The Bideford Link May 2026

TOP STORY Local council See Page 14 and 30-31

Alan Titchmarsh column Page 33

Tide Times See Page 10

Ramblers See page 17 Gardeners Delight Nursery at RHS Chelsea Page 20

2x prizes to be won ‘Larry The Lamb’ ‘Boycie the Beaver’

See Page 5

The independent directory of businesses delivered FREE to residents of Bideford, Appledore, Northam, Abbotsham and Westward Ho!

Publisher: The Link Publications Editor: Lewis Coppard Advertising: 07512 748343 Email: mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk Web: www.thelinkpublications.co.uk Facebook/thelinkpublications Please Join Us! Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Link does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this Publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher.

Contents

Larry the Lamb 5 Boycie the Beaver 5 Tide Times 10 Bideford Town Council 14 Ramblers 17 Gardeners Delight Nursery at 20 RHS Chelsea Exam survival guide 22 Stroll into summer 25 What’s On 28-29 Northam Town Council 30-31 Useful information 32 Alan Titchmarsh column 33

Advertise in this space From £70 + VAT per month Call Lewis on

07512 748343

Mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk

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Hello Bideford

Hi, welcome to the May edition of the ‘Link’ Magazine.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter holiday and I'm sure everyone is already looking forward to the Mayday bank holiday on 5th May and the spring bank holiday on the 25th.

With the longer evenings now upon us and finally some nice weather it might be time to dust off the barbecue.

We have several events coming up in May including the Bideford 10k in support of The Children’s Hospice South West on the 10th and the Bideford bike show from 11.30-17.00 on the 24th.

See you next month.

Competitions

Well done to everyone who found the missing ‘Larry’ & ‘Boycie’ last month The winner for finding ‘Larry’ is Isabelle Hemsley , you have won 2 tickets to ‘The Big Sheep’ The winner for finding ‘Boycie’ is Carla Godwin, you have won a meal for two at ‘The Beaver’ in Appledore.

Congratulations to you both.

See if you can find them again this month, details on page 5

When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07512 748343

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Win 2 Tickets to visit The Big Sheep in Abbotsham

‘Larry the Lamb’

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 – 8th May 2026

THE BEAVER INN APPLEDORE

WIN

Sunday

Lunch

‘Boycie the Beaver’ has gone missing, Can you find him?

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 May 8th 2026 One person will be drawn from the correct answers to win.

Gutter Cleaning Bideford Our Genuinely Local, Friendly, Quality Service.

Gutter and Downpipe Clearance UPVC gutter, fascia and soffit washing UPVC doors and window frames cleaned Exterior Wall and Patio soft washing removes and kills green algae Blocked gutters lead to damp issues. Rain water over spill, visible moss, leaves and plant growth all need attention to protect your property. for Professional, Fast and Reliable Gutter Cleaning.

Call 01237 238 801 Joshua & Samantha Jackson guttercleaningbideford@gmail.com Recommended on Google ***** To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07512 748343

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Interior Woodwork CITB CSCS City & Guilds Qualified

Your local fitted furniture specialist • • • •

Bedrooms Under stairs storage solutions Kitchens Freestanding furniture

Tel: 01237 441568 – Mobile 07807 885272 www.jamesinteriorwoodwork.co.uk james@jamesinteriorwoodwork.co.uk

School House Farm.

Littleham, Bideford. EX395HR

speak to Paula

07415949568

paulalesley@ovenwizards.com

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Before

Before

After

After

Conservatory Roof Insulation and Replacement Specialists Ltd

Our Northam based company specialises in conservatory inside insulation and entirely new roof systems.

Why choose us?

- We utilise high tensile, lightweight materials for permanent results.

- We will transform your conservatory into a beautiful addition to your home, that you can enjoy all year round.

Tired of your conservatory being ice cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer?

Call Dom now for a free consultation and quote to make your conservatory a room you can be proud of.

All workmanship and materials come with a no nonsense 10 year guarantee

07432156700

conservatoryinsulate.co.uk Before

After

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07512 748343

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Tide Times

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‘© Crown Copyright and/or database rights. Reproduced by permission of The Keeper of Public Records and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.GOV.uk/UKHO).’

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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

BUILDING PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL Renovations Garden Walls Patios/Paths Retaining Walls Shed Bases Fencing, Decking & Much More FREE QUOTES AND FRIENDLY ADVICE NO JOB TOO SMALL FULLY INSURED CALL TERRY ON OFFICE 01271 325200 / TERRY 07578502775

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P. J. Roose Painting & Decorating Services

Tel: 07791 489828 paulroose1@hotmail.co.uk 30 Years Experience Fully Qualified Tradesman 19 Riverside Close Bideford, EX392RX

07968 009812 / 07722 077366 01237 237588 info@alanwilsonwindows.co.uk www.alanwilsonwindows.co.uk Unit 20 Farm Road, Caddsdown Industrial Park, Bideford, Devon EX39 3BE

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Bideford

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K. Whattingham Fencing, Gates, Decking, Walls, Pathways Painting & Decorating Fascias, Soffits, Guttering Property Maintenance Replacement & Repair Contact Us For A Full List of Work Covered Discount for Senior Citizens NO VAT TO PAY

07791 930713

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North Devon Ramblers Walks – May 2026 Saturday 2nd May.Take A “Long Slow Walk” over Exmoor.A circular varied and moderate 9.5 mile, leisurely walk taking in Ilkerton Ridge, Caffyns Cross and Martinhoe . Meet at 10.30 on the A39 near Lynton. Please refer to our website for detailed instructions.

Tuesday 5th May.Time out Tuesday – Ilfracombe. A 4 mile circular stroll around Ilfracombe.Meet at the Jonathan Edwards mosaic on the Promenade at 6.30pm.

Wednesday 6th May. Exploring Lee and Lynton.A linear walk from Caffyns Cross to Lee Abbey and Valley of the Rocks to Barbrook.Meet at Barnstaple Bus Station at 9.50am Saturday 9th May. A circular walk around Braunton with a mix of lanes, cart tracks and field crossings.Meet at Braunton Academy Car Park at 10am Sunday 10th May.Classic Exmoor.A 10 mile circular walk along the River Barle and Two Moors Way crossing the ancient Tarr Steps.Meet at Winsford Car Park at 10am.

Tuesday 12th May.Time Out Tuesday – A 4 mile circular evening stroll around Bideford. Meet at Tarka The Otter statue on the Quay at 6.30pm.

Wednesday 13th May.A 5 mile circular moderate walk from Woody Bay through Mortinhoe to Hunters Inn and back to Woody Bay.Meet at Woody Bay lower car park at10.30am Sunday 17th May. A 7 mile circular walk to Watersmeet and Countisbury with one steep ascent.Meet at Hillsford Bridge National Trust car park at 10.30am Tuesday 19th May. Time Out Tuesday – A 4 mile circular stroll around Braunton.Meet at the Countryside Centre in Caen Street car park at 6.30pm Wednesday 20th May. A 6 mile guided circular walk with the Exmoor Society. A chance to learn about the life of Exmoors famous recluse, Hope Bourne.Meet at Withypool car park at 10.30am.

Thursday 21st May.Landkey to Barnstaple.A Thursday chat, stroll and coffee. Meet at Barnstaple Bus Station at 9.45am.

Tuesday 26th May. Time Out Tuesday –A 4 mile circular gentle stroll around Barnstaple.Meet at Barnstaple Railway Station at 6.30pm.

Saturday 30th May. A circular 8 mile walk from Mortehoe along the SWCP towards Woolacombe and inland through Twitchen. Meet at Mortehoe car park at 10.30am.

Please check our website for northdevonramblers.org for further information.

BATHROOMS

WET ROOMS

MOBILITY BATHROOMS & WETROOMS

STAIRLIFTS

BEPOKE BATHROOM & WET ROOM SPECIALIST 0% Vat and 5% criteria apply

DESIGNED, SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED THROUGHOUT NORTH DEVON

01237 473 746

westcountrybathrooms@outlook.com

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The ‘No-Prick’ Revolution: How a Two-Person Devon Nursery Mechanised to Beat Labour Shortages and Head to RHS Chelsea

As the UK horticulture industry faces an ongoing crisis of labour shortages and extreme weather, one Devon nursery has secured its future by mechanising one of gardening’s most tedious tasks: pricking out.

Celebrating their 35th anniversary this March, Hannah and Nick Wade of Gardeners Delight Nursery in Barnstaple have radically streamlined their 100% peat-free growing process. By investing in specialist machinery that sows seeds directly into compost-filled cells, the duo has completely eliminated the traditional, labour-intensive pricking-out stage.

Hannah Wade explains: “We work to the light and do long hours on the nursery and Nick now does most of the seed sowing with a machine that shakes the seed and drops it directly into the cells.

The reality is, we are short on labour. It’s hard to find staff who want to do a highly physical job through all weathers. As we’ve gotten older, we are embracing technology to lighten the load and keep production high.”

High Yields, Low Headcount The shift to mechanisation has not only saved time; it has effectively future-proofed the business.

Boasting a failure rate of less than 5%, the new system allows the couple, alongside just one part-time employee working three mornings a week, to fill an entire 60-foot polytunnel in a single day.

Hannah Wade adds: “I did a couple of talks to garden clubs last year, and they couldn’t believe how mechanised we are. We’ve made our lives as efficient as possible to produce as much as possible, despite our small size.”

From Devon Doorstep to the Great Pavilion This newfound efficiency has freed up the Wades to return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. Their 2026 Great Pavilion display, ‘Plants For Pollinators,’ will showcase hundreds of plants grown entirely peat-free at their Barnstaple site.

Crucially, the 2026 stand will focus on container-grown perennials, tapping into the booming demand for eco-friendly gardening in small spaces. The display aims to prove that high-impact pollinator planting is just as achievable for a renter with a doorstep pot in South London as it is for a large country estate in Devon.

Having luckily avoided the worst of the recent extreme rains in North Devon, the nursery is focusing on high-impact, shade-tolerant plants like Thalictrum ‘Black Stockings’ and ‘Splendide’, alongside Dicentras, Iris, and Geums, with maples providing structure and canopy.

Umbels as Landing Strips A major feature of this year's Chelsea display will be the extensive use of umbel-shaped flowers, all grown from seed.

Hannah Wade notes: “To complement the other perennials that tend to have bigger heads, we will be interspersing with umbels. With their open, round heads, they act as the perfect landing strips for bees, butterflies, and vital insects.”

Staying true to their grower roots, the Wades are taking a pragmatic approach to their final Chelsea plant list. “We grow a massive amount of seed, see what’s looking good on the nursery, and then work with our colour theme to create a complete ecosystem in a pot.”

Gardeners Delight Nursery will be exhibiting in the Grand Pavilion at the Chelsea Flower Show from 19 - 23 May Article and images provided by Vikki Rimmer When responding to adverts please mention ‘The Link’ magazine 20

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Northam Cars (Incorporating Tarka Private Hire)

Tel: 01237 479023 Mob: 07785 961543 Friendly Reliable Service Value Home Furnishings And so much more …..

59 High Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1JB (Opposite Primark) Reducing waste, we give items a second chance!

We offer a FREE COLLECTION service across North Devon for all your unwanted and reusable furniture, white goods and bric-a -brac with a percentage donated monthly to “Care for Kids” and “Over and Above” charities.

Call us on 01271 376804, or email info@valuehomefurnishings.net to book your collection!!!

Tel: 01237 477120 Mobile 07498 612316

PAUL WAWRYCHUK QUALIFIED PAINTER & DECORATOR

Woodcote, Abbotsham Bideford, Devon EX39 5AT

To advertise simply email mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07512 748343

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07847 136111 Providing a complete range of services from your roofline down to your drainage and everything in between. We cater for all your jobs large or small

Home Computer Tuition & Servicing Computer Tuition (Emailing, Word Processing, Web Browsing, Spreadsheets and Editing Photos) Computer Servicing, Virus Removal, Trouble Shooting and much more.

Tuition £30 per hour — Servicing £35 per hour OAP Discount 10% Gareth Alexander

Tel: 07816 521665

• • • • • • • •

Patios Fencing Decking Upvc Fascias Guttering EPDM Roofing External Painting Turfing

• Painting and Decorating

• Tiling • Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Door Hanging • Flooring • Garden Buildings

Call Now for a free quote

www.landscapersbarnstaple.co.uk /landscapersbarnstaple paulworrall1974@googlemail.com

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The Macular Group

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 & District Men's Forum

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.

Coffee morning, chat and crafts with Together Again.

The Pollyfield Community Centre 10am to 12pm Tuesdays Bideford Friday Afternoon Table Tennis 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!

CLEVER CRAFTERS 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.

St Margaret’s Church, Northam, Open Church on Friday mornings for coffees, teas, and a book stall from 10.15 – 12noon Knit & Natter group at Bideford library 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.

Thursday Fellowship Northam Methodist Hall 2.15pm. Guest speakers, Tea/Coffee £2.00.

Westward Ho! Ladies Club 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.

Northam Choral Society – 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.

Bideford Folk Club 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! Bridge Club every Tuesday and Thursday in the Holy Trinity hall, starting at 6.45pm. Ring Graham on 01237 470990 or email penkenna2@gmail.com Bideford Phoenix Morris 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 Torridge Male Voice Choir - 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!

St Margaret’s Church Northam “Coffee at Maggies” 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.

Appledore short mat bowls played at the community centre Tuesdays 7-9 pm £3 a session.

Northam Badminton Club friendly club play every Thursday afternoon 2pm to 3pm at Northam Community Centre The Jolly Dollies 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 Abbotsham short mat bowls club Held at Abbotsham hall Thursdays 2-4pm £3 a session tel:— bid 421585 TORRIDGE RAMBLERS 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.

Bideford 10k- Sunday 10 May 2026, Race starts at 10.30am at the riverbank car park, next to Victoria park. The race is in support of The Children’s Hospice South West . Free for spectators.

Bideford Bike Show- Sunday 24th May 2026 11:00am – 5:00pm at Victoria Park, Bideford, EX39 2QL . Free for spectators

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Bideford Friends Group, Northam Community Hall. Meet 2nd and 4th

What’s On

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

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.

The Appledore Singers -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 Torridge Walk & 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.

The Jolly Gardeners Club 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 Bideford Folk Dance Club- Meet at Northam Hall at 7.30 pm. Experience or partners not necessary.

Please contact Chris on 01237 423554 for further information.

Northam WI 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.

APPLEDORE W.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.

PINS AND NEEDLES 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 Rock n Roll club in Westward Ho! -Rocking Shoes Rock n Roll Club. Kingsley Hall Westward Ho! 1st & 3rd Friday of the month 7.30—10.30pm, Bar available.

Bideford Probus Club At The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month - Tel 07864679690 Bideford Trefoil Guild 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.

Carry On Choir - 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.

BREAKAWAY SOCIAL CLUB for ADULTS at WESTWARD HO!-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.

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS. Please contact Nikki: 07920054005 for more information.

Kenwith Badminton Contact Jan for info 07467 221199.

Feel Better with a Book 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.

Bideford Camera Club 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.

Oasis for Ladies 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

North Devon andTorridge LAS (Life after Stroke} associated with the StrokeAssociation

at Fremington Parish Hall, Higher Rd,Fremington EX31 3BG. Social and Activities every Friday 1100 - 1300, Stroke survivors and carers very welcome.

Lundy Art Group 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 North Devon Model Society: 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/ Old Skool R/C - the meeting for racing R/C cars indoors, Every Tuesday from 6.30pm at Fremington Parish Hall. (part of North Devon Model Society) North Devon Rogues - the meeting for War gaming and War hammer games Every Tuesday from 6.30pm Fremington Parish Hall. (part of North Devon Model Society) Community Cre8tives CIC Tuesdays 10am- 12:30pm at the Pollyfield Community Centre , Bideford. Contact 07386 893638 Thursday Fellowship— 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!

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Northam

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Useful Information Opening times may vary, please contact the Library direct for full details

Libraries (renewals 0345 155 1001) Appledore

01237 477442

Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat

closed 10am - 1pm 2pm - 5pm 10am - 12pm closed 10am - 12pm

Bideford

01237 476075

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri Weds Sat Sunday

9:30am - 6pm Closed 9.30am - 1:30pm Closed

Chemists Bideford Lloyds Pharmacy Clarence Wharf Bideford Pharmacy Abbotsham Rd Asda Chemist Affinity, Bideford

01237 421221 01237 472002 01237 427720

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.

Butchers Row and Market Place shops Open Tuesday – Saturday Barnstaple Wednesday Antiques & General Market Tues, Thurs, Produce & General Market Fri & Sat Torrington Friday & Sat General Market 09.00 —15.00

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Northam

01237 475111

Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sunday

10am - 1pm closed 10am - 6pm closed 10am - 5pm 10am - 1pm Closed

Torrington

01805 622107

Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri, Sat Sunday

10am - 1pm 10am - 6pm Closed 10am - 5pm 10am - 1pm Closed

Northam Boots the Chemist Bay View Rd Torrington Lloyds Pharmacy, High St Westward Ho! Arnolds Pharmacy

01237 474340

01805 622174

01237 473829

Post Office Opening Times Instow Sub Post Office 01271 861417 Mon - Fri: 11.00 – 14.00 Sat: 12.00 —14.00

Northam 01237 424807 Mon - Tues Wednesday Thurs – Fri Sat

07.30 - 17.30 09.00 - 17.30 07.30 - 17.30 09.00 - 12.30

Westward Ho! 01237 471727 Mon —Sat 09.00 - 17.00 The Quay, Bideford 0345722 3344 Mon - Fri 09.00 - 17.30 Sat 09.00 - 12.30

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Richard Brook Local Builder, Braunton I have been in the building industry for over 40 years. I offer a professional & personable service. My trade is bricklaying & stone laying but my wealth of building experience and expertise means I can lead on all design and build projects through to construction. I also work on smaller projects and can help you with those jobs around the home & garden.

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Town & Country Garden Maintenance

• • •

Specialist tree work Turfing Fencing Hedges and grass cutting All Rubbish Removed

Garden Walls / Patios Fencing Minor renovations General building support/works Extensions Hard Landscaping Project Management Domestic Repairs R J B Building Services Mobile: 07976 679 747 Email: richardjbrook@aol.com

No Job Too Small Free Estimates No Obligation

01237 479475 / 07472 127025

01237 421749 Adrian — 07970 927 909 Adam — 07554 498 808 Over 30 Years experience in UPVC Your Original Repair Man 34

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Torridge District Council urges pet owners to check who’s looking after their best friend while they’re at work or on holiday Going on holiday is one of life's great pleasures, yet for pet owners it can be a bit of a headache. For those who don’t have friends and family who are happy to take care of their animals whilst they are away, many people rely on the services of dog home boarding services, kennels and catteries.

Torridge District Council wants to warn families about leaving their pets in the care of unlicensed boarding establishments. It wants to make dog and cat owners aware that unlicensed premises have not been subject to checks to ensure that the welfare needs of the animals can be met, or whether the person running the establishment is an appropriate, qualified or experienced person to do so.

All licensed home boarders, kennels/catteries are subject to strict criteria, including size and structure of the units, the cleanliness of the premises, the exercise and interaction pets get and management of the pet’s food and/or medications.

Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said: “For most of us our pets are part of the family. You wouldn’t send your child to stay somewhere without researching it thoroughly and your dogs and cats deserve the same care and thought. All dog boarding must be licensed by the local authority to make sure they comply with legal standards relating to the welfare of the animals being looked after. We would strongly urge anyone looking to use a kennel service to make sure that the premises is licensed before checking in their furry friend.”

“Unlicensed premises are unlikely to be insured should anything happen to your pet during the boarding period. There are many licensed premises across the district that can cater very well for the needs of your animals – just take a moment to check that you’re using one."

How to check If you’re looking for pet boarding, you should make sure the premises holds the correct licence. You can check this by https://www.torridge.gov.uk/publicregister .

Anyone carrying out this activity without the correct licence in place should be aware they are committing an offence and may be liable to prosecution. Further information regarding how to apply for a license and the conditions needed to obtain one can be found at https://www.torridge.gov.uk/article/19972/Animal-welfare-licences.

If anyone has any concerns over any licensed or potentially unlicensed boarding facilities in Torridge, please email licensing@torridge.gov.uk.

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Steve Arnold Heating, Plumbing & Gas services Established since 1985 Gas Safe Registered Gas Installer Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer, Service repair to all Gas/LPG appliances Installations of Worcester Bosch High Efficiency Boilers Full Central Heating Installations Landlord Certificates Bathrooms/Showers/Tiling Solar Heating Installations No Job Too Small 12874

Call 01237 420864 or 07850 826702 57 staddon road, Appledore

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