Word From The Editor

So, assuming everything went to plan, by now we should be out of lockdown with all legal Covid restrictions now dropped by the Government. And before too long (August 16) the requirement to self-isolate for people who are doublejabbed should also no longer be required. It appears, and I say this tentatively, as though we are over the worst. What better way to celebrate a terrible and tough 18 months than with one of the town’s best loved and biggest events? But then, I would say that! Those who know me will know that I am part of Ilfracombe Round Table who organise the (usually) annual Birdman event which sees would-be aviators hurl themselves off the pier into the icy waters below in the hope of ‘flying’ the furthest. As well as attracting crazy folk who jump into the harbour, the event also draws huge crowds who come to enjoy the spectacle - as well as everything else the day offers. There will be live music all day on our famous Truck Stop stage, amazing food, great beers and ciders, wonderful local stalls and much, much more. As well as raising valuable funds for worthy local charities and causes, the main reason we give up so much time and energy to put on this event is to give something back to the town. Businesses around the seafront will tell you Birdman is the busiest day of their years and council car parks are also usually full to capacity for the entire day. I’ll be totally honest, we had several long discussions about whether or not it would be right to host an event of this nature given the past 18 months we’ve all endured. But on reflection, we all felt it was important - both as a way of helping businesses that have had a tough year and also to give something fun to the locals. We appreciate there is still a lot of nervousness surrounding the unlock from Covid restrictions, but please rest assured we will have systems in place which will go above and beyond to help protect people - while also allowing everyone to have a jolly good time to boot! Leo

The Ilfracombe Magazine

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Marshals will help ensure a safer summer in Ilfracombe this year after new funding is made available. The funding is part of an overall investment of £400,000 from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The money is aimed specifically at preventing antisocial behaviour (ASB) by young people and creating safer settings for the evening and night-time economy (ENTE) in key areas. These themes were deliberately chosen to tie in with Devon and Cornwall’s Operation Marnow strategy which highlights both ASB and ENTE as potential issues this summer following the Covid unlock in July. In Ilfracombe, funding of £10,000 has been matched by the Government’s Welcome Back Fund to give an overall spend of £20,000. This money will pay for specialist First Aid trained marshals to patrol the town seven days a week during evenings throughout the summer. Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I’m aware some of our community are nervous about the spread of Covid during the unlock and may be too afraid to enjoy our beautiful towns, cities and coastline. Our experiences last summer showed that dry weather, alcohol and freedom led to some dire consequences. I want this opportunity to be used to prevent the escalation of anti-social behaviour because someone will intervene early setting clear expectations. Tourism is the lifeblood of Devon and Cornwall and it’s understandable that both locals and visitors will be wanting to make the most of their new-found freedoms and enjoy the summer. However, it’s important this does not veer into criminality or behaviour that can make normal people feel threatened or vulnerable. The measures we are funding will help us keep an eye on both antisocial behaviour and the nighttime economy and hopefully prevent any unwanted scenarios, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves.”

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