The Ilfracombe Magazine - July 2023 edition

Ilfracombe

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main image: coastal Drones

A word from the editor

Hello everyone and welcome to the July edition of The Ilfracombe Magazine. Let’s just start by acknowledging the amazing image on this page taken by talented local photographer Nick Dee - what a picture! We have some great news for you this month, not least that it seems the new watersports centre could actually be open to the public this month! I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to check-

ing it out - there can’t be many better views in the town with which to enjoy a coffee and slice of cake. It will also be a relief to most in the town to see the Cove car park and through-road reopen after over two years of closure. We’re also delighted to bring you news of the town’s twinning association this month. As someone whose parents were heavily involved in the scheme many years ago, I have fond memories

of visitors from France coming to the town - and then returning the following year to see them. Many deep friendships have been forged through the twinning association - and they are on the lookout for anyone else who might want to get involved. I can’t recommend it enough! See page 12 for full details.

pic: nick dee

watersports centre set for summer opening

Ilfracombe’s new watersports hub is on track for a summer opening after passing a major milestone. The watersports centre at Larkstone Cove has reached practical completion, with builders Pearce Construction handing the keys to North Devon Council. An official opening for the centre is set to take place in midJuly. Before then, contractors Gunite will be completing work on the sea wall and Pearce Construction will be removing their site compound. The centre’s café, The Lime Kiln, will also be fitted out and once complete later this month, visitors will be able to enjoy its delicious menu while taking in breathtaking views of Ilfracombe harbour. The watersports hub will provide new homes for three local clubs - Ilfracombe Pilot Gig

Club, Y-Sail and Ilfracombe Canoe Club - who will be moving into their new home before the official opening. The new facility will allow the clubs to extend their memberships to the wider community and offer taster events to local residents and visitors. It includes community facilities for the clubs including storage for boats, a slipway providing safe and easy access to the water and disabled access and facilities. The wider community will be also able to pre-book watersports activities through commercial operators based at the centre. Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Planning, Councillor Malcolm Prowse, says: “We are delighted to have reached practical completion for the watersports centre, which I

am sure will be a real asset for Ilfracombe. A great deal of hard work has gone into this project and alongside our officers, Pearce Construction have done an incredible job in managing the more complex elements such as the sea wall and slipway and bringing this site to fruition.”

Lead member for Coastal Communities, Councillor Malcolm Wilkinson, says: “The watersports centre is looking fantastic nestled in Larkstone Cove and will offer visitors stunning views across the harbour. There are a few small works to complete before the official opening in July, but we are very much looking forward to seeing the centre in use and being enjoyed by the watersports clubs and the wider community this summer and into the future.”

fun & friendship on french twinning trip

Friendships old and new, the D-Day landings, and a slice of Viking history were on the menu for Ilfracombe’s Twinning Association on their visit to Ifs in Normandy last month. After the French visited North Devon last year, it was Ilfracombe’s turn to take the ferry and spend four days as guests of their host families. Among the highlights were a visit to the British Normandy Memorial at Gold Beach, where the Ilfracombe/Ifs French Twinning Association laid a wreath in memory of the fallen. Terri Woof, whose father Norman Courtney had fought his way up the beach on 6th June, 1944 and survived the war, said: “This was a very special moment

for me and my family. It was extremely emotional for us, as my Dad had re-enacted this on a previous Twinning visit.” Other highlights included visits to Vieux-la-Romaine, a Roman town excavated in the Normandy countryside and Ornavik, a living copy of a Viking settlement, complete with huts, crafts and visitor guides dressed in 10th and 11th century costumes.

Terrena Howse, Chair of the Association, said: “It was everything you could wish for from a Twinning exchange. Old friends had the chance to meet up again and our new members from Ilfracombe have made friends with their hosts. As ever, it’s been a wonderful experience for both sides.”

There was warm applause for a speech read on behalf of Ilfracombe Mayor Dan Turton, who underlined how twinning and educational exchanges can break down barriers between people from different communities.

Terrana added: “It’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves. If you’re interested in making new friends and finding out about France, then our Association is for you. And it doesn’t matter if you don’t speak French!” Her team will be kept busy in the months ahead with fundraising and preparations for next year’s trip to North Devon. For more information search Ilfracombe Twinning Association on Facebook.