Double triumph for Axminster: Guildhall and Pulman’s Weekly News win top regional awards
Report by Kelly Leonard for News Advertiser newspapers
Axminster is celebrating a proud moment after two of its most valued institutions were recognised at the South West Prestige Awards.
The town’s much-loved Guildhall has been named Best Community Event Venue in Devon, while Pulman’s Weekly News, which has served the area since 1857, has once again been awarded News Publication of the Year.
The awards, which recognise excellence across a wide range of independent organisations in the region, highlight the strength of Axminster’s community spirit and the continued relevance of its local services.
Axminster Guildhall has long served as a hub for the town’s cultural and social life, hosting everything from theatre and music performances to community meetings and private events. The award judges commended the Guildhall for its welcoming environment, consistent programme of events, and the dedication of the volunteers who help run it.
A spokesperson for Axminster Guildhall said the recognition was a reflection of the commitment shown by all involved. “This award is a tribute to the hard work of our team and the local community who support what we do. For the people of Axminster, it confirms what many already knew: the Guildhall is far more than just a building - it is a living, breathing part of the town’s identity.”
Many local residents took to social media to share their support and congratulations. Karen Hussey wrote, “Congratulations and thank you for all the hard work you put in to bring entertainment to Axminster.” Matt Young added, “Well done to everyone involved. Fantastic news and well deserved!” Beverley McAuley commented, “Well done everyone! And rightly deserved! You’ve done an amazing job of bringing the Guildhall to life again.”
Pulman’s Weekly News also received high praise for its continued service to the region, securing the News Publication of the Year title for a consecutive year.
Established in 1857 by local publisher George Philip Pulman, the historic regional news brand has remained a constant source of news and information for communities across East Devon.
Devon-born proprietor Duncan Williams (pictured on the mic) told the gathered judges that the award reflected the paper’s long-standing commitment to regional journalism. “Independent local news is essential to keeping a community informed,” he said. “It helps protect local interests and keeps people connected to what’s happening around them.”
Williams, who has spent much of his career in the news industry and has personally driven the investment in digital technology to bring Pulman’s Weekly News into the modern era, says his belief in the value of reliable local journalism remains as strong as ever. “The media landscape has evolved rapidly, but one thing hasn’t changed - people still want honest, accurate, and relevant news,” he said. “We want to understand what’s happening in our community - not just surface stories, but coverage of issues that shape our daily lives. That’s why having a trusted local news source is more important now than ever.”
The recognition for both the Guildhall and Pulman’s Weekly News is seen as a positive reflection of Axminster’s strong community identity and its continued support for local institutions.
These awards serve not just as accolades, but as a reminder of the importance of local engagement, participation, and long-term investment.
