The Ilfracombe Magazine - May 2023 edition

Ilfracombe

May 2023

HILL-TOPCHAPEL REOPENS-P8

main image: coastal Drones

THIS MONTH...

Chapel reopens

P8 - Ilfracombe’s famous hill-top chapel has had a special visit this month

Movement Medicine

P12 - New class offers fun exercise to Dementia & Alzheimer’s patients

P5 - Word From The Editor

P6 - Win a Roast

P8 & 12 - Local News

P22 - The View

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.”

Eric Hoffer

A word from the editor

Hello all, and welcome to the May edition of The Ilfracombe Magazine! Anyone who has ever met Jane Williams of Body Aware Pilates will know that simply being in her presence is often medicine enough for whatever aches and pains you might have. Her positive spirit is simply infectious - which is why we are delighted to bring you news this month about a new class Jane has developed for people with

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Her specially tailored Movement Medicine classes offer fun and exercise to patients and carers, with the aim to improve movement and memory. The subsidised class costs just £2.50 - so if you know anyone who could benefit from it, please do spread the word (full details on page 12). We are also pleased to bring you news of the seasonal reopening of St Nicholas Chapel. You

may not realise, but this landmark of the Ilfracombe skyline is operated by the local Rotary Club and contains some fascinating insights into the lives of the people who once inhabited it. Why not clamber up the hill and check it out for yourself - you’ll be supporting a great cause in the process!

The Ilfracombe Magazine

pic: coastal drones

Famous hill-top chapel reopens for summer

St Nicholas Chapel has reopened for the 2023 summer season - and already welcomed one guest of note. The famous building, sat atop Chapel Hill on the town’s pier, was visited by MP Selaine Saxby to celebrate its opening last month. You may not have known, but the chapel is run by the Ilfracombe Rotary Club with the help of many volunteers. The chapel formally opened on Good Friday and is open until the end of September, 10am to

4pm each day. St Nicholas Chapel also has its own website where you can read about its history and the family that lived there. Entry is free but donations are welcome either in cash or by using the QR code. This money goes to local good causes and the upkeep of the interior of the Chapel. www.stnicholaschapelilfracombe.co.uk. Ilfracombe Rotary Club says it is looking forward to a busy season with a pop-up shop in the summer. A spokes-

man said: “We have a new flower display going on the harbour in May, and you will see us in our high-vis jackets about the town marshalling different events throughout the year. If you would like to get involved with helping your community or are perhaps new to the area and would like to meet new people get in touch to see what Ilfracombe Rotary can offer, contact either Paul on 07813 809618 or Ann on 01271 865324 to find out more.

theatre group BARES ALL FOR GARY BARLOW MUSICAL

Ilfracombe based theatre company Small Pond Productions is returning to the Landmark Theatre this May with a musical based on the hit film Calendar Girls. After recent successes with Little Shop of Horrors and White Christmas the company are working hard on this brilliant, uplifting show. Director Lee Baxendale said:

“In 2012 we were lucky enough to gain permission to stage the play version of Calendar Girls so when it was released as a musical we knew straight away we wanted to produce it. The play was brilliant fun and

was extremely well received by packed houses. The musical version adds much more to the characters and their stories and has a score featuring brilliant songs written by Take That’s Gary Barlow.”

Calendar Girls The Musical takes place at The Landmark from Thurs 18th - Sat 20th May (with Sat Matinee at 2.30) Tickets available from Theatre Box Office 01271 316523 or at www. landmark-ilfracombe.com

new class supports dementia patients & carers

A new physical movement class has launched in Ilfracombe aimed at improving the memory, mobility and coordination of people with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. The subsidised Movement Medicine sessions have been developed by Rehab Pilates Practitioner Jane Williams at Body Aware Pilates and Clinic. The classes, which take place at her studio at 155 High Street, encourage gentle movement and target neurological pathways to stimulate brain health and muscle memory. Jane said: “There is scientific evidence to show that taking part in bespoke exercises can improve cognitive function, motor activity and physical

fitness. The repertoire we offer is specifically designed to support the improvement of functional daily activities and build confidence in a warm, supportive and safe environment. Classes are 60 minutes long and include gentle stretching, weight-bearing, repetitive sequences and relaxation.” Jane added that carers are

also looked after and offered some valuable respite during the sessions. She said: “Carers have space to meet with one another and with well-being and health practitioners for chats, support and a hot drink.” For more information call 01271 855828 or email bodyaware@btinternet. co.uk. Classes cost £2.50.