The Exmouth and Budleigh Anglo-French Society celebrated French National Day with an outing to Powderham Castle.

The group of 16 members, along with a dog named Titan, took a guided tour around the ground floor rooms of the castle on July 14 to commemorate the day also known as Bastille Day.

Sheila Burgess, a member of the society, said: "Our host for the tour was second to none."

Marian Beaumont, chair of the society, said: "As we moved from room to room, Derry delighted us with his amazing knowledge and kept us spellbound as we learnt more of the history of Powderham and the Earls of Devon who have lived there.

"Not once did he lose our attention as his unscripted talk poured out effortlessly and with such enthusiasm."

(Image: Marian Beaumont)

The club members were impressed by the French connections of the Courtenay family, who arrived in Devon from France and once held extensive lands in Devon where they became Earls of Devon.

Afterward, the group had a cream tea served in the chapter house with elegant tableware adorned with the Courtenay coat of arms and motto ‘Quod verum tutum’, which translates as ‘what is true is safe’.

The Anglo-French Society holds regular meetings in Budleigh and Exmouth, with twice-a-month ‘cuppa and conversation’ sessions where people chat in French.

Marian said: "We have all levels of French, from native speakers through to rusty school French.

"You just need to have an interest in all things French and the willingness to have a go. We are a very friendly and welcoming group."

For further information, contact Catherine on 07855 194408 or Marian on 07812 899635.