Community News

Covid 19 - health officials urge everyone to do their bit

With new cases of Coronavirus in Devon continuing around their highest levels, and local hospitals under extreme pressure, NHS bosses are urging people to take extra care.

Studies show that infections have grown fastest among those of school age, and rates among people aged over 65 years old have doubled recently. Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health, said the latest data needs to be a wake-up call.

“These latest figures show that we can’t be complacent. Coronavirus is very much still in our communities, and while the vaccine is great we must not rely solely on it to keep us safe,” he said.

Molton Monthly’s Pete Robinson gets his booster jab in Barnstaple

By the end of the third week in November there were 708 positive cases recorded in North Devon (from 454 last month) and 510 in Mid Devon (528 last month).

“We need everyone who is eligible for a third dose or a booster jab to come forward without delay,” added Mr Brown. “And we need everyone to take steps to mitigate the risk to themselves and others.”

Wearing face coverings in crowded places and on public transport, social distancing and good ventilation in buildings are seen as key things everyone can do to help keep rates down over the critical winter season.

Molton Monthly publisher Pete Robinson had his booster jab in Barnstaple in November, and said the service was really quick and efficient and side effects lasted about a day.

Hundreds of people attended community fireworks displays in early November. South Molton (pictured right) was provided free by the town council on the 12th and was raising funds for North Devon Hospice. It’s estimated more than 800 people packed in to watch the fireworks in North Molton, while Kings Nympton and George Nympton had displays and entertainment on tap for locals.

Band donation

South Molton’s Town Band say they are “enormously grateful” for a donation of £1,000 from the town’s Freemasons. The money will be used to help to maintain and upgrade their instruments. Band chairman Ray Kingdon said, “It is only through donations like this that we have been able to keep brass band music alive in our local community.”

Photo: Karolina Andreasova

Stained glass artist Ken Bracher (advert below) is opening up his studios in Chulmleigh until December 11th, so that you can take a look at his special festive creations and chat about personal commissions. It will be by appointment only to keep things Covid secure - so please phone or email him to book a slot - opening all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, plus Saturday mornings at 9 Four Ways Drive. South Molton artists Karolina Andreasova and Jo Blake joined forces with Scunthorpe’s Louise Haythornthwaite, to win the 2021 Global Cake International Award for their cake sugar sculpture ‘NeverEnding Story’ (below). The competition took place in November at the NEC Birmingham. They chose NeverEnding Story as the theme for their sugar sculpture, due to their love of books and bringing imagination to life.

Arts Destination South Molton are putting on a new event, ‘Fun with Arts’. It takes place in the Assembly Rooms on December 5th from 10am - 3pm, as part of South Molton Business Association’s ‘Winter Wonderland by Day’ in the Pannier Market (advert p12).

‘Fun with Arts’ will feature local artists and makers displaying their work, plus giving the opportunity to chat and learn about their skills and techniques - and of course join in with a variety of Christmassy arts activities, suitable for families and all age groups.

You’ll also be able to see the new community film about South Molton and the ‘Then & Now’ photo display.

To find out more information about ‘Fun with Arts’, please visit: artsdestination.co.uk

Police say more than 3,000 motorists have been caught speeding on the A361 in just three weeks. The drivers were spotted in the roadworks on the North Devon Link Road between South Molton and Barnstaple in October and November.

There has been a temporary 40mph limit in place for the major road improvements scheme since February. Officers warned they would be stepping up speed detection patrols over the next few months. Supt Adrian Leisk, the roads policing lead for the Devon & Cornwall force, said, “I can understand why some people may find the temporary 40mph speed limit on the North Devon Link Road frustrating, but it has been put in place for a reason.”

“I am disappointed that more than 3,000 speeding offences have been detected on that route, it is simply unacceptable.” The contractors announced in November that some short sections would return to 60mph for a time, but the majority of the roadworks would remain 40mph to keep their team safe.

The £68m scheme, which is due to be completed by the end of 2023, includes safety improvements to several key junctions between South Molton and Barnstaple. For up to date information go to: community.alungriffiths.co.uk/projects-in-your-area/north-devon-link-road/

West Buckland School student Max Woosey, known as ‘The Boy in the Tent,’ has been awarded the Spirit of Adventure Award at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards. Max has so far spent 19 months sleeping under canvas raising more than £550,000 for North Devon Hospice. Max says he is amazed and grateful that people nominated him, but that the hospice is the real hero.