Hello Bideford
Hi, welcome to the July edition of the Link’
Are you ready to vote on the 4th July? Remember you will need photo ID this time.
It’s at this time of year that the area really starts to come alive and gets in to gear ready for the summer holidays. The local parks look amazing, all credit to both Bideford and Northam town Councils for all their hard work. Who knows what the rest of the year will bring, all depends on who wins the election. Regardless of who is in power at Westminster, we still live in a wonderful part of the country. Remember to look at the ‘Water Safety’ feature on pages 8 & 9, this could save yours or someone else's life this year. Whatever you are up to, have a great and safe time. See you next month.
Competitions
Well done to everyone who found the missing ‘Larry’ & ‘Boycie’ last month
The winner for finding ‘Larry’ is Jemma Gist, you have won 2 tickets to ‘The Big Sheep’
The winner for finding ‘Boycie’ is Jenny Brown, 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
Celebrate Appledore is a community led event sharing passions and skills with visitors to the library and to Appledore. It is a partnership between the library and people of Appledore. Come along any time between 10 and 12 to have a go at some activities and experience something new. All activities are led by passionate and enthusiastic locals. Learn about your family history, spend time with the Maritime Museum’s collection; find out about the history behind local place names in Appledore and add to the map; handle firefighting equipment, talk to a firefighter and more!
Please be advised that access is via a staircase to the room upstairs above the library. Family history research is in the main library.
For more information and updates on activities, visit Appledore library fb page https://www.facebook.com/AppledoreLibrary
See you on July 20th!
Win 2 Tickets to visit
The Big Sheep in Abbotsham
THE BEAVER INN APPLEDORE
WIN Sunday Lunch
Larry
the Lamb’
‘Boycie the Beaver’ has gone missing, Can you
find him?
Unfortunately he has run away again, up to his old tricks! Can you help me find him? He will be hiding behind an advert in the magazine
Once you have found him, send his location to me. mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or use the contact form on the web site.
One person will be drawn from the correct answers to win. Closing date for entries 12h July 2024
He’s hiding in one of the adverts inside the magazine. Find him to Win a Sunday lunch for two at the Beaver Inn, Appledore
Send your answers by email to mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk Closing date July 12th 2024 One person from the correct answers will win.
country
How much do you know about the tides and how it impacts a coastal visit?
The RNLI Bideford bay water safety team, wants you all to be aware of the tides and the risks that they can pose while visiting the local beaches and estuaries.
Check out the local tide tables and stay informed about low and high tides: www.tidetimes.org.uk.
The size of the tide also changes over a two-week cycle, with neap tides being the lowest, spring tides being the highest. These are the most dangerous with huge volumes of water moving in and out of the bay very quickly, creating strong currents.
When the tide goes out, Instow and Appledore appear to be just a short walk/swim apart. However the tides can change quickly, cutting people off so they cannot return to either side safely. Although it looks like sand, there are mud and clay patches which you can get trapped in.
The tides cause very strong currents which can pull swimmers out to sea. Make sure you use the ferry. www.appledoreinstowferry.com/timetable-fares/timetable.htm.
Paddle boarding and Kayaking
When the tide is going out, you may find yourself unable to return to your access point. Always wear a lifejacket and leash and carry an accessible phone.
The Northam Burrows.
A two mile stretch of beach, separated from the car park by a natural pebble ridge. There are only two slipways, one at Sandymere, the other at Westward Ho!
Westward Ho!
For about two hours either side of high tide the beach disappears. The slipway gets cut off by the tide before the beach.
Accidents occur once the slipway is cut off, leaving people to scramble over the stones of the pebble ridge to be able to exit the beach. Some of the locals are well practiced and skillful at this, but for most of us it is very difficult and painful to do especially with flip flops or bare feet and impossible for the infirm or people with mobility issues.
Sandymere
Once the waves are on the ramp it is really difficult to get out of the sea. The stones and ramp become slippery and even a small wave makes it hard to keep your balance.
Greysands and Crow Point
Near the estuary mouth, these areas are not lifeguarded. They have the strongest currents and tidal flow, so it is dangerous to swim, surf or walk here. It is very easy to get cut off.
Never drive onto the beach as it is easy to get bogged down and stuck.
Seafield car park
This is the parking for the stretch of coastal path that goes to Abbotsham, Peppercombe, Bucks Mills, and on to the historic fishing village of Clovelly. There are no amenities close to the path.
The cliffs are very high in places and the path is close to the cliff edge, dogs need to be on a lead. If a dog gets into difficulty, never enter the water to rescue them - call the Coastguard for help.
Stay on the coastal path and do not try to cut across the beaches. An incoming tide can cut off access routes back up to the path.
RNLI and Lifeguards
The area is looked after by the RNLI with lifeboat stations at Appledore, Ilfracombe and Clovelly.
Lifeguards will be patrolling the beaches of Westward Ho!, Sandymere, Croyde, Woolacombe and Putsborough. Please swim at these beaches, adhere to their safety messages, and know the flags.
What do I do if I see someone in trouble?
Do not enter the water. Inform a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Finally, if we do see the sun this year, remember to look after your skin. Slip on a T shirt, Slop on the sun cream, Slap on a sun hat, Seek shade, Drink some water sunglasses.
Stay safe and have a lovely time! The RNLI water safety team for Bideford Bay
‘© Crown Copyright and/or database rights. Reproduced by permission of The Keeper of Public Records and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.GOV.uk/UKHO).’
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Already we are heading for July (at the time of writing) and there is so much to tell about June!
In May each year our Councillors elect their Mayor (who is also Chairman of the Town Council) for the coming year – this is not to be confused with City Mayors who are elected by the public. The Mayor serves for one year and during that time represents the Town at events and Chairs the Full Council meetings. And, every year this happens when the Mayor’s Diary is at its busiest. And this year was no exception – early June began with a bang and straight into the Mayor’s Introduction Ceremony, with more events during that week.
This Town Council is immensely pleased with the support given for those events, starting with the D-Day 80 Beacon Lighting, commemorating Operation Overlord. A great time was had at the Pollyfield Centre and everyone was royally entertained by The Liberty Sisters. A lovely buffet as well as hot roasties later on, was well received. The Pollyfield Centre Committee and volunteers made everyone feel very welcome. But most importantly, the names of those locals we wanted to honour were read out and given the respect they deserved. Thank you again to everyone who made the event a success.
Bideford Fair and the Mayor’s Parade was a new concept, rolling the two Events into one, which proved to be a huge success. Starting with a procession of the Civic Party headed up by Bideford Youth Pipes and Drums (who looked magnificent), our Town Cryer Jim Weeks announced our arrival at 4 points of the journey. Congratulations to some new faces in the Procession, especially St John Ambulance Corporal Sasha Bengey (the Mayor’s Cadet) who did a sterling job carrying the Town Council standard. As soon as the procession had reached the Arena in Victoria Park then the Town Band started up with the Cadet Units Parade around the Park pathways reaching the dais to take the Mayor’s Salute. After a blessing from Rev. Claire Rose-Casemore (the Mayor’s Chaplain) the Fair was formally opened and was possibly one of the best the Town Council has put on. Thanks of course go to Lucy Lowe of South West Event Management who did a great job with promoting and bringing in the attractions. And, the lovely weather helped. With only a couple of weeks to go, Bideford’s Got Talent is hotting up. We are still taking bookings for those budding stars – last year standards were high and it is hoped we can match that or better this year. We have two age categories to make the judging easier and fairer to all. Forms are still available from the Town Council or Lucy Lowe – contact details at the bottom of this page. And finally, we have another of our very popular Town Hall Tours. Come and see the regalia and find out about the building and some of its history. Totally free of charge – that’s Wednesday 21st August 2024 – starts 6.15pm prompt. Booking is advised as we don’t like to turn people away! Contact details for booking below. We look forward to seeing you. Until the next time . . .
Contact details – 01237 428818 or email admin@bideford-tc.gov.uk For Bideford’s Got Talent forms please contact lucyloweevents@outlook.com
Liberty Sisters at D-Day 80
Beacon Lighting at D-Day 80
Procession along the Quay, Bideford Fair
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 017467221199 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. Feb and Mar dates: 6th and 20th each month. No charge but we make a donation for our tea and biscuits.
Thursday Fellowship Northam Methodist Hall.
2.15pm. Guest speakers, Tea/Coffee £2.00.
Bideford Film Society
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
A friendly, weekly club. Bring a song or tune, join in or just sit and listen. We also have concerts, from time to time, for dates of these, please see our website. There is no entry fee, we just pass the hat around.
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. We are a friendly club who share our skills and expertise to make Plastic Kits, Sculpt, Scratch Build, 3D print and paint scale models of Figures, Tanks, Boats, Ships, Cars, Trucks, Planes, Si-Fi, dioramas. Please come along, see 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. Why not come along, join in the fun and dance or play with us this coming year. 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!
Tuesday Coffee Mornings at Lavington URC, every Tuesday from 10am until 1pm at Lavington United Reformed Church, Bridgeland Street. Teas, coffees, sandwiches, pasties, cake.
Healing at the Bideford Centre of Light, Tuesdays (10.00am - 11.45am) Donations gratefully received. Contact Richard for more details 01237471626
Music at St Margarets' Church Northam presents 'Music for a Summer's Evening' Saturday 20th July 7pm. Free entry with retiring collection. Interval with strawberries and cream and prize draw raffle.
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 07467221199."
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
Coffee and cake morning Bideford High Street Methodist Church on the last Saturday of each month there is no set charge but donations to Harbour and local charities are gratefully received, the Venue is and the time 10-00 to 12-00.
Little Stitches Quilt Group
Quilting and Stitchcraft Exhibition, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Littleham Village Hall, 10am-4pm. Charity quilt, raffle, tombola, sales table and demonstrations, refreshments and visiting traders. Admission £2.00. Raising funds for North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA) Women's Refuge.
WESTWARD HO! ART CLUB Summer Exhibition at Westward Ho! Baptist Church on August 12th to17th, Opening hours MONDAY 2pm to 4pm TUESDAY to SATURDAY 10am to 4pm Refreshments available and parking nearby.
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.
