Issuu

Your award winning community news and business advertising magazine est. 2007

April 2026

Hen rescue charity rules the roost for 21 years!

Plus inside...

Publisher’s farewell; duo hike for Air Ambulance; young writer honoured; gardening tips & more!

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Molton Monthly Magazine - April 2026 Welcome to the April edition of Molton Monthly Magazine. It feels quite surreal after a decade of writing for you, to say that it is ‘goodbye’ from me. I am now planning to retire and hand over to a new publisher. From next month’s May issue, Lewis Coppard will be at the helm. You will already find his phone number at the bottom of the pages and on the website, the email address is remaining the same.

What’s Inside - April

Along with his brother and parents, the family run Bideford Link, North Devon Insight in Barnstaple and EX33 Magazine in the Braunton area. If you have a story to tell, photos or events please keep sending them in. I am sure Lewis will welcome contributions to the magazine from regular correspondents. It has been an amazing opportunity to be at the heart of the rural community here in North Devon and Exmoor, and thank you wholeheartedly for your support and being part of making Molton Monthly Magazine such a great success. Peter Robinson, Editor & publisher

Molton Monthly Magazine is also published free to read on our website moltonmonthly.co.uk and we have updates for news and events on Facebook @MoltonMonthly

P6-7 P8 P11-15 P18-19 P22-23 P26

Photo of the month - swan song Young writer’s national honour What’s On Publisher’s farewell Discover Brayford Academy Hen rescue charity is 21!

P27 P31 P34-36 P38-39 P47 P50 P60-61 P62 P63

Duo to hike for Air Ambulance April gardening tips Health & Wellbeing Farm Life - thank you South Molton Community Garden News Roundup Village Halls and Schools Index of Advertisers Local Information

Molton Monthly Magazine is printed on recyclable, carbon neutral paper using solar energy as part of our ongoing commitment to a sustainable future. More than 5,500 copies are delivered free, door-to-door, by our dedicated team to East and West Buckland, North Molton, South Molton, Heasley Mill, Filleigh, Swimbridge, Alswear, Rose Ash, Heddon, Clapworthy Mill, Bishops Nympton, Bish Mill, Chulmleigh, Chittlehampton, 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 and businesses.

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Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

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Swan song

by Peter Robinson

As this is my last issue, my swan song, I thought I would leave you with one of my own pictures as the photo of the month, taken near my home in Braunton earlier this year. Bird and wildlife photography is something that I find both challenging and relaxing, and I enjoy being out in our countryside. ‘Seatherny’ is a relatively new word which means the serenity you feel when you are immersed in birdsong and I hope this image captures that feeling. This photo of a Mute Swan, with Teal in the background, was taken through bracken and bushes at Velator Pond as the sun was setting on a winter’s day - a rare experience in the damp and dull early months of 2026!

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Whether it’s nature, rural life, wildlife, a landscape or seascape, special event, sports, a local character or something else - please keep sending us your pictures.

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Young writer commended Alex Chant, a year 7 pupil at Chulmleigh College, has been honoured for his writing in the prestigious BBC 500 Words competition. His short story ‘Sucked In’ explored the theory; what if a phone didn’t just distract you… but swallowed you whole? His story placed him in the top 100 entries nationwide. “What makes Sucked In especially powerful is how timely it feels,” said a school spokesman. “As governments and schools debate age restrictions and social media bans on mobile phones, Alex’s story explores the pull of online validation and what can happen if the screen takes over.” “Dark, imaginative and unsettling in all the right ways, Sucked In is a story that will stay with you long after the final line.”

Budding author Alex Chant

BBC 500 Words is the UK’s largest storywriting competition for 5-11 year-olds, with the final currently hosted at Windsor Castle by Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Here’s an excerpt from Alex’s story: The sky hung heavy hungry for a storm. For days dark clouds had been gathering. Waiting. Greyer than a pack of wolves hungrier still they consumed the blue beyond and sat there. Ready. Raven was also ready. Skipping breakfast, she headed straight out the door without a word to her dad. Phone in hand as always, she effortlessly tapped in the passcode as if it was etched into her fingers. The ghoulish blue light emitted by her phone engulfed her features. Five red dots clasped at her concentration and each beep that accompanied them aroused rapture deep within. Unaware of any and all surroundings Raven strolled to school in a haze... Read the full story: https://tinyurl.com/3f63tnj9

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

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Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

What’s On - April 2026 pages 11 - 15 (plus village halls p60)

Please contact event organisers before attending, as details are subject to change 4th - 10am Easter Egg Craft & Trail at South Molton Library (advert page 12) 5th - 10am Flea Market at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 3pm) 5th - 10.30am Woodland Working Parties at South Molton Community Woodland (first Sundays) 6th - 11am Easter Bunny Hunt at Castle Hill Filleigh (ends 4pm) 7th - 7.15pm South Molton Flower Club demo ‘Let the Flower Talk’ with Karen Smith ; Filleigh Village Hall 7th - 7.30pm Whist Drive at Chittlehampton Village Hall (every Tuesday) - info 01769 540036 8th - 6.15pm (for 7) Umberleigh Community Cinema ‘The Choral’: umberleighvillagehall.co.uk 9th - 9am Devon & Cornwall Police drop in session South Molton Pannier Market (ends 1pm) 9th - 10am Repair Cafe with Earth Action at The Amory Centre, South Molton (advert page 14) 9th - 4.30pm Devon & Cornwall Police drop in session at Chulmleigh Town Hall (ends 5.30pm) 10th - 7.30pm (doors 6.45pm) Chulmleigh Rural Cinema at the Pavilion ‘The Life of Chuck’ (15) 11th - 7pm Country Music Night at Bishops Nympton Parish Hall (advert page 12) 11th - 7pm Bingo at Chittlehamholt Village Hall (eyes down 7.30pm): 07376 099627 12th - 9am Spring Tractor Run with South Molton Vintage Rally Club, leaving Central Car Park 10am 13th - 7.30pm ‘Grow Your Own Cut Flowers’ with Caradoc Doy, Chulmleigh Town Hall: dianaM@farmline.com 13th - 7.30pm Bingo at Chittlehampton Village Hall - info 01769 540036 14th - 10am South Molton u3a ‘The Dogs Trust’ with Stan Charles-Jones at Filleigh Village Hall 16th - 10am (until 3pm) Age Concern Benefits Clinic; Amory Centre, South Molton - booking: 01271 445131 16th - 12.30pm Age Concern Lunch Club; The Coaching Inn, South Molton - booking: 01271 445133 17th - 7pm ‘All My Sons’ National Theatre Live at Rose Ash Village Hall, tickets £10: rose-ash.com 18th - 12pm Open Mic session Bar 27, Broad Street, South Molton (ends 2pm): southmoltonacoustic.co.uk 18th - 6pm ‘Our Place in Space’ at Poltimore Inn Observatory, North Molton (advert page 14) 19th - 9am Salvage Fair at South Molton Pannier Market (ends 2pm) 19th - 10am Umberleigh Antiques Fair at the village hall (advert page 14) 20th - 2.30pm Devon Carers peer support group at The Amory Centre, South Molton 20th - 7pm South Molton Sisters WI monthly meeting at the YMCA - speaker, tea and nibbles (ends 9pm) 21st - 10.30am Parkinsons Café for sufferers & carers at South Molton Library: 01769 572380 (ends 12pm) 21st - 7.30pm Strictly Acoustic Night at The Coaching In, South Molton (every third Tuesday) 23rd - 7pm Quiz Night for Bish Nym PTA at Bishops Nympton Parish Hall (advert page 12) 24th - 7pm Murder Mystery Night with meal for Young Lives v Cancer at Filleigh Village Hall (ad page 60) 24th - 7.30pm ‘Wildlife of the Exe Estuary’ with photographer Dave Smallshire at Chulmleigh Pavilion (£5/£7) 25th - 9am Devon & Cornwall Police drop in session South Molton Pannier Market (ends 1pm) 25th - 2.30pm South Molton Keyboard & Light Music Club - Brett Wales in the Methodist Church Hall 26th - 9am Car Boot Sale at South Molton Pannier Market, sellers from 8am (ends 1pm) 26th - 3pm Bridge String Quartet performs at Barkham, Exmoor: barkham-exmoor.co.uk 29th - 10am South Molton Sisters WI coffee morning at The George Hotel Bishops Nympton Parish Hall - events page 12; South Molton Library - see page 12 Swimbridge Jubilee; Chittlehampton; Filleigh; George Nympton Village Halls - ads page 60 Chulmleigh & District Garden Society meet 2nd Mondays 7.30pm, all welcome: dianaM@farmline.com Create ‘n’ Chat Group 2pm-4pm South Molton Church Hall, Duke Street, 9th & 23rd info; 01769 574187 North Devon Ramblers - for walks in April please see: northdevonramblers.org.uk Scrapstore YMCA South Molton Drop-in Craft Sessions; 10.30am -1.30pm 10th & 24th £2 donation requested - plus Scrapstore open on Tuesdays 9.30am - 12.30pm South Molton Sisters W.I Craft & Natter at the Amory Centre 10.30am-12.30pm; 1st-4th-15th-18th Tuesdays - 6.30pm Meditation Class (free) Rose & Crown Clinic, South Street, South Molton (ends 7.30pm) Thursdays - 10am ‘Hug in a Mug’ pop-up wellbeing café at The Amory Centre, South Molton (ends 12pm) Text only what’s on listings are free, deadline 12th each month, display adverts may carry a charge Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers

Advert space donated by Molton Monthly Magazine

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers

Advert spaces donated by Molton Monthly Magazine

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers

Publisher’s final farewell I have tended to stay behind the scenes, but this is me on the right, saying goodbye after ten years of publishing your Molton Monthly Magazine. It’s time to ‘retire’, although I do plan to continue writing as a freelance journalist and I have a book about Agatha Christie in the pipeline. The magazine has gone from strength to strength, doubling in both distribution and number of pages, and picking up a few awards along the way for its role in our rural community. This wouldn’t have been possible without the many advertisers, contributors, the hard working delivery team and of course you, the readers. A special ‘thank you’ goes to Karolina Andreasova, the South Molton based photographer and artist. Her exemplary work documenting life in the local area has been invaluable.

Photo by Bianca Robinson

Thank you everyone for your amazing support, and not least to my wife Bianca. On the opposite page are two of my favourite editions from the last decade, for very different reasons. ‘Farewell you lovely people’, as a certain local treasure used to say!

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

The October 2022 edition was produced in just four days when Queen Elizabeth II died. It included never before seen photos of her visiting the Castle Hill Estate at Filleigh. In October 2020, my story about a pub cat taking a bus ride from South Molton to Ilfracombe, became a big story for the national newspapers and broadcast media!

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Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

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Discover Brayford Academy and Brumble Bees Nursery Content supplied by the TEAM Multi Academy Trust

Nestled in a beautiful rural village, just a short hop from Barnstaple and South Molton, Brayford Academy and Brumble Bees Nursery offer a truly personal start to your child’s learning journey. As part of the TEAM Multi-Academy Trust, we are proud to be a small, nurturing primary school where every child is known, valued and supported. Starting from age two in Brumble Bees, children learn through play in a space that feels like a home away from home. This gentle introduction ensures a confident, happy transition into school life. Our dedicated staff focus on more than just lessons; we nurture independence and kindness in a calm, encouraging environment. Families often tell us how much they appreciate our friendly staff and the way children are encouraged to be the very best version of themselves. Contact us on 01598 710345 or email: admin@brayford.devon.sh.uk for more information and to arrange a visit.

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

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Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

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Hen rescue charity rules the roost for 21 years! Rose Ash based charity, the British Hen Welfare Trust, celebrates its 21st birthday on Wednesday, April 15th. Founder Jane Howorth MBE and her team have now re-homed more than one million former commercial hens, with the millionth going to none other than King Charles! The charity has also introduced groundbreaking ‘hen therapy’ to maximum security prisons. “This Easter marks 21 years since I placed that tiny advert in a local Devon paper. Now we’re about to launch World Hen Welfare with our international partners,” said Jane. To help a hen or to find out more information go to: bhwt.org.uk

Founder Jane Howorth MBE - photo Simon Moore

BBC broadcasts from village

At 8.02pm precisely on February 22nd, as the echoes of the hourly Radio Four news bulletin faded away, the live broadcast of the BBC’s long-running Any Questions programme from Chittlehampton’s newlyrefurbished village hall began. The panel were given an enthusiastic welcome by a near capacity audience of 150 people. The discussion ranged from the troubles in the royal family to filling potholes properly!

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Hike supports air ambulance

Lorna Johnson and friend Margaret Walker (above) are taking part in a 14 mile ‘Heli Hike’ on July 4th to raise vital funds for Devon Air Ambulance. Lorna is doing the trek in memory of her father Tony Francis, a local entertainer. “The charity tried to save his life and their support to our family was immense,” she said. Lorna now volunteers at the South Molton Devon Air Ambulance shop - pop in to donate.

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Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Your jobs to do in April 1. Plant out alpine plants, often some of the earliest plants to flower they can be used in rockeries, troughs and at the front of the border. 2. Plant second early/maincrop potatoes, onion sets and asparagus crowns. Seeds which can be sown directly outside include, beetroot, carrots, parsnips, lettuce, spinach, radish, and peas. 3. Prune early spring flowering shrubs immediately after flowering. Forsythia, Lilac, Weigela, Ribes, Philadelphus. 4. Clear pond debris, install barley straw to prevent algae, and add new aquatic plants. 5. Continue feeding the birds, as they are busy nesting and raising broods. The nursery is now bursting with plants. The alpines and perennials which were potted in February are now ready to plant out. The greenhouse is full of hanging basket and bedding plants. If you have a greenhouse or polytunnel you can make your hanging baskets but keep them inside until the risk of frost has passed. We are running hanging basket classes again this year, check our website for details - until next month, Jenny Howells

Opening Times Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm *Closed Easter Sunday, April 5th*

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Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

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Health & Wellbeing Services

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing Services

Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers

Health & Wellbeing Services

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Please mention Molton Monthly Magazine when contacting advertisers

Farm Life - thank you by Roger Hill

I must begin by thanking our editor Peter Robinson for his outstanding contribution to Molton Monthly and the wider community. He has taken the magazine to new heights with his skill, dedication and enthusiasm in promoting our rural area. We wish Peter a well earned retirement as he moves into a new phase of his life. We live at nearly 900 feet and often joke that it will be serious for everyone else if we flood. This extremely wet winter has though been no laughing matter. Farming colleagues have really struggled with ruined crops, sodden fodder and structural damage. Now as they clear up and assess the destruction, what can they do to mitigate the risk? One friend lost 52 acres of wheat or the equivalent of 300,000 loaves of bread. He and others would like to see greater recognition, for the public good, of catchment management. This allows their land to flood thus preventing loss of life and property downstream. There has to be some financial compensation to do the above as well as investment in maintenance of flood defences and water courses. Still, summer is around the corner and we shall forget until next winter. ‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (tupperthetractor.com and quoitatcrossvineyard.com)

Contact Molton Monthly Magazine: 07512 748343 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk

Crops flooded and ruined