Community News

Can wind make Devon a powerhouse?

A leading climate scientist says Devon has the opportunity to be the heart of a ‘Southwest Powerhouse’, with communities creating their own electricity from new onshore wind farms.

A glimpse of this future was given by Iain Stewart, Professor of Geoscience Communication at the University of Plymouth, during a recent session of Devon Climate Assembly.

“What kind of future do you want Devon to have in terms of you, your kids, and your grandkids - because that’s what the Climate Assembly is being asked to do here,” said Professor Stuart.

Wind power in North Devon Photo: Bianca Robinson

“There is hope - and in Devon we have a plan - but the message is that all of us Devon residents, the UK Government and people all over the world must act now,” added Professor Patrick Devine-Wright, chairman of the net-zero task force.

Johnny Gowdy, of Exeter based non-profit organisation Regen, estimates that onshore wind power could create 14,000 new jobs by 2035. Wind farms can be controversial in the countryside, because of the visual effects and noise, but campaigners believe the benefits outweigh the impacts.

Turn to page 47 to read the latest on the North Devon Biosphere campaign to help nature recover where we live and work.

To find out more about Devon Climate Assembly see: devonclimateemergency.org.uk

The first ever North Molton Country Fair raised almost £2,000 for a local charity.

Hundreds attended the event on the village sports ground on August 22nd.

Organiser Kate Tearall is a community champion at the Tesco Extra in Barnstaple. She presented a cheque for £1,929.28 to the Over and Above Hospital Charity on September 9th (pictured right).

A spokesman for the charity said, “A big thank you to Kate for organising this fantastic event, and to all the Tesco staff who supported her and our wonderful volunteers. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone who attended that it was a huge success, and after a year and a half of no events, it was so good to be back.”

The continuing high Covid-19 rates in Devon are adding to pressures on the health and care system locally, due to increased numbers of patients in hospital with Coronavirus and the number of staff off because they or a close family member has the virus.

Last month Devon was made a Covid ‘Enhanced Response Area’ to try to tackle the latest large spike in cases. But local health officials say everyone across the county can play a part in reducing transmission and the impact the virus is having on health and care services.

Dr Paul Johnson, Clinical Chair of NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, said, “We still need to take Covid seriously. Many people who are very ill in our hospitals with Coronavirus are not fully vaccinated and some of them are young adults.”

“Many people in Devon will have friends or family who work in the health and care system, and you know how hard they have been working throughout the pandemic and how tired they are.”

While the number of positive cases of Coronavirus has almost halved since the peak in August, they have generally remained higher than the national average and the rate of decline has slowed. In the third week of September there were still around 360 positive cases recorded in North Devon and more than 200 in Mid Devon.

“You can help by choosing the right service for your needs, only using Emergency Departments for emergencies. Plus getting vaccinated, having both jabs if you’re eligible, social distancing and maintaining good hygiene are all vital,” added Dr Johnson.

Doctors urge everyone to follow current public health advice to:

• Have both vaccinations when you are eligible • Test regularly and isolate if you have symptoms or test positive • Follow social distancing and wear face coverings indoors in public places • Maintain good hygiene including hand washing • Meet people outside or in well ventilated areas

The Covid-19 testing van (right) visits South Molton between 9am and 12.30pm on Tuesdays and 1.30pm to 5pm on Fridays. As well as testing by the trained team at the vehicle, lateral flow test kits are also available for people to take home.

Pop up vaccination clinics are also continuing in North and Mid Devon.

Exmoor was designated as Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association back in 2011. Roll forward ten years and there are almost 50 events taking place in celebration of this year’s Exmoor Dark Skies Festival from October 22nd to November 7th.

Free copies of the programme are available from National Park Centres and participating businesses. Now in its 5th year, it features a wide range of things to do for families and adults.

For more information on what’s on go to: exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival

35 years of service

Colin and Sue Wallis marked 35 years running E. Bulled & Sons shop in North Molton on September 1st. The village store and Post Office remains at the heart of this vibrant rural community.

Revelling in success

Kings Nympton Church Revel on August Bank Holiday weekend raised a whopping £3,250. The organisers thank all those who volunteered, attended and supported the village event.

Explore Exmoor

Are you over 55, want to get more active and explore the beauty of Exmoor National Park? Why not book onto the ‘CAN Explore Exmoor’ programme. To book or if you would like further information email: tom@shoc.info or call 01643 831259

Exmoor Dark Skies Festival - Porlock Marsh by Richard Presley