Five reasons to give a retirement home to an OAP (Old Age Pooch)

The team at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is reminding those considering adding a four-legged friend to their family that giving an older dog a home is just as rewarding as having a young pup, with older and wiser dogs having lots to offer.

• Older dogs do not need as much exercise as puppies do, but still enjoy frequent shorter walks – perfect for those who like to get some fresh air but going on an hour-long hike is not for them.

• OAPs (Older Age Pooches) tend to be fully house trained and experts at basic commands, saving time and energy needed when training a puppy.

• Golden oldies tend to enjoy snoozing, making them the perfect afternoon napping partner or to have them snuggle by your feet while you are working from home.

• Dogs are great companions at all ages but with an older dog, what you see is what you get – there should not be any surprises.

• It is a win-win for the dog and their owner“Not only can adopters of older dogs enjoy all the wonderful moments their canine companion brings, knowing that they have given a senior dog a peaceful and loving home for their later years is a heart-warming feeling which can’t be matched”, says Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Manager, Elise Watson.

Dogs Trust Ilfracombe currently has several great golden oldies who are looking for retirement homes where they can put their paws up, here is a little information on three of them:

Dash is a nine-year-old Greyhound with a sensitive side. A little unsure when making friends with new people, he prefers a gentle approach without too much pressure. Dash’s dream home would be in the countryside, nice and peaceful, away from traffic, with limited noise and with a nice secure, enclosed garden. He fits the definition of a couch potato well, as he loves to either stretch out or curl up on a comfortable dog bed, human bed, or sofa. He is a gentle, sensitive soul and food is the way to his heart. He has a big love of chicken, cheese, and hot dog sausage, and this is the start of a great friendship. He would like calm walking canine friends but would like to be the only pet in the home.

George is a collie cross who has had a difficult start to life. He is also nine years old and would like to be the only dog in the home. Although he had never previously lived in a home, he has settled well into foster - he is house trained, travels well in the car and can live with children aged 11+. He would be a great companion for anyone looking to have a dog with them most of the time be it in the home or out and about. He is happy to walk in areas where there are other dogs but has no interest in playing or interacting with them.

Zac is the smallest of the oldies club. At 10 years old, do not let his age fool you, he can happily walk for miles. He adores his human friends and comes around very quickly for making new human friends. He finds it a little harder to make canine friends as he is unsure what to do when he meets them, so barks. His foster carers said, "Zac is a sweet, energetic little boy who enjoys a gentle body massage, and a scratch all over.' In his foster home, his favourite spot was on the sofa, or relaxing in the sun in the garden. He was excited to meet and greet any visitors to the home, then settled, and then enjoyed a fuss. He is housetrained and happy with car travel.

If you think you could offer any of these adorable golden oldies a home where they can spend their twilight years, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ rehoming

The Sports & Activities Directory is almost finished and we hope to send it to the printers by the end of July or early August. Progress has been delayed whilst Monica has chased up entries, however she is almost there and we are looking forward to seeing it in print and more importantly getting it out to the people who need it.

We held our first Youth Forum on the 3rd July at the Braunton Academy. There were 12 students, representing all ages and more importantly they shared some great ideas and visions. We have already secured funding to implement art taster sessions and will look at supporting & developing nature walks for young people, and we hope to work on some of the other ideas highlighted by the group. We are currently constructing a new youth section of support and information on our website, so young people are aware of what is available for them locally.

The free Baby Massage sessions with Early Nourishment have been a success, and I was lucky enough to be able to pop down to say hello, at the last session. The feedback was positive, and all felt it had been good to learn a new skill and to be able to have quality time with their babies. If anyone is interested in this course, contact support@livewellinbraunton.co.uk as we will be starting a waiting list and will try and secure further places.

The Wellbeing Walks are doing well, and we have extended the end time slightly (although not distance), as attendees are enjoying having the time to meet new people, share knowledge and enjoy the walks around the village.

A reminder the details are as follows:

Meeting point: Braunton Countryside Centre, in Caen Car Park Days &times: Every other Wednesday 10.30am-11.30/12pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early. (Times include pit stops and chances to take in the scenery). End time is dependent on the groups needs and abilities.

Followed by a free hot drink at The Braunton Countryside Centre.

Dates: 02nd August, 16th August, 30th August, 13th September, 27th September and fortnightly thereafter.

COMING SOON: Community Garden

Live Well in Braunton are currently looking to collaborate with local people & groups to develop a Community Garden. We already have a small list of interested parties but would welcome anyone who would live to assist to get this project off the ground. The vison is to have a safe green space that people can enjoy and give individuals/groups an opportunity to try out some gardening. The project is in the early developmental stage, but if you think you could help contact: connect@livewellinbraunton.co.uk

All Wooden Fencing Undertaken Gates and Decking

August 2023

Grants for Village Centre Businesses to Enhance Premises

Existing independent town centre businesses in North Devon (including Braunton) are to be given a boost as a scheme that will award small grants for improving shop fronts or other potential enhancement projects has been launched.

The aim of the Town Centre Enhancement Scheme is to encourage businesses to upgrade, repair and refurbish shopfronts in North Devon’s town centres in order to emphasise the individuality of the business premises and, where appropriate, the historic character of the town centres.

This is a capital grants scheme based on the award to North Devon Council within the UK Shared Prosperity fund investment plan for 2022/2024 within the ‘improvements to town centres and high streets’ strand. The council will contribute up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with businesses expected to match the council’s contribution. The maximum grant available is £2000 or 50% of eligible project costs, whichever is the lower amount. The grant is ideal for supporting small repair or improvement projects such as fascia repairs, signage, painting and decorating, guttering, lighting and more.

We welcome grant applications from small or micro businesses and all charities and social enterprises. Retail, cafés, restaurants, pubs, financial/professional services, tourism and leisure businesses are all eligible for this grant, and other cases will be considered on their merits.

There is an open-application approach with no set deadlines throughout the year, meaning applications will be determined on their own eligibility and merit on a first-come, first-served basis. Buildings eligible for grant assistance from the council are commercial buildings that are situated within the sub-regional centre of Barnstaple or one of the following areas within North Devon: Braunton, Ilfracombe, Lynton & Lynmouth, Combe Martin and South Molton.

The decision as to whether any works proposed are eligible for a grant will be at the sole discretion of North Devon Council. Interested businesses can apply on North Devon Council’s website.