Love St Thomas is hosting a community lunch followed by talks and conversation focussed on Exeter’s historic multicultural character on Saturday 7 March at St Thomas Church Hall.
The afternoon event features a talk about the historic culture of and makeup of the people of Exeter by historian Dr Todd Gray, author of dozens of books including two titles published in 2024 examining Exeter’s colonial and imperial history.
A community discussion about the cultural narrative surrounding golliwogs, including their local connection, will be led by equalities advocate Mali Sharpe.
Campaigner George Connett will talk about his uncle, the footballer Jack Leslie. Born in 1901, Jack Leslie was the only Black professional footballer in England during his fourteen seasons with Plymouth Argyle and the first Black player to be called up for the England national team, in 1925.
The event will culminate with a performance by an Exeter-based African choir, which will be followed by time to socialise.
A lunch of soup and sandwiches with tea and cake will be offered to attendees on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Love St Thomas is a volunteer-run community initiative which aims to help local projects thrive for public benefit rather than private profit.
It organises events which include a regular repair café and the Love St Thomas Festival, which is to take place again in July following a successful inaugural event last year.
Love St Thomas also publishes West of the River, a print magazine distributed free to local households in St Thomas and elsewhere to the west of the River Exe.
The People of Exeter takes place at 2-5pm on Saturday 7 March 2026 at St Thomas Church Hall in Cowick Street.
Tickets cost £3-£10 plus booking fee. All proceeds will go toward funding the Love St Thomas Festival. Food and drink is included on a pay-what-you-can basis.
For more information and to book visit the Eventbrite website.
Photo of Jack Leslie statue reproduced under Creative Commons license.
