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President's Symposium 2026
The People of Devon and Their Identity:
From Palaeolithic Roots to Tourism
The Devonshire Association’s President, Nick Powe DL invites you to his 2026 Presidential Symposium on Saturday 9 May 2026
Nick is well known to the Devonshire Association as the former custodian of Kents Cavern prehistoric caves, which he ran from 2000-2023. He took up the role following a career in international finance and was the 5th generation of the Powe family to do so since the Victorian Excavations which provided scientific proof of the antiquity of humankind in the cavern. Nick encouraged a renewed interest in scientific research at the caves and obtained a number of Gold tourism awards including the Winner of Winners at the 2023 Devon Awards for Excellence.
As the owner of such a significant site, he was a key player in the successful bid to obtain UNESCO status for the Torbay area. He chairs the management organisation of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, a designation covering the three towns, and marine areas, of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. He sits on the European Geoparks Network Coordination Committee and undertakes Geopark evaluation missions around the World for UNESCO. He has recently been appointed chair of Torquay Museum to oversee a change management programme to secure the Museum’s future.
He is a board director of VisitDevon, sits on Exeter Cathedral’s Enterprise Board, and is a Deputy Lieutenant for Devon.
About the Symposium
The symposium explores the rich and evolving identity of Devon’s people from the Palaeolithic era to today. Through archaeology, history and cultural studies we will examine how geography, migration, trade, and socio-economic shifts shaped Devon’s distinct regional character. The event will highlight key transitions, from early hunter-gatherers and Roman influences to medieval trade networks and the rise of tourism, offering a cohesive narrative of Devon’s cultural legacy.
The Symposium is open to all, whether you are already a member of the Devonshire Association or someone who is interested in discovering more about Devon’s heritage and the Association’s activities. The event is likely to be popular so advance booking is essential.
Click on the image, aside, to see the programme for the day. You can also download/view the pdf flyer for the event or view the event page on our website at https://devonassoc.org.uk/s26.
To be held at Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HG
Tickets at £27.50 per person for DA members.
NON-MEMBERS are welcome at £32.50 per person.
Price includes morning coffee, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and free access to the museum galleries.
Booking closes at 4:30 pm on 30 April 2026.
If you wish to buy tickets for both DA member(s) and non-member(s), please add each type separately to the basket. You will be asked during checkout for names and if each person has any special requirements.
Our preferred payment method is by Online Direct Debit, but payments by Bank Transfer and Cheque are also accepted.
Cancellations received two weeks or more before the event start date will be refunded in full; up to one week before a 50% refund will apply; no refund will normally be offered for cancellations received within one week of the start of the event.