Shop local, support North Devon

As we start to come to terms with life with Covid-19, it’s great see a whole host of special events lined up throughout November and December after so much was cancelled last year (see what’s on p11 - 14).

Local businesses are bouncing back and adapting to new ways of working, and there’s a great choice of shops and services to choose from... and don’t forget, shop local isn’t just for Christmas - it’s for life! By spending with our many fabulous retailers, hospitality venues, markets, farm shops and business services you are supporting local jobs, improving the local economy and helping the environment.

There are firework displays in North Molton and Kings Nympton on November 5th, and George Nympton on the 6th. South Molton follows on the 12th with fireworks in the town’s Central Car Park, entry is free with donations to North Devon Hospice (page 11). The town’s Christmas Lights switch-on will be a separate event on the evening of November 19th from 5pm in The Square.

This year the honours will be performed by Mayor Mervyn Way and Jade Kingdom. Jade has Downs Syndrome, but set herself the challenge of completing the London Triathlon in August, raising more than £15,000 for North Devon Hospice.

Following the success of South Molton’s first Festival of Food & Drink in September, the town council are delighted to announce a follow-up festive themed event on Sunday November 28th from 10am to 3pm. (Continued on pages 28 & 29)

Taking place inside the town’s Pannier Market, under the twinkling of the Christmas lights, the event promises to offer visitors a wonderful selection of food and drink from some of the best sellers the West Country has to offer.

With Christmas being less than a month away the food festival may provide the perfect opportunity to pick up some early gifts, whilst supporting the area’s local food and drink producers.

Worried about supermarket supplies? Why not head to your local butchers, farm shop, vegetable supplier, grocery store or delicatessen. You can get your Christmas trees and logs from local business too!

If you are looking for unique and special gifts and enjoy investing in local quality makers, then drop in to Southernhay in North Street, South Molton between Friday November 26th and Sunday 28th (see advert page 14).

Southernhay is the home and studio of printmaker Judith Westcott, and from here she creates stunning handmade woodblock prints inspired by the natural world. The Southernhay Sale features Judith’s work along with bronzes from Dinsdale Petch, homeware and sculptures from David Ames, and Jenny Wilkinson with her handmade rugs and knitwear.

This is an opportunity to talk to the artists themselves, and understand more about what goes into their creative processes.

The popular Winter Wonderland event run by South Molton Business Association is a daytime event this year. It is scheduled to go ahead on Sunday December 5th between 10am and 3pm. Molton Monthly is proud to be one of the sponsors.