Community News

Explosions heard in barn blaze near Umberleigh

Investigators say that a massive fire at a farm building at Fishleigh Barton near Umberleigh started accidentally (pictured right).

Witnesses reported hearing explosions, thought to be gas cylinders, as flames shot into the night sky on Good Friday April 15th.

At its height, more than 40 firefighters from all over Devon joined local crews in tackling the flames. The A377 was closed all night and through to around 1pm on Saturday because of the severity of the inferno.

It’s believed the fire started in a caravan just after 9pm, before spreading to a barn.

Photos this page courtesy Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

A spokesman for the fire service said thankfully no one was hurt, “Crews confirmed that the barn containing multiple caravans, machinery and cylinders (containing argon, butane, propane) has been destroyed, but all persons on scene were accounted for.”

Fire crews from South Molton, Barnstaple, Braunton, Torrington, Ilfracombe, Martock, Witheridge, Tiverton, Bideford, Danes Castle, Holsworthy and Exeter were on the scene for more than 15 hours.

Rally entries

The 2022 South Molton Vintage Rally takes place on the Platinum Jubilee weekend of June 4th & 5th (advert front cover). If you own a vintage motor or machine that you would like to take to the rally, please email smvrc@gmail.com or phone 01271 378019. Entries and info: smoltonvintagerally.co.uk

League heartache for South Molton rugby team

South Molton Rugby Club lost by the narrowest of margins to Exeter Saracens on St George’s Day, finishing a close second in the Tribute Devon One league this season.

They lost a thrilling encounter 31 - 34 at Unicorn Park on Saturday, April 23rd. They had gone into the final game heading the league table with a one point advantage over Saracens following an excellent season. Phil Searle was chosen as the man of the match for the South Molton team.

A club spokesman said they were “gutted” at the result, but that they will regroup with a chance to turn the tables as they face the Exeter side again, away at Exhibition Fields in the Devon Junior Cup final on May 1st.

South Molton United Primary School have planted a Prunus Pink Parasol tree, kindly donated by Ash Moor Nursery as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy programme to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee this June.

Photo by Julia Woollacott

Pupils at South Molton Community College raised more than £1,600 from a series of events in March and April to support efforts to help refugees from the war in Ukraine. Charities Together in Chulmleigh sent a cheque for £2,565 to the British Red Cross from initiatives in the town, and the Royal Oak in Withypool held a quiz night in late March raising £545. North Devon Council and The Pickwell Foundation have been coordinating local efforts to house people fleeing the conflict.

Football finalists

South Molton’s under 16 football team reached the final of the Devon Cup, losing 5-1 to Cranbrook, but now focus on the final of Devon & Exeter League Cup on May 1st.

Ukraine’s flag flying, and a floral display by South Molton in Bloom - photo by Karolina Andreasova

Have you ever wanted to try Lawn Bowls, keep fit and make new friends? If so, South Molton Bowling Club in Mill Street are offering an opportunity to any interested non-bowlers to join them and try the game.

Every Monday evening throughout May and June (from 6.30pm), one of their qualified coaches will be providing free lessons. It’s an introduction to the game in a friendly environment, allowing you plenty of time to see if you would like to play regularly.

All equipment will be provided, they just ask that you wear some flat soled shoes. Bowls is a game suitable for any age or gender, and is a great way of improving your flexibility, while enjoying fresh air and good company. Call Pam Parkhouse on 07866 147055 or visit: southmoltonbc.co.uk

Jade’s cliff run

Fundraiser and athlete Jade Kingdom took on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway and raced the train to the top of the 500ft cliff raising more than £2,500 for North Devon Hospice. It took just 21 minutes to run the steep zig zag path from Lynmouth bottom station to Lynton top station. Jade, who has Down’s Syndrome, has so far raised more than £25,000 pounds for the hospice.

Arts Destination South Molton has been awarded £7,000 from the Arts Council’s ‘Let’s Create’ Jubilee Fund by the Devon Community Foundation. It will ensure that creativity plays an important role in local community celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Look out for community workshop dates so you can join in (more jubilee information on pages 42/43).