Storm Noa hits hard

A woman had to be freed from her car by fire crews after a massive tree came crashing down on her bonnet as she was driving along the A377 just south of Eggesford.

It happened at the peak of Storm Noa on April 12th, which swept across North Devon with winds gusting in excess of 60mph. The woman was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to hospital with “minor injuries”.

The storm also brought thunder, lightning, heavy rain and hail showers, carpeting parts of North Devon and Exmoor in white.

Jobs to do in May

1. Start taking softwood cuttings from deciduous shrubs such as Fuchsia, Hydrangea and Lavatera. Collect non flowering shoots, 2-4’’ long, ideally early in the day.

2. Tender plants and young plants raised under cover should be gradually hardened off this month. Keep an eye on the forecast for frost if tender plants have already been planted out so they can be protected.

3. Divide congested groups of daffodils if flowering has declined.

4. Sow French and runner beans directly into the soil, cover with cloches if frost is forecast.

5. May is the beginning of the moth-flight season for many native species. Plants with night scented flowers, such as Nicotiana (tobacco plant) or Oenothera (evening primrose) will help attract moths in the summer months.

May is the always busiest month of the year at the nursery. Hanging baskets can finally be hung up outside, and pots and borders can be filled with summer bedding plants. If you would like us to make your hanging baskets for you, drop them in asap.

Until next month, Jenny Howells

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Farm Life - busy bees

by Roger Hill

May is such a busy month to look forward to. A Coronation to begin with, an event that few of us have witnessed before - congratulations King Charles III. We are celebrating in our village culminating with Abba (tribute!) performing in our pub garden.

We also have the start of the agricultural show season (see page 8 - Devon County Show preview), cricket in full swing and dare I mention Eurovision. In between all this it is a crucial month on many farms. Cutting grass for silage at the optimum sugar level, combining quality with quantity, ensures a successful following winter. Sheep shearing is also in full swing (photo opposite). I watch others now having done my fair share, but I still enjoy the spectacle.

Our vineyard bursts into life with the only worry being a late frost which can devastate the young buds. Flowers erupt providing nectar for our buzzy friends. Queen bees sometimes lead their troops to pastures new so if you happen across them, don’t panic. Contact a beekeeper who will be more than happy to help especially as ‘a swarm in May is worth a load of hay’.

Another saying my mum taught me was ‘don’t cast a clout until May is out’, so be warned! Busy days ahead.

‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (website: quoit-at-cross.co.uk)

Celebrations as pool reopens

It was time to get in the swim as South Molton’s pool opened it’s doors under new ownership for the first time on April 7th.

A VIP reception marked the start of a new era as the team from SMART Swim Centre (right) took the plunge with their new venture.

Public swimming sessions are being offered alongside tailored lessons and group activities like ‘Baby Splash’ and ‘AquaZumba’, and a soft play area.

South Molton’s Mayor Stephen Lock told Molton Monthly, “There is a varied programme set out, that hopefully will fulfil the swimming needs of the people of the town and the surrounding area. I ask that the people of South Molton and the wider district fully support our local pool.”

Locals flocked to the pool over the Easter weekend to take advantage of a free open day, and to take a look at the improved facilities (see advert on front cover).

Mayor’s memories in new book

South Molton’s Mayor Stephen Lock has launched a new book about his career as a lorry driver, which he was inspired to write during the pandemic ‘lockdown’.

“I wanted to show what life was like driving lorries between the 1970s and ‘90s,” said Mr Lock, who says he was “born into lorry driving” as his brothers and other family members were also ‘truckers’. From faithfully kept diaries, Stephen is able to instantly recall in his book ‘Cattle, Concrete & Guided Missiles’, the adventures and camaraderie built up over 30 years of driving Britain’s roads.

“Laughter, tears, rebellion and jubilation are in this book, and it is written with the love and memories of those great men and women who were on the road every day of the year, to keep this country going,” he said.

Hosepipe ban for North Devon

South West Water has extended its controversial hosepipe ban to include all homes in the Roadford Lake supply zone, which is all of North Devon.

A spokesman said, “Our region remains officially in drought and a hosepipe ban has been in place for Cornwall and a small part of North Devon since August 2022.”

“To further ensure our reservoir levels recover, and in accordance with our drought plan, we will be extending the ban throughout other parts of Devon from April 25th, 2023.”

Heavy rainfall in March and April has left Wimbleball and Wistlandpound reservoirs both full, but Roadford is the main supply source for North Devon and that’s at only 66% of capacity. At the same time last year it was 96% full - and we’re now heading towards summer and the influx of tourists.

The water company says the South West is still feeling the impact of last year’s exceptionally dry weather and reservoir levels are much lower than normal.

South West Water says it is acting now with the ban to protect water resources and the environment, to help rivers and reservoirs to recharge ahead of the summer months.

The spokesman added, “We are grateful to all our customers and communities for their efforts in reducing water usage. We must ask you to keep saving water where you can, so that our water resources can recover sufficiently for the summer months ahead.”

The ban is on hosepipes, sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems, and covers watering gardens, washing cars and filling ponds, paddling pools and fountains.

The area in pink is supplied by Roadford Lake and is where the new hosepipe ban covers. It includes all of North Devon including postcodes EX36, EX31, EX32, EX37, EX18, EX19, EX35 and EX17.

For updates and information go to: southwestwater.co.uk/environment/water-resources/hosepipeban

‘Flockdown’ finally over

Bird flu restrictions were lifted on April 18th, meaning that hens and other birds can now be let outside again.

The only exception is if you fall within a Protection or Control Zone, where an outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed by Defra officials.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said, “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.”

“The unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent biosecurity.”

Photo courtesy British Hen Welfare Trust, Rose Ash

The news that the so-called ‘flockdown’ is being lifted after five months, will be a boost free range egg producers, and the Rose Ash based charity British Hen Welfare Trust who rescue and rehome former battery chickens.

Businesses like North Molton based North Devon Hawk Walks have been able to operate in recent weeks thanks to changes in the rules by Defra to clear them flight.

Poultry and captive bird keepers must:

* Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds, if practical, use disposable protective clothing

* Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept

* Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

* Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and bird housing entry and exit points

* Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

* Be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have concerns

Photo ID needed for elections

With local elections taking place in North Devon on May 4th, voters are reminded that they must have photo identification. This is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act.

Types of accepted photo ID include passports and drivers’ licences issued in the UK or European Economic Area, as well as some concessionary travel passes such as an older persons’ bus pass. Voters can also use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. You can also get a free Voter Authority Certificate from North Devon Council (deadline was April 25th).

The elections are to vote for councillors serving North Devon District Council, and also for some parish or town councils. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

Hair cut raises more than £1,200 for child cancer charity

Caitlin Buckingham, age 7, had 11 inches of her hair cut off in April to help young children with cancer.

She not only raised £1,241 with her trim at Halo Hair & Beauty in South Molton, her hair will also be used to create wigs for youngsters being helped by cancer charity The Little Princess Trust.

“I am really happy to help another child and pleased that I have raised enough money for the charity to make two wigs,” said Caitlin.

Mum Rachel said, “I am super proud of Caitlin. She is such a kind, caring little girl and it’s such a selfless, wonderful thing for Caitlin to have done.” The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs, free of charge to children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

Builders support hospice

RGB Building Supplies, with a branch on Pathfields Business Park in South Molton, has chosen Children’s Hospice South West as its charity partner for 2023-24.

Aid donation success

The Rotary Club of South Molton has so far raised £1,800 for the aid charity Shelterbox - enough to buy three ‘shelterboxes’ to go to disaster zones like Syria and Turkey. Pop into their town centre shop if you would like to make a donation (Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings). The club’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ award will be presented to Roger Watts on May 10th at the Assembly Rooms (from 6.45pm). Supper and bar - admission £9 on the door or £8 in advance, children half price. Everyone is welcome. Contact John Price for tickets on 01769 574109.