EX33 - February 2023

Newsround tra - All The News - page 4

periment - Lisa Faulkner’s Choux Hearts with Berries - page 8

plained - Parking Charges - page 11

plained - Puppy Raising for the Guide Dogs - page 14

plained - Magnificence in mind - page 17

plained - Be sure you’re insured - page 19

plained - Hadyn’s Story - page 21

plained - Top of the pots - page 22

Kids Puzzle Page - page 27

plained - Sting in the tale - page 28

The Braunton press - pages 32/33

perience - The National Trust - page 34

plained - Photo ID to vote - pages 36/37

plained - Light the way - page 40

The Dog N t Door - Cody - page 41

plained - Avatar again - page 45

The cat n t door - Lulu - page 46

perience - Sex in the City - page 48

plained - The Alan Titchmarsh column - page 53

plained - Studio Kind - page 56

perpl Just for Fun - page 59

plained - Driven to Distraction - page 60

perience - What’s On - page 61

ind 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 meeting Tuesday 7th February Karin Hewlett “A walk in the wild side” Entry £1 includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. Members only, for more information on U3A activities check the U3A website.

BRAUNTON

Every Monday 10.30am to 11:45 Mini Readers - Under 5's, read a story and have a sing song and craft. Term time only.

Every other Monday Crochet & coffee 2-4pm, enquire in library for details.

3rd Monday of the month - 4:30-5:30 - adult book club, cuppa and chat about that month’s book

Tuesdays Lego Club 3.30-4.30

Wednesday’s 10-30-12 Little Ones Stay & Play

Thursdays Board games10.30-12.30

Alternative Saturdays craft club - 10:30 to 12:30, all welcome.

Volunteers required to help with Library Extra opening, 2 hours a month would make a difference. Need help with your laptop, tablet or phone Thursdays from 10.30, booking required.

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

Films at the library - Feb 9th 2pm “Belfast”, Feb 9th 7pm “Elvis” Other activities and events are all advertised on our Facebook page and website

THE BRAUNTON MUSEUM AND INFORMATION

The museum will reopen on Monday 13th February 2023. This will be for mornings only, Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm. Please call the museum on 01271 816688 for any further information.

BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK

February Quiz Night, late February Date to be announced! Watch out for further information in local press and on media.

CHRIST CHURCH BRAUNTON

Happy New Year! The charity COFFEE MORNINGS continue, with the next one being on Saturday 4th February. There will be the usual stalls – cakes, books & jigsaws and a raffle. Come and enjoy coffee or tea and biscuits and a warm welcome. The Community Café, now really growing in popularity, is held in the hall each Thursday afternoon, 2.30 to 4.30. A warm welcome (and home made cake) awaits you all!

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 - 01237 422074

mag@ex33.co.uk - www.ex33.co.uk

LIBRARY

A new 30-minute option for parking in some town centre car parks is among a raft ofchangestoNorthDevonCouncil'sparkingcharges.

Changes to North Devon Council's Off Street Parking Places Order are set to come into effect in the spring.

Visitors to Barnstaple's Cattle Market, Bear Street and Queen Street car parks and Ilfracombe's Wilder Road car park will be able to opt for a 30-minute stay for just 50p, offering a new option for those making brief stops in the town centre. Elsewhere, charges across council car parks will be increasing for the first time since 2016 to reflect an increase in running costs.

There will be an increase of 20p per hour in short-stay and medium-stay car parks in Barnstaple, as well as Brookdale, Larkstone Lane, Oxford Grove and Wilder Road in Ilfracombe, with an hour-long stay now costing £1.30. Seasonal parking charges are being introduced across the district's coastal short stay car parks. An hour-long stay will be £1.50 in high season, reducing to 80p in the winter.

The all-day charge for long stay car parks across the district will rise to £2.50. There are also modest increases to permits, which offer a cost effective alternative for those using long stay car parks on a regular basis.

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, says: "We last made changes to our parking charges in 2016 and since then the annual cost of running our car parks has increased by more than £400,000. Over the last few years we have been able to absorb these increased costs, but it is not a situation that is sustainable in the long run.

"Increasing charges for residents and visitors is not a decision taken lightly and we have held off making any changes during the coronavirus pandemic.We feel these new charges, which include theoptionofa30-minutestayinourbusiertowncentrecarparks, still offer value for money when compared with similar councils."

For more information, view the Off Street Parking Places Order 2023 on the council's website

CONTACT US FOR YOUR 2023 DAY TOURS BROCHURE

Guide Dogs Editorial – Puppy Raising 2023

With the start of the New Year comes the first days of new beginnings, new adventures and new experiences. This year, why not do something really special? When we say volunteering for Guide Dogs is life changing, we’re not just talking about the people we’ll support. You’ll gain new skills; build confidence you never knew you had and have amazing experiences that you genuinely couldn’t find anywhere else.

There are around 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK. Guide Dogs, a UK-wide charity with a community team based in Exeter, supports people with a visual impairment to maintain their independence and live the life they choose. There are lots of different services on offer, ranging from volunteer-led services such as My Sighted Guide through to the support for children and young people, access to technology, and the iconic guide dog service.

This year, we are urgently appealing for new volunteers to sign up as Puppy Raisers. This means looking after future guide dogs for the first year of their lives, socialising them and giving them a loving home. It’s a hugely rewarding role with lots of support and training on offer, plus you will meet lots of new people in your area who are also raising pups.

Many of you may think saying goodbye to your pup would be too difficult, but our volunteers say nothing beats the rewarding feeling of knowing you have played a huge part inchangingsomeone’slife.Terrydescribesthemoment he first said goodbye to the first dog he fostered:

We were really attached to the first dog we fostered, Carli. However, we get to see her with her owner and that makes it all worthwhile. We went to our local centre and Carli came to greet us but immediately returned to her owner’s side as if to say ‘I’ve got a job to do’. Carli has given her owner the opportunity to go to university and live a full life.”

Sometimes, the first step can feel daunting, but if you’re volunteering with Guide Dogs, our welcoming and supportive family of both staff and volunteers are walking alongside you throughout.

Start volunteering at: www.guidedogs.org.uk/howyou-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs

Hadyn’s Story

time carer for his 82-year-old Mother Sarah who has Vascular Dementia s since November 2020 and is supported by Devon Carers, a service provided by Westbank Community Health and Care based in Exminster.

Hadyn explains “Whilst my mother can walk slowly, she requires a walking aid or physical assistance due to a lack of coordination and stability, however I discovered that she can operate and enjoys using a floor mounted pedal machine, if we're unable to go out due to inclement weather”.

Hadyn goes on to say “It's obviously important that mum is mentally stimulated and gets exercise as well as fresh air, but until now, I have struggled to find a suitable, safe bike she could use outside. It would not be safe for herself or others for her to use any kind of bike or motorised chair. Similarly, a tandem is not suitable as if Mum were to lose her balance or have a mini stroke, we could both end up falling off. However, I recently discovered a bike which has been adapted to carry a carer and their patient, in a safe, stable, controlled way - riding side by side.

Hadyn describes the bike “The passenger seat rotates 90 degrees to assist with access. The seat is more like a bucket seat, rather than a saddle, and there are arm rests and a seat belt. There is also a foot rest or a 2nd set of pedals the patient can use. The pedals can be passive (freewheeling) or contribute to the propulsion of the bike. In addition, there is an electric motor and battery to assist with starting and hill climbing as well as 2 sets of handle bars and 8 gears each side, allowing the carer to retain control of the steering and braking, for safety reasons.

Upon discovering the bike, Hadyn arranged a demonstration and invited Dementia Support Worker, Sarah Ince from the Alzheimer’s Society, together with Managing Director of Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor and chair of Northern Devon Dementia Alliance, Adam Crispin to join him.

Hadyn finished by saying “I can honestly say the reaction from everyone was very positive and enlightening. I strongly believe these bikes would make a huge difference to both carers and their patients, both mentally and physically, improving wellbeing and stimulation for all. The bikes could also be a useful tool for rehabilitation following injury, (knee and hip replacement), as there is an extra pair of hands (feet) and an electric motor, to assist in propulsion of the bike if the patient gets tired or feels poorly.

Hadyn is now looking to fundraise to purchase one of the bikes to support both his mum and other carers and their patients in the North Devon area. If you would like to support him please visit https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/dementia-bike?utm_term=by5m8p9ZW

If you or someone you know is caring for a friend or loved one and you would like some support, further information can be found at www.devoncarers.org.uk or by calling our helpline 03456 434 435

Please mention EX33 when responding to adverts

THE BRAUNTON EXPRESS

February 2023

Parish Council Budgets for 2023/24

Braunton Parish Councillors have unanimously approved a budget for the year April 2023 – March 2024 and an associated precept of £190,875 (the amount of money the Council will need to fulfil that budget).

Every year, the Parish Council draws up its budget and calculates how much money it needs for the next Financial Year. This amount is then submitted to North Devon Council (NDC). NDC adds together its own demands with those of the County Council, the Police, Fire and Rescue Service and the Parish Council to establish an overall Council Tax rate to be paid by Braunton residents from 1st April of that year. For residents in a Band D property, Braunton Parish Council is asking for £61.73 per annum. Compared to 2022/23, this equates to an increase of 16 pence per week for the tax year 2023/24.

The main reason for this increase, in addition to inflation, is due to the Parish Council saving the only public conveniences in central Braunton. Due to the current financial pressures on local authorities NDC are reducing its non-statutory frontline services. Public conveniences are being transferred to the relevant parish/town councils, and where agreement cannot be reached

prior to April 2023, those facilities areatriskofclosure.

As well as its statutory responsibilities as the local tier of Local Authority for the Parish, the Parish Council is also responsible for allotments, Braunton Parish Hall, car parks, Community Work Hub, Memorial Gardens, play parks, recreational ground, village green, Velator Quay, The Beacon, Tarka Trail (part), bus shelters, public seating, litter bins and dog waste bins, Christmas tree and lights and grass cutting. The precept is therefore an essential part of the Parish Council’s funding, without which it could not maintain a service that effectively and efficiently responds to the needs of our community.

Councillor Liz Spear, Chairman of Braunton Parish Council said: “To continue to provide vital services and facilities for our community the Parish Council has had to agree a very modest increase to the budget. Braunton Parish Council is committed to improving our service to the Parish through good financial management and planning, which is particularly important at a time when people’s personal and family budgets are being squeezed like never before.”

For further information please email info@brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Braunton Parish Council to take on Public Conveniences

Braunton Parish Council met on Monday 19th December, and members unanimously voted to take on North Devon Council’s (NDC) public conveniences in the Caen Street Car Park. Due to financial pressures on local authorities, NDC approved a recommendation which will see public conveniences handed over to town/parish councils. Should communities choose not

Braunton Parish Council members agreed that public conveniences are seen as a vital facility in our community and the closure of them would not be an option. The Parish Council have therefore agreed to take on this asset from 1 April 2023, with a phased transfer for the cleaning up until March 2024.

The Chair of Braunton Parish Council, Councillor Liz Spear says, “For people who live in the village and people visiting the village they are an important facility. The closure of this vital service would have a detrimental impact on the community and local traders. Braunton Parish Council are committed to continue to provide and improve services across the parish”.

Braunton Parish Council

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

Meetings Calendar 2023

Full Council meetings are currently being held in the Parish Hall and additional meetings, to primarily consider planning applications, are currently being held virtually. Please note the change of day of theFullCouncilmeetings.

7pmTuesday14thFebruary2023

7pmMonday27thFebruary2023

Photo credit: Braunton Community Neighbourhood Plan Photographer

Friendly And Reliable Service. Free Quotes. Fully Insured. Most Jobs Can Be Undertaken So Please Don't Hesitate To Ask.

Tel 01271 325200

Mob 07578502775

JP Horticulture

A professional and friendly gardening service. Experienced and RHS qualified. Please contact us to discuss your gardening needs.

Phone - James 07794268963

Email - jphorticulture@hotmail.com

Please call for any requirements you may have. Based in Braunton, serving North Devon

Please mention EX33 when responding to adverts

Northern Devon residents will need photo ID to vote at elections in May

For the first time, residents in Torridge and North Devon districts, and across the UK, will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections, which take place on 4th May in northern Devon. Residents are being urged to plan ahead and make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have access to one of the accepted forms of ID.

The forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a free ID online or by completing a paper form when the application process opens in a few weeks’ time.

The changes have been decided by the Government and the full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/ voterID.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said:

“

Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Councillor Simon Newton – Lead Member for Legal and Democratic Support at Torridge District Council, said:

“

The next elections will soon be with us in May 2023 so it's a good idea to check if you have a valid ID and if not that you apply now for one of the free forms of ID that will be acceptable. We would also recommend that family members check with relatives such as the elderly, or others that may need their help, to ensure they don’t lose their right to vote in person. Alternatively it might also be an opportunity to register to vote by post, which is another convenient method people might wish to consider.”

Councillor David Worden, Leader of North Devon Council, said:

“

As well as the new Photo ID process anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote. As usual officers in both authorities will also be on standby to support residents who require further help.”

Anyone requiring further advice should check online in the first instance or call their respective electoral services team –www.torridge.gov.uk/elections 01237 428739 or https:// www.northdevon.gov.uk/ elections/ 01271 388277

BRAUNTON £425,000 GEORGEHAM £575,000

BRAUNTON £460,000

Cody is a handsome three-year-old Beagle looking for an active home.

A typical hound, he loves to go off on long walks and use his nose to have a good sniff and is happy to jump in the car to get to new exciting locations. When Cody is excited, or spots something of interest out on his walk, he will give off his Beagle howl! Cody does not mind if other dogs join him on walks. He is happy to have a quick meet and greet but prefers calm dogs as he does not want too much interaction from them. Cody loves his food and treats and he knows how to ‘sit’. Although shy initially, Cody adores people, and having a fuss and a snuggle. He loves human company and is happiest when he is with his humans.

Cody is looking for a loving home where he can spend the most amount of time possible with his humans. He could share a home with teenage children, but would need to be the only pet. Any time left alone in the home will need to be built up very gradually. Cody will need his humans to come and visit him a few times at the rehoming centre prior to adoption to build up a bond.

If you think you could give Cody the loving home that he deserves please take a look at his profile on Dogs Trust’s website www.dogstrust.org.uk/ rehoming to begin the adoption process.

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Cat of the Month - Lulu

Feeling stressed in a busy home with a new baby and with many other cats living nearby, for her own sake pretty seven year old Lulu had to move on.

Pen life was difficult for her at first, but spending time with her fosterers she's beginning to show her true friendly self, enjoying being stroked and playing with her favourite toys.

An experienced cat owner with time to share with her would, we believe, help her to completely de-stress and be fully happy once more.

Free access to the outdoors, which she has always had, would make her life complete.

Put simply, what Lulu really needs is a quiet household without other pets or young children.

Could you provide that for this sweet lady?

For further information please contact:

T: 03453714203

E: barnstaplecats@hotmail.com

W: www.cats.org.uk/barnstaple

F: barnstaplecatsprotection

Reg charity; 203644 (England & Wales) SC037711 (Scotland)

‘

JUST FOR FUN

Hidden Message - American States

Once you find all the words, use the unused letters starting in the top left corner to reveal the hidden message.

December’s answer was:

One of the nice things about Christmas is that you can make people forget about the past with a present’

Dance / Fitness / Diet Classes:

Dancing Feet Academy of Dance - 816213

Salsa & Flamenco Dance Lessons with Mercedes - 269146

Kendra Pilates with Rachael - 07904 219085

Yoga with Jules - 07813 874121

Yoga with Simone - 07860 604698

Karen’s Dance/Fitness - 07765 603558

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

Braunton Belly dance Club - 325793

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

Clubs:

The Saturday SOB Club (SOB = Short of Breath) - 890217

Braunton Original Badminton Club - 374419 or 890185

Braunton Bridge Club - 01271 813000

Braunton Camera Club - Meet on Monday evenings contact Chairpersons 07812753361/01271883306

The Village Quilters (4th Saturday) - 813460

Braunton Out Of School Club - 07855 736631

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

Braunton Art Group - 814959

Georgeham and Croyde Art Group - 890215

Braunton Twinning Organisation - 814035/814532

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)

Church Services (Sundays unless stated)

Beaver Colony - 816780

Scouts (1st Chivenor) - 555045

Braunton Sea Scouts - 871374

Braunton Rainbows - 816340

Braunton Brownies - 816340

Braunton Guides - 816340

Cub Scouts (1st Chivenor) - 555045

Beaver Scouts (1st Chivenor) - 555045

Caen Bridge Club - 812121

Braunton Caen Rotary Memory Café (last Wed 2-4pm) - Stan 816340

Braunton Lodge of Freemasons - 812651

See Hear Centre, Barnstaple - 01271 373236

Braunton Bowling Club -

www.brauntonbowlingclub.co.uk - 813317

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: 812574

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. 11am. Tel: 813395

St Georges C of E (Georgeham). 11am. Tel: 890616

Christian Science Society Barnstaple 11am Wed 6.15pm Tel: 323741

www.christiansciencenorthdevon.co.uk

For more details on any club or event please ring the relevant number