EX33 - April 2024

Newsround tra - All The News - page 4

plained - Testing Times - page 10

plained - The Chivenor Military Ladies Choir - page 14

plained - Go for Broke - page 18

the boys n t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21

plained - Greenfingers - page 22

plained - Devon Veterans can now apply for life changing mobility support - page 25

plained - 10 ways to live an extra 10 years - page 27

perience - Mary Berry’s Chocolate Roulade - pages 28/29

The Braunton press - pages 32/33

plained - Rule(s) Brittania - page 34

Kids Page - page 39

The Dog N t Door - Jake - page 41

plained - A design for life - page 42

plained - Is Barlow back for good? - page 44

perience - South Street Church Easter Services - page 46

perience - St Brannock’s with St Anne’s Saunton Easter Services - page 47

plained - Puppy love? - page 48

plained - Treemendous - page 50

plained - Live Well in Braunton - pages 54

perpl Just for Fun - page 59

The cats n t door - Martha and Mothra - page 60

perience - What’s On - page 61

ind of Advertisers - page 62

perience - The National Trust - page 63

Braunton Travis Perkins

For all your building & landscaping projects

Open for trade & non trade

Monday to Friday 7.30am - 5.00pm

Saturday 8.00am - 12.00

BRAUNTON & DISTRICT U3A

Monthly Meetings in the Parish Hall. Next meeting Tuesday 2nd April 10.30am. This months speaker is Stephen Powles on “The Cave Elephants of Mount Elgon” Entry £2, includes tea/coffee and biscuit. Members only, new members welcome sign up on the day. For more information on U3A activities check the U3A website or our Facebook Page.

BRAUNTON LIBRARY

Mondays term time - 10.30 to 11:15

Mini Readers - Under 5's, read a story and have a sing song and craft

Every other Monday in term time - Crochet & coffee 2 - 4pm, enquire in library for details.

Tuesday Lego Club 3.30 - 4.30

Wednesdays Stay & Play 10.30 - 12

Creative Writing second Wednesday of the month 1 - 3pm £2

Saturdays Lego Club 10.00 - 12.15

Special Easter Events running from 30th March to 13th April, pop into library to get details.

Thursday 18th April 7 - 8pm “

Seventeenth Century Remedies” with Tracey Norman £2 pp bookable in advance. Volunteers required to help with Library Extra opening, 2 hours a month would make a difference. Reading groups please ask for details. For other activities or events please check our Facebook page. Did you know that we have a free service delivering books to your door (Braunton area) if you are unable to get to the library? If you think you or someone else would benefit from the Devon Libraries Home Library Service then please contact us on 01271 812808

CHRISTCHURCH, BRAUNTON

Coffee morning - Saturday 6th April 10am – 12 at Christ Church. All money raised will go FiG. FiG help bereaved children, young people and their families, living in North Devon and the Torridge area, to feel better and less alone in their grief. Everyone very welcome. Home-made cakes, raffle, books and more Community Café meets every Thursday at Christchurch 2.30 - 4.30pm. Come along and enjoy a warm welcome, a cuppa and home made cake - all for just £1.50. All ages welcome. See you there.

THE BRAUNTON MUSEUM AND INFORMATION

The Museum reopened on 18th March and is now operating in the normal way. Opening Hours are Monday - Thursday 10 am - 3 pm, Friday - 10 am - 1 pm. We are located by the Caen Street Car Park For further information call 01271 816688 .

BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK

Cream Teas to businesses. We shall be collecting orders mid April with a proposed delivery date of 18th April. The cost will be £4 comprising of two Devon Scones, Clotted Cream and a pot of Jam. We look forward to seeing you then.

CHRISTIAN AID PLANT SALE

Saturday 11th May at Braunton Parish Hall from 10 am. Any gardeners who have an excess of plants, cuttings etc, we would welcome them. Deliveries can be brought to the hall on the day.

BRAUNTON PARKINSON’S CAFE

Second Monday of the month at the Vivian Moon Centre, Chaloners Road, Braunton, EX33 2ES - 10.30 -12noon. A Parkinson’s Cafe is specifically for people with Parkinson’s, their partners, carers, family and friends to meet together for a cuppa and a chat in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. It is organised by volunteers from Parkinson’s UK and the Rotary Club of Braunton Caen. Please join us for a chat and the opportunity to make new friends. Contact Sarah on 01271 816150 or just turn up.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF BRAUNTON CAEN MEMORY CAFÉ

Last Wednesday of the month at the Vivian Moon Centre, Chaloners Road, Braunton, EX33 2ES 2-4pm

A memory café is a friendly and informal café with a warm Rotary welcome in a relaxed atmosphere, for people with memory problems. Please come and join us for a chat, fun and refreshments, as well as making new friends. It is free of charge. Just turn up or contact Geoff on 01271 815377.

EX33 - 07561 890 588

mag@ex33.co.uk - www.ex33.co.uk

07360 543323

Lambing Season. Follow the Countryside code.

We are well into lambing season and like at any time of the year we ask that care and attention is taken controlling your dog in and around areas with sheep as well as other farm animals.

Dogs by nature may want to play or chase livestock which may unwittingly cause harm. Dog attacks on livestock are costing an estimated £1.6m a year.

Please be aware sheep worrying is an offence. It is legal for landowners to shoot dogs to protect their livestock, providing there was no other way of stopping the dog worrying their animals and they report the killing to the police within 48 hours. Livestock also includes domestic fowl, geese, or ducks.

Wherever you are, clean up after your dog. Did you know that dog poo can spread disease to farm animals? It’s important to clean up after your dog wherever you are – just bag it and bin it.

For more information visit www.countrysideonline.co.uk/care-for-thecountryside/dog-walking

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team, Chaloner's road, Braunton. EX33 2ES

Telephone: 101. Ext 300001

Email: Andy.Frisby@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

PCSO ANDY FRISBY POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER

BRAUNTON VILLAGE

COMPUTER REPAIRS

No Fix, No Fee. Repairs from £40. New PC’s set-up. Wireless problems solved. Networking issues. Virus removal specialist. Documents rescued. Free friendly advice Business Services to Domain Level Call Nick Burnell

07789 718799

www.exmoorcomputerservices.co.uk

DEVON VETERANS CAN NOW APPLY FOR LIFE-CHANGING MOBILITY SUPPORT

Devon veterans with mobility issues attributable to their service are now able to apply for support from the reinstated Veterans’ Mobility Fund (VMF).

Administration of the life-changing fund was awarded to Help for Heroes and Blesma by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund in September, 2023.

The VMF is a central fund, awarded by the OVA, to support veterans with physical disabilities through grants to enable them to access mobility equipment that improves their quality of life.

It is believed there are more than 65,000* veterans in Devon – one of the highest proportions in the country – some of whom may be entitled to grants from the VMF, which will remain open for five years.

Eligible veterans will, ordinarily, be in receipt of a War Pension or an award from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

James Needham, Help for Heroes’ CEO, said: “This fund will make a vital difference to the lives of those injured during military service and we are pleased the Government has recognised the mobility challenges some injured veterans face.

“Since the previous fund closed in 2021, Help for Heroes has spent more than £400,000 of charitable money supporting veterans with mobility grants. Now, with the fund’s reinstatement, more injured veterans will have access to life-changing mobility support.”

Vivienne Buck CBE, Blesma’s CEO, added: “The Veterans’ Mobility Fund provides critical support to our limbless Members injured during service. The provision of specialist mobility support, equipment and medical care is essential to enable our veterans to live independent and fulfilling lives.

“It is, therefore, a welcome return of this fund, to continue to support our limbless members throughout their lives, and to assist them to adapt immediately after injury, or as equipment and technology develops and changes the way they live their lives.”

Veterans' Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer said: “We have made great strides in supporting veteran healthcare and recovery, and the opening of the OVA-backed Veterans’ Mobility Fund is an important step in improving the lives of veterans across the UK.

“This fund will support veterans with physical disabilities to access mobility equipment that will improve their quality of life and will complement Government and third-sector health services across the UK.”

Eligible veterans can apply for life-changing grants or equipment to help with their mobility needs, from 12 March, 2024.

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The Charity helps veteran families to recover and get on with their lives.

Blesma, the Limbless Veterans charity, was formed in 1932 and supports veterans who have lost limbs or the use of limbs.

Further information about the application process can be found at helpforheroes.org.uk/ veteransmobilityfund. For other needs visit helpforheroes.org.uk or blesma.org.

Social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

THE BRAUNTON EXPRESS

Increase in Parish Council Precept

After lengthy discussions Braunton Parish Councillors have taken the decision to increase the precept for 2024/25 to £251,690 from its current level of £190,875. A Band D household in Braunton currently pays £2,258.49 in Council tax, of which £61.75 comes to the Parish Council. This increase will mean that the Band D property contribution to the Parish Council will rise to £80.98 per annum. This equatestoanincreaseof£19.23perannumor36penceperweek.

The main reason for this increase is because the Parish Council have saved the only public conveniences in Braunton from closure by agreeing to take on the assetandservicefromNorthDevonCouncil.

Public conveniences are an essential service for everyone particularly children, the elderly and people with health issues. Of course they are also crucial for visitors to our village. Although some of us may never use them in Braunton, we will have all taken advantage of services availablefreeelsewhere.

This increase in the precept will also enable us to continue supporting local community groups. Providing £7,500 in grants to these community groups which allows them to carry on their good work. The Council is also continuing to invest in the maintenance and protection of community assets, including providing new playequipmentinourparks.

Mobile Bank Closure

We have recently heard that Lloyds will no longer be offering a Mobile Branch service to its customers depthreview.

TheLloydsvehicle,whichvisits Braunton’sCaenStreet car park every fortnight, is making its final stop in BrauntononFriday24May2024. Sadly,afterthatdate the nearest Lloyds branch will be Cross Street in Barnstaple. ThePostOfficeonChalonersRoadwillbe the nearest location to access a selection of banking serviceswiththenearestcashpointattheCo-operative

ThePostOfficeofferscashwithdrawals,balancechecks, billpaymentsandpayingincashandcheques.

Annual Car Park Permits

Permits are available to purchase for the Caen Street Overflow car park from the Council office (situated next to the Parish Hall). The annual cost is £240 and run from 1 April to 31 March but can be bought at anytime throughout the year (at a pro rata rate).

There has been no price increase this year and the cost remains excellent value - equivalent to £20 per month or 66p per day.

Please see our website for details or visit the Parish Council office(detailsbelow).

We need affordable homes for rent for Braunton people. Come to Braunton Community Land Trust’s meeting in the Parish Hall on Saturday 6th of April at 11am andfindoutmore.

Braunton Parish Council

Clerk’s Office

Chaloners Road

Braunton

Devon, EX33 2ES

Phone: 01271 812131

Email: info@brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Web: www.brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Facebook.com/BrauntonParishCouncil

Twitter: @brauntonparish

Hours: 09.00 - 12.00 Monday - Friday

Tracey Lovell, Clerk to the Council

Angela Corner, Senior Council Officer

Julie Spain, Admin Assistant

Meeting Calendar 2024

Full Council meetings are now being held back in the Council Chamber and additional meetings, to primarily consider planning applications, are being held virtually.

Full Council Meeting, 7pm Tuesday 9 April 2024

Additional Council Meeting, 7pm Wednesday 10 April 2024

Additional Council Meeting, 7pm Monday 22 April 2024

Jake is a fantastic eight-year-old Beagle cross looking for a forever home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Rehoming Centre.

He recently spent some time in a foster home on our Home from Home Scheme and was described as ‘very relaxed and calm in the home.’ and ‘a bundle of love and enthusiasm.’ Jake enjoys trips out in the car to the beach and local woodlands.

He likes to run alongside you and have a splash around in the puddles. Jake is happy to join you in your local café for a coffee stop. He is instantly friendly with new people and enjoys a fuss. Jake is social with most dogs, and he can bark at others, he does not mind them joining him out on a walk.

Jake loves treats and he has a skill set of ‘sit’, ‘paw’, responds to his name, ‘leave’, and ‘come’. Jake is already housetrained.

Jake could share his home with children as young as eleven. He could possibly share his home with a calm dog. He is looking for a home without cats or small furries, and he has been okay to walk on his lead around sheep and horses.

To set Jake up for success the time he is left alone in the home will need to be built up gradually. Experience of the breed would be ideal but not necessary.

If you think you could give Jake the loving home that he deserves please take a look at his profile on Dogs Trust’s website www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to begin the virtual adoption process.

Upvc windows, Doors & conservatories

High Security multi-locking systems

Replace your old conservatory roof with active blue glass and save on noise reduction and heat loss

Optional 10 year insurance backed guarantee Helpful

Jake the Beagle looking for forever home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe

Ample Beachside Parking

Season and Winter Tickets available

Available for Locals and Regular Users

Rob: 01271 890121 - 07774 887952

Tony: 01271 890327 - 07810 127342

Baking Ingredients

Once you find all the words, use the unused letters starting in the top left corner to reveal the hidden message.

February’s answer was:

‘Hobbies are great distractions from the worries and troubles that plague daily living’ - Bill Malone

Cats of the MonthMartha & Mothra

Pretty Mothra and her best friend Martha though not related have lived together for all of their seven years, and come as a lovely duo. They get on so well that they will often share an igloo. Mothra is the more thoughtful of the two, sitting back and weighing up a situation until she's happy it's safe. Once she does, she happily joins in the games with her smaller friend. Like Martha, she is a sweet natured girl who always gives her fosterers a friendly greeting and who loves a bit of fuss. She enjoys being talked to and given the chance will make her way onto your lap.

Like her friend Martha, she has spent the last few years as a virtual house cat with very little access to the great outdoors. However, they do both clearly enjoy watching the outside world and would love a taste of freedom. As there is no reason either of them needs to be kept indoors a home in a quiet area with access to a safe outdoor space away from traffic would be ideal for them both. They have lived with children but not dogs or any other cats. Could you give lovely Mothra and her friend Martha a fresh start in a new home? We're sure they will return your love with interest.

For further information please contact:

T: 03453714203

E: barnstaplecats@hotmail.com

W: www.cats.org.uk/barnstaple

F: barnstaplecatsprotection

Reg charity; 203644 (England & Wales) SC037711 (Scotland)

For more details on any club or event please ring the relevant number

Dance / Fitness / Diet Classes:

Dancing Feet Academy of Dance - 816213

Salsa & Flamenco Dance Lessons with Mercedes - 269146

Kendra Pilates with Rachael - 07904 219085

Yoga with Jules - 07813 874121

Yoga with Simone - 07860 604698

Karen’s Dance/Fitness - 07765 603558

Cardio Kick! - 07876 406077

Toddler Groups:

South Street Baby Group - 07776 261541

South Street Toddler Group - 07776 261541

Noisy Nippers @ South Street - 07776 261541

St Brannock’s Babies & Toddler Group - 07980 915660

Paratroopers Fitness for 3 - 5 yr olds with Laura - 07775 182391

Tag Rugby for Years 2, 3 and 4 with Laura - 07775 182391

Chatty Paces Running Group - Start at the Athletics Track - 07980 342144

Braunton Belly dance Club - 325793

Hypno Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth with Kristina - 07907508624

Women's Meditation and Relaxation Circle with Kristina - 07907508624

Paula Harrison Yoga - yoga@paulaharrison.eco - 07917 365318

Private/group yoga and somatic movement classes - 07738014383

Clubs:

The Saturday SOB Club (SOB = Short of Breath) - 890217

Braunton Original Badminton Club - 374419 or 890185

Braunton Bridge Club - 07734 219859 www.bridgewebs.com/braunton

Braunton Camera Club - Meet on Monday evenings contact Chairpersons 07812753361/01271883306

The Village Quilters (4th Saturday) - 813460

Vivian Moon Community Centre Coffee Morning - 815924

Rotary Club of Braunton Caen. www.brauntoncaenrotary.co.uk

Rotary Club of Braunton - www.brauntonrotary.org

Empathy - need some company - See www.brauntonchurch.org

Air Cadets 722 Chivenor Squadron - 07920 091557

Aikido Club - 01769 560605 or 861243

Braunton Army Cadets - 07970 082963

Croyde Surf Lifesaving Club - 890101

Croyde Surf Club www.croydesurfclub.com

Braunton Karate Club - 07736 936738 unionkaratedo.com

Braunton Art Group - 07909 753846

Georgeham and Croyde Art Group - 890215

Braunton Twinning Organisation - 549828/814532

Braunton Tennis Clubwww.clubspark.lta.org.uk/brauntontennisclub

Georgeham and Croyde Garden Club - 07989841432

Natural Dog Club monthly meeting - 01271 624602 (2nd Wednesday of every month)

Fireball Beach Volleyball - 07583738712 www.fireballbeachvolleyball.com

Church Services (Sundays unless stated)

Beaver Colony - 816780

Scouts (1st Chivenor) - 07826385553

Braunton Sea Scouts - 871374

Braunton Rainbows - 816340

Braunton Brownies - 816340

Braunton Guides - 816340

Cub Scouts (1st Chivenor) - 07826385553

Beaver Scouts (1st Chivenor) - 07826385553

Braunton Caen Rotary Memory Café (last Wed 2-4pm) - Stan 816340

Braunton Lodge of Freemasons - 812651

See Hear Centre, Barnstaple - 01271 373236

Braunton Bowling Clubwww.brauntonbowlingclub.co.uk - 812121

Braunton BMX Club - www.brauntonbmxclub.org.uk

Braunton Youth Club - www.brauntonyouthclub.co.uk

South Street Evangelical Church. (currently meeting at Christ Church) 4pm. Tel: 07879 773085

Coastal Community Church - Tel: 813515

(Currently meeting at Sticklepath Primary School, Barnstaple at 10.30am) Life GroupThursdays at 10.30am in Braunton. www.coastalcommunitychurch.org.uk

Christ Church Braunton. 10.30am, Wednesday 10.30am. Tel: 07775 804439

Our Lady Star of the Sea at Ilfracombe is now the mother church of the parish. For information please phone 01271 863563

St Brannocks C of E Church (Braunton). 9.45am, Wednesday 10am. Tel: 813367

St Augustine's (Heanton). 11am. Tel: 815795

St Anne’s C of E Church (Saunton). 11am. Tel: 813367

St Marys C of E (Croyde). 9am. Tel: 890616

Croyde Baptist Church. 11am. Tel: 813395

St Georges C of E (Georgeham). 10.30am. Tel: 890616

Christian Science Society Barnstaple 11am Wed 6.15pm Tel: 323741 www.christiansciencenorthdevon.co.uk