Boycie the Beaver’ are Missing Can you find them to win See Page 5
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Hi, welcome to the July edition of the Link’ Magazine.
I hope you are all enjoying the nice weather that has kicked off the summer so far.
Well done to everyone that has just completed their exams and I hope you get the results you are hoping for.
With the school summer holidays on the
Win 2 Tickets to visit The Big Sheep in Abbotsham
THE BEAVER INN APPLEDORE
Sunday Lunch
Larry the Lamb’
‘Boycie the Beaver’ has gone missing, Can you
find him?
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 14th July 2025
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 is July 14th 2025 One person will be drawn from the correct answers to win.
Richard Brook Local Builder, Braunton
I have been in the building industry for over 40 years. I offer a professional & personable service. My trade is bricklaying & stone laying but my wealth of building experience and expertise means I can lead on all design and build projects through to construction. I also work on smaller projects and can help you with those jobs around the home & garden.
Garden Walls / Patios Fencing Minor renovations General building support/works Extensions
Hard Landscaping Project Management Domestic Repairs
Here is the programme of walks for July. It is great to see so many new people trying out our walks. Don’t forget that “Time out Tuesday” walks (for everyone) will be continuing for those who prefer a shorter evening walk, making the most of our longer summer days.
1st July – Time out Tuesday, Join us for a gentle 3-4 mile walk from Bideford Victoria Park entrance around Bideford starting at 6.30, and finishing with some refreshment! All welcome.
Saturday 5th July- The American Road, a circular walk from Braunton to Saunton along lanes and paths returning on the south-west coast path. Meet at 10 am at the Caen St car park in Braunton. (approx. 10 miles)
8th July- Time out Tuesday. Meet at the clock tower, Barnstaple for a gentle 3-4 mile walk around Barnstaple. All welcome.
Wednesday 9th July- Take the bus to Lynmouth departing Barnstaple bus station at 10.50 and link up with the Exmoor Explorer (12.15 departing from Lynmouth). Walk from County Gate back to Lynmouth for the return bus to Barnstaple. (approx. 7 miles).
Saturday 12th July- A classic Exmoor walk starting from Challacombe (Rooksfoot Bridge) at 10.30. (9.5 miles) See the website for more details.
15th July- Time Out Tuesday from Bideford. Meet at 6.30. Same details as before.
Saturday 19th July- Dartmoor Way Weekend, starting from Buckfastleigh Abbey at 10.30. walking to Ashburton (10.5 miles).
Sunday 20th July- Dartmoor Way Weekend, starting from Reddaford Water to Ashburton. (12 miles) This is a linear walk. Please book with Janice by 13th July so that transport can be co ordinated. See the website for more details 22nd July- Time Out Tuesday- Meet at the clock tower, Barnstaple for a gentle 3-4 mile walk around Barnstaple. All welcome. Thursday 24th July- Trio of churches by train. Meet at Barnstaple station at 10.15. for train to Lapford. Walk to Coldridge for a visit to the church and return from Eggesford. This walk needs to be booked in advance with Mo. See the website for details. (10 miles)
Saturday 26th July- Great Links Tor and Widgery Cross. Meet at 10.30. behind the Dartmoor Inn for a 9-mile ramble on Dartmoor.
For further details for any of these walks, see our website at northdevonramblers.org.uk
Senseless vandalism putting lives in danger!
Vandalism of essential life-saving equipment in Torridge is putting lives at risk. In 2024, Torridge District Council reviewed its water safety equipment and installed throw lines at several waterside locations where there could be a potential danger to life. In recent months, the throwline at Kenwith Reservoir has been vandalised multiple times.
This year, the throw line has been found tangled in bushes, and the box itself has suffered repeated damage. On several occasions, the entire box and throw line have been removed from the post. In early April, the box and throw line were thrown into the lake with several traffic cones resulting in the throw line and box being completely replaced. More recently, the box was defaced with graffiti, and once again, the screws securing it to the post were ripped out.
Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health & Community Safety, said:
“Recent acts of senseless vandalism have put lives at risk by rendering crucial lifesaving equipment unusable. Torridge is home to some stunning waterfront areas, and it’s our priority to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy these beautiful spots. The throw lines are a valuable addition at some of our most popular sites but, more importantly, we ask people to please stay alert and take care by the water. It is essential that the public report any damaged throwlines to Torridge District Council promptly so they can be repaired quickly.
Please either call 01237 428700 or visit torridge.gov.uk/contactus to fill out the online form.”
Should anyone find themselves in difficulty in the water, throw lines and throw bags can provide a vital lifeline.
If you see someone struggling in the water, do not enter the water to attempt a rescue, as you may end up in danger yourself.
Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service advises you to:
1. Call 999
2. Never jump into the water to attempt a rescue
3. Retrieve the throw line
4. Hold the end of the line in one hand and the bag in the other
5. Throw the bag so it lands beyond the casualty
6. Shout to the casualty to grab hold of the line, not the bag
7. Once they have a firm grip, stabilise yourself and pull them to safety
8. Wait for assistance before attempting to lift the casualty from the water
TheMacularGroup
Meet once a month ,on the first Thursday of each month,at TheBURTON, Bideford, in the KINGSLEY ROOM ,BETWEEN 10 am-12 NOON. All are welcome. Lookingforward to meetingyou.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. Interestingspeakers on a rangeof 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. Weare open to everyone (crafters and non crafters) for tea/coffee cakeand 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. Comeand 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
WestwardHo!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. PleasecontactAlison on 07929 958654 for moreinformation.
NorthamChoralSociety – meets at 7.30 every Tuesday evening, excluding thesummer 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 alongand join us – it’s fun!
For more information you can either contact Michael on 07933 244247, or just come alongand see what we do. BidefordFolkClub meets every Thursday at 7:30pm in theJoiner’s Arms, Bideford,EX39 2DR
For moreinformation 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 9pmat 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 and 10am - 2pm Wednesday to Saturday inclusive where they servea 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.
NorthamBadmintonClub 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. Abbotshamshortmatbowlsclub Held atAbbotsham 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
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 theFirst & 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
Torridge
Walk&Talk
Come and join us on one of our Tuesday and Wednesday Walks. Contact: torridgewalkandtalk.co.uk OR phone Steve01237 421528 A variety of walks for all levels,Just turn up and join in for free.
TheJollyGardenersClub email jollygardenersclub@gmail.com for moredetails. Wehave a Facebook group where members can post news about what they have been up to in their gardens and wecan letyou know about meetings and events.
WEDNESDAYS BidefordFolkDanceClub
Meet at Northam Hall at 7.30 pm.Experienceor 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, ForeStreet,Northam. Do come and join us. Contact northam@devonwi.org or ringJulie 01237 237263.
AppledoreWI We meet on the first Friday of the month at 2:00pm in The BlueLights Hall in Vernons Lane in Appledore. New members are welcome and to find out more pleasecontact 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
RocknRollclubinWestwardHo!
RockingShoes 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 - 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 readingor experience required. Sense of humour essential.
BREAKAWAY
SOCIALCLUB
for
ADULTSatWESTWARDHO!
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. WEAREALSOLOOKINGFORNEWVOLUNTEERS. Pleasecontact Nikki: 07920054005 for moreinformation.
KenwithBadminton Contact Jan for info 07467 221199.
FeelBetterwithaBook 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.
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 workingon our own paintings wehave an excitingprogramme of workshops throughout the year. For moreinfo call Marian on 07766692732
WestwardHo!ArtClubAnnualExhibition. - At Westward Ho! Baptist Church.Monday 4th August 1pm to 4pm,Tuesday 4thAugust– Saturday 9th august from 10am 4pm.Refreshments availableand parkingnearby.
Northam
It was my absolute honour and very proud moment to have been recently elected Mayor for Northam Town Council, along with my Deputy Mayor Cllr Sam Newman McKie, for the coming year.
Already, I have already attended some very special occasions, including celebrating the birthdays of three centenarians at the Bluebell Care Home in Westward Ho! … what an excellent resting place this is, with so many caring and dedicated staff.
I'm a supporter of our residents and business associations, attending many meetings over the years, as well as promoting public and police engagement with Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon County Council Highways.
More recently, I attended with other Mayor and their Deputies at their introduction ceremonies around North Devon. These included Bideford, Barnstaple and Great Torrington, as well as the Mass Bands event at RHS Rosemoor.
Northam Town Council continues the tradition of its Town Twinning relationships and have welcomed overseas visitors from Mondeville France and Helmstedt Germany in the past two years, celebrating and strengthening the International Bonds of Friendship between our countries.
I'm looking forward to my year in office very much representing Northam and its residents. I have chosen Devon Air Ambulance as my charity and will raise funds for this valuable service throughout my year in office. Did you know that Devon air Ambulance was only founded only relativity recently, some 40 years ago, in 1986. Its first emergency helicopter flight was not until 1992 and the charity operates wholly independently of any Government funding. A great cause to support here in Devon.
I'm for ever thankful for the amazing help and support I receive from my fellow councillors, officers and staff at both Torridge District and Northam Town Councils, to enable me to do this job.
As I write this article, I'm already looking forward to a very busy year ahead, not just as our Town Mayor helping to raise funds for the above charity, but continuing to represent my ward whenever I can, on the many varied and sometimes complex issues where I'm asked to help.
We welcome two new members, elected on 17th Paril this year, Cllr Jeremy Bell in Apple Ward and Cllr Jon Horrocks in Northam Ward. Westward Ho! Has an election on the 3rd July. Northam Town Mayor, Cllr Louis C Bach
Northam Town Council’s Vision for 2023-2027, covering the current Council’s years in office is Northam, Appledore & Westward Ho! is a community that values its people, heritage, open spaces, beaches, and extends a warm welcome to all visitors. This vision is underpinned by four themes guide the Council’s work across the communities of Appledore, Northam and Westward Ho!
1. Deliver excellent services which are efficient and effective and meet the needs of the strategic vision. To meet this the Council undertook a strategic staffing review, which resulted in a new staffing structure. The Deputy Town Clerk has been replaced by a Parks & Buildings Manager, Ian Rawle, who started with the Council in the autumn of 2024. As the line manager for the Maintenance Team, Ian oversees the operations of the Council’s six Maintenance Operatives.
Joining Dean Stewardson, Dom Callebaut, Rob Griffey and Tom Atkinson, the Council recently welcomed Mesha Williams to the team. Jack Lovegrove will be working with the Council through the summer as part of that same team. With more people working, the Council has restarted mowing the verges across the town on behalf of Devon County Council. The Council is contracted to cut these four times a year – in April, June July and September. Two other new posts were created, with Tina Tucker moving to a new role as Community Engagement Officer and Corinne Williams join as the Finance Assistant. Guy Langton became the Town Clerk & RFO in July last year.
The Mayor, Cllr Bach and his Deputy, Cllr Newman-McKie
Councillor Louis C
Bach -Northam Town Mayor 2025-26
2. Build a stronger and more resilient community through forging and maintaining closer links with groups across the community. To this end, the Council has, after seven years in the making, submitted the Northam Neighbourhood Plan (NNP) to the District Council, where it will be put before an independent examiner for review. Should you want to read this version of the (NNP) for yourself, please see the dedicated website www.northamneighbourhoodplan.co.uk where you can also follow the Facebook page for updates.
The Council is planning to work with schools to bring young people and employers together to explore the temporary, part time and future apprenticeship and work opportunities there are in north Devon.
The Council is working to bring more events to the community, building on the success of the annual May Fair and renovated tennis courts. If you would like to be involved in local tennis, helping others get and stay active, you may be interested in being an Activator at the tennis courts, see the LTA’s website for more details, or contact the Town Council offices. https://www.lta.org.uk/roles-and-venues/volunteers/free-park-tennis/
The Council hopes to actively consider the future of the pavilion building at Westward Ho! this year, with funds allocated in the budget for professional fees to advise and guide the Council, building on the successful project to renovate an old public toilet block as a Changing Places Toilet facility, part-funded by local people and part by Muscular Dystrophy UK, it is on the UK CPT database.
3. Strengthen environmental protection and sustainability by working towards net zero carbon emissions in Council activities. To this end, the Council has invested in a second electric truck for the Maintenance Team, meaning zero emissions in use as it travels around the area. The Council has also replaced the petrol ground maintenance hand tools with battery electric versions, significantly reducing emissions, smell, noise and vibrations in use. All these tools are charged by a system supported by solar PV panels, meaning in sunnier months, fuelling the tools is low-cost or free. The Council is also starting to plant more grassed areas with wildflowers. This is not simply a ‘scatter seeds and hope’ method but a concerted effort, where the grass is removed and a new seed mix planted. The seed mixes chosen to have been selected for the coastal area we live in. You can see the first-year results at Anchor Park in Appledore, above the steps up from Richmond Road and will be rolled out across the area in coming years. This is in addition to the continued tree planting to improve the diversity of species in the area and maintenance of traditional hedge banks, the one at Burrough Farm will be professional attended to this coming Autumn.
4. Improve connectivity and mobility – both physical and technological by working with the County Council and other local partners to champion the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) adopted in March 2025 https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/ consultations/countywide-local-cycling-and-walking-infrastructure-plan-lcwip/. The NNP continues this theme, with policies to protect and enhance the environment, travel and local infrastructure.
Looking to the future, Northam Town Council is keeping up to speed with developments regarding our County’s the Local Government Reorganisation, championed by central government. The way forward is far from certain but if the examples of Cornwall and West Somerset are indicators of what may be in store, Northam, like other Town and Parish Councils could be asked to provide more services for our communities.
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 e-mail: admin@northamtowncouncil.gov.uk
NTC's zero-emission fleet and tools, with (from L to R) Ian Rawle, the Mayor, Tina Tucker and Dean Stewardson
Opening times may vary, please contact the Library direct for full details
