MARCH
2026
New Drop-In Services for Ilfracombe’s Older Residents
Age Concern Barnstaple and North Devon is launching two brand-new drop-in services right here in Ilfracombe, offering support, advice, and a friendly face for local older residents. These welcoming hubs are set to open soon, providing new opportunities for connection and community. Want to know how to book?
North Devon and Torridge residents are being urged to take part in a major public survey that will shape how council services are delivered from 2028.
The government is planning to reorganise local councils, ending Devon’s current ‘two-tier’ system of a county council and eight district councils, plus Torbay and Plymouth. Last year, councils developed new proposals for unitary authorities single councils responsible for all local services. North Devon and Torridge are part of the “Reimagining Devon” proposal, which would see:
Exeter and Northern Devon (East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge) Torbay and Southern Devon (South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay, West Devon) Plymouth City Council as a standalone authority
This “4-5-1” model is one of five options under consideration A variant, “4-5-1+,” would slightly expand Plymouth’s area The public consultation is now open and runs until 11.59pm on Thursday 26 March. Your feedback will help the UK Government decide which model to adopt.
Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, calls this a “generational change” and urges everyone to have their say, stressing that the proposals aim to balance financial sustainability with local accessibility.
Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, highlights the collaborative work behind the proposals and encourages
all residents, businesses, and organisations to participate, noting that every response will count equally.
To take part, review all proposals and complete the consultation go to www devonlgr co uk or directly on gov uk Paper copies are available at North Devon Council’s Town Centre Hub, Torridge District Council offices, and Devon libraries.
The Secretary of State is expected to decide this summer, with elections for the new authority in May 2027 and changes taking effect in 2028
Age Concern would like to do more to support people living in Ilfracombe aged 60+
We have a Benefits Clinic which operates from Ilfracombe Library on the 3 Tuesday of every month between 10am and 3pm. The clinic is free and can complete a full benefits check to see if you are entitled to any financial support. The clinic can help you to apply for Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, PIP, Council Tax reductions and other welfare benefits The clinic can also help you to apply for a Blue Badge, help you to understand your energy bills or other household paperwork.
rd If you think this support might be helpful to you, please phone us to make an appointment on 01271 445131 or email tina@ageconcernnorthdevon org uk
potatoes, wilted spinach and beans and fresh parsley sauce; or pasta cheese bake, vegetables and lentil bolognaise Dessert choices include proper marmalade shop, citrus cheesecake; or fresh fruit salad with Cornish double cream; or Berry pavlova with whipped cream. The prices are reduced to support the Lunch Club, £12 for a main course or £15 for a main course and dessert (if booked in advance) We really hope that people aged 60+ will join us for good food and good company, to get together once a month and have some fun.
If getting to the clinic is difficult for you, please contact us and we can arrange a home visit to help you.
A new service for Ilfracombe, starting in March, is the Age Concern Ilfracombe Lunch Club The Lunch Club is being held at the beautiful Carlton Hotel on the 2 Thursday of every month at 12 30pm The menu looks absolutely delicious with choices including: fresh chicken supreme, smooth mash, roast Devon root vegetables andwhite wine sauce; or hand made fishcake, buttered newu.
If you would like more information, or to attend the Lunch Club, please phone us on 01271 445133 or email meryl@ageconcernnorthdevon.org.uk to book.
Volunteers are needed to support all our services so if you have some free time and would like to help please do get in touch by phoning Jill on 01271 445134 or email jill@ageconcernnorthdevon org uk
We would love to hear from you.
Tuesday 17th March
Daffodils and Codden Hill
A 5 mile leisurely circular walk around Landkey to the top of Codden Hill.
Meet at Landkey Millennium car park
Start time: 10 30am, estimated finish
1 30pm
Saturday 21st March
Nether Stowey and Dowsborough
A 5.5 mile moderate circular walk taking in paths, woodland tracks and quiet lanes.
Steep ascent and descent, muddy in places
Meet at Barnstaple Public Library in Castle Street
Start time: 10.30am, estimated finish 3pm.
Tuesday 24th March
Finding St Ruth
A 7 mile circular walk leading to Chittlehampton and back along the river.
Start: Either at Barnstaple train station to catch the 9 35am or Umberleigh train station at 9.45am. Estimated finish 2pm.
Saturday 28th March
Two Moors Way 50th Anniversary Walk
An 11 mile circular walk through Lynmouth and the Valley of the Rocks.
Meeting point: TBA near Lynmouth-please refer to NDR website for further information
Sunday 29th March
Classic Exmoor Walking
A circular walk from Simonsbath to Cow Castle along fields, tracks and moorland.
Meet at Ashcombe NT car park.
Start time: 10 30am, estimated finish
2 30pm
Wednesday 1st April
A Ramble around Rackenford
A 6.5 mile circular walk on lanes, fields and part of the Two Moors Way.
Meet a The Lodge Rackenford.
Start time: 10 30am, estimated finish
2 30pm
Please contact NDR by 15th March to book your space.
Saturday 4th April
The Long and Short of it!
A 9 mile circular walk from Shirwell to Ashford with coffee at St Johns Garden Centre
There is an option to do a shorter walk from here via bus back
Pick up the 309 bus at Barnstaple Stationplease refer to website for details.
Start time: 9.30am, estimated finish 3pm.
Tuesday 7th April
Time out Tuesday-Bideford
Return of the popular Time out Tuesday walks
A 4 mile gentle circular walk around Bideford to enjoy the spring evening.
Meet at Tarka the Otter statue on the quay. Start time: 6pm, estimated finish 8pm.
Across North Devon specifically EX34, the local housing market remains resilient and active as we move through 2026 According to the latest UK House Price Index, the average property price in our area sits at around £292,000, with values holding firm in the face of a cautious national market. Nationally, Nationwide reported annual house price growth of 1.0% in January 2026, while Halifax recorded modest gains, reflecting a stable if not overly heated market These figures show that buyers are out there and actively looking, especially for homes in desirable coastal and rural locations like ours.
For sellers, the clock is ticking. Most motivated buyers want to complete their purchase and move before the end of summer. With that in mind, timing your marketing window is absolutely crucial Experience shows that once a buyer is
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