Mission The Mission of the Sampford Courtenay Community Interest Company (SC-CIC) is to ‘secure and enhance the preservation status of assets within both the natural and built environment of Sampford Courtenay, whilst developing the economic, and social fabric of the whole community’. The Company’s Activities and Impact During the financial year, the SC-CIC has continued to advance its mission by: (1) Preservation of Heritage and Community Assets The CIC has been active in protecting community assets from decline or external acquisition, ensuring they remain available for present and future generations. By focusing on the village’s unique historical and cultural heritage, the Company has worked to safeguard Sampford Courtenay’s identity as a quintessential English parish, while fostering pride of place and stronger community cohesion. (2) Broadening and Sustaining the Demographic of the Community Initiatives have been taken to address the syndrome of second home and holiday-lets that has been detrimental throughout the Southwest peninsula both socially and economically. (3) Transport and Connectivity A key initiative this year has been efforts to re-open Sampford Courtenay Station as part of a Rail Community Partnership. This forms part of the broader aspiration to reinstate the former Southern Railway route from Exeter to Plymouth. The project aims to increase access to education, training, and employment opportunities, especially in Exeter, Plymouth, and Torbay, while also improving sustainable travel and reducing rural isolation (4) Conservation of Historic Sites At the request of members, the priority has been to enhance the preservation status of the historic Church House cobbles, part of a Grade I listed site with deep heritage significance linked to the 1549 Prayer Book Rebellion. (5) Community Facilities and Social Inclusion Efforts have also been directed towards upgrading public conveniences to Equality Act 2010 standards, and putting forward plans for the Village Hall to include a 'Planetarium Dome' to expand community use and interest in cultural and educational activities, such as astronomy. These projects strengthen inclusivity, accessibility, and opportunities for all residents. (6) Wider Community Benefits - Subsidiary initiatives have included: - Supporting the maintenance of the War Memorial to commemorate those who have served the community. - Exploring provision of a community-based creche to enable greater participation in employment and education. - Promoting local produce outlets, cycle hire, and internet access hubs, contributing to sustainable living and rural regeneration. - Developing proposals for recreational spaces and cultural events such as the Sampford Courtenay Cider Festival, bee hotels, enhancing both social and local economic resilience. Overall Impact Through these combined activities, the CIC is pursuing tangible benefits to residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Its work has strengthened community identity, promoted social inclusion, safeguarded heritage, improved accessibility, and created pathways for economic sustainability. Surpluses generated and future investments will continue to be reinvested into projects that deliver social, environmental, and ethical value for the whole community.

Distribution of proposals for the phased development of Sampford Courtenay Railway Station on the recently re-opened Dartmoor Line from Exeter to Okehampton. Engaging with both adults and children to create bee-hotels in the Sampford Courtenay Cider's orchards and promoting the associated Cider Festival. Proposing to the Village Hall Committee the potential of a Planetarium Dome to educate residents and the wider community in astronomy and how to enjoy the beauty of Sampford Courtenay's unique star-lit dark sky.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration