Community News April 2024

Fined for unlicensed dog breeding

An Exmoor equestrian centre owner has been handed a £10,000 fine for breeding dogs without a license. Tristan Gosling, of Whitemoor Equestrian Centre, East Anstey, was found guilty at a hearing on March 1st at Barnstaple Magistrates Court. He was said to be responsible for breeding dogs in September last year without the required license and selling pets without proper authorisation, contrary to animal welfare laws.

Chair of the Licensing Committee at North Devon Council, Cllr Louisa York said, “Licensing allows us to undertake checks on a business to ensure all welfare standards are being met, and animals are leading healthy, happy, and safe lives. I’m pleased we got this outcome, which hopefully sends the message to other people that we take animal welfare extremely seriously.”

MP tackled over lack of dentists

Concerned residents are lobbying North Devon MP Selaine Saxby over the lack of NHS dentist provision, after she stated that South Molton could see an ‘NHS dental van’ service visiting. John Northfield of Bee Meadows said, “In two years we have not been able to obtain any NHS dental services within a thirty mile radius of South Molton. With hundreds of new homes being built in the town it’s nothing short of a total disgrace.” He is urging others to write to their MP.

Bus service meeting called

A campaign is underway to improve bus links between South Molton, Chittlehampton, Atherington, Torrington and Umberleigh railway station.

Residents are being urged to attend a public meeting at the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington at 7pm on Wednesday, April 10th.

“A survey in Chittlehampton had a good return, showing that if such a service were provided it would be welcomed and used,” said Gerrard Sables of Northern Devon Right to Travel. “We only need a little more interest and we can win a service which could benefit five rural Devon communities.”

For more details contact: gerrard.sables@ phonecoop.coop or call 01271 373338.

Carnival could return

A group has been set up to try to bring back South Molton Carnival in 2024. They are proposing a date of Saturday, October 12th and are now setting about gauging public opinion. The Town Council and Rotary Club are supporting the initiative. If you would like to be involved in the parade, or sponsor the event, please call in to Bar 27 on Broad Street in South Molton, or email Claire: info@bar27.co.uk

Art presentation

Gearing up for vintage rally

Entries are now open for the 2024 South Molton Vintage Rally. It will be held on June 1st and 2nd at Frankhill Farm, Rackenford. Exhibitors forms are available, and the organisers are looking for owners of steam engines, stationary engines, vintage vehicles, classic cars and bikes to get in touch: facebook.com/SouthMoltonVintageRally Phone: 01271 378019

Volunteers from One South Molton presented a banner and a skep (ancient beehive) to the town council. They were made at the South Molton Gets Together community arts day in January, which was sponsored by South Molton Rotary Club and the Municipal Charities, and led by Annabel Hill and Kacper Zrąbkowski. The skep will go on display at Quince Honey Farm (photo above by Karolina Andreasova).

Minister’s golden jubilee

The Right Reverend Michael Clothier (pictured above), Bishop of Bishops Tawton, will celebrate 50 years of ministry in the church at a special service.

It will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 6th at the Methodist Church in South Molton. The homily will be given by Rev Dr Leonard Hollands, and all are welcome to attend.