Community News

Witness appeals

Police investigating reports of a serious assault in South Molton on Saturday April 3rd, are asking witnesses to come forward.

A 21-year-old local man received hospital treatment for a broken jaw and fractured skull as a result of the incident.

The reported assault took place around 9.30pm on April 3rd, in an alley between the Spar shop and South Molton Museum (pictured right).

A 19-year-old man from South Molton was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent and an 18-year-old man, also from South Molton,

was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm. Both were released on police bail, pending further enquiries, and are due to answer bail on May 10th.

If you have any information that could help the police with their enquiries, please email police at: 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting crime reference CR/026249/21.

Shooting investigation

Police enquiries are continuing after three people were shot with an air rifle in Broad Street, South Molton shortly before 8.30am on March 23rd. A police spokesperson said: “A woman was shot to the chin, which broke the skin. Two others weren’t injured.” Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or via email, 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/022576/21.

Campaign to save village pub reaches £100,000

Villagers in Chawleigh trying to save their local pub have raised almost half the £225,000 total needed in just six weeks.

A share scheme which would see the Chawleigh Community Trust taking over the previously popular pub, which closed in November 2019, has now been extended and they’re looking into possible match funding through a new Government scheme.

“Public houses have been the social heart of British communities for hundreds of years, so come on everyone and invest now to make sure The Earl goes on for hundreds more years!” said volunteer David Flavin.

“Invest from £100 to £30,000, the choice is yours, and remember everyone has an equal vote, you will own part of the bricks and mortar and you may receive interest on your investment in the future.”

They’re appealing for people across Devon to support the community takeover scheme. You can read more on the group’s website: savetheearl.org.uk Email: savetheearl.chawleigh@gmail.com Phone: 07704 515060.

The community of Heasley Mill, near North Molton is celebrating after raising enough money to kit out their disused public phone box with a lifesaving defibrillator.

They’re now setting about repainting the box (pictured right) and registering the equipment so that it’s ready to use in an emergency.

They held a country hamper raffle which raised £1300, and the other £1000 came from donations and a small grant.

The defibrillators are supplied and fitted by the Community HeartBeat Trust. They increase the chance of survival should someone go into cardiac arrest. If your community would like one visit: communityheartbeat.org.uk

RGB donates £8,000 to air ambulance services

RGB Building Supplies say they’re delighted to have raised a fantastic £8,400 for Devon Air Ambulance and Cornwall Air Ambulance trusts over the last 12 months.

“We are so grateful to everyone at RGB for their continued fundraising efforts throughout the past year. Despite the challenges they faced during the pandemic, they have remained committed supporters of Devon Air Ambulance and have raised an amazing amount of money,” said Tracy Owen from Devon Air Ambulance.

“We would also like to thank those people who either purchased bulk bags from RGB or one of the ‘Love where you live’ charity calendars. Their contribution has made a

Jenny Naylor, HR Director RGB Building Supplies

huge difference to the fundraising total and the service we provide.”

Phil Sparks, Branch Manager at RGB South Molton added, “We would like to thank all our customers, staff and the local community for supporting our fundraising. It’s only with their help that we’ve been able to raise as much as we have.”

Children’s Hospice South West is asking people to take on an ‘Incredible Hike’ and raise vital funds for the charity.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2021, the charity has lined up 30 inspiring walking routes across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset for people to choose from - or you can simply pick one of your own.

Jayne Jarret from the charity said, “We want people to hike as they like and raise a bit of money to ensure local children and families continue to receive the vital hospice care they need.”

“May is National Walking Month and whether it’s a scenic stroll or an epic hike, getting outside for some fresh air is more important for our mental wellbeing than ever.”

It’s free to register to take part in The Incredible Hike and if you can raise more than £30 in sponsorship you’ll get a commemorative 30th anniversary medal.

Visit the Children’s Hospice South West website to register and pick your route: chsw.org.uk/hike

Another gold for Honey Farm

Quince Honey Farm have taken home Gold in the Tourism Innovation Award at this year’s South West Tourism Awards.

The awards celebrate tourism businesses across the whole South West region. This year it featured 75 finalists from more than 400 entries from Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. The winners were announced in an online ceremony on April 22nd.

This latest win comes just a few weeks after they achieved Gold in the Tourism Innovation Award and Bronze in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Devon Tourism Awards.

As the restrictions of the last year begin to ease, Roger Warren of Fitness 4 Living ND will be offering a number of classes for those wanting to take up or return to exercise.

At the moment all classes take place outdoors, but the plan is to move indoors from May 17th if the government’s ‘roadmap’ stays on schedule.

Current sessions on offer are: those who may be put off by the thought of star jumps and burpees!

For more information on the cost of sessions, updates on times and venues or to register your interest in these classes, please contact Roger via e-mail at: fitness4livingND@hotmail.com, text or call 07376 910575, or visit the fitness4livingND Facebook page.

Tuesday Health Walk - meet outside South Molton Pannier Market for a 9am start. Walks usually last about an hour and are between 2 and 3 miles in length.

South Molton Fitclub - every Tuesday at 6:30pm at South Molton Methodist Hall at the top of Duke Street.

Thursday Circuits - every Thursday at 6:30pm at South Molton Methodist Hall at the top of Duke Street.

The popular Seated Exercise Class will resume when classes are allowed indoors. This usually takes place at 11am on Wednesdays.

Roger also has plans to offer a Low Impact Strength & Mobility class in the future for