perience - North Devon Legendary Grand Tour 2025 - pages 16/17
the boys n t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21
plained - North Devon Model Show - page 22
plained - Graham Bell - page 28
The Braunton press - pages 32/33
perience - Black and White Gala - page 35
perience - St Brannock’s Duck Race - page 37
perience - Dominic Chapman’s Jam Doughnuts - page 38
The Dog N t Door - Lexi - page 41
Kids Page - page 42
plained - Greenfingers… The Alan Titchmarsh Column - page 44
plained - For your eyes only - page 48
plained - Phone a Friend - page 50
plained - Van with a plan - page 53
plained - Sea Goals - page 54
perience - The National Trust - page 56
perpl Just for Fun - page 59
The Cats n t door - TJ - page 60
perience - What’s On - page 61 ind of Advertisers - page 62
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, 1st Tuesday of the month. Next meeting 5th August at 10.00am. This month we are having a coffee morning, come along and have a chat with fellow members over coffee or tea. There will also be short talks from SOS, and N.D. Hospice. Entry £2 includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. Members only, new members welcome, sign up on the day.
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 Thursdays 9.30-11am Stay & Play
Fridays 11.15 Mini Readers, Term time only.
1st Friday of the month Art Box 3.30-4.30. £1 Saturdays Playmobil 10.15-Midday for 4 year Olds plus Reading Groups please ask for details. New Summer Reading Challenge called The Summer Book Quest for Children 5-12yrs. Also we will be running a deep sea challenge picture hunt around the library, plus lots of other activities during the summer. 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 01271812808
CHRIST CHURCH, BRAUNTON
Saturday August 2nd - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Living Water Adopt a Child. 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
Starting from Monday 21st July for the summer holidays, we will be open 10 to 4pm Monday to Friday. We are also open on a Saturday morning every other Saturday when the village craft market is on outside the Countryside Centre. We look forward to seeing visitors and locals alike. It is a free museum but donations obviously very welcome to help run the museum.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello everyone, hope you are all enjoying the summer months. During August we don't have any functions coming up as we are taking a rest for a few weeks. We would still like to say if there is anyone who has a few spare hours a month who would like to join us as a volunteer at functions or even join our committee, you would be most welcome. We are a small friendly group of ladies who love to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
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.
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Walks in August
These are the walks planned in August. Everyone is welcome to join us on a walk before deciding whether you would like to join the North Devon Ramblers.
Time-Out Tuesday Walks will be continuing with 5th August starting from Barnstaple Clock Tower at 6.30, 12th August starting from Bideford Victoria Park at 6.30 and the 19th August, which is the last one, from the Clock Tower in Barnstaple. All are welcome, dogs included!
Saturday 2nd August- Brown Willy Circular (Bodmin Moor). Meet at Rough Tor Car Park at 10.30. for a 9.5 mile circular moderate walk with some steep ascents. Please note that this walk is limited to 10 places- you will need to book in advance with Vanessa.
Wednesday 6th August- A Wander round St Giles in the Wood. Meet at 10.30 for a leisurely 7.5 mile circular walk starting at the car park behind the church and next to the parish hall. Follow footpaths, tracks, woods and lanes.
Sunday 10th August- Dartmoor Delights, starting at Bellever Forest Car Park at 10.30, this 8 mile moderate walk enjoys the delights of Dartmoor!
Wednesday 13th August- Amble around Brownsham, starting at 10.30. from Brownsham National Trust car park, this 7 mile moderate walk follows woodland paths and the SW coast path.
Sunday 17th August- Explore rural mid-Devon from Dolton village hall car park. Starting at 10.30, this 8 mile moderate walk will pass Dowland and Westlake to Halsdon Nature Reserve.
Wednesday 20th August- Molland and Molland Common. Meet at Molland Church car park at 10.30 for a 7m moderate walk with the opportunity to visit the church and the pub, if open!
Saturday 23rd August- Grand Western Canal Old and New. Meet at Lowdells Lock car park for a 10.5 leisurely walk taking in different parts of the canal. Lift- sharing as there is limited parking.
Wednesday 24th August- Arlington in Summer. A 6.5 mile leisurely stroll around the grounds starting from the National Trust car park at 10.30.
Sunday 31st August- Down around Boscastle. Meet at 10.30 at a layby near Newton Farm on the B 3263 for a 9-mile moderate walk on the coast path and inland- some steep ascents and narrow paths, walking poles advised.
As usual, further details can be found on our website northdevonramblers.org.uk
Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job?
* Extra Lights *Additional Sockets * Qualified Electrician
* New Fuse Boards * Fully Insured
* Rewires * New Installations * Reliable Service * Tidy Work
I will assure you of a quick response and a reasonably priced service! Call Alan on: 01271 268513/07977 507433 or email: info@cornerwayselectrical.co.uk
North Devon Legendary Grand Tour Itinerary 2025
Please note the new starting point for the Saturday Night cruise and the beginning of North Devon's famous Mini Weekend. All times Approximate
Saturday 23rd August
5-30 pm The Saturday night cruise. Meet at the end of the Tip Road on Northam Burrows and not our regular entrance NOT BEFORE 5-30 or they might charge you to get in. There will be a signpost.
6-30 pm Depart the Burrows. Westward Ho! Northam, Appledore and Irsha Street passed our new Campsite back to Westward Ho. There are Toilets on the Burrows somewhere, but not sure if they will be open.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : NO HORNS OR ANY FORM OF SIMILAR LOUD NOISES, INCLUDING AIR HORNS, AS WE LEAVE THE BURROWS UNTIL WE ARE BACK ON THE MAIN ROAD. THIS IS TO MAKE SURE WE CAUSE LIVESTOCK AS LITTLE DISTRESS AS POSSIBLE.
Drivers Briefing
7-30 am Westward Ho! Prom is open for parking. Toilets
11-00 am Rock & Roll We leave Westward Ho! up Stanwell Hill Abbotsham roundabout.'
12-00 am Arrive at Hartland Quay. Toilets & Lunch.
3-30 pm Depart Dartington for home going via the two big dippers.
7-30 am Victoria Park Opens
11-00 am Rock & Roll we're off. Along the Quay and over the old bridge towards Instow
11-40 am Turn off the road by Fremington shops and through Housing Estate.
Arrive at Little Bridge House and go round the roundabout the wrong way.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: AS WE APPROACH THE GOLF COURSE ROAD (WHERE WE STOP TO REGROUP) NO HORNS ARE TO BE USED ALONG THIS STRETCH OF ROAD. THIS NOTICE WILL BE REMINDED DURING THE TALK AT BIDEFORD PARK.
12-05 pm Portmore Golf Course Road wait and regroup
12-55 pm Cross Bridge over A361
1-20 pm Bratton Fleming
1-30 pm Blackmore Gate. There are toilets in the parking area, but we do not stop.
1-45 pm Barbrook
1-55 pm Lynton
2-00 pm Arrive at the Valley of the Rocks.
2-50 pm Depart Car Park SHARP.
3-10 pm Hunters Inn
3-30 pm Arrive in Combe Martin
4-00 pm Arrive in Ilfracombe but sadly we cannot park as Ilfracombe Council have allowed the funfair back onto the space we would normally use. This makes it impossible to stop.
Our local schools deserve so much praise for banning smartphones in school from September. Reducing phone use has been shown reduce developmental and mental harm to our children and giving them an environment where they can feel safer, connect with their peers and educators, and learn. Schools that have previously banned phones have shown that their students suffer less anxiety and are less likely to be dependant on screentime outside of school.
Having seen evidence from schools where a smartphone ban has already been imposed, it’s incredible to see children eschewing social media algorithms, and instead getting back to communicating in the way humans have done for thousands of years, through play and laughter.
A great thing about being a councillor is being able to take the very best of Braunton Rural to a wider audience. This September, I’ll be using the evidence and practice that Braunton parents and teachers have put together to bring a motion to the County Council that replicates what's been achieved here in Braunton. It’s vital to consider how this will impact our young people and what consideration will need to be made for children with additional needs or health concerns. However, If I can persuade 59 council colleagues to support this motion, we will be the largest education authority in the UK to ban smartphones on school grounds.
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.
Dogs in the Recreation Ground Consultation
There have been some strong opinions from residents regarding dogs being off the lead in the Recreation Ground. The signs ask owners to keep dogs on the lead and stick to the footpath as well as obviously picking up dog mess.
We are carrying out a consultation to decide whether dogs should be allowed or not. The issues are:
a) People avoiding using the recreation ground due to loose dogs as they are scaredofdogs
b) Concerns regarding the safety of dog mess residue and the risks of the parasite Toxocara canis which can lead to blindness.
c)Steppingindogmessleftontherec
d) Dogs disturbing games and other users oftherec.
We obviously want to do what is best for the community as a whole.
i) YES Ban dogs outright (Enforceable) ii) NO continue to allow dogs to be walked through the recreation ground on a lead.
Please pop in to the office or email us at info@brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk answering the above with your views. Alternatively you can collect a form from the Parish Council Office, library or Tops n Tails pet shop. We will also be posting on social media.
It is to be noted that if the Council decide continue dogs to be walked on a lead in the rec, the Council may still consider a ban in the future if people continue to ignore the signage.
Thank you.
Meetings Calendar 2025
Full Council meetings are held in the 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 6th September 2025.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 12th August 2025
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 26th August 2025
Parish Hall, 10.30am Saturday 6th September
Domestic plumbing and bathrooms
Gas safe registered
Boiler installation and servicing
Landlords gas safety certificates
Fully insured
Free no obligation quotations
No call out charge
Free friendly advice and estimates
Call the plumber with a good bathside manner!
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Lexi is a four-year-old Lurcher looking for a home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Rehoming Centre.
Lexi is currently living off-site in a foster home while she waits to find her forever home. She has been doing really well, and enjoys spending time with her foster carers who work from home. She thrives on human company, is affectionate, and gives the best snuggles.
Her favourite activities include taking naps on the sofa, going on long walks and sunbathing in the garden. She has more energy than your average Lurcher, and loves to do zoomies in a safe, secure area, so a home with a fenced garden would be ideal.
Lexi enjoys playing in water; she likes to splash about in a paddling pool and take dips in the lake. Her foster carers live in a rural area, and she has been enjoying her quiet walks in the countryside. Lexi is able to pass other dogs at a comfortable distance, but she chooses not to interact with them. She is happy to travel in the car, and with her foster carers she has been enjoying visiting new locations including stopping off at a quiet pub garden.
Lexi is looking for a home with adults where someone is around for the majority of the time. She will need to be the only pet in the home, but she is happy to welcome visitors. She is housetrained, happy to travel in the car, and does well with rural walks.
For more information about Ru and the other dogs looking for their forever homes, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe.
Fun-loving Lurcher Lexi Looking for Forever Home
JUST FOR FUN
HIDDEN MESSAGE Languages
June’s answer was:
Some call it the middle of nowhere, we call it the centre of everything - Unknown
TJ, the boy with the golden eyes… 2 year old orange puss with orange orbs… that’ll probably be from his dad, a Bengal. Super friendly boy, adores cuddles, good with children and other cats (alas he is scared of dogs). Would well suit a family home complete with garden. If you “like a ginger” then TJ is your boy! He is microchipped, neutered, vaccinated (booster is covered) and is up to date with flea and worm treatments.
For further information please contact; T; 0345 3714203 E; barnstaplecats@hotmail.com W; www.cats.org.uk/barnstaple f; barnstaplecatsprotection
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
