Community News

Mission Unbreakable returns with a big splash!

600 brave souls conquered the mud, marsh, rivers, hills and obstacles at North Molton Sports Ground, aiming to raise up to £30,000 for North Devon Hospice.

After a Covid-enforced absence in 2020, ‘Mission: Unbreakable’ returned on October 10th - featuring an array of tough challenges on a specially built commando course.

It was a poignant occasion for friends and family of David Campbell and Keith Regan. Both men had taken part in Mission Unbreakable before, but each had sadly passed away since the previous event in 2019. Both were supported by the hospice throughout their illnesses.

Coming up for air - photo by Steve Batchelor

David’s wife, Clare Campbell said, “It was emotional coming up that final field to the finish line, knowing that David and Keith would have both loved every second of it. David took part in the event four or five times, and I could feel his presence around the course.”

Jess Burford Redgrove, from North Devon Hospice, said it was incredible to see everyone taking part again. “After a year when so much fundraising had been cancelled, and our charity shops had to be closed, it was a worrying time. We need the support of the community to continue providing care for local people who face lifelimiting illnesses like cancer.”

She paid tribute to 24 Commando Royal Engineers who run the course, and all the volunteers and sponsors for their support.

A unique partnership has successfully established a new night landing site for Devon Air Ambulance on farmland in Romansleigh, near South Molton.

It will be located at Romansleigh Barton on land owned by the Webber family.

The Webber family joined by project partners at the new landing site

Toby Russell, from Devon Air Ambulance, explained the background of the project, “Several years ago, Richard Webber kindly contacted Devon Air Ambulance to see if part of his family farm could be used as a community landing site. These floodlit and surveyed sites are used by our crews to safely fly into the heart of isolated communities when it is dark.”

Richard Webber of Romansleigh Barton added, “We are delighted to have been able to provide this site for the community, not just for Romansleigh but hopefully also serving some of our other neighbouring small villages and rural inhabitants.”

Rural broadband provider Airband gave permission for one of its rural telecommunications masts to be used for the lighting. Funding was provided by Romansleigh Parish Council in partnership with local district and county councillors.

The number of patients in Devon’s hospitals with Covid-19 almost doubled in the first three weeks of October, and the number of positive cases in North Devon has risen sharply again to 454 (from 360 last month) and 528 in Mid Devon (from 200 last month).

Parents can now book Covid-19 vaccinations online for their 12-15 year old children. NHS Devon’s Chief Nurse Darryn Allcorn said, “Coronavirus rates are currently highest among people of school age in Devon. Many pass the virus on to their parents and family members.”

“We strongly recommend youngsters take up the opportunity to have the vaccination whether in school or at one of our local vaccination centres. It will reduce their chance of feeling very unwell and having further disruption to their education if they catch Covid.” The National Booking System can be used to book appointments for a first dose for 12 to 15 year olds in Devon at Barnstaple Leisure Centre or Greendale Vaccination Centre, Woodbury Salterton, Exeter - phone 119 or go online at: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Covid-19 booster vaccinations are also now being administered in Devon. The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn. You’ll be offered a booster at least 6 months after you had your 2nd dose. Please wait to be contacted via letter, text or email before trying to book.

Home-grown Manager for South Molton Swimming Pool

Local lad Sam Mason (right) has been appointed as the new Development Manager at South Molton Pool by the operator 1610.

Sam trained as a lifeguard at South Molton Pool at 16 years old over ten years ago, as well as qualifying as Level 1 Swim Teacher.

Aquafit classes have resumed at the pool (see page 50), but Dan Bryant from 1610 says public swimming might not resume until later this month due to a shortage of lifeguards, “Recruitment has been a struggle, as it currently is in many industries. We have a lifeguard qualification course scheduled for the end of October, so provided candidates pass we’re looking to reintroduce limited public swimming from November onwards.”

Super donation for footballers

Sainsbury’s has rewarded South Molton Football Club for its work in the community with a voucher for £200. South Molton AFC have teams in most age groups, from 5 years old up to adult football. They say they welcome new members and volunteers to their thriving club. The donation will be used to support upcoming events and activities for all their teams.

Nomads (right) will be performing their version of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Victory Hall in North Molton later this month.

The performances will take place from November 11th to 13th at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee aimed especially at children at 2.30pm.

Organisers say you can expect lots of laughs and local colour! Tickets available from North Molton Post Office; £6 adults, £3 children.

Village playground boost

A charity auction raised at least £7,360 to go towards new play equipment for the North Molton Laurels Playground. Organisers thanked all those who generously donated items to be auctioned, and everyone who bid and supported the fundraising initiative.

22 brave people took part in a charity fire walk on October 8th at the youth homelessness centre in Chawleigh, raising £3,200 for the charity. The Amber Foundation runs Ashley Court, which is home to up to 30 local young people, who face a range of issues including homeless, unemployment and mental ill health. Fundraising manager Becky Fry said, “We are so grateful to everyone who came and supported this event- it was a brilliant evening. It would be fabulous to make it to £3,500 raised, so please do donate if you can.”

Above, Aiden hot stepping