Welcome to the August edition of Molton Monthly Magazine.
I hope everyone managed to cope okay with the recent heatwave, especially with fans and air conditioning units being sold out everywhere.
With the summer holidays upon us, it is busier then ever. We do have lots of great events going on in August though.
We end the month with the August Bank Holiday on Monday, August 31st.
I would like to wish all of the students good like with their Exam results. I hope you all get what you are hoping for.
Until next month
What’s Inside
P6 Photo of the month
P11-15 What’s On
P17 Rock and Rapid Ladies
P22 Alan Titchmarsh Column
P31 Ashmoor Nersery August gardening tips
P38-39
Farm Life
P47 South Molton Community Garden
P50-52 News Roundup
P60-61 Village Halls and Schools
P62 Index of Advertisers
P63 Local Information
Lessons for all Abilities
AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A W
ENQUIRE NOW TO START IN SE
Warm pool at 31-32 degrees
Teachers & assistants in the water
Day time, after school & weekend lessons
Siblings can have lessons at the same time
Swim Club Tuesday and Thursday for 45minutes
Adult & Baby / Toddler lessons include sensory teaching
Adult group & private lessons during quieter times
Under 16s get FREE* Public Swims, including our Family Fun Swims
Funded 1 to 1 private lessons via Level Water** for ages 4-11 with SEN
*T&C’s apply **Upgraded from group cost
Recreation
What’s On - August 2026
Please contact event organisers before attending, as details are subject to change
IMPORTANT NOTICE. CARNIVAL 2026 CANCELLED - Due to the A377 road closure scheduled for September 14th to December 18th 2026, and the fact that Mill st and New Rd in South Molton will be used as a diversion route, the Carnival, unfortunately cannot go ahead this year.
1st - Strictly Acoustic Night at The George 7.30 pm
1st-2nd - Berrynarbor Scramble- More information on page 14
3rd - Bingo at Chittlehampton Village Hall - 7:30pm - info 01769540036
4th - Whist at Chittlehampton Village Hall (and every Tuesday)- 7:30pm - info 01769 540036
7th - Bubble artist- Internationally renowned, Totnes-based bubble artist Bubbles LaFae is bringing her new interactive family show, Once Upon a Bubble Show, to The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington, on Friday 7 August at 1.30pm.
8th - South Molton Summer Festival
8th - Bishops Nympton annual flower and vegetable show 3pm - 5.30pm
15th - Open mic, 12pm. Bar 27, South Molton. www.southmoltonacoustic.co.uk for details.
19th - Withypool Flower Show & Fete – 2.30pm Withypool Flower Show & Fete - fun for all the family, flower show in the village hall, fete by the river Barle
22nd - South Molton Community Hospital Fete 2pm- 4pm
23rd - Car Boot Sale at The SOuth Molton Pannier Market from 9am
28th - South Molton Keyboard & Light Music Club Concert with David Ingley at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall. Tea, coffee, biscuits & raffle. Everyone welcome.
29th - South Molton Library Summer Fair. 9.30-Midday. Food and drink plus all the usual family fun.
30th - Festival of food and drink at The South Molton Pannier Market 10am - 3pm. Free entry
South Molton Pannier Market- Thursday Pannier market, every Thursday -Saturday Pannier market, every Saturday
Bishops Nympton Parish Hall - events page 12; South Molton Library - see page 12
George Nympton Village hall, Filleigh; Swimbridge Jubilee Hall; Chittlehampton Village Halls - page 61
Whist at Chittlehampton Village Hall every Tuesday 7:30pm - info 01769 540036
Chulmleigh & District Garden Society meet 2nd Mondays 7.30pm, all welcome: dianaM@farmline.com
Create ‘n’ Chat Group 2pm-4pm South Molton Church Hall, Duke Street, 11th and 25th info; 01769 574187 North Devon Ramblers - for walks in June please see: northdevonramblers.org.uk
Scrapstore YMCA South Molton Drop-in Craft Sessions; 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month, 10.30 - 1.30pm £2 donation requested - plus Scrapstore open on Tuesdays 9.30am - 12.30pm
South Molton Sisters W.I Craft & Natter at the Amory Centre 10.30am-12.30pm; 1st, 5th, 15th and 19th. WI meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month 7 to 9 in the YMCA. Coffee meet up in the George on the last Wednesday of the month.
Pickleball group meets at the YMCA in Mill Street, South Molton at 3pm every Friday afternoon. All equipment is provided. The cost is £3.50 per week, with tea and biscuits included. Tel. 01769 574108 or 07983 347927 drwheels@sky.com
Tuesdays - 6.30pm Meditation Class (free) Rose & Crown Clinic, South Street, South Molton (ends 7.30pm) Thursdays - 10am ‘Hug in a Mug’ pop-up wellbeing café at The Amory Centre, South Molton (ends 12pm) Thursdays- Badminton. The Racketeers meet every Thursday 1.30 to 3.15pm at the YMCA. £4 per session. Tea and biscuits break and a chat included. All levels welcolme.
Text only what’s on listings are free, deadline second Friday of each month, display adverts may carry a charge
Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers
Check out our Facebook page or ring us for information about our services & events. Tel: 01769 572128; E-mail: southmolton library@librariesunlimited org uk
Opening hours: Tues and Thurs 9.30am - 4.30pm, Wed & Sat 9.30am - 1pm, Fri 9.30am5.30pm.
Join us in August for the following:
Throughout the school holidays we are running a busy programme of fun and FREE/low cost activities Join us for: craft sessions, workshops with visiting organisationsExmoor Zoo & Devon Science, a coding workshop, a Town Trail, an “engineering” workshop making vehicles that move, a campsite themed garden session, and the ever popular Friends Summer Fair
Has your child signed up for this year’s Summer Book Quest - The Mission to Wayfarer Island? If not, come on in and get ready for a summer of reading fun!
Pick up a copy of our Summer Holiday Activity Programme, or speak to staff for details of all our exciting & fun events in August and through the holidays.
SOUTH MOLTON
Thursday 13th Aug 10am-12pm
Amory Centre 125 East St South Molton EX36 3BU
The Cinnamon Trust needs additional dog walking volunteers in South Molton – EX36 postcode area
Could you volunteer to offer some support to an older resident of South Molton and their delightful dog who would love some walking companions?
If the answer is yes we would be delighted to hear from you.
You would become part of a small team of volunteers assigned to a particular owner and their dog walking on a rota basis to suit your availability, the aim being that the dog gets a good walk several times a week Volunteers who are able, also foster pets as one of their family when owners face a spell in hospital or respite care, they take pets to the vet, even clean out the budgie's cage or cats litter trays.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer have a look at our website for details about the trust and what we do www.cinnamon.org.uk you can also complete and submit our volunteer registration form through the web site or email us at appeals@cinnamon.org.uk If you would like to have a more in-depth chat about becoming a volunteer, please call us during office hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) on 01736 758 701 The Cinnamon Trust is a Registered Charity No: 1134680. The Cinnamon Trust is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: 10 Market Square, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HE. Company Number 07004861
Rock and Rapids Ladies
Rock and Rapids Ladies’ Night returns this Monday at 7pm, offering a fun, welcoming evening of climbing for just £12.50. The price includes all climbing equipment, plus a complimentary hot drink.
Whether you’re trying climbing for the first time or looking to meet like-minded people while staying active, Ladies’ Night is open to all abilities in a friendly and supportive environment.
The event continues to make a positive impact both on and off the climbing wall. During June, participants completed more than 1,000 climbs and together raised over £450 for local women’s charities, helping to support important causes within the community.
Come along this Monday, challenge yourself, make new friends, and be part of an evening that combines fitness, fun and fundraising.
MARKET UPDATE – REALITY VS WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR
Across a 20 - mile radius, 30 - 50 properties are being added or reduced in price everyday. With over 4,000 homes currently on the market - some listed for months or even years - supply is high and competition is strong.
This has created a challenging marketplace. Many properties remain overpriced relative to current conditions, while transaction times are lengthening and fall - through rates are increasing. In short, it ’ s taking longer to secure the right buyer at the right price.
Since the market peak of 2022, demand and therefore achieved values - has softened. The unusually low stock and intense demand seen during the post - Covid period created inflated expectations. We are now seeing a continued correction as supply significantly exceeds normal levels.
Asking Price vs True Value
Yes, some asking prices have risen - but asking price is not the same as value. it ’ s easy to value property based on what we see ‘ For Sale ’ creating a false inflated market.
A marketing price reflects expectation.
A sold price reflects reality.
When sellers benchmark against other “ For Sale ” properties rather than completed sales, expectations can become artificially inflated. This risks prolonged time on market, price reductions, and ultimately achieving less than if the property had been correctly positioned from the outset. A stagnating property bleeds value as the longer a property remains on the market at an inflated price, the further behind it falls as conditions evolve.
A Buyer ’ s Market Requires a Smart Strategy
Demand dictates value. Without demand, there is no leverage and no value.
To achieve the best result in today ’ s market, pricing positioning must:
- Create immediate interest
- Generate viewings and demand
- Extract the strongest possible offer from a proceedable buyer, before the market falls away
Statistically, the easiest way to undersell a property or not sell at all is to overvalue it at launch.
This is not about selling cheaply or rushing a sale. It is about understanding the market as it is - not as we hope it to be - and positioning correctly to maximise outcome. True worth is what someone is prepared to pay.
If you want to sell, listen to the market, price strategically, and negotiate intelligently when you buy. Don ’ t value your own based on what a similar property is listed at and has been for months, or even what they paid during a stronger market.
Market conditions are unlikely to change dramatically in the short term. Acting decisively and realistically now typically secures a stronger result than waiting, while the market adjusts around you.
A Reliable, Honest and Professional Approach
For clear advice and a modern, personal approach to selling your home, please get in touch.
We are independent estate agents offering realistic guidance designed to get you moving.
MICHAEL ADEY - VIKKI GOVIER - KATHERINE LITTLE - ALI CLAYE - LEE TREVELLICK
Your jobs to do in August
1. Most rambling Roses flower just once in summer and as they flower on the old wood they should be pruned after flowering. Thin out one in three of the old stems at the base and tie in new replacement shoots.
2. Apply nematodes for control of vine weevil larvae later this month or early next. Target plants prone to attack, such as Heuchera, Sedum and Primula, especially in containers.
3. Give hardy Geraniums a light trim to encourage another flush of flowers.
4. Lift spring sown onions and shallots once the foliage yellows and topples over. Dry bulbs in a single layer in full sun outdoors, or in a greenhouse or well-ventilated shed
5. Cut established perennial wildflower meadow. Leaves clippings on the ground for a few days to encourage self-seeding.
In August we change to our part time hours as it is not so busy, and we can restore our work/life balance. Winter flowering Pansies, Violas and Cyclamen will all be available later in the month. With spring flowering bulbs available at the beginning of September.
New Opening Times
Open – Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9-5.
Farm Life -
by Roger Hill
August Farmlife Harvest Time
I’m looking forward to the North Devon Show on the 5th especially to see one of my favourite old tractors - the John Deere. Also it is a chance to catch up with true friends.
August is traditionally holiday season although most country folks tend to stay at home to avoid the chaos on the roads. For events such as the Show and hospitality businesses we do rely on the influx of visitors.
Where we need patience on both sides is where farm machinery and tourists meet on our country roads. It is corn harvest season and hot dusty conditions are testing for everyone. Hopefully a bumper harvest can alleviate some imports thus helping with the country’s balance of payments and less food miles. Fruit farmers also look for favourable conditions at this time of year especially for soft fruit, plums and pears. We actually savour the warm evenings after a day in the field to relax in the garden with a glass of our own wine. Alternatively a stroll past our church, where the bell ringers are practising, over to the cricket pitch to enjoy a match. What could be better than village life on a lovely summer’s evening.
‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (tupperthetractor.com and quoitatcrossvineyard.com)
You have 2 minutes to find as many 3 or more letter words as possible. Plurals are allowed. The 6 letter word will always be simple! Good Luck!
We’ve had some very productive team days lately at the Community Garden.
The first of the potatoes have been harvested and were amazing! The strawberries in some of the individual plots did quite well this year and they’re always a welcome summer harvest. We have gooseberries to pick and hopefully we’ll have a good crop of currants from the garden perimeter too. It’s been a difficult job weeding around the seedlings as everything is so tiny and there are so many weeds growing, but we’re doing the best we can. Our new pond in the Willy-Nilly Garden is settling in well. We’ve added pond plants and have spotted water beetles swimming about. There are frogs and toads living in the bug hotel close by and the new pond area will be a haven for wildlife in this hot weather.
If you’d like to join us, please visit the garden on a Thursday afternoon, around 2-3pm, weather permitting. Alternatively, please see our website for more information: southmoltoncommunitygarden.co.uk or Facebook @southmoltoncommunitygarden
Photo Ccredit Karolina Andreasova
Three generations of one family reunited at pecial musical celebration
Three generations of the same family came together at Chulmleigh Primary School on Wednesday, July 2, for a memorable afternoon that celebrated family, music and the school’s strong community spirit.
Teacher Catherine Davis was joined by her daughter Ellie, who is a Foundation Stage Practitioner in the school’s nursery, while two of Catherine’s grandchildren—who are current pupils at the school—were also among those enjoying the occasion.
Chulmleigh Primary School children were treated to a live performance by The Kahunas, fronted by another of Catherine’s daughters, Tasha, who is herself a former pupil of Chulmleigh Primary School. Returning to perform at her old school made the occasion even more special, as pupils and staff enjoyed an energetic set that had everyone clapping along.
The gathering marked a unique moment, with three generations of the Davis family all sharing connections with the school at the same time—something rarely seen.
Headteacher Sarah Healey said: “What a privilege to have three generations of the same family at Chulmleigh Primary School at the same time. It says so much about the special community we have here and the lasting relationships families build with our school. To welcome Tasha back as a former pupil, performing with The Kahunas, made the afternoon even more memorable for everyone.”
The performance was met with enthusiastic applause from pupils and staff alike, providing a fitting end-of-term celebration and another reminder of the strong community links that continue to make Chulmleigh Primary School so special.
Deanery Ringing Competition
Having had the bells restored last year, Rose Ash has been the centre of a lot of attention from the ringing community, with teams from all over Devon asking to try them out. Their favourable comments culminated in the Deanery asking to hold their annual ringing competition at Rose Ash, which took place on Saturday, 27th June.
One of the historic highlights of the day was the presentation of the Rose Ash Ringers Perpetual Cup, inaugurated in 1971, and which was last awarded in 1974. On Saturday, the cup was given to the Down St Mary team by Donald Harris, (in the checked-shirt), who took part in the 1974 competition.
Some (but not enough!), were tempted away by the teas on offer in the Hall, where a grand selection of cakes was laid out. Thanks to all who cooked or provided cakes and scones etc., for the sales all helped the church’s funds. Also thank-you to all who offered to help with the setting up and clearing away afterwards – not that the latter was too onerous as the Hall shifted gear and became the venue for the Glastonbury pub-night.
Although the overwhelming response to the restoration of the bells has been very positive, we are aware that, for some, half a day of ringing might be a bit excessive. However, the renewed interest in the bells has, according to many who turned up on Saturday, put Rose Ash back on the map as far as local interest is concerned.
And that cannot be a bad thing in many ways. For example, we hope to go back to the major funding charities to ask for additional money to continue the restoration of our church, regarded by many as being one of the loveliest in the area.
We hope that this will in turn lead to more local events in the church and village hall and bring more funds into the village.
Article
by Caro Hammick
Molton Monthly Magazine business directory
Agricultural Services
Andrew Symons p39
Bobcat Hire p39
CF Fencing p54
Jack Croft Contractors p38
Murch Agriculural p30
SJC Engineering p47
Appliance Repairs
Don Bailey p41
Architects
David Rice Architectural p46
Building Services
Bobcat Hire p39
Jack Croft Contractors p38
Darren White p54
Hotworks Engineering p49
J. Penfold Tarmac & Paving p57
LS Building p59
Sheds4You Rear Cover
Variety Building p58
W S Bricklaying p40
Camping
Exmoor Riverside camping p9
South Ford Farm p18
Care Services
Devon Stairlifts p19
Firs Care Home p53
Valley Mobility p26
Carpentry
CF Fencing p54
Dan Maynard Fencing p55
Passmore Carpentry p54
Cleaning
Oven Wizards p48
Clothing & Embroidery
Heather Everitt Embroidery p8
Portlantis Clothing p54
Woolley Baa Baa P37
Computing/Internet/Websites
North Devon Cyber Security p8
CBM p40
The PC Geek p57
Decorating Plastering Tiling
CRD Decorating p54
John Scoble Decor p46
Passmore Plastering p54
RJ Decorating p20
DIY & Building Materials
Ardosia Slate p28
Electricians
Sarah Holt Electrical p47
Engineering
Hotworks Engineering p49
Estate Agents
Michael Adey Property p25
Falconry
North Devon Hawk Walks p53
Financial Services
Philip Milton p59
Fuel Supplies
Winson Fuels p46
Furniture & Furnishings
Finishing Touches p36
Garage Services
Adaptive Vehicle Conversions p21
Car Care Services p7
Custom Valets p54
Chips Away P55
DW Bodyworks p44
Motor Works p2
TGB Automotive p44
TGB Vehicle Keys p49
Gardens & Landscaping
CWB Landscaping p5
Worthy Tree & Gardening Services p8
Andrew Symons p39
Ash Moor Nursery p31
Birch Meadow Landscaping p30
CF Fencing p54
Dan Maynard Fencing p55
Darren White p54
Four Seasons p30
Murch Agricultural p30
Sheds4You Rear Cover
SJC Engineering p47
Variety Landscaping p58
Richard Sexon & Sons Landscape
Gardener - P3
Health & Wellbeing
Atlantic Home Eyecare p27
Day Lewis Pharmacy p35
Devon Mobile Ear Clinic p27
Earwax Removal Devon p34
North Devon Microsuction &
Ear Clinic p32
South Molton Medical Centre p35
South Molton Eyecare p29
Spinal Health Centre p34
Step Ahead p32
Vitality Foot Health p21
Mobility
Valley Mobility p26
Home Improvements/Maintenance
Ardosia Slate p28
Ashgrove Kitchens p21
Care4Bathrooms p55
CRD Decorating p54
Coastline Exterior Cleaning p37
David Rice Architectural p46
Devon Stairlifts p19
Dream Doors North Devon p58
Finishing Touches p36
J. Penfold Tarmac & Paving p57
Kitchen Exchange p45
LS Building p59
RJ Decorating p20
Sheds4You Rear Cover
Stove Centre p48
Timbertek p37
W S Bricklaying p40
Jewellers
Ellison Davies p29
Jobs
South West Care Homes p53
Legal services
Slee Blackwell p24
Libraries
South Molton Library p12
Locksmiths
Darren Smallbone p41
Medical
Day Lewis Pharmacy p35
South Molton Medical Centre p35
Metalwork
Industrial Coating Supplies p40
Music
A Side to B Side Records p7
Queens Theatre p16
Opticians
Atlantic Home Eyecare p27
South Molton Eyecare p29
Pets
Exmoor Mobile Vet Nurse p19
Market Vets p33
Pharmacies
Day Lewis p35
Plants
Ash Moor Nursery p31
Plumbing & Heating
Mark Berry p42
PJF Plumbing p45
Property (also see Estate Agents)
Wain Homes p20
Banburys Removals p28
Michael Adey Property p25
Tilia Homes p23
Pubs & Restaurants
Bell Inn p10
Exmoor Riverside p9
Mitre Inn p26
Bar 27 p43
Poltimore Inn p18
Quince Honey Farm p13
Exmoor White Horse Inn p19
Removals
Banburys p28
Schools
Brayford Academy p61
Kings Nympton School p61
School Uniforms
Heather Everitt Embroidery p8
Social
Community Garden p47
Queen’s Theatre p16
Repair Cafe South Molton p14
SMART Swim Centre Front cover and p4
South Molton Library p12
Solicitors
Slee Blackwell p24
Sport
SMART Swim Centre Front cover and p4
Storage
BT Storage p4
Banburys p28
Snell Self Storage p46
Ucanstore p41
Telephone Engineers
CBM p40
Theatres
Queen’s Theatre p16
Tool Hire
Forent Tool Hire p19
Tourism
Exmoor Riverside p9
Berreynarbor Scramble p14
Queen’s Theatre p16
Quince Honey p13
TV Services
A3 Aerials p40
CBM p40
Vehicle Hire
Forent Van Hire p19
Veterinary Services
Market Vets p33
Exmoor Mobile Vet Nurse p19
Village Halls
Bishops Nympton Hall p12
Chittlehampton Hall p60
Filleigh Village Hall p60
George Nympton Hall p60
Swimbridge Jubilee Hall p60
Web Design
The PC Geek p57
Windows
ATA Windows Rear Cover
Darren Smallbone p41
Exmoor Fascias p41
Wood Burning Stoves
Stove Centre p48
Local contact numbers
South West Water 0344 346 2020
National Grid 105 or 0800 678 3105
British Gas 0800 111 999
Environment Agency 0370 850 6506
Devon & Cornwall Police 101 (non emergency)
Citizen’s Advice Bureau 03444 111 444
South Molton Town Council 01769 572501
South Molton Library 01769 572128
SMART Swim Centre South Molton 01769 572340
North Devon Council 01271 327711
Devon County Council 0345 155 1015
One South Molton 01769 572501
Age Concern Barnstaple 01271 445135
Age UK Devon 0333 241 2340
South Molton Pannier Market 07351 67734
E: hello@southmoltonpanniermarket.co.uk
North Devon Hospice 01271 344248
Molton Monthly Magazine
Health centres & hospitals
South Molton Medical Centre 01769 573101
Wallingbrook Chulmleigh 01769 580295
NHS Direct 111 (non emergency)
NHS Dental Helpline 03330 063 300
North Devon District Hospital 01271 322577
South Molton Community Hospital 01769 572164
Community groups
South Molton Volunteer Bureau 01769 573167 or visit: smvb.org.uk
South Molton Community Garden Email: southmoltoncommunitygarden.co.uk
South Molton Sisters WI Email: southmoltonsisters@devonwi.org uk
Phone: 07718 984665 (Lesley Beer)
Rotary Club of South Molton: 01769 580041
Churches and places of worship
Parish Church - St Mary Magdalene 01769 572079 (missioncommunity.weebly.com)
Catholic Church of St Joseph 01271 343312
Community of Our Lady & St. Benedict 07851 187335
Baptist Church, South Molton 07817 936405
Gospel Hall 01769 572908
South Molton Methodist Church 01769 571907
One Way Community Church 01769 572786
Quakers 01271 344203
More than 5,500 copies are delivered free, door-to-door, by our dedicated team to East and West Buckland, North Molton, South Molton, Heasley Mill, Filleigh, Swimbridge, Alswear, Rose Ash, Heddon, Clapworthy Mill, Bishops Nympton, Bish Mill, Chulmleigh, Chittlehampton, Kings Nympton, George and Queens Nympton. We also have pick-up points around South Molton, Pathfields Business Park, Filleigh, Atherington, Chawleigh, Umberleigh, Rose Ash and Chittlehamholt, plus it is available at select North Devon and Exmoor pubs and businesses.
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