Community News

January road closures

There are set to to be emergency road closures on the A377 near the Portsmouth Arms, Umberleigh, to deal with dangerous trees. From January 9th - 13th the road is due to be shut from 9.30am to 3.30pm daily.

Good beer

The Campaign for Real Ale Good Beer Guide 2023 lists 27 North Devon pubs, including The Exeter Inn Chittlehamholt, The Bell Inn Chittlehampton, The Grove Inn Kings Nympton and The Old Court House Chulmleigh.

A new entry this year is The Poltimore Arms at Yarde Down Exmoor. The South Molton Vintage Rally Club extend New Years good wishes to all for a “happy healthy and prosperous 2023!”

The club were very pleased to have had a successful 2022 rally, are arranging a cheque presentation evening giving money to local and national worthy causes at South Molton Assembly Rooms on January 7th.

There are just a few months until the 2023 South Molton Vintage Rally weekend which is planned for June 4th and 5th. It will be on a new permanent site at Frankhill Farm, Rackenford EX16 8EG.

The club says the new site will provide sufficient room for all the exhibits, and the bonus is that the rally field is almost level! There is some work needed to transform the field to accommodate the rally, including widening the entrance gateway, but the club are optimistic and look forward to a successful 2023 rally.

Memorial bench for well known South Molton man

Two years after he passed away, a memorial bench has been created in South Molton for popular local figure Dick White.

The specially designed seat, which features a brass plaque and the symbol of his beloved West Ham football team, has been sited at the top of the town’s main car park.

Mr White was well-known on the local football circuit, and as landlord at the New Inn. Funds were raised for the bench partly through a collection at his funeral, but also by his skittles team the Flowers Floppers.

His wife Margaret thanked all those who helped with the tribute, especially Darren Kiff who designed and made the bench.

The fireworks display and Christmas lights switch-on held in November in South Molton raised £1,097 for North Devon Hospice.

The charity’s community fundraiser Jadeen Lowe said, “It’s a brilliant amount which will help local families receive the care and support the hospice provides.”

Shop talks

People in the North Molton area are being asked for their suggestions for a new village shop, following the closure of E Bulleds & Sons on December 23rd. The parish council is seeking residents views.

Meanwhile the Post Office says it’s looking into options for a replacement counter service for North Molton.

2022 fireworks by Karolina Andreasova

North Molton Young Farmers Club raised a massive £15,000 for local charities through its various events in 2022, which included a 100 mile cycle ride.

They presented cheques for £7,700 to North Devon Hospice and £7,500 to Devon Air Ambulance (pictured top and centre right).

Oktoberfest supports Hospice

A charity auction and raffle at Exmoor Riverside Caravan & Camping Park’s Oktoberfest event, raised £1,820 for North Devon Hospice (pictured bottom right).

Organisers thanked all those who donated, including local businesses who sponsored the event with a range of special prizes.

The Bucket List Company, based in South Molton, scooped two awards at the annual British Travel Awards held at Battersea Park in London (pictured right).

They won the Gold Award for Best Adventure Travel Company and the Bronze Award for Best Trekking/Cycling Travel Company.

Director Keith Crockford said, “After the last two years it was nice to get the travel industry back together again and celebrate everyone’s success. This was our first year of being nominated for these prestigious industry awards, and for us it was a success just to be there! But to win has topped off 2022 for us.” The Bucket List Company organise small group travel trips to 34 different ‘exotic’ destinations.

Christmas tree collection for charity

Children’s Hospice South West is offering a Christmas tree recycling service for households across North Devon. Last Christmas, ‘treecyclers’ raised more than £5,000 for the charity, which runs the Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Fremington. Volunteers from Biffa will collect trees between January 11th and 13th - book online: chsw.org.uk/christmastree

(Postcode areas EX31, EX32, EX33, EX34, EX35, EX36, EX39, TA23 and TA24)

An unlicensed dog breeder has been fined more than £10,000 at court, following a successful prosecution from North Devon Council.

Tracey Boyles of Willow Rise, Witheridge, appeared at North Devon Magistrates Court on November 18th, where she pleaded guilty to offences of breeding and advertising two litters of dogs without a licence, and advertising and selling two adult dogs as pets without a licence between March 2022 and June 2022. Boyles, aged 34, sold Golden Irish Labrador puppies, an Irish Setter, seven KC Golden Retriever cross Collie puppies and a Clumber spaniel cross cocker. Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, says, “This prosecution sends a clear message to those thinking of breeding animals without a licence, and the large fine reflects how seriously we take these offences.”

Fly tipper in court

A fly-tipper from South Molton who dumped rubble outside a client’s house has been prosecuted by North Devon Council after failing to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice. Kenneth Gardener of Kingsway, appeared before magistrates October 25th where he pleaded guilty to fly-tipping offences from July 2021. Magistrates ordered Gardener to pay an increased £400 fine, as well as a £40 victim surcharge and costs of £450.