Community News

Bishops Nympton has new air ambulance landing site

A new floodlit landing site has been set up on the playing field at Bishops Nympton Primary School, so the Devon Air Ambulance helicopters can land safely at night.

It will help their clinical teams reach patients more quickly and safely in an emergency after dark in isolated rural areas. The primary school made the land available and the funding for the essential floodlighting was provided by Bishops Nympton Community Club, and the project was coordinated by the parish council.

Ian Cowling, Chair of Bishops Nympton Parish Council said, “We would like to thank all those who have brought a much-needed facility to the village that will enable night time access for the emergency air ambulance service.” The new landing site will be available until 2am daily.

Members of the organising team at the new landing site

Devon Air Ambulance is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Tim Gurney, Executive Headteacher at Exmoor Link Federation said, “Whilst we obviously hope this landing site never has to be used, we’re proud we can host this important asset for our community.”

South Molton Bowling Club have enjoyed a season of success in the North Devon Mens Triples League. After a series of games throughout the year, two teams made it to the finals at North Tawton on September 3rd.

Tim Bowden from the club said, “We’re delighted both teams were successful with Team D, captained by Brian Buckingham, emerging as winners of Champion of Champions, and Gareth Curtis’ Team C securing runners-up position. Well done to everyone!”

South Molton’s two successful bowls teams - photos by Linda Thompson

Skateboarding is ramping up

Skate Molton has been working with the town council to develop indoor skateboard sessions in the pannier market. Freestanding ramps have been bought thanks to funding from South Molton Town Council, they were moved into place with help from local van hire firm Forent. It means that new, weekly skateboarding sessions can run with the darker evenings and whatever the weather. If you would like to support the Skate Molton community group or find out more about the sessions, you can find them on Facebook: facebook.com/SkateMolton

by Rebecca Blackman

We’ve been enjoying a wonderful harvest of fruits and vegetables this month. Our round courgette varieties have produced a good crop of yellow and green courgettes, the blackberries are ripening and there are still raspberries to pick.

Our green beans have done amazingly well, with an abundance of beans to share. The group potatoes and onions have been plentiful and the sweetcorn is deliciously sweet! It’s so good to be able to grow and eat such fresh and vibrant food.

The garden has, unfortunately, suffered some vandalism recently. If anyone is walking in the Sheep Fair Field during the evenings, we would appreciate people keeping a friendly eye on the garden. We have been advised to contact the police if we witness any further damage being caused.

We welcome new members, so if you would like to be part of this community project, please get in touch! Either come along on a Thursday afternoon, weather permitting, at 2.30pm or please email: somocogarden@gmail.com

The all electric Ford Mustang Mach E taxi in South Molton

South Molton Taxi Service is now running around town in the first all-electric private hire car in North Devon, and it’s an iconic Ford Mustang!

Managing Director at South Molton Taxi Service, George Hyde says, “We are proud to have the first fully electric private hire vehicle in North Devon, helping us to reduce emissions locally and supporting our customers to achieve their corporate responsibility goals.”

North Devon Council’s licensing team awarded the new licence to South Molton Taxi Service in August. The firm acquired the Ford Mustang Mach E to use as an executive private hire vehicle.

The taxi firm plans to buy more fully electric vehicles in the future.

A grant of £6,000 has been awarded for enhancements to Chulmleigh Town Hall. It’s part of £63,500 of Section 106 funding from North Devon Council for improvements to community facilities. Leader of North Devon Council, David Worden, says, “They intend to install sound insulation between floors, so that the upper hall can be used more often without disturbing activities downstairs.” Former pupils, staff and locals attended a farewell party for Chittlehampton Village School, and there was also a service of thanksgiving in the church. Falling pupil numbers forced the school to close this year, after 156 years of serving the community. At the moment schoolchildren from Swimbridge are using the building for classes while their school is having repairs carried out.