Community News May 2024

Mayor re-elected for 2nd term

Written by Jacqui Footman, South Molton Mayor

I thank South Molton’s town councillors for their vote of confidence in proposing and re-electing me as Mayor for a further year from May 2024. I am looking forward to working with the new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Wayne Martin.

Over the past year, I have been honoured to support many of the town’s events, associations and businesses, and particularly to work with the Children’s Hospice South West team and Griffiths in welcoming the ‘Santas on a Bike’ tour to South Molton, raising an incredible £3,442 for the charity.

We are blessed with a thriving, award-winning market and during the coming year, I look forward to working with the wonderful town council staff to run a series of themed ‘Mayor’s events’, largely around the market and central area, aimed at bringing us together more as a community - promoting kindness, caring, inclusion, respect, environment, wellbeing and resilience. Together we are stronger.

Photo by Karolina Andreasova

The Men’s Shed needs you!

‘When Men’s Sheds thrive they save lives,’ is the call to arms for this community group.

Men’s Shed South Molton is a place where men can get together, join in activities and talk about what is on their mind. It has a fully equipped workshop where skilled and unskilled people can share time with each other, swap stories and work together on community projects.

“Are you looking for something to get you out of the house and away from daytime television?” said volunteer Wally Stephens. “The men’s shed is about having somewhere to go for the retired, unemployed or those unable to work through ill-health.”

“It is somewhere to chat, to laugh, to learn a new skill, take on a project, take up a hobby, help the community and much more. Come on in and discover the camaraderie waiting for you!”

You can find Men’s Shed South Molton at the Cemetery Workshop, Mill Street on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm or call Wally: 07857 605816

Volunteers making nest boxes to help our birds

Gearing up for rally

South Molton Vintage Rally Club held its annual spring tractor run on April 7th (above), and now the focus is on the main weekend event this summer. Organisers say preparations are well underway for the 2024 South Molton Vintage Rally on June 1st and 2nd. It is once again being held at Frankhill Farm at Rackenford (see advert on page 12)

All vintage and classic vehicles are welcome with entry forms now available.

Website: smoltonvintagerally.co.uk

Phone: 01271 378019

On two wheels and more

The second annual Kings Nympton Classics meet takes place in the village on Sunday, May 19th (see advert page 14). All manner of classic vehicles are welcome to attend. Last year’s inaugural event raised £700 for charity.

The ‘Roar on the Moor’ classic motorcycle scrambler racing returns to Yarde Gate, North Molton on Sunday, May 26th (see advert page 12), with high octane thrills and spills on a traditional West Country track.

The North Devon Atlantic Classic Scramble Club has donated more than £9,000 to local good causes since 2016. Admission is £5 with accompanied children free.