Molton Monthly - September 2023
Welcome to the September edition of Molton Monthly. Let’s talk about the weather. For us it’s been a largely wet and windy ‘summer’ with occasional sunny spells, due to low pressure dominating the Atlantic.
As you can see from the cover photos (by Simon Ellery) from a soggy North Devon Show, it’s been a pretty damp July and August. No news yet from South West Water about the ongoing hosepipe ban here in North Devon.
Following last year’s heatwave and lack of rain, Roadford reservoir which serves most of Devon is currently 57% full (mid August), only 3% more than this time in 2022. Wimbleball is 77% (43% last year), Wistlandpound is full.
Water levels have been really low in a streamlet running through our garden for two years, we’ve only seen one eel in this time perhaps as a result of our changing climate?
You’ll read in this edition that the Link Road ‘improvement scheme’ has been delayed by at least three months, pushing it back to spring 2024. The weather is partially blamed for the work overrunning apparently...
Peter Robinson, Editor & publisher
Molton Monthly is also published free to read on our website moltonmonthly.co.uk and we have daily updates for news and events on Facebook and Instagram @MoltonMonthly
What’s Inside - September
P6-7 Photo of the month
P8 Tractor run’s mental health focus
P11-16 What’s On
P18-21 Muddy 2023 North Devon Show
P26-29 Link road works delayed into 2024
P31 September gardening tips
P34-35 Health & Wellbeing
P38-39 Farm Life - a farmer’s best friend
P42-43 770th Chulmleigh Old Fair
P47 Message from new Mayor
P50-55 Community News
P60-61 Schools and Learning
P62 Index of Advertisers
P63 Local Information
Molton Monthly magazine is printed on recycled, carbon neutral paper using solar energy as part of our ongoing commitment to a sustainable future. More than 5,000 copies are delivered free, door-to-door, by our dedicated local team to East and West Buckland, North Molton, South Molton, Heasley Mill, Filleigh, Charles, Clapworthy Mill, Bishops Nympton, Bish Mill, Chulmleigh, Chittlehampton, Alswear, Kings Nympton, George and Queens Nympton. We also have pick-up points around South Molton, Pathfields Business Park, Filleigh, Atherington, Chawleigh, Umberleigh, Rose Ash and Chittlehamholt, plus it is available at select North Devon and Exmoor pubs.
Puffin Island
by Andrew Sherriff
Sitting in the Atlantic Ocean, just 12 miles off the coast of North Devon, is the magical Lundy Island.
It has a fascinating history, including being occupied by pirates, and has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years. Marauding Vikings around the 9th century AD contributed the name - Lund-ey, meaning Puffin Island.
Every year Puffins return to Lundy (April to July are the peak months), and local photographer and bird watcher Andrew Sherriff took a trip over recently to see them, where he captured our photo of the month.
“It was tricky trying to get a picture before they dived into their burrows to feed their young. Luckily they remained still long enough to get a few snaps of these colourful and iconic sea birds,” said Andrew.
“North Devon is a wonderful place to live, especially if you like photography. With its beautiful beaches and dramatic coastline, rivers and moors - they all provide excellent opportunities to explore nature.”
Whether it’s wildlife like this, a landscape, nature, rural life, sports, special events, 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
Tractor journey shines light on farming mental health
‘Len’s Light’ is their vision to launch a national campaign to highlight the mental health of people in farming and rural communities - and they’ve raised more than £125,000 so far in their son’s name to help.
“When Andy turned the corner with Len’s Light, the tractor lights were blazing and throttles revved with a warm welcome from the local farming community,” said Trudy Herniman, who runs the Farmerados group which provides mental health support locally.
“Andy shook hands with everyone and thanked them for coming. Stags Agriculture provided refreshments - it was a lovely way of bringing the community together.”
You can find out more information and donate here: leneadon.muchloved.com
What’s On - September 2023 pages 11 - 16
Please contact event organisers before attending, as details are subject to change
1st - 10am Coffee morning for North Devon Hospice - SMART Swim Centre, South Molton (ends 11.30am)
1st - 8pm First Friday Jazz with the Kieron Garrett Quartet at Swimbridge Jubilee Hall (advert page 14)
2nd - 10am Coffee Morning in South Molton Parish Church (ends 12pm)
3rd - 10am Flea Market at South Molton Pannier Market
3rd - 10am Vintage Tractor Run from Umberleigh Village Hall (defibrillator fund); call Harold 01769 560665
4th - 7.30pm Bingo at Chittlehampton Village Hall - info 01769 540036
5th - 7.30pm Whist Drive at Chittlehampton Village Hall (every Tuesday) - info 01769 540036
7th - 12pm Lunchtime Concert in South Molton Parish Church with the Bydown Quartet
8th - 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm) Chulmleigh Rural Cinema presents ‘Allelujah’ (12A) - tickets £5 or £4.50 members, refreshments available, screening at Chulmleigh Pavilion
10th - 10am Car Boot Sale at South Molton Pannier Market, cars £10, vans £15; bookings 07549 177104
10th - 1pm Charity Sunday Roast raising funds for George Nympton Village Hall (advert page 14)
11th - 7.30pm Bishop’s Nympton History Group at the Parish Hall; ‘Westcountry Policing’ by Simon Dell
12th - 10am South Molton u3a Coffee Morning at Filleigh Village Hall; ‘A Musical Talk’ with Roger Browne
12th - 10am CommuniTEA- drop in service from One South Molton at the town library (ends 11.30am)
14th - 2pm Create ‘n’ Chat Group at the Parish Church Hall, Duke Street, South Molton (ends 4pm)
16th - 12pm Open Mic/Acoustic Sessions, Coaching Inn, South Molton: southmoltonacoustic.co.uk
16th - 7.30pm Eyes down for Bingo with South Molton Vintage Rally Club; The Coaching Inn, South Molton
17th - 10am Salvage Fair at South Molton Pannier Market
17th - 11am Castle Hill Fun Day & Charity Dog Show, Castle Hill Estate Filleigh (advert page 15)
20th - 7pm Chulmleigh Folk Club - sing, play, recite poetry & more at Chulmleigh Town Hall; £2 entry
21st - 10.30am Parkinsons Café for sufferers & carers at South Molton Library: 01769 572380 (ends 12pm)
23rd - 6pm Observing the Stars, family astronomy event; Poltimore Inn, North Molton (advert page 46)
23rd - 8pm ‘The Lyrics’ Live Band - Chittlehampton Village Hall, tickets; £12 adult/£6 child (advert page 12)
24th - 10am Antiques Fair at Umberleigh Village Hall (ends 3pm)
28th - 10am Harvest Fair Saturday in South Molton Parish Church (ends 1pm)
28th - 2pm Create ‘n’ Chat Group at the Parish Church Hall, Duke Street, South Molton (ends 4pm)
28th - 7pm Bish Nym Quiz Night £5pp up to 6 per team (every 4th Thurs): BishNymWhatsOn@gmail.com
29th - 7.30pm South Molton Keyboard & Light Music Club - jacket potato evening with entertainment, at the Methodist Church Hall; contact 01271 830051 for tickets
29th to October 1st - 9am Oktoberfest - food, drink & music festival Exmoor Riverside Camping (ad p12)
Mud, mud, glorious mud!
North Devon Show pages 18 - 21
photos by Simon Ellery
The North Devon Show fell on probably the wettest day of the summer so far on August 2nd, as an unseasonal storm swept heavy rain and strong winds in from the Atlantic.
As the mud increased underfoot and under wheels, the organisers were forced to close the car parks at 1pm, citing ‘health and safety reasons’. Despite this, many vehicles got stuck in the mud with visitors reporting it took at least a couple of hours to get out. Last year the show team faced criticism when massive queues caused long traffic delays, this year it was the weather.
“It was a decision we had to take as the rain just didn’t stop,” said Theresa Soanes, North Devon Show secretary. “After a certain time most people needed assistance to get their vehicles out, and that’s when we saw a real ‘spirit of Dunkirk’ attitude.”
“Everyone that could chipped in to help, and many were thankful for their efforts. We can only apologise to anyone affected in trying to exit the showground.” (see photo page 21)
Despite the rain, the majority of the show went on, celebrating rural life here in North Devon. Highlights included carriage driving (above), livestock displays, vintage vehicles, trade stands, local produce and family entertainment.
Continued overleaf
Theresa thanked all those who took part, visited and supported the show, “Despite everything the skies have thrown at us, I want to praise everyone who took part, for displaying such spirit and fortitude. It was a challenging set of circumstances for all.”
“We have had so many people comment on how much they enjoyed the day, and that speaks volumes for the hardy and supportive community we have here in North Devon.”
Link Road completion delayed to ‘spring 2024’ pages 26 - 29
Motorists have expressed their frustration and anger at the news that the £67 million A361 improvement works is facing delays of at least three months. The roadworks have been going on for almost three years and had been due to be completed in December, after being scaled back at the end of 2022 to keep within budget with construction costs spiralling.
In a Devon County Council update, released in July, the highways team said, “The main works are expected to be completed in March 2024, with landscaping and the aftercare continuing for a number of years to ensure plants establish successfully.”
Contractors Griffiths were first asked for a progress report by Molton Monthly in March. After several requests over the summer they replied on August 11th, stating, “We would like to thank the people of North Devon who have shown patience and understanding during the ongoing construction work. The scheme will make the North Devon Link road a safer and more efficient route to travel and provide a long term benefit to the North Devon region.”
They say the extension was agreed with Devon County Council in December last year. Griffiths add that the unseasonal summer rain since June has had an impact, along with supply issues and inflation in the economy. They warn that more bad weather could push it back further.
Councillor Andrea Davis, the Devon County Council cabinet member for transport, added,
“We all know how vital this scheme is for our local communities and economy, so I would ask everyone to bear with us while work continues. The link road itself has remained open throughout, and where there are closures every effort is being made to minimise disruption.”
“The team working on the Link Road improvements is committed to getting it completed as soon as possible, and they’re making progress on all aspects of the scheme.”
News of the delay was first published by Molton Monthly on our social media platforms on July 24th, prompting an outcry. Mary Law summed up the feelings of the majority of responses, “Everyone is fed up with the useless roadworks on the link road. Nobody is ever working on it. Mend the damned potholes and just abandon the link road. All the time wasted on it has done absolutely nothing to improve it.”
Derek Martin added, “An awful execution of a project, poorly managed and poorly overseen by the council. They should all hang their heads in shame.”
“Who is being held accountable for this appalling waste of money, years of disruption, and so little to show for it. Furthermore the ‘roundabout’ designs are dreadful. Just wait for the accidents,” said Maureen Jackson.
A361 roadworks - latest project update from the contractors
Borners Bridge Junction: the new ‘right turn temporary roundabout’ for North Molton has improved access to local communities and enabled work to progress waterproofing the existing River Mole viaduct, along with new carriageway development. Work to extend and refit the existing culvert is almost complete, additional support for the junction is being constructed now - completion spring 2024
West Buckland Bridge Junction: work to build the new over-bridge is progressing, including changes to the approach roads from the north and south of the junction, drainage, landscaping and surfacing work is underway - completion spring 2024
Hacche Lane Junction: no right turns onto and off the A361 will be introduced in early 2024, with all works concluding alongside the wider project schedule - completion spring 2024
Swimbridge to Filleigh: starting September as nighttime works which will extend through to early spring 2024, new widened carriageway construction, plus replacement of drainage, new vehicle restraint systems, speed cameras and variable message signs installed along with new surfacing and landscaping (associated watercourse work finished by end of 2023) - completion spring 2024
Landkey - Harford - Swimbridge: widened carriageway, new vehicle restraint systems, speed cameras and variable message signs, drainage, surfacing and landscaping - completion spring 2024 New Landkey roundabout and footbridge - completion December 2023
Griffiths say the site in general is now subject to planned night-time works, enabling the teams to complete critical jobs along the entire scheme reducing daytime restrictions or diversions to the travelling public.
Jobs to do in September
1. Divide herbaceous perennials regularly to ensure they stay healthy and vigorous year after year. Also, a great way to multiply your plants.
2. Plant spring flowering bulbs, narcissi and crocus can be planted this month.
3. Shrubs planted this month will get off to a flying start next spring, as they will have had all winter to settle in.
4. Pick autumn raspberries, when richly coloured, plump, and easy to pull off. Pick on a dry day. Raspberries freeze really well.
5. Remove dead leaves from waterlilies as the foliage dies back. And cut back overgrown marginal plants.
This month at the nursery we start potting new plants ready for sale next spring.
Herbaceous perennials and shrubs will be potted into 2 and 3 litre pots, then kept in cold polytunnels until the weather starts to warm up next February/March.
We now have a good range of bulbs, autumn bedding plants and new trees in stock.
Until next month, Jenny Howells
September Opening Times
Thursday Friday Saturday 9am - 5pm
Farm Life - a farmer’s best friend
by Roger HillA dog is a man’s best friend and also a farmer’s. Loyal, hard working and a constant companion. Throughout history dogs have worked alongside humans to hunt for food.
During the Neolithic period, with the advent of agriculture, dogs took on other duties such as herding livestock, fending off predators and locating lost animals. These newfound responsibilities brought about different breeds.
The Border collie is the most popular today. Developed in Northumberland on the Scottish Borders, they have a reputation for being incredibly intelligent. The Huntaway is also used on UK farms. Originally bred in New Zealand in the 19th century, it has a deep bark particularly useful in hilly areas. Kelpies from Australia are a cross between English collies and native dingoes. They can run for long periods and are trained to herd cattle, goats and even reindeer.
Farming is a lonely profession and a dog can be the only friend to talk to for many hours. A boost for mental health (see page 8). The same can be said for my ‘Sprocker’ Bess (pictured right). Unwavering loyalty, intelligence and charm mixed with boundless energy and enthusiasm but when you need a friend, she is there.
‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (website: quoit-at-cross.co.uk)
Good old fashioned fun at town’s historic fair photos by Nick Withers
The weather gods were looking down with some kindness on the running of the 770th Chulmleigh Old Fair in the last week of July.
Opened by Linda and Kevin Avery with the crowning of the Fair Queen Abi Bushell, and the Proclamation delivered by Ben Farlam resplendent in his Town Crier costume, this year’s theme was ‘Colourful Chulmleigh’.
“A big thanks goes to those who braved the weather, and the Old Fair committee for ensuring this ancient tradition continues to be a huge success,” said John Dixon.
“Thank you also to the army of volunteer stewards and first-aiders, and the all-important generosity of sponsors and supporting businesses without all of whom this event couldn’t be held.”
The bun game was a messy hit, and inset, good old fashioned fun in the street races
The town thronged to a colourful mix of pageantry, parades, music, games, sports and entertainment over its five main days. Only the cricket on the final Sunday got bowled out by the unseasonal bad weather.
New Mayor’s message
Jacqui Footman has started her year as Mayor of South Molton by donating £1,000 to charities.
The South Molton Foodbank, which runs at the YMCA, and the Saunders Good Samaritan Trust, which helps local families in need, each received £500. The money was saved by not holding the traditional mayoral ‘installation ceremony’ this year.
“When making decisions, my focus will always be on values and on what helps the most people,” said Cllr Footman, who has been a town councillor for five years and is a leading EFT Tapping practitioner & trainer (Emotional Freedom Techniques).
“I’m looking at what can help grow community coherence and a spirit of kindness and understanding throughout.”
“I plan to propose to the town council that we espouse the values for community development put forward by One Northern Devon and One South Molton, and explore ways of helping people with issues of the trauma imprints of isolation and fear that followed the pandemic, and continue today with climate and cost of living concerns.”
Storm brings down trees
An Amber weather warning for strong winds was issued for Saturday, August 5th as Storm Antoni swept across North Devon. Several trees were brought down, and power cuts were reported in some areas, as winds gusted to around 60mph.
A large tree fell onto the A377 near Umberleigh, partially blocking the road (right). Storm Antoni was the first storm named by the Met Office in this ‘storm naming season’.
The unseasonal wet and windy weather in July and large parts of August has been caused by position of the Jet Stream over the Atlantic Ocean off our coast.
Firm closes after 40 years
South Molton Tool Hire closed its doors for the final time on August 31st, after four decades serving the local community.
Owner Andy Horsnell is taking on a new role as a technician and training officer for the well-known tool brand Makita. He thanked customers for their ‘loyal support’ of his popular family owned business.
