A big thank you!

As we approach the end of 2025, the committee has taken some time to reflect on the past year - our achievements, our challenges, and the goals we continue to work toward. It’s been a moment to look back with pride at everything we’ve managed to accomplish. For such a small committee, we have certainly had an incredibly busy and productive year, and it’s truly remarkable what we have achieved together:

• Seaton Big Poppy Plan 🌺 Earlier this year we launched a new initiative that relied heavily on the creativity and support of our local community. We reached out asking for handmade poppies to create a large commemorative display for the seafront roundabout. The response was incredible, and it was truly heart-warming to see so many people come together to contribute to something meaningful for our town.

• Christmas Tree 🎄 The installation of the large Christmas tree on the seafront roundabout was a wonderful way for the Chamber to give something back to our community and help bring festive cheer to the town.

• Seaton Market 🛍️ In 2024 our market team started our market, but this year expanded it to include indoor traders. So, along side each month our outdoor market we are now running an indoor market, which will be back full-on next year… starting up again in line with the Grizzly Race – If you would like to get involved…. Get in touch.

• Working with EDDC on Town Appearance🛂  After receiving comments from both residents and visitors about the increasing number of weeds and untidy areas, we approached EDDC to raise concerns and seek a solution. Opening this dialogue was an important step in improving the look and feel of our streets.

• Shipshape Clean Up 🧹 In May, we organised a community street-clean event. With approval from EDDC, a small but dedicated group of local residents came together to tidy our streets and help make the town look more welcoming. It was a great example of community spirit in action.

• Christmas Lights Switch-On 🎅 Our Christmas committee worked incredibly hard this year to build on last year’s event, and we are delighted to say that the switch-on was a truly magical and much-enjoyed evening. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many people coming together to celebrate.

• Secured Funding for the Market💰 We successfully secured funding to support the market, including digital training opportunities for our members. This is a significant step in helping local traders grow their skills and continue to thrive.

• Seaton Hole Tree🌲  We intervened to save the much-loved Seaton Hole tree from removal. This is now an ongoing project that will continue into 2026, so watch this space for updates as the work progresses.

• School Bus Parking Issue 🚌  We were made aware that several school buses were parking daily in the bus park and along Harepath Road, causing disruptions for visiting coaches and adding to traffic problems. We opened communication with the bus company and worked together to find a solution, securing the use of a local football club’s car park during weekdays.

• Bid for the Marsh Road Toilets 🚽 The Chamber learned that the EDDC-owned Marsh Road toilets were being put up for auction, which meant there was little hope of the facilities reopening at the top end of town. Committee members and members of the public kindly offered financial support so the Chamber could place a bid. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we were outbid.

• Purchased a PA System 🎵 This year we invested in a new PA system to support our events and ensure we can communicate more effectively during community activities.

• Cross Street Christmas Lights🌟 When Seaton Town Council were unable to fund the Cross Street lights this year, we stepped in to make sure the area wasn’t left out. We purchased and installed new lights, and also repaired the tree lights in Windsor Gardens to help brighten the town for the festive season.

• Small Christmas Trees for Local Shops🎄  Our Christmas committee worked tirelessly to secure sponsorship for small Christmas trees to be displayed outside businesses across the town. With support from Seaton Town Council, who provided new tree holders, we installed these around the town to add to the festive atmosphere.

• Grizzly Food Market 🐻 In March, we hosted our first Grizzly Food Market, supported by our Seaton Independent Market team. It was a successful event that brought great local flavours and energy to the town.

• Environmental Agency Collaboration💦 We have been in ongoing communication with the Environment Agency about establishing a local flood warden scheme to help improve preparedness and community resilience.

• Engagement with Harepath Road Developers👷 We helped provide a platform for residents to speak directly with the Harepath Road developers, ensuring that people had the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and access clear information about the project.

• Support for a Local Artist 🧑‍🎨  We offered support to a local artist preparing a bid for funding for a community-based art project, helping to encourage creativity and cultural development within the town.
• We hope you’ll agree that it has been an incredibly busy and productive year for the Seaton Chamber.

We would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has supported us—whether by attending our events, becoming a member, or volunteering your time. Without our community working together, none of what we achieved in 2025 would have been possible.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!