from Molton Monthly Magazine January 2024

Photo of the month

North Devon has become one of 46 newly designated ‘National Landscapes’ in the UK.

These are places with national importance, protected for the nation’s benefit, and cared for by local teams with a deep understanding of the things that make these places special.

The ‘North Devon Coast National Landscape’ is the new name for what was previously called the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said, “We’re incredibly fortunate to be blessed with some beautiful countryside and coastline, and our National Landscapes are an important asset for local communities, visitors and our environment.”

The National Landscapes will focus on habitat restoration to ensure the protection of some of our most endangered species, and help more people to enjoy time spent in beautiful places like North Devon.

Jenny Carey-Wood, North Devon Coast National Landscape manager, said, “We welcome this new chapter in the story of the UK’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

“We are still the same beautiful places where we work together to create a thriving landscape for nature and for people.”

You can find out more about the work of the North Devon Coast National landscape here: northdevon-aonb.org.uk

What’s On - January 2024 pages 11-14

Please contact event organisers before attending, as details are subject to change

2nd - Christmas tree collections with North Molton Young Farmers Club: 07500 035112 or 07480 573299

2nd - 7.30pm Whist Drive at Chittlehampton Village Hall (every Tuesday) - info 01769 540036

5th - 10am Coffee morning for North Devon Hospice - SMART Swim Centre, South Molton (ends 11.30am)

6th - Christmas tree collections with Meshaw Young Farmers Club: 07471 192764 or 07885 279678

7th - Christmas tree collections with North Molton Young Farmers Club: 07500 035112 or 07480 573299

7th - Christmas tree collections with Meshaw Young Farmers Club: 07471 192764 or 07885 279678

7th - 10am Flea Market at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 3pm)

7th - 3pm Plough Service 2024 with FCN at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bishops Nympton (advert page 12)

8th - 7.30pm Bingo at Chittlehampton Village Hall - info 01769 540036

9th - 10am CommuniTEA- drop in service from One South Molton at the town library (ends 11.30am)

9th - 10am South Molton u3a; ‘Old Appledore in Words and Film’ with David Carter at Filleigh Village Hall

12th - 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm) Chulmleigh Rural Cinema presents ‘A Haunting in Venice’ (12A)tickets £5 or £4.50 members, refreshments available, screening at Chulmleigh Pavilion

13th - 9am 125th Anniversary of the overland launch - charity boat haul Lynmouth to Porlock

14th - 3pm From Bach to Beatles at Barkham, Sandyway; barkham-exmoor.co.uk

15th - 7pm South Molton Sisters W.I. monthly meeting at the YMCA - fun, tea and nibbles (ends 9pm)

17th - 10am Community Flood Action drop-in day at Witheridge Parish Hall (ends 1pm)

17th - 7pm Chulmleigh Folk Club - sing, play, recite poetry & more at Chulmleigh Town Hall; £2 entry

18th - 10.30am Parkinsons Café for sufferers & carers at South Molton Library: 01769 572380 (ends 12pm)

20th - 9am Charity Big Breakfast at Knowstone Parish Hall - booking needed: 07812 365889 (ends 11am)

20th - 12pm Open Mic/Acoustic Sessions, Coaching Inn, South Molton: southmoltonacoustic.co.uk

21st - 9am Salvage Fair at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 2pm)

25th - 10am South Molton Gets Together community day at the Assembly Rooms (advert page 12)

25th - 6.45pm for 7pm Bish Nym Quiz Night £5 pp entry, supporting local good causes - parish hall

27th - 6pm Family stargazing event in the observatory at The Poltimore Inn, North Molton (advert page 51)

27th - 2pm South Molton Keyboard & Light Music Club Tea Dance at the Methodist Church Hall

Pop-up Police Station - South Molton Pannier Market 10am 6th & 18th

Bishops Nympton Parish Hall Coffee & Craft Club 2pm 4th & 25th; Art Club 10am 15th & 29th

Scrapstore YMCA South Molton Drop-in Craft Sessions 10am-1pm 12th & 26th - £2 donation requested

South Molton Sisters W.I Craft & Natter Amory Centre garden room 10.30am-12.30pm 3rd, 6th, 17th, 20th

In pictures - 2023 Christmas Fatstock Show

Photos by Karolina Andreasova, pages 16-19

The annual fatstock show brought the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside into South Molton Pannier Market! Founded 2008, it continues to go from strength to strength and hundreds of people flocked to the town to see the spectacle on Sunday, December 3rd.