Monthly meetings in the Parrish Hall, 1st Tuesday of the month
Next meeting is Tuesday February 3rd the Speaker this month is Gary Reed his subject“It shouldn’t happen to a Headmaster Pt 2”. 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 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
Saturday 7th February - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Good News UK. www.goodnewsuk.com. 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
The Museum is closed until Monday 2nd March. The times of opening will be Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm. Friday will be open 10am to 1pm. If anyone would care to join us you would be made very welcome. Please contact the museum on 01271 816688 for more information.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello all, hope everyone is keeping well. This month is World Cancer Day on the 4th February. On Saturday 7th February we are at Tesco Braunton with our buckets and goblets in the hope we shall collect some donations for Cancer Research UK. If you are in Tesco that day come and say Hello to us. Also in February we are hoping to have another popular quiz night at the Cricket Club. This is to be confirmed. If you would like further information or reserve tickets please contact Jackie on 814475. Hope to see you all soon.
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.
JP
Fencing,
K. Whattingham
Painting
Property
Replacement
Oakley Plumbing and Heating Ltd
North Devon Ramblers Walks in February 2026
Here are the planned walks from the North Devon Ramblers for February.
Please bear in mind that walks may be cancelled or changed at short notice due to adverse weather conditions. It is recommended to check on our website northdevonramblers.org.uk, or contact the walk leader if there is any doubt. All are welcome on our walks, but please come with suitable clothing and footwear, food, drink and waterproof clothing. The weather can be very unpredictable at this time of year!
Sunday 1st February
Eggesford, Chumleigh and (Down) one of Devon’s steepest hills!
There will only a coffee stop on this walk, with a possible lunch stop at the café at the end of the walk.
Train departs Barnstaple at 9.36, no parking at Eggesford station. This is a 6.5 mile circular, dog friendly walk starting at 10am, estimated finishing at 1.30pm
Wednesday 4th February
Wander from the Weir Fields, coast path to Bude and Canal back. A leisurely 6 miles, with the possibility of a cuppa at the café afterwards.
Meet at the middle car park at the Weir, Whalesborough. Start time 10.30 am, estimated finishing at 2.30pm.
Saturday 7th February
Wiveliscombe and Maunden Hill
8.5 mile walk taking in lanes, fields and tracks including steady ascents and descents.
Max. 11 walkers so please book in advance- details on our website
Meet at Wiveliscombe P&D car park, North Street.
Start time 10.30, estimated finishing at 4.30pm.
Friday 13th February
Snowdrop Valley Circular Walk
A 4.5 mile circular walk to view the snowdrops in a privately owned valley. Meet at the Rest and be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross. Start time 10.30, estimated finishing at 12.30pm.
Sunday 15th February
Muddiford, middle Barton and Bittadon
9 mile circular walk along quiet lanes, footpaths and woods. Meet at the Muddiford Inn, Muddiford. Start time 10am, estimated finishing at 3pm.
Wednesday 18th February
Hartland Views
7 mile circular walk, lanes paths and tracks. Great views on a clear day. Meet at Brownsham NT car park.
Start time 10.30 am, estimated finishing 3pm.
Saturday 21st February
Landacre Bridge and Horsen Hill
A beautiful 8.5 mile circular moor walk
Meet at Landacre car park
Start time 10:30am, estimated finish time, 4pm
Friday 27th February
Take a “Long but Slow” walk to Ilfracombe
7.5 mile moderate, leisurely linear walk. Recommended travel by bus. Meet at Barnstaple bus station at 9.50 am, estimated finish time 4pm. Further details can be found on our website. North Devon Rambler welcomes all newcomers who enjoy walking in a social setting.
WHY FOSTERING MATTERS – EVERYDAY FAMILIES
CHANGING LIVES
Our Fostering story started and ended with the “hail mary” IVF treatment that resulted in our wonderful three children. I had grown up close to my Auntie Pippa who had been a foster mother to dozens of children. In addition, Hannah’s mother had fostered one teenager for a few days, twenty years ago, and she had turned from houseguest to become a great friend, and possibly my goddaughter.
Hannah and I were ready to foster, and then a different sort of miracle happened. Or, to be precise, three miracles. And as our family grew we put the fostering paperwork in the attic. Something in the pipeline for our later years when Han and I once again have the space to welcome another young person into our home.
But as I’m fond of saying, “no-one gets a second chance at childhood”. In Devon, we have around 800 children in care, with only 65% of those children living with foster families. Children in care (like all children) need safe, stable homes. Homes that can keep a child close to their schools, friends and familiar places. And that only works if we have enough local carers.
Increasing and supporting Devon’s foster families is a major priority for myself and the new county council. This is why in November 2025 we allocated an additional £2 million in the fostering service which includes improved fees and allowances from April 2026. And also, better development, wellbeing support, additional support for children with disabilities, supported lodgings, and ongoing council tax relief.
Devon’s Foster carers come from every walk of life. Single people and couples; homeowners and renters; big complicated fams and ones where the kids have flown. They’re tradespeople, office workers, NHS staff, and self-employed people; shift workers and nine-to-fivers who can offer different rhythms of stability. They’re faith-based and non-religious; they’re people who grew up in big families and people who were only children. Some carers have never fostered before but have loads of life experience; others are younger, filled with energy, patience and a willingness to learn. Some speak a second language, some have experience of disability or additional needs, and some are simply brilliant at providing calm, consistent boundaries. What they all have in common is time, steadiness, warmth, and the ability to put a child’s needs first.
Have you ever thought about fostering? Short-term or long-term care? Do you have a room? Can you provide a calm breakfast routine, a safe place to talk, and the steady reassurance that an adult can bring to the life of a child? What do you think is stopping you? Why not ask the questions and see what we can achieve?
If you’re interested, or curious, have a chat with Fostering Devon: 0345 155 1077. Or email: foster@devon.gov.uk.
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
Office Vacancy at Braunton Work Hub
We have a lovely office available to rent at our Community Work Hub in Braunton. If you are interested, please enquire at the Parish Council office by email or phone (details below).
The hub is a warm and friendly work space with a social area, kitchen and toilet facilities. Our serviced office includes all bills and fast broadband.
Clerk’s Office
Chaloners Road Braunton Devon, EX33 2ES
Phone: 01271 812131
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 14 February 2026.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 10th February 2026
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Monday 23rd February 2026
Could You Help Romeo Find Love This Valentines Season?
Dogs Trust Ilfracombe – Dog of
the Month
Romeo is an adorable three-year-old Chow-Chow crossbreed at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, looking to find his forever home.
He is a happy, fun lad with lots of love to give. He adores snuggling up on the sofa with his foster carers, and likes to chill out wherever his humans are. He is happy to travel in the car and has been enjoying long walks where he can socialise with other dogs, as well as joining his foster carers on trips to cafes and pubs. He is housetrained, knows commands like sit and wait, and is doing well at responding to his name. His favourite treat is sausage.
Romeo loves to use his nose to sniff out new and exciting smells. He enjoys the challenge of a snuffle mat, as well as playing scent games which is great for his mental stimulation.
Romeo can share his home with teenage children of fourteen-years or older. He would best suit being the only dog in the home, and will need a home without cats or other small pets. He is very fond of human company, meaning any time left alone would need to be built up gradually.
Do you think you could show Romeo some love this Valentine’s season? For more information about Romeo and all the other dogs currently looking to be adopted, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe.
Unit 20 Farm Road, Caddesdown
HIDDEN MESSAGE Types of Coffee
Januarys' answer was:
“The Way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”
- Walt Disney
CAT OF THE MONTH
Oreo
Oreo loves a bit of fuss and company but is NOT a fan of other cats. He was a former stray and being un-neutered then, had to look after himself, so a home as an only cat is a must. He is about 6-7 years old and would make a cracking addition to your home. He might even put off any unwanted outside attention, although we know he’s a girt big softie at heart.
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
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
