1858.”  Mr. Wood, after thanking them in a very feeling speech, in which he expressed his deep anxiety for the welfare and prosperity of his hands, sat down amidst loud applause.  The affair was characterised throughout by genuine good feeling.

Researched by Anne Speight, © 2010.

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