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Hello Bideford
Hi, welcome to the September edition of the ‘Link’ Magazine.
I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend over the August bank holiday and hope you managed to get out and enjoy some time off.
With the Summer holidays coming to an end, I wish all of the students good luck with their
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BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL
Dear Reader,
The Mayor’s Introduction Parade was held on 2 August 2025 as a precursor to opening the Bideford Fair.
The Bideford Youth Pipe Band led the Civic Party, including councillors and civic officers, from the Town Hall, through Allhalland, Mill and Cooper Streets, along the Quay to the Dais in the centre of the Park. The Procession was punctuated with proclamations by the Town Crier, Mr Jim Weeks.
The Band then went on to lead the Parade, represented by the Bideford Detachment “C” Company Devon Army Cadets and the 20 Squadron Devon and Somerset Wing, Air Cadets, within Victoria Park, under the control of the Town Marshal, Mr Geoff Thomas. A great effort by the Pipers who then went on to perform at the Crackington Carnival!
Following the salute, the Chaplain, Reverend Shaun O’Rourke said a few words, the Mayor, Councillor Peter Lawrence, said a few words, also, dismissed the Parade and opened the Fair.
The Bideford (Summer) Fair had originally been scheduled to take place on Saturday, 7 June 2025, however, based on the dismal weather forecast, that included dangerously high winds, the decision was made to hold it on what proved to be a beautiful summer’s day.
Lucy Lowe (Events), organised the highly successful Event on behalf of the Bideford Town Council (supported by Torridge District Council). A big thank you to Lucy who also had one eye on the forthcoming Bideford Music Festival; those that can, do!
Bideford’s Summer Fair
Councillor Mrs Jude Gubb, formerly the Chairman of the Tourism Committee who had engaged and worked with Lucy, fully immersed herself in the Master of Ceremonies role introducing the Events that included, a welly throwing contest, BMX Stunt show, the hugely popular Dog Show as well as static displays of vintage cars (a taster for the again hugely successful Rotary organised North Devon Classic Car Show held in the Park the following week) and local (volunteer) groups.
It is clear that there are many people putting much behind the scenes work for the benefit of the Bideford Community and visitors.
Butcher’s Row, at the Bideford Pannier Market, has welcomed Jack in the Box who are producing and selling high quality tasteful fast food using fresh ingredients: Authentic American style smash burgers, Smokey and pulled brisket, share boxes and more. Together with other Tenants they are leading a vibrant change to the Market Complex offer.
Anyone interested in hiring the Market Hall or enquiring about a Shop Unit tenancy in the Pannier Market should contact the Council: Email: info@bideford-tc.gov.uk https://www.instagram.com/bidefordtowncouncil/ https://www.facebook.com/bidefordtc https://x.com/BidefordTc
The Mayor getting to grips with the judging. ((Dog) Photographs courtesy of Mr Graham Hobbs.)
Mr Jim Weeks, the Town Crier, in characteristically dynamic pose.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford Councillor Peter and Mrs Lynda Lawrence at the Bideford Fair.
Walks in September with the North Devon Ramblers. Here are the walks being offered by the Ramblers in September. Everyone is welcome to sample a few walks before joining. As always, please check on our website for further details and updates: northdevonramblers.org.uk
Wednesday 3rd September- The Ups and Downs of Burrington. Meet at 10.00 at the car park in Burrington for a 7 mile rural walk with Leon.
Saturday 6th September- Huntshaw Moor. Meet at 10.00 at the small car park at Huntshaw Church for a 5.5 mile walk with Gemma.
Monday 8th September- Doone Valley Walking Festival. Open to everyone. Park at the Malmsmead NT car park and meet at the Buttery Cafe at 10.30. for a 7.5-mile walk with Clarice.
Thursday 11th September- Doone Valley Walking Festival. Open to everyone. Park at the Malmsmead NT car park and meet at the Buttery Café at 10.30 for a 9.5 mile walk with Leon.
Sunday 14th September- South Hams Ramblers are launching the new South Hams Way with a linear walk from Totnes to Buckfastleigh (7 miles). Meet at 10.30 at Borough Park for an opening ceremony.
Wednesday 17th September- Stoke to Hartland Point circular. Meet at small car park next to Stoke church at 10.30 for an 8.5 mile walk with Janet.
Saturday 20th September- Devon Area walks from Okehampton starting at 10.30. See our website for further details.
Sunday 21st September- Lovely Lovacott. Meet at 10.00 at Lovacott village hall car park for a 5 mile walk with Gemma.
car park at 10.15. for a 5 mile walk with Linda:
for tea! Meet at 10.00 at Goodleigh village hall for a 5.5
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, learning new skills or meeting new people, you might want to look at the volunteering opportunities available with the Rangers at Torridge District Council.
Volunteer recruitment is underway once again for an exciting new programme of conservation projects throughout the Autumn to help care for green spaces and beaches in Torridge.
This year's projects start with wildflower meadow management works at Northdown Road, Bideford on Wednesday 20 August, followed by:
Wednesday3September, Wildflower verge management, Cattle Market car park, Bideford.
Wednesday10September, Water germander survey – Northam Burrows.
Wednesday24September, Bumblebee area conservation – Northam Burrows.
Sunday28September, MCS Great British Beach Clean (2-4pm) - Westward Ho! slipway.
Wednesday8October, Boardwalk construction – Kenwith Valley, Bideford.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin - Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement said:
"It's great to see this new programme of volunteering events put together by our rangers, which will help care for our lovely green spaces and beaches in Torridge. It's such a brilliant way for people to learn new skills and get closer to nature, as well as a lovely way for the community to get to know one another. I hope people reading this will be inspired to get in touch, get outdoors and join in with this important work.”
All volunteer events are free to attend and usually take place between 10am and 3pm. All equipment will be provided but pre-booking is essential. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary.
Please email northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or call 01237479708 for more information.
Contact Information
Rachel Anderson Communications Lead
Torridge District Council 01237 428959 communications@torridge.gov.uk
TheMacularGroup
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&DistrictMen'sForum
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 Keith on 01237 459299 for more information.
Coffeemorning,chatandcraftswithTogetherAgain.
The Pollyfield Community Centre 10am to 12pm Tuesdays
BidefordFridayAfternoonTableTennis 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 07467 221199 for more details or just turn up!
CLEVERCRAFTERS Old school room,Atlantic way rom 10am to 12, every Friday. We are open to everyone (crafters and non crafters) for tea/coffee cake and conversation.
Care&ShareCafé Meet at Holy Trinity Church hall, Westward Ho! on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 10am - 12md. Call Nicola 07813456059 for details. Come and join us.
StMargaret’sChurch, Northam, Open Church on Friday mornings for coffees, teas, and a book stall from 10.15 – 12noon
Knit&NattergroupatBidefordlibrary 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. 2-4pm. All ages and levels of expertise welcome. No charge but we make a donation for our tea and biscuits.
Films on the big screen in Bideford Friday and Saturday evenings at 7.30pm at Kingsley School Theatre, Northdown Road, EX39 3LY. Full details at www.bidefordcinema.org.uk
Westward Ho!LadiesClub 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.
NorthamChoralSociety – 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.
BidefordFolkClub meets every Thursday at 7:30pm in the Joiner’s Arms, Bideford, EX39 2DR
For more information see Website: www.bidefordfolkclub.com or John Purser 01237 424286, bidefolk@gmail.com"
NorthDevonModelSociety Meet every Tuesday, from 6.30 to 9pm at Fremington Parish Hall, Higher Rd, Fremington, EX31 3BG. All abilities and ages welcome. https://northdevonmodelsociety.co.uk/ WESTWARDHO!BRIDGECLUB every Tuesday and Thursday in the Holy Trinity hall, starting at 6.45pm. Ring Graham on 01237 470990 or email penkenna2@gmail.com
BidefordPhoenixMorris Why not join to dance or play this year.
7.00pm to 9pm at the Baptist Church Hall, Mill Street, Bideford. For more information contact Neil or Carolyn on 01237 473798, email: info@bidefordphoenix.co.uk
TorridgeMaleVoiceChoir - 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!
StMargaret’sChurchNortham“CoffeeatMaggies” From 10am 3.30pm on Tuesday and10am - 2pm Wednesday to Saturday inclusive where they serve a fantastic variety of homemade cakes and drinks which all of us villagers absolutely love.
Appledoreshortmatbowls played at the community centre Tuesdays 7-9 pm £3 a session.
Northam BadmintonClub friendly club play every Thursday afternoon 2pm to 3pm at Northam Community Centre
TheJollyDollies 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.
Abbotsham shortmatbowlsclub Held at Abbotsham hall Thursdays 2-4pm £3 a session tel: bid 421585
TORRIDGERAMBLERS are a friendly group who walk the footpaths and bridleways of the Torridge area with additional walks further afield. Walks open to all ages. For details of walks or more information contact our chairman Chris 07989555717 or clemo9@hotmail.com
Northam Monday Afternoon Table Tennis - playing Mondays, 14:00-15:30 at Northam Community Centre, Fore Street. Just turn up for a friendly, informal session with coaching available. Ring 07929823185 for more information
The Westward Ho! Residents’ Association will be providing coffee and cake in the Kingsley Hall, Westward Ho! on Friday 5 September, 10.30-midday. Would you be willing to lead the Westward Ho! Residents' Association? We need a new Chair person from September 2025 and are seeking a volunteer who can offer their time and commitment to lead meetings and provide support to the Committee. Please contact 07980944146.
A Westward Ho! Residents’ Association’s Community Meeting will take place on Thursday 4 September, 7pm, at The Kingsley Hall, which Sean Kearney, Torridge District Council’s Head of Communities and Place will attend. This will be followed by the AGM.
Bideford Friends Group, Northam Community Hall. Meet
2nd and 4th Wednesday each month 2pm - 4pm. Entertainment, singing groups, speakers, poetry group etc. £3 donation including refreshments. Call Alan on 07866007805 or Chris on 07828719351
The Holy Trinity Knit&natter group
What’s
On
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.
TheAppledoreSingers
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
TorridgeWalk&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.
TheJollyGardenersClub 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
BidefordFolkDanceClub
Meet at Northam Hall at 7.30 pm. Experience or partners not necessary. Please contact Chris on 01237 423554 for further information.
NorthamWI 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.
AppledoreWI 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
PINSANDNEEDLES 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
RocknRollclubinWestward Ho!
Rocking Shoes Rock n Roll Club. Kingsley Hall Westward Ho! 1st & 3rd Friday of the month 7.30 10.30pm, Bar available.
BidefordProbusClub At TheThatched Inn,Abbotsham on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month - Tel 07864679690
BIDEFORDTREFOILGUILD
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.
CarryOnChoir - Weds 7:30 - 9 pm at Pollyfield Centre, Thursdays 2:00 - 3:30pm at Westward Ho Baptist Church, Thursdays 7:30 - 9 pm at Westward Ho Baptist Church. Contact Emelia on 07834 714807 to check term dates and arrange a free taster session. Everyone welcome. No auditions, music reading or experience required. Sense of humour essential.
BREAKAWAY
SOCIALCLUBforADULTSatWESTWARDHO!
The Club is held at the Baptist Church Hall on Mondays from 6.30 to 8.30pm. It is open to adults (18+) and we welcome anyone with additional needs. WEAREALSOLOOKING FORNEWVOLUNTEERS. Please contact Nikki: 07920054005 for more information. KenwithBadminton Contact Jan for info 07467 221199.
FeelBetterwithaBook The group meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 2.30 in Bideford Library. We have a drink and biscuit, listen to stories and poems and have a friendly chat.
BidefordCameraClub 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.
OasisforLadies 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
LundyArtGroup Enjoy art and painting? We are a friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month 10 am – 12 noon at the Blue Lights Hall, Vernons Lane, Appledore. In addition to working on our own paintings we have an exciting programme of workshops throughout the year. For more info call Marian on 07766692732
NorthDevonModelSociety: meets every Thursday from 6 to 9pm at Roundswell Community Centre, next to Sainsburys. 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/
OldSkoolR/C - the meeting for racing R/C cars indoors, Every Tuesday from 6.30pm at Fremington Parish Hall. (part of North Devon Model Society)
NorthDevonRogues- the meeting for War gaming and War hammer games Every Tuesday from 6.30pm at Fremington Parish Hall. (part of North Devon Model Society)
CommunityCre8tivesCIC Tuesdays 10am- 12:30pm at the Pollyfield Community Centre , Bideford. Contact 07386 893638
Bideford Whist Club– Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm in the Marlborough Court common room, Bideford. £2 per session. For more details contact Betty on 01237473395.
Northam
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