Community News

Fantastic fridge!

The new South Molton Community Fridge gave out more than a tonne of food in its first month that would otherwise have gone to waste. It’s been a fantastic effort by the volunteer team.

In the coming weeks, including the February half term, they plan to give out food parcels to those in need this winter.

More than 100 parcels, which will include fresh fruit and vegetables, will be handed out or delivered - helping approximately 170 people in our community, half of which are children. People can get in touch via their Facebook page or call 07901 765082.

Toys bring Christmas cheer

The Every Toy Matters appeal helped 86 children get a Christmas gift this year.

Organised by Simone Dunford (below), the South Molton Christmas Toy Bank took in donations from members of the public and businesses, and distributed them to local children in need.

If life is more stressful for you at the moment and you need help to manage it, free online help sessions are being offered by South Molton based Jacqui Footman.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), also referred to as ‘tapping’, is described as self-help psychological acupressure. Research from Bond University in Australia states that it has been shown to reduce the stress hormone Cortisol, helping you feel calmer and more clear-thinking.

Jacqui Footman, Chair of the UK-registered charity EFT International, is providing free ‘tap-along’ one hour group sessions every Friday lunchtime at 12.30pm on Zoom. People can meet online to work through anything that is stressing them at the moment in a “mutually supportive environment”.

There is also a free Friday afternoon group (4.30pm) specifically for any frontline workers.

For more details see the advert below (one to one sessions are charged).

Students and staff at West Buckland School cycled 874 miles, the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and raised more than £1200 for the Northern Devon Foodbank.

They had hoped to raise £200, so they say they’re delighted at the result which will help up to 1000 local families access much needed food. The Covid Secure charity fundraiser took place on exercise bikes at the school (pictured above), with some completing as much 80 stints.

West Buckland School would like to thank supporters for their generous donations, and all those who took part and especially organiser James Conlon.

Donations can still be made online: justgiving.com/fundraising/parkersboarding-house

Dave Knight has been named as one of 12 Mole Valley Farmers ‘Country Heroes’ across the South West for his work on Exmoor.

He was nominated for his voluntary position as chairman of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network for the past 6 years. His prize was a country hamper worth £500 (pictured right).

Exmoor Hill Farming Network provides support to 330 farms and 565 members. Among its initiatives is helping to mitigate the feelings of isolation and loneliness among the local farming community, which has been particularly important during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The judging team said, “Without Dave dedicating so much time and skill to the group, it would not have become what it is today. Thank you for your tireless passion to serve the farming community of Greater Exmoor. It is our privilege to name you as our Country Hero.”

Members of the Women in Farming group from the Exmoor Hill Farming Network held two cake sales at Blackmore Gate and Cutcombe Market, raising £1200 for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support. Pictured above (L to R); Catherine Cowling, Lesley Nicholas & Samantha Lole.

Readers of Which? magazine have voted the Lynton and Lynmouth Funicular Cliff Railway on the North Devon coast as the UK’s best cliff railway. With a customer satisfaction score of 83% this also places them in the top 10 of all of the UK’s most visited historic attractions.

An office building was destroyed in an explosion at a communications site near Burrington on the evening of December 23rd.

Fire crews from Chulmleigh, South Molton, Torrington and Barnstaple attended the scene, along with engineers from Wales and West Gas and Western Power who made the site safe. One person was rescued, but thankfully no one was hurt in the blast.

Bella brings floods

Storm Bella brought flooding and treacherous driving conditions across North Devon on December 27th. Among the communities affected were Kings Nympton (right), Chulmleigh and Mill on Mole.

Photo courtesy Chulmleigh Fire Station

Photo: Toni Herniman

Snowy end to year

The last few days of December brought ice and snow, especially to the high ground of Exmoor (photo above by Josh Kiff).

Builders merchant launches campaign to support local businesses

With the pandemic having a detrimental effect on local businesses, RGB Building Supplies’ latest ‘Support Local’ initiative is giving away £500 worth of independent shop and venue vouchers every week until the end of January.

Every Monday until January 25th, RGB will run a giveaway where prizes will include ten £50 vouchers to spend at an independent high street store, five £100 vouchers to use on a holiday cottage in the region, and ten £50 local attraction vouchers.

Phil Sparks, Branch Manager at RGB South Molton, said, “There are many businesses in our area which have been struggling to survive this year, so it’s vital we do what we can to support each other.”

All RGB customers who spend £25 at the South Molton branch will have the chance to win a voucher. Full terms and conditions, and a full list of the vouchers that will be on offer each week, is available on their website; rgbltd.co.uk

The Exmoor Pony Society is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. It was originally founded when a group of farmers met at the Red Lion Hotel in Dulverton, to discuss creating a society to protect the breed for future generations.

The Exmoor pony is Britain’s oldest breed of native pony, thought to be little different from the original wild ponies that colonised Britain many thousands of years ago.

Photo: Pete Robinson

A registered charity, the Exmoor Pony Society was set up in 1921 by moorland farmers for the registration and conservation of the breed.

The society has worked with Exmoor National Park Authority and the Rare Breed Survival Trust for many years to ensure that the Exmoor Pony survives in its natural habitat.

For more information go to: exmoorponysociety.org.uk

Air Ambulance Award

Devon Air Ambulance has picked up a national ‘Covid-19 Response’ award, along with its engineering partner Babcock. They created a custom screen to keep the pilot safe from the treatment area.