the boys n t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21
plained - Graham Bell - Fabulous Nursing! - page 28
The Braunton press - pages 32/33
plained - Stay and Play! - Cain Primary School - page 37
plained - Driving Home For Christmas - page 40
The Dog N t Door - Mikka - page 41
perience - Braunton Fireworks - page 44
plained - Learning to Love - page 46
perience - Christmas Craft Market - page 51
perience - Christmas at Arlington Court - page 52
plained - Grockle - Barry S Dowding - page 56
perpl Just for Fun - page 59
The Cats n t door - Odin - page 60
perience - What’s On - page 61 ind 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 November 4th at 10.30am, this months speaker is from Devon Air Ambulance. 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
Saturday 1st November - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Belle’s Place. www.bellesplace.co.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. See you there.
THE BRAUNTON MUSEUM AND INFORMATION
We are holding a Christmas Coffee Morning at the Parish Hall on Saturday 22nd November from 10 to 12pm. We have some lovely colourful stalls from local crafts to a cake stall and raffle prizes plus our yearly Christmas squares draw to win a hamper and other lovely prizes. Please come and join us for our last fundraising for the year. For £2 entry you will get a cup of tea/coffee and a mince pie. We have our usual Charity Christmas cards for sale already in the museum. We look forward to seeing you.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello everyone, This month we have our Christmas Coffee Morning on Saturday 29th November from 10am to 12 noon in the Parish Hall. Entrance is £2 and will include Coffee/tea with mince pies. There will be plenty of stalls selling cakes, Christmas goodies and cards and crafts. Also our wonderful raffle will consist of beautiful Christmas hampers. So make a date in your diary and you will also be helping us raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
Thankyou
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.
Walks in November with the North Devon Ramblers
As Winter approaches, it’s a good time to dress up warmly and get out for an invigorating walk in our beautiful countryside. You are welcome to join the Ramblers for up to 3 walks before committing to joining. After that, you can join in with as many walks as you like!
Wednesday 5th November- Meet at the Countryside Centre in Caen Street car park at 10.30. for a 7.5 mile leisurely walk from Braunton to Ash Barton and beyond.
Wednesday 12th November- Meet at the Jack Russell pub in Swimbridge at 10.30. for a moderately paced walk around Swimbridge. Free parking in the village or come by bus (155) from Barnstaple bus station.
Saturday 15th November- A choice of morning walks from Weare Giffard village hall. The longer walk of 6 miles will leave at 10.00. while a shorter walk of 5miles will leave at 10.30. Both will be back by 1pm in time for the AGM at 2pm.
Wednesday 19th November- Meet at the Westleigh lay-by on the B3233 at 10.35 for a moderate walk of 6 miles visiting Westleigh, Huish and Instow. Travel by bus from Barnstaple possible.
Saturday 22nd November- Meet at Lynton Town Hall at 10.45. for a moderate 8 mile walk to Lynmouth, Watersmeet and Hillsford Bridge returning via Summerhouse Hill and Lynbridge. Travel by bus is possible from Barnstaple train or bus station.
Sunday 30th November- Meet under Chelfham Viaduct next to the Growford Project at 10am for a 5.5 mile leisurely walk to Shirwell returning via Cunnilear Camp, an iron-age fort.
We do hope that you can join us for one or more walks.
See it, say it, stop it’ campaign launched urging public to call out concerning behaviours.
Devon & Cornwall Police is promoting a new campaign, called Project Nighteye. to help tackle violence against women and girls.
As part of the campaign, an animation has been created which highlights which behaviours to look out for and includes signposting to help people report incidents to police’ helping make public spaces safer for women and girls.
As many of these unacceptable behaviours take place in public spaces - such as nightclubs, gyms and public transport - you can expect to see this animation showing at these venues. Behaviours to look out for include:
· Excessive attention
· Unwanted physical contact
· Verbal harassment
· Drink spiking
· Image based abuse – such as photos taken without people’s consent.
· Tech enabled harassment/stalking – such as phone tracking
· Sexual assault
· Public transport harassment
If you see any of these behaviours or any other suspicious or inappropriate behaviour, please do report to either venue staff or the police. By working together, we hope to reduce and prevent violence against women and girls.
Fabulous Nursing!
Change of tone this month, people frequently ask me about my “actual job” and since my family have recently had to spend a lot of time using our amazing NHS services I’d like to make a different sort of plea.
As a nurse, I spend a lot of time working in hospital, but there have been months this year where I have spent more time visiting, or helping people to appointments, than I have actually working. Our local hospital is a fantastic institution as both a place of healing and also as a place to work. As we head towards a point in the year where people think about their future and their plans, I have to wonder, how many talented people might never consider the benefits of a career in nursing.
I entered nursing school in my mid-thirties so although I was a mature student, I was no-where close to the eldest in my cohort. Prior to being a nurse I was a successful database designer so I had very few transferable skills. To gain the relevant experience and qualifications I spent a year working in Park Lane Nursing Home in Newport. As you might imagine, going from my own corner office to being thrown into care was a massive challenge. But I quickly found my feet thanks to some great mentors and I got those qualifications as well as my elusive English GCSE. My wife Hannah had attended Surrey University and I was lucky enough to be accepted there on a nursing course that mixes learning with practical experience.
The eighty nurses I trained with in Surrey are now spread across the world, one of us is now leads one of the UKs busiest A&E departments, another is setting up clinics in Africa, while another works for the royal household. For myself, I use my twenty years (in December) of care experience to influence decision making on healthcare issues across Devon and the UK. Becoming a nurse didn’t just open up a single door. It became a gateway to a huge array of different, interesting and exciting roles that make a massive difference in the lives of others. It can be a very hard and requires a lot of emotional strength – but fortunately, nursing is a team sport, if one nurse is struggling then we have a fantastic team behind us.
(Quick shout out for our ICU team at North Devon District Hospital for picking up the Extraordinary Care Team award this month).
Nursing is a fantastic career choice (never forgetting the massive range of career options, including our incredible doctors and allied professionals). Many people are nervous at the idea of nursing, but if an overweight 32 year old data analyst can make the switch… then I’m confident that anyone can. If someone is looking for a future career or looking for a change to a role that will bring real satisfaction (and will never be replaced by AI), then maybe, it’s time to talk about Nursing?
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
November 2025
Preservation of Braunton Gates Crossing Track
The Railway closed in 1970, and over the last 55 years the railway infrastructure has slowly been lost to modernisationanddevelopment.
The Parish Council would like to see the last remaining level crossing tracks in Braunton preserved and added to the Braunton History Register. They are located on Chapel Street by Station Road just outside BrauntonCommunityWorkHub.
The proposal is to have this last remaining piece of track listed as an historic part of Braunton so that the railway heritage of the village is preservedforfuturegenerations.
The railway was such a large part of Braunton history up until its closure and now there are only six pieces of railway left; there is a real danger of losing the track to any future road developmentifitisnotlisted.
We are looking for public support for this project and would welcome your comments or any further information which you think might support our proposal. Please write or email to the addressbelow thankyou.
The 5 other areas of the old railway which remain are the signal on Station Road, the old Goods yard where the Museum of British Surfing now resides, The old Station Master’s House (now home to The Green Newsagent), Station Road (in name only) and the old signal box, now in private ownership, at Georgeham Cross.
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 1st November 2025.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 11th November 2025
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Monday 24th November 2025
BRAUNTON PROGRAMME OF REMEMBRANCE
Oakley Plumbing and Heating Ltd
30 years experience
Free Quotes / Fully Insured
Boiler Installation and General Heating work
Landlord certificates
All general plumbing work undertaken
Worcester Bosch approved installer 10 year warranty
Bathroom Repairs
Dogs Trust Ilfracombe - Dog of the Month Mikka
Meet Mikka, a pretty two-year-old Shar Pei x Labrador cross looking for a home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Rehoming Centre.
Mikka is affectionate and enjoys a fuss and a snuggle. Although she is initially shy, it doesn't take her long to make a new friend. She settles well in a home environment, is housetrained, and loves to be with her trusted people. Mikka is happy to go for trips in the car, and likes to go for long walks in the peaceful countryside.
She needs to practice her recall and would benefit from learning the art of walking on a loose lead using positive reward training, as she can be strong. Mikka has been under-socialised when it comes to playing with other dogs, but she can make friends with like-minded dogs and would benefit from having familiar doggy pals to join on walks from time to time to build up her social skills. She loves treats and is motivated by food. Mikka already knows basic commands such as sit and wait.
Mikka would love to find a loving family. She could share her home with dog-savvy teenage children, and is looking to be the only dog in the home without cats or other animals. Mikka would be happiest in a home with a secure garden, and time left on her own will need to be built up gradually, as she is very keen to spend time with her human friends.
For more information about Mikka or any of the other dogs available for rehoming at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe. Visits to Dogs Trust Ilfracombe are now by appointment only. If you would like to apply to adopt a dog, please fill in our online application form and, if a match is found, the organisation will arrange an appointment for you to meet them.
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.
JUST FOR FUN
HIDDEN MESSAGE
Autumn Days
October’s answer was:
“You’ve got to find some way of saying it without saying it”
- Duke Ellington
CAT OF THE MONTH
ODIN
Yes, we know; Odin's coat may look a bit unusual. But it won't always be like that. He came to us with a severe flea allergy, but after treatment his fur is growing back nicely and before long he'll have a full coat of beautiful black fur. That aside, he's a very friendly cat who loves attention (except from dogs). A household with no very young children would suit him best. He's only 16 months old and would love a forever home with access to the outdoors. Can you help? As always with CP cats he has been Vet Checked, Vaccinated, and treated against fleas and worms. The standard adoption fee of £85 per cat applies.
For further information please contact; T; 0345 3714203 E; barnstaplecats@hotmail.com W; www.cats.org.uk/barnstaple f; barnstaplecatsprotection
No Fix, No Fee. Repairs from £40. New PC’s set-up. Wireless problems solved. Networking
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
