Three is the magic number

by Elizabeth Jones

For many people, seeing Exmoor Ponies on the open moors is one of the highlights.

Elizabeth Jones found herself in the perfect place on a recent walk, when she came face to face with these three beauties, capturing the moment for our photo of the month.

“I work as an animal sitter and was out with three dogs. The ponies appeared to be very curious about them,” said Elizabeth. “The photo was taken on my mobile phone, and by some fluke it turned out really well!”

Elizabeth took picture at the beginning of autumn on Cheriton Ridge near Lynton.

Exmoor Ponies are native to Britain and are a common sight on Exmoor, where a number of managed herds graze the rough pasture.

The ponies are only ‘wild’ in the sense that the herds roam freely on the moor, they all belong to someone. There are around twenty different herds that run on the various commons of Exmoor, two of which are owned by the National Park.

Whether it’s wildlife like this, a landscape, nature, rural life, special events, sport, a local character or something else - please keep emailing us your pictures. We usually only feature one each month in the magazine, but show more on our Instagram and Facebook pages: @MoltonMonthly

South West Water is urging everyone to conserve water this autumn and winter, to help supplies to build up for next year.

Roadford, the main reservoir serving North Devon, is still only 54% full at the time of writing, Wimbleball is at 76%. The company lifted its five month hosepipe ban for Devon on September 25th.

“Climate change has shown how unpredictable weather patterns can be and we must continue to protect the region’s rivers and beautiful natural resources,” said David Harris, South West Water’s drought and resilience director. “We want to thank all of our customers, visitors and businesses in conserving water at this challenging time, but please keep using water wisely this autumn and winter.”

South West Water recently launched its ‘Plan for Change 2025 - 2030’, with pledges to improve water quality and supplies, and to dramatically reduce pollution and improve both bathing and river water quality.

The water industry regulator Ofwat has been asked to approve the plans put forward by suppliers across the UK to almost double infrastructure investment to £96billion. If approved, customer bills could rise by as much as £156 a year by 2030 to pay for upgrades and reduce sewage discharges.

South West Water had delayed the decision to lift the hosepipe ban in Devon due to uncertain weather patterns, stating, “It is climate change that is driving this. We had an incredibly hot year last year, which drew supplies down dramatically, and they still haven’t fully recovered.”

The company says it hopes further work in the Roadford reservoir zone could prevent future bans in Devon, adding, “between 2025 and 2030 we’re planning construction and other initiatives to improve supplies.”

What’s On - November 2023 pages 11 - 17

Please contact event organisers before attending, as details are subject to change

1st - 10am Macmillan Christmas Fair at the Assembly Rooms, South Molton (advert page 12)

3rd - 10am Coffee morning for North Devon Hospice - SMART Swim Centre, South Molton (ends 11.30am)

3rd - 3.30pm Bonfire Night market at South Molton Pannier Market

3rd - 7pm Firework display fundraising for North Devon Hospice, South Molton Central Car Park (ad below)

3rd - 7.30pm Ceilidh at Chittlehampton Village Hall. Tickets: 01769 540886

3rd - 8pm First Friday Jazz with Slightly Blue at Swimbridge Jubilee Hall (advert page 14)

4th - 8.30am Chulmleigh Town Hall Craft Market & Coffee Morning (ends 11.30am)

4th - 10am South Molton Parish Church coffee morning (ends 12pm)

4th - 5pm Fireworks and Hallowe’en Party with food & entertainment at George Nympton village (ad p16)

4th - 6.30pm Firework display at North Molton Methodist Field, admission £3.50 (pre-school free)

5th - 10am Flea Market at South Molton Pannier Market

5th - 5.30pm Fireworks and Bonfire at Kings Nympton Playing field (advert page 16)

6th - 7.30pm Bingo at Chittlehampton Village Hall - info 01769 540036

7th - 7.15pm South Molton Flower Club meeting in the Weston Room, Filleigh Village Hall (advert page 14)

7th - 7.30pm Whist Drive at Chittlehampton Village Hall (every Tuesday) - info 01769 540036

9th to 11th - Nomads presents ‘A Christmas Carol’ at North Molton Victory Hall (advert page 14)

9th - 7.30pm Eyes down for bingo at Chulmleigh Pavilion

10th - 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm) Chulmleigh Rural Cinema presents ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ (12A) - tickets £5 or £4.50 members, refreshments available, screening at Chulmleigh Pavilion

11th - 10am Christmas Gift Fair at Bishops Nympton Parish Hall (ends 3pm)

14th - 10am South Molton u3a Coffee Morning at Filleigh Village Hall; Guide Dogs with Helen Wells

14th - 10am CommuniTEA- drop in service from One South Molton at the town library (ends 11.30am)

16th - 10.30am Parkinsons Café for sufferers & carers at South Molton Library: 01769 572380 (ends 12pm)

18th - 12pm Open Mic/Acoustic Sessions, Coaching Inn, South Molton: southmoltonacoustic.co.uk

18th - 1.30pm Christmas Craft & Artisan Market at North Molton Victory Hall (advert page 14)

18th - 2.30pm South Molton Keyboard & Light Music Club; tea dance at the Methodist Church Hall

18th - 8pm Auction of Promises for North Molton Community Shop at The Poltimore Inn

19th - 10am Salvage Fair at South Molton Pannier Market

20th - 7pm Wreath making with South Molton Sisters W.I. at the YMCA, monthly meeting with quiz

22nd - 7pm Chulmleigh Folk Club - sing, play, recite poetry & more at Chulmleigh Town Hall; £2 entry

23rd - 10am Coffee morning in aid of Cancer Research UK. Assembly rooms, South Molton (ends 12pm)

24th to 26th - Ice Skating Rink South Molton lorry park (free) Fri 5-9pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm

24th - 5pm South Molton Christmas Lights switch-on in The Square, entertainment & street food (page 51)

25th - 10am Christmas Market for Filleigh Primary School PTA at the village hall (ends 4pm)

25th - 10am Kick off Christmas Market - South Molton Pannier Market and Assembly Rooms

25th - 2pm Christmas Fair at Chittlehampton Village Hall

25th - 6pm Family stargazing event in the observatory at The Poltimore Inn, North Molton (advert page 55)

25th - 7.30pm Eyes down for South Molton Vintage Rally Club bingo at The Coaching Inn, South Molton

26th - 10am South Molton Festival of Food & Drink at the Pannier Market (ends 4pm)

30th to Dec 4th - 10am Christmas Tree Festival at South Molton Parish Church (opens 1pm on the 3rd)

Create ‘n’ Chat at the Church Hall, Duke Street, South Molton 2-4pm 9th, 23rd

South Molton Sisters W.I Craft & Natter Amory Centre garden room 10.30am-12.30pm 1st, 4th, 15th, 18th

Anger and frustration at Link Road closure and diversion

Motorists and residents reacted angrily to the news that the A361 between South Molton and Landkey was to be partially closed for a month, with traffic diverted through local villages.

Molton Monthly revealed in our September edition how the £67 million Link Road improvement scheme is delayed until spring 2024, even after being scaled back to keep within budget due to spiralling construction costs. The new diversions are expected to end on November 11th.

One lane between South Molton and Landkey has been closed completely, with eastbound traffic following the Link Road one way only. Westbound vehicles are diverted off the North Aller roundabout and through Filleigh, Swimbridge, and Landkey. Controversial parking restrictions have been put in place through Landkey and Swimbridge to help ease the flow of traffic, with lorries and other large vehicles being diverted via Umberleigh and the A377.

“The diversion route for HGV is via Umberleigh? That’s going to cause a mess over the bridge!” said Steve Cole, when the news was announced on our Facebook page on September 27th. “Never seen a job fall so far behind schedule than this one,” said J P Cudmore. “I’ve barely seen any difference in 24 months,” added Dave Star.

Adam Williams said, “Traffic through Landkey is bad enough and they shut the road whenever they please.” And Sasha McMenemy complained, “Getting home every day is going to suck!”

The closure from October 11th is to allow the contractor Griffiths to excavate the road and waterproof five major structures beneath the highway. Drainage improvements, safety barrier replacement and resurfacing will also be undertaken at the same time.

HGVs and larger vehicles are being advised to take a route via Umberleigh and the A377

Eastbound traffic will follow the A361, one way from Barnstaple to South Molton Westbound traffic will come off at Aller Cross roundabout, and travel via Filleigh, Swimbridge and Landkey

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council cabinet member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said, “This is a vital element of the link road improvement scheme. Some delays will be unavoidable, so I would urge people travelling in the area to plan ahead and please allow extra time for your journey. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and to complete the work as quickly as possible.”

Lee reaches international photography final

Lee Symons, from South Molton, is already well known as a medal-winning Special Olympian, now he has reached the finals of an international photography competition.

The 20 year old captured the imagination of the judges with his shot entitled ‘The Road to Everywhere’ (opposite page). He was selected for the finals of the annual Down’s Syndrome Association ‘My Perspective’ competition, in London on October 12th.

When asked what inspires him, Lee said, “My friend Sarah Hailstone. She let me use her camera and shows me how to use it. We go to great places in Exmoor National Park, and she taught me how to take photos, but she just lets me try any shots I like when I see good scenery or animals.”

Lee’s photo finished in the top 25 in the adult category, from entries selected from all over the world. All the finalists’ pictures are on show at in Exeter Library until January 12th.

“I feel fabulous and amazing about reaching the finals. It’s exciting because I only just started taking photographs with a proper camera,” added Lee. He has been mentored by Sarah Hailstone, who is known for her ‘Exmoor with Jack’ walks and photography.

“Lee was instantly engaged and loved the freedom to snap away, but soon began to look out for ‘nice scenery’ as he puts it! He learned how to focus the camera and use a zoom lens for subjects like the Exmoor ponies,” said Sarah.

Mum Elaine told Molton Monthly, “We are so proud of Lee in all that he has achieved. He has grown into a super young man and we cannot wait to enjoy his upcoming journey of adventure and achievements.”

She thanked Sarah Hailstone wholeheartedly for getting him started in photography on their Exmoor trips, and hinted that Lee may well be getting a camera for his birthday!

Pothole put up for auction!

Disgruntled driver Paul Webb put a North Devon pothole on the auction website eBay, to highlight his frustration at the state of the area’s roads. He listed one on the B3227 from Umberleigh to Torrington, with a starting price of £10!

“I have an odd sense of humour, my wife thinks most people don’t get my jokes, but the idea of selling one of the thousands of holes we have in North Devon’s roads made me laugh,” Paul told Molton Monthly

“The pothole and loose metal ‘cat’s eye’ are still there and unrepaired, well why would it be fixed? Nobody in authority seems to give a toss about the damage being caused to our vehicles.”

Paul, who is 71, first posted a picture of the damaged road on the Facebook group North Devon Pothole Community, which has more than 4,500 members. “Adopt a pothole today and be the envy of your friends!” the eBay listing said. “Devon has thousands of potholes to choose from, we’re starting with one that has a loose cat’s eye - which is going to come out any day!”

The pothole (above) received 495 views, but no-one placed a bid. The winning bidder would have received a colour photo of it. Mr Webb, who lives in South Molton and is the semi-retired managing director of his company Glazing Innovations Ltd in Swimbridge, said, “In my opinion the management at the county council and Devon Highways needs to be reviewed. We are all being taxed to death and not getting the service we deserve. Our roads are a disgrace!”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was recently dubbed the ‘Pothole PM’ when he said fixing Britain’s pothole crisis is “probably priority number one”. Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon, has raised the issue of North Devon’s potholes several times in Westminster.

Earlier this year Devon County Council received an additional £9.4 million from the government for pothole repairs. Highways officials said 34,199 holes were recorded in 11 months of 2022/23, stating it had doubled the number of pothole gangs and extended working hours, “which has resulted in up to 2,200 potholes repaired each week”.

Jobs to do in November

1. Plant tulip bulbs for a beautiful spring display next year. You can also finish planting narcissi and other spring flowering bulbs this month.

2. Pruning and renovation of many deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges can be carried out from now throughout the dormant season. Bush roses should be lightly pruned to prevent wind rock.

3. Take hardwood cuttings of Cornus, Euonymus, Forsythia, Ilex and Salix.

4. Take leaves off Christmas and Lenten rose type hellebores to make way for the flowers.

5. Winter can be a tough time for birds in terms of food and water, so keep supplies well topped up.

This month at the nursery we are busy potting up bare root plants and getting prepared for making holly wreaths. We make the bases from straw, which is more environmentally friendly than using moss. If you would like to order a holly wreath, check out our Facebook page to see all the different designs, and please order before the end of November. Until next month, Jenny Howells

November Opening Times

1st to 25th

Thursday Friday Saturday 9am - 5pm 26th to Christmas Eve

Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm