The Ilfracombe Magazine - September 2020

The

Ilfracombe September 2020

PLANS FOR NEW 81-BEDROOM HOTEL P12

Picture: The ladies of the Hele Bay Mer-Babes swimming group making the most of the bracing summer sea

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THIS MONTH...

10

New home for Carr

P10 - Ilfracombe’s Michelin star chef unveils his new restaurant location

Premier plans

P12 - How a major hotel chain is planning to transform an eyesore site

12

P4 - Word From The Editor P20 - The View P26 - Kids Page P28 - Puzzle Page P29 - Wordsearch P30 - Puzzle Solutions

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4

A word from the editor

On a recent early morning walk to Hele beach, the sight of a group of women embracing the bracing waters genuinely brought a smile to my face. These plucky swimmers, who call themselves the Hele Bay Mer-Babes, are an inspiration because they are determined to make the most of the incredible surroundings that we are lucky enough to call home.

While August saw an unbelievable number of visitors, September is traditionally when things begin to slow down and we locals can enjoy Ilfracombe’s pleasures once more. Whether that happens in this most unusual of years is yet to be seen. The fact that foreign holidays have become so unpredictable is undoubtedly good news for resorts like Ilfracombe, and many people I spoke to could barely believe how busy the town was during August (which, understandably, brought some concern as much as it boosted our local economy). But perhaps September and October will continue to see throngs of visitors lining the Quay, with the option of a late-summer hop to warmer climes of the continent not particularly practical. If so, the town should take the opportunity

to impress

to impress holidaymakers, to ensure they return again. In this issue there are two pieces of good news which I believe will make a huge difference in swaying future visitors to choose Ilfracombe. The first is the welcome re-opening of Thomas Carr’s Michelinstarred restaurant, just a few doors down from his previous premises on Fore Street. Having an eatery with such a world-renowned endorsement moves Ilfracombe head and shoulders above the rest as a destination resort. The second is the revived plans for a Premier Inn on one of the town’s few remaining grotspots. the old Colossus

nightclub. Some may be concerned that it could take business away from existing accommodation, but Premier Inn caters to such a different market I don’t think this will be an issue for our upmarket B&Bs and the like. The way Premier Inn market their rooms will actually encourage visitors outside of the main tourist season, which is something Ilfracombe has not been able to crack. So to me it is a welcome addition and another example of Ilfracombe putting itself on the map.

Here’s to the future, and the continued upward trajectory of our town.

Leo

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10

New venue for michelin-star restaurant

It’s fair to say there was huge disappointment when Thomas Carr revealed he would not be re-opening his Michelin starred restaurant, The Olive Room, after lockdown. But the awardwinning chef, who recently featured in the BBC show Masterchef: The Professionals, has now revealed a new home for his culinary creations - and fortunately it’s just a few doors down the street. Thomas’ new venture, called 1873, is situated in the former Victorian police station on Fore Street, which was previously home to La Gendarmerie, another well-regarded eatery on Ilfracombe’s foodie thoroughfare. Thomas made headlines in 2017 when his popular Olive Room restaurant became the town’s first to gain a Michelin star. Off the back of this success, he opened a second restaurant in the

High Street - The Seafood and Grill - after crowdfunding thousands of pounds from locals and food enthusiasts. However, it closed within a year of opening. Last month, Thomas explained why he would not be reopening the Olive Room restaurant, saying: “As you all know, it’s been a tricky time for many hospitality businesses this year.

“It’s not been easy for any of us and you will be aware that The Olive Room hasn’t re-opened following the government’s go ahead on July 4. We have faced many of the same challenges as other restaurants in town, but we have also had to contend with issues around our future in our current location. It’s taken

a lot of deliberating, but we have taken the decision to not re-open The Olive Room. It’s not a decision that’s been taken lightly, and we have had some wonderful times at 56 Fore Street, however we now have a new opportunity which means we can grow as a business and move on to the next chapter.”

1873 will open on September 1 and will retain the services of head chef Chris Essex and the former restaurant team. On Facebook, Thomas said: “We can’t wait to reopen this beautiful building where we will be serving six course taster menus which highlight the area’s best seafood and other quality local ingredients.”

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12 new plans revealed for premier inn hotel

Hotel chain Premier Inn has submitted new plans for a bigger hotel at the site of a disused nightclub and sports bar. The firm already had consent to build a 65-bedroom hotel at the site on Market Street, but has now applied to increase the size of the hotel to 81-bedrooms as well as a restaurant. The scheme would see a £6m investment made in Ilfracombe with an estimated 29,000 additional overnight stays per year.

The hotel would provide 29 new jobs and it’s hoped there would be knock-on benefits from the development for local shops, pubs,

cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions. The application states: “The proposal is to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with a part three, part four, part five storey 81 bedroom Premier Inn with associated restaurant. The site benefits from a previous planning consent, for a 65-bedroom hotel, but the application was for a smaller development which did not include the plot to the south occupied by the sports bar.

“The proposal will bring significant social, economic and environmental benefits and will support the Spatial Vision for Ilfracombe by

helping to revitalise tourism in the area. The hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and it is hoped that Premier Inn’s continued commitment to invest in Ilfracombe will be strongly supported by the Council.”

No car parking is proposed for the hotel and guests will instead be referred to the North Devon Council owned Jubilee Gardens where three car parks provide almost 130 spaces.

The application is due to be decided by North Devon Council planners at a later date.

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14

Museum seeks volunteers young AND old

Local residents who are looking for an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people or build their confidence are being encouraged to volunteer and join the team at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. The museum has been closed since March due to COVID-19, but is hoping to reopen very soon and urgently needs new volunteers to fill vacant roles. There are a range of opportunities available including: * Museum Host * Kitchen and Tearoom * Shop and Tourist Information The museum provides a safe, friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn new skills, improve

confdence, share North Devon history and attend private viewings and talks on exhibitions. Volunteers will be working with a passionate team to welcome the community and tourists back to the museum.

Curator Alison Mills says: “Many of our existing volunteers are elderly and are unable to return to their roles because they are vulnerable to Coronavirus.

Volunteering brings the

opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences. Please come and join us, make new friends and enjoy showing off our bigger and better museum.

This may be an ideal opportunity for someone who is furloughed and is looking for something to keep them busy while they are off work.” Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, says: “Volunteering has been proven to benefit your overall well-being as well as your community, so if you have some spare time and are interested in history or just like meeting new people, why not volunteer some of that time to help? The experienced and friendly team of volunteers are a vital and important part of the museum.”

More information about the vacancies and an application form to download can be found on the museum website or by contacting the museum on 01271 346747.

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Pinehurst Care Home

We have been caring for older people in Ilfracombe for almost 30 years and have an excellent reputation. Our trained, experienced care staff really do care. Pinehurst is a characterful Victorian house with a warm, homely feel. Residents and their families often comment on the friendly,

cheerful atmosphere.

21 bright, comfortable en-suite bedrooms. Lovely sea/coastal views.

Activities, crafts, music, entertainment. Visiting hairdresser and health professionals.

Five-star hygiene rating.

Tasty meals, delicious cakes, home-made by our chefs.

RESIDENTIAL CARE. RESPITE CARE. DAY CARE

DAY CARE – AT PINEHURST Wanting to give your carer a break? Tired of being lonely? Like to spend the day in good company? Pinehurst is friendly and affordable and we accept personal care budgets. Our aim is to encourage new friendships and make sure you are happy. If you would like to try a taster day (you are welcome to come with a friend or relative) just give us a call.

Our manager Julie Farrell will be happy to answer your questions and show you round.

TEL: 01271 862839

E-MAIL: mrsjuliefarrell@outlook.com 14 Chambercombe Park Rd, Ilfracombe, EX34 9NQ More details: www.pinehurstcarehome.co.uk In every home, every month FREE call 07736465549 email theilfracombemagazine@outlook.com

18

free Help for a fitter and healthier you

Mark Keeley of the OneSmallStep scheme explains exactly how this unique project can help you!

We know it can be difficult to know where to start. Perhaps you are a smoker who would like to cut back or even give up for good? Or you might want to aim for a healthier weight but can’t find the time or motivation.

Do you need support to get more active? And are you worried about your drinking? Whatever your goal, OneSmallStep can help.

OneSmallStep is the service set up and funded by Devon County Council to

guide and support you through small steps to change. By looking at the process in small steps, we believe it can be much more achievable! OneSmallStep offers support when and how you need it with information, advice and guidance available online, by telephone and through face to face coaching so you can start making small

changes to feel healthier today. Would you like help and support to quit smoking? Reduce your Alcohol intake? Achieve a Healthy Weight? Become more active? If the answer is yes, get in touch with OneSmallStep. Our support is FREE and available to Devon residents in ways that suit you, either; online, on the phone, video call or face-face. You can take your first step to a healthier lifestyle by visiting the OneSmallStep website www.onesmallstep.org.uk, emailing us at hello@onesmallstep.org.uk, texting the word QUIT to the number 60777 (charged at standard text rate) or calling 01392 908 139 to speak to one of our friendly team. You can also follow the initiative on social media where you can receive helpful tips, motivation and other forms of support. Simply visit www. facebook.com/1stephealthy You can also follow the project on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ onesmallstep_18.

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The view with COMBEBIRD

One of the things that has struck me most since the start of the pandemic and lockdown period is how much it’s made us appreciate our surroundings. Imagine having to endure everything we have been through in a high rise flat in an urban area with no green space in sight. Cities may have many things that we don’t, but our beautiful natural surroundings are something that can never be taken away. One of the incredible things I have noticed during this time, as well as finding a new appreciation for the stunning Tors, is just how clear the water has been.

On some days it has truly felt like being on the Mediterranean but without the prices!

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Cat of the month!

Whitesocks Pretty young 'Socks' came to us when her original owners upped sticks and moved on without her. Some neighbours fed her when they could but couldn't takPe her in, and so she came to us.

Why anybody would abandon her is beyond us, because once settled into her new surroundings she's proved herself to be a gentle, friendly and playful companion.

Alert and inquisitive, when we can't be with her she's been sitting by an open window watching the world with interest - and with that look cats get when they've had enough of pen life and want to get out there.

So, as a one to two year old with a long life ahead of her, she'll need access to the outdoors and is able to use a cat flap. She'd probably do best in a home without a dog or very young children, but other than that we think she'd be a lovely addition to almost any home.

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