Community News

Coronavirus restrictions ease, but cases rocket

North Devon District Hospital declared a ‘critical incident’ in mid March after a sudden rise in admissions of patients suffering from Covid-19. Sources say more than 20 were being treated at one point. After starting to fall, the number of positive cases reported rose dramatically to 860 in North Devon (up 472) and 691 in Mid Devon (up 232) in the second week of March.

Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health, is urging people to stay at home if they feel unwell with Coronavirus, or symptoms of other illnesses that could be infectious. His call comes as Devon is seeing a big rise again in the number of Covid-19 cases, with the latest data showing an 80 per cent increase in cases across the county in March.

“I believe that many people are now left uncertain of what they should be doing, with the legal requirement to self-isolate gone, with free testing for most people about to end, and the onus now on individuals to decide for themselves what the appropriate behaviour is,” said Mr Brown. A new variant, Omicron BA.2 is now said to be becoming the dominant strain.

“We’re seeing a rise across all ages in our communities, especially among the working age population. We’re seeing it in care homes, among vulnerable residents and staff. And we seeing it in hospitals, with pressures in health and care settings, compounded by staff absences due to illness.”

He says there are five simple things people can do to help stop the spread:

1. Stay at home if you’ve tested positive for Covid, or have symptoms of this or other possible infections.

2. Unless you’re exempt, continue to wear face coverings when in indoor public spaces with people you don’t live with - including public transport, hospitality and retail.

3. Keep testing, and stay at home if you test positive for Coronavirus.

4. Make sure vaccinations are up to date.

5. Hand hygiene - washing your hands regularly helps prevent spreading infections.

North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and Torridge District Council have joined forces on a new Nature Tourism Agenda to boost sustainability across the sector.

The idea is to help businesses to grow by supporting them in showcasing the abundance of natural assets and adventure activities across northern Devon.

Chris Brant of Unmissable England, says, “Visitors are looking for authentic guided experiences that connect them with the locals and the places they know best. Visitors want to be captivated by fascinating stories about nature and the landscape well beyond the tourist trail.”

A series of workshops was held in March to launch the new collaboration.

“Tourists want to immerse themselves in local history and heritage, and leave with a better understanding of the places they have experienced,” added Mr Brant.

Molton Monthly is a North Devon Biosphere Business Partner, helping to promote sustainability where we live and work.

If you would like to find out more about the Nature Tourism project, you can email: biosphere-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

Organisers say the next Festival of Food and Drink at South Molton Pannier Market this month will be the biggest and best yet, with more than 60 stalls booked in.

South Molton Town Council Events Manager, Melanie James said, “We’re absolutely delighted to be joined by some of the finest food and drink producers in the West Country. Our previous two events proved to be very popular, and we are thrilled to be able to have additional stalls outside to offer even more variety.”

“Our festival offers a fantastic platform which showcases the amazing produce we have in Devon and Cornwall.”

This free event is on Sunday, April 10th from 10am to 3pm, with free parking nearby.

Crowds at the last food festival

Tourism awards for attractions

The Nectary Restaurant at South Molton’s Quince Honey Farm won a gold award in the Devon Tourism Awards 2021-22 in the ‘Café/ tea room of the Year’ category.

Rock and Rapid Adventures at South Molton picked up a bronze award in the ‘Experience of the Year’ category at the ceremony on March 10th.

The Naturemade shop in South Street, South Molton has re-opened with new owners.

Ron and Karen Black are both Braunton born and bred, and say they are already loving the vibe of the wholefood store and coffee shop, and are grateful for all the friendly customers who have already walked through the door to introduce themselves.

Ron used to work at Travis Perkins and Karen previously ran an abuse charity in Barnstaple. The couple have re-introduced seating if you’re popping in for a coffee and they have extended the opening hours (see advert page 7).

“Lucy Bowden has done an awesome job setting up Naturemade and we have no plans to change anything,” said Karen.

Ron and Karen Black

Last chance for say on future of village school

Campaigners are alerting parents and the local community that the consultation on the future of Chittlehampton C of E Primary School ends on April 4th.

Education bosses say that due to falling pupil numbers the school, founded in 1865, could close as soon as August 31st. The local MP Selaine Saxby has warned that if it does shut down, it is likely to close for good.

Chittlehampton school has a capacity of 56, but currently has only 15 pupils with five due to leave at the end of this school year.

The consultation closes on April 4th, and information can be found on the school website or online here: devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/consultations/ consultation-on-the-future-ofchittlehampton-c-of-e-primary-school/

Cheeky calendar boosts mental health charity

RGB Building Supplies’ ‘Well Built Builders Bum 2022’ calendar has raised £1,610 for Mind charities in Devon and the South West.

Andre Pusey, from Devon Mind, said, “I would like to thank to everyone for supporting this unique fundraising idea. As you catch glimpses of the featured bottoms in your home or office over the coming months, remember that in buying your calendar you’ve directly supported frontline mental health services where we live.”

The charity Mind provides well-being services for people who experience mental health problems, as well as advice, information, support groups and a dedicated youth service.

Potter joins Queen’s celebration

Arts Destination South Molton say they’re delighted to announce that Taz Pollard (pictured right), a ceramicist working from her studio on the Pathfields Estate, will join their Heritage Crafts Day in the Pannier Market on June 3rd.

The event is planned as part of the town’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with many artists and makers such as Taz, demonstrating their skills and inviting the public to have a go.

If you have a rural or heritage skill you would like to display and demonstrate, or would like more details of the event, please email Stella at: publicity@artsdestination.co.uk

Mole Valley sponsors show

Mole Valley Farmers has confirmed it will be the headline sponsor of the Devon County Show until at least 2024. After a difficult couple of years due to the pandemic, the 2022 show will take place at Clyst St Mary from June 30th to July 2nd.

A ‘royal’ concert

Choral group, the Winkleigh Singers, will perform a spring concert on April 23rd at St Michael’s Church, Great Torrington.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and will include Parry’s famous ‘I was glad’, featuring Vivats to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, and Mozart’s Trinitatis Mass.

Internationally renowned organist, Peter King, organist emeritus of Bath Abbey, will be performing with the choir. Tickets will be available from: winkleighsingers.org.uk

Memorial performance

South Molton Town Band and Barnstaple Male Voice Choir are performing a commemorative concert called ‘A Celebration of Lives’ on May 7th at the Grosvenor Church in Barnstaple. You can email a photo of a loved one to be screened at the performance to: celebrationoflives2022@gmail.com