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Hello Bideford
Hi, welcome to the June edition of the Link’ Magazine.
I hope everyone had a great time over the two bank holidays.
We have lots on in June including the Bideford Fair, Mayor’s Parade, and Cream Tea Festival that will take place on Saturday, 6 June 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm in Victoria Park.
Unfortunately he has run away again, up to his old tricks! Can you help me find him? He will be hiding behind an advert in the magazine
Once you have found him, send his location to me. mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or use the contact form on the web site.
One person will be drawn from the correct answers to win. Closing date for entries 12h June 2026
He’s hiding in one of the adverts inside the magazine. Find him to Win a Sunday lunch for two at the Beaver Inn, Appledore
Send your answers by email to mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk
Closing date is June 12th 2026 One person will be drawn from the correct answers to win.
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Tuesday 2nd June. Time Out Tuesday – Ilfracombe A circular 5 mile evening stroll around Ilfracombe. Meet at the Jonathan Edwards mosaic on the promenade. Start Time: 6.30pm, estimated finish: 8.30pm
Tuesday 9th June. Time Out Tuesday – Bideford. A circular 5 mile evening stroll around Bideford. Meet at Tarka the Otter statue on the quay. Start Time: 6.30pm, estimated finish: 8.30pm
Wednesday 10th June. Exford and Room Hill. A 6 mile circular walk with beautiful views across the moor with one fairly steep ascent and descent. Meet at Exford Car Park. Start Time: 10.30am, estimated finish: 2.30pm
Thursday 18th June. A circular stroll, coffee and chat through Valley of the Rocks, Lee abbey Cottage Tea Rooms and the SWCP. Meet at Barnstaple Bus Station at 9.40am. Estimated finish: 3.15pm
Tuesday 23rd June. Time Out Tuesday – Braunton. A circular 5 mile stroll around Braunton. Meet at The Countryside Centre Caen Street Car Park. Start Time: 6.30pm, estimated finish: 8.30pm Friday 26th June. Webbers Post to Wooton Courtney. A 7.5 mile circular leisurely walk across open moorland with beautiful views over Exmoor. Meet Webbers Post Car Park. Start Time: 10.30am, estimated finish: 3.30pm
Tuesday 30th June. Time Out Tuesday – Barnstaple.A 5 mile circular leisurely stroll around Barnstaple. Meet at Barnstaple Railway Station. Start Time: 6.30pm, estimated finish: 8.30pm
In addition there is a Two Moor Ways 50th Anniversary walk in June led by Two Moors Way Assoc. Please refer to our website for more information: northdevonramblers.org
Volunteers Wanted for Summer Conservation Activities with the Northam Burrows Rangers
Volunteer recruitment is now underway for this summer’s programme of conservation activities and beach cleans across Torridge, led by the Northam Burrows Ranger Team. Residents are encouraged to get involved by joining a series of practical conservation days taking place across the district.
Over the last five years, Torridge District Council has changed how several meadows, parks and roadside verges are managed, with selected areas now cut later in the year to allow grass and wildflowers to flower and set seed. As this wildlife friendly approach is more labour intensive, volunteers have become central to supporting the Grounds Maintenance and Ranger Teams’ work, helping to rake and remove cut grass, sow wildflower seeds, survey meadows and harvest seed.
Having the vital support of volunteers means more can be achieved across the district, helping wildflowers to thrive and creating important habitats for pollinators such as bumblebees.
The programme of upcoming conservation activities offers residents a great opportunity to get involved, learn new skills and make a positive contribution to the local environment.
On Wednesday 10 June (10am–3pm), the Rangers will be working at Gatefield in Bideford, with volunteers assisting with tree weeding to support the area’s developing green spaces. Volunteers are needed at Gatefield, Bideford on Wednesday 8 July (10am–3pm) to take part in a wildflower survey, helping to monitor and record local plant species.
The programme concludes at Northam Burrows on Wednesday 15 July (10am–3pm), with a dune slack plant survey supporting ongoing habitat management work.
To help keep some of Torridge’s most popular summer locations clean and welcoming, a series of beach and village litter picks will also take place at Westward Ho!, meeting at the Slipway, on the following dates:
Sunday 3 May, 11am–1pm
Sunday 14 June, 10am–12pm
Sunday 12 July, 10am–12pm
Councillor Cheryl Cottle‑Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement at Torridge District Council, said:
“Volunteering with our fantastic Ranger Team is a great way to support and nurture our local environment, benefitting both wildlife and residents. These sessions also offer a wonderful opportunity to meet like‑minded people and get outdoors, both of which are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing. With no prior experience needed, I would encourage anyone who is interested to get involved and give it a try!”
Residents who are unable to volunteer in person can still support wildlife locally by setting aside part of their garden for No Mow May, allowing flowers to bloom and provide food for pollinators. Further information is available at Plantlife's No Mow May Movement. Free No Mow May signs can be collected from the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre or downloaded from https:// www.plantlife.org.uk/campaigns/nomowmay/#freedownloads.
Local businesses are also welcome to take part in this summer’s volunteering programme through corporate volunteer days. Small groups can book onto existing events, while larger groups are encouraged to contact the Ranger Team directly. All events are free to attend. Pre booking is essential for conservation task days, as places are limited. Beach cleans are drop in events and open to all. No previous experience is necessary, and all tools and equipment will be provided. For more information or to book a place, please email northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or call 01237 479708.
Torridge District Council supports call for Bideford licensees to sign-up to local Pubwatch Scheme
A group of Licensees are setting up a Pubwatch scheme in Bideford. Following an initial successful first meeting, the Group is inviting Licensees across the town to attend a meeting on Tuesday 12 May 2026 to find out more about the nationwide scheme. The Scheme is supported by Torridge District Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.
Pubwatch is a voluntary, local, independent group of licensed premises (pubs, bars, clubs) working together to promote a joint approach to safety initiatives, such as the "Ask Angela" scheme and to combat antisocial behaviour and crime. By sharing information, and imposing shared bans on troublemakers, they aim to create safer environments for customers and staff, collaborating with local police and the Council's Licensing Team. Possible sanctions available to a Pubwatch Committee include a written warning, a ban from the reporting premises only, a 6 month ban or a 1, 2, 3, 5 year or lifetime ban from all licensed premises in the area. There is already a successful Pubwatch scheme operating in Holsworthy. Jon Hutchings, Publican, The White Hart Hotel, Holsworthy said:
"The Holsworthy Pubwatch started around 2 years ago. It brought all the licencees in the town together including the pubs and clubs. As a group we meet and discuss licencing issues and share information relating to anti-social behaviour. We have as a group had to ban several people which makes our pubs safer places for customers to visit. It also helps our staff as it gives them a tool to use a warning to those who do not want to act within the law or within the individual pub's rules."
Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said:
"We are happy to support the Pubwatch Scheme and would strongly encourage as many licensees as possible to come along to the meeting and find out more about this very important scheme. By joining together, Bideford's licensees can send a clear message, that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our community. This is an excellent demonstration of how a close working relationship between licensed premises, council officers, the police and its partners - can help to create a safer environment for everyone wanting to enjoy a night out."
Detective Seargent, Donna Money, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said:
"Strong communities are built on shared responsibility. This new Pubwatch initiative in Bideford brings venues, staff and local partners together with a common goal: creating safer, more welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy a night out with confidence and respect. It's great to see local Pubs wanting to be part of this and we hope that the community welcome this initiative and continue to behave in a manner that means they can enjoy themselves and wonderful establishments we have."
Pubwatch is a pro-active scheme run by the licensees themselves supported by Torridge District Council Licensing Team and Devon and Cornwall Police.
TheMacularGroup
Meet once a month ,on the first Thursday of each month, at The BURTON, Bideford, in the KINGSLEY ROOM ,BETWEEN 10 am-12 NOON. All are welcome. Looking forward to meeting you. Any queries contact Richard Lockwood on 01237 476827
Northam&DistrictMen'sForum
The Forum welcomes back existing and invites new Members to our weekly Thursday meetings from 10:15am to 12 noon, October to the end of April at the Methodist Church Hall, Cross Street, Northam. Interesting speakers on a range of topics. Refreshments available. Please contact Keith on 01237 459299 for more information.
Coffeemorning,chatandcraftswithTogetherAgain.
The Pollyfield Community Centre 10am to 12pm Tuesdays
BidefordFridayAfternoonTableTennis playing every Friday from 2.30-4.30 at Bideford Youth Centre, The Pill, Bideford. Come along and enjoy friendly table tennis! Call Jan on 07467 221199 for more details or just turn up!
CLEVERCRAFTERS Old school room,Atlantic way rom 10am to 12, every Friday. We are open to everyone (crafters and non crafters) for tea/coffee cake and conversation.
Bingo- Meet at Holy Trinity Church hall, Westward Ho!, Bingo every 4th Saturday, open 2.30, eyes down at 3pm. Contact Nicola 07813456059.
StMargaret’sChurch, Northam, Open Church on Friday mornings for coffees, teas, and a book stall from 10.15 – 12noon
Knit&NattergroupatBidefordlibrary 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. 2-4pm. All ages and levels of expertise welcome. No charge but we make a donation for our tea and biscuits.
Westward Ho!LadiesClub We meet every Thursday at 7.30p.m. from September to May in the Schoolroom of the Kingsley Hall Westward Ho!. We have a variety of speakers and new members are always welcome. Please contact Alison on 07929 958654 for more information.
NorthamChoralSociety – meets at 7.30 every Tuesday evening, excluding the summer holidays, in St Mary’s Church Bideford. The choir is open to all ages and voices, and holds regular concerts in May and December. Come along and join us – it’s fun! For more information you can either contact Michael on 07933 244247, or just come along and see what we do.
BidefordFolkClub meets every Thursday at 7:30pm in the Joiner’s Arms, Bideford, EX39 2DR For more information see Website: www.bidefordfolkclub.com or John Purser 01237 424286, bidefolk@gmail.com"
Westward Ho! BridgeClub every Tuesday and Thursday in the Holy Trinity hall, starting at 6.45pm. Ring Graham on 01237 470990 or email penkenna2@gmail.com
BidefordPhoenixMorris Why not join to dance or play this year.
7.00pm to 9pm at the Baptist Church Hall, Mill Street, Bideford. For more information contact Neil or Carolyn on 01237 473798, email: info@bidefordphoenix.co.uk
TorridgeMaleVoiceChoir - Woolsery Village Hall. Rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7.45pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Contact John on 07929 334070 for information. There is no audition!
StMargaret’sChurchNortham“CoffeeatMaggies” From 10am 3.30pm on Tuesday and 10am - 2pm Wednesday to Saturday inclusive where they serve a fantastic variety of homemade cakes and drinks which all of us villagers absolutely love. Appledoreshortmatbowls played at the community centre Tuesdays 7-9 pm £3 a session.
NorthamBadmintonClub friendly club play every Thursday afternoon 2pm to 3pm at Northam Community Centre
TheJollyDollies Especially for widows, we meet each week for coffee and a chat and to plan excursions and outings. For further information contact thejollydollies.co.uk' Contact Jean– 07866 592019
Abbotshamshortmatbowlsclub Held at Abbotsham hall Thursdays 2-4pm £3 a session tel: bid 421585
TORRIDGERAMBLERS are a friendly group who walk the footpaths and bridleways of the Torridge area with additional walks further afield. Walks open to all ages. For details of walks or more information contact our chairman Chris 07989555717 orclemo9@hotmail.com
Northam Monday Afternoon Table Tennis - playing Mondays, 14:00-15:30 at Northam Community Centre, Fore Street. Just turn up for a friendly, informal session with coaching available. Ring 07929823185 for more information
Kenwith Company of Archers -Tuesday evenings at our Littleham Field and Bideford indoors. Taster sessions & beginners courses for newcomers. Contact David on 07866667971
WHRA Quiz. Friday 10 October, 7.30pm, Kingsley Hall, Westward Ho! Teams of up to 6, £5 entry each. Cash prizes. Limited bar available.
Bideford Whist Club– Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm in the Marlborough Court common room, Bideford. £2 per session. For more details contact Betty on 01237473395.
Appledore Community Art is a friendly self-help art group who meet weekly in Appledore Community Hall between 10-12 noon. Want to get back into painting...come along for a cuppa and a chat. Every Monday. Contact Margaret 07891081032.
Rock Church-every Sunday morning at 1030am worship service with Children’s Church at 11am. Lime Grove, Bideford, EX393JW Westward Ho! Sandpipers short mat bowling club-Meet at the Kingsley Hall every Monday at 6.45p.m. New and experienced bowlers welcomed. Ring John on 07719437000 for more information.
St Margaret’s Church, Northam- Invite you to a Charity Auction on Friday 19th June, in support of the roof fund. View the items from 6pm. First item under the hammer at 6.30pm. Refreshments FREE ENTRY.
Appledore Singers- Are pleased to announce their Super Summer Concert which is on Sunday 5th July 2026 at Northam Hall (top of Fore Street) Northam starting at 2.30pm. Admission price is £6 at the door which includes Tea, Coffee and Biscuits (under 16’s go free) and there will also be a raffle.
Bideford Friends Group, Northam Community Hall. Meet 2nd and 4th
Wednesday each month 2pm - 4pm. Entertainment, singing groups, speakers, poetry group etc. £3 donation including refreshments. Call Alan on 07866007805 or Chris on 07828719351
The Holy Trinity Knit&natter group
What’s On
Meet at the church hall in Westward Ho! on the First & third Wednesday of the month, from 1.30pm - 3.30pm Call Catherine on 01237- 475720 for details or just come along.
TheAppledoreSingers-New members are welcome, so why not ring 01237 420652 to find out more about joining us. Further information about us is also available on our website: theappledoresingers.co.uk or our Facebook page. Rehearsals Mondays 7.30 – 9pm Appledore Baptist Church
TorridgeWalk&Talk Come and join us on one of our Tuesday and Wednesday Walks. Contact: torridgewalkandtalk.co.uk OR phone Steve 01237 421528 A variety of walks for all levels, Just turn up and join in for free.
TheJollyGardenersClub email jollygardenersclub@gmail.com for more details. We have a Facebook group where members can post news about what they have been up to in their gardens and we can let you know about meetings and events.
WEDNESDAYS BidefordFolkDanceClub- Meet at Northam Hall at 7.30 pm. Experience or partners not necessary. Please contact Chris on 01237 423554 for further information.
NorthamWI We meet on the first Friday of each month at 7pm in Northam Hall, Fore Street, Northam. Do come and join us. Contact northam@devonwi.org or ring Julie 01237 237263.
APPLEDOREW.I.-We meet on the first Friday of each month at 2pm in The Blue Lights Hall in Vernons Lane in Appledore. We currently have a waiting list and if you would like to find out more please contact Melanie 01237 429455.
PINSANDNEEDLES all crafts using threads, pins, wool and needles, we welcome all ages and all skill levels 2nd Saturday of every month 9.30-12.30pm Sticklepath methodist hall, Rhododendron Avenue, Barnstaple, EX31 2DL good car parking and on bus route 21 contact Anita 01237 422458
RocknRollclubinWestward Ho!-Rocking Shoes Rock n Roll Club. Kingsley Hall Westward Ho! 1st & 3rd Friday of the month 7.30 10.30pm, Bar available.
BidefordProbusClub At The Thatched Inn,Abbotsham on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month - Tel 07864679690
BidefordTrefoilGuild We meet at All Saints Chapel Community Centre Instow on the first Tuesday of the Month 7-9pm. If you would like to know more please contact Sandra Nevard 07976117778 for more information.
CarryOnChoir - Weds 7:30 - 9 pm at Pollyfield Centre, Thursdays 2:00 - 3:30pm at Westward Ho Baptist Church, Thursdays 7:30 - 9 pm at Westward Ho Baptist Church. Contact Emelia on 07834 714807 to check term dates and arrange a free taster session. Everyone welcome. No auditions, music reading or experience required. Sense of humour essential.
BREAKAWAYSOCIALCLUBforADULTSatWESTWARDHO!-The Club is held at the Baptist Church Hall on Mondays from 6.30 to 8.30pm. It is open to adults (18+) and we welcome anyone with additional needs. WEAREALSOLOOKING FORNEWVOLUNTEERS. Please contact Nikki: 07920054005 for more information.
KenwithBadminton Contact Jan for info 07467 221199.
FeelBetterwithaBook The group meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 2.30 in Bideford Library. We have a drink and biscuit, listen to stories and poems and have a friendly chat. BidefordCameraClub We meet most Tuesday evenings throughout the year for talks, competitions, photo walks. All ages (16+) / abilities. See https://bidefordcameraclub.co.uk/contact to find out more.
OasisforLadies First Wednesday of every month. 2-4 pm Appledore Baptist Church. Make new friends and enjoy chat, refreshments, games etc. For details contact, Ruth 07799661641
NorthDevonandTorridgeLAS(LifeafterStroke}associatedwiththeStrokeAssociation atFremingtonParishHall,HigherRd,FremingtonEX313BG. SocialandActivitieseveryFriday1100-1300,Strokesurvivorsandcarersvery welcome. LundyArtGroup Enjoy art and painting? We are a friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month 10 am – 12 noon at the Blue Lights Hall, Vernons Lane, Appledore. In addition to working on our own paintings we have an exciting programme of workshops throughout the year. For more info call Marian on 07766692732
NorthDevonModelSociety: meets every Thursday from 6 to 9pm at Roundswell Community Centre, next to Sainsburys. All abilities and ages welcome. We are a friendly club who share our skills and expertise to make Plastic Kits, Sculpt, Scratch Build, 3D print and paint scale models of Figures, Tanks, Boats, Ships, Cars, Trucks, Planes, Si-Fi, dioramas. Please come along, see https:// northdevonmodelsociety.co.uk/
OldSkoolR/C - the meeting for racing R/C cars indoors, Every Tuesday from 6.30pm at Fremington Parish Hall. (part of North Devon Model Society)
NorthDevonRogues- the meeting for War gaming and War hammer games Every Tuesday from 6.30pm Fremington Parish Hall. (part of North Devon Model Society) CommunityCre8tivesCIC Tuesdays 10am- 12:30pm at the Pollyfield Community Centre , Bideford. Contact 07386 893638 ThursdayFellowship Once a fortnight at Northam Methodist Church Hall 2.15. The price is £2 including draw, tea & biscuits . We have an interesting speaker, tea & biscuits (sometimes cake) and a draw each meeting...it is a very friendly, interesting group, open to all and all welcome. Contact number Maggie Smale 07773194035 . St. Mary's Church Yard- People needed to help our team in Churchyard. Normally 1st Sat. of month 9.301pm unless bad weather. Will notify in Facebook, if any different. Just turn up. Tools and goodies provided. Atlantic Flower Club- meets in Northam Hall on the 4th Thursday of the month. Friendly group with a demonstrator most months! First visit free, come along and see what we do!
Useful Information
Opening times may vary, please contact the Library direct for full details
Libraries (renewals 0345 155 1001)
Appledore 01237 477442
Mon closed
Tues 10am - 1pm
Weds 2pm - 5pm
Thurs 10am - 12pm
Fri closed
Sat 10am - 12pm
Bideford 01237 476075
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9:30am - 6pm
Weds Closed
Sat 9.30am - 1:30pm
Sunday Closed
Chemists
Bideford
Lloyds Pharmacy 01237 421221
Clarence Wharf
Bideford Pharmacy 01237 472002
Abbotsham Rd
Asda Chemist 01237 427720
Affinity, Bideford
Farmers' Markets
Barnstaple Pannier Market
Local produce market all year
Tuesday & Saturday
Tel: 01271 379084
Hartland Parish Hall
1st Sunday of each month from April to October 10am - 1pm
Tel: 01237 441786
Pannier Market Days
Bideford
Market Hall Open Tuesday through to Saturday 9am - 4pm.
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