Ex perience - Alison Hammond’s Banana Bread - page 13
Ex plained - Braunton Community Forum - page 16
the boys nEx t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21
Ex plained - Awesome April - page 24
Ex plained - Graham Bell Page - page 28
The Braunton Ex press - pages 32/33
Ex plained - Braunton Academy - Student Showcase - page 37
Ex plained - Greenfingers The Alan Titchmarsh Column - page 39
Ex perience - Stay and Play - Caen Primary School - page 40
The Dog Nex t Door - Munchkin - page 41
Ex plained - Dogs Trust Foster Carers - page 43
Ex plained - A Design For Life The Kevin McCloud Column - page 44
Ex perience - National Trust - page 48
Ex perience - Kids Page - page 49
Ex perience - Braunton Bowling Club - page 50
Ex plained - A World of Words - page 53
Ex plained - North Devon Ramblers - page 54/55
Ex plained - Racing Towards Retirement? - page 56 perplEX Just for Fun - page 59
The Cats nex t door - Ambrose - page 60
EXperience - What’s On - page 61
indEX of Advertisers - page 62
The Braunton Community Page
BRAUNTON & DISTRICT U3A
Monthly meetings in the Parrish Hall, 1st Tuesday of the month.
Next meeting is Tuesday April 7th. The Speaker this month is Graham Fairlie from The National Trust Arlington Court. Entry £2 includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. Members only, new members welcome, sign up on the day. For more information on U3A activities check the Braunton U3A website.
BRAUNTON LIBRARY
Mondays 11.15-12.00 Stay & Play.
Every other Monday Crochet & coffee 2-4pm, enquire in library for details. Creative Writing second Wednesday of the month 1-3pm. £2. Wednesday’s Stay & Play 11.15-12.30. Thursdays 9.30-11am Stay & Play.
Fridays Crafts & a cuppa 2.30-4pm £2. Fridays 11.15 Mini Readers, Term time only. Saturdays Playmobil 10.15-Midday for 4 year Olds plus. Reading Groups please ask for details. Pebble painting for adults, ask in Library for details.
Volunteers required to help with Library Extra opening, 2 hours a month would make a difference. Other activities and events are all advertised on our Facebook page and website.
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
BRAUNTON COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE
Open 10am-4pm every day except Sunday, come in and learn about local flora & fauna. Lots to keep children, and adults interested. Entry is free, but a small donation is always welcome.
CHRIST CHURCH, BRAUNTON
Saturday 7th April - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Amos Trust. www.amostrust.org. Everyone welcome. Home made cakes, raffle, books and more. Community Café meets every Thursday at Christ Church 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
We welcome all our regular visitors and hope to see anyone on holiday in the area, you will be made very welcome to our new look and very clean museum (thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time whilst the museum was closed). We also welcome our new volunteers who will enable our Museum to remain open and hopefully for longer hours each week. Please come and meet everyone and browse the Museum at the same time. There are always new exhibitions going on and with the reopening we have a sale table with plenty of bargains. And of course not forgetting our popular model railway. See you soon.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello everyone, hope you are all well and enjoying spring after a long few months of winter. This month is very exciting as it's that time again when we offer and deliver cream teas to businesses and shops around Braunton. Our delivery date is16th April, so if you see any of us fundraisers round and about Braunton say Hello to us. I will mention to you all again, if anyone out there would like to join our committee or just being a helper for Cancer Research UK please contact Jackie our chair lady on 01271 814475. We are a friendly group of ladies who would love to welcome new people. Bye for now.
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.
The Herbert Protocol is a process to help the police in their search for people with dementia who go missing.
When a person goes missing, it is very distressing for family and friends and can be even more worrying when the missing person has dementia. Local police are encouraging carers and family members of people with dementia to use the Herbert Protocol scheme. By completing the Herbert Protocol form and building a profile of the person with dementia when they are safe, it will give the carer or loved one peace of mind and speed up the police search. Keeping a completed form means you don’t have to try to remember the information when you are under stress if someone goes missing. It saves time so we can start the search sooner. It may include information such as places where they used to live or places where they socialised, worked, or visited. You can fill in this form on your computer or print it out and fill it in by hand. Keep it somewhere safe where you can easily find it if the person goes missing. You could give a copy to friends, family, and neighbours. You only need to give it to the police if the person goes missing. The police will ask you extra questions about what happened around the time of the disappearance such as what the missing person was wearing.
The initiative is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings who lived with dementia. He died whilst ‘missing’, trying to find his childhood home.
If you believe a person has gone missing and are concerned for their safety complete the ‘missing now’ section of the form. Call the police on 999 and tell the police operator that you have a Herbert Protocol. For more information visit www.dc.police.uk/missingherbert/
Braunton
Telephone: 101
Email: Andy.Frisby@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
• Grass Cutting
• Hedges & Shrub Cutting
• Garden Clearance
• Regular Maintenance
• Turfing
• Feather Edge Fencing
• Pressure Washing
• Residential Maintenance
a FREE quote please call Roger 07799 373287 or email parkviewgardenservices@gmail.com
Road Safety & Café
I’ve stopped for a number of road accidents in my time as a nurse. The strangest case was an accident in North Cyprus where I was first on the scene and was trying to work on a victim while being the only person who didn’t speak Turkish.
That’s part of the reason that road safety along the A361 has been a major focus over my first eight months. Too many collisions, with too many people receiving serious injuries. A recent study showed that the A361 between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe had become one of the most dangerous roads in Devon, And, in many cases, speeding was a key factor in accidents. Successive MPs, councillors, and highways officers have worked to bring the Safer Roads Fund to enable a series of safety upgrades. Three of this year’s most noticeable changes are the improvements to the Heddon Mill junction, and also two speed enforcement cameras on the dual carriageway and in Knowle.
These locations have been highlighted as two of the places where speed enforcement is most needed to prevent the risk of serious injury. The highways team have refined the design of the Braunton parts of the A361 to ensure that we cut the risks to road users, and pedestrians.
We hope that these changes will prevent around five serious accidents over the next two decades. This is a brilliant project about safety, (not punishment). The Safer Roads Scheme is a big part of ensuring that tragic accidents are prevented wherever possible. Hannah and I were unfortunate enough to be in a fairly serious RTA in 2009,so it feels vital that we do all we can to reduce the risk that other people could go through the same.
South Street Café & Foodbank
In a totally separate, and much lighter update, Braunton’s weekly foodbank and café at South Street Church has had an incredible year! They have delivered a whopping 221 vouchers. Over 5,000kg of food and essential supplies to people who most need it in our community.
As well as a massive congratulations to the team at South Street Church who organise the deliveries and also the weekly lunchtime café for what has been a superb effort over the last year. It is an incredible operation, collecting donations from Tesco and other locations, storing them safely, and distributing them fairly, as well as organising a three-course meal for anyone who wants one. It is a fabulous effort made by an incredible team of volunteers.
Braunton Food Bank continues to support families who are facing short-term financial pressure. If you’re struggling at the moment, then contact me, or the South Street team, for advice. AND if you just want a great lunch on a Wednesday afternoon, then pop down between 12-1 and say hello.
Thank you so much.
Cllr Graham M Bell (rn)
Devon County Councillor: Braunton Rural North Devon District Council: Lead Councillor for Housing & Homelessness, District & Parish Councillor for Braunton East
Please note, as an RN, I frequently work nights and unusual shift patterns, therefore it might not be possible to respond to queries immediately. If a matter requires an urgent response, please call, message or WhatsApp on 07929159996.
THE BRAUNTON EXPRESS
Pay for your Parking Online with RingGo
Our Caen Street and Chaloners Road car parks are now accepting the highly rated RingGo app as an online payment option. The app is a convenient cashless method of paying for parking which allows you to extend your parking while out and about.
This is just one payment option and we still offer payment by cash or card giving greater flexibility. You can download the payment app from Ringgo.co.uk and set up your account.
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
Hours: 09:00 - 12:00 Monday - Friday
Tracey Lovell, Clerk to the Council
Angela Corner, Senior Council Officer
Julie Spain, Admin Assistant
When parking simply search ‘Braunton’ under location and make sure you choose the correct car park option i.e. Caen Street or Chaloners Road.
Annual parking permits are also available directly from the Council office for the overflow car park. They are £260 available now but commencing from 1st April. Please contact us at the address below.
Meetings Calendar 2026
FullCouncilmeetingsareheldinthe Council Chamber and additional meetings, to primarily consider planning applications, are held virtually.
The next Councillor Surgery will be held in the Parish Hall at 10.30am on Saturday 11 April 2026.
Council
7pm Tuesday 14th April 2026
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Exmoor Computer Services
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
Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Dog of the Month - Munchkin
Munchkin is a seven-year-old crossbreed currently at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe who is searching for her forever home.
At the moment, Munchkin is enjoying life in a temporary foster home off-site. Her foster carers say, “She is such a sweetie! She loves ear scratches from anyone and everyone.” She’s an affectionate girl who loves nothing more than snuggling up on the sofa and showing off her adorable, goofy personality.”
Munchkin enjoys long outdoor adventures and walks beautifully on her lead. When she sees other dogs out and about, she tends to be fairly indifferent to them. She also loves playtime, especially with squeaky toys and food puzzle toys. Munchkin is also very smart, and already knows some of her basic training, including sit, paw, and down.
She would love to find a calm, loving family to call her own. She could happily live with teenage children and would prefer to be the only dog in the home so she can soak up all the attention herself. She has previously lived with cats and may be able to share her home with a dog-savvy cat.
She is house-trained and settles beautifully into a home routine, particularly in a quieter environment. Munchkin is also comfortable being left alone for a few hours at a time.
If you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate companion who loves cuddles as much as adventures, Munchkin could be the perfect match.
If you think Munchkin might be the perfect match for you, please get in touch to find out more information.
Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe
North Devon Ramblers Walks Programme – April 2026
Please check our website northdevonramblers.org.uk for any changes to our programme.
All are welcome on our walks, please wear suitable clothing.
Wednesday 1st April
A ramble around Rackenford
A lovely 6.5 mile circular walk along lanes, paths and part of the Two Moors Way. No steep ascents or stiles.
Meet at The Lodge Rackenford.
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 2.30pm
Please book in advance by March 15th
Saturday 4th April
The Long and Short of it!
A 9 mile walk from Shirwell to Ashford and bus back to Barnstaple
Meet at Barnstaple Bus Station to catch 309.
Start Time: 9.30am
Estimated Finish: 3pm
Tuesday 7th April
Time out Tuesday- Bideford
A short 4 mile evening circular leisurely stroll to stretch the legs and enjoy a spring evening.
Meet at Tarka the Otter statue on the quay near the bridge.
Start time: 6pm
Estimated Finish: 8pm
Wednesday 8th April
Woody Bay and The Beacon
A circular 5.3 mile moderate walk along coast path and woodland. Meet at Woody Bay Area – Martinhoe
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3pm
Sunday 12th April
Bratton Fleming to Wistlandpound Reservoir
An 8 mile circular walk along old railway tracks lanes and farmland. Not suitable if stiles are a challenge.
Meet at Bratton Fleming village car park.
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3.30pm
Tuesday 14th April
Time Out Tuesday – Ilfracombe
A 4 mile circular leisurely stroll around Ilfracombe. Meet at the Jonathan Edwards mosaic on the Promenade
Start Time: 6pm
Estimated Finish: 8pm
Wednesday 15th April
Please check our website for any updates.
Thursday 16th April
A Thursday Chat, Stroll and Coffee
A 5.5 mile circular walk taking in Yeo Valley Woodland, St Johns Garden Centre for coffee and back to the Square
Meet at The Clock Tower, Barnstaple
Start Time: 10am
Estimated Finish: 2pm
Saturday 18th April
North Buckland and Georgeham
A moderate circular walk along lanes, tracks and fields. Expect mud!
Meet at Caen Street P&D car park, Braunton
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3.30pm
Tuesday 21st April
Time Out Tuesday- Braunton
A 4 mile circular stroll around Braunton.
Meet at Countryside Centre, Caen Street car park, Braunton
Start Time: 6pm
Estimated Finish: 8pm
Wednesday 22nd April
A Walk Around the Commons
A leisurely 5.5 mile circular walk around Torrington Commons and TT with lovely views on a clear day.
Meet at the Lower Car Park Torrington Common
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 2pm
Tuesday 28th April
Time Out Tuesday – Barnstaple
A 4 mile circular stroll around Barnstaple to enjoy the Spring evening
Meet at Barnstaple Railway Station
Start Time: 6pm
Estimated Finish: 8pm
Wednesday 29th April
Barna Barrow, Foreland and SWCP
A 6 mile circular walk along the SWCP TO Foreland and beyond, along fields and tracks.
Meet at Barna Barrow car park just off the A39
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3.30pm
HIDDEN MESSAGE Bodies of Water
Marchs' answer was:
“Almost every person, from childhood, has been touched by the untamed beauty of wildflowers.”
- Lady Bird Johnson
CAT OF THE MONTH
Ambrose is a beautiful 3-year-old sleek black male. He has a beautiful nature and loves attention and cuddles. He has been used to children 7yrs and above, but no babies please. He hasn't been around other cats or dogs so we're not sure how he would react. He's used to being outside so will eventually enjoy the outdoors once settled.
As always with CP cats, he has been Vet Checked, Vaccinated, and treated against fleas and worms. The standard adoption fee of £85 applies.
For further information please contact; T; 0345 371 4203
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
Yoga with Jules - 07813 874121
Yoga with Simone - 07860 604698
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
Chakra Dancing 07471 894200
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
Pilates, Yoga, Soundbaths and Over 60s sessions sue@sensegreaterpeace.co.uk
Clubs:
Braunton Original Badminton Club - 374419 or 890185
Braunton Art Group, meet on Thursdays at the Vivian Moon Centre at 1.30pm - 4pm. New members of all abilities are welcome. Tel: 07466 381 770 or email: oldhamstreamways@btintenet.com or just pop in and see us at work.
Braunton Bridge Club - 07734 219859 www.bridgewebs.com/braunton
Braunton Camera Club - Meet on Monday evenings contact Chairpersons 07812753361/01271883306
Braunton Judo Club - bjc@otani.co.uk
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
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
