plained - New Carnival Coach for Barnstaple - page 37
The Dog N t Door - Romeo - page 41
plained - Animal Instincts - page 46
Kids Page - page 50
plained - Braunton Burrows Discovery Day - page 55
perience - The National Trust - page 56 perpl Just for Fun - page 59
The Cat n t door - Volunteers - page 60
perience - What’s On - page 61
ind of Advertisers - page 62
The Next Generation! As the magazines move into their 20th year of serving the community, there will be some new changes ahead ~ Same Name ~ Same magazine but with New Management! As I prepare to hand over the reins of running the magazine to my son Danny Coppard.
I will still be in the background ensuring that the hand over goes along smoothly and efficiently to provide the same service as the last 20 years has provided.
Welcome on board Danny!
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 3rd June 10.00am. This months speaker is Joan De Launey, “A Career in the Arts” . 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 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 Playmobil 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
CHRIST CHURCH, BRAUNTON
Saturday June 7th - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Sightsavers. Everyone welcome. Home made cakes, raffle, books and more. Community Café meets every Thursday at Christ Church 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
We are hoping with new volunteers starting at the museum we will be able to do extra hours to include Saturday mornings. However at present we are still open Monday to Thursday 10 to 3 and Friday 10 to 1pm. We also have a VE exhibition in the Museum covering local news from that moment of history. Please come and visit us.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Our next coffee morning will be on Saturday 14th June from 10am-12 midday at the Parish Hall. Come along and enjoy a cup of coffee/tea and biscuits and catch up with a good old natter with friends. You will also be helping us raise funds for Cancer Research UK. There will be as usual some lovely tables of goodies, crafts, cake stall and our wonderful raffle.
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.
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North Devon Ramblers- Walks in June
Here is the second month of our Summer Programme. From Tuesday 3rd June, we will be introducing “Time Out Tuesday” walks. Aimed at those who want a shorter walk or some exercise straight after work, these 3-4 mile walks will aim to end at a venue with refreshments (ie a pub)! All are welcome to join us (membership is not required). These walks will start at 6.30. alternating from Victoria Park entrance at Bideford and Barnstaple Square. More details of the walks can be found on our website: northdevonramblers.org.uk
Tuesday 3rd June –‘Time Out Tuesday’ from main entrance to Victoria Park at 6.30pm
Thursday 5th June – Joint walk with visiting group, Deeside Ramblers, from County Gate Car Park to Malmsmead and Doone Valley (7 miles) meeting at 10.30.
Friday 6th June – Joint walk with Deeside Ramblers, Combe Martin to Ilfracombe returning by bus. (6.5 miles) meeting at 10.15. at Ilfracombe harbour by Verity.
Saturday 7th June- Joint walk with Deeside Ramblers, commencing at Lynton to Lee Abbey and Caffyns (8 miles). Meet at Lynton town hall at 10.50.
Tuesday 10th June –‘Time Out Tuesday’ from Barnstaple clock tower, 6.30.
Wednesday 11th June- Along the boundary of the Royal Forest, meeting at Brendon Two Gates at 10.30 (5 miles). This walk is limited to 10 places. See website to book a place.
Thursday 12th June – Ilfracombe Torrs, follow the coast path to Lee. Meet at 10.00 at NT car park at Torrs Park.
Tuesday 17th June‘Time out Tuesday’ from Victoria Park main entrance, Bideford at 6.30.
Wednesday 18th June – Appledore and Northam Burrows (6.5 miles). Meet at Churchfields car park at 10.30.
Tuesday 24th June –‘Time Out Tuesday’ from Barnstaple Square at 6.30.
Wednesday 25th June – Dulverton, meet at Exmoor House car park at 10.30. Follow a 4 mile circular route with an optional 3 mile wooded walk along the banks of the River Barle.
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
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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 Call Nick Burnell 07789 718799
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It’s a real honour to have been elected to represent Braunton Rural as part of a new-look Devon Council. This is a fresh but final chapter before the creation of unitary authorities in 2028/9.
Over the last decade, fewer and fewer people have taken on the role of councillor. But, to me, the role is becoming ever more important and rewarding. As residents, we pay our taxes, and as councillor, I ensure that those taxes are distributed fairly based on my understanding of the needs of our community. Council decisions are made by listening, and by working together, we get things done.
If space allows, I’d love to share a short update each month about what Devon County is doing for Braunton Rural — and use this space to encourage others to get involved. As we move towards Devon Devolution I will be pushing hard to ensure local councillors gain much greater influence (and bigger budgets) over local issues.
Braunton Rural is a place with a deep sense of community. No matter your background, if you’re 18+, and If you’ve ever considered that you might like to help guide your village. Get in touch and lets make that happen.
Cllr Graham M Bell rn Devon County Council: Councillor for Braunton Rural.
07929 159996
graham.bell@northdevon.gov.uk
Electric bikes: don’t get a shock, know the rules
We realise that the increasing popularity of e-bikes has led to more people riding on pavements and roads. We know this has caused significant public nuisance. If you have an e-bike, it’s important you are aware of the rules to keep yourself and others safe.
According to current Government legislation, e-bikes can be used on public roads without a licence or insurance provided that:
• They are pedal assisted, bikes are fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling the bike.
• Maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor does not exceed 250 watts.
• Electrical assistance must cut off when the vehicle reaches 15.5 mph (25 kph).
• The rider is not under 14 years of age.
If your bike does not fit these guidelines, you can only ride your e-bike on a road if it is registered, taxed and you have a valid driving licence.
You must also wear a motorcycle helmet and insure your vehicle. For more information, visit GOV.uk website.
For a long time I kept it to myself. The anxiety. The anger. The pressure to keep going like nothing was wrong. Like many men, I thought staying quiet was just part of the deal. Then I found Man Down.
No pressure. No judgement. Just a room full of men, some talking, some listening, all understanding. That first evening I walked into a Man Down group, I realised I didn’t have to carry it alone anymore.
Man Down provides free, informal peer support for men struggling with their mental health. With over 35 groups across Cornwall and beyond, it’s a safe
space to open up—or simply sit with others who get it.
You don’t need to fix everything overnight. Just take the first step. To find a group near to you, please visit the Man Down website. Let’s Talk About It. Visit mandown.org
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.
Mum was known to everyone as Sarah, although her full title is Reverend Jennifer Sarah Wood, Born 27 September 1940 in Bromley.
Attended Mary Datchelor School then Salisbury Teacher Training College, lived in Kent and Surrey, married Roger Lloyd Wood and had 2 children, Hadyn and Russell.
Moved to Cheshire and then Cornwall, where she taught RE and PE in various secondary schools, before training for the Ministry at Oak Hill, London.
2 July 1994 - Deacon at Illogan, Cornwall
9 July 1995 - Ordained
Vicar of Heanton, Marwood and West Down churches, Chaplain at Chivenor Marine Base, an active member of Rotary Club, set up support group for Retired Clergy and was on the Emergency Flood Evacuation team for Braunton and Board of Directors at Lee Abbey.
We believe she was the first female Vicar in North Devon?
Passed away at her home in Braunton on 10 April 2025.
Funeral Service & Celebration of the Life of SARAH WOOD (Rev. J S Wood)
Tuesday 27 May 2025 - 2pm St. Augustine's Church Heanton, Barnstaple North Devon, EX31 4DQ followed by afternoon tea in the Hewett Room
The family would love to see you there if you are able to attend
Please wear something colourful Donations to Cancer Research UK and Lifeboats. No flowers thank you
Written by Hadyn Wood
Photo attached with younger 2 (of 4) Grandchildren, Marley and Alana Wood.
2nd JUNE - 31st JULY 2025 A20% commission
New Offices at Braunton Work Hub
New modern office space will be available soon at Braunton work hub. Offices will be fairly priced to accommodate either one or two occupants.
The work hub is a community of seven contemporary offices and offers free fast speed internet. The monthly rent includes all electric, heating, cleaning and business rates. There are kitchen and toilet facilities and a social seating area.
Located within Caen Street car park next to the Tarka Trail it is accessible to all
the local amenities. If you would like to find out more or visit the work hub please contact Angela or Tracey on 01271 812131.
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 at 10.30am on Saturday 7th June 2025.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 10th June 2025
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Monday 23rd June 2025
NEW CARNIVAL COACH FOR BARNSTAPLE
The team of volunteers behind the successful 2024 return of Barnstaple Carnival are already busy at work ensuring the event's spectacular return for 2025.
They aim to make the event bigger and better than ever, again attracting record-breaking crowds to the streets of the town.
One item already under way is the refurbishment of the Carnival Carriage, which carries the town’s Carnival Royalty at the head of the parade.
"Some much needed 'TLC' is needed," says project manager Kev Behan. "The vehicle is structurally sound but it's the decorative element that has seen better days.
"We hope to have the new-look float ready for the summer when most local carnivals take place. It will give the 2024 Royalty a chance to complete their 'reign' in style before relinquishing their crowns to the successful 2025 recipients.
"As with everything," continues Kev, "It all comes at a price, and although we were able to give to charities as a result of last year’s collections on the day, this has been an expense we hadn't foreseen. We are hoping that the great people of Barnstaple may be able to help us out."
The 2025 team have set up a GoFundMe page for donations towards the project, which will see the coach restored and refurbished.
"We hope to make it good for years to come and have something that gives a good impression of the town when visiting other carnivals. Any amount, no matter how small, will be gratefully received and put to good use", says Kev.
The GoFundMe page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-usrepair-the-royalty-carriage
Wherefore Art Thou, Forever Home?
Romeo the Rescue Dog Seeks His True Love
Romeo is a four-year-old Greyhound looking for a loving home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Rehoming Centre.
Romeo is instantly friendly with new people. He is affectionate and loves fuss, ear rubs, and snuggles with his favourite people. He arrived at Dogs Trust as an ex-racing Greyhound and has been enjoying exploring the centre’s woodland, playing with toys, and visiting the indoor training barn and on-site bungalow.
He is not fazed by household sounds such as the TV or washing machine. Romeo enjoys quieter, non-busy walks so he can relax. He plods along gently on his lead, and he has been doing well with making new doggy pals. He loves his food and treats, and has already learnt to respond to his name.
Romeo would love to find a family to call his own for the first time. Romeo will need his family to help him settle into home-life using positive reward training for things like housetraining and building up any time left alone gradually. He could share his home with teenage children and would need to be the only pet in the home. He could cope with a reasonably busy home environment, but would need access to quieter, more peaceful walks.
For more information about Romeo and the other dogs available for rehoming at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ ilfracombe.
Oakley Plumbing and Heating Ltd
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Free Quotes / Fully Insured Boiler Installation and General Heating work Landlord certificates
All general plumbing work undertaken Worcester Bosch approved installer 10 year warranty Bathroom Repairs 07720 849471
4 Cavie Road, Braunton, Devon, EX33 1DX Company No. 10465422 / Gas Safe No 201789
The Devonshire Association, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is hosting a Braunton Burrows Discovery Day on the 29th June. The day is free to attend, but booking in advance is essential.
Morning programme (10:30 to 13:00) – to be held at the Braunton Countryside Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, EX33 1AA.
A talk by Mary Breeds, ecologist, botanist and Chair of the Devonshire Association’s Botany Section. This talk will be an introduction to the special nature of Braunton Burrows, its wildlife and ecology, and will include a short film titled “Braunton Burrows – Sands of Time” (developed as part of the Centre’s Connect 2 Nature project) and a Q&A session. There will also be time to browse the Centre’s exhibits.
Afternoon programme of four guided walks (14:15 to 17:00) – to be held on Braunton Burrows.
Walk 1: “Wild Flowers of Braunton Burrows” – led by Mary Breeds, ecologist, botanist and Chair of the Devonshire Association’s Botany Section.
Walk 2: “Bees and Butterflies of Braunton Burrows” – led by Jamie Buxton-Gould, ecologist and naturalist.
Walk 3: “Photographing orchids and other flowering plants” – led by Dave Green, Cultural Heritage Photographer, Artist and Educator.
Walk 4: “D Day and the Dunes” – led by Dave Edgcombe, retired North Devon Coast AONB Project Officer.
For further details and to book, please visit devonassoc.org.uk/event/a-day -at-Braunton-burrows-discovery-days/ or phone 07742-148865.
JUST FOR FUN
HIDDEN MESSAGE British Villages
April’s answer was:
“Fabric is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life.”
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Bill Cunningham
For more details on any club or event please ring the relevant number
Dance / Fitness / Diet Classes:
Dancing Feet Academy of Dance - 816213
Salsa & Flamenco Dance Lessons with Mercedes - 269146
Yoga with Jules - 07813 874121
Yoga with Simone - 07860 604698
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
Chakra Dancing 07471 894200
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
Pilates, Yoga, Soundbaths and Over 60s sessions sue@sensegreaterpeace.co.uk
Clubs:
Braunton Original Badminton Club - 374419 or 890185
Braunton Art Group, meet on Thursdays at the Vivian Moon Centre at 1.30pm - 4pm. New members of all abilities are welcome. Tel: 07466 381 770 or email: oldhamstreamways@btintenet.com or just pop in and see us at work.
Braunton Bridge Club - 07734 219859 www.bridgewebs.com/braunton
Braunton Camera Club - Meet on Monday evenings contact Chairpersons 07812753361/01271883306
Braunton Judo Club - bjc@otani.co.uk
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
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: 07775 804439
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
