the boys n t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21
plained - A Warm Reception - page 27
plained - Graham Bell - page 28
The Braunton press - pages 32/33
plained - Bee Kind - page 35
perience - Orlando Murrin’s Best Apple Crumble - page 39
The Dog N t Door - Maya - page 41
plained - Autumn at Braunton Countryside Centre - page 44
perience - Garden Celebration at Arlington Court - page 46
perience - North Devon Ramblers - page 48
plained - What does freedom mean to you? - page 50
plained - Greenfingers… The Alan Titchmarsh Column - page 52
plained - Earth Action North Devon - page 54
perpl Just for Fun - page 59
The Cats n t door - TJ - page 60
perience - What’s On - page 61
ind of Advertisers - page 62
The Braunton Community Page
BRAUNTON & DISTRICT U3A
Monthly meetings in the Parish Hall, 1st Tuesday of the month. Next meeting 2nd September at 10.30am. This months speakers are Trish & Cathie, winners from Race Across the World in Canada. 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.
Every other Monday Crochet & coffee 2-4pm, enquire in library for details. Creative Writing second Wednesday of the month 1-3pm. £2
Wednesday’s Stay & Play 11.15-12.30.
Thursdays 9.30-11am Stay & Play
Fridays 11.15 Mini Readers, Term time only.
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.
New Summer Reading Challenge called The Summer Book Quest for Children 5-12yrs. This finishes on Sept 6th, don’t forget to complete the challenge, and collect certificates, and goodies. Also we will be running a deep sea challenge picture hunt around the library, plus lots of other activities during the summer 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 01271 812808
BRAUNTON COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE
Open 10am-4pm every day except Sunday, come in and learn about local flora & fauna. Lots to keep children, and adults interested Entry is free, but a small donation is always welcome.
CHRIST CHURCH, BRAUNTON
Saturday 6th September - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Access For All. www.acessforallbeaches.org.uk 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
There has been a flow of visitors to the museum recently and they have been enjoying the VE and VJ exhibitions on display plus the ever popular model railway with trains (based on the trains which actually came through Braunton but unfortunately was one of the stations cut in the 1970s). Until the end of August the Museum is open 10am to 1pm and 1pm to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm Friday. There is one more Saturday morning 10am to 1pm on the 23rd August. We hope very much to open more hours in the future if we get more volunteers. Please call in if you are interested in joining the team of volunteers, you will be made very welcome.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello everyone, hope you've all had a lovely summer time.
Our next fundraiser for September is our Autumn coffee morning being held on Saturday 13th September from 10am to 12 midday in the Parish Hall. We will have some lovely tables of cakes, crafts, bargain wools, tombola and our wonderful raffle. Hope to see you there and enjoy a coffee/ tea and biscuits and helping us raise funds for Cancer Research UK all for £2 entry. See you soon.
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.
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
I will assure you of a quick response and a reasonably priced service! Call Alan on: 01271 268513/07977 507433 or email: info@cornerwayselectrical.co.uk
I m always happy to offer free quotes and advice. If you re planning a project big or small feel free to get in touch for a friendly chat.
Serving Braunton and the wider North Devon area
Do you have a room in your house that looks in need of a lift?
Maybe a door that jams that you just can’t shift
Do you have a garden that’s in need of some loving care?
Or some decking that’s looking the worse for wear
With over thirty years building, gardening and decorating
Proficient in most trades REFERENCES AVAILABLE
Contact: Email:- chrishatt789@gmail.com
Tel: 07884 301 624
Braunton army cadets are now looking for new recruits to join us for 2025!
We are a youth organisation sponsored by the British Army, we are not recruiting for the Army
Instead we are open to young people from age 12-17 who want more out of life.
There are loads of activities to enjoy, make new friends, gain confidence and qualifications. Every one is welcome. All levels of fitness and capabilities catered for.
We are located in the hut next to Southmead primary school every Monday evening between 19:00-21:00
go to https://armycadets.com and pick Braunton detachment! Currently there's no joining fee!
Footcare Specialists
Phone scam where fraudsters pose as police
We are warning residents to be vigilant over a phone scam involving fraudsters posing as police officers – with one elderly victim swindled out of £14,000.
Officers are investigating more than a dozen reports across Devon in the space of a fortnight of people being called by scammers under the guise of ‘assisting with an investigation’.
They are asked to withdraw significant funds from cash machines and to hand the money over to a courier. People have been targeted in various locations across Devon. An investigation is ongoing to identify those involved.
This does happen locally, so I urge all EX33 readers to inform your elderly relatives or any vulnerable people you know about this scam and remind them to be suspicious of anyone calling them over the phone or by way of a letter in the post. Ask them to contact you or police first for advice before agreeing to pass personal details, money, or any information over the phone. There are numerous scams happening, so we all need to be aware. Victims are never to blame. These fraudsters can be very persuading and demanding has led to some people sadly being scammed out of thousands of pounds.
“If you have been a victim of this scam, please report it to the police or to Action Fraud. Your information is vital in helping us identify the people who are behind this.
“Reporting fraud is important. If you’ve been a victim of a scam or an attempted scam, however minor, there may be hundreds or thousands of others in a similar position.
“I’d also like to encourage people to familiarise themselves with our fraud prevention advice – these useful tips are key in helping to keep you and your money safe.”
You can report fraud to the police by calling 101 or by completing an online report: Report fraud, bribery or corruption | Devon & Cornwall Police
Individuals who have been targeted by a scam or fallen victim can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at Action Fraud
How to protect yourself:
Any police, bank, fraud department or similar will never ask you to:
· Transfer money or ask you to purchase items
Become involved in an investigation or assist them by transferring or using your own money
Withdraw your money and give it to a courier
· Give out yours or someone’s card pin number or full card details
If you receive a call that is suspicious, we advise you to:
· Hang up and wait for 5-10 minutes, or phone a friend or relative to clear the line
If you need to check a police officer calling is a genuine officer, contact your local police force by dialling 101 Talk to your friends and family about any cold callers and ask for their help and advice
· If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call your bank straight away. Phone 159 to reach your bank's fraud department directly
Further advice around fraud can be found on the Devon & Cornwall Police website: Advice about fraud | Devon & Cornwall Police
#shoplocal
Braunton is one of the most thriving and effective economic centres in the region. Across Devon we are hitting well above our weight with numerous award winning businesses from Letterfest in Chivenor to the Surf School in Croyde and including companies like DryRobe, 51° and Squires (and so many more!). We are fortunate, not only to have some inspired local entrepreneurs, but also some brilliant local employers providing local jobs for our community. On Hannah’s birthday this year we spent several hours enjoying all the village has to offer from our various shops and weekly craft fair. It is a tribute to our business community that our village centres and business estates continue to work well despite the ongoing financial downturn.
People have often asked what it is that enables Braunton to continue while so many other towns and large villages are struggling. My answer is clear, we have a village that inspires innovation, our businesses seem to be constantly evolving and adapting to changing circumstances. In addition, geography plays a part. Despite the famous crosstree bottleneck we have a village that is very accessible by foot and cycle which ensures a great (hopefully) work/life balance for people employed in the village. I am always excited to notice that in every business, people are proud of the services they offer and it is this that keeps our village alive and thriving.
Councillors at every level have a responsibility to safeguard and drive the economic viability of the community. This means working for better transport and safe walking routes so people can get here easily, balancing parking costs to maximise the benefit to the community, working with the police to identify and resolve potential problems and, fighting to ensure that planning decisions strengthen the economy.
With around 100 businesses in the heart of the village – plus another hundred more between Ashford and Georgeham – we are truly blessed in Braunton. Few places in Devon can boast such a rich variety of local enterprises, from independent retailers and artisans, to cafés, restaurants, and professional services. During the summer, our markets, independent shops, and vibrant café culture is coming alive with activity. Yet, it’s vital to remember that our local economy is a year-round enterprise. Choosing to shop local / eat local is an investment in the future of Braunton Rural and the many people employed in our local businesses.
#shoplocal #shoplocalbraunton
p.s. As I previously reported. District and County Grants are still open for local charities and organisations that benefit our region. If your organisation needs additional support. Please, get in touch.
Cllr
Graham M Bell (rn)
Devon County Councillor: Braunton Rural
North Devon District Council: Lead Councillor for Housing & Homelessness, District & Parish Councillor for Braunton East
Please note, as an RN, I frequently work nights and unusual shift patterns, therefore it might not be possible to respond to queries immediately. If a matter requires an urgent response, please call, message or WhatsApp on 07929159996.
Dogs in the Recreation Ground Consultation
Do you or your children use the recreation ground for sport and leisure? Over the summer we have been running a consultation on whether we should continue allowing dogs on leads in the recreation ground. This is mainly due to health and safety concerns raised by some residents and users. There is still time to respond to this easy consultation which runs until Friday 5th September. If you have a view on this please email info@brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk
ii) NO continue to allow dogs to be walked through the recreation ground on a lead.
Thanks for your feedback.
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 6th September 2025.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 9th September 2025
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Monday 22nd September 2025
New Play Equipment for Mowstead Play Park
Braunton Parish Council are excited to announce the installation of new play equipment at Mowstead play area on Saunton Park. Following a consultation with local school children, this multiplay unit from Proludic was chosen as the clear winner. The Speed Gyro (pictured below) will also be installed to replace the current Sputnik roundabout and surfacing which is in poor condition. The new equipment will hopefully be ready to be installed in the Autumn.
Maya is a gorgeous nine-month-old Weimaraner cross Spaniel looking for a home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe. She is living off-site in a foster home while she waits to be adopted.
Maya is full of fun and a joy to spend time with. She enjoys playing with soft squeaky toys, doing zoomies with them in her mouth. Although she can be nervous and lacking confidence initially, when she knows you she is affectionate and excited to greet you. She is happy to travel in the car to go for lovely quiet walks and loves to meet and walk with other dogs.
Maya likes to use her nose to sniff out treats. She enjoys a snuffle mat and would love to play search and scent games in her new home – great for mental stimulation! Maya already knows a ‘sit’, and she would benefit from learning new things using positive reward training.
Maya is looking for a loving home where she can enjoy the maximum amount of company. She could share her home with children as young as eleven. It would be beneficial for Maya to live in a home with another dog so she can build confidence. Maya has no history of living with other pets or being around livestock. She is almost fully housetrained, but will need her adopters to continue this skill using positive reward training. She could cope with a reasonably busy home environment.
Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is changing the way it works to help more dogs when they need it most. As a result, most dogs are now being cared for in foster homes rather than at the rehoming centre. Those interested in adopting are encouraged to complete an online application. If the team believes there is a good match, an appointment will be arranged to meet the matched dog.
For more information about Maya or any of the other dogs awaiting their forever homes, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe.
Dogs Trust Ilfracombe - Dog of the Month Maya
Autumn at Braunton Countryside Centre
Looking to get closer to nature this autumn? Whether you’re interested in nature spotting walks, citizen science, or evening talks, the Braunton Countryside Centre has something for every type of nature enthusiast!
The Centre is run by volunteers as a free, inclusive, family-friendly, central hub for natureconnectionandawareness.Inside, discover the biodiversity of North Devon through interactive displays, a large microscope, and identification guides. We also have a lovely shop selling books, locally made gifts, walking guides, and more. All profits go towards running the Centre and maintaining a vibrant events programme.
Autumn 2025 events
• Bat Walk, Wednesday 3rd September. Join local ecologists to look (and listen) for bats on Braunton Beacon. Booking essential; suggested £4 donation.
• MarineLife Training, Saturday 6th September. Learn how to observe and record whales, dolphins and seabirds and join the survey teams on the Lundy Island crossing! £60pp.
• Braunton Birdwatch at Heanton Court, Saturday 13th September & Saturday 18th October. A family-friendly birdwatch led by avid birder and wildlife enthusiast Andy Leat. Suggested £4 donation.
• Braunton Apple Day, Saturday 4th October. Join us to celebrate all things apple-related at this popular community event! Bring your homegrown apples to be pressed into juice, chat to local apple experts, enjoy family-friendly activities, and apple cakes & bakes. Free to attend.
Plus, we will host a series of evening talks at the Centre every Wednesday in October!
All these events (and more!) can be found on our website: www.brauntoncountrysidecentre.org
Here for your Mobility Needs
WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU?
Devon libraries ask question in national project celebrating WWII anniversary
Libraries in Devon are taking part in Future Arts Centres’ (FAC) nationwide programme marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Led by FAC in partnership with Libraries Connected and supported by Arts Council England, Libraries Unlimited is one of 60 libraries and art centres taking part across the UK.
Our Freedom: Then and Now is a community-led arts initiative exploring creativity, connection, and local heritage. It invites residents, artists, veterans, and underrepresented voices to reflect on what freedom means today, through exhibitions, performances, and installations. Running from June to November 2025, the campaign launch featured Poet Laureate Simon Armitage reading his poem Freedom Road, specially commissioned for the project.
‘What does freedom mean to you? When do you feel most free?’ are the questions being explored in the project that Libraries Unlimited is running in Devon. It focusses on three libraries: Barnstaple, Exeter and Newton Abbot. The project honours the past and invites communities to explore what freedom means today in a meaningful, accessible, and creative way.
Artist Athena Jane Churchill is delivering the project in collaboration with Libraries Unlimited. She is inviting participants in all three locations to explore the heritage of VE Day 80 years on through a series of workshops.
Highlights from the Devon programme:
• Barnstaple: Art sessions with the Memory Café, Flying Fish Art Group for mental well-being, Drop-in family workshops create a display around the library’s central atrium tree.
• Exeter: Ukrainian families creating mural panels and public consultation at the RAMM Museum build towards a mixed-media installation in the library’s foyer.
• Newton Abbot: Creative activities with Wolborough Primary school and at Newton’s Place Museum, as well as with library well-being painting groups. Artwork created on bunting inspired by the Town’s War Memorial the “Figure of Freedom”.
The project will culminate in a display in each location, showcasing the voices and artworks of participants and inviting the wider community to reflect on the evolving meaning of freedom.
Rae Hoole, Creative Communities Producer from Libraries Unlimited, said: “We are so proud to be chosen for this project, one of only 60 libraries and arts centres nationally, and the only library in the south west, it’s a huge honour. The project serves as a celebration of libraries as inclusive spaces. We really want to work with communities to think about what freedom means for them today and share the expression of how very often libraries themselves are places where people feel free to be accepted and can freely create in.”
The artwork created in this project can be seen as both an art and an archive of the freedoms we enjoy today a joyful yet poignant symbol, a moment in time that captures a breadth of lived experience.
They will be brought together into one combined artwork in Exeter Library and can continue to be used by each community in future years, with a view to forming part of the 100th anniversary of VE Day in 2045.
Businesses invited to join 2025 Tarka Trail & Estuary Clean Up this September
Local businesses, big and small, are being invited to roll up their sleeves and take part in a major clean-up effort along North Devon’s iconic Tarka Trail and estuary, taking place on Friday 26th September 2025 as part of World Clean-Up Day activities.
Organised by Earth Action North Devon, the event is a chance for teams to give back to their community and local environment through meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity.
In 2024, 100 volunteers from 12 local organisations collected over 650kg of rubbish along 10.6 miles of trail and estuary between Chivenor and Bideford. Among the more unusual items recovered were bike wheels, car stereos, crocs (the footwear kind), and garden tools – alongside more common items such as plastic bottles, drink cans, and fishing debris.
“Businesses are a vital part of the solution,” says Claire Moodie, CEO of Earth Action North Devon. “This clean-up isn’t just about litter picking–it’s about coming together to protect a much-loved local space, boost team morale, and lead by example.”
Rather than public group events, the 2025 clean-up will focus on supporting businesses and organisations to host their own clean-ups on the day, with help and resources from the Earth Action North Devon team. The initiative aligns with the goals of World Clean-Up Day, a global movement aiming to unite 5% of the world’s population to tackle mismanaged waste.
Businesses interested in getting involved, supporting the event, or adopting a section of the trail can email info@earthactionnorthdevon.org or visit earthactionnorthdevon.org for more details.
JUST FOR FUN
HIDDEN MESSAGE Composers
July’s answer was:
Life is full of patterns, but it’s up to us to recognise and learn from them.
CATS OF THE MONTH
ANOUSKA & MR. T
Anouska
Full name Daraquist Silver Lining, Anouska is a beautiful Silver Classic Tabby and White Maine Coon. She is 13 now, so prefers a slower pace of life although still likes to get out and about. She would prefer a quiet home as she can be a little shy. She currently looks slightly different to the picture as she has had a bit of a trim for the summer.
Mr T.
Full name Daraquist Taliesin, Mr T is a handsome Brown Classic Tabby Maine Coon. A friendly boy, he is nearly 12 years old so prefers the quiet life, but still likes to get out and about.
These two beauties are to be rehomed together. As always with CP cats they have been Vet Checked, Vaccinated, and treated against fleas and worms. The standard adoption fee of £85 per cat applies.
For further information please contact; T; 0345 3714203
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
