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Hello Bideford
Hi, welcome to the January edition of the Link’ Magazine.
Happy New Year to all the readers of the magazine, I trust you all had an enjoyable Christmas and now ready for what 2025 brings. To start with, the Tide Times will no longer be a part of the magazine,. I know many of you like this feature, but I have to purchase a years worth of forecasts from the Hydrographic office and then pay for a copyright to publish them. The cost has now increased significantly to the point it is no longer cost effective, we are talking thousands!!
I will continue to look for alternatives, if anyone has any suggestions, please let me
See you next
Well done to everyone who found the missing ‘Larry’ & ‘Boycie’ last month The winner for finding ‘Larry’ is Ben Dunkley, you have won 2 tickets to ‘The Big Sheep’ The winner for finding ‘Boycie’ is Marg Shute, you have won a meal for two at ‘The Beaver’ in Appledore. Congratulations to you both. See if you can find them again this month, details on page 6
Richard Brook
Local Builder, Braunton
I have been in the building industry for over 40 years. I offer a professional & personable service. My trade is bricklaying & stone laying but my wealth of building experience and expertise means I can lead on all design and build projects through to construction. I also work on smaller projects and can help you with those jobs around the home & garden.
Garden Walls / Patios
Fencing
Minor renovations
General building support/works
Extensions
Hard Landscaping
Project Management
Domestic Repairs
R J B Building Services
Mobile: 07976 679 747
Email: richardjbrook@aol.com
CHANGE YOUR BOILER
Happy New Year All!
Early in December we celebrated our Signing of the Lease ceremony. After a short procession from the Town Hall to the Pannier Market, the Mayor and the Chairperson of the Allotments Committee, Councillor Simon Inch, gave the awards for our Allotments Inter-site Challenge. The Mayor then dispensed the mead, and the Councillors distributed the mince pies and clotted cream to all who were there.
In other news, Bideford Town Council were recently awarded a grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund. This will be used to undertake surveys of the Pannier Market to help us understand the extent to any issues that we may have to deal with and ensure the upkeep of this wonderful asset.
This month, we will celebrate the official opening of The Bideford Town Council Rangers Depot at Caddesdown. At present this will be used to store the various planters and baskets which help make the Town a brighter place during the summer months. Once the Christmas illuminations are over for the Town they too are safely stored until the next festive season.
This is the very last call for Grant applications from voluntary clubs, groups, and organisations, who benefit Bideford residents, to be submitted in time for the deadline of the Town Council Grants scheme which is Monday 13th January 2025. All applications will be scrutinised by the Finance Committee in February and those who are successful will collect their awards in April and the Annual Parish Meeting. We wish to remind applicants to read the Grant Criteria carefully before completing the form, as applications not correctly completed cannot be accepted.
Looking at the Town Council’s Civic calendar it will be no time before we are preparing for Manor Court, on 15th March. If you live in Bideford and wish to take part as a juror, a member of the audience or you wish to send in a presentment do please contact us (details at the foot of this page). Presentments are an opportunity for Bideford people to suggest ways of improving the town. As a Town Council we can make small improvements but cannot make changes that are administered by Torridge District Council or Devon County Council.
There will be lots more fun going on throughout the town, check out our What’s On page on the website www.bideford-tc.gov.uk
Anyone interested in hiring the Market Hall or enquiring about a Shop Unit tenancy in the Pannier Market should contact the Council: Telephone: 01237 428817 or email: info@bideford-tc.gov.uk https://www.instagram.com/bidefordtowncouncil/ https://www.facebook.com/bidefordtc https://x.com/BidefordTc
North Devon Ramblers Winter Walking Festival
Why not start the new year with the “New You.” Be fitter, healthier and enjoy connecting with nature while discovering more about our beautiful countryside?
You will need walking boots and waterproof clothing as muddy paths are expected!
You are welcome to join us on one or more of our Winter Walks. There are 4 walks over 4 consecutive days from Thursday 2nd January to Sunday 5th January. They will be led by one or more of our experienced Walk Leaders; you do not have to be a member and it is completely free, so why not come along?
The walk on 2nd January will begin at the bus stop at the hospital (outside A&E ) at 10.00 and end at Pilton (so you could park there and walk or take a bus to the hospital). Approximately 9 miles, it will take us through Raleigh Woods to Shirwell and back via South Hill to Pilton.
The walk on 3rd January is a 7.5 mile walk around Hatherleigh. The start time is 10.30 and it will leave from Hatherleigh Village car park.
The walk on 4th January begins at Woody Bay lower car park meeting at 10.30. We will be walking to Hunters Inn and returning along the carriage road, about 7 miles in total.
The walk on Sunday 5th January starts at 10.00 at Caen Street car park, Braunton and will explore the American Road to Saunton and returning on the South West coast path, 10.5 miles.
The Macular Group
Meet once a month ,on the first Thursday of each month, at The BURTON, Bideford, in the KINGSLEY ROOM ,BETWEEN 10 am-12 NOON. All are welcome. Looking forward to meeting you. Any queries contact Richard Lockwood on 01237 476827 Northam & District Men's Forum
The Forum welcomes back existing and invites new Members to our weekly Thursday meetings from 10:15am to 12 noon, October to the end of April at the Methodist Church Hall, Cross Street, Northam. Interesting speakers on a range of topics. Refreshments available. Please contact Mike on 01237 459324 for more information.
Coffee morning, chat and crafts with Together Again.
The Pollyfield Community Centre 10am to 12pm Tuesdays
Bideford Friday Afternoon Table Tennis playing every Friday from 2.30-4.30 at Bideford Youth Centre, The Pill, Bideford. Come along and enjoy friendly table tennis! Call Jan on 07467 221199 for more details or just turn up!
CLEVER CRAFTERS Kingsley Hall, Westward Ho!, from 10am to 12, every Friday. We are open to everyone (crafters and non crafters) for tea/coffee cake and conversation.
Care & Share Cafe. Meet at Holy Trinity Church hall, Westward Ho! on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 10am - 12md. Call Nicola 01237 474979 for details. Come and join us.
Carry On Choir - Wednesdays 7 - 9 p.m. at Pollyfield Community Centre. Call Kathy on 07957 908015 to check term dates and arrange a free taster session. Everyone welcome. No auditions, music reading or experience required.
St Margaret’s Church, Northam, Open Church on Friday mornings for coffees, teas, and a book stall from 10.15 – 12noon
Kenwith
Castle Model Boat Club, Abbotsham.
The Club welcomes new members who enjoy building and sailing radio controlled model boats, both powered and sail. Sailing takes place every week on Kenwith Castle Care Home lake, weather permitting, with Club meetings held monthly at Royal North Devon Golf Club.
For more information call David on 01237 478753
Knit & Natter group at Bideford library 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. 2-4pm .All ages and levels of expertise welcome. No charge but we make a donation for our tea and biscuits.
Friday and Saturday evenings at the Kingsley School theatre at the top of Northdown Road in Bideford. Contact - www.bidefordcinema.org.uk/ for more details.
Westward Ho! Ladies Club
We meet every Thursday at 7.30p.m. from September to May in the Schoolroom of the Kingsley Hall Westward Ho!. We have a variety of speakers and new members are always welcome. Please contact Alison on 07929 958654 for more information. Northam Choral Society – meets at 7.30 every Tuesday evening, excluding the summer holidays, in St Mary’s Church Bideford. The choir is open to all ages and voices, and holds regular concerts in May and December. Come along and join us – it’s fun!
For more information you can either contact Michael on 07933 244247, or just come along and see what we do.
Bideford Folk Club meets every Thursday at 7:30pm in the Joiner’s Arms, Bideford, EX39 2DR
For more information see Website: www.bidefordfolkclub.com or John Purser 01237 424286, bidefolk@gmail.com"
North Devon Model Society Meet every Tuesday, from 6.30 to 9pm at Fremington Parish Hall, Higher Rd, Fremington, EX31 3BG. All abilities and ages welcome. https://northdevonmodelsociety.co.uk/ WESTWARD HO! BRIDGE CLUB every Tuesday and Thursday in the Holy Trinity hall, starting at 6.45pm. Ring Graham on 01237 470990 or email penkenna2@gmail.com
Bideford Phoenix Morris Why not join to dance or play this year.
We begin our practises from Wednesday 10th January at 7.00pm to 9pm at the Baptist Church Hall, Mill Street, Bideford. For more information contact Neil or Carolyn on 01237 473798, email: info@bidefordphoenix.co.uk
Torridge Male Voice Choir - Woolsery Village Hall. Rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7.45pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Contact John on 07929 334070 for information. There is no audition! St Margaret’s Church Northam “Coffee at Maggies” from 9.30am to 3.30pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive where they serve a fantastic variety of homemade cakes and drinks which all of us villagers absolutely love. Westward Ho! - the Residents' Association Thursday5December,10.30-midday,KingsleyHall, ishosting a coffee and mince pies community get together, with a (retired) financial adviser offering advice, and local councillors attending. Appledore short mat bowls played at the community centre Tuesdays 7-9 pm £3 a session. Northam Badminton Club friendly club play every Thursday afternoon 2pm to 3pm at Northam Community Centre The Jolly Dollies Especially for widows, we meet each week for coffee and a chat and to plan excursions and outings. Contact Jan Thompson on 07813 368872 or thejollydollies.co.uk for further information. Abbotsham short mat bowls club Held at Abbotsham hall Thursdays 2-4pm £3 a session tel: bid 421585
The Holy Trinity Knit&natter group
Meet at the church hall in Westward Ho! on the First & third Wednesday of the month, from 1.30pm - 3.30pm Call Catherine on 01237- 475720 for details or just come along.
The Appledore Singers
What’s On
New members are welcome, so why not ring 01237 420652 to find out more about joining us. Further information about us is also available on our website: theappledoresingers.co.uk or our Facebook page. Rehearsals Mondays 7.30 – 9pm Appledore Baptist Church
Torridge Walk & Talk
Come and join us on one of our Tuesday and Wednesday Walks. Contact: torridgewalkandtalk.co.uk OR phone Steve 01237 421528 A variety of walks for all levels, Just turn up and join in for free.
The Jolly Gardeners Club
email jollygardenersclub@gmail.com for more details. We have a Facebook group where members can post news about what they have been up to in their gardens and we can let you know about meetings and events.
WEDNESDAYS Bideford Folk Dance Club
Meet at Northam Hall at 7.30 pm. Experience or partners not necessary. Please contact Chris on 01237 423554 for further information.
Northam WI We meet on the first Friday of each month at 7pm in Northam Hall, Fore Street, Northam. Do come and join us. Contact northam@devonwi.org or ring Julie 01237 237263. Appledore WI We meet on the first Friday of the month at 2:00pm in The Blue Lights Hall in Vernons Lane in Appledore. New members are welcome and to find out more please contact Melanie 01237 429455
PINS AND NEEDLES all crafts using threads pins wool and needles we welcome all ages and all skill levels 2nd Saturday of every month 9.30-12.30pm Sticklepath methodist hall rhododendron avenue Barnstaple EX31 2DL good car parking and on bus route 21 contact Anita 01237 422458 Rock n Roll club in Westward Ho!
Rocking Shoes Rock n Roll Club. Kingsley Hall Westward Ho! 1st & 3rd Friday of the month 7.30 10.30pm, Bar available. Bideford Probus Club
At The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month - Tel 01409 282948. Northam Choral Society are meeting every Tuesday evening, 7:30pm at St Mary’s church Bideford
Please contact Michael on 07933 244 247 for more information or just turn up. There is no audition.
BIDEFORD TREFOIL GUILD
We meet at All Saints Chapel Community Centre Instow on the first Tuesday of the Month 7-9pm If you would like to know more please contact Sandra Nevard 07976117778 for more information.
*NEW* Carry On Choir - Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:30pm at Westward Ho! Baptist Church. Call Kathy on 07957 908015 to check term dates and arrange a free taster session. Everyone welcome. No auditions, music reading or experience required. Sense of humour essential.
BREAKAWAY SOCIAL CLUB for ADULTS (18+) at WESTWARD HO!
We are looking for new members. The club is held in The Baptist Church Hall on Mondays 6.30 to 8.30pm.Open to adults (18+) with learning and/or physical disabilities. Please contact 01237 475051 for more information Kenwith Badminton Club are welcoming new members! We play at Kingsley School Sports Hall on Mondays (not BH or August) from 8-10pm, 7.30 in the winter. Visitors welcome. If you enjoy sociable and competitive badminton, we'd love to see you! Contact Jan for info 07467 221199."
Feel Better with a Book
The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10.30 in Bideford Library. We have a drink and biscuit, listen to stories and poems and have a friendly chat.
Bideford Camera Club.
We meet most Tuesday evenings throughout the year for talks, competitions, photo walks. All ages (16+) /abilities. See https://bidefordcameraclub.co.uk/contact to find out more.
Oasis for Ladies First Wednesday of every month. 2-4 pm Appledore Baptist Church. Make new friends and enjoy chat, refreshments, games etc. For details contact, Ruth 07799661641 Westward Ho! Residents’ Association Community meeting - Sunday, 19 January, in the Kingsley Hall, 2.30pm. A Lundy Ambassador will be chatting about the history and wildlife of the island. Rolle Canal Society January 19th 2.30 at the Burton we are giving a presentation on the restoration work we are undertaking on this 19 th century canal which connected Torrington and Bideford. Locks, inclined planes, tub boats, refreshments after, all welcome. NorthDevonandTorridgeLAS (LifeafterStroke} associatedwiththeStrokeAssociation atFremingtonParishHall, HigherRd,FremingtonEX313BG.SocialandActivitieseveryFriday1100-1300,Strokesurvivorsandcares verywelcome.
TORRIDGE RAMBLERS are a friendly group who walk the footpaths and bridleways of the Torridge area with additional walks further afield. Walks open to all ages. For details of walks or more information contact our chairman Chris 07989555717 or clemo9@hotmail.com
Opening times may vary, please contact the Library direct for full details
