Molton Monthly December 2022

Serving your community since 2007

Christmas lights tribute to treasured Gordon Sparks

December 2022

02

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Molton Monthly - December 2022 Welcome to the December edition of Molton Monthly. The Christmas lights have been switched on in South Molton by the family of the late Gordon Sparks, bringing some much needed festive cheer at the end of what has been another challenging, chaotic and at times bizarre year.

I never thought we would have three prime ministers in a matter of months! It’s hard to understand what’s going on in our government, at a time when we need to be focused on climate change, the economic What’s Inside - December crisis and the war in Ukraine. Here’s hoping P6-7 Photo of the month 2023 brings some stability for everyone.

P8 Work starts on new eyecare unit P11-17 What’s on Now more than ever, it’s important to shop P18-19 Winter drought despite rain local, and not just for Christmas. It helps jobs and businesses thrive where we live.

I’m honoured that Molton Monthly magazine has been nominated for a national Countryside Alliance Award, dubbed the ‘Rural Oscars’. We’re in the Rural Enterprise category for helping to support local jobs and businesses, keeping communities connected and informed, and our work promoting sustainability as a North Devon Biosphere Business Partner. Fingers crossed for a win, but just being listed is fantastic!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Peter Robinson, Editor & publisher Molton Monthly is also published free to read on our website moltonmonthly.co.uk and we have daily updates for news and events on Facebook and Instagram @MoltonMonthly

P22-24 P28-29 P31 P34-35 P38-39 P43 P46-47 P50-53 P60-61 P62 P63

Christmas lights switch-on New bridge for dormice on A361 December gardening tips Health & Wellbeing Farm Life - festivities & fundraiser Record crowd for fireworks Boost for girl footballers Community News Schools and Learning Index of Advertisers Local Information

Molton Monthly magazine is printed on recycled, carbon neutral paper using solar energy as part of our ongoing commitment to a sustainable future.

5,000 copies are delivered free, door-to-door, by our dedicated local team to East and West Buckland, North Molton, South Molton, Heasley Mill, Bishops Nympton, Filleigh, Bish Mill, Chulmleigh, Chittlehampton, Alswear, 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.

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

03

04

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

05

Out of the mist

by Simon Dibble

06

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

“I could hear the stags very close, but I couldn’t see anything as the visibility was so poor,” explained photographer Simon Dibble.

“With that, I catch a glimpse of some antlers coming through the mist right towards me and wait until the right moment.”

You can put yourself in Simon’s shoes, with his vivid description of how he captured this atmospheric image of a stag emerging from the shadows for November’s photo of the month. “I thought that the mist was going to be far too dense for photography. The air was saturated with moisture and it was cold with minimal wind,” added Simon.

“Not good conditions to be quiet, as the autumn leaves crunch underfoot. However, I made my way closer and closer, following the sounds of the stags bolving. This is quite an eerie feeling, especially being alone and in the early morning darkness.” You can see more of Simon’s work on Instagram and Facebook: @simondibblephotography Whether it’s wildlife like this, a landscape, nature, rural life, sports, special events, a local character or something else please keep emailing us your pictures. We usually only feature one each month in the magazine, but show more on our Instagram and Facebook pages: @MoltonMonthly

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

07

Work starts on new £1.25 million South Molton eye hub

Staff from Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust joined with members of the League of Friends and the teams responsible for the design and build of the new unit, to mark the start of its conversion

Building work is underway to create a new Eye Hub at South Molton Community Hospital, with local fundraising contributing almost half of the £1.25 million cost of the facility.

When it opens next year, it will provide diagnostic services and treatments for people with new eye problems and those managing long-term conditions such as glaucoma or retina problems.

The Eye Hub is being built in the former renal unit, which moved to Barnstaple. “Thanks to the generosity of local people, we were delighted to offer a donation of £500,000 towards the cost of this new ophthalmology unit, which will mean that local people with eye conditions won’t have to travel to Barnstaple for check-ups,” said David Goodman, chairman of the South Molton Community Hospital League of Friends.

The unit will have the potential to provide 50 appointments per session, significantly increasing the capacity within the ophthalmology service, and reducing waiting lists that built up during the Covid pandemic.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is covering the remaining setup and ongoing running costs, including recruitment of new staff and training.

08

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

09

10

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

What’s On - December 2022 pages 11 - 17 (festive church services, see pages 14 & 15) Please contact event organisers before attending, as details are subject to change

1st to 5th - Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church, South Molton (refreshments and stalls) Thursday 10 - 4pm; Friday 10 - 9pm; Saturday 10 - 4pm; Sunday 12.30 - 4pm; Monday 10 - 4pm 1st to 16th Christmas Post with South Molton Scouts (see advert in last month’s what’s on section) 1st - 11.30am Bookstart Corner for children at Chulmleigh Library (ends 12.30pm) booking 01769 582126 1st - 7.30pm Eyes Down for Christmas Bingo for Kings Nympton Primary School, at the parish hall 2nd - 6pm Winter Wonderland in South Molton town centre and Pannier Market (advert page 12) 2nd - 7.45pm Christmas Whist Drive, Weston Room, Filleigh Village Hall 01769 550389 2nd - 8pm First Friday Jazz with Andy Hague Double Standards at Swimbridge Jubilee Hall (advert p16) 2nd to 4th - 7pm Christmas at Castle Hill Estate, Filleigh - movies, food, drink and more (advert page 15) 3rd - 9.30am Christmas Fair at South Molton Library, raising funds for the library (ends 12.30pm) 4th - 9am Christmas Fatstock Show at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 4pm) 5th - 6.45 for 7.30pm Christmas Bingo at Chittlehampton Village Hall (info 01769 540036) 6th - 7.15pm Christmas Floral Demonstration at Filleigh Village Hall, £14 inc buffet (advert page 16) 9th - 3.30pm Festive Friday Night Market at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 7.30pm) 10th - 10.40am Santas on a Bike in The Square, South Molton for Little Bridge House Children’s Hospice 10th - 7pm George Nympton Winter Meal followed by Moscow Drug Club cabaret tickets 01769 579778 10th - 7.30pm Ashreigney Handbell Ringers festive performance at St Michael’s Church, East Buckland EX32 0TD. Admission £5 to include supper - further information please phone 01598 760437 10th - 7.30pm Eyes down for bingo at Chulmleigh Pavilion - in aid of Chulmleigh Scouts 11th - 10am South Molton Festive Flea Market at the Pannier Market 11th - 2pm Chittlehampton Play Area Christmas Party at the village hall - includes Santa’s Grotto 12th - 6.45pm South Molton Parish Church Carol Supper, Church Hall, Duke Street. 2-course meal and sing your favourite Christmas Carols £10, booking essential - home delivery available 01769 573558 12th - 7.30pm Bishop’s Nympton History Group, ‘The Postman Poet’ - Liz Shakespeare at the parish hall 13th - 7.45pm Christmas Whist at Chittlehampton Village Hall (meat voucher prizes) 01769 540036 16th - 3.30pm Festive Friday Night Market at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 7.30pm) 16th - 7.30pm Eyes down for Christmas Bingo with South Molton Vintage Rally Club at The Coaching Inn 18th - 10am Salvage Fair at South Molton Pannier Market 19th - 7pm South Molton Sisters WI at the YMCA - silk painting scarves demo, mince pies/mulled wine 23rd - 3.30pm Festive Friday Night Market at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 7.30pm)

Text only what’s on listings are free, deadline 12th each month, display adverts may carry a charge Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

11

12

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

13

14

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Festive services 2022

All Saints’, North Molton - 11am Dec 18th, joining the Methodists at the Methodist Church; 4pm Christmas Eve Crib Service; 11.30pm Midnight Mass St Michaels, East Buckland - 7.30pm Dec 10th, Ashreigney Handbell Ringers festive performance; 9.30am Christmas Day, Holy Communion with carols St Peter, Twitchen - 6.30pm Christmas Eve Carols All Saints’, High Bray - 4pm Christmas Eve service St John the Baptist, Charles - 5pm Dec 11th, Carol Service - with Brayford Methodists and High Bray; 10am Christmas Day, Holy Communion St Michael, East Anstey - 6.30pm Dec 23rd, Carol Service; 9am Christmas Day Holy Communion St Petrock, West Anstey - 11am Dec 18th, Carol Service with Outdoor Church St Mary, Molland - 7pm Dec 22nd, Candlelit Carol Service; 10am Christmas Day Holy Communion St Mary, Bishops Nympton - 7pm Dec 18th, Christingle (mulled wine after); 11.30pm Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass St Peter, Knowstone - 6.30pm Dec 18th Carols St Peter, Rose Ash - 6pm Dec 23rd Carol Servive St Mary, Mariansleigh - 3pm Christmas Eve, Crib Service

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

15

16

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

17

Climate change sees drought heading into winter With prolonged spells of heavy rain so far in November, it’s perhaps hard to imagine that North Devon is still technically experiencing drought conditions. Water industry experts warn that unless we have exceptionally high levels of rainfall this winter, we could face further shortages next spring and summer.

Dr Lisa Gahan, head of water resources at South West Water says, “We are seeing the direct consequences of climate change. Our rain is becoming less consistent. When it does rain, it increasingly arrives in short intensive bursts onto land hardened by long periods with little or no rain, which does not absorb the water as effectively as soft soil.”

The company is urging everyone to reduce the amount of water they use to help recharge the region’s reservoirs this winter. A hosepipe ban is still in place in Cornwall and parts of North Devon (Torridge) as levels remain “exceptionally low”.

Wimbleball Reservoir on Exmoor (below) has been at 19 per cent of its normal capacity, while those supplying North Devon including Wistlandpound and Roadford have seen record low levels since the summer heatwave, where temperatures consistently reached more than 40°C. The pictures opposite, taken from the same spot at Wistlandpound Reservoir, show the dramatic difference in water levels between a normal winter in 2021 and what it’s like this year.

Dr Gahan says the company has already invested £27 million in a network of pipes to move water around the region to where it’s most needed. South West Water insists it is doing more than ever to find and fix leaks, alongside establishing new reservoirs and technology to collect, store and treat water.

You can find water saving tips online here: southwestwater.co.uk/services/save-water

Wimbleball Reservoir, end of October 2022

18

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Winter 2022

Wistlandpound Reservoir photos by Matthew Eckford

Winter 2021

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

19

20

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

21

Christmas cheer as lights go on The start of the festive season got underway in South Molton, as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on by the wife and daughter of the late Gordon Sparks.

The BBC Radio Devon presenter was a regular visitor to the town, and last performed the lights switch-on himself in 2018. He passed away in October aged 61 after battling cancer.

South Molton Mayor, Councillor Stephen Lock said, “We loved having Gordon in South Molton with his radio broadcasts promoting the town, and switching our lights on. Tonight is a great tribute to a great man.”

Hundreds gathered in The Square on November 18th to watch the festive ceremony performed by Gordon’s wife

The town’s tree in memory of the late Andrew Slee

Heather and his daughter Holly. Heather told the crowd they were honoured to be there, “Gordon loved South Molton and always enjoyed turning the lights on, he would haved loved to have seen you all tonight.

Thank you for coming out and supporting us, it has been great to be here.”

Collections were being made on the night for North Devon Hospice.

Continued opposite and on page 24

22

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Left to right with Father Christmas; Christine Lock, Heather Sparks, Holly Sparks and Mayor Stephen Lock Photos above and opposite by Peter Robinson

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

23

South Molton, all lit up for Christmas Photo and front cover picture by Karolina Andreasova

Winter Wonderland is the next big event on the Christmas Calendar, from 6pm on Friday, December 2nd (advert page 12). Organised by South Molton Business Association it will feature Christmas stalls and gifts, food and drink, family entertainment, live music and fairground rides.

Many shops will stay open for the evening, and the town centre will be traffic free. Mole Valley Farmers have organised a Polar Express which will take people to and from their Pathfields store and Santa’s Grotto to the centre of South Molton. Other events over the first weekend of December include the Christmas Tree Festival in St. Mary Magdelene Church, and the traditional Christmas Fatstock Show in the Pannier Market on Sunday, December 4th.

Current photos by Martin Pailthorpe Archive pictures courtesy of British Pathé

24

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

25

26

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

27

Link Road upgrade to include a bridge... for dormice!

As the second year of the multi million pound work to upgrade the A361 draws to a close, ecologists have discovered that rare dormice are thriving alongside the busy road.

Now, a special bridge is to be created at West Buckland to help the tiny mammals cross safely, and 150 new dormouse nest boxes are being put up - 45 are already being lived in!

Photo courtesy Devon Dormouse Rescue

Ecologist Frances Vallely, from environmental consultancy TACP, believes that North Devon’s landscape is helping the species to thrive in the area near the Link Road. “The mix of habitats next to the A361 have proved to be optimal for dormice, and our work here will be helping towards national guidance on where you’re most likely to find them,” said Frances.

“It’s unusual to find so many in an area like this, but it’s because the hedgerows and connectivity in North Devon are so good. Many traditional hedgerows have been left undisturbed as fields haven’t been widened in the way they have in other counties.”

28

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

The dormouse crossing will be built into the new bridge being constructed at the West Buckland junction. It will make it possible for the dormouse population to expand to suitable habitats in the local area. Dormice don’t usually go far when foraging at night, however they are known to travel up to 5km with seasonal changes.

Although the majority of work has been creating new habitats for dormice, there has also been work with otters, reptiles and bats.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said, “Every effort is being made to ensure that the environmental impact is reduced as much as possible. Even before work started, we made sure that new hedgerows and 20,000 trees were planted, and a huge amount of work is going into protecting wildlife and creating habitats for them.”

See page 50 for A361 roadworks scheme update

One of the dormouse nest boxes along the A361

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

29

30

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Jobs to do in December 1. If you need to prune Acers, Birch, Hornbeam or Walnut trees make sure you do it before Christmas to minimise bleeding.

2. Plant bare root deciduous hedging plants and trees, you can also move established deciduous trees and shrubs, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

3. Plant roses, freshly potted roses are available at the nursery now.

4. Take hardwood cuttings of Berberis, Buddleia, Salix, Forsythia, Ligustrum and Rubus. Honeysuckle can also be propagated in this way.

5. If your pond freezes over hold a saucepan of hot water on the surface until melted through. Do not crack the ice as this is harmful to fish.

Handmade holly wreaths will be available at the nursery throughout the first three weeks of December. Ordering is recommended to avoid disappointment. We will also have a selection of Christmas trees. To ensure your cut tree lasts as long as possible it is advisable to cut 2-3’’ off the trunk to allow it to drink freely, then place it in a bucket of water or a stand with a reservoir.

We would like to thank you all for your support again this year, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Until next month, Jenny Howells

December Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 9-5 Sundays 10-4 Christmas Eve - closing at noon Then closed until 5th January

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

31

32

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

33

34

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

35

36

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Highlighting homelessness

Photo: Guy Harrop

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

37

Farm Life - ding dong merrily on high!

by Roger Hill

We recently attended a harvest thanksgiving service, along with farming families from all over Devon, at Exeter Cathedral. What a magnificent building. It is properly known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter.

Although it dates from 1050, it had several reincarnations until being completed in about 1400.

It scored a direct hit during the Second World War with the German air offensive known as the ‘Baedeker Blitz’. I just loved the sound of the bells as a welcome. The cathedral’s North Tower contains a four ton Bourden bell called Peter. The South Tower has the second heaviest peal of twelve bells in the world.

Unfortunately our own six bells in our village, have been reduced to five with the treble (the lightest) out of action. We have been quoted about £7k to repair it, which means deep pockets and many fundraising events. I’m sure it will not spoil our Christmas ring in conjunction with our neighbouring parishes.

With the festive season in mind you are welcome to support my Cots for Tots charity - the neonatal hospital unit covering the South West - by purchasing my second Tupper children’s adventure story. It is called ‘Daisy’s Lost Calf’, the follow up story to ‘The Great Storm’.

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas.

38

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

The new book Daisy’s Lost Calf is available direct from the author online at: tupperthetractor.com ‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (website: quoit-at-cross.co.uk)

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

39

40

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

41

42

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Record crowd for fireworks

It’s estimated that a record crowd of more than 5,000 people flocked to the fireworks display in South Molton on November 4th.

Photo by Karolina Andreasova

The free event was put on by the town council. It’s expected to raise thousands of pounds for North Devon Hospice.

This year the fireworks display, by the Two Tigers team, was moved to the Friday evening before the traditional Guy Fawkes night. South Molton Pannier Market opened up as well, helping to make it a hugely successful community event.

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

43

44

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

45

Boost for Chulmleigh girls’ football Sometimes good things come from bad, and that’s the case for Chulmleigh’s girls football team. They were handed a fine by Devon Football Association because they didn’t have enough players to form a team to play a County Cup match they had entered.

The story went ‘viral’ on the internet, and they even received support from the former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who said, “The FA MUST extend practical, empathetic support for girls’ football - right down to grassroots. Basking in the reflected glory of the Lionesses is not enough.”

The publicity led to players from the Exeter City National League women’s team coming up to train with the youngsters, and the fine was paid by the campaign group HerGameToo. “We wanted to get the message out there that despite the recent success of the England women’s team, grassroots football, especially for girls, is still facing a lot of challenges,” said Susie Catling from Chulmleigh Football Club.

Not only did the Exeter players get involved, they’ve launched a partnership with HerGameToo, had positive talks with Devon FA and received some vital donations. More local girls have already signed-up to play, but they’re still looking recruit more for the u13 and u14 teams.

46

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

All smiles as players from Exeter City Womens FC join the girls and volunteers at Chulmleigh

“It’s been absolutely amazing having them playing with us and teaching us new skills,” said Esmae, captain of the Chulmleigh girls’ team. “It’s unbelievable, we’re really pumped up!”

“Devon FA is very proud of the number of County Cup competitions we offer to girls football.

To protect the structure of these games we have rules that keep all participating teams up to date of what they can or cannot do whilst taking part,” said Paul Morrison from Devon FA.

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

47

48

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

49

Community News pages 50 - 53 Link Road work ‘downgraded’ due to rising costs and inflation Parts of the £67 million A361 improvement scheme are set to be axed due to rising costs, say Devon County Council.

Inflation is being blamed for the increase in price of construction materials. Plans for an underpass at the Bishops Tawton roundabout have been scrapped, as well as a new section of overtaking lane and a footbridge between the Landkey and Portmore roundabouts.

A council spokesman said, “£67 million no longer buys as much in 2022 as it did in when the scheme was costed in 2019. Extra funding isn’t available from the Department

New junctions at West Buckland (pictured) and Borners Bridge will still be built

of Transport, so we have to find savings within the existing project budget.”

All the planned improvements between South Molton and West Buckland will still go ahead, including the Borners Bridge junction.

“We’ve considered all options, not just by cost, but also considering road safety,” said Councillor Andrea Davis, cabinet member with responsibility for infrastructure. “It’s the reality of what’s happening in construction and other business sectors everywhere.”

“Removing the overtaking lane and the footbridge, and redesigning the junction at Bishops Tawton, will allow us to divert funding to the main work to meet the additional costs of construction.”

The council says the main project is still on track to be completed by the end of 2023, but the Bishops Tawton junction might be delayed until mid-2024.

50

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Exmoor faces ‘tough cuts’ Exmoor National Park Authority says visitor centres might have to close and some staff could face losing their jobs, as they try to find ways of coping with the current economic downturn.

The National Park says it receives £1 million less grant funding than it did in 2010, and will have to make a further £500,000 worth of cuts by 2025, to deal with the spending gap.

Sarah Bryan, Exmoor National Park’s chief executive says, “We risk having to close up to two of our three visitor centres, make redundancies right through the organisation, and no longer being able to manage 620 miles of paths.”

Land could also be sold off and charges increase. “This would be a huge disadvantage to people on low incomes who have found landscapes like this invaluable, particularly in the last few years during Covid,” continued Sarah.

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

51

Lest we forget

Photos by Karolina Andreasova

Moving ceremonies were held across North Devon to remember all those fallen in combat.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 13th, hundreds of people attended a special service in South Molton Pannier Market (above). Wreaths were laid in tribute to those who lost their lives.

Similar events were held in other local communities. At West Buckland School on Armistice Day, November 11th, students were joined by young people displaced by the invasion of Ukraine, who spoke about how the current war in their country has affected their families.

52

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Santa run, Santa bike!

A Christmas-themed fancy dress fun run is returning to North Devon in a brand-new location this December.

Santas on the Run (right), a highlight for many in the build up to Christmas, takes place at RMB Chivenor on December 11th.

Cleared to fly

The annual event raises thousands of pounds for Children’s Hospice South West, and organisers say this year’s event will be the perfect way to get people in the mood for Christmas. Information online: chsw.org. uk/event/santas-run-north-devon-2022

Shop and Post Office to close

Meanwhile, Santas will be touring Devon on motorcycles on December 10th - stopping off in South Molton town centre at around 10.40am for about 30 minutes - also raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West.

Photo by Tim Lamerton

North Molton based North Devon Hawks are back in business, as falconry has been been cleared for flying under the new bird flu restrictions. It is now a legal requirement under the UK-wide Avian Flu Prevention Zone for all birds to be kept housed.

E. Bulled & Sons, the much-loved shop and Post Office in North Molton, is closing on December 23rd as the owners Colin and Sue Wallis retire. It’s been for sale since late 2020 but a buyer hasn’t yet been found. It’s hoped a new Post Office service will start up soon.

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

53

54

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

55

56

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

57

58

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

59

60

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

61

Molton Monthly local business directory

Cottage Beer Project p7

The Fabulous Sprout p24 Real Ale Girls p52 Fuel Supplies Darren White Logs p29 Kiln Dried Logs p51 Winson Fuels p52 Funeral Services H N Blackmore & Sons p44 Friendship & Sons p58 Furniture The Furniture Store p56 Garage Services Custom Valets p50 Motorworks p4 TGB Automotive p42 TGB Car Keys p49 Gardens & Landscaping Andrew Symons p39 Ash Moor Nursery p31 Darren White p30 Four Seasons p30 Sheds4You - back cover SJC Engineering p30 Tarka Trax Ltd p30 Hairdressers Jan Davies Hairdressing p7 Haulage & Transport Nick Ager Haulage p51 Health, Wellbeing and Medical Anna Worthington Counselling p22 Ear Wax Nurse p35 Pacey Foot Health p7 South Molton Medical Centre p35 Step Ahead p34 Home Maintenance & Improvements Dream Doors North Devon p57 Darren Smallbone p53 Finishing Touches p42 Garolla Garage Doors p57 Kitchen Exchange p55 Living Needs Home Solutions p45 Mitchell & Dickinson p2 RGB front cover & p26 Sheds4You - back cover Stove Centre p48 Variety Building & Landscapes p58 Insurance Services Partners& p32/33 Internet providers Airband p36 Jobs Northam Care Trust p22 South Molton Taxis p25 Library - South Molton p11 Locksmiths Darren Smallbone p53 Metalwork Industrial Coating Supplies p40

62

Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Agricultural Services Bobcat Hire p39 Jack Croft Contractors p38 Andrew Symons p39 SJC Engineering p30 Tarka Trax p30 Appliance Repairs Don Bailey p59 Architects David Rice Architectural p18 Building Services Bobcat Hire p39 Darren White p30 Hotworks Engineering p54 J. Penfold Tarmac & Paving p56 Nick Ager Haulage p51 RGB front cover & p26 Sheds4You - back cover Care Homes/Social Care Northam Care Trust p22 Charity collections The Furniture Store p56 Christmas Trees Burrow Cross p5 John Cockram p5 Cleaning Oven Wizards p48 Clothing Helen Moore p17 Computing/Internet/Websites Airband Broadband p36 CBM p40 Computerly p19 PC Geek p46 Decorating Plastering Tiling CRD Decorating p50 Highland Artexing p41 DIY Materials Nick Ager Haulage p51 RGB front cover & p26 Electricians Chris Thorne p49 T. W. Electrical p43 Engineering Hotworks Engineering p54 Equestrian Collacott Farm Equestrian Centre p29 Estate Agents Michael Adey Property p37 Financial Services Lendology CIC p60 Philip Milton p59 Partners& p32/33 Flooring Homechoose Carpets p40 Food & Drink Cheese Larder p5

Music First Friday Jazz p16 Noel Francis singer p14 Opticians Atlantic Home Eyecare p34 South Molton Eyecare p23 Plumbing & Heating Jad Mottram p45 Mark Berry p55 MS Plumbing p40 Printing & Design Services Blue Orange Signs p54 Property (also see Estate Agents) Lendology CIC p60 Michael Adey Property p37 Pubs & Restaurants Bell Inn p10 Castle Inn p21 Exmoor Riverside p20 Grove Inn p9 Mitre Inn p25 Poltimore Inn p16 Quince Honey Farm p13 Red Lion p47 Royal Oak p27 Schools & Learning Kings Nympton School p61 North Molton School p60 South Molton Library p11 West Buckland School p61 Solicitors & Legal Services Davies & Partners p59 Storage Snell Self Storage p8 Ucanstore p41 Telephone Engineers CBM p40 Tourism Castle Hill Estate p15 Exmoor Riverside camping p20 North Devon Hawk Walks p28 Quince Honey Farm P13 Training RE Consultancy & Training p44 TV Services CBM p40 Clearview TV p41 Vehicle Hire Forent South Molton Van Hire p43 Venue Hire Filleigh Village Hall p53 Windows ATA Windows back cover Darren Smallbone p53 Exmoor Fascias p41 Mitchell & Dickinson p2 Wedgewood Buildings p26

Local contact numbers

Utilities and Public Services 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 Swimming Pool 01769 572522 North Devon Council 01271 327711 Devon County Council 0345 155 1015 One South Molton 01769 572501 South Molton Volunteer Bureau 01769 573167 Go North Devon/Shopmobility 01271 328866 Age UK Devon 0333 241 2340

Health Centres & Hospitals South Molton Medical Centre 01769 573101 Wallingbrook Chulmleigh 01769 580295 NHS Direct 111 (non emergency) North Devon District Hospital 01271 322577 South Molton Community Hospital 01769 572164 Churches Parish Church - St Mary Magdalene 01769 572079 Catholic Church of St Joseph 01271 343312 Community of Our Lady & St. Benedict 07851 187335 Baptist Church 01769 574365 Gospel Hall 01769 572908 Methodist Church 01769 571646 One Way Community Church 01769 572786 Quakers 01271 344203 Community Groups Rotary Club of South Molton 01769 574109

To minimise the environmental impact of this magazine, Molton Monthly is printed using solar energy in the West Country using vegetable based inks on recycled, carbon neutral paper.

All content © Molton Monthly

Disclaimer:

All material published by Molton Monthly either in the magazine and/or online, including adverts, editorials, articles and all

other content is subject to our terms and conditions. All material published in Molton Monthly either in the magazine and/or online, including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However, we accept no liability for any errors or omissions and we do not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in the publication or online. All material is accepted on the understanding that it is copyright free. Molton Monthly accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues, and cannot accept responsibility for and does not endorse views expressed by contributors. Molton Monthly does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers. No part of the magazine or online material may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Molton Monthly.

Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers

63