Get involved in village life
Local Groups & Organisations
For a small parish, Northlew has a remarkable range of clubs, groups and organisations – from badminton and skittles to drama, music, crafts, coffee mornings and much-loved annual events. Most rely on volunteers, and all of them welcome new faces.
Find something you’d enjoy below, and get in touch with the organisers.
At the heart of the village
Northlew Victory Hall
The Victory Hall hosts many of the village’s clubs and groups, including the annual Craft and Produce Show, the carnival, performances by NADS (Northlew Amateur Dramatic Society) and meetings – including the Parish Council – and is also available for hire for private parties.
Opened in 1921 in memory of the men of the parish lost in the First World War, the hall is run by volunteers who are currently fundraising for the refurbishment of its roof.
Badminton
Table tennis
Skittles
Short mat bowls
Toddler group
Pilates
Meetings & private hire
Sport & Fitness
Sport & Recreation
Badminton
Friendly badminton sessions on two evenings a week – players of all abilities are welcome.
Table Tennis
Table tennis is played at the Victory Hall. Contact the hall for current session times and how to join in.
Skittles
A traditional village skittles evening – a great way to meet people and enjoy some friendly competition.
Short Mat Bowls
Weekly short mat bowls in the Victory Hall – relaxed, sociable and suitable for all ages.
Northlew & Ashbury Snooker Club
A friendly hub for snooker lovers of all levels, with two tables, internal competitions and league matches against other clubs. Annual membership £30, pay-as-you-go table lighting, and guests welcome for £5.
Basically Pilates
Pilates classes in the Victory Hall to improve strength, flexibility and posture.
Walking Group
Walks, including nature walks, are organised periodically through the year, exploring the lanes, footpaths and wildlife of the parish.
Ashbury Golf Resort
One of the largest golf resorts in the country, just down the road from the village, with several 18-hole courses, a par 3 course and an academy course, plus indoor pools and a spa.
Northlew Darts Team
The village darts team, based at the Green Dragon. Ask at the Green Dragon about match nights and how to join.
Music, Drama & Crafts
Arts & Social Groups
Northlew Amateur Dramatic Society (NADS)
NADS stage regular productions in the Victory Hall and always welcome new members – whether you want to perform or help with costumes, set painting, programme design, curtain pulling or prompting.
Northlew Silver Band
A much-loved part of village life, the band plays at the church fête, carol services, the village Christmas tree and the bonfire night carnival procession.
Northlew Needles
Bring your crafting – knitting, crochet, sewing or anything else you fancy – and join us for a cuppa and a chat. £2 per session, refreshments included.
Playgroup for Grownups
Join Marg Rundle and friends for games, refreshments and plenty of laughter – all for £1.50.
Ladies Guild
A monthly afternoon get-together in the Church Room for friendship, conversation and refreshments.
Northlew News
The free village magazine produced by the Parish Council. Your news, stories, artwork, poems and photos are always welcome – and volunteer writers are wanted.
Children & Families
Children, Families & School
Northlew Children’s Group
A friendly toddler group for babies, toddlers and their parents and carers – play, crafts and a chance to meet other local families.
Northlew & Ashbury Primary School
A small, friendly rural school at the heart of the village, celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2026.
Northlew Primary PTFA
The PTFA raises funds and runs events for the school throughout the year, including bingo, raffles and the Christmas Fayre – most recently funding the school’s new play area.
Faith Groups
Churches & Halls
St Thomas of Canterbury Church
The Grade I listed parish church, served by Revd Leigh Winsbury. See the notice in the porch for service details. The churchyard is cared for by volunteers – new helpers welcome.
Friends of St Thomas’ Church (FOST)
FOST raises funds to care for the church through events such as art exhibitions and the Bee Fun Weekend. Become a member or donate via the website.
Hebron Methodist Chapel
Part of the West Devon Methodist Circuit, the chapel holds regular services, special events and teas. Details on the notice board.
Northlew Victory Hall
The village hall, opened in 1921 in memory of the parish’s First World War fallen. Home to badminton, skittles, short mat bowls, the toddler group, NADS and the Parish Council, and available for private parties, meetings and events.
Church Room
Home to the village Post Office and coffee mornings, the Ladies Guild and Angi’s Ambients. Available for hire.
Methodist Hall Coffee Morning & 50/50 Shop
Sit in the warm, have a chat and enjoy tea or coffee. Bring unwanted goods (not clothes) to the 50/50 shop – if they sell, you receive half and half goes to the Methodist Church.
Shop Local
Local Produce
Northlew Market
A full house of local stalls – honey, eggs, preserves, plants, haberdashery and lots of cakes – plus refreshments, a raffle and a community table for your surplus garden produce.
Angi’s Ambients
A pop-up village grocery stocking everyday essentials, with fresh and chilled items as available. Also in the village square on Friday mornings, weather permitting.
Higher Odham Dairy Honesty Stall
Fresh milk in returnable glass bottles and free-range eggs from Higher Odham, a fourth-generation family dairy farm. Find the honesty box outside the old store in the village square.
Through the Year
Annual Events & Celebrations
Northlew & Ashbury Produce and Craft Show
The village’s celebration of baking, growing, making and crafting, with over 440 entries in 2025. The committee meets around eight times a year and new members are welcome at the AGM.
Northlew Carnival
The village turns out in force for the carnival procession, led by the Silver Band, with a fancy dress display and bonfire celebrations.
Church Fête & Patronal Festival
Following the Patronal Service at St Thomas’ – cream teas, BBQ and bar, stalls, the maypole, tug-of-war and music from the Silver Band.
Bandamonium
Brass bands from across the country descend on Northlew for a day of music and fun as part of the Bandamonium Devon festival. Volunteers are always welcome.
Is your group missing?
If you run a club, group or event in Northlew and would like it listed here – or if any details need updating – please get in touch with the Parish Clerk.