EX33 - May 2023

Newsround tra - All The News - pages 4/5

plained - Dogs Trust letter - page 8

plained - A thoroughly modern Monarch - page 12

plained - Five memorable Coronation moments - page 13

perience - Open Gardens at Woolhanger - page 15

the boys n t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21

perience - Braunton Village Fair - pages 22/23

plained - Dementia Support Café - page 29

plained - Live well in Braunton - page 30

TheBraunton press - pages32/33

perience - Coronation Chicken - page 34

plained - May at Studio Kind - page 36

The Dog N t Door - Polly - page 41

plained - Still having a laugh - page 43

The cats n t door - Purdey & Gambit - page 46

plained - Volunteers needed for Barnstaple’s Fringe Theatrefest - page 47

plained - Christian Aid Plant Sale - page 47

plained - Fire in the kitchen - page 50

perience - The National Trust - page 57

perpl Just for Fun - page 59

perience - What’s On - page 61 ind of Advertisers - page 62

Please mention EX33 when responding to adverts

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 2nd May - Sheila Ikin (u3a member), “My Life in Rubber” Entry £1 includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. Members only, for more information on U3A activities check the U3A website.

BRAUNTON LIBRARY

Every Monday 10.30am to 11:15 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

Tuesday Lego Club 3.30 - 4.30pm

Wednesday’s 10-30-11.30 Little Ones Stay & Play

Creative Writing second Wednesday of the month 1-3pm

Thursdays Board games10.30-12.30

Fridays Art Box 3.30 - 4.30pm £1

Saturdays Lego Club 10.30 - 12.30am Reading groups please ask for details.

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. Other activities and events are all advertised on our Facebook page and website

THE BRAUNTON MUSEUM AND INFORMATION

The Museum are holding a Coronation Draw, tickets available from the museum at £1 each. Many good prizes to be won. The draw will take place on Monday 8th May at 10am. The Museum is fully open now, admission is free and we look forward to seeing you soon.

BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK

Thank you to all the local businesses who supported the Cream Teas Deliveries. The next event is a stall at the Rotary Village Fair on Monday 29th May. And then a coffee morning on Saturday 10th June.

BRAUNTON CHRISTIAN AID

GROUP

Saturday 13th May, plants of all kinds available at the coffee morning, come in and take a look. Good prices and choice.10am to 12.

Sunday 14th May - Christian Aid Service to mark the start of Christian Aid Week, everyone welcome.

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 - 07561 890 588

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

REMEMBER WE HAVE THREE BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS

THIS MONTH ON 1ST, 8TH AND 29TH - 8TH MAY BEING FOR THE KINGS CORONATION WHICH TAKES PLACE ON SATURDAY 6TH MAY

PLEASE NOTE OUR CHANGE OF PHONE NUMBER.

THIS NEW NUMBER WILL BE MANNED DURING THE OFFICE HOURS OF 9 - 5pm MONDAY - FRIDAY ONLY.

IF I’M UNAVAILABLE OR YOU ARE CALLING AT ANY OTHER TIME, PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND I’LL CALL YOU BACK

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.

Please mention EX33 when responding to adverts

H.H.RUSSELL TREE MANAGEMENT

All aspects of tree work undertaken at competitive rates. Based in Braunton covering surrounding areas.

• Felling

• Pollarding

• Crown reduction/thinning

• Dead wooding

• Stump grinding

• General garden/grounds maintenance

• Full Insured

Please contact Henry on 07895 191 897 email - henryrhrtrees92@outlook.com

Dear Editor,

For more than a decade, Dogs Trust has been campaigning to end the cruel puppy smuggling trade to protect countless dogs from the horrific mistreatment of being illegally transported into the UK.

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is essential to tackling puppy smuggling, and future legislation under it would close legal loopholes that allow unscrupulous traders to import puppies, pregnant dogs, and dogs with mutilations like cropped ears.

However, despite pledging to tackle puppy smuggling, the Government is dragging its heels and has not progressed this crucial legislation since November 2021.

I am incredibly disappointed that the Government continues to side-line these critical improvements to dog welfare which could help to stop the needless suffering of animals. We are calling for the Bill to return to Parliament as a matter of urgency. This is a view shared by the 40,000 plus people around the UK who have supported Dogs Trust’s campaign and emailed the Prime Minister to ask him to progress the Kept Animals Bill.

I recently chaired a parliamentary roundtable on the issue of puppy smuggling. We were joined by 17 organisations who are on the front line of the problem, including major transport carriers, Trading Standards, and veterinary professionals as well as Members of Parliament. We all have a shared goal – to tackle the abhorrent illegal trade and do all we can to bring this Bill back to Parliament. The meeting allowed us to discuss how we can work together to tackle the cruel trade, and it was encouraging to see that other organisations are also committed to this crucial cause.

While I am pleased that we have such a weight of backing on this issue, it’s frustrating that the Government will not recognise the urgent need to progress the Kept Animals Bill. Dogs Trust remains committed to working with other organisations and will continue to rally the public for support until the Government makes good on its election promise to crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies.

We will not give up.

To show your support for our campaign, visit: https://action.dogstrust.org.uk/ page/120892/action/1

Yours faithfully,

Owen Sharp, CEO, Dogs Trust

• Domestic Ironing from Shirts to Sheets.

• Commercial service wash, dry & press

• Holiday House, Guest House, B&B Linen & Towels

• Open 7 days a week with easy drop off & collection

Holiday House & second home Cleaning, Changeovers, Laundry, Guest Liaison & House checks. Fully Insured. Experienced dedicated team call Vicki 07778573850

Please mention EX33 when responding to adverts

AND DECKING

For a local, FREE no obligation quote on fencing, gates, decking and repairs on timber or metal then call your local, family run company on 01271 814184 or 07917 676660

Pass horses wide and slow

Car drivers and horse riders both have a right to use the road. By considering each other’s needs and following some basic advice, drivers and riders can help avoid accidents involving horses and vehicles.

Advice for motorists

Slow down and be ready to stop if necessary. Look out for riders' signals to slow down or stop. Watch out for sudden movements, horses can be easily frightened and unpredictable.

Don't sound your horn or rev your engine.

Pass wide and slow when overtaking, giving the horse plenty of room. Don’t accelerate rapidly once you have passed them.

Advice for horse riders

Always display fluorescent/reflective clothing on both horse and rider whatever the weather or light conditions

If at all avoidable, don't ride in failing light, fog or darkness. If riding a horse that is not used to roads, ask a rider with a horse who is experienced and calm to accompany you.

Never take a mounted group of more than eight horses on the road. If riding two abreast, move into single file as soon as it is safe for the motorist to overtake.

Don't ride more than two abreast on the road. Always cross major crossings in a group, rather than trickling across one by one. Leave details of your intended route and estimated time of return with a responsible person.

We exist to support charities and other local organisations in the parish of Braunton and also the village of Wrafton by making grants to such organisations.

For more information on how we can support your organisation or how you can support us, please contact us at: -

info@vmbctf.org

www.vmbctf.org

Incorporating NDMA Training

Registered as a Charity No. 298942

We are a registered charity which offers grants to people who have links with North Devon, and who wish to achieve a better life through further education.

Primarily we assist people whose circumstances are financially difficult.

• To help train unemployed men and women so that they will be able to find a job

• To train those already in a job to do their job better

• To enable individuals to embark on a course of study which will help them gain promotion at work

• The Foundation will also consider awarding to first degree applicants providing the studies clearly lead to a viable career/vocational path

For more information please visit us at: www.vivianmoonfoundation.co.uk info@vivianmoonfoundation.co.uk

The Secretariat

The Vivian Moon Foundation

Millennium House

Brannam Crescent

Roundswell Business Park

Barnstaple

EX31 3TD

Let me introduce myself!

I am Andrea Mules, The new Live Well in Braunton Community Developer. I am excited to take up this role having previously worked as a Community Developer & Connector in Barnstaple and have 20+ years’ experience working within the Support Services sector. I have been overwhelmed by the support & warmth I have received and hope to continue to build strong links.

The role of a Community Developer is to develop and link services within Braunton and the surrounding areas. That’s right we are not just for Braunton, but also West Down, Wrafton, Knowle, Chivenor and the surrounding areas.

A question I get asked a lot is, who or what is Live Well in Braunton?

Live Well in Braunton is a community resource created by residents connecting and supporting people to live healthier and happier lives. Community Connecting is a partnership between Social Prescribing and Community Development, our aim is to work together with residents, groups, and organisations to build a stronger, more connected community.

What has happened so far?

We hosted a community event called Connect2Live Well in February, with 23 local agencies and services present, who were available to support. Don’t worry if you were unable to attend or weren’t aware, we will be holding a further event later in the year, so watch this space.

I have linked with Braunton Foodbank to increase the number of people who are able to issue vouchers, enabling people to get the support they need locally.

I was lucky enough to attend the Ramblers Walk Leaders training with The Braunton Countryside Centre volunteers. We are looking to provide walks locally for people with limited mobility, health conditions, people feeling isolated, or people interested in walking and being part of nature.

Seated Yoga- Active Devon funding are subsiding, sessions at Braunton library. Working with Sarah, the supervisor, at Braunton Library and Louise Pound the Instructor, we have secured This will be starting on Wednesday 19th April 2023

Details: Wednesdays at 1.30-2.30 (Please arrive at least ten mins early/15 for first session) Braunton Library, Chaloners Rd, Braunton. Cost £2 a session including hot drink. Booking essential, either by calling 01271 812808 or in person.

Help Wanted!

Community Ambassadors

We are looking for Community Ambassadors, which requires minimal commitment. The role needs you to be yourself, but if someone such as family, friends, or anyone in the neighbourhood need support, you can help them to access activities, services or refer them to Live Well in Braunton who can provide further support. You won’t be expected to spend hours helping but will be letting people know where to get advice, support or look for activities.

Buddy Walkers

We are also looking for volunteers to become Buddy Walkers. This will involve attending some/all the LWIB Wellbeing walks, that are scheduled to start Mid-May to June, dates, times etc. TBC. They will be low level short walks (between 45mins and no longer than 90 mins-including plenty of stop breaks), with the aim to supporting people to gain the confidence, to move more and feel less isolated and then access other community groups. The requirement from volunteers is that you walk with the group and help to reduce loneliness of members by chatting and making them feel at ease, activity followed by a hot drink which is optional.

If you would like further information or are interested, please contact Andrea on: Connect@livewellinbraunton.co.uk or call 0775 1313661

BRAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL

THE BRAUNTON EXPRESS

May 2023

Great news! Congratulations to the Braunton Mens shed for getting their planning permission. The Council is excited to see this project happen and wishes the Mens Shed every success.

New Play Equipment for Knowle Play Park

Braunton Parish Council has installed a new Birds Nest Swing in the Knowle Play Park. This was part of a project working with the Knowle Community Group to install new play equipment for the community.

The Knowle Castle was installed in 2019, and the Birds Nest Swing has now replaced the Junior Swings, which were removed to provide the community with a small area of open space to play football. The funding was provided via Section 106 money agreed by North Devon Council on the 6th March. Councillors agreed to allocate £6,928 to Braunton Parish Council to purchase and install new play equipment at Knowle Play Park.

There is approx. £3,000 remaining which will be spent on further new equipment for the Park in consultation with the community.

£66,371 Section 106 money has been allocated to Braunton Parish Council to purchase and install new play equipment at the Recreation Ground, Exeter Road, Braunton.

Section 106 Funding

Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing extra community and social infrastructure as a result of the impact of new development in the area. These contributions can only be used for certain things, and are used primarily for public open space projects.

Picture: New Birds Nest Swing at Knowle Park

Picture: Knowle Castle

Great news! The Parish Council’s mobile VAS sign was installed today on Saunton Road. The sign will inform drivers of their speed and thank them when they are within the speed limit. If they are exceeding the speed limit it will ask them to slow down. It has been proven in many places that these types of signs have a very positive affect on driver behaviour.

Braunton Parish Council wanted to address the issue of speeding vehicles on the A361 and B3231, both are busy roads. The Council can move the sign to approved sites, which are currently on Saunton Road and Chaloners Road but other sites can be added with permission from Devon County Council. The sign cost £3,300 in total. We received generous donations from our District Councillors’ Community Grants and from our County Councillor’s Locality Budget. The Crowdfunder

Braunton Parish Council

Clerk’s Office

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

raised £1,200, and we would like to thank everyone who contributed towards the sign.

The Community Speed Watch team do a great job at making our roads safer and we hope this new mobile VAS sign will help to reduce motorists’ speeds when driving on these roads.

The Council can Bluetooth data collected including number of vehicles and average speed, which will help to make Braunton a safer place to walk and cycle.

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.

Annual Council Meeting, 7pm

Wednesday 10 May 2023

Additional Council Meeting, 7pm

Monday22nd May2023

New mobile Vehicle Activated Speed (VAS) Sign installed in Braunton

Picture: Mobile VAS sign at Saunton Road

Pretty Polly needs a home

Polly is a fun loving, two-year-old German Shepherd cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier who adores people. She is extremely clever and her favourite thing to do is show off her repertoire of tricks for treats.

Polly enjoys long walks in rural areas and whilst she can make doggy friends, she lacks socialisation skills and so her new family will need to help her with this. Polly loves a fuss from her human friends and she is always a pleasure to be around.

Polly could share her home with dog savvy teenage children but would need to be the only pet. She’d need a garden to play in and a quiet home environment, away from the hustle and bustle.

Potential adopters should be prepared to visit Polly at the centre a few times to get to know her as well as overnight stays prior to adoption. Because of this, her new family will need to live within an hour of the rehoming centre.

If you think you could give Polly the loving home that she deserves please take a look at her profile on Dogs Trust’s website www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming.

Cats of the Month - Purdey & Gambit

Gambit and Purdy are twelve year old siblings who are very close and are usually within sight of one another if not snuggling up together.

They are extremely good natured cats who love human company, although not the presence of the two dogs who shared their home. Eventually it was decided that the resulting stress was not fair to them, and they came to us.

Now, gradually regaining their confidence, they are beginning to blossom into much happier and more relaxed cats, and we feel that in a quiet home with no children or other pets, this progress will continue. As with all senior cats in CP care they have both had full medicals.

Gambit was found to have some heart disease, although he shows no signs of ill health and does not need any medication other than one small precautionary tablet each day, which he happily has in his food. Gambit also had a mystery accident a few years ago and had to have a back leg removed. This has not fazed him or slowed him down at all as he stills runs around just as much as his sister!

All this lovely pair need is a second chance of happiness in a quiet new home, preferably with someone who knows cats and can give them the time, patience and love they deserve.

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)

Volunteers needed for Barnstaple Fringe

TheatreFest - 22-25 June

Do you fancy seeing live theatre for free this summer?

Now in its 17th year, Barnstaple Fringe TheatreFest is a four-day feast of comedy, drama, street-theatre, dance, music, magic and more.

This year the festival runs from Thursday 22 - Sunday 25 June and we need YOUR help with selling tickets, stewarding, technical assistance, publicity….and more. With nearly 200 performances over four days, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Come with friends for something fun and different to do, or come on your own and we'll make sure that you meet people - we've earnt the honour of being called one of the friendliest festivals in the UK!

You’ll be part of an enthusiastic team of all ages who love live performances, helping make theatre happen in Barnstaple. You can volunteer for just two hours and experience the excitement of live performance. As a bonus, stewards see shows for free as part of their duties and box-office staff earn one ticket for each 3 hour shift. To find out more, please go to the Volunteer page at www.theatrefest.co.uk or call/ text 07974 569849

Saturday 13th May

10 am to 12 noon

At the Parish Hall, Braunton

Plant Sale

JUST FOR FUN

Hidden Message - Ideas that changed the world

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

March’s answer was:

‘Will looked horrified. “What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?” - Cassandra Clare

Braunton Caen Rotary Memory Café