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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.
him?
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
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.
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
Tel:
Freestanding
www.jamesinteriorwoodwork.co.uk
james@jamesinteriorwoodwork.co.uk
- We utilise high tensile, lightweight materials for permanent
- 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
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.
The ‘
-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
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.
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
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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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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