Ex plained - Christian Aid Plant Sale - page 56 perplEX Just for Fun - page 59
The Cats nex t door - Lexi - 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 May 5th, Speaker this month is Kimberley Colman a Heritage Ranger talking about the“Exmoor Pioneers”.
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
Saturday May 9th ‘Locked in the Library’ show starts at 2pm and runs for 40 minutes, tickets £3, book in 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 2nd May - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Christian Aid. www.christianaid.org.uk. 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. Christian Aid Service on Sunday 10th May at St Brannocks Rooms 11am. See you there!
THE BRAUNTON MUSEUM AND INFORMATION
We would like to thank everyone who supported our Easter Egg Tombola and for the lovely donations. The Museum has some new children's books and toys along with some great gift ideas. We also have a sale area with big reductions so come and grab a bargain. The Museum will be closed on Monday 4th May bank holiday but hopefully will be open on Monday 25th May bank holiday. We also hope to open on two Saturdays in May, 16th and 23rd. The opening times to be 10 to 1pm. Our regular times are as follows, 10 to 3pm Monday to Thursday and Friday 10 to 1pm. We still welcome any new volunteers.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello everyone, this month we are holding our AGM on Friday 15th May at 2pm in the Parish Hall committee room. This will enable us to discuss our future positions on the committee for the next year. On 25th May it will be the village fair once again and we are hoping to do our " Anything goes tombola" on that day. If you see us come and say hello or try your luck on the tombola. Unfortunately our Cream Teas, delivering to local businesses in April had to be postponed. We are now proposing to hold it in September That's all 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.
How to spot a fake text message
Often, the aim of a fraudulent message – whether it’s sent by SMS, WhatsApp, email or other messaging service – is to get you to click on a link. This link will take you to a fake website that can steal your passwords, your information, your money or infect your device with a virus. Phishing text message checklist: what to look out for Fake texts are often short and simple, but the fraudsters use cunning tactics to make them believable. They can even ‘spoof’ the mobile number they message from, so it appears in the same thread as a genuine contact such as your bank.
However, there are a number of signs that the message might be fake, so here’s how to spot a suspicious message.
Be wary if you see:
· an ‘irresistible’ product offer or prize from a number or company you don’t know
· an urgent alert about security, for example your bank account details have been compromised
· a message about a product or service you haven’t purchased or requested
· a delivery company demanding you pay a fee before they deliver a parcel
· an appeal from a family member asking you to send money
· encouragement to click on an unknown link – if you’re not sure, visit the organisation’s website directly rather than clicking through
· a request for you to share personal data
· language designed to create a sense of urgency or panic
· messages sent outside normal business hours, especially if they’re very late at night or very early in the morning
What to do if you suspect fraud
· immediately break the contact – don’t reply, click on any links or make any payments
· check if it’s genuine: contact the person or company directly, using a phone number you already have or you know is correct PLEASE NOTE - NEVER call a phone number if it is included in the original message
· If it is an SMS forward the text message for free to 7726
Note - If it is a suspicious email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk
What to do if you’ve already responded to the message
Don’t panic!
If you think you have inadvertently shared your password, IMMEDIATELY CHANGE IT. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam:
Report to Report Fraud: Use the official online reporting tool at - UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
Contact Your Bank: If money is involved, call your bank immediately. You can reach most UK bank fraud departments by dialling 159. Please share this information with friends and family.
Telephone: 101
Email: Andy.Frisby@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
As councillors, we regularly receive reports on the economic strength of places across Devon. After a bit of work, this now includes Braunton as an economic centre alongside Devon’s towns and cities. And it makes for a very positive read. Braunton is growing stronger with a vacancy rate at just 3.6%, against a average of 17% in Northern Devon and 12% across the entire county. Braunton is a place where hardworking independent traders are making this the most effective centre in the county. Despite a backdrop of economic adversity, this remains a place where people want to shop and visit.
The wider Devon picture shows what an achievement this is. Across Devon, many rural / coastal areas face workforce and spending pressures. In addition, northern Devon has supply chain difficulties that make it a less attractive business proposition to larger national businesses. A notable strength in Braunton is it’s significant number of locally built businesses with very few coming from outside the area. As we have sadly seen in Devons other isolated towns, a reliance on national chains is very problematic when those companies are hit by financial instability. In the climate we face today it is the locally operated businesses with symbiotic relationships with the community that are most effective.
A healthy local centre does not happen by chance. Some of the reasons for the villages success are geographical or practical. The bottleneck created by centuries of layered design creates a recognisable centre, this builds loyalty amongst regular users, and gives visitors a clear destination. But, more important than geography, is a strong community that still favours local shops and services. Our village centre is part of our cultural identity. With so many locally owned businesses, we have struck a rare balance: a working village, a service centre, and a place with genuine visitor appeal. Also, having a pharmacy, a fabulous hardware store, a brilliant post office, and the countries best coffee shops and restaurants is a very big plus.
But, in my opinion (and as ever, I’m a nurse and not a business person so feel free to ignore me entirely) the biggest reasons for Braunton’s success is the hard work of Braunton’s traders themselves, alongside the dedicated support of residents and visitors who keep choosing to shop local. Every time we shop local we know that we’re helping, support a local family, and maintaining the fabric of our village. This is part of what makes Braunton an incredible place to live.
#shoplocal
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
Grants to be Awarded to Local Community Groups
Organisations in Braunton will once again benefit from our annual grant scheme. Some of the projects we will be supporting are:
• Assisting volunteer drivers to offer trips to hospital appointments etc.
• Decorating Braunton with Christmas lighting
• A new laptop for the museum
• Bowling Club solar panel installation
• Supporting Academy students to visit Plouescat in France
• Annual charity Christmas dinner
• A new local music festival
• Replacement football net stopper
• Upkeep of the churchyard
• New library desk
• Planting along Exeter Road
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
Organisations being awarded these grants include:
• Braunton Rotary Club
• North Devon Environmental Trust
• Braunton Volunteers
• Parochial Church Council of Braunton
• Friends of Braunton Library
• Braunton Christmas Tree and Lights
• Braunton and District Museum
• Braunton Bowling Club
• Braunton Twinning Association
• Ask for Jake
• 1st Chivenor Scouts
• Braunton Beats
• Braunton Football Club
These grants are made possible from proceeds from the Parish Council owned car parks in the village enabling reinvestment in our local community.
Meetings Calendar 2026
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 20 June 2026.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 12th May 2026
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Monday 25th May 2026
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Electric Roller Garage Doors
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Don’t miss out and book your free survey today on
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
Surgery or Home Visits Easy Free Parking
Fully Qualified and Insured
Samantha Russell DipCFHP 01271 814418 19 The Fairway - Braunton
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
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.
Saturday 2nd May
Take A “Long Slow Walk” over Exmoor
A circular varied and moderate 9.5 mile, leisurely walk taking in Ilkerton Ridge, Caffyns Cross, Martinhoe Common and Woolhanger.
Meet on the A39 near Lynton. Please refer to our website for detailed instructions. Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 4.30pm
Tuesday 5th May
Time out Tuesday – Ilfracombe
A 4 mile circular stroll around Ilfracombe. Meet at the Jonathan Edwards mosaic on the Promenade. Start Time: 6.30pm
Estimated Finish: 8.30pm
Wednesday 6th May
Exploring Lee and Lynton
A linear walk from Caffyns Cross to Lee Abbey and Valley of the Rocks to Barbrook. Meet at Barnstaple Bus Station at 9.50am Estimated Finish: 3.30pm
Saturday 9th May
Walk Around Braunton
A circular with a mix of lanes, ancient cart tracks and field crossings. Meet at Braunton Academy Car Park.
Start Time: 10am
Estimated Finish: 4pm
Sunday 10th May
Classic Exmoor
A 10 mile circular walk along the River Barle and Two Moors Way crossing the ancient Tarr Steps. Meet at Winsford Car Park
Start Time: 10.30 am Estimated Finish: 4.15 pm.
Tuesday 12th May
Time Out Tuesday – Bideford
A 4 mile circular evening stroll around Bideford. Meet at Tarka The Otter statue on the Quay Start Time: 6.30 pm Estimated Finish: 8.30 pm
Wednesday 13th May
Woody Bay to Hunters Inn
A 5 mile circular moderate walk from Woody Bay through Mortinhoe to Hunters Inn and back to Woody Bay.
Please note: all dogs must be on leads 1st March-31st July on open access ground. Meet at Woody Bay lower car parking area.
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 2pm
Sunday 17th May
Hillsford Bridge to Countisbury and Lynton
A 7 mile circular walk to Watersmeet and Countisbury with one steep ascent.
Meet at Hillsford Bridge National Trust car park.
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3pm
Tuesday 19th May
Time Out Tuesday – Braunton
A 4 mile circular stroll around Braunton.
Meet at the Countryside Centre in Caen Street car park.
Start Time: 6.30pm
Estimated Finish: 8.30pm
Wednesday 20th May
Walk in the footsteps of Hope Bourne
A 6 mile guided circular walk with the Exmoor Society. A chance to learn about the life of Exmoors famous recluse Hope Bourne.
Meet at Withypool car park.
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3pm
Thursday 21st May
Landkey to Barnstaple
A Thursday chat, stroll and coffee. Bus to Landkey, walk the Tarka Trail back to Barnstaple with coffee in the Museum.
Meet at Barnstaple Bus Station.
Start Time: 9.45am
Estimated Finish: 1.30pm
Tuesday 26th May
Time Out Tuesday – Barnstaple
A 4 mile circular gentle stroll around Barnstaple
Meet at Barnstaple Railway Station
Start Time: 6.30pm
Estimated Finish: 8.30pm
Saturday 30th May
Mortehoe Circular
A circular 8 mile walk from Mortehoe along the SWCP towards Woolacombe and inland through Twitchen.
Meet at Mortehoe car park.
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3.30pm
There are also several Two Moor Ways 50th Anniversary walks during May led by Two Moors Way Assoc. Please refer to our website for more information.
Saturday 9th May 10 am to 12 noon At the Parish Hall, Braunton
Plant Sale
JUST FOR FUN
HIDDEN MESSAGE Colours
Aprils' answer was:
“We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.”
- French Proverb
Lexi is a 13-year-old much-loved family pet who now needs a new home. A friendly puss who loves company, greeting you with a gentle purr and face rubs, she enjoys being cuddled and often likes a lap to sit on. She does not like other cats but has lived with a small dog and is used to older children. She does like to go out but does not venture far. She has a little stiffness in her legs, due to possible arthritis. Liquid meds in her food has now made her better, but she will need to stay on these to keep her pain free and more supple. Could you give this dear little cat a loving new home?
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)
a FREE quote please call Roger 07799 373287 or email
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
