ONE of the most controversial talking points of 2016 provided plenty of comedic fodder for Hatherleigh Walruses’ New Year’s Day dip in the River Lew.

The group’s big issue for 2017 is not Brexit but ‘Hexit’ — would Hatherleigh, Devon’s smallest town, become an independent state and exit West Devon or vote to stay part of the county?

Unlike the Brexit debate, which has continued to rage on since the referendum last summer, the ‘Hexit’ debate ended pretty quickly after the Walruses had a food fight and braved the cold waters of the Lew.

Event organiser Bryony Herrod-Taylor said: ‘For 30 years we have been organising New Year’s Day debates followed by a mass dip in the River Lew.

‘This year’s theme had to be Hexit, and sufficiently far fetched for those on both sides of the argument to dress up as characters from Alice In Wonderland.

‘We have the opposing sides of the Red and White Queens, the March Hare, the Mad Hatter and Alice, of course.

‘There is great community spirit here; it is a very generous place and we always get lots of support.’

The Walruses group has raised over £75,000 for charities and local causes since its formation.

This year, Hatherleigh Cricket Club and Hatherleigh Primary School will benefit from the estimated £3,000 raised by the 2017 dip and auction at the cricket club.

While all fun and for good causes, the water level of the Lew is always monitored to ensure the event is safe for all involved.

Mrs Herrod-Taylor said: ‘If the water comes above mid-thigh we are not allowed to take the plunge as the current is just too strong and it’s always freezing cold.

‘We don’t get a reprieve though, as the local fire brigade turn up and hose us down for five minutes!

‘We make sure everyone has filled up with bacon and eggs and hot drinks before getting started and the debate always gets us very heated.

‘It was a really great start to 2017. We raised a lot of money, had a fun day, got a good deal of exercise and everyone enjoyed themselves.’

Pictures by Ian Snell. See the January 5 edition of the Times for more photos.