The Bideford Link magazine

TOP STORY Local councils See Pages 18 & 26

What’s On See Pages 24/25

Water Safety See Page 8/9

Tide Times See Page 10 2x prizes to be won ‘Larry The Lamb’ & ‘Boycie the Beaver’ are Missing Can you find them to win

The independent directory of businesses delivered FREE to residents of Bideford, Appledore, Northam, Abbotsham and Westward Ho!

Publisher: The Link Publications Editor: Alex Tutton Advertising: 07840 466768 Email: mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk Web: www.thelinkpublications.co.uk Facebook/thelinkpublications Please Join Us! Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Link does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this Publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher.

Contents Larry the Lamb Boycie the Beaver Water Saftey Tide Times Bideford Town Council What’s On Northam Town Council Useful Info

6 6 8/9 10 18 24/25 26 28

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 2

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

3

BATHROOMS

WET ROOMS

MOBILITY BATHROOMS & WETROOMS

STAIRLIFTS

BESPOKE BATHROOM & WET ROOM SPECIALIST 0% Vat and 5% criteria apply

DESIGNED, SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED THROUGHOUT NORTH DEVON

01237 473 746

Property maintenance Kitchens Home improvements Call Sam. Renovations 07949 041799 Fencing & Decking External painting 4

westcountrybathrooms@outlook.com

01237 421749 Adrian — 07970 927 909 Adam — 07554 498 808 Over 30 Years experience in UPVC Your Original Repair Man

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

Celebrate Appledore at Appledore library Saturday July 20th 10-12 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!

Northam Cars (Incorporating Tarka Private Hire)

Tel: 01237 479023

Interior Woodwork CITB CSCS City & Guilds Qualified

Mob: 07785 961543 Friendly Reliable Service

Your local fitted furniture specialist • • • •

Bedrooms Under stairs storage solutions Kitchens Freestanding furniture

Tel: 01237 441568 – Mobile 07807 885272 www.jamesinteriorwoodwork.co.uk james@jamesinteriorwoodwork.co.uk

School House Farm.

Littleham, Bideford. EX395HR To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

5

Win 2 Tickets to visit The Big Sheep in Abbotsham

‘Larry the Lamb’

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

6

THE BEAVER INN APPLEDORE

WIN

Sunday

Lunch

‘Boycie the Beaver’ has gone missing, Can you find him?

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.

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

Nail care Callus removal Reduction and removal of fungal nails General footcare Foot spa treatment Pedicures and manicures Facials Contact us on (01237) 473511

To make your appointment today

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

BUILDING PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL Renovations Garden Walls Patios/Paths Retaining Walls Shed Bases Fencing, Decking & Much More FREE QUOTES AND FRIENDLY ADVICE NO JOB TOO SMALL FULLY INSURED CALL TERRY ON OFFICE 01271 325200 / TERRY 07578502775

Home Computer Tuition & Servicing

Computer Tuition Lessons (Emailing, Word Processing, Web Browsing, Spread Sheets and desktop top Publishing). Printing Photos and Documents.

Computer Servicing, Virus Removal, Computer Servicing and trouble shooting and much more.

Tuition £28 per hour—Servicing £30 per hour (OAP Discount 10%)

Gareth Alexander

Tel: 07816 521665 To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

7

Local Water Safety Bideford Bay has one of the largest tidal flows in the 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.

Appledore and Instow

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.

8

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

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… and Slide on those sunglasses.

Stay safe and have a lovely time!

The RNLI water safety team for Bideford Bay.

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

9

Tide Times

‘© Crown Copyright and/or database rights. Reproduced by permission of The Keeper of Public Records and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.GOV.uk/UKHO).’

Times are in GMT, please add one hour

10

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

11

12

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

13

14

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

01271 342268 (Barnstaple)

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

15

P. J. Roose Painting & Decorating Services Tel: 07791 489828 paulroose1@hotmail.co.uk 30 Years Experience Fully Qualified Tradesman 19 Riverside Close Bideford, EX392RX

16

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

Steve Arnold Heating, Plumbing & Gas services Established since 1985 Gas Safe Registered Gas Installer Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer, Service repair to all Gas/LPG appliances Installations of Worcester Bosch High Efficiency Boilers Full Central Heating Installations Landlord Certificates Bathrooms/Showers/Tiling Solar Heating Installations No Job Too Small

12874

Call 01237 420864 or 07850 826702

Sure Feet

Foot Healthcare Practitioners

Appointments at the clinic as well as mobile appointments.

Nail trimming & filing, ingrowing toe nail, Fungal nail test & treatment, corns, callus, verruca treatment & diabetic care

Deborah

07877 772 068

Registered & Insured

57 staddon road, Appledore

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

17

Bideford 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.

Liberty Sisters at D-Day 80 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 Procession along the Quay, possibly one of the best the Town Council Bideford Fair 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’s 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 Beacon Lighting at D-Day 80 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

18

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

19

Advertise in this space From

£50+vat Call Alex

07840 466768

mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk 20

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

21

S. ROBINSON

GENERAL BUILDERS & DECORATORS BOOK NOW FOR GREAT DEALS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Exterior & Interior Painting & Decorating House Extensions Roofing Works Property Maintenance Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting Windows & Doors Ceramic Tiling Brick Work

Phone for a full list of services and your free estimate. Accept all major credit cards

01237 700328 / 07831 182798

Email: info@srobinsonbuilders.co.uk PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE Over 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

22

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

23

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.

24

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

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.

What’s On

The Appledore Singers

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.

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

25

Northam

The Council is settling into its new civic year, having elected Cllr Niki Tait of Appledore as the Mayor for 2024-25. Cllr Tait has chosen Appledore RNLI as her charity. The RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, with Appledore RNLI receiving the RNLI number one lifeboat ‘The Volunteer’ in 2025 In association with the AVA, the Council commemorated the 80 th anniversary of the D Day landings in Appledore on the 6th June 2024, with readings from the Mayor and others and music from Appledore Band. The evening ended with the beacon at Churchfields being lit for peace, joining our local event to others across the country and beyond. (picture credit: Graham Hobbs, Bideford).

Scan here for Council Committees The Council has reviewed its committee structure, reorganising and refocusing committees to allow it to meet the needs of the community into the future. Meeting dates are on its website at www.northamtowncouncil.gov.uk (or scan the QR code above). Remember all Council meetings are open to the public (though some items may be considered in confidential sessions). Please come along it there are matters that interest or affect you – time is given at each meeting for members of the public to address the Council and its committees.

Finance - which now has responsibility for the Council’s properties in addition to Council finances.

Planning & Development - which also oversees the Northam Neighbourhood Plan and continues to consider the Council’s response to planning consultations, which are granted or refused permission by Torridge District Council.

Parks & Recreation and Environment & Maintenance - which oversee the Council’s outdoor work.

Human Resources - which has oversight of the Council’s staff and staffing structure.

Review - which has oversight of the Council’s policies and procedures.

Despite these changes, the day to day work of the Council continues. By the time of publication The Council expects its contractor to have completed the replacement of the multi-gym equipment at Anchor Park.

At Lords Meadow the zip-wire has had its seat removed. The Council will be replacing it as soon as possible, along with a new basket swing, ball fencing and a new goal. The contractor has been appointed and we will put more details on our website as soon as we can. Work is also planned at Wren Close, with the surface being replaced this year, again, the Council awaits a confirmed start date.

To help it with its work, the Council is looking to set up working groups with the public for each of its largest play parks – Anchor Park, Lords Meadow and Westward Ho! Park. If you would like to know more, please drop the Council an email at the address below.

Northam Town Council, the Council for Appledore, Northam & Westward Ho! Twinned with Mondeville in France and Büddenstedt in Germany

Lords of the Manor and Trustees of the Common Right Town Hall, 1 Windmill Lane, Northam.

EX39 1BY Telephone: 01237 474976

Office open: Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm www.northamtowncouncil.gov.uk e-mail: admin@northamtowncouncil.gov.uk

26

Scan here for Tennis Court bookings and Annual Passes

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

david.synnott22@googlemail.com

• • • • • • • • •

Corns Calluses Veruccas Professional treatment in the Cracked heels comfort of your own home Dry skin Diabetic Ingrowing Toe nails Tina Davey DipFH Fungal nails Foot Health Practitioner Foot maintenance

07342 276597

Synfitts

1984

Solid surface worktops, kitchen, bathroom & bedrooms 07714 519086 07854 034141

Tel: 01237 477120 Mobile: 07354763758

PAUL WAWRYCHUK QUALIFIED PAINTER & DECORATOR

Woodcote, Abbotsham Bideford, Devon EX39 5AT

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

27

Useful Information Opening times may vary, please contact the Library direct for full details

Libraries

Chemists

Farmers' Markets

Post Office Opening Times

Pannier Market Days

28

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

07847 136111 Providing a complete range of services from your roofline down to your drainage and everything in between. We cater for all your jobs large or small

07968 009812 / 07722 077366 01237 237588 info@alanwilsonwindows.co.uk www.alanwilsonwindows.co.uk Unit 20 Farm Road, Caddsdown Industrial Park, Bideford, Devon EX39 3BE

• • • • • • • •

Patios Fencing Decking Upvc Fascias Guttering EPDM Roofing External Painting Turfing

• Painting and Decorating

• Tiling • Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Door Hanging • Flooring • Garden Buildings

Call Now for a free quote

www.landscapersbarnstaple.co.uk /landscapersbarnstaple paulworrall1974@googlemail.com

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

29

Established 1985

Bideford Auto Services Ltd Gammaton Road, East-the-Water (At the top of Manteo Way) Bideford, Devon EX39 4FG

BIDEFORD BIKE NIGHTS Bideford Quay From 6pm THURSDAY 25th July

Car & Motorcycle MOT - Servicing & Repairs WE WORK ON ALL MAKES AND MODELS

All work carried out by vastly experienced and highly

30

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768

31