The Braunton Community Page
BRAUNTON & DISTRICT U3A
Monthly meetings in the Parrish Hall, 1st Tuesday of the month
Next meeting is Tuesday December 2nd, the Speaker this month is Sally Smith her subject “ Magnificent woman and Flying Machines”
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 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. 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
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
At Christ Church Braunton we are doing a series of coffee mornings as we are going to launch the showing of our knitted Christmas tree. Everyone from the community has been involved in knitting green squares to make up the tree. Afterwards the squares are being stitched together to make blankets to be distributed. The coffee mornings on 29th November, 6th, 13th , 20th, 27th and 6th January - the proceeds are being shared between Childrens’ Hospice, the Wave Project, Penguin Sports Foundation , The Children’s Society and Ask for Jake.
THE BRAUNTON MUSEUM AND INFORMATION
Just to let you know the museum will be closed from Friday 19 December and will be closed the whole of January. We do not have a date for opening as yet but hopefully by January we will know when the museum will reopen.
Our Christmas Hamper Draw will be on Friday 12 December in the museum. We still have squares available at £1 a square, so try your luck to win a lovely hamper and other prizes. The charity Christmas cards are still for sale. The Museum closes on Friday 19 December and will be closed throughout January. The date for reopening to be notified at a later date. Many thanks for all your support during the year and we hope you have a lovely Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello everyone, the festivities are nearly here. Hope you are all looking forward to Christmas. This month we are having a stall at the Braunton Christmas market on 6th December in Caen car park. We are doing our ever popular chocolate tombola, so come along and say hello to us and help raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Merry Christmas to you all from the committee members of Braunton Fundraisers. Thankyou for your support.
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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The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team would like to wish all EX33 readers and their families a very happy Christmas and a safe and peaceful New Year!
Can we remind you in the build up to Christmas this can be a popular time for thieves to strike and spoil your celebrations. Please do not leave presents on show at home which can be clearly seen from a window especially when nobody is at home.
This also applies when out Christmas shopping. Theft from vehicles in Devon and Cornwall remains low but the opportunity for this type of crime traditionally rises during the lead up to Christmas. Lock your possessions safely in the boot of your vehicle if you are planning to revisit the shops.
A newly purchased item often with the receipt attached is a very attractive proposition for a passing criminal. Small simple actions that can prevent you from being a victim of crime.
PCSO ANDY
FRISBY POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER
BRAUNTON VILLAGE
Devon and Cornwall Police
Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team, Chaloner's road, Braunton. EX33 2ES
Telephone: 101
Email: Andy.Frisby@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
“It’s not like when I was a lad” is it? As a child I would regularly write to my MP, Roger Gale, and occasionally I’d get a beautifully handwritten note in response. Now, young people in Devon have their own council. I’ve been lucky to have a few meetings with the young people serving on the Devon Youth Council, and discussing their “Places to Go, Things to Do Youth Fund” that they created. I recently had the chance to speak on this on The Voice, it’s an incredible fund that provides small grants to young people and youth-led groups so they can set up activities, projects and opportunities across Devon. These young voices bring honesty, clarity and determination to the table. I very much hope that we will see many of these teenagers considering standing as part of the new Devon Unitary councils and committees so that they can bring their approach to our local politics. What stands out is not just what they say, but how they say it: confidently, constructively, and with a deep belief that their voices should shape the decisions being made about their futures.
They remind us that local government must never be something that happens to young people, young people must be properly represented in local decision-making so I remind them, and every parent of an idealistic teen, you can join your local councils from the age of 18!
After all, if the voices of the young aren’t at the table when decisions are made about where homes are built, where transport links are improved, or what facilities are developed, we miss vital insight. As councillors, we must do everything we can to welcome and encourage young candidates, dismantle barriers to participation, and create a culture where younger voices are genuinely influential.
This connects directly to the conversations I hear every week in Braunton, the surrounding villages and across northern Devon. One of the greatest challenges facing our young people is the simple, painful truth that many multigenerational families are being forced out of the village through a lack of local housing. Housing (as I imagine most people know) is my one biggest passion as a councillor. However, despite all we are doing; homelessness and housing insecurity remains a constant blight.
I want to be absolutely clear: no family should ever be forced out of the community they call home. No young person should feel that the only path to adulthood involves leaving behind their support networks, friends, schools and the people who shaped them. Our villages thrive when generations remain connected, when young adults can build their lives nearby, and when local employers can recruit local talent.
It’s time to realise that the most important part of our west country heritage is the Multi-generational family. People who are young-in-body and those who still feel young-at-heart working together in our councils to shape a future that includes us all.
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.
Christmas Events
Saturday 6th December
Braunton Christmas Market - Caen Street Car Park 12-8pm
Christmas Craft Market - Parish Hall 10am-4pm
Tuesday 9th December, 12-2pm
Free Christmas Meal - Braunton Parish Hall Benita Project
Saturday 20th December, 4pm (Everyone Welcome)
Village Community Carol Service - Caen Street Car Park
Christmas Parking in Caen St Car Park
th and 20th December 2025
Santa is Coming to Braunton!
(Subject to change and weather)
8th Saunton Park
9th Tesco to Barton Lane
11th The Landings, Chivenor Cross and Heanton Lea Gardens
12th Williams Arms
14th Tesco Braunton
15thAcland Park to Limetree Grove
16th Chivenor
18th Lower Park Road
19th Field Lane to Kingsacre
21st Tesco Braunton
Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
The Council offices will be closing on Tuesday 24 December 2025 at 12 noon and reopen Monday 5 January 2026 at 9am.
BRAUNTON Parish
council
Clerk’s Office
Chaloners Road
Braunton
Devon, EX33 2ES
Phone: 01271 812131
Parking for the Christmas Market
The Christmas Market will be taking place in Caen Street car park on Saturday 6th December. All cars will need to be removed from the car park by 6pm on Friday 5th December and there will be no parking available at Caen Street car park on Saturday 6th December. Alternative parking is available at Tesco, Chaloners Road and Caen Field but please walk or usepublictransportwherepossible.
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
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 14th February 2026.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 9th December 2025
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Monday 22nd December 2025
Walks in December
Here are the walks that the North Devon Ramblers are doing in December.
Please remember that walks may be cancelled or changed at short notice owing to weather conditions. It is recommended to check on our website northdevonramblers.org.uk or with the Walk Leader if in doubt. Everyone is welcome to join us on our walks but please come suitably shod and with food, drink and waterproof clothing. It is likely to be wet and muddy at this time of year!
Wednesday 3rd December- Baggy Point Circular. Meet in Baggy Point NT Car Park at 10.30. for a pleasant 5.5 mile walk to Putsborough and back returning on the South West Coast Path.
Saturday 6th December- Christmas at the Hall. Meet at Chapleton Station at 10.00 for a leisurely 4.5 mile walk to Herner Chapel and The Hall.
Sunday 14th December- Harwood goes to Horwood. Meet at the lay-by by the Westleigh turn off on the B3223 at 10.30. for a 9-mile walk around Horwood.
Wednesday 17th December- Dulverton Riverside Walk. Meet at Exmoor House Car Park in Dulverton (car parking fees apply) at 10.30 for a 4 mile circular river walk with one ascent returning in time for lunch!
Saturday 20th December- Melbury Hill. Meet at 10.00 by St James’ Church in Parkham for a leisurely 5.5 mile walk towards Melbury Plantation and Melbury Hill. Please join us in our Winter Walking Festival which will be taking place daily from 1st to 4th January 2026, featuring a walk for all the family. More to follow in next month’s issue. We look forward to seeing you!
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Dogs Trust Ilfracombe - Dog of the Month Winnie
Winnie is a fun-loving seven-year-old crossbreed at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Rehoming Centre looking for a home.
Winnie is enjoying her temporary stay in her foster home while she waits to find her forever home. Her happy place is snuggling on the sofa with her foster carers, where she receives lots of attention and belly rubs. She enjoys playing with her toys, particularly those with squeakers, and zooming around the garden. Winnie is instantly friendly with new people and is happy to have visitors over to the house.
Winnie is relaxed and happy when travelling in the car and enjoys quieter walks where she can explore her surroundings with her nose. She can be worried by other dogs and has learnt to wear a muzzle when she’s out and about. She has learnt her name, and is good at responding to commands, particularly when accompanied by a treat!
Winnie is looking to find a loving home of her own. She could share her home with teenage children but would need to be the only pet. She is housetrained and is happy to be left alone for a few hours at a time.
For more information about Winnie, and all the other dogs at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe.
This also means Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is looking for more volunteer foster carers to support them, by temporarily opening their home to a dog in need. If you choose to foster, Dogs Trust will cover all the costs and provide support every step of the way, leaving you to focus on providing the stability, love and care they need. To find out more information or to apply to become a foster carer visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/foster.
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HIDDEN MESSAGE Autumn Days
Novembers' answer was:
“And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves”
- Virginia Woolf
CAT OF THE MONTH
Meet Billy, a rather large and somewhat over weight, but very cuddly puss. At almost thirteen, and through no fault of his own, big Billy is now having to find a loving new home. He is very friendly and loves human company and a bit of fuss. He has lived with another cat but they did not really get on, so a home where he can be an only pet would be best. He does like to pop out into the garden. He would make a good companion cat in a relatively quiet home environment.
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 3714203
E; barnstaplecats@hotmail.com
W; www.cats.org.uk/barnstaple
f; barnstaplecatsprotection
Reg charity; 203644 (England & Wales) SC037711 (Scotland)
For further information please contact; T; 0345 3714203
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
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
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 - 07947 183919
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. 10.30am. Tel: 07969 969 664 www.croydebaptist.co.uk
St Georges C of E (Georgeham). 10.30am. Tel: 890616
Christian Science Society Barnstaple 11am Wed 6.15pm Tel: 323741 www.christiansciencenorthdevon.co.uk
Georgeham
