plained - Celebrating Lent and Easter with Christ Church - page 17
the boys n t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21
plained - Last lap Lando - page 22
plained - North Devon Ramblers - Walks in March - page 24
plained - Bill Granger’s Ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter - page 30
The Braunton press - pages 32/33
plained - Greenfingers - page 38
The Dog N t Door - Miller - page 41
plained - Stress Test - page 42
perience - Family Fun Day - page 47
Kids Page - page 49
plained - Compliments of the Continent - Africa - page 50
plained - Plenty of fish - page 54
perience - The National Trust - page 56
perpl Just for Fun - page 59
The Cat n t door - Tiff - page 60
What’s On - page 61 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 4th March 10.00am.
This months speaker is Garry Reed MBE, his talk is “It shouldn’t happen to a headmaster but it did, part 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.
Mondays 10.15 - 11.15 Scrabble Club.
Every other Monday Crochet & coffee 2 - 4pm, enquire in library for details. Tuesdays Lego Club 3.30 - 4.30.
Wednesday’s 10.30 - 11.15 Mini Readers, Term time only
Creative Writing second Wednesday of the month 1 - 3pm. £2 Thursdays 9.30 - 11am Stay & Play
1st Friday of the month Art Box 3.30 - 4.30. £1 Saturdays Playmobile 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
CHRISTCHURCH, BRAUNTON
Saturday March 1st - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christchurch. All money raised will go towards church maintenance Everyone welcome. Home made cakes, raffle, books and more. Community Café meets every Thursday at Christchurch 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 will now be closed for most of March, reopening on Monday 31st March from 11am - 2pm. We will be holding an Easter Egg Tombola on Saturday 19th April
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Our first Coffee Morning of 2025 will be on Saturday 8th March and held in the Braunton Parish Hall from 10.00am to 12.00 midday. We look forward to you joining us and helping us 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.
EX33 - 07561
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
Charles Fairing
Painting Services
SPRAY FOAM REMOVAL FROM
£875.00
If spray foam insulation has been installed in your property, it could affect its mortgageability when you decide to sell. The presence of spray foam between the rafters may make it difficult for potential buyers to secure a mortgage. Additionally, if left in place, spray foam can trap moisture and cause the rafters and timbers to rot over time. Our professional roofing team can safely remove the spray foam from your roof. We will sand down the rafters, fill any damaged wood and treat it to prevent future decay. All spray foam will be carefully removed from your property and disposed of responsibly.
COMPUTER REPAIRS
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
Value Home Furnishings
And so much more …..
59 High Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1JB (Opposite Primark)
We specialise in offering quality pre-owned furniture, white goods, bric-a-brac and everything you need to make your home complete.
FREE COLLECTION of all donations throughout North Devon. Efficient House Clearances.
We support by monthly donations the important local charities of Over and Above (N.D Hospital) and Care for Kids. Please contact Marj on
Tel: 01271 376804
e-mail: info@valuehomefurnishings.net
Celebrating Lent and Easter with Christ Church
Everyone is invited to come and share in the celebrations!
All the Sunday services are at 10.30.
5th March Ash Wednesday service at 10.30.
12th March Service at 11.00 followed by Lent lunch (homemade soup and bread rolls) at 12.00.
19th March Service at 11.00, then Lent lunch at 12.00.
26th March Service at 11.00, then Lent lunch at 12.00.
2nd April Service at 11.00, then Lent lunch at 12.00.
13th April Palm Sunday service at 10.30.
During Holy Week all are invited to attend the services at St Brannock's.
Easter Sunday service at Christ Church at 10.30.
PLEASE SLOW DOWN WHEN PASSING HORSES
We’re supporting The British Horse Society’s Dead Slow campaign to raise awareness of the guidelines for passing horses, set out in the Highway Code. Incidents involving horses and riders on UK roads continue to persist at a shocking rate and it is evident that many drivers are still passing horses too quickly and closely.
This is particularly concerning as we commemorate three years since significant changes were introduced into the Highway Code for passing equestrians safely. The key behavioural messages include slowing down to a maximum of 10mph and leaving at least two metres distance.
As flight animals, a horse’s instinctive response to danger is to react and move quickly away. Even the most experienced and well-trained horse can be startled by unexpected movements or loud noises, like a car passing at great speed.
As part of The British Horse Society’s Dead Slow road safety campaign, the equine charity continues to inform and guide road users about the behavioural messages in place for passing horses, along with the importance of driving carefully when passing and approaching horses.
Check out The British Horse Society’s Dead Slow campaign to learn more: bhs.org.uk/deadslow
• National Statistics: 2024
• 3,118 road incidents involving horses have been logged via The British Horse Society’s Horse i app
• Of these, 58 horses have died and 97 have been injured
• 80 people have been injured
• 33% of riders were victims to road rage or abuse
• 81% of incidents occurred because a driver passed by too closely or too quickly to the horse
• Since November 2010:
• 18,683 road incidents
• 47 people have lost their lives and 1,782 injured
• 697 horses have been killed and 1,625 horses injured
North Devon Ramblers – Walks in March
You are welcome to join us on any of our walks this month. With Spring just around the corner, what better time to savour the delights of our countryside. We try to offer a variety of walks; you can find out more about them by visiting our website: northdevonramblers.org.uk
Please also check that the walk is going ahead if there is a weather warning.
Sunday 2nd March- Starting at 10.30. from Mortehoe car park is an 8-mile “March around Mortehoe” using footpaths, tracks and the South West Coast Path. Some hills involved.
Wednesday 5th March- Starting at 10.30 from the ‘Haunted House’ car park, Westward Ho! is a leisurely 5-mile circular ramble along the coast path and other paths.
Saturday 8th March- Starting at Lynton town hall at 10.45. (this enables people to travel by bus from Barnstaple) this 8-mile moderate walk will pass the Valley of the Rock sand Lee Abbey, returning to Lynton via Barbrook.
Saturday 15th March- Starting at 10.30. at North Bovey car park, this is a 10-mile walk to Sharpitor and Water returning along the Dartmoor Way.
Wednesday 19th March- Starting at Prewley Moor car park at 10.30. this is a 7-mile walk ‘On and Off the Moor’ via Sourton Tors and the Granite way.
Thursday 20th March- Starting from Brendon Two Gates at 11.00. this 6-mile walk will take you along the Royal Forest boundary to Badgworthy.
Sunday 23rd March- Starting at Bembury Bank, near Timberscombe at 10.30, this 8.5-mile walk visits the hidden remains of Clicket.
Sunday 30th March- Starting at Bridestowe parish hall car park at 10.30. this 10-mile moderate walk follows the Two Castles Way, passing through Burley Wood, Burford Down and Galford Down.
We would like to invite you to our open day, come and celebrate our 9th birthday as well as our new premises.
Meet and greet with our staff and have a look around our new home.
There will also be light refreshments and light nibbles. Wednesday 12th
March 10am -3pm at
THE BRAUNTON EXPRESS
March 2025
Parish Council Budget 2025/26
Most households in the parish will see an increase of less than 39 pence a week.
After lengthy discussions Braunton Parish Councillors have taken the decision to increase the precept for 2025/26 to £337,332 from its current level of £251,690. The Parish Council will provide more play equipment, grants for community organisations, and improvements to public spaces.
Braunton Parish Council voted unanimously to adopt a new budget and earmarked reserves for 2025/26, and to increase the precept, in real terms, by £20.71 a year for a Band D property.
Each year, Councillors vote on the Council’s budgets for the financial year ahead and decide what the precept will be: this is the amount the council asks residents for to provide local services and maintain public facilities.
This increase in the precept will enable us to continue supporting local community groups and allow them to carry on their good work. The Council is also continuing to invest in the maintenance and protection of community assets, including providing new play equipment in our parks.
Braunton Parish Council
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
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 on Saturday 12th April 2025.
RELIEF CARETAKER
NJC SCP Points 2 to 3 (£12.26— £12.45) per hour
Hours: Minimum of 5 hours per week, additional hours as required Tuesday – Sunday
Occasional Bank Holidays as required paid at double time
Braunton Parish Council is seeking to appoint a part-time Relief Caretaker. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small but dedicated team.
The Relief Caretaker will be required to proactively and independently, look after the Parish Hall and associated rooms, Community Work Hub and other public buildings to ensure the buildings remains clean and secure, meeting the needs of all users be they staff, councillors, tenants or hirers.
The position will provide a minimum of 5 hours per week, hours may increase weekly depending on workload and providing cover for the Caretaker.
A flexible approach to working will be required to fit around the users. You may be required to work the occasional Bank Holiday but this will always be with as much notice as possible.
The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to joinThe Devon Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) managed by Devon County Council.
For an application pack please contact the Parish Council Offices via email at info@brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk or phone on 01271 812131. Applicants can also apply via our website www.brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
Closing date for applications is 1pm on Friday 14th March 2025.
Miller is a five-year-old Greyhound looking for a forever home from Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Rehoming Centre.
Miller is the ultimate snuggle buddy, and his favourite thing to do is take naps on the sofa. He adores a fuss and resting his head on your lap. He often spends time under the rehoming centre’s reception desk, relaxing on his bed while the team do their work.
He recently went home for a few nights with one of his carers, where he discovered how well-suited he is to living in a home of his own. He enjoyed the luxury of stretching out on the sofa and watching nature documentaries.
Miller enjoys going out for walks and is happy to jump in the car to explore new locations. He likes to walk alongside some dogs, however he is selective with his doggy friends. He has learnt to happily wear a muzzle when in public, as an ex-racing Greyhound, this is a precautionary measure to keep him and others safe. Most of the time Miller plods along gently on his lead but he may pull if he spots local wildlife or a cat.
Miller enjoys playing with soft squeaky toys and a ball. He also loves his food and treats. Miller could share his home with children as young as eleven, but would need to be the only pet. He will need a home with a garden. He loves company and any time left alone will need to be built up gradually.
For more information about Miller or any of the other dogs in Dogs Trust Ilfracombe’s care, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe
Unit 20 Farm Road, Caddesdown
JUST FOR FUN
HIDDEN MESSAGE Cooking Techniques
January’s answer was: The job is so fantastic, you don’t need a hobby. The hobby is going to work. -
Guion Bluford
CAT OF THE MONTH - TIFF
At nearly 13 years old, beautiful black and white Tiff is officially a 'senior' cat, but you'd never think so. Lively and alert, with a thick glossy coat, she looks and behaves like a much younger girl.
Having lived with the same family since kittenhood, you might expect her to be upset by the sudden change to her lifestyle. But no, friendly from the start, from day one she has found her fosterers lap a very desirable place to sit and be fussed over. About as relaxed as you can imagine, her attitude seems to be to look at the world with interest and accept whatever happens without complaint.
So why did such a lovely animal find herself without a home? Despite being so laid back she eventually found living with her brother and three dogs a bit much, and was spending more and more time away from home. Rather than have her stray completely, her owners took the difficult decision to have her rehomed.
And that's where you come in. If you have a household with no other pets or young children. If you love cats but don't currently have one in your life, or maybe you've never lived with a cat before, think of Tiff and the home you could give her, and please get in touch.
For further information please contact: T: 03453714203
