Community News

pages 50 - 53

New eye centre official opening

The South Molton Eye Centre has been formally opened (pictured right), with a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

Health bosses say patients with eye conditions in Northern Devon and Torridge will now benefit from reduced waiting times and access to state-of-the-art equipment.

The brand new £1.4m facility has been developed at the former renal unit at South Molton Community Hospital. This was made possible with a generous donation of £500,000 from the South Molton Hospital League of Friends. The group’s chairman David Goodman, said he was delighted about the opening and pleased the building was being used again.

New speed limit and roundabout on link road

A new 30mph speed limit and temporary roundabout are in operation on the A361 Borners Bridge junction between North and South Molton. The change is designed to help improve access for North Molton residents. Safety (speed) cameras are in place in both directions. There’s still ‘no right turn’ when exiting Station Road from the South Molton direction.

Royalty chosen for 770th fair

Chulmleigh Old Fair, which has run every year since 1253, will take place between July 25th and 29th (see page 12 for programme).

The 2023 Fair Queen will be Abi Bushell, with Attendants Eva Fauré-Wells and Sarah Peacock, Crown Bearer Isabella Lee, Chief Herald David Peacock, with Heralds Ezra & Seth Prettejohn (below).

Skateboarders indoor dream

An appeal has been launched to raise £14,000 to help create a new indoor skate park in the centre of South Molton. It would be a new HQ for the Skate Molton CIC, and has won the support of the town council. You can donate online here: justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/skatemoltoncic

Fundraising for Uganda

15 year old South Molton Community College Student Isla Quick aims to raise £2,200 for a charity trip to Africa. There’s a fundraising bingo night at The Coaching Inn in South Molton from 7pm on July 8th (eyes down 7.30pm). She is set to go to Uganda with the Amigos Charity next year as part of a school trip. You can also donate online: gofundme.com/f/islas-uganda-2024amigos-charity-visit

Council appointments

A new leadership has been announced at North Devon Council following the recent elections. Councillor Ian Roome was elected as the new Leader of the council, with David Worden elected as Deputy Leader after serving as leader since 2019. Meanwhile, Councillor Jacqui Footman has been appointed as the new Mayor of South Molton for the year ahead.

Skittles teams wanted

The South Molton Ladies Skittles League is looking for new teams to join up. They have just completed their first full season back after the Covid restrictions. Teams would require a venue containing an alley (either fixed or removable), and at least 6 ladies who are keen to play. There are 13 teams currently playing. Their AGM is at The Black Cock Inn, Molland, on July 20th at 8pm, anyone interested can attend or contact; Alison Peters on 07870 319315

Email: al1son.peters@hotmail.co.uk