April Crier 2017

April 2017 The Crier is produced for the community, supported by advertisers, Great Torrington Town Council, and the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity.

5900 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district, with a readership of 14,750

1

Tip Top painting & decorating “Committed to top quality workmanship, professionalism and customer satisfaction” • Specialist finishes/effects • Wallpapering • Decking/flooring • Handrails • • Period properties • Fencing/garden sheds •

Tim Parkinson

City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 Qualified • Fully insured

Tel: 01805 623678 Mob: 07522 880 484 E: tiptoppaintinganddecorating@hotmail.com

2

Missed the print deadline?

Torrington & District Community News & Events

Contact us...

Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com

Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.

We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 603023 E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com

Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All advertisements are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please.

Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk.

Town Distribution: Dy Darch Rural Distribution: Sue Crane and the community Printers: Toptown, Barnstaple

Read The Crier Online

If you don’t normally get the Crier delivered, you can now view the latest issue and back issues online, including all adverts, which can be clicked on to visit their websites.

Our Facebook page is the perfect place to share community news and information, with the opportunity for readers to post their own events, news and appeals, so please search for ‘Torrington Crier’ and like our page. So if you miss The Crier’s deadline, we can now still promote your event or share your news!

Don’t forget, we want to hear your news and views so please get in touch!

Disclaimer:

The Crier does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, legality or reliability of any information, product or service represented within our publication or on our web site. The information provided is for informational, educational or entertainment purposes only.

Anyone using the information provided by The Crier, does so at their own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify The Crier from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.

The Crier does not endorse or recommend any product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to The Crier belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Crier or its team.

Web site links from The Crier or its website are provided for convenience only. The Crier is not responsible for the content or availability of any external or 3rd party sites and does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information found on these sites.

Castle Hill Opening Hours Library Book Renewals

01805 622107 0345 155 1001

New Opening times Tues 10am-6pm, Thursday 10am-5pm, Fri & Sat 10am-1pm

Café & Garden @ 1646

01805 626146

Open Mon – Sat 9am-4pm

Tourist Information

01805 626140

Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am – 4pm. Wed, Fri & Sat 10am – 1pm

Torrington Town Council

01805 626135

Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm answerphone available

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Torrington

03 444 111 444

Tues 9.30am-12.30pm drop in

Community Development Trust

01805 626100

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Genesis/Pannier Market Admin

01805 626110

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Heritage Museum & Archive

Contact Sue Scrutton 01805 622391 or Val Morris 01805 622306

3

Drain clearing CCTV surveys Repairs/Relining Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation

Great Torrington Futures Group (no.5)

P

lease see our previous articles (November 2016 to February 2017), now available in back issues on The Crier website: www.greattorringtoncrier.co.uk.

At the time of writing, we are about to running a stall at the future-oriented event in The Plough on March 12th. As well as explaining the aims and methods of the Futures Group, we will be handing out questionnaires for you to tell us about the skills you have that we could use; more about that next month.

We have consulted on revisions to the town’s new information boards, which will be discussed and hopefully will have been approved, at the Environment Committee in March; the proposed sites so far are Sydney House Car Park, Barley Grove Car Park, Old Bowling Green, Tarka Valley Railway/Puffing Billy and Dartington Crystal; all are intended to direct people to interesting and useful parts of the town.

The Torrington to-do-list, our summary of town studies over the last 20 years together with recent proposals, has been categorised in line with the main themes in the emerging Neighbourhood Plan: Community, Economy (Business Development and Employment), Environment, Housing and Infrastructure.

It is available to anyone on request.

Lastly, do send us your comments on any aspect of our work and we will give you a mention.

Contact us with your views or to get involved. By email to: philtop@ hotmail.co.uk. By writing to: GTF, c/o Great Torrington Town Council, Castle

4

Easter Hall Park

Riding and Carriage Driving Lessons • Beginners and all ages welcome With or without own pony • Small groups or private lessons Fully licensed and qualified staff • Indoor and outdoor schools Livery • DIY, Grass, Part and Retirements We also take horses for ridden schooling and training for harness For Sale • Quality riding and driving horses and ponies occasionally for sale Horse Riding Holidays Available in our two bedroom cottage or flat, both situated close to the yard Bring your own horse or use one of ours during your stay Excellent hacking with direct access onto Devon Wildlife Trust and Tarka Trail Petrockstowe, Devon, EX20 3HP, 01837 810350 www.easterhallpark.co.uk

From Your Mayor

S

pring is on the way, it lifts your heart when you see the daffodils and primroses starting to show. Life when you are Mayor is a very busy time and it shows no sign of easing up as my year in office winds down on May 16th and Sue Mills takes up the reins.

A special occasion was choosing the May Queen and her attendants and heralds at the junior school, an excited buzz greeted Di Davey and myself. Many thanks to the staff, for the hours spent making sure that May Fair continues to be a success.

There will be many proud parents at the May Fair celebrations.

We also took part in the Carnival Queen choosing at GTS; all the young ladies wanted to represent our town, and said it was an honour to be chosen, it was a difficult decision and all interviewed well.

The Plough lift is now in place, thanks to all who have helped make this muchneeded facility come to fruition, access to the gallery is now user friendly for all.

Hopefully you have all got your mixing bowls out ready for the Community Big Bake on April 8th at Dartington Crystal; all the family can enter the competition so come on you dads and children!

On 31st March at 7pm you are all invited to an extravaganza at our Parish Church. There will be old time music hall and other popular songs and Liz Harris will be making sure we all have a great evening together raising money for charity The County elections are coming up in May, so make sure you ask plenty of questions of the candidates.

Our hospital services are being decimated, so it’s very important that ALL councillors fight alongside the public to save them, and don’t just pay lip service.

SOHS (Save Our Hospital Services) continues to challenge at every opportunity.

Best wishes, Margaret Brown, Town Mayor

Great Torrington Town Council Notice of Annual Meeting of the Town Council

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting and Inauguration of the Mayor of the above named Town Council will be held at the Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington on Tuesday 16th May 2017 at 7pm The meeting is open to members of the public who are most welcome.

Michael Tighe, Town Clerk Hill, South Street, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA. By hand delivery to: Great Torrington Town Council mailbox at Castle Hill. Via the Great Torrington Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/GreatTorringtonTo

wnCouncil/?fref=ts Thank you.

Cllrs. A.Williams, C.Miller, D.Davey and K.Allin; P.Topham, Peter BevanAb is et quodis aut et exerum vernat lam explique sed quasseq uiasper ibeatiumquo il

What is The Great Torrington & District Development Trust (The CDT)?

T

he CDT was formed in 1996 following the closure of major employers in the town.

The CDT aims to promote and enhance the economic and social welfare of the town of Great Torrington and the surrounding 26 parishes.

Since its formation, The CDT, along with its trading subsidiary Genesis (Great Torrington) Ltd (Genesis), has facilitated a number of projects. On completion they are either ended or handed over to other organisations for future management.

“Our latest project is very close to home, being the transformation of the former ballroom of the Castle Hill Hotel into the new Castle Community Centre.”

Over the years CDT has facilitated projects including (amongst others): the refurbishment and transformation of the derelict Castle Hill Hotel into use as a community building, where a mixture of community/public organisations and some private companies are based; the creation of the town’s skateboard park and the community woodland. Who can forget Charlie Dimmock coming to town with her ‘Garden Army’ to assist the creation of the vicarage garden in School Lane? This was another project brought to you by The CDT. Due to the current reduction in available grants, it may appear that The CDT has ceased operating, but we are very much still working ‘behind the scenes’.

Opening of the Castle Community Centre!

T

he Great Torrington and District Development Trust (The CDT) and Genesis (Great Torrington) Ltd (Genesis) are pleased to announce the opening of The Castle Community Centre (The Centre).

The Centre has been created from the former ballroom of The Castle Hill Hotel, now known simply as Castle Hill, adjacent to Sydney House (South Street) car park.The Centre offers a large, self-contained, multifunctional room with catering facilities, which is available for hire, either by the hour between 8am and 4pm or by sessions.

It is an ideal venue for small/medium functions and training seminars etc., and we hope that local groups and organisations will use it for regular meetings and social functions.

In addition to the administration office (01805 626100), booking details are available from The Great Torrington TIC (01805 626140) and The Café @ 1646 (01805 626146) all situated in Castle Hill, or from booking clerks, Susie and John Golightly on 07971651 938.

In addition to the Trust’s own funds, this refurbishment project was part funded by grants of £10,000 from The Big Lottery Fund – Awards for All and £18,000 from Coastal Recycling, through their Coastal Recycling Community Fund. We are very grateful to the support of our funders.

To celebrate the opening of The Centre, we will be holding an open day on Saturday 22nd April between 10am and 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come and have a look at this fabulous facility.

Ian Lovell Great Torrington & District Development Trust & Genesis (Great Torrington) Ltd Our latest project is close to home; the transformation of the former ballroom of the Castle Hill Hotel into the new Castle Community Centre.

The CDT relies solely on grants and income generated by ongoing revenue earning activities, managed by its trading subsidiary Genesis.

Genesis also manages the day-to-day running of the Great Torrington Pannier Market, on behalf of Torridge District Council.

Get involved - new Trustees needed

The CDT is currently looking to recruit new trustees, so if you would like to consider joining the Management Committee please telephone Ian Lovell, General Manager, 01805 626100, to discuss what might be involved. You could really contribute and make a difference to your area.

Ian Lovell, Great Torrington & District Development Trust

5

Qualified & Experienced Landscape Gardener For all your gardening needs large or small Call Stuart 07971533 235 Folk Day in Torrington St George’s Eve Saturday 22nd April

C

Grant Award for The Great Torrington Town and Community Hall

I

6

am delighted to announce that we have received a grant of £30k from Torridge District Council’s New Homes Fund, and we thank them for their support. Combined with funds from our own reserves we can now carry on with plans to eventually open the whole building for the community. We can now glaze part of the under croft, and open up a reception area which could be used for exhibitions or charity events, right in the centre of the town and under cover from our inclement weather! Our builders, W.M.S, have already been on-site doing preliminary work, awaiting the glazed window panels ordered from a specialist company and produced in Germany. We are hoping work will be finished in time for May Fair week.

Other hopefully positive news was the visit from a representative of the Reaching Communities Lottery Fund, who came to learn more about our project, and I am sure must have been impressed with all the support we have had from our community. There is another 5/6 weeks delay until we hear if we are to be invited to the next stage.

This would then give us enough money to complete the final phase of our build, bring the building back to its former glory and make it available to all residents in Great Torrington and our surrounding villages.

If you would like to know more about our project please visit www. greattorrington-townhall.org or ring me on 01805 625662.

Richard Rumbold, Chair, Gt Torrington Town and Community Hall Project

ome along and join us for ‘Folk Day’ in Torrington. There will be Morris Dancing around the town between 11am and 2pm for all to enjoy.

There will be a Folk Dance Workshop 2.45-4.45pm at the Castle Community Centre, £3 admission. Learn the basic figures for folk dance and ceilidhs, or try your hand at calling.

In the early evening there will be a Song Session, from 5-6.45pm, at the Castle Community Centre, free (with a collection), led by Jerry Bix. Instruments also welcome. In the evening you are very welcome to our Ceilidh from 8-11pm at the Castle Community Centre, £6 admission (under 16s £4). Lively dancing to the Winkeilidh Band. All welcome. No bar. Tea and coffee available or bring your own refreshments.

As an alternative to folk dancing, the popular rhythm and blues group, Dr. Feelgood, is in concert at the Plough Arts Centre at 8pm. The folk group Faustus are also performing there on Sunday 23rd April at 7.30pm. Tickets available from the Plough. This Folk Day is organised by Devon Folk. www.devonfolk.org.uk.

Friends of Torrington Library

T

he date for our first AGM is Tuesday 11th April. It will still be held in the council meeting room, above the library, commencing at 2pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Reasons to Join Torrington Library

The library offers activities for young children including craft and music. You can borrow audio and large print books and also download a wide range of magazines for free.

Coming Soon - A Library Drop Box

The Torrington branch of the Men’s Shed is making the drop-box for us. We hope to have this installed at the beginning of April. This will enable users of the library to return books, CD’s and DVD’s when the library is closed.

Future Events - Second Hand Book Sale

The Friends group will be holding a second-hand book sale on Easter Saturday 15th April from 10am until 1pm, in the foyer of the library building, to raise funds for library projects. There will be Easter eggs available for the children.

If you have any adult or children’s books, in good condition, that you are willing to donate, then they can be left for us in the library.

If you have books that you would like to donate, but are unable to deliver them to the library, then please get in touch with John on 01805 603394 and he will arrange for their collection.

Evie Cottle Achieves Gold at Torrington Library!

C

ongratulations to Evie Cottle on reaching her Book Track Gold. Evie was presented with her gold badge and certificate of achievement for reading and reviewing 100 books at the end of her Book Track reading challenge.

Well done! For young readers out there who would like to sign up for this challenge we are happy to give you the details to get you started.

Need Help With Your Gadget or Gizmo?

Our Coffee & IT sessions, offering basic tuition on laptops, pads and devices for silver surfers, are proving very popular. Our volunteers, supported by TorrAGE Ageing Well, are here to help. If you would like advice and/or support to get to grips with your gadget or gizmo pop in, phone or email: 01805 622107, torrington. library@librariesunlimited.org.uk and book a session.

PEE WEE’S CLEANING CO. Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services Do you need help around the home? * Property Maintenance * New Extensions * Regular cleans, One offs, Deep cleans, * Renovations * Property Refurbishment * Whatever your needs, contact Hayley for; * Mopping Bathrooms * Wetroom Installations * * Vacuuming, Dusting, Polishing, * * Shopping, Laundry, Ironing * * Bespoke Joinery * Any household needs catered for

Take the Ask forPart a quotein to have your01271 carpets852153 cleaned with professional help Entourage web: www.pearcebarnstaple.co.uk Tel: email: buildit@pearceb.co.uk May Fair of the rug doctor pro.

PearceThe Construction Ltd, Pearce House, Brannam Crescent, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple EX31 3TD Round Treeteam(Barnstaple) 01805 622056/07989 254 504 Local, friendly & reliable Announced! www.peeweewelcome.com CRB Checked, Fully insured he may pole Race!

W

ith May Fair week

Enrico Caruso fastwith approaching by volunteers their own friendly, th traditional temperament-tested and 1873 vaccinated (25theFebruary – dogs and cats.

Round The Tree race August 1921) 2nd Since beginning 22,000 PAT will once again be partover of the annual Part 2 it’s dogs have been registered into What a great shame there are the no celebrations.

Organised by Torrington Pets Therapy scheme.

Every year digital mastered recordings of Caruso.

AAC As running club, the challenging three some of these retirehow andwonderful new dogs, One cannot imagine his mile route takes in some of Torrington’s having first been examined and passed voice was. most spectacular views. From the start, on health, temperament, suitability and Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching the course takes join runners down through stability grounds, Pets As Therapy. from 1895 to 1920, included 863 the Commons Taddiport, Today there and are currently appearances at into the Newaround York around the tree, then a reasonably level 4,500 active PAT visiting dogs 108 Metropolitan Opera before heand died of PAT cats atatwork in the UK. middle section following river along an infection the age ofthe 48.

HisEvery fame week theseto calm dogs and Rollelasted Road before afriendly final climb past the has the present day, despite cats give more than 130,000 people, the limited and marketing andthe promotional monument back into town. both young and old, to the pleasure and avenues available He was, Every year, runners ofhim. all abilities take chance to cuddlea and talk toofthem.

The nonetheless, client Edward part; from the experienced athletes to bedsides that are each year Bernays during the visited latter’s tenure as a those new to running.

This year’s event number a staggering half million. press agent in the USA. Publicity in h takes on Friday feel 5t May. There Sick place patients and Caruso’s time often relied on isolated newspapers, are separate races for juniors, women even the most withdrawn seem to open particularly wire services, magazines, and male Race entry can their be up and let runners. theand barriers down when photography the telephone. regular Petsbefore As Therapy visiting dog is completed the event, please find Caruso’s biographers, Pierre Key, around. dogs bring everyday life the entryThese form at torringtonaac.org, or Bruno Zirato and Stanley Jackson closer with it only all attribute histhe fame not tomay hishappy voice sign up and on evening.

Youthe also associations them of and but also Round to ahome keen wish musicianship, to ‘like’ thefor‘ Torrington the comforts.

The constant companionship business and an embrace of Tree Racesense 2017’ Facebook page to keep of an undemanding animal, thatthen gives commercial sound recordings, in up to date with the event. unconditional often one of the its infancy. love, Manyiswell-known opera Themissed last few aspects years have most of seen theiranlives. singers of Caruso’s time rejected the excellent turnout.

So, either as ato help Pets As Therapy was formed phonograph (gramophone) and their spectator orloss as a runner, we forward make this more bearable and voices have been lost as a look result, but speed recovery. to seeing you there.

Fancy dress is other singers including Adelina Patti, Buttons was thealways firstand Pet As Therapy not essential, but welcome.

We Francesco Tamagno Nellie Melba in Devon and Josie first in areNorth also pleased to say that the t-shirts will exploited the new technology once Torridgeside.

There have been they becametoaware of runners the success be awarded finishing againof outstanding with the Read2 Caruso’s recording sessions. this year as aresults memento, following the programme in ourmore schools, whichextant has Carusofeedback made that 260 positive last year. no sponsorship conditions and Victor has recordings in America for the Good luck to all runners. helped children to learn to read.

Talkingmany Machine Company, (later RCA Michael Newcombe, Torrington AAC The dog acts as ato non-judgmental Victor) from 1904 1920, and he listener and offers comfort to those

T

music has been

On the 16th November there will be a earned of around dollars in royalties ringing who find millions readingout stressful.

Great Torrington lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, from theand retail the resulting Bluecoat School which Come seesales us atofcan Green Lanes Memory Café Country Women of the th the Associated 78rpm discs.

In Italy in 1902-1903, he only meanCentre May Fair on Shopping on is Sunday 19 May March’s memory World, of which the WI nationally is a cut five batches of records for the 10-30am-4.30pm.

Enquiries; its way! Towards the end of K Moore café went Not with widely a member. known, the G r a m 624739 o p h o n eNorth and T y pArea e w r iCoter 01805 Devon last half term children put buzz despite having ACWW has representatives from many Company.

He was later heard live from Ordinator PAT. themselves for the to cancel working the towards relief of nationalities; the stage offorward the Metropolitan Opera various entourage roles; public radio activity. poverty and sickness, promoting health House in the Farmhouse, first East Woodlands May Queen, Crowner, A presentation took place John and advancing education.

It’s for down-tobroadcast in 1920.

Alverdiscott, Open Garden Portman who has now retired from earth approach offers mutual support In the next issue I will tell you about Heralds and Attendants.

This garden will be opening for the being our Volunteer Fundraiser and we and practical help to women and some of his operatic roles.

Emotions were running high with children eagerly waiting to hear if they have been second time as part of the National still trying to recruit for this post, so communities across the world.

Until then listening chosen.

Thegood school cast their votes for the are 2017 May Queen and those votes were Garden Scheme on Saturday 8th and if you would like to be part of th find out about the ACWW and the Bob Dymond th To whittled9down to the 2013 final four.

Friday 10 February a further vote was taken a of June fromOn 2-5pm Sunday committed team of nationwide, volunteers visit to Women's Institutes each day. on the four finalists and The Mayor of Torrington visited the school to carry out the www.theWI.org.uk provide this valuable service then W.I.theNE miles importantTorrington duty of Five conducting finalofcountplease for the queries May andTorrington also get Queen in about touch.

We drawing are also Any W.I. Our Annual Meeting willand take place Great Torrington, five miles south of the names of two Heralds eight Attendants from a hat. th looking for volunteers to help with ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on November.

We will on The Wednesday 9 Barnstaple off the B3232 at Windmill wait is over! We are thrilled to introduce this623588. year’s May Fair can entourage: memory café – if you spare two 01805 be of electing new Cross along one mile single atrack • May Queen: Poppy Rooke • Crowner: Tiahours Lewisa• month Heralds: Billy Mitchell, Matthew then please contact me. and road. Postcode EX31President 3PP We are looking forward to this Lawton • Attendants: Holly Chanell, Isabella Maslanek, Kacey Ashton, Katie Great Torrington for the Richard and Ann committee welcome you to month’s meeting where Annie Brierley Maxam, Cadee gardens, Willoughby, Matilda Vallely, Isabel Tucker, Lola Barber. following year, their sculptured extending to Town Hall Project will be reading short stories and onegardens and all! were taking a look back justCongratulations over an acre. to The By the time this report appears in poems.

This will invoke memories and Photo: (Back L-R): Mayor Margaret Brown, Attendants: Matildanoticed Vallely, at all we have created in 2006 from a blank The Crier, Lola youBarber, will have raise discussions and should be a very experienced in have the last year and then landscape and been transformed scaffolding been put Kacey Ashton, Katie Maxam, Cadee Willoughby, Isabelhas Tucker enjoyable activity. getting a sneak of speakers into a hidden oasispreview of Maslanek swaying grasses, to facilitate the(Herald), repair Poppy (Front L-R): Isabella (Attendant), up Matthew Lawton Dementia Awareness week takes booked for 2012.

Cups prizes will spectacularly architectural bamboos of theMitchell roof and make the Rooke (May Queen), Tiaand Lewis (Crowner), Billy (Herald), Holly Chanell place in May. Along with the be awarded for terraces. thoseDiwho did garden best in and cool-to-hot Little building water-tight for (Attendant), Consort Davey Alzheimer’s Society we are planning to our optional rooms createmonthly hidden competitions, gems where and the the winter. It will be have an information giving presence in there can will, sit of and course, for tea visitor enjoybethetime tranquillity enclosed in waterproof the town square on Thursday 23rd May and a natter. ofThe the BIG garden as Fair it blends with the sheeting to protect the Billy working area May Charity Coffeeso Morning Puffing do come along and find out more.

Beingtireless rather nifty at getting through rolling, views.

A pond area and to minimise any risk to the internal st 1 business April side The theme of this week is “Worry the (unfenced) andof things, still weinwill also its fabric. At the same time, a series of nothing.

Talking changes thanks all the staff Puffing Billy Trading Co.be Restaurant, manage arateful bit ofstages, time totowelcome Bob developmental provides anat thechanges photoelectric panels will installed, to st everything”. who will be hosting a charity coffee morning on 1 April 9.30am to 12 Brewer, willfor give us the low-down area of who shade gunnera and bog reduce running-costs, and perhaps May’s café meeting will be on noon, to help raise funds for May Fair. on the A Cavaliers. plants. potager’s delight. provide anthincome for the project by when David Clinch will be Thursday 9 pub We 7pm in the Methodist The start winner the £100 cash prize from the May Fair draw will chosen Entry costsatof £3.50 and teas will be selling surplus power to be the National playing guitar and pipes to entertain us Church Hall, and prospective members available.

There will also plants at the coffee morning, so be don’t forgetforto buyGrid. a ticket from any of the participating all.

Do come along and join in the fun are very welcome to visit for Exchange, free. Any BlackAlthough sale. this work is being carried pubs:Torrington Arms, Royal Horse, Cavalier, Inn,access as well as being Torridge able to new members paying their subs this For further information about East out by the Townlands Trust, payment Conservative Club, Torridge Vale Social Club - you’ve information got to be in it to win it! relevant and discuss month, get garden 14 months for theopen pricefor of Woodlands and others will Batty be taken from funds set aside for Tash Mayprofessional Fair Committee Secretary concerns with NHS staff.

12. How about Garden that! the National Scheme visit the project, which would have included Contact: Pauline Page 01805 625969 www.ngs.org.uk

G

7 11

7

NHS Cuts Won’t Heal! SOHS Campaigns Put a Red Line Around All Local Hospitals on 1st April - Please Join Us

A

s dawn was breaking, friends and supporters of OUR NHS in North Devon boarded coaches in Ilfracombe, Braunton, Barnstaple, Bideford and South Molton, destination London and the national march from Tavistock Square to Parliament Square, organised by the ‘Health Campaigns Together’ & ‘The People’s Assembly’.

Save Our Hospital Services Devon is campaigning across the county to oppose cosmetic changes called Sustainable Transitional Plans, which in reality are devastating cuts to NHS services and hospital bed provision. We joined campaigners in London from all over Britain on Saturday 4th March, to send a message to Teresa May and Jeremy Hunt that “It’s not your business it’s our NHS”.

The rally was estimated at 250,000 strong, and was addressed by Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition. Dave Clinch from SOHS, who had organised the coaches to join the national demonstration, thanked supporters on their return trip to Devon on Saturday night, and reminded everyone of the call for public support to put red lines around every hospital in North Devon on April 1st. Please assemble at Torrington Hospital at 10 am and wear red if you can.

Ian Crawford, SOHS

Players at the Plough

A

fter taking you back to your good old topping school days with ‘Daisy Pulls it Off’, Torrington Players will be bringing you forwards to the 1950’s, with their spring production of the classic Ealing Comedy, ‘The Ladykillers’, written and adapted for the stage by Graham Linehan, writer of TV’s Father Ted and Black Books.

Join us in our multimedia visual feast, as we watch the courageous Mrs Wilberforce and her sidekick, General Gordon, thwart Professor Marcus and his band of hapless criminals. Expect trains, guns and a lot of tea drinking, in our 1950s style, 3D movie experience. Show times are: 7.30pm Thursday 27th April; Friday 28th April; and Saturday 29th April. Tickets are available at The Plough, 01805 624624.

TCD Carnival Club

T

he Torrington Corps of Drums are reuniting again this year to support Torrington May Fair. In conjunction with The Black Horse, they are challenging individuals, groups and businesses to build a carnival float with the aim of making this year’s carnival bigger and better than ever!

If you would like to get involved you can pick up an entry form from Xanadu or download it from The Torrington Town Council Website or from The Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee Facebook page.

Andrea Reed

STITCH Update

W

e had hoped to have been able to report back to you regarding our Secretary of State referral - but the process is taking a little longer than expected. We will update you as soon as we can.

The whole issue of the loss of community beds across Devon is making headline news on a daily basis. The latest casualty has been Holsworthy hospital, which the CCG insists is a temporary closure - but we know only too well that it will probably soon become a permanent situation.

Not only are we losing community hospital services, but also excellent nursing staff who have always been the cornerstone of quality patient care.

A community hospital can offer so much, but if deliberately run down and not used to its full potential, it will soon be perceived as economically unviable, so it might as well be sold for a new homes development. What a great solution, increase the population and reduce the medical service it needs!

It is vital that acute beds are always available for those who need them.

But once a patient has stabilised post procedure, a safe place for recuperation is necessary. Not everyone is well enough to go straight home and a convalescent period can do so much for a patient’s long term welfare. Our community hospital successfully filled this role for over 100 years, and could do so again if only the powers that be, would appreciate the valuable support they can offer.

STITCH

Lizzy’s Larder

8

You will be sure to receive a warm welcome when you visit Blackberry Farm.

In our tearoom you will find some of Devon’s finest Entry is FREE produce, with beautiful Dartmoor views.

Open 7 days a Our traditional family run farm shop is full of week.

01409 261440 delicious homemade food, local crafts and gifts, and Milton Damerel don’t forget to visit our friendly animals or join us on one of our farm tours.

Nr Holsworthy Visit: www.Blackberryfarmshop.co.uk EX22 7NP

Wayne Rowtcliff Plumbing & Heating services Bathrooms-kitchens-Tiling Bathroom Specialist Free estimates

Tel: 01805 623865 / 07771884918 waynerowtcliff@hotmail.com

* Freelance Florist - Locally Based * Bespoke Wedding Flowers - Free Consultation * Beautiful West Country Seasonal Flowers * Special Occasions * Corporate Events * Funeral Flowers * Environmentally Friendly Funeral Tributes * Private & Personal Consultation * Free delivery within 10 mile radius Tel: 01237 451988 Mob: 07533891380 Visit: www.tinahodgson.com Email: tina-hodgson@hotmail.co.uk

Great Torrington May Fair Thursday May 4th 2017

A

Tarka Valley Railway News

S

pring has arrived and our recent activities have been concentrated on the old coal dock, with much clearance work undertaken. An extra working day was scheduled with a mini digger brought in to remove root balls, and a trench dug to accommodate a ‘wall’ of cut down tree trunks. This will form a raised flower bed for planting shrubs and bulbs. More favourable comments were received from visitors.

The vegetation alongside the main road has been trimmed back to allow primulas, daffodils and ferns to be visible once more. The county flower of Devon was also uncovered, it is the primrose!

Litter has also been removed, making the whole site much tidier.

Work on the rolling stock has not been neglected, with paint being applied to the steel ends of the tank wagon and the new wooden tank supports treated ready for fitting.

We would like to welcome a number of new members to our group. It is encouraging to see new ‘recruits’ joining our merry band of volunteers – even merrier with lashings of tea and sticky buns at elevenses! We are a friendly team, so do please come on down to find out how you could help.

More books have been donated, which were much appreciated as the

ny wheelchair user/disabled person who wishes to come and see the May Fair celebrations is advised to be in the Town Square no later than 10.15am.

We do try to keep seats for disabled persons outside the Green Lantern, which are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Due to Health & Safety Regulations it is very difficult to get wheelchair users/ disabled persons into the Town Square after 10.15am.

Following the celebrations on May Fair day, help is required to put away the chairs that have been used. Anyone who is willing to help should meet in the Town Square at about 4.30/5pm. Any assistance we receive is greatly appreciated.

Great Torrington Carnival Saturday May 6th 2017

Entry forms for the Torrington Carnival are available from Xanadu, South Street Torrington, The Town Council Website and The Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee Facebook Page.

Please note: All vehicles MUST carry the appropriate insurance.

No intoxicating drinks will be permitted on any of the floats or by walking entries that take part in the procession.

Would all road users please note that various roads and streets in Torrington will be closed for a short time between 6-8pm whilst the Carnival is proceeding through the town.

Please bear with us but do expect some delay if your journey takes you through Torrington at this time.

Please do not throw coins at the floats.

Natasha Batty, Secretary, Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee sale of second-hand books is a valuable contributor to our funds. We also have a large supply of jigsaws for sale, so do pop into the carriage to browse and meet our enthusiastic sales team. We are planning to open the carriage at weekends from Easter, which gives visitors more opportunity to have a look around and a chat to the volunteers working there.

A reminder about our railway talk on 31st March at the Puffing Billy. Peter

Christie is our speaker, and he will be regaling us with his knowledge of North Devon’s railway history. Tickets, available from the Puffing Billy, or at the carriage on Thursdays, are £3 including a light buffet.

For more news and information, have a look at our website www.tarkavalley. co.uk and visit our Facebook page.

Rob Martin, Tarka Valley Railway CIO

9

Need to Raise Funds for Your Club or Organization?

Rotary Megadraw 2017

T

he Rotary Club of Torrington is offering voluntary organizations in the Torrington area the opportunity to take part in Megadraw 2017. This is a North Devon draw, with major prizes, which will be drawn next November.

By selling Megadraw tickets, you can raise funds for your own organization. All the funds raised by the sale of Meagadraw tickets are kept by your own organization, for its own purposes.

The Rotary Club of Torrington simply provides the tickets and the paperwork. The Barnstaple Link Rotary Club has the tickets printed, has obtained the licence, arranged the prizes, and will organize a spectacular draw night in Barnstaple in November. There is no catch. Every £1 you take you keep.

All that is asked is that you register the receipt of tickets provided, return the counterfoils of sold tickets and return unsold tickets.

In 2016 Megadraw ticket sales raised over £1500 for clubs and charities in Torrington, and over £20,000 throughout North Devon.

Megadraw is organized by Rotary Clubs in North Devon as a service to voluntary organizations in the local community. If you are a leader, secretary or treasurer of a local organization and are interested in this opportunity, then contact Rick Smale (Torrington Rotary Club) on 01805 622419 or by email rick@ricksmale.com. He will be pleased to provide you with more details and arrange for the handing over of Megadraw tickets.

The Rotary Club of Torrington is offering a FREE essential first aid course for parents and carers, please see page 35 for details.

Torrington Antenatal Sessions

T

orrington Children’s Centre runs a free antenatal session every other month, for expectant parents from 28-34 weeks.

The course is jointly run by our children’s centre staff and midwifery and health visiting teams.

This course will give you information to help make your pregnancy and birth as stress free and enjoyable as possible, and will help you prepare for after the birth. We cover getting ready for the birth, labour, pain relief and caring for your new-born baby; including feeding, bathing and the first few days.

The course consists of four sessions on a Wednesday afternoon 2-4pm. If you would like to book in, the next courses will be run in May, July and September.

Please go to the Torridge Children’s Centre’s website at http://services. actionforchildren.org.uk/torridge-childrens-centres/ and follow the links for the bookable groups.

For all your quality bespoke wooden Gates, Sheds, Stable Blocks & Timber

* Dry, seasoned ready-to-burn logs available & delivered 10

Do come down and see us at Victoria Sawmills, Merton EX20 3EG, 01805 603429

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

N

ew faces are always welcome to attend our meetings at local venues. You can find details on our Facebook page, in the Crier, or by contacting individual members.

We are a friendly and informal group set up to preserve longstanding ties between these twin towns in Devon and Finistère. We work alongside other organizations to support community events such as the May “We are a friendly and informal group set up to preserve longstanding ties...”

Fair and Carnival, take part in charity quizzes and help to co-ordinate crosschannel visits by diverse clubs and organisations from the area.

Amongst our activities in 2017, we shall be hosting Breton families for the Round The Square Festival on Sunday 18th June, appearing at St. Michael’s Church Fête on 1st July and travelling to the Roscoff Onion Festival in midAugust.

Various membership options are available, but why not come along and find out for yourself who we are and what we are all about, with no obligation to join unless you decide to get involved.

For more information please contact: Nick Roberts (Chair) Tel. 01805 625765, mob: 07779 118 690, email. nickandanne1620@btinternet.com Johnny McGowan Hayes (Secretary) mob: 07969 596 935, email. johnny. mcgowanhayes@gmail.com

Please try to ‘Think Local ‘and support our local businesses whenever possible!

This page is available for all advertisers to promote their business. For information contact Esther on 01805 603023 or email torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com.

A Warm Welcome Awaits at The Rising Sun

J

ules, Karla, Mona and our staff look forward to welcoming you to The Rising Sun at Umberleigh, one of Britain’s most famous fishing and shooting establishments.

Built in the 14th Century, the hostelry has got oodles of characteristic charm, log fires and a glorious terrace overlooking the river in the summer.

As country lovers we are very welcoming to dogs, and their wellbehaved owners to sample our delicious food; lunches and dinners are available.

We host many special events so keep looking on our Facebook page, phone us for details on 01769 560447 or email us risingsunumberleigh@gmail.com.

Steve Taylor – Painter and Decorator

S

elf-employed, and living and working out of Shebbear offers incredible scope to undertake work within a large catchment area of Devon.

With 20 years of experience both in industry, undertaking my own home renovation projects, and operating for the last seven years as a sole trader, I have a solid foundation and depth of experience which enables me to offer clients sound advice and realistic quotes to support their vision.

My work ethos is based on honesty and reliability which, I believe, are fundamental qualities in building a business reputation. Quotes are free and without obligation. Work can be calculated on an hourly or day rate. My portfolio includes both interior and exterior work on domestic and small commercial properties, with the adaptability to work autonomously or within a team.

Complete Computing Providing a Complete Service for Your Computing Needs

C

omplete Computing SW Ltd is one of the area’s longest running independent computer companies.

Established in 1998, we provide a service to both home and business users. We are a retail shop and a repair centre. CCSW can be found in Old Town, Bideford, up opposite the fire station.

We keep in stock a full range of new and refurbished laptops and PCs, just call or visit the website for specifications and pricing. As well as systems, we are stocked with accessories; from keyboards and mice to media, including an array of storage solutions and software.

Our technical team will repair, upgrade and maintain your PC and can provide proposals on what to do if you are experiencing technological trouble. We do not upsell, we offer solid practical advice tailored to your needs. We offer a call-out service to residential and business customers as well as remote support.

11

RICHARD HEYWOOD ELECTRICAL Domestic, Commercial, Industrial & Agriculture Testing & Inspection Certification Portable Appliance Testing (Pat)

Free Estimates

www.rheywoodelectrical.co.uk Mobile 07816 392 670

AGRIMOTORS Merton Garage MOTs - Tyres - Batteries Servicing - Repairs - Diagnostics Mechanics Tony Elston and Dan Heal look forward to receiving your call We can collect vehicles from Torrington

10th Merton Vintage & Classic Vehicle Rally

F

inal preparations are well underway for this year’s event being held on Sunday 30th April 2017. Last year over 1000 people came on the day and we hope this year will even better, as we have much more going on throughout the day, as it is our 10th year!

See over 100 vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and tractors as well as local produce stalls, North Devon Gundog Display, Rolls Royce rides, fairground rides, cream teas, BBQ, bar and more.

We have plenty of free parking and look forward to welcoming you all on the day.

Entry £3 adults; £1 child; under 5’s free, 11am–5pm.

For more information regarding this fantastic event contact: vehicles: Tony 01805 603400; stalls etc., Janette 01805 603604. Email: mertonrally@googlemail.com.

Merton is on the A386 between Torrington and Hatherleigh.

Help Me Swim The Channel!

O

n Wednesday 5th April I will be at Great Torrington swimming pool, between 7am and 10am, to swim as far as I can for our ‘Challenge Yourself’ event.

I would like as many of you as possible to join me to see if, collectively, we can swim across the English Channel; just over 20 miles in three hours!

I am challenging myself to swim three miles, two more than I have ever swum before, and would like as many of you to join me in this event to make up the mileage. If you can manage only 100 or 200 metres we will eventually reach our goal.

This is not only about challenging yourself, the main aim of the event is to raise as much money as we can for Little John’s House, Romania. Set up over 20 years ago, the house provides a safe and secure home for many very special children with needs far greater than our own. In a time when our own country and lives appear to be in turmoil it is easy to forget the suffering and hardship others around the world have endured for many years. We are trying to help but a few very vulnerable children and make their lives a little more bearable.

Please either donate £10 to join the swim, ask people to sponsor your swim, or call into Torrington Jewellers and make a donation to our very worthy cause.

Thank you for your time and generosity.

Liz Harris For more information please visit our Facebook page: Little John’s House appreciation Society or www.littlejohnshouse.co.uk

12

01805 603324 Rotary Young Citizen Award 2017

T

he Rotary Club of Torrington is seeking nominations for their Young Citizen Award.

The competition is open to any young person in the Torrington area who is under 25 years old. We are looking for individuals who ‘go the extra mile’ in some capacity. It might be for example in fund raising, voluntary work or raising awareness of a particular issue.

If you know someone that you would like to nominate please submit a short letter by e mail to david@ashley-manor. co.uk telling us about your nominee.

The deadline for entries is May 1st, 2017.

Abbeyfield Easter Coffee Morning

O

ur Easter coffee morning will be on Wednesday April 5th, from 10.30am-12pm, at Glen Tor, Villa Road. You are all very welcome.

We had a shopping trip to Barnstaple in March, and we are busy planning outings for the spring and summer now that the weather is better.

Do you know anyone who might like to find out more about living here, with our friendly and active residents? Why not ring our house manager for a chat on 01805 623605,and perhaps arrange a visit to meet with her and some of the staff.

Alabama rot? Or not?!

W

e have heard a lot in the media recently about the unexplained disease commonly referred to as Alabama rot. It is officially known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy and is a serious disease which has only recently been recognised in dogs in the UK. It causes lesions on the skin and occasionally in the mouth, which can look like bites, sores, wounds or stings. Any age, sex, or breed of dog can be affected and unfortunately some dogs go on to develop lifethreatening kidney failure.

CRGV (Alabama rot) is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure).

Cases have been reported from across many different counties in the UK, but because the cause of Alabama rot still remains unknown, it is very difficult to give specific advice about prevention and at this stage it is not necessary to avoid walking your dog in particular locations.

It is also important to remember that most of the time a skin problem will NOT be Alabama rot, however the lesions can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if in doubt it is always best to seek veterinary advice.

Hatchmoor Vets

Appledore Singers Open Rehearsal Monday May 8th 7.30-9pm at Appledore Baptist Church

T

he Appledore Singers, your local ladies’ choir, is well into a new season and we are looking for new members – particularly Altos. Come along to our open rehearsal on Monday 8th May, 7.30-9pm at Appledore Baptist Church and take part in our rehearsal, meet choir members and have some fun!

We sing a wide repertoire of song arrangements; from Gospel to Show-Stoppers, and we have a special repertoire for Christmas and weddings.

We also like to help organisations and charities raise money by performing. We travel all over North Devon to perform, and beyond! This season promises to be an exciting one, with trips to many interesting places.

If you’d like to sing with us, why not come along to our open rehearsal, contact our Musical Director, Pam Beechey on 01237 420652, see our website: theappledoresingers.co.uk or our Facebook page.

‘Seek a Smile Thro’ Song’

Running & Raising Money for Meningitis Research

M

eningitis is an infectious disease which, in my opinion, is far too often overlooked. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord; eight people a day in the UK contract the disease; people of all ages are at risk, although children, young adults and the elderly are most vulnerable. The long-term effects of the disease can be lifealtering. Despite research making huge progress in recent years, there is still much more to be done to eradicate the risk of infection completely.

As someone who has lived in Petrockstowe for most of my life, and a current student at Exeter University, I have made it my challenge to fight against meningitis through signing up to the Bilbao Night Marathon (which is taking place in October); raising money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

As well as raising awareness and much needed funds for the charity, I’ve also decided to create a blog so that everyone can keep track of my training progress, and hopefully become inspired by tips and tricks which I will be posting over the coming months, about how you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

Please give the blog a quick visit, I would also be very grateful for any donations towards my challenge: https://bilbaomarathon.wordpress.com/ Pip Mahoney

Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman

• Interior and exterior painting • Paper hanging • No job too big or too small For a friendly reliable service from a local tradesman ring:

T: 01805 625238 M: 07814 147 603

13

ALLSORTS’ 10th Birthday Party

O

n 3rd March, ALLSORTS’ Children’s Club celebrated its 10th anniversary! We had a quiet celebration at the club on the Friday evening, but celebrated with more gusto the following day as we invited current and past members of the club to join with us for a ‘Mad ALLSORTS Tea Party’ at the Bluecoat School.

We had a fantastic afternoon, as we were joined by over 150 club members and their families and friends, to eat scones, drink tea and join in with the madness of the afternoon. Laughter could be heard throughout the hall, as children and adults joined in with a number of ‘messy challenges’, sumo wrestling, and a number other activities.

A lasting memory will be two mums dressed in sumo suits running in to, and bouncing off each other before wrestling each other to the ground!

We would like to thank everyone who turned up and made it a fab afternoon; the school for the ongoing provision of the school hall, The Town and Land Trustees for their incredibly generous grant for the event, and all of our faithful helpers without whom, we would not have been able to host such an event.

The club continues on into its11th year and is open to any child/young person.

We have three clubs who meet on a Friday evening, ALLSORTS 6.30-8.pm (years 1-6), ALLSORTS Plus (years 6-8) and ALLSORTS Youth 8- 9.15pm (year 9 and above). If you would like more information, please phone Morag on 07969 497 026.

The ALLSORTS Team

14

Bluecoat School All Set for Arts Week

C

hildren from across the year groups at Bluecoat C of E Primary School are preparing for Arts Week which will take place in the last week of the spring term. There are some exciting activities and projects planned, one of which has already been launched by North Devon favourite Mrs Recycle. At the end of November, Mrs Recycle ran a workshop encouraging the children to be aware of how they can recycle and reuse. Children learnt all about the impact of dumping recyclable waste into our landfills and how it affects our landscapes, wildlife and health.

During the workshop they were each given the opportunity to decorate plastic bins, previously used for supermarket flowers. The bins are now being used to collect plastic milk bottle tops, which will be used for a whole school art project to create a colourful mural on the recycling container on the school grounds.

We need your plastic milk bottle tops!

Collections are going well, but we need your help! We need as many plastic milk bottle tops as possible (especially those that aren’t green or blue). Please give them a rinse and send them into school.

We will need thousands! Thank you.

Also during Arts Week: The children will be devising a drama and dance piece with Wolf + Water Arts Company based on the work of artist the Reverend William Keble Martin, botanist and botanical illustrator. Children will have the opportunity to venture out and about to capture the essence of Andy Goldsworthy, an innovative British artist who uses natural materials to create outdoor sculpture that he captures in photographs before it disappears. Year three will also be performing a play as a celebration of the end of their topic on Greek myths.

Pictured: Mrs Recycle Launches Project, Leaves by Andy Goldsworthy

Est 1988

North Devon Landscaping

We offer a full landscaping service for:

•Traditional drystone walling • Paving • Block paving • Fencing and gates •All digger work • Seeding and turfing Professional year round landscaping Trevor Andrews Email: north_devon_landscaping@ hotmail.co.uk Mob: 07964 558 703

First Thursday Writing Group

T

here was a select number, just four of us, at the March meeting of the Writing Group, where the chosen topic was ‘Hunger’. Our evening began with a poem which looked at the many different forms of hunger we can experience, and all the different things we can hunger for (material or not). This was followed by the story of a hedgehog coming out of hibernation and searching for something to slake his hunger. Then we were treated to another poem entitled ‘Daily Bread’, which considered the start of Lent. Many of us give up the choicest goods available to us for a time, without really considering the unfairness of the world where some people are forced to go without food, through no choice of their own. The fourth, and final, offering was given to us by a new member who was attending the group for the first time.

We were treated to a piece entitled ‘Death Comes To Dinner’. It was a short comic fantasy about three guests, including Death, coming to dinner at a friend’s flat. Death suddenly announces that he is quitting his job. He says he fancies painting watercolours instead!

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 6th April at 7.30pm at the Conservative Club in Great Torrington. Our topic will be ‘The Gravy Train’. For more information please see our website at www.torringtonwriters.co.uk.

Nikki Whiting

Local Independent Florist Weddings • Funerals Giſt bouquets Ar�angements

Please call Melissa Baker on 07846 857 933 36 Bur�ood Road, Tor�ing�on, Devon EX38 7NE.

Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

W

e have cause for celebration! We’ve won a year’s ‘Do It Award’ from UnLtd! UnLtd is the leading provider of support for social entrepreneurs in the UK. We were selected from finalists from all over the UK, so we’re pretty chuffed about that.

Our ‘Do It Award’ includes a small grant, but most importantly, mentoring, expert training and services and linking up with other social entrepreneurs in the SouthWest. It’ll be a huge help, enabling us to expand, offer more services and take steady steps towards achieving our long term goal of making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in North Devon.

Join our Facebook page: ‘Organic & Wholefood Buying Group’ for news, all the wellbeing tips (in files) and much more. We welcome your contribution.

Wellbeing Tip: Indoor plants are more than decorative or just an added household chore (depending on your viewpoint!). Choose the right ones, and they’ll be purifying the air in your home for you, 24 hours a day. Plants do a great job of reducing indoor pollution, a significant source of ill health in many people, who are often unaware of the issue, still less of the solution. With the advent of modern building, decorating and furnishing materials, indoor pollution is often greater than outdoors.

Compressed man-made materials involve many kinds of glues, resins and polyurethane, emitting petrochemicals, formaldehyde, xylene, ammonia, toluene, benzene, chloroform, alcohols, acetone, trichloroethlene and a host of other chemicals. We are subjected to constant off gassing; yes, even if you can’t smell it. Add synthetic perfumes and the bio-effluents all humans emit and you have pretty toxic air. Fortunately extensive research has been done into the air purifying properties of indoor plants. Unsurprisingly, plants are specialists, particular those efficient at clearing specific chemicals. If you’d like to find out more, I recommend the book Eco Friendly House Plants by B.C. Wolverton or www.wolvertonenvironmental. com/airFAQ.htm.

Top 10 indoor plant super purifiers: 1. Areca Palm, 2. Lady Palm, 3. Bamboo Palm, 4. Rubber Plant, 5. Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’, 6. English Ivy , 7. Dwarf Date Palm , 8. Ficus Alii , 9. Boston Fern, 10. Peace Lily.

Bi-monthly order deadline dates: 15th May, 10th July. Contact me now so you’re primed for the new catalogue on 1st May.

Buying group FAQ’s

• How do I join? Ring or email Mary as below • What does membership cost? Free • Must I order a minimum amount? No • Must I order every month? No • If I don’t order, can I still apply to share someone else’s order? Yes • How do I pay? BACS or cash on collection • What if I need advice or have questions?

Ring me now 01805 623 307 or email: mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk. Here to help

15

buy books from our charity bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their

through the village, a brightly-lit floats, inclu

R.PITTS

“BUILDING & RENO www.yourgardencare.com

Great Torrington Remembers…

Lieutenant Ernest Blas Buckland 1890-1916

E

l l l l l l

General Garden Maintenance Garden Fencing Mobile: 07775 096657 Hedge Laying Call David Lock Stone Walling R.PITTS on 01805 603 541 Pergolas Mobile 07854 816 066 Patio Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

16

even millions earlier times: to the Roman rnest Buckland was the grandson ofin earned of dollars in royalties Enrico Caruso festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and Samuel Buckland, who was the vicarfrom the retail sales of the resulting (25thFebruary Year 10 1873 have –been flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth of Great Torrington for over 40 years.78rpm discs. In Italy in 1902-1903, he is particularly relevant to us today, to write August 1921)a per2ndasked cut five batches of records for the Rev. Buckland and Ernest’s father lived at the breathing new life into the winter of our suasive review about a Part 2 Gramophone and Typewriter Vicarage in the town for many of these years. community.

What a great there are for no fair shame festival Company. laterwith heard from Ernest appears on or the town’s war memorial Moreover,He in was keeping thelive spirit of digital masteredEnglish recordingsassessment. of Caruso. their the stage ofchildren the Metropolitan Opera despite GCSE not being born or living here. Indeed,rejuvenation, are the focal point One cannot imagine how wonderful his Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder House in theMuch first public radio the festivities. against Mr Gove’s there are no records of him even visiting theof voice was. of one such fair we should treasure. broadcast in 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s schools are area.

Instead, he wascareer, born in Buenos Aires, Caruso’s 25-year stretching In the next issue I will tell you about closed to allow full community Argentina, familyincluded had emigrated from 1895after to his 1920, 863 to some of his operatic roles. participation. What could be more Sending Out farm. a Mayday begin a sheep appearances at the New York Until then good listening appealing than watching the crowning of For Our Spring Fair Ernest travelled to England in 1915 to enlist Metropolitan Opera before he died of the May Queen? The procession of boys Bob Dymond we allow tradition to lived in. for war duty for aTorrington’s country anCan infection at the age ofhe 48.had Hisnever fame and girls in brightly coloured costumes dwindle?

He as the a 1st Lieutenant, hasenlisted lasted to present day, before despitebeing would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, Torrington W.I. What picture comes and into promotional yourEast mind promoted tomarketing Lieutenant with the Surreyskirts skipping the limited and the band blasting: the when you think of Torrington’s May Fair?

Our Annual Meeting will take place Regiment.

The regiment was centred at Loos avenues available to him.

He was, maypole is ceremoniously woven. th For many it is thea image of the maypole, November.

We are will on Wednesday 9 nonetheless, client of Edward and saw action at the Somme at the Battle of Just as the colours on the maypole laughter and sunshine; it would be beFair electing new Bernays during the latter’s tenure as a intertwined, so the May breaksadown Ancre, amongst others. difficult to imagine Torrington without it.

President and social barriers as it appeals press agent in the Publicity thatUSA. he was killedison in the 5th YetRecords today, show our historic tradition committee for the to everyone.

Choirs, dance Caruso’s time relied newspapers, October 1916. died on of single gunshot wound to the head after being hit by a under threat.

It He is easy to aallow following year, groups and majorettes all particularly wire services, magazines, German sniper momentarily glancing his head above the trench line. the pressures of after modern life to taking a alook back take to the stage: feast for photography and the telephone.

He was unmarried had no children. As well as being remembered on the slowly strangle our and cultural all ears. we Local have the eyesat and Caruso’s biographers, heritage.

In this fast age ofPierre Great Torrington war memorial, his Key, headstone can be found in the Philosophe British dignitaries are happily experienced in the last year and then Bruno Zirato and high-tech gadgetry, mass Jackson Cemetery, near Lens. Stanley peltedpreview in the of stocks and getting a sneak speakers attribute his fame not only to his voice media and I am still hopeful thatinstant I can trace family members; iffor you knowCups anyone with the The subjected to duckings. booked 2012. and prizes will and musicianship, also to a keen gratification, there is but little surname ‘Buckland’ who time has a long history with the town,Mayor please pass ondid this has awho lavish lunch, to be awarded for those best in business sense andmatters: an embrace of left for what really which many are invited.

The information. our optional monthly competitions, and community Today, more then in commerciallife. sound recordings, town crieron bellows as link. he To learn the life Buckland click the below there will,please of course, be time for tea than ever, more it Many is about essential to of Lieutenant its infancy. well-known opera proudly marches the streets You may also wish to ‘like’ the Great Torrington Remembers Facebook page. and a natter. keep our historic celebration alive.

Our singers of Caruso’s time rejected the of Being his predecessors The Torrington www.greattorringtonremembers.co.uk rather nifty and at getting through week of annual festivity andfosters phonograph (gramophone) their Silver Band pulsates like the beating Michael Newcombe the business side of things, we will also friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voices have been lost as a result, heart of the community. link withsingers our past.including We cannot let this Patti, die. manage a bit of time to welcome Bob other Adelina The grand finale of the May Fair week Torrington Silver Band’s Jumble Sale As you walk the cobbled streets of our Brewer, who will give us the low-down Francesco Tamagno and Nellie Melba is the carnival, a upcoming spectacle of light and orrington Silver Band is excited you all to our Jumble ancient town, younew breathe antiquity.

The to invite on the Cavaliers. exploited the technology once sound.

Fanciful floats journey through the th Sale.

Onpresent-day Saturday 8 Torrington April come alongWe andstart take aatlook at all May Fair links in the thefantastic Methodist they became aware of the success of town whilst the 7pm streets are lined with items we’ll have for sale at our band hall, Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street, with the past, transporting us to a bygone Church Hall, and prospective members cheering children.

In the packed town Caruso’s recording sessions. era – when life waswill simpler.

Torrington.

Doors be open from 10:30amsquare, till 1pm.

We will no have clothes, books, are very welcome to visit for free.

Any you have choice but to mingle Caruso made more that 260 extant Torrington has hosted the annual May DVDs, toys, in housewares and much more. There will also refreshments. newmake members paying their subs this and newbe friends. recordings America for the Victor FairIf anyone since has 1554.

However, manylike tomonth, any items they would donate then14 wemonths would very grateful. for theee!’ priceThe of ‘Uz get be plaised to be zee Talking Machine Company, (later RCA celebrations in England have their origins You can contact Laura on 01805 625994 to arrange collection/delivery.

Thank you 12.

How about that!

Mayor’s welcome banner in thick Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he

T

th Devonian dialect is strung across the November there will be a On the 16 square – Torrington is known as a lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, friendly town and World this is Book no better Where’s Wally? the Associated Country Women of the displayed than at the May Fair. In this era Day C of E World,atofBluecoat which the WI nationally is a of social isolation, the May Fair provides member.

Not widely known, the the medicineSchool of friendship, inclusion and Primary ACWW has representatives from many support. The fair encourages community nationalities; working relief for of life as the young and oldtowards join together poverty and sickness, promoting health the common good. What better way is and advancing education.

It’s down-tothere to bring neighbours together? earth approach offersfarmutual support People come from and wide to and the practical to Fair. women and enjoy delightshelp of May They also communities acrosswith the them! world. The fair bring their money replenishes coffers of the and townthe – To find outthe about the ACWW providing welcome boost to the local Women's a Institutes nationwide, visit economy – such a help in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk Businesses use about the carnival as W.I. an Any queries Torrington opportunity to advertise their wares. ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on Charities also benefit: collection tins are 01805 623588. soon full to overflowing. n Thursday 2nd March Yet it is often argued that historic celBluecoatTorrington C of E Primary ebrations Great are archaic and anachronistic.

School was aProject sea of red and Town Hall On the contrary, Torrington’s festivities white stripes as the staff and pupils gotin By the time this report appears revitalise the old traditions. In the current into spirit World Day noticed 2017. climate of ofyou apathy, laziness and ThetheCrier, willBook have The theme this indifference, theyear Maywas Fair lifts our spirits scaffolding has been put‘Where’s and Torrington intoalong a vibrant Wally’ - in or on the the repair sea – as, up totransforms facilitate community.

Despite the Day, continual with 20roof years of Worldthe Book the of the and make development of years modern technology event marks 30 of elusive, and building water-tight forthe increasing spent at computer the winter. time It will beAlong bespectacled character! with screens, last year’s record-breaking enclosed in Wally’ waterproof the ‘Where’s costumes, pupils turnout shows there is the still aworking place forarea live sheeting to protect donned outfits relating the sea entertainment.

Given tothe choice of and to minimise any risk to the internal theme. playing a video game or participating in fabric.

Atlook theatsame time, a series of Take ourI own the buzza of the fair, know‘Where’s which I would photoelectric panelswe will be installed, to Wally’ poster which displayed choose… reduce running-costs, and perhaps around the school.

It wasoffar easy Today, the new enemy a too large-scale provide an income for the project by town Safety’. to spotevent Wally,isso‘Health we hid and our very own As selling surplus power to the National huge crowds gather, it could be argued head teacher, Angela Fleming, into the Grid.there is a danger of an accident. that crowd along with some other members Although this all work being carried Nowadays, theisbeen ridiculous rules of staff, and with pupils have having out by the Townlands payment and regulations it is Trust, a struggle to awill great trying spot them…can be time taken fromtofunds set aside organise anything.

In this age for of you?! countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

O

Easter Hall Park Stables Petrockstowe

Riding & Carriage Slimming Driving Lessons Torrington World - to - Club, Advanced BeginnersRugby Torrington Hatchmoor Rd Qualified staff - Fully licensed Every Thursday at 5.30pmArenas & 7.30pm Indoor & Outdoor th

New 9.30am session from January 5 2017 LiveryContact Vacancies, Training Exams Norah 07789 for 632 NVQ/BHS 166 16 6

or 810350 01805 622556 Phone 01837

• Adult Bikes • Child Buggies • Child Bikes • Services •Tandems • Repairs • Disabled Tag-alongs • Wee-Hoo

Tanya’s Holistic Beauty & Nails Studio

www.tanyasbeautystudio.co.uk tanyasbeautystudio@yahoo.co.uk 01805 625400 12 Cornmarket St, Torrington, EX38 8EY

The Crier Prize Crossword

The winner of last issue’s prize crossword was Jacqueline Randall, congratulations, we hope you enjoy your prize.

The prize this issue has been donated by RHS Rosemoor, and is a family admission ticket worth £28.

Please send completed crosswords with contact details, to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email a completed crossword image to torrington.crier@gmail.com.

The winner will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 13th March, the solution and winner will be in the April issue.

Rosemoor is an enchanting 65-acre garden nestled in the beautiful Torridge Valley. Surrounded by woodland, the garden is rich in variety throughout every season. By winning this month’s crossword you will receive a family admission ticket worth £28 and it can be used just to see the garden at any time through the year, or why not combine a visit with one of the many events? Including arts, craft and food fairs, family activities such as the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Easter trail and summer holidays, plant fairs, flower shows and festivals – a great day out for everyone!

17

proceeds for the Methodist and Parish

Torrington and Hatherleigh. EX20

wives shop to their hearts’ content!

carnival queen and her attendants.

olunteers fromthrough the meetings, after 4pm, into the Canal days, and and also on eveningsRolle on most occasional Saturdays for small events Northern Devon or training Society days. Please see Kiz or Waterways have been email: kizangell@btconnect.com working through the autumn

to benefit from the carnival atmosphere and an influx of visitors. There will be a roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, barbecue, and candy wagon.

8

Community Torrington SilverInformation Band Spring Centre Concert & Hall for Hire (opposite Sydney House Car Park,

P

lease jointous on Saturday next 'Panamart') nd 22 April at Howe Concert that We are delighted to announce Hall 7.30pm. costs £5those the 'Esteem' group Entry - to support entry on thewith door, underhealth 16s free, with suffering mental difficulties, depression, included. fatigue, pain or will anxiety refreshments A draw take has inbeen awarded grants from the place the interval.

Rural Devon Trust (through theConcert Devon Torrington Silver Band’s Howe Community Foundation) and from Hall in Castle Street is available for hire.

Awards For All. We charge £30 for the first four hours We can now buy laptops, enabling and extra hour.inWe areto the£7.50 groupfor to every use the internet order also offering 10% discount when you help them abecome an integrated and make six bookings.

Please see our They accepted part of our community. website: torringtonsilverband.com to view will be able to engage a support worker to assist with form-filling, producing a photos of our hall.

CV, searching for education courses Contact our Secretary jowhite1974@ and will able to searchand forforlocal sky.com forbe more information all voluntary or paid work. The group has booking enquiries. drop-in days three times a week, (see diary) which include a 'listening ear', Beekeeping Course someone fromBeginners’ the community who is of feeling happyhe to North sit andDevon chat, School for those lonely Country and low.Beekeeping is running a The Beginners Centre also offers free legal Course for 12 weeks advice, and 2-4pm tenancy andSunday. debt advice, from 2nd April, each The by appointment, (see ofdiary). course covers all aspects keepingRev. Graham Slingo comes in for a coffee bees and is a practice based experience. and chat, and we have started a book You willfor learn mostly through doing, club young people (read a book which youor willfortnight be competent to over means a week keep at the of the course. We thenbees come in end and chat can never provide about it promise over a to drink and a colony Thursdays ofcakes) bees toon students at theafter end of the schoo c o l is l enot g e .in our O control, n course, asl /that Saturdays, can sit always however in thegents past we have and readto with a coffee, or managed do so. buy books from our charity After the course, we provide social bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their

T

activities through the year which are bee related and we offer a free ‘at home’ support service for novice beekeepers who may have an issue to resolve.

Jon Frayne, Secretary NDSCB

Canal BasinisRestoration at for Rosemoor Dolton’s three pubs are all expected The Centre available to hire

V

Your Vote Counts! and winter to restore the canal Charity Xmas Cards 1st Torrington Scouts have registered basin at the Rosemoor lime & Gifts Cards good incauses and Fair with Nat West Community Force, kilns.

This for is where the Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s which invites people to nineteenth century coal nd and church Bideford from 2 November to vote for a local charity/ limestone was unloaded Monday tofrom Friday 10am7th December, cause of their choice, the strings of tub 10am-1pm. boats that 4pm, Saturday Over 30 with the winner and two carried it along the your canal,cards up from and charities to select runners-up being the valley from Bideford. an Torridge interesting selection of gifts from awarded a grant. Please go to many parts of the world. Society at Rosemoor www.communityforce.natwest.com/ The Royal Horticultural Gardens have kindly made their Torrington Scout and Annual type 1stGeneral lecture room available for the Canal Societyprojects/ to hold their Meeting, th Group into the project name starting at Dolton 2pm, on Carnival Sunday April 9 , and after the short meeting there will be anbox, and vote for us.outPlease as opportunity to walk the gardens view the work carried on theget canal Flaming torches,through drummers, bands andregister many of your friends and family to do and fireworks basin so far. will give a small Devon so as well, as if we are successful we village a blaze publicity The meeting is open to allof who are interested in the canal, and may perhaps will be able to continue our program of next month. have come on one of the summer walks organised by the Rolle CanalHQ, Society refurbishment to Scout not for only Dolton’s several years past, soannual do comecarnival, along and hear all the latest news ofgroup, the society benefitting the Scout but all which dates back to Victorian and its work on the Rolle Canal over the course the hire year.the Ashall. always the RHS thoseofwho times, will be on Guy Fawkes Fran Ashton have granted those attending the meeting free access to the gardens afterwards, th Night, Saturday 5 and the restaurant is open for gives those the wishing to have lunch before or refreshments November, which later. festivities an extra spark of Chris Hassall, Rolle Canal Organiser Ode to Society DerekWalks Stamp interest this year.

Derek Stamp is 60, Farmer Ralph Gent, one of the key A milestone in his life, figures behind the Dowland country fair come this far together and dog show in June, is organising Early Summer Jazz Cruise on theAnd MSwe’ve Oldenburg As devoted man and wife. the spectacular finale in which £1,600In Support of will Northam Lodge worth of fireworks light up the night always sky. limb aboard our charity jazz cruise He’s on the MS there to hold my hand, And kiss me when The Pipe & Drum Band, Samba Oldenburg and welcome in the summer on Friday 12thI’m sad, My soul mate for so many years, Band and Torrington Allstar Majorettes May. We will depart from Bideford Quay at 6.30pm for Bestestuary, friend I’ve everinhad. be sailing takingaround part inthethe parade awill twoall hour Taw and Torridge taking through the village, along with many the beautiful scenery North Devon has to offer.

We met when I was “just 18”,New Buildings or Ren brightly-lit floats, including this year’s We are lucky once again to welcome The Alan Lewis All Stars R.PITTS Then call y Jazz Band, and we would “BUILDING encourage& you to bring along a picnic RENOVATIONS” Friend

C

to enjoy, there is a fully licensed bar on board.

Rola Tickets cost £16 (adult)/£8 (child) and canNew be purchased directly from our website Buildings or Renovations?

New Buildings Bu at www.northamlodge.co.uk.

Then call your Local Tel: 01805 624665

R.PITTS

R.PITTS

Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

S&GCarpets Ltd

Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

Agricultural

16 24hr call out

On the 16th November there will be a s of dollars in royalties 07774 798 01271 858966 lunch296 at •Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, sales of the resulting the Associated Country Women of the n Italy in 1902-1903,reidelecswltd@btinternet.com he World, of which the WI nationally is a hes 18 of records for the member. Not widely known, the e and Typewriter

flooring including Marmoleum, TORRINGTON Cushion Vinyl, Safety Flooring, Contract Carpets, Wood and PANNIER MARKET “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Laminated Floors.

• 14 The Gallery • Just 4 Kidz •

l Garden Fencing Over 35 years experience Mobile: 07775 096657 l Hedge Laying Domestic Call David Lock l Stone Walling Commercial R.PITTS on 01805 603 541 l Pergolas Industrial Mobile 07854 816 066 l Patio

GREAT R. Pitts

Tel: 01805 6 Mob: 07812 0

For Socks etc. • Town Museum • Kitch ’n’ Cupboard

specialising inSwap all types of Past “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” • Crafty Needles • Odds & Sods • The Jewel in the Town • Toy Shop • Times

www.yourgardencare.com Reid Electrical (South West Limited) l General Garden Maintenance

The

Mob:We 07812 067199 are a family run business Friendly Builder

Retail Outlets, Workshops & Café Tel:624665 01805Craft 624665 Tel: 01805 New Road, Torrington Open Monday to Saturday all day Mob: 07812 067199 Mob: 07812 067199 Call us on• genesis@great-torrington.com 01805 623112 Tel: 01805 626110 Thursday to Saturday General Market water bottle Whibble!”

8am-5pm That joke was told to me on a balmy

events to celebrate Diamond Jubilee in Ju and Wednesday 1976 by WO2 Bingo at •Roborough • warm British Red Cross • Sheena’sinSweetshop • The Market Café • Fiddlesticks Mick O'Neill when every day was filled take place on the 6th with good prizes an with laughter, and being a British

THE COMMONS in Spring April 2017

I

t is proven that a relaxing walk in the countryside helps to boost your mental and physical wellbeing, and that is probably one of the biggest reasons we need to preserve the Commons. This is the time we all look forward to, when everything goes into overdrive on the Commons, and we have assembled our list of top plants and wildlife to look for: On sunny banks and verges: Our friend the adder always tops the list because they are scarce, hard to spot and probably the one we have most questions about. Venomous but harmless if treated with care, we should be proud to have them as we have been so successful in preserving their natural habitat. An adder bite is very rare because they usually disappear when approached and, whilst medical attention is advisable, it is seldom serious. Be careful to keep dogs under control as they are inclined to rummage around in undergrowth where they may challenge an adder and could be more seriously affected.

You can safely observe adders if you’re about early on sunny spring mornings near south facing paths.

Walk slowly, looking very closely at the grassy banks and you have a fair chance of spotting these superbly camouflaged snakes warming themselves in the sun’s early rays.

Along Rolle Road: Bluebell time can vary depending on the early spring weather. Native bluebells have creamy-yellow pollen-bearing anthers, distinctive curved stem with ‘nodding’ blooms, thin leaves and the sweet scent characteristic of bluebell woods. The invading Spanish bluebell has more upright stems of paler blue, sometimes even mauve or white blooms, broad leaves and almost no scent at all.

The fresh white flowers of wild ransoms rival bluebells for their carpet display. Their six-petalled blooms form clusters, born on distinctive triangular stems with broad fleshy leaves. Related to the garlic family, they release a distinctive but not unpleasant aroma.

Look out for early purple orchids, one of the earliest to bloom and a real treasure with conical clusters of up to 50 deeply coloured flowers on a tall stem with purple blotchy leaves clustered at their base. Their triple-lobed lower petal over-arched by a hood-shaped upper petal make them easy to identify.

One of the favourite signs of Spring are clusters of wild primroses with their creamy yellow petals with deep yellow centres, emerging from isolated clusters of vibrant green leaves. Not surprisingly its name derives from the Latin prima rosa or “first rose” of Spring.

Down by the River: The area bordering the river, particularly by Ladies Island, is probably the best for displays of wood anemones, this time from the Greek words meaning “daughter of the wind” – hence their common name of Wind Flowers.

Individual white flowers with yellow pollen anthers emerge on reddish stems above a carpet of trefoil leaves.

Wild daffodils need little introduction, distinguished from escaped garden varieties by their pale yellow petals surrounding a deeper yellow trumpet and slender grey/green leaves.

Along by Commons Lake: Our ‘wetland’ area of the Commons is

the place to see frog spawn and toadspawn at this time of year. It’s easy to tell the difference – frogs lay thousands of spawn in clumps whilst toad spawn appears in

©Dreamstime stock photos

long ‘strings’ usually attached to vegetation and a bit deeper in the water. Once they develop into tadpoles it’s very difficult to tell them apart but you may see goldish speckles on frogs if you look closely enough.

The Conservators will now be out counting the various species of riverfly nymphs as they give us an important indication of the health of our waters. In recent years we have had very good results, encouraging amphibians, fish and birds that depend on our waters.

Further afield: The most obvious heralds of Spring are the birds noisily seeking a mate and building their nests. The diverse habitats from open meadows and hedgerows to mixed woodland and waterways mean that we attract a very broad variety of birdlife, so there is plenty to go out and see.

Look out for the scarce bullfinches, a colourful and welcome guest on the Commons.

Early risers might catch the native roe deer or possibly the smaller muntjac deer, both seen amongst the bracken and gorse on the Commons. But if you are fortunate enough to be down by the river and see the otters, please let us know.

19

Who are the Conservators?

T

he Commons Act provided for a board of trustees or ‘Conservators’ to be elected each three years by the voters of the Parish. The election is conducted by the Elections Officer for Torridge by setting up a proper Polling Station. The successful candidates are volunteers and may not be paid for serving as Conservators and they are not free to do whatever they please with the Commons. They must act on behalf of the people to do their best to make decisions in the best interests of the Commons. They are governed in their responsibilities under trust law, the Commons Act, the Commons Byelaws and the Charity Commission rules.

In the past, most of the Conservators’ deliberations were concerned with land management, grazing permissions, renting land, that sort of thing. Nowadays they have to contend with so many competing demands such as Planning matters, Health & Safety legislation, environmental regulations and budgeting to list just a few. Nevertheless, they are an elected statutory body - much more than a band of volunteers!

The Conservators:

Steve Jones, Chairman • Mandy Harrison, Vice Chair • Hugo Barton • Alan Crawley • Barry Cubitt Stephanie Easton • Lynda McLaughlin • Carol Ryan • Peter Slade • Jim Mann (Conservator/Advisor) Michael Loud (Conservator/Advisor)

Commons in Focus - 2018 Calendar Competition

T

THE COMMONS IN SPRING 20

he Conservators have difficulty getting really great pictures of the Commons. We need good photos for display and communication materials and, in particular, to produce a calendar that helps us to raise funds. So, we have pleasure in announcing:

The Commons 2018 Calendar Competition!

We know there are some great photographers out there who like to share their love of the Commons through some really exciting photography posted on Facebook. So the Conservators are offering a first prize of a £100 worth of photographic equipment or materials of your choice. Entry is straightforward - all you need to do is send your digital photo file as an attachment to our email address photo.conservators@gmail.com by not later than 31 August 2017. Twelve winning entrants will have their photos published in the Commons 2018 Calendar and receive 3 free copies for themselves.

Our requirements are straightforward. We are looking for great landscape pictures throughout the seasons, people and families enjoying the Commons and nature in close up. Photographs need not have been taken in 2017 so if you have pictures in your archive capturing

that great trick of the light, the perfect rainbow or just a lucky shot, we would love to see them.

Conditions of entry are simple too:-

Conditions of entry

1. Photographs must be taken on or of Great Torrington Commons; 2. Entrants permit the Conservators to publish their photo in the Commons 2018 Calendar.

The photographer retains the copyright at all times; 3. Entrants must ensure that any person portrayed in a photograph has given their permission for the image to be published; 4. Entrants must provide their name, address and phone number with their entry; 5. Entrants agree that their name may be published as a credit alongside their photo when published; 6. Photographs must be entered in digital format and be of 24 megapixel resolution or equivalent in RAW or JPEG format. The Conservators reserve the right to reject entries where technical standards are below

the minimum required for high resolution printing; 7. The Conservators reserve the right to reject any photograph which they consider to be unsuitable for publication; 8. Winning photographs will be selected by a panel including the Chairman of the Conservators, a qualified photographer and one other external judge; 9. The Conservators will be the final arbiters in the decision to publish any photograph.

Send your Commons photos to photo.conservators@gmail. com Closing date 31 August 2017.

All you need to do now is go out and capture great pictures of the Commons!

A Plan for the Commons

S

urely, if left alone the Commons will take care of itself? No! In 1889 less than 10% of the Commons was woodland, but today around 75% is subject to encroaching trees and shrubs. We do our best to protect valuable and rare trees - in the right places - but the spread of invasive tree species, if unchecked, will damage the

Pictured: The Commons of yesteryear

* The cost of managing the Commons has risen substantially in recent years. Compared with similar bodies our costs are quite modest, but these days we have

to pay living wages, comply with a host of legislation and regulations, deal with outside

bodies professionally, engage accountants and lawyers, and so much more. * The Conservators are working hard to find ways of raising income from new sources. Grants are available, but applying is very difficult and time consuming, so it is not going to bear fruit overnight. We are also looking at ways we can generate income ourselves, say from holding events but, again, this takes a great deal of effort, expertise and time.

So, to ensure the future of the Commons, we have to tackle these problems. You will be hearing much more from the Conservators about these issues and how we are doing as we develop our plans and put them into action.

Get involved

T

here are a number of ways you can get involved in helping to assure the future of the Commons

Be a Conservator! The next election of Conservators is in May 2018. Anyone registered to vote in the Parish of Great Torrington and is nominated by another voter can stand for election.

There is no special qualification but naturally you should be prepared to be actively involved in some way.

People with knowledge of business, running public groups, public service, local affairs or who just love and understand the countryside will be welcome.

Be a Friend of the Commons! If your skills are more hands-on or you just want a good excuse for being out on the Commons, then becoming a Friend is ideal for you. This is an informal group in which some join our team keeping the pathways clear of litter, whilst others give any time they have to help with some of the more physical work. The Friends are invited to join us for lunch and a pint every now then, usually after a morning’s walk or some bracing activity! We are currently hoping to expand and develop the Friends of the Commons, so how things grow could be up to you!

CONTACT US: The Great Torrington Commons Conservators, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Tel: 01805 462463 Visit: www.torringtoncommon.co.uk and on Facebook • Chairman: chair.conservators@gmail.com • Clerk: clerk.conservators@gmail.com • Treasurer: treasurer.conservators@gmail.com

THE COMMONS IN SPRING

ecology of the Commons. We are proud to be a designated County Wildlife Site and special site within the North Devon Nature Improvement Area with many rare plants, insects, butterflies, pondlife and fauna. That is because we have the balance of open grasslands, heath, hedgerows and woodland just about right and need to keep it that way.

Whilst historically grazing kept the Commons in check, now we only have manpower to maintain a diverse ecology and we have to actively manage the landscape.

Our Ranger and his team work hard to achieve that, but this is where the another problem

comes in. Having a plan to ensure a Commons fit for future generations is a sensible idea, but putting the plan into action is a costly business. So what are the Conservators doing about it?

First, we work with expert bodies such as the Forestry Commission, Devon Wildlife Trust and others to develop a ‘Plan for the Commons’. It is important that local people have a say in that, so look at the questionnaire at the end of this supplement to see how you can give us your point of view.

Finding the money is much harder and this where we face some hard facts. * The Commons have benefited from payments under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). That has never been guaranteed and could stop altogether leaving no major source of income.

21

Have Your Say...

Great Torrington Commons Conservators Public Consultation, April 2017

Here is your opportunity to have a say in how we manage the Commons. We welcome contributions from all members of the community of Great Torrington and we invite you to take a few minutes to complete and return this questionnaire to help us get a picture of what the people of Torrington want for their Commons in the future.

Please place a tick in the appropriate box to answer in each case: Male

□ Female □

Age group:

Do you live in the Parish of Great Torrington? Yes

Under 17

17-25; 25-40; 40-65; Over 65.

□ □

□ No □

□

□

□

1. How often do you visit Torrington Common?

Everyday; Most days; Weekly; Monthly; Never.

□

□

□

2. Your main reason for visiting?

Dog walking; Exercise/Keeping fit; Quite enjoyment;

□ □ □ Watching wildlife; Using the Ice cream/Burger van; □ □ Visiting the Childrens Play Park □

□

Playing Golf;

□ □

Visiting the Car Boot;

3. How big an area do you think Torrington Commons covers?

Less than 100 acres; 100 - 200 acres; 200 - 300 acres;

THE COMMONS IN SPRING 22

□ 400 - 500 acres; □

□ □

500 acres +

□

□

300 - 400 acres;

□

4. How many miles of public footpaths do you think there are on Torrington Common?

None; 2 miles; 5 miles; 10 miles; 12 miles +

□

□

□

□

□

5. What do you value most about Torrington Commons? ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6. Would you prefer the Common to be more wooded or more open? ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

7. Would you be happy to see animals grazing on the Common?

Ponies; Cattle; Sheep; Goats; Not at all.

□

□

□

□

□

8. How well do you feel the Commons are being managed?

Very good; Good; Satisfactory; Poor.

□

□

□

□

9. In a few words, what do think could be done to manage the Commons better? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

10. In a few words, please take a moment to give us any other suggestions you might have for the future of the Commons. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please tear off the form and mail it to The Clerk, Great Torrington Commons Conservators, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA or drop it into our mailbox next to the Tourist Information Centre at Castle Hill.

Great Torrington Memory Café

T

National Garden Scheme

he ‘sing-along’ activity held in March went extremely well. Everyone enjoyed the music which brought back memories of the past. Thanks to Theresa for coming along and facilitating the activity.

The April meeting is on Thursday 13th when Maggi will be running a craft activity - Easter bonnets. There will be a second meeting on the 27th with live music by David Clinch.

The Memory Café provides access to support services for people who have dementia or memory loss and their carers. It is also a good place to socialise and meet others with similar problems and get advice about coping with memory loss. People who attend the Café are from all walks of life and of varying ages. Some people may have had a recent diagnosis of dementia whilst others may be worried about their memory and want advice. People who attend find that they continue to come along and value the Café for its welcoming, informal and relaxed atmosphere. The Café offers a listening ear and a couple of hours break from the regular days’ routines.

The Memory Café is held at the Methodist Church meeting room from 10.30am till 12.30pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

If you need any further information, then please get in touch with Pauline on 01805 625969.

Celebrating 90 years of opening gardens to raise money for nursing charities

T

he new Devon yellow book detailing gardens open for charity near you in 2017 is in Garden Centres and Tourist Information centres now!

Gardeners from across Devon met up recently to celebrate the 90th year of the National Garden Scheme. Devon also celebrated having raised a whopping £2.2million (£160,000 in 2016) over the last 90 years for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and the other nursing charities the scheme supports. The money has all been raised from the generosity of thousands of garden visitors, and the generous gardeners voluntarily opening their beautiful and diverse gardens – most of which are completely private and never otherwise open to visitors.

Anne Swithinbank, Radio 4s Gardeners’ Question Time panellist, gave an inspiring talk on “Grow something different” in your garden. Anne also cut the birthday cake given by Exeter College for the 90th birthday celebrations.

This year there are over 90 gardens in Devon to choose from, so there is sure to be a garden open near you. With Mary Berry as their President, the cream teas and cakes are good too! Many of the gardens allow dogs and have plants for sale.

To enjoy a great day out visiting a garden this year, and helping Devon reach their next million for these important charities who touch all our lives, just pick up a booklet or look at their website: www.ngs.org.uk .

Registered Charity 1112664

Torrington & District Men’s Shed Annual General Meeting 2017

Wednesday, May 3rd at 7.30pm at the Torridge Vale Social Club. All interested in the activities and progress of The Shed are welcome.

Whiskers Pet Centre For your one stop pet shop, A large stock of pet food, Toys, Cages, Bedding, wild bird products, Medical items etc....

Spacious heated chalets Outside runs Caring and friendly service Exclusively for cats

Find us at 20 south street, Great Torrington 01805 622859

23

Diary

A Listing of Community, Social and Fundraising Events in the Torrington and Surrounding District Areas.

To place an entry in the diary, please either email torrington.crier@gmail.com, call 01805 603152, or write your entry in the diary on the Library counter. It is not the Crier’s responsibility to check the accuracy of entries, please notifiy us if events change.

April 2017 Saturday 1st

Plough Exhibition: Prints by Merlyn Chesterman and Pine Feroda 25th March - 22nd April. Preview Wednesday 22nd March 7pm Plough Films: Sing (U) 11am; The LEGO Batman Movie (U) 2pm; The Space between Us (PG) 5pm; Bitter Harvest (15) 8pm Plough Music: Winkleigh Singers St Michael & All Saints Church, Great Torrington 7:30pm Plough Workshops every Saturday: Plough Junior Jazz 11am - 1pm; Plough Youth Theatre 9:45am - 5:15pm Breakfast rolls, coffee and cake 10am to noon, meat raffle, 1st prize £25, 2nd prize £15, takeaway available. In aid of Weare Giffard Village hall refurb/rebuild.

Every first Saturday Torridgeside Saturday Football Fun Club - 10am - 11am in the Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School MUGA. Every Saturday.

Pannier General Market every Saturday 10am–4pm Food Bank 10am-12pm every Sat @ Castle Hill, (1st floor) Torrington Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am @ Libbaton Golf Club Dolton Weight Loss Group every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am in the small village hall. Contact Mary (01805 804421) or Emma (01805 603999).

Sunday 2nd

Plough Films: The Space between Us (PG) 3pm; Bitter Harvest (15) 7pm Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Mass every Sun 9.15am Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am

24

preacher Loraine Eade, ‘messy church’ for the children.

Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Sung Mass with Sunday Club Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am David Watson, 6.30pm Julia Spencer Grosvenor Church Torrington, Bluecoat Junior School 4pm, exciting children’s programme, refreshments at 5pm. Tim 07798 670 754. Every Sunday.

Sunday Brunch (Grosvenor Torrington Church) Every 1st Sunday 10.30am 12noon Bluecoat School Hall. Food and fun for all the family! Tim Gilbert 07798 670 754 Car Boot Sale Tesco Rose Lane. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm cars £5 - vans £7. Sellers 9am. Maureen Beauchamp 07999 445 489. Pitch fees will go to British Heart Foundation & Diabetes UK.

Monday 3rd

Plough Films: The LEGO Batman Movie (U) 2pm; The Space between Us (PG) 7pm Short Mat Bowls every Monday 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Great Torrington Bowling clubhouse. All welcome Torrington Craft Group, every Monday 1-4pm in the Methodist Church Hall £10 per month or £3.50 per session including refreshments, Jeanne Singleton 01805 622650 Plough Workshops every Monday: Yoga 6:30-8pm; Folk Orchestra 7-9pm Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact - 07870 509 674 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ High Bickington Community Centre 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm Emma Keil emmakeil@ talktalk.net.

1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6pm7.30pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 623212 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout Hall every Mon term time 7.30-9pm Peter 01409 281246 Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com or find us on Facebook.

Torrington Police Amateur Boxing

Club training, above TVSC, 6.307.30pm juniors age 11+ 7.15-9pm seniors.

Running club every Monday (except Bank Holidays) at 6.15pm GTS gym Little Otters Pre-School, at The Clinton School, Merton Mon-Thurs, 9am till 3.30pm, with lunch club 12-1pm, term time. For more details 01805 603357 admin@clinton.devon.sch.uk

Tuesday 4th

Plough Films: Sing (U) 2pm; The LEGO Batman Movie (U) 5pm; Denial 12A 8pm Beaford Guides at Beaford School Tuesdays term time only 7-8.30pm Bridget Wade 07830 797 050 or email BeafordGuides@outlook.com Tarka Pottery Adult Pottery Classes every Tuesday in term time:10-12 noon and 7-9pm t: 07931306414 Beaford Brownies meet at Beaford School on Tuesdays 5.30pm till 7pm contact Bridget Wade on 07830 797 050 or email beafordbrownies@outlook.com Plough Workshops every Tuesday Yoga 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:307:30pm; Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm £1.50 inc Tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Food Bank 10am-12pm every Tues @ Baptist Church 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 1st Torrington Beavers and Cubs at Scout Hut, Gas Lane Tuesdays during term time 6-7.30pm, Fran Ashton 01409 281246.

Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @High Bickington Community Centre Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm Juniors, Adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 01769 561387 Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit

Wednesday 5th

Plough Films: The LEGO Batman Movie (U) 2pm; Denial (12A) 5pm; It’s Only the End of the World (15) 8pm Plough Music: Jim Watts (Gallery Gig) 8:15pm Bideford Phoenix Morris practise at the Baptist Church, Mill Street, Bideford at 7.30pm contact Carolyn on 01237 473798, every Wednesday Abbeyfield Easter Coffee Morning at

A J Installations

TV, DVD, Video and Digital Installations Got equipment you can’t use properly?

We can offer6-7.15pm a friendly step-by-step instruction service With over 25 years experience in the North Devon Area Phone AlistairorMcMillan Please call WENDY on 07787607322 email wendy.cox@btinternet.com

01805 804626 or 07977 810 088

Class includes optional weigh in, motivational talk and 45 minutes of Zumba Fun

24

Glen Tor, Villa Road, 10.30am-12 noon.

Singing for health, for older people, those with dementia and their carers.

Conversation at 10.30am, singing begins at 11am, Torrington Community Hospital. £1 donation per session. For details call 01805 622666. (First Wed of the month) Plough Workshops every Wednesday: Adult English Class 6:30-8:30pm; Latin for Beginners 7-8pm; Tai Chi 7:30-9pm Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly coffee morning every 1st Wed of the month 10.30am-12.30pm @ Phase 1 Common Room, Ethelwynne Brown Close, East the Water Bideford 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.308pm Shirley Lee 01805 625965 Free English Course for Adults every Weds 6-8pm @ The Fire Station. Learn the basics or aim towards L2(GCSE=) qualification. Rosemary Dymond 01237 472462 Langtree Reunites Netball Club High 5 training (sch yrs 3-6) 6-7pm, Junior training (sch yrs 7-9) every Weds 7-8pm evening (Juniors 7-8pm and Seniors 8-9.30pm) @ Torrington sports hall. Visit www.langtreereunites.hitsnetball.co.uk Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-8pm carded boxers Running club every Wednesday at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm Donnacroft Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Mass (Book of Common Prayer)

Thursday 6th

Plough Live by Satellite NT Live: Twelfth Night 7pm Tarka Pottery Adult Pottery Classes every Thursday in term time:10-12 noon, 1.30-3.30pm and 7-9pm t: 07931306414 Plough Workshops every Thursday: Sapta Dance 11am - 2:30pm; Tai Chi 2-3pm. Writers Group 7:30-9pm (first

Total Property Services Property Maintenance Renovation & Extensions Patios & Decking

Roofing

TPS T

Pvc Fascias & Guttering Painting & Decorating Bathroom Specialists

Plumbing

01805 624382 01805 623223 "No job too big or too small" for property 'TLC' phone TPS

Thursday of the month), Life Drawing Hazel: 01805 623757 seen.

Sessions 7:30pm-9pm Plough Music: Dila V and the Roe Odd deer seem amongst our 18 mam Tai Chi 12 -1pm and 1-2pm for Beats 8pm success of the adder beginners or those requiring a seat every Gt Torrington Parish Church 8.30am reptiles is not popula Thursday, Torrington Hospital. TorrAge Said Mass Ageing Well 01805 622666 Plough Workshops every Friday: Apart from occasional Pannier General Market every Thurs Sarah Anne Westcott School Dancewe know l waspofnests, 8am–5pm 3:30-7:30pm insect population toget Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Pannier 8am-5pm Common NewsMarket every Fri invertebrates,.

Said Mass, Coffee morningOn 11am-1pm.

ALLSORTS Club at Bluecoat The Common we Children’s have Especially interestin Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist School, Fridays, 6.30-8pm. identified over 300Primary species of wild survey Church every Thurs term time 9.30am years 1-6.we Phone Morag of on our ponds flowers.

There mustSchool be some that this would also provid -11.30am £1.50 per family. Jill 01805 01805 625510 have missed, but due to their 624387 ALLSORTS Plus Youthregarding Club at water quality prominence flowering, the list I know that Torrington Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Thurswhen @ Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, must be fairly complete. used to regular High Bickington Community Centre 8-9.15pm. School yearspupils 6 and upwards.

The Tree Trail Phone contains 52 kinds Wendy’s Fitness for Life classes at the Morag on 01805 dipping.

625510 Other school of native we Folk haveDancing 21 Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322trees and English 8pm Fri habitats usedevery the fine introduced other parts ofHall ecology Slimming World Torrington Rugby species Club @onNortham Village with Bideford of the area. C every Thurs at 5.30 & 7.30pm Norah Ceilidh Club.of Info40 John 01237 476632 The Common.

We know your discoveries please 07789 632166 Police different grasses, Torrington 11 sedges, nineAmateur Boxing Micha Toddler Group 9.30-11am every Thur Club 6.30-7.30pm juniors age rushes and 15 @ ferns.

Wetraining do however High Bickington Community 7.15-9pm seniors haveCentre much more 11+, limited knowledge Writers Poets & Listeners 7.30pm Little Otters Baby & Toddler Group, about other types of plant. A list and Conservative Club Merton Every Friday, 9am-11.30am, at guide to Parish fungi is underway, Langtree Indoor Market in The The Clintonbut Hall,any Merton additional Local information would be Hall, every Thurs from 10am-2pm.

Saturday – as in other areas such8th as produce, food, gifts andwelcome community café.

Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4pm Doug mosses, liverworts and lichens.

Torrington Police Amateur Boxing 01805 622648 Beryl 01805 624294 all Club training 6.30-7.30pmOur juniorsdiversity age Torrington Amateur A 8-11, 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit of butterflies is welcome (every second Saturday) annualBand Christmas Cap Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meetwith Barn Dance with Polkaworks well known, th 7.30-11pm, bring & share supper18 01237 every Thursday from 9am till about 3pm December 2 Sunday 30 species 476632 at Torrington Station (the Puffing Billy), 11am.

Registration beg described. th unless weather is appalling. Variety of a t T o r r i n g t o n Ru Sunday 9 Especially tasks. All welcome. 07881 905 260.

See torringtonaac.org Palm welcome are the Gt Torrington Parish Church details.

Friday 7th Fritillaries, but the Sunday 10am Mass with Sunday Club Plough Film: Viceroy’s House 12A 3pm Easter Bunting at Tarka Pottery High Brown has Plough Music: Woody Pines (The Together Ag delightful, decorative & not colourful 3 piece been recorded for ten George Hotel,years.

South Molton) 8pm It’s that time clay bunting 07931 306414 Eighty kinds of birds come and go,and walk to canal of the year a Rolle Canal AGM For you to remember Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12-1.45pm and as with national trends, some restoration projectofat Rosemoor Methodist Church see article & posters “Torrington Together” these atare more Gardens.

2pmrarely start at the Room Art on Friday twice at month The becoming OnLecture the 7th of December free admission.

Plough 10.30am-2pm ‘Material & Drapes’. New members welcome contact Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am preacher Dick Channings

Cedek Heating & Plumbing Services Central Heating /Bathroom/Shower/ Wet Room Installations + Boiler Service

Free Quotations 01805 625645

email: cedek.co@virgin.net

TEL: 01805 625333 07818 Mobile: Chris MOB: 07857 767084633 579 EMAIL: Steph 07791 019gebsfi 464 res@gmail.com VISIT: geraldnorris.co.uk

25

Hickfords Property Services Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist

 Damp Surveys & Remedial Works Free esti mates &  Woodworm & Rot Treatments friendly ad vice HNC ,  Kitchen & Bathroom Design & Fitting NVQ and Institute of  Property Maintenance Wood Pre serving & Damp -Pro  Extensions ofing qualified  Landscaping & Decking  Plastering/Rendering - Alterations Contact Colin Hickford C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 623376 Torrington Methodist Church Mob: 07976 936 465 Email:10.30am hickford208@aol.com Friday 14th Good Friday Rev Martin Goord, 6.30pm Gt Torrington Parish Church 1pm Encounter. Modern worship, exploring Good Friday Liturgy faith, meeting with others. Encounter Alverdiscott Methodist Church 11am God. Great coffee and cakes.7pm High Rev Sue Macbeth Bickington Community Centre. Every Saturday 15th second Sunday.

Plough Jazz: Gilad Atzmon, Alan Barnes Monday 10th & The Lowest Common Denominator Plough Films: Sing (U) 2pm; A Cure for 8pm Wellness (18) 5pm & 8pm Gt Torrington Parish Church Holy Torrington History Society AGM at Saturday 8pm First Mass of Easter Methodist Church 7 for 7.30pm, new Sunday 16th Easter Day members welcome.

Gt Torrington Parish Church: Tuesday 11th 10am Sung Mass with Sunday Club, Plough Theatre: The Three Half Pints Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am are ‘Bad Guys’ for families with children Celebration Time including Easter Egg aged 5-11 4pm Hunt.

Plough Film: Fences (12A) 8pm Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Graham Thompson Holy Wednesday 12th Communion, 6.30pm Songs of Praise Plough Films: The Space between Us (PG) 2pm; The LEGO Batman Movie (U) Circuit Service 5pm; Aquarius (15) 8pm Great Torrington WI Methodist Rooms 7pm The Calvert Trust Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Mass (Book of Common Prayer)

Thursday 13th

Potter’s Wheel at Tarka Pottery exciting wheel experience make, decorate, paint a bowl 07931 306414 Easter Bingo Burrington Parish Hall eyes down 8pm Plough Films: Sing (U) 11am; Aquarius (15) 3pm; Viceroy’s House (12A) 5pm; Moonlight (15) 8pm Plough Workshop: Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm (every second Thursday) Gt Torrington Parish Church Maundy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper 8pm

MAY CRIER COPY DEADLINE 12 NOON

Conversation at 10.30am, singing at 11am, Torrington Community Hospital. £1 donation per session. Call 01805 622666. (third Wed of the month)

Thursday 20th

Plough Workshop: Introduction to Traditional Bookbinding 10am-4:30pm Plough Comedy: Shunted Again! with Steve Gribbin 8pm Torrington Fairtrade Group meets 7.30pm in The Plough. New members welcome. For further details phone Kathy 07817 395550 or Myra 01805 624678 Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Said Mass, Coffee morning 11am-1pm.

Friday 21st

Art on Friday twice a month at The Plough 10.30am-2pm ‘Free Choice of Subject & Medium’ New members welcome contact Hazel: 01805 623757 Plough Films: Moonlight (15) 5:30pm; Monday 17th Fifty Shades Darker 18) 8pm Cream teas at Weare Giffard Village Hall Plough Music: Debbie O’Shea (Gallery 3- 5.30pm Gig) 8:15pm

Tuesday 18th

Plough Films: Fences (12A) 5pm; Viceroy’s House (12A) 8pm ‘Hearing Loss Support Group’ Social group for the hard of hearing. Every third Tues 2pm @ The Bickford Centre. Call 01271 373236

Wednesday 19th

Plough Theatre: The Odyssey (Greek Stuff!) 8pm Fitness with Friends, 10:30-12pm, Castle Community Centre, Torrington, £3 per session (including refreshments), suitable for all abilities, 01805 622666 Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm Singing for health, for older people, those with dementia and their carers.

Saturday 22nd

Plough Workshop: Small Willow Sculpture 10am – 5pm Plough Music: Dr Feelgood + support 8pm (doors)

Sunday 23rd

Plough Music: Faustus (Folk) 7:30pm Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Sung Mass with Sunday Club Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am preacher Eric Moore Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Roy Harris, 6.30pm Rev Sue Macbeth

Wednesday 26th

Plough Workshop: Looking at Trees.

Drawing and Painting 10am-3pm Fitness with Friends, 10:30-12pm, Castle Community Centre, Torrington,

McTimoney Chiropractic John Francis BSc. (Chiro.) M.M.C.A.

For gentle and effective treatment of many conditions including: * Back neck and shoulder pains * * Pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints* * Muscular aches *

John Dobie, Mark Alford, Scott Cann and Andrew Luxton are available to see clients by appointment.

10 Fore Street, Torrington

We look forward

Reflexology 01805 628271

Call 01805 623725 or visit our offices in Okehampton and Exeter ormail@stones-solicitors.co.uk 01805 622556 www.stones-solicitors.co.uk

Dip. Reflex. (B.C.M.A.) ! to seeingSue youCochrane

26

TORRINGTON

SOLICITORS

Www.aandjopticians.co.uk

Please phone 01805 622465

27

£3 per session (including refreshments), suitable for all abilities, 01805 622666

Thursday 27th

Plough Theatre: Torrington Players present ‘The Lady Killers’ 7:30pm Plough Music: Julian Langer 8:15pm Bingo, St Giles in the Wood, Parish Hall last Thursday in the month. Eyes down at 7.30pm great meat prizes and raffle Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Said Mass, Coffee morning 11am-1pm.

Probus Club meets at the Black Horse, High Street, Torrington, 10am. Every fourth Thursday.

Bingo at St Giles Parish Hall, eyes down at 7.30pm, last Thursday of the month

Friday 28th

Plough Workshop: Flowers in Rug Hooking 10am-4pm Plough Theatre: Torrington Players present ‘The Lady Killers’ 7:30pm Plough Music: Reg Meuross 8:15pm

Saturday 29th

Plough Workshop: Distressed Painted Furniture 10am-2:30pm Plough Theatre: Torrington Players present ‘The Lady Killers’ 7:30pm Plough Exhibition: Michael Storrs – Ceramics and Paintings preview 7pm until 20 May

Sunday 30th

Plough Theatre: RSC Live: Julius Caesar (Encore) 7pm Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Sung Mass with Sunday Club Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am preacher Dick Channings Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am John Hawkins, 6.30pm Circuit Service at Alverdiscott.

STUART STACEY CARPET & VINYL FITTER ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED REFITS UNDERTAKEN REPAIRS & RESTRETCHS MEASURING MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

01805622967 or 07767024688

27

Plough Easter Holiday Workshops

•Tuesday 4th April 10.30am-12.30pm (7-12 years), Sing! Singing & Vocal Workshop. See the film this workshop is inspired by in the afternoon! £6/£5.

• Wednesday 12th April 10.30am12.30pm, The Space Between Us - Inspired by the film ‘The Space Between Us’, come and join us for a drama adventure from Mars to Earth. See the film in the afternoon! £6/£5.

• Thursday 6th April, 10am-4pm, sharing performance at 3.30pm. The Wizz Kid Wizard! Play in a Day (7-12 years). Inspired by wizards, witches, conjurers and mysterious stories, let’s go on an adventure to create our very own magical tale! £10/£8.

Guildhall Workshops, FREE! Butcher’s Row, Barnstaple

• Wednesday 5th April 10am-12 noon, Rapspeare Workshop (7-12 years). Using Shakespeare’s words and language to create our own rap and rhythms!

• Tuesday 11th April, 10am-12 noon, Young Storytellers (7-12 years). Imagination, adventure and a chance to create and share your very own stories!

• Thursday 13th April, 10am-4pm. Sharing performance at 3.30pm. The Wizz Kid Wizard! Play in a Day (7-12 years). Inspired by wizards, witches, conjurers and mysterious stories – let’s go on an adventure to create our very own magical tale!

Barnstaple Library

• Friday 7th April, 10am-1pm ‘Lost Tales’ Drama Workshop at Barnstaple Library, (7-12 years). Based on the shortlisted Blue Peter Book Award 2017, by Adam & Lisa Murphy. Bring myths and legends to life in this adventurous drama workshop!

Please call Barnstaple Library on 01271 318780 to book.

Easter Holidays Family Films & Best Picture Oscar Winner at The Plough

T

he Plough will be screening three different family films in the Easter holidays: Sing, The Lego Batman Movie and The Space between Us (should be something for all ages!)

Later in the month we have two screenings of the Oscar Best Picture winner, Moonlight, a beautiful and very moving film about a young man growing up in dire circumstances in Miami.

Other high profile films include Denial, an account of Deborah E Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against Holocaust denier David Irving; Viceroy’s House about Moutbatten’s household at the end of the Raj; Fences, which won Viola Davis the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress; and the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel Fifty Shades Darker. In between, we have films set in the Ukraine, France, Brazil and Switzerland. See the world without leaving Torrington!

28

Northam Burrows Free Family Easter Events

N

ortham Burrows Country Park will once again be hosting family friendly events during the school Easter Holidays. This is the perfect way to go outdoors, get closer to nature and learn about local history.

Best of all they are absolutely free!

Come and join the Rangers for Rockpool rambling and swallow nest making. Dave Edgcombe will be leading another popular history walk, this time taking a look at Victorian Westward Ho! There will also be a chance to take part in The Great ‘Easter’ Eggcase Hunt with the North Devon Coast AONB’s Coastal Creatures project. Looking for the eggcases of sharks, skates and rays, this is a great opportunity to contribute towards a nationwide survey and help protect these threatened species.

•The Great ‘Easter’ Eggcase Hunt Tracking down Natures Eggcases.

Tuesday 4th April 2-4pm. Meet at Westward Ho! Slipway.

• Super Swallows - Swallow Nest Making. Thursday 6th April 2-4pm. Meet at the Burrows Centre • History Walk - Victorian Westward Ho! Tuesday 11th April 2-4pm. Meet at the Burrows Centre • Easter Rockpool Ramble - Thursday 13th April 2-4pm, Westward Ho! Slipway For all events please wear suitable clothing and footwear. All children must be supervised by an adult. For information contact Northam Burrows Visitor Centre 01237 479708 or email northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk.

The Plough at The George!

T

he Plough Arts Centre and The George Hotel in South Molton are excited to announce they are piloting a project which will see well-known comedians and musicians perform in the recently refurbished George Hotel, which is under the new management of Mark Tucker, who enthused: “I am delighted that The Plough and The George have this wonderful opportunity to collaborate and bring arts events to the people of South Molton and its surrounding villages. I am extremely excited to see how the first season unfolds and then develops!”

The new programme kicked off last week with the deliciously mischievous comedian Shappi Khorsandi which completely sold out. This was the first event in a line-up which includes Patrick Monahan, Woody Pines, The Lowest Pair, Kent Duchaine, Bayou Seco, Veronica & Max, Wizz Jones and Keith James with the Songs of Leonard Cohen.

Plough Director, Richard Wolfenden-Brown said “The George Hotel has a proud tradition of live events over the centuries, so we are delighted to be able to keep the tradition going by offering such high quality arts events alongside all the first class facilities of this historic venue. With only a hundred tickets available for each event, potential audience members are encouraged to learn the art of booking early!”.

The Plough already programmes events at ten venues across North Devon and is pleased to enter into this collaboration with The George, in order to bring a wide variety of arts events to South Molton.

Tickets for all events can be bought in person at The George (cash only) or as usual at The Plough Box Office, 01805 624624 or online at www. theploughartscentre.org.uk.

The Plough & Bradworthy Arts Festival: 29th, 30th April, 1st May

C

ome along to see The Plough’s schools project exhibited at the festival in collaboration with Bradworthy Arts Festival based on ‘Creative Energy’ involving local primary and secondary schools – Bradworthy Memorial Hall.

Saturday 29th April, 2-4pm, Machine Creative Dance Workshop (8+ years) Making Machines - a lively Dance workshop. Brain in gear! Full steam ahead! Foot down!

Give it some energy! Wind it up! £3 Monday 1st May,10am-12 noon. The Windmill Drama Workshop (7-12 years).

Inspired by the Aesop Fable tale we explore creative energy through physical theatre, sound-scapes and action through this charismatic story, £3. Workshop Location: Sutcombe Village Hall, EX22 7PW Workshop booking: 01409 241313 or bradworthyarts@btinternet.com. www. bradworthyartsfestival.co.uk

Plough Youth Theatre

S

ummer Terms 2017 - Saturday 22 April, Saturday 22nd July. Play Story (3-5 years) 9.45am-10.45am £40/£30 supporters. (6-7 Years) 11am-12 noon £40/£30 supporters. Juniors (8-12 years) 1-3pm £70/£60 supporters.

Seniors (13-18 years) 3.15-5.15pm £75/£60 supporters.

To find out more & to book your FREE taster session contact The Box Office or Sophie on 01805 624624 sophie@theploughartscentre.org.uk nd

Plough Prism

Tuesday 18th April to 18th July 10.30am-12.30pm. An exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with disabilities at The Plough Arts Centre. Supported by The Clare Milne Trust. £3.50.

Motion Dance

Tuesday 18th April to 18th July 1.30-2.30pm. An enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with disabilities. £3.50.

National Theatre Connections Festival (21st-23rd March), see two shows in one night for £7!

The Plough Celebrates the Life and Work of Rev. Keble Martin

I

n August the Plough will be holding an open exhibition in celebration of the life and work of the Rev. Keble Martin – ex-vicar of Great Torrington and illustrator of the Concise British

“We will be looking for paintings, prints, photographs and crafts that relate to flowers to fill the gallery with local artists” Flora in colour – which was published in 1964 when he was 88 years old.

We will be looking for paintings, prints, photographs and crafts that relate to flowers to fill the gallery with local artists. And we’ll be showing the three watercolours that were given to Torrington Museum by his daughter and which have particular associations with Torrington –featuring clover, campions and violets. For further information contact peter.stiles@ theploughartscentre.org.uk

29

Tarka Pottery

Pottery classes, potter’s wheel, family activities, pottery painting, children’s & hen parties, holiday club, hand & foot prints, experience vouchers Little Torrington Tel: 07931 306 414 www.tarkapottery.co.uk email: info@tarkapottery.co.uk

Fleur’s Gardening Forum Caring for Bedding Plants

E

aster is fast approaching and we jump into our cars and race off to the nearest garden centre to spend a small fortune on bedding plants.

We bring our lovely flowers home, plant them out, and what happens? After a couple of weeks many of the plants are looking extremely sorry for themselves.

So, why do bedding plants go downhill so quickly once we’ve got them back home?

The main reason is shock; most bedding plants at this time of the year have been kept in artificial conditions of heat and light to force them into flower early. We get them home and plant them straight outside where they are exposed to the elements and suffer the consequences. How do we prevent this from happening?

Most bedding plants need hardening off, especially those which you intend planting directly into the garden. Soil temperature is very important, too, because even in April, especially if your soil is heavy clay, the ground may still not be warm enough for planting. Wet weather or a late frost can wreak havoc so pay particular attention to local forecasts.

Harden off plants by placing them in a sheltered position in the garden during the day and bringing in at night for a few days, then if no frost is forecast, leave them outside day and night for a few more days before you plant.

Make sure the soil where you intend planting has been prepared, thoroughly

30

weeded and some fertiliser incorporated, then you will be ready to go and your plants should thrive. Do be prepared, though, to cover them over with fleece if the weather does turn frosty, and keep them well watered if the weather is dry.

Once your bedding is established, you need to keep removing spent flowers and this is especially important to annual plants because you don’t want them to set seed. Once an annual has set seed, it thinks its task is done and it will stop flowering – make sure you regularly remove all potential seedheads.

When the first flush of flowering is over, don’t discard the plants, give them a good feed and trim them back to new side-shoots if necessary. You will soon be rewarded and the trimming back will create bushier plants with more flowers later in the season. If you are lucky, you won’t need to replace your bedding at all over the summer.

Watch for pests, slugs and snails, aphids, etc. and deal with them straight away before an attack turns serious.

To sum up, take care of your new purchases before you plant them out, a bit of TLC will give you much better results and save you quite a lot of money!

Fleur

British Native Wild Flowers to Grow in your Garden Gentiana verna

T

his beautiful but scarce wild flower originates from the Alps and nearby regions, into Britain and Ireland, yet does not grow in northern Europe. It grows wild here in rocky limestone areas such as the Pennines, Upper Teesdale and the Burren in Co. Galway. It is an unforgettable sight, with striking deep blue, open trumpet-shaped flowers with white centres The common name is Spring Gentian and it is a hardy, evergreen perennial, forming basal rosettes of leaves which are oval to spear-shaped. The flowers appear during spring and early summer, in loose clumps about 5-10cms in height (2-4 inches).

Plants can be purchased from specialist alpine nurseries, or garden centres. There are a number of cultivars, including a white flowered form G. verna ‘Alba’ and some crosses with other related species.

Spring Gentian should be planted in free-draining, John Innes-type compost, with added grit. Once planted, the pot should also be topped with sharp grit. If planting in the ground, to aid drainage, incorporate plenty of sharp grit and place the same around the base of the plant.

They grow best in a south-west aspect.

Seeds can be purchased from specialist catalogues such as ‘Chiltern Seeds’ and sown on the surface of free draining compost in early spring, you may need to be patient for results!

Fleur

The Café and Garden @1646 Delicious organic soups, locally made bread, cakes and sausages, Cornish cured bacon and free range eggs.

Local stockists of The Bay Tree Company award winning chutneys & Jams, all made in the West Country.

DOGS ON LEADS ARE WELCOME IN THE FOYER ADJACENT TO THE CAFÉ AND IN THE GARDEN FREE WIFI Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626146 Email: 1646@great-torrington.com

How to Start Researching a Family History Part 19

O

ver the last five editions we have covered much of the detail of using wills to trace a family history. Not only do they provide a wealth of detail about who your ancestors are, but also something of their personalities and their daily lives, especially if you are lucky enough to find an inventory attached to a will. In fact, it is possible to trace a family history almost entirely from a series of wills.

Unless there is a Prerogative Court of Canterbury will, Devonian wills are mostly confined to the period after 1811, through Inland Revenue wills and latterly the Principal Probate Registry wills. It is always worth checking whether a particular will exists in one of the neighbouring record offices, as it may have been proved in the next diocese and in any case, not all of the geographical area of Devon is in the diocese of Devon.

“...the educated clerks in the PCC are usually punctilious, in other courts spelling was optional!”

One advantage of wills is that they are all in English. However, the handwriting may be almost indecipherable to our eyes and some practice in reading old scripts (palaeography in the jargon) is always going to be useful. Do not be wedded to the idea that the spelling of your ancestor’s names is fixed. Although the educated clerks in the PCC are usually punctilious, in other courts spelling was optional! Good spelling, even among clerks, was usually not fixed until after the Education Act of 1870.

Beware of transcripts either at the time the original was created or in modern times. Different errors can creep in. A modern error for instance, is to muddle capital ‘T’ with a capital ‘F’. Watch out for the supine number ‘8’! One frequent error is that of the letter called a ‘thorn’.

This looks very like a ‘y’ to our eyes and

Cadets Aim for Canada 2017

W

e are delighted to inform you that the following personnel from Great Torrington Detachment have been chosen by HQ South West Brigade to go forward to the National Selection Event for the Cadet International Exchange to Canada, which is taking place in April.

The event will be staged in Wales, with activities taking place in the Crickhowell area. Activities include paddling, mountaineering and horse riding.

The cadets listed below have been selected for the event, placing them in the top 24 cadets in the UK Cadet Forces. This is a tremendous achievement in its own right, when you consider there are over 44,000 cadets in the UK today.

Rocky Mountain: Lt. Sanders, Staff Freddie Webber. Whitehorse: Cpl Karla Pitcher, Cpl Trinity Hickford.

We wish you all the best of luck on selection, from the whole of C Company. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you and hope you will be selected to undertake this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.

Demanding adventurous challenging fun through Devon ACF

Cadet in the Community: Earlier this month cadets and instructors from Great Torrington Army Cadet Force were out in strength to show support for Great Torrington Cavaliers, by assisting them with the Annual 1646 procession.

Cadet in the Community is an integral part of being a member of the ACF. Are you aged between 12-18 years of age and fancy volunteering in your local community? Then why not join Great Torrington Army Cadet Force. All volunteering can count towards Millennium Volunteers Awards and all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme.

Great Torrington Army Cadet Force meets every Friday evening 7-9:30pm at the detachment hut, which is in the grounds of Great Torrington School. Young people aged between 12-18 years of age are more than welcome. If you’re interested in joining, or for further information on what the Army Cadet Force can offer you, please feel free to contact Lieutenant Matthew Sanders. Email: matt.sanders@ armymail.mod.uk, telephone: 07463 818 187. gets pronounced as if it were. However, it is a holdover from Anglo-Saxon script and represents a voiced ‘th’ pronounced as in ‘the, then and there’ (not theatre, thing or thought), and it was so useful in saving space that it persists even today, albeit pronounced incorrectly! In older documents you may come across other diacritical marks. They can be tracked down precisely, but they are the remains of the marks taught when writing Latin in the mediaeval period in what is called ‘Secretary Hand’. A ‘ment’ ending to a word or a ‘tion’ are particularly common.

It is not possible to give further examples here, as it requires a special font to display the letters. A good book on old handwriting is required and The National Archives website has some good examples to work on.

Jon Frayne

Torrington Golf Club Looking Forward to Spring!

T

he course has held up very well so far this winter, no closures in January, and we are all looking forward to some good spring weather, and returning to playing off the tees rather than the mats!

Congratulations to Bob Gillespie and Rob Lennox, who beat RND at Torrington to win through the first round of this year’s ‘Daily Mail Foursomes’.

We are currently waiting to see who they will draw in the next round.

We will soon be brightening up the bar and restaurant area with a coat of paint, new curtains, etc., in readiness for the spring.

On 6th April we have an evening of wine tasting, sponsored by St. Austell Breweries, everyone welcome.

Sue Membery , Club Secretary

31

often unsung heroes in the community

R.PITTS “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS”

Then ca Frie

Ro

R.PITTS

R.PITTS

Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

“BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” www.yourgardencare.com

l General Garden Maintenance Massage, Holistic & l Garden Fencing Contact Yasmin on Beauty treatments l Hedge Laying Call David Lock 07825586474 At l Stone Walling R.PITTS on 01805 603 541 01805622719 l Pergolas Unit 2C Hatchmoor Industrial Estate Torrington EX38 Mobile 07854 8167HP 066 Yasmin_stacey@live.com l Patio Open Tuesday to Saturday Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

New Buildings or Renovations?

New Buildin Then call your Local Tel: 01805 624665 Mob: 07812 067199 Th Friendly Builder

Te Mo

R. Pitts “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Tel:624665 01805 624665 Tel: 01805 Mob: 07812 067199 Mob: 07812 067199

16

Year 9 boys take over this issue. First up, it’s Owen’s thrilling chapter of a Bond-type novel.

Ice axe

I

held on for dear life as the wind almost knocked me off the ice wall I was climbing. I dug my climbing axe deep into the ice as the wind blew so hard my SA-80 was almost knocked out of its hold.

As the wind died down a little, I started climbing again. Only 100 metres to go I was thinking. I looked to my left to see Sargeant Davids in his all white camo, he was my only company on this mission.

I climbed another 75 metres when suddenly, a bullet smashed into the ice next to me. I looked around to see a helicopter emerge from the snow storm.

It was not military, but was armed. For ten terrifying seconds, I just stared at it.

The noise of the helicopter was hardly noticeable over the howling storm. And then it all happened at once - far too fast for my frozen brain to process - a rocket shot out of the side of the helicopter like an angry bird. It slammed into the ice cliff about 10 metres away from me. Sargent Davids and I were flung off the cliff.

I was thrashing around in free fall. I had lost one of my climbing axes but the other one was firmly in my grasp… crack! My climbing axe had dug into something. I looked up and it was the darn helicopter.

The climbing axe had smashed through the cockpit window and was a few inches away from the pilot’s skull. He opened his mouth in what I guessed was a cry of shock but his words were stolen by the storm.

Suddenly the co-pilot pulled out something that looked like a pistol. It was my turn to cry out in shock. Bang! A bullet whizzed past my ear. Just as I was giving a sigh of relief, the cockpit window gave a groan that sounded like it was in pain, and then, crack! The force of my ice pick and the impact of the bullet had all but destroyed the window. The pilot and I just looked at each other, neither of us dared

32

to move.

Then smash! A rock ploughed straight through the window and hit the pilot square on the head. The window completely gave out and as I began to slip away from the nose cone, I gave one last swing of desperation. And just as I had given up. Clink. My climbing axe hooked onto something and I gave a sigh of relief.

But that feeling of hope and joy was stolen when I glanced up. My climbing axe had hooked over the joystick. The helicopter lurched down and I was nearly flung off. Using all of the strength left in me, I heaved myself up and into the cock-pit.

The helicopter was shooting down at an alarming rate. The ground was in sight and we were underneath the storm now. I grabbed the joy stick and heaved it back, the helicopter responded beautifully, pulling up and narrowly avoiding a crash.

A smile swept across my face and I started to think about what had just happened, and take in the beauty of the helicopter. The joystick was scratched but plated with gold, the control panel was set in mahogany, the floor was covered in a beautiful carpet and the seats were covered in leather. Suddenly it occurred to me… where had the co-pilot gone?

And as if on cue I was struck around the head by his pistol! I fell to the ground and looked over to see him aiming the firearm directly at me. I threw myself to the side just before the weapon went off. The bullet smashed into the control board and a light started blinking. Before he could take another shot at me I jumped up, grabbing the pistol and pointing it up and away from my face. Bang! Another shot rang out. I used my left leg to knock him off balance and then, with all of the strength left in me, I swung him directly out of the broken window.

That was problem one dealt with,

problem two was that I was in a crashing helicopter. Frantically, I looked around for a way to get out and my prayers were answered by a parachute underneath the pilot’s seat. I grabbed it and flung myself out the window. The ice-cold wind struck me as I pulled the cord, just as I was clear of the helicopter. And as I drifted down I thought one thing: …Nobody is ever going to believe this!

Owen Hopkins, Year 9

Inspired by the witches in Macbeth, Alfie creates a fiendish spell.

Hell broth

Blind man’s eyes and deaf child’s ears, Spider’s lag and widow’s tears.

Foot of crow and lizard’s tail, Parrot’s skin and sea ship’s sail.

Eyes of fly and 12 crushed ticks, Mix and stir the soup up thick.

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, Courts of Order turned to rubble.

Pigeon’s wings and banker’s loins, Infant’s eyes and purse of coins.

Chopped up babe, served as mince, Tainted knife that blood did rinse.

Skull of traitor doomed to burn, Drop and watch the hellbroth churn.

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, Courts of Order turned to rubble.

Bloodied salt and worn down chalk, Brains of rat and beak of hawk.

Dirt and grit dug from the grave, 100 years till this day saved.

Quench the acid with a dead man’s meal, Now burn the broth and his fate is sealed.

Alfie Myhill, Year 9

Next, it’s Christopher’s short story.

Escape

Y

ou know that post-argument disgust? I feel it.

I feel like my room should be my flat. My life is not like yours, an argument with your parents every-so-often, no. It’s all the time. You see, I’m not the best behaved kid, but, not the worst. It’s my family, compelled to attack me and tell me off, so I sort of, well, lose it. Then I’m sent to my room, and my dad comes in for a ‘chat’.

It’s really just a lecture.

This time it’s different. I’ve had enough. It’s way too much to take for one person.

My friend said that I could stay at ‘his’ for a while. It’s quite a small house but his parents are nice so, it’ll be fine. I have to be surreptitious on my way there though. I’m escaping. I take my bag full of essentials from the tower like wardrobe. It’s still leaning up against my wall from the last petty tantrum. A house full of screams, and tears, and broken trophies. That is what it really is; a tantrum.

To the window. I try to dodge the plethora of junk that lines the floor. A floor of sweet wrappers, trophies, all random stuff that I will never need. I take my necklace with a cross on it, a sort of talisman and hang it around my neck. Yes, I’m religious. While I slip on my Vans, I mutter a silent prayer, begging for forgiveness. I kiss the cross and pick up my rope.

I unlock the window and loop the rope end around the corner of my bed. Previously, I had made a loop on the end of the rope. I spent hours trying to do it tightly; I did it in the end. Before climbing out, I test the rope for strength. It’s good. This is how bad my life is; I’ve had a bag of essentials for months, along with the rope. Do you have this prepared, hidden away in your wardrobe? I didn’t think so. Anyway, out of the window.

I scale down the wall, Bear Grylls style. Do you remember when I put on the Vans?

Big mistake. First off, they barely stay on. My mum, like yours would, said that I would grow into them. Ha! What a lie. Second, you know, they have no grip, that makes for a hilarious sight.

Having reached terra firma, I get on my rusty old BMX. I’ve had this thing for years, my parents aren’t the richest, at all. I struggle to quietly open the gate. The hardest thing to do in my life. Go on, you try. Not so funny, is it? Quite difficult, isn’t it? It takes a while but the wooden rectangle is open, and that’s how it’s going to stay.

For a while, anyway. My gate opens onto an estate, the worst in town. It kind of fits, doesn’t it? A troubled family, for a troubled estate. Every house, apart from mine, is crumbling away. Graffiti covers every government owned building, and there are a lot.

Thankfully, my friend lives in a nice part of Glasgow.

The familiar sight of the park comes into view. Vast ramps block the horrid view of the towns. Children’s laughter is overwhelmed by the passing of cars hurling Co2 into the wretched polluted air. I see Matt, my friend.

‘Alex! Big one, was it?’ He’s the only one that knows about my family. ‘That bad?’

‘That’s why I’m here!’ This is the first time I’ve ever said this: ‘Thanks.’

Christopher Hunt, Year 9

Aiden’s beautiful poem rounds things up for this month.

Dawn and Dusk

Dawn rises as flowers bloom, and pink petals flow gently towards the ground; they float down serenely As sunlight strikes down, towering trees come to life gradually growing taller and thicker.

The sun moves up through the bright blue sky, ever so gently, drifting through the fine layers of air.

The radiant streams of light flow down, sparkling off the pearl-soft grass, spreading fluently across the countryside.

Deer skip around the fields of Exmoor, birds of all species dance together, hopping cheerfully like popcorn kernels.

Dusk falls as sparkly stars fly and rise, twinkling like eyes blinking; watching curiously.

Flowers fall to sleep as nature calms.

Soon, dawn will rise, and dusk will fall again.

Aiden Davey, Year 9

A J Installations

TV, DVD, Video and Digital Installations Got equipment you can’t use properly?

We can offer a friendly step-by-step instruction service With over 25 years experience in the North Devon Area Phone Alistair McMillan

01805 804626 or 07977 810 088

33

R.PITTS “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS”

New Buildings or Renova Then call your Friendly B

Roland

R.PITTS

R.PITTS

Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

“BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” www.yourgardencare.com l General Garden Maintenance Merton 01805 603924. l Garden Fencing Mobile: 07775 096657 www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk l Hedge Laying Call David Lock Excellent home-made l Stone Walling food served every day 12-2pm/6-9pm R.PITTS on 01805 603 541 l Pergolas Great selection of wines, real ales, ciders Mobile 07854 816 066 l Patio Open fire and snug rooms Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

New Buildings or Renovations?

New Buildings or Ltd Then call your Local Tel:S&GCarpets 01805 624665 Mob:We 07812 067199 Then are a family run business Friendly Builder

R. Pitts

Building & R. P

Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

Fr

specialising in allSERVICES types of STEGGLES TREE

flooring including Marmoleum, TREE REMOVAL AND PRUNING, INCLUDING Cushion Vinyl, SafetyHEDGES Flooring, Contract Carpets, Wood and NO OBLIGATION - FREE QUOTATION “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Floors.AND INSURED NO JOB TOO SMALLLaminated - FULLY QUALIFIED

R

Tel:624665 01805 624665 Tel: 01805 New Road, Torrington TEL:067199 01805 622868 - MOB: 07876 454361 Mob: 07812 Mob: 07812 067199 Call us on 01805 623112 EMAIL: davestegg@hotmail.co.uk

16

Shady Dealings

th rs times: toRolle the Roman Devonian dialect is strung across theaon the season, may well be £2(this could be as simple as blue depending Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am – under 1s events £1 – siblings November there will be On the 16 of dollars in royalties Canal & Northern Devon Saturday 13th bottle Whibble!” per child to a£1. celebrate t a, goddess ofStephen fruit and square –therefore Torrington inisaid known as ata the time water mushroom crate turned upside down flowering of the walk. any first (and Hill home 6.30pm Rev Ken Price includes healthy snack & drink for lunch at Barnstaple of ACWW, l sales ofRev the resulting Advice Surgery with Geoffrey Cox MP. ur ‘Bloomers’ have been very That joke was told to me on a balmy Diamond Jubilee in June, Waterways Society Guided Walk dition, symbolizing rebirth friendly town and this is The no better with a 10cm x 10cm hole cut in one of is459001 at Annery the children & hot drinkMarch, for adults for an appointment ring walk 01237 or garden) owners are faced with the Associated Country ofstart the of the n Italy in Morgan 1902-1903, he season's during and warm Wednesday in 1976busy

by WO2 Bingoespecially at Roborough Vi new programme of Women relevant The to The us today, displayed than at the May Fair.

In this era Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Leach 01769 685. the short sides and560 a weight on top) th Kiln, the Weare Giffard road email to on tellgeoffrey@geoffreycox or via by Rebecca th World, of which the WI nationally is a hes of records for the small shady gardens and to in the Secret Memorial Mick O'Neill when every day was filled take place on cats the 6 De Sunday afternoon walks starts on 26 ife into the winter of our of social isolation, the May Fair provides Day Saints meet @ member.

Bideford College which should stop any local Halfpenny Bridge, at 2.30pm on website www.geoffreycox.co.uk Not widely known, the e a n dthe T y p e w r i t e r inexperienced gardener, choosing May with aBideford, visit the site of the Coffee th good and with laughter, and Garden, being a British the to medicine of friendship, inclusion and where a lot ofwith pruning andprizes Abbotsham Rd, EX39 3AR Thursday 18th May. The distance is little Morning in aid of Wembworthy enjoying a free meal.

Cat biscuits (not Sunday 26 ACWW has representatives from many was later heard from the right plants shady spot can be keeping with thelive spirit offor a at support. fair is encourages community Inclined Plane Ridd.

This the Church Draw.

Eyes down at soldier was the best job in the world; weeding has been undertaken.

Not Sunday Sacrament service atThe 11.50amMichael's @mile Chulmleigh Town Hall to 9-11am overrelief a plenty look at Stfish flavour)Church are anSaid idealMass food to put in 7.30 nationalities; working of but with the ildrenMetropolitan are the focalOpera point mistakes life as the young and oldtowards join together for a 1pm daunting affair, areCanal made, place where the Rolle Please see future issue being paid to afulfil an adventure only that, we have planted lots of purple cakes, produce, draw prizes appreciated 10.30am in St James Chapel and discuss is likely to take the feeding station but please never poverty and sickness, promoting health heMuch first public radio against Mr Gove’s the common good. better Walker way is MC Ceremony was'Hitchcock' raised up 43 feet money wasted at (12A) aabout time when it is least What Film 3pm @ The for events in The 2012. seemed unnecessary.

Six Gaga: years later Major @donation War Music Rock Anthems 8pm @ crocuses under the trees in the grass couple of hours.

A of bread and milk as it can make them and near advancing education. It’s down-to920.

Torrington’s schools aredisillusion there to bring from theand valley floor Plough affordable, sets in.neighbours together?

Memorial 11am Plough he was killedCanal dealingand with car £2 (see to article) the Rolle seriously ill. process areanin IRA the of ‘filling in’ and earth approach offers mutual support ssue tell you Giffard about allow I will full community People come from and wide to Dance 2-4.30pm Weare to a level Film 'Argo' (15) 7pm @ The Plough Tea details bomb, leaving a family and many The first challenge is to understand the far Taddiport Society's funds will be If you find a hedgehog out during the replacing some of the herb ‘segments’. and practical help to women and eratic roles.

What could be more enjoy the delights of May Fair.

They also Comedy 'Russell Kane' @centre.

DevonAHall in labels the side of garden the valley Doug 01805 appreciated 622648 or friends Beryl 01805 Friday 19th who remember a good man plant in the label and helps day, wobbling and unsteady or you’re A very big thank you to the little communities acrosswith the them! world. od listening watching the crowning of maintained bring their money The fair 8pm that could be 624294 Stworried Michael's Church Saidthat Massvisits 8.30am will, as keep they say, be of forever thewho enable thewho Society to about one your RHS/Sheila Dearing will Bob give Dymond an indication of the amount of ? The procession of boys replenishes the coffers of the town – group helpers are establishing To find out about the ACWW and the all the way inland to the Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30pm @ in garden, St Jamesplace Chapel smiling twenty-seven-year-old I volunteer work going to the hedgehog in a light required for a particular plant, but to match that with your garden, you need to ghtly coloured costumes providing welcome boost to Bickington the local Women's a Institutes nationwide, visit Cinema themselves in this garden. high Monday High head weir 8th at Rosemoor.

'Zion box Train' 8pmbeautiful @ promote andormaintain features of Gig sided with a The hot Plough water bottle remember. heart. know Ribbons rippling, economy – such a help in difficult times. what type of shade you have – partial, dappled, moderate deep. www.theWI.org.uk & Talksseen 'Beam Music Coope Boyes & Simpson 8pm @ Purple crocuses have also been Many Society people AGM will have ringtonHistorical W.I. thePlough Rolle Canal.

Future walks this year wrappedBrennan in a towel and cover Band with theOpen William and the band blasting: the Businesses use the carnival as an Silver If an area in your garden receives 3-6 hours per day of direct sun at midsummer, Any queries about Torrington W.I. House & Quay' & John Oatway The thistake site place on previous walks but this year th th th planted out atyou theused Puffing Billy garden, Saturday 20th Meeting will June, 28 July and 18 will be 16 cloth that to pick it with moniously woven. opportunity to advertise their wares.

Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @over Have youup ever thought ring President, Joyce Dappled Ridgwell shade on is light that is filtered it Torrington means youbeen have partial or semi-shade. there that have developments Music Bob Fox 8pm @ The and in front of the planter atPlough Dartington We will y 9th November.

August.

For further details if required: then please ring any of the following olours on the maypole are Charities also benefit: collection tins are Methodist Church Sunday 14th 01805 623588. a brass instrument or hav through fairly open tree canopies such as silver birch.

A site that receives sunlight the winter that will make it well worth a beFair electing adown new Another hugethan quantity hastobeen email: hassallc@ymail.com or phone Fields. who will be more willing give he May breaks soon full to overflowing.

Film 'Wreck it Ralph' 2pm @ The Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am previously?

If you fancy repeat visit.

The(PG) Heritage Lottery Sunday 21st for 2-3 hours at midsummer is said to be in moderate shade and dense tree cover or President and planted in and around the Golf Course 01237 but you'llMrs probably have advice or take to one of the local vets. cial barriers as it appeals Yet it is often argued that historic celPlough Rev Peter425357, Whatton 6.30pm Vivienne local Sung band, come along an fundedfor‘Life's project hasor heavy St. Michael’s Church 10am Great Torrington overhanging buildings will produce dense shade. committee the 5pmJourney’ to leave a message. everyone.

Choirs, dance ebrations are archaic and Sheriff anachronistic. (not by us,Hedgehog though!). The daffodilsMass and  British Preservation Film 'Argo' (15) @ The Plough Ignatius Sunday Club inHowe upper Concert room produced a new pathway from the Hall, Castle following year, Many plants that thrive in shade are woodland plants and therefore prefer a soil Town Hall Project ChrisMass Hassall crocuses oups andFilm majorettes contrary, festivitiesChurch 10am Sung 'Lincoln' all (12A) On 8pmthe @ The PloughTorrington’s Society 01584 890801 have done really well this year St. Michael’s Torrington Methodist Church 10.30 Tarka Trail downrevitalise to of the onwards, on 14th Novembe taking look back Bythe thebottom time this report in ke to the stage: a feast for rich ina organic matter, so improving soil Ignatius isInaappears good place to start, especially the old your traditions. the current Sunday Club in upper room  North Devon Hedgehog Rescue fearsome weather, they Rev Kensome Morgan 5pm Circuit Service @ Inclined Plane where two illustrated All Things despite Vintage, all we Local e eyesatifand ears. climate ofAdd apathy, and Thehouse.

Crier, you willof laziness have noticed you have ahave new-build plenty well-rotted farmyard(15) manure Tuesday 9th Film Sessions' 3pm &(which 7pm @ Our'The Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!!

01271 07964unscathed.

522 359 have come816989 throughorlargely Parkham information boards have been installed Retro & Kitsch! nitaries are happily indifference, the May Fair lifts our spirits the last year and then scaffolding has been put Film 'Lincoln' 5pm @ready The Plough The Hedgehog Plough nowadays, can(12A) be bought, to use,by in bags), compost or leaf mould.

Next,is you Anni Nichollsby afternoon Awareness Week on its Torridge Ramblers walk flowerbed S&G Carpets th The toof describe the saltmarsh habitat tedpreview in need the stocks andyour and Torrington a vibrant ak speakers up totransforms facilitate repair into Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 8pm @ The the This November 2401237 , come along to to choose plants. way but why wait until then to 451820  Torridge Hedgehog Rescue will soon be looking splendid, as the the prizes Torridge theroof workings and bjected toPlough duckings.

The community. continual 12.

Cups and will and of the andDespite make thethe Monday British Red Cross charity shop with in (12A) Film 'Les Miserables' 3pm @ The help?

As 15th spring here The RHS advice pages (rhs.org.uk/advice) list a wealth of plantsisthe you might want (working Hedgehog purpose ofto Canal.

It is nowfortechnology Horticultural Society ND have planted lots has awho lavish development of modern and ryor those didlunch, best inthe Rolle building water-tight Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High Plough Torrington.

We have everything from and hopefully the weather Rescue) Angela Hodge toare try and theThe staff atgain the Rosemoor Plant Centre are always happy to give advice possible to a far better ich many invited. of tulips and alliums, which should increasing time spent at computer Wednesday onthly competitions, and 10th Community Centre the winter. It will be Bickington Film 'ItoGive it a 486 Year'509 (15) 7pm @ The Ladybird storybooks vintage improves our spiky friends 07884 of course, we have lotsMass oflay-out shady spots inMini the gardenDance to give you inspiration. understanding of the and record-breaking wn crierand, bellows as tea he screens, last year’s provide plenty of colour right The through St Michael's Church Said Mover Session for under 5's course, be time for enclosed in 8.30am waterproof Plough Christmas crockery and beautiful vintage clothing will be up and about again. th th Please look out for events in the inclined planeGardening boatislift From -14of April itturnout is National we will be holding advice udly marches the streets shows there still Week aworking placewhen forarea live in workings St10 James Chapel 9.30-10.30am @ Bickington Community spring and into summer. sheeting to protect the As you are aware, a C It’s been an extremely tough to wonderfully kitsch homeware. your area during Hedgehog thanTorrington wasW.I previously theHall case.

The eye sors The entertainment.

Given the choicewebsite of with our – 7pm keep on and the press for Torrington @horticulturists Methodist Centre th th nifty and atsessions getting through The 8thdays April sees ourisMayor’s charity Monday 22nd and to minimise anyanrisk towinter theour internal provided in the Squar for them. TheThe to 11 May. Awareness Week 5 event will run for three and ulsates details. like the beating playing a video game or participating in upper basin of the canal at the top of Filmwe 'I Wish' (PG) 8pm @ The de of things, will also Mini Dance for under fabric.

At Plough the same time, changeable a series of and wetweweather Big daySession at Dartington positioned in 5's the road will be open until‘The 8pmMover onBake’ the first munity. the buzz of theTechnical fair, I know which I would the incline has been cleared of scrub Tuesday 16th Sheila Garden Services Officer, RHS Garden Rosemoor 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington of time to welcome BobDearing, photoelectric panels will be installed, to Crystal.

Also, if this edition reaches youcaused p has made it difficult for many ofwhy not come tower.

This has day.

So along and ale of theThursday May Fair week choose… sufficiently to11th enable the outline of its 'Hearing Pets As Therapy for You' Social group for the Community Centre st will us the reduce the running-costs, and perhaps to find food or have hibernate properly before theAs 31 March, traffic there iscoming a concert into the S a give spectacle of low-down light athem large-scale a 2pm look, on and to and be clearlyToday, seen, andnew theenemy way ofth Pets Therapy is a8pm hard of hearing.

Every 3rd Tues @ try something Stbanks Michael's Church Said Mass Comedy Alistair McGowan @ The rs. provide an income for the project by over the past months so many are now of varied music in St Michael’s Church, that a floats journey through the town event is ‘Health and Safety’.

As been suggested the railway subsequently cut through enjoy a 373236 glass of bucks fizz, youcharity might founded national The Bickford Centre call 01271 10.30am in St James Chapel followed by Plough in are the lined Methodist omewith andend, join us at Bradworthy Memorial Hall for need morning refreshments, selling surplus power to the National weak and help.

If you that e 7pm streets huge crowds gather, it could be argued more site would with an Easter Bonnet competition the northern destroying the top of even sayknow “I used to have of those"!

Youth Club High Bickington Community Walsingham cell in vicarage in one 1983.

It is unique in suitable Gallery Gig The Pete Canter Trio nd prospective members Grid. be tempted by our delicious homemade cakes and see the various artisan you had a resident hedgehog in your en.

In theMemory packed town that there is a danger of an accident. be by the Town Hall, Cafe 10.30-12.30pm The now Centre for 11+ @ 5-7pm the incline.

This canal @ basin and raffle.

Do come along to both that it @ provides therapeutic 8.18pm The Plough me visit for Any Although this work being carried area last year don’t forget e notochoice but free. tocrafts mingle Nowadays, all the rules onincreasing offer.

Take population thewith opportunity to browse through a wide range Badminton Clubplease 7pm Juniors 8pmof to put and Plough supports an of isridiculous theCllr Green Lantern visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing support our lovely(near Mayor, Bingo payingstalls, their subs this out by the Townlands Trust, payment riends. and regulations it is a struggle a bowl ofato water and food out forRoborough including many locally produced goods and ‘Pick Name’ for some the chance to at @ Bickington Community Centre Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Early Purple Orchid and Twayblade (a Adults Café).

Before and care homes, special needs Tuesday 23rd Margaret Brown, who works extremely making months for theee!’ price of willcrafted be taken from funds set aside for aised towin zee The organise anything.

In Cribbage this age of competition them, placing it inside a feeding station Villagehard Hall pairs @ Torrington Beast 2pm @ The Plough our fabulous, hand Easter Bunny! green flowered orchid) which, schools a variety other venues Youth for 11+ anyof@High decision regarding forClub theand town of5-7pm Torrington, and for that! banner ome in thick countless litigation, our town hall is in the project, which have included Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The 8pm A Roborough Jubilee Club Exhibitor fee £5 per table, please callwould 0345Arms 3712717 for further information.

Free Diamond Bickington Community Centre the future position of the Torrington in Bloom.

Atlas'of (15) 7pm The Plough early start for longaccepted film has @ been raise funds Clubfor 7pm Juniors 8pm tree, the To Entry butnote donations gratefully at theFilm door'Cloud on behalf Holsworthy & formed toBadminton Christmas Cherry Hammon, Torrington in Bloom, Plough note early start for long film Adults @ High Bickington Community Bideford District Cats Protection. Registered Charity 203644 (England and Wales 01805 625788 CRIER COPY DEADLINE for Centre

Torrington in Bloom

M

O

Coffee, Cakes & Crafts Saturday, 8 April 2017 10am-12pm

C

Hickfords Property Services

SC037711 (Scotland) Wednesday Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist 17th ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am today pleaseWorks  Damp Surveys & Remedial ee James Chapel inFrSt

Wednesday 24th

ACUPUNCTURE

F

St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Friday 12th ProvidingShort quality but Run Kitchen & Bathroom Design & Fitting Tennis @ Highaffordable Bickington by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport StMichael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Property Maintenance Community Centre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ accountancy and taxation services. in St James Chapel Film 'Fire in the Blood' (PG) 8pm @ The Ring and Ride services operate in the following areas:  Extensions Theatre Scottish Falsetto Puppet Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Plough  Landscaping Decking Mondays from Westward Ho! and Bideford Theatre 7pm @&The Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, friendly group www.pgdaccountants.com Gallery Gig 'JudithTuesdays Christie & Diane & children aged 0-5 The Well St Clinic, Torrington for parents 25th Torrington, on Fridays Hickford 623376 Calvert Contact 8.15pmColin @ The Plough C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 Tel: 01271 Thursday 268082 Mob: 07810 448 618 9.30am-11am @ Atherington Pavilion St Michael's Church Said Mass Wednesdays from hickford208@aol.com Hartlandevery Wednesday term time.

Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: With registered practitioner Lynne Parkyn MBAcC estim friendly ad ates & Short Tennis vice HNC @ High Bickington , NVQ and InstituteCentre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ of WCommunity ood Prese rv ing & Legion 3rd Weds of every Royal British Damp -Pro ofing month @ GT Conservative Club qualifi7pm ed

TORRIDGE MINIBUS SERVICES  Woodworm &COMMUNITY Rot Treatments

Can help with a variety of health issues

10

34

Thursdays High Bickington and south of the area.

‘Going Out and About’ Club runs on Fridays

Further details from: Karl Williams 01271 549680

07795 073966 for appointments or enquiries

11

Getting Out and About With Grosvenor Church

I

love being part of ‘Ignite’, the children’s work at Grosvenor church.

It’s a privilege to be part of their lives as they grow up, and there’s never a dull moment or an awkward silence! After Church recently, one of our children was asked by their parent what they’d been learning about, to which they thought and thought, and replied ‘I can’t remember, probably Jesus’! Rather than being offended that they couldn’t remember my amazing lesson (!), I was encouraged they knew that it was a safe bet to think it was about Jesus. Jesus’ life, his example, his teaching and his instructions are at the heart of all we do at Grosvenor Church Great Torrington.

He instructed us to go out into the world, to tell people about him, to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, look after the sick, and love our neighbours.

Although on a Sunday afternoon we warmly welcome any ‘strangers’ , the rest

“One person recently asked for someone to visit to play scrabble once a week.” of these things can’t be done by being sat in a church service once a week, we know we need to get out into our community.

As part of this we have become involved with the Neighbourhood Chaplains Initiative. This is a nationwide initiative where trained church members go into homes they are invited into.

Here they help out in practical ways and spend valuable time with those in the community who are lonely or housebound, or who simply want someone to chat to. One person recently asked for someone to visit to play scrabble once a week. This initiative offers practical, emotional and spiritual support, and is open to all, so if you know of anyone who would benefit from this please get in contact.

In February Tim and I had the amazing opportunity to go further afield and visit a guy from our church who is now living in Thailand, and working with a school for Burmese immigrants. Jesus said ‘whoever welcomes a little child like this

Black Belt 7th Dan for Peter Hill

F

ifty seven year old Peter Hill (pictured) has been awarded black belt 7th Dan on the recommendation from the world renowned Japanese instructor Sensei M.Shiomitsu 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan. It has also been endorsed by the Otsuka Soke, the founding family of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do and authorised by the WadoRyu Karate-Do Renmei in Japan.

Peter began his lifelong study of Karate-Do in 1971, at the age of 11, in Barnstaple. Based in Great Torrington since 1983 where he runs his private and main dojo the ‘Ken Shu Kan’ at Function Fitness, he has been a professional Karate-ka for the past 33 years. He also teaches at other dojo he has helped establish since 1984, in Barnstaple, Bideford, Crediton and Okehampton.

Peter was a private student to the late Sensei T.Takamizawa 7th Dan Kyoshi Shihan for nearly 20 years, until his passing in 1998, and with whom he helped establish the Devon Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Kai, which is now one of the area’s most respected and established martial art groups.

Peter has studied deeply with Sensei M.Shiomitsu 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan, for the past 30 years, and with the late Sensei H.Otsuka II 10th Dan Saiko Shihan, in both Europe and Japan over many years until his passing two years ago.

Peter has also been appointed an official international instructor and Dan Grade examiner to the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy, the official body for authentic Wado-Ryu Karate-Do in Europe, one of only three people to hold this status. He has taught over 50 people to 1st Dan or above, including two Karate-ka to 5th Dan, having all graded with, or been recognised by, his Japanese instructors. In addition to teaching in Devon and around Britain he has also, in recent years, been invited to teach or demonstrate in various countries including Norway, Sweden, Italy, Holland, France and Japan.

At the same time as Peter’s promotion was announced, at the annual WadoRyu Karate-Do Academy International Winter Course at the Spectrum Centre, Guildford, Surrey, Devon Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Kai members Mark Vallei 1st Dan, James Bolton 2nd Dan, Gary Moore 3rd Dan and Noriko Mitsuhashi 3rd Dan were also presented with Dan Grade certificates, by Sensei M.Shiomitsu 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan. …welcomes me’ (Matthew 18 v5), and it was wonderful to see 400 children being picked up from their refugee camps each morning to spend the day in school. These children would otherwise be working in the fields their parents work in, or sadly, on occasion, being sold/trafficked into prostitution. So you can imagine how precious it was to see them happily playing and learning, and especially to be able to take part in their school assembly.

Easter is the next big event in the church calendar. On Easter Sunday we would like to warmly invite you to come along to our Easter service at 4pm.

Planning is still taking place, but there will definitely be a giant Easter egg hunt so it’s not to be missed! But don’t wait for Easter to come along, please feel free to join us any Sunday and 4pm.

Rachel Gilbert (for more info please contact Tim on 07798 670754)

35

Heavy DutyINFORMATION Gardening IMPORTANT

McTimoney Chiropractic

Compact Tractor & Loader FREEVIEW RETUNING REQUIRED MAY 2013 Flail/Topper Mowing ** AFFECTING HUNTSHAW CROSS ** Rotavating, log sawing/splitting Dobie, Mark Alford, Scott Cann Due toJohn development of new services.

John Francis BSc. (Chiro.) M.M.C.A.

For gentle and effective treatment of many conditions including: * Back neck and shoulder pains * * Pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints* * Muscular aches *

Wood chipping, hedge etc. and Andrew Luxton aretrimming available to If you require professional retuning of your TV,SOLICITORS PVR or see Garden clients byoverhaul appointment. and Freeview Box please call and book an tidy appointment now: Call 01805jobs 623725 or around visit ourthe in Small/odd done farm 01805 804 640 offices

10 Fore Street, Torrington

We look forward

Reflexology 01805 628271

Dip. Reflex. (B.C.M.A.) ! to seeingSue youCochrane

TORRINGTON

Okehampton and Exeter

Contact - Signal Solutions Tuning Services811283 ormail@stones-solicitors.co.uk 01805 01837 622556 Michael Harris, Petrockstowe www.stones-solicitors.co.uk

Www.aandjopticians.co.uk

Please phone 01805 622465

Also: On demand set-up & SKY…

27

Please cut out and keep safe…

community once preserves again. We hope Have You Checked Your(South Thatch isphones.

Safe?

The Denys Yonge Trust mobile appearance of the car park St) Roof selling cakes, and to hotbe New National Police Non-

renovation as shape, but the of themtotoo butait ittakes would farofexceed chance win first prize £75,inamy meantime you can see some artist’s in a position to announce more funding evon & Somerset Fire & Rescue chimneys, where there is only a fourgable or gable-end chimney, where the Churchwardens, trustees of the quota of words.

The number to come call for emergencies isThe much improved and more welcoming drinks.

So please and givethat these two-man tent and other Children’s wonderfulCentre aboA Emergency Telephone skills be learnt as parents. impressions offamily how ourwall, Town Hall success in the near future.

Service remind to make inch thickness of brick, which makesneed to cable can be run down the avoiding Denys Yonge Trust, would like sure to If you want to see pictures oftoour last has not changed. to visitors; those beds you maintained by good causes your support. prizes including tickets The or for ‘putwhich runs Number might look, which we’re very once W Huge recognition has to Continual be given to ‘fault-finding’, your chimneys are as safe and the thatch especially vulnerable to the contact with the thatch.

Disconnect your inform the readers of The Crier, in case show or a list of previous productions, the Traffic Control Officer (Colin) are For further information contact: Big Sheep, Milky Way, Combe Martin th downs’up(often in jest)toare sure of Pippa Saturday morning. A T Fr om 19 Se pt em erifCommons 20own 11 , grateful the atalents Jenkins all of theheat volunteers make our said clean as possible, especially you risk build-up, that and eventually television aerial during electrical storms they were misinformed in blast month’s visit www.torringtonplayers.com also much improved’.

The 01237 423292, Dinosaur Park, Eden Project, and Torrington Players way to create questions about selfThrive session will b communities across North & West manydamage of you to may from her trustees and members of brick our many aissue, thatched Last year(next the fire combustion, atThis aother point between the towho prevent the know system that property. the Denys Yonge Trust is a Tree walk was interesting year email northamswaps@fsmail.net more!

It's here! month!

'Hobson's W April 10–11.30am. worth in children.

Additionally, those Devon will be able to dial involvement attoThe Arts Centre. committee who, over several years, Wood service a total of it!).

26 thatched and the thatch. burning stoves church-based charity.

The funds we shallattended make them walk or visit It’s criticised going bePlough Christmas Torrington InaBloom Choice'.

If this youproject haven't booked O who are your consistently will start 101, a chimney new come national Visit: www.greattorrington-townhall.org have seen from conception, available to the have fires of these, 23 Trust were firesfrom and www.northamcommunityswaps.co.uk The danger zone for heat transfer, The increased efficiency of such Well done everyone who helped out extravaganza, so please come along tickets, hurry up.

The dates, time, price Silver-Gilt Winners 2011 to wonder about their relevance.

Native Wild FlowerA police non-emergency Want to in getvery involved?... through planning andstart development and the sale the roof former Eric three wereof thatch fires. and where a firenumber may inInaallthatch, is children stoves, whilst welcome to residents – start thinking about nextPalmer year and join the fun.is delighted See what and box office are on the W contrast, whose parents Torrington in Bloom with telephone number; and Contact the Chairman: now on to construction.

To Grow in Centre.

This was owned (Diamond Jubilee/ Olympics)!

Torrington has touseful, offer!!

According tobuilding English Heritage, the by more associated with older and/or listed of otherwise draughty older properties, front cover, or pop affirm their children’s efforts feel the above result and would not have t h e c u r r e n t n o n richardphillips2008@btinternet.com Volunteerswith Needed Torrington Parish Church and thisin is Another presentation took place on number of thatched properties listed properties any or worthy more ofand thein has own implications with regard to Your Garden intotwothe Plough B acceptable people.

TheyPhillips, beenitsas able toRichard achieve eat m eRHS rof g ethe nRosemoor c yfunds n uwill mwhen b ebe r th Chairman Might I take this opportunity to make why the majority October 20 Devon and Somerset is 5,916. conditions highlighted below: fire risk.

Torrington Writers’ Group person.

Primula vulgaris is H are also likely to work hard to maintain it without the help and 777444 will be Great Torrington Buildings a plea to anyone outmulti-layer there has whothatch would th used thein08452 repair and restoration of Torrington Bloom Association held Marcfor House, Community • A deep Such efficiency depends on a high flue The cast been B The group held its meeting on 6 lovely native primrose support of local those positive feelings, and when they phased out. However, to Preservation Trust like to getwhere involved in this important the Parish Church. its own ‘Best Garden’ awards working hard undersetbacks Safety Prevention Manager the thatch is over gas temperature of and around 500°C, whicha darkerC October.

This month’s subject was the flowers with encounter will have the traders, groups People who are deaf, project to make the contact with us, as we ’cube’. reiterate, itin will be of announced thatwilla ceremony.

Details the winners of Frank from Novemb said: “Fire a thatched roof one metre direction deep,confidence a guide to to try is concentrated inwould a narrowbloom air column. again.

This iswe building individuals, hard of hearing or speech impaired will will undoubtedly benefit from new Wind Turbines Coming to significant donation will be made, to be published in the December issue of Allman, to bring you a Stephanie’s poem, ‘Ice Py’ was areas) to early May.L is difficult to detect and once the depth of thatch can be When installed in a properly regulated emotional resilience, a really strong like to thank you all. be able the to text phone 18001 101. blood to help equip our members with rather benefit local community.

The Crier.

Torrington's Favourite Viewpoint! memorable evening the flowers risqué, but great fun as she took started is difficult to control. assessed in relation to the modern chimney, this type of system is themselv a foundation for success in life, and A list of sponsors and While 999 is a well-recognised the skills they will needwith in laughter. managing us through John Hammon Downing Cherry Some people like toseparate see wind packed female (‘pin the game ofgetting ‘pass the ice Great Torrington which gives skills to deal life supporters is with available Once a fire takenemergencies, hold level of visible chimney highly effective way of maximum number to has report the this project through construction, to Secretary, turbines prominently ona the HenryFayre Hobson is (‘thrum’) ring of stam Jean’s poem,wood; ‘Cubebut Collusion’ experiences bothcube’. good and bad. on the noticeboard at within British a roof itCrime will spread • Originally chimney height heat out ofstanding burning where Christmas 2010 Survey found that equipping the building and on to Torrington in Bloom Association Town Hall News played by Joe Umpleby, who alongside hillsides when they are enjoying the flowers, so focused on explaining to her daughter Letting children know what you love t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e c o u n c ia l visiting rapidly, due to the very nature would have been about two ancient chimney stacks are concerned, only 54% of public knew which The Torrington Traders will befor management of Town it once re-opened 01805 625788 views of the countryside, but many learning his lines, finds time to write pollen from a male floW a cube is called a cube, luckily she offices/1646. about them or why you are proud of Great Hall… of how Torrington thatch burns; and metres from the ridge. the inappropriate introduction of such telephone number toTown call ifoften they wanted holding their second Christmas Fayre the community.

Our AGM will be on 14th November, amusing anecdotes on them our website others find they spoil the“But offlower wh totranquillity awhat female toin answer, is of canonalso escaped strengthen resilience.

This ishaving Britain Bloom’s definition project part local financed the theAspeak results aretheir devastating!

• Regular use of a multi-fuel installations with metal liners can create to to policebyabout in Torrington's Pannier Market S This first stage is to make all the 7pm at the Conservative Club, South th (see below).

Hobson's eldest the natural deposited cube root?

Does it so have one when iton the stig Simple statements such as; landscape.

“I am what constitutes silver-gilt level: European Agricultural Fund for policing, non-urgent crime andsafe antiDecember atdaughter 2pm.

Sunday 4burning To keep yourself and your family or wood stove,starting or an open fireto aserious problems. necessary structural improvements St, new members welcome.

Torridge District Council has Maggie, the Chairman sensible of one, is well-drained grows?”

She’ll get you next time Jean! proud toSara be your mum/dad. way Good’ (75-84% mark) a been high soils in European 2007-2013: social behaviour issues.

Ianfloor Roome, the Chemo from fire youDevelopment should take care to have with an inappropriate, old or poorly fitted If‘Very the use ofThe such stoves is to –be the ofyounger, the large'bumptious' main hall insisters order inundated with proposals for wind churchy Pruce, her hedgebanks, Elizabeth told us about a room she had standard entry, which meets virtually you looked after your friend this Europe investing in rural areas.

Project The introduction of the 101 number Appeal, will be there to open the Fayre your chimney swept regularly, depending liner in an old thatched house, that Sarah it can Ford safelyand accommodate any contemplated farms and large single wind turbines. are Jo Wood.

Neil name derives from Charity Table Top Sale s t a y e d i n , s o m e t h i n g r a t h e r all of the judging criteria and includes when over makes beingwhat delivered with Defra as the provides one easy way toworst speak and the will afternoon end inbytothe upon fuel you burn.

If the • Central chimney surrounded it isfell essential that ame concrete of pumice size and afternoon type of as event likely be he Currently 43 single turbines have been rosa, ‘first rose’.

Fordham appears Willie Mossop, Northam Community Swaps are representing a ‘cube’ and evidently this feel like the luckiest mum/dad in the sections of exceptionally high Managing Authority. directly with local police alarm to report Square with theitChristmas Lights being should happen, a smoke can and give thatch, or a Frazer house part ofMuch aAlbert, terrace liner be inserted to isolate demanded of inthat theisfuture. of insulated (the hero).

Moore, plays approved/operational; 21 veris is th hosting all a Charity Table police-related Top Sale on one came with genders andare standards.

Exemplifies bestPrimula practice in world” or “You worked so hard onmixed your another discuss non-urgent on by Torrington’s May Queen this work can be carried out internally you the extra time you need to escape in turned • Electrical faults and careless the hot gases fromthere the surrounding th in Iplanning and are dozens and hoping to marry Vickie. Joyce Ridgwelltoday. and differs from thew at Northam Saturday November 12 the bunk beds!

Mike’s story, ‘The Letter’ multiple areas and demonstrates very homework know you tried issues.

It will not change way the at 5.15pm. or within the recessed undercroft area, so her the brickwork. aHall house fire – make sure Way you test yours workmen, any halogen spot plays Hepworth andshopping this willhard be each stem (junction Fore had sweet really and did hdozens iyour g ha very p oint ebest. nscreening tand i aWell l flowery f o r and c ostart, n tscoping, i n u ianis g topped t police respondoftoAtlantic non-urgentand calls or Do Mrs your Christmas and first signs you’ll see that work is regularly.” lights, those particularly in bedroom or If in doubt, ask and don’t use anyup which would bring total numbers to 30th appearance with TP. golden-yellow flowers Street) from 2-4pm. squared middle and love and kisses at development and sustainable effort. done for that.” connect people large national call browse amongst some be wonderful stalls e commencing will when the chimney Thatch fire toarea not bathroom ceilings related appliance until you are over 100, if all were approved.

And of Much newer members, but very spot at the base g The charities being charged the end—a very clever play on words!

Identifying strengths and helping to The judges’ comments were positive centre.

Calls will still be received by selling a variety of gifts and crafts, undercroft area is fenced and secured. in a thatch is not an inevitable • Security lights - situated too close to Sue’s sure itpoem, is safe! talented are Tony Bedinetz, Colin course there are the‘Torrington windthatfarms Cowslips grow toFire attend, tocontrol help them make ‘A explained a in best inF develop those strengths willCube’ also in many areas, too: call handlersininorder police rooms. whilst being entertained Streetz, Theeaves. second stage will lights, beby to particularly demolish occurrence, but it as is an organicAmaterial, the Any outside Smoke alarms themselves – six currently either Mackay, Steve Puttick and Esther and meadows but ca as much money possible. diverse cube can be plain or decorative and Bloom has learned a lot during the last increase confidence in children.

The isTorrington already in use in Torrington’s Allstars Majorettes, the the current inadequate rear extension The number subject toGreat different behaviour patterns those fitted with motionRichard sensors should Fit working smoke alarms on each floor Wood.

Not forgetting Pitt, who already built or in planning.

Indeed the railway embankments variety of organisations will be she also gave a warning not to eat Strengths come in many shapes and year and you have the potential to be a Wales, Hampshire, the Trust Isle of Girl Guides andit others. c and replace withone a metre larger modern Buildings Preservation areWight very depending on its including surroundings, be installed least away from level your home.

Consider buying moves fromatSquare being very Welsh in 'A Cube, Darracott wind farm, justused off the and prefer a more ac represented, Appledore American plant inan very strong entry.

1646 centre sizes, and each one isinan of equal value; and Sheffield and will be rolled out The Town will be filled with structure to include a lift, new toilet pleased toand announce that theLodge, long treatments choice ofcountry materials any thatch alarm with aand tenfish year battery, Barnstaple road, was among the firstflower to Child's Christmas inrides, Wales' to a hog very reading, soil.

They durin RNLI, the Guide Dogs, insecticides poisons. improves each year and is aotherwise valuable relationships, maths, sports, across restto ofrenovate theNortham by orthe children’s fun-fair stalls, o facilities and much-needed storage and change rd awaited works and re-open Scottish Dr MacFarlane. be erected in Torridge. styles.

It has a finite life span, measured • Discarded cigarettes and garden the battery every year and Both Primula spec David Rundle Trust, Moon Bears, The Ne xt mee ting: Thursd ay 3 asset to the town.

Dartington’s creativity, curiosity, a love of nature, an end of this year. roast and more. it admin then to carry out all the our Town Hall arehundreds due The to commence The smile scenery and landscape But ofspace, course there could notto bemake a November, seed maythat require a s in tens rather than of years. bonfires regularly test your smoke alarm.

7.30pm at The Donkey Sanctuary and Friends of (Crystal) grounds were a Plough, valuable ability people or many Calls to 101 will cost 15p per call, th Come and see Father Christmas in necessary internal We have to thank on May 6 all2013.

Torrington is best known for is thetofine show withoutand all the heroesThesubject, germination.

It’st And above is combustible.

• Television aerials onunsung thatched For more thatch information, and ‘The Kitchen Sink’.

Smyrna Children’s Orphanage. other areas. list is endless. addition to the route.

Theaid flowerbed at irrespective ofit+ how long it deliver may last. his Grotto, enter a fabulous renovations to bring North Devon for helping the behind the scenes.

I wish I could list all view across the Torridge valley to the sow seed in autumn t Sue Davan NCS’s ‘kitchen team’ will be in action Modern enclosed solid fuel appliances buildings should be fitted to a download our booklet, please visit www.

S&G is a vast improvement.

The If you would like to know a little more This cost applies that to allows landlines Torrington Town Traders Raffle, with a this historic building Leader 4 Funding the and first hills and resilience vales, meadows and frame forests.or unhea cold about building emotional to are designed to burn efficiently and freestanding is not dsfire.gov.uk. or the Thatch Advice st pole. Where this D into the 21 century. stage of this important renovation to However, has now and prick out seedli your ask- www.thatchadvicecentre.co.uk. ata screening Bluecoat request cleanly, often flues pass through old possible, the aerial should support be fixed to a child, Centre Finally, Stage three commence. been entered on the TDC planning will provide the building with the streetThe contractors engaged for the Fax: 40 Telephone website for two turbines, each level presence it so desperately needs project are WMS and it is being PEE WEE’S PROPER metres high to the JOB tip of the blades VALE SOCIAL CLUB by enclosing much of the TORRIDGE undercroft managed 01805 is (130ft) and the site of these turbines 01805 by our appointed architects area with a frameless glazed surround Trewin Design Partnership, so we’re GARDENING SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE REAL ALE - DRAUGHT GUINNESS described asHOUSE Servis Farm. The and central Plumbers front entrance doing our best to&Torrington’s keep the project andindependent only Builders, and Timber Merchants PLUMBING HEATING ENGINEERS (Estprominent 50+ yrs) 626330Eis application reference number 626333 GRASS CUTTING/HEDGE TRIMMING/TREE PRUNING which will transform the appearance of -0020/2013/SCR SKITTLES DARTS - POOLbut - SNOOKER the jobs it supports local in North no other details S FENCING/SHEDS/GARDEN CLEARANCE Hatchmoor Industrial Estate, Torrington EX38 7HP the building making it aAt central feature CASH BINGO MONDAY NIGHTS Oil, LPG andtoNatural Gas Heating, Domestic & caravans Devon.

Due complete over three key dwellings are available present ashome this is what HomeLife CarersAND we pride ourselves on at offering quality S INTERNAL EXTERNAL PAINTING/MAINTENANCE of our historic town centre. stages; furtherLandlords, fundingServicing is still& being care services to people throughout the a local community, including: TDC is termed ‘Screening Request’.

GUTTERING/FASCIA BOARDS/WINDOW CLEANING Commissioning LARGE FUNCTION ROOM We have started toK update our PATHare sought to allow all three stages to PATIO AND PRESSURE WASHINGof not• Preparation asking forMeals comments or Personal Services IDEAL FOR PARTIES/WEDDINGS All completion Plumbing work—Calor Gas fully Stockists (delivery website available) so everyone can keep •track of Care P reach final before the opinions atDAYTIME this stage; they will merely AVAILABLE FOR HIRE • Night Care • Home Help • Sitting Serv ices CONTACT PHIL 622056 or 07528 847156 how this project is progressing.

WeON: 01805 renovated116 Town can completely re advise the applicants what they need New Hall Street (via Stoneman’s Lane), Torrington Opening hours: Mondayintend - Fridayto7.30am - 5.00pm 8.00am - 12.00 Noon Y / Saturday EMAIL: Call us today on: publish images of the pd.1965@hotmail.co.uk Care Worker by and -open and become aTel focal point for623293 our VARIOUS ENTERTAINMENT EVENINGS to submit in the way ofRegulated surveys N & Fax 01805

D

Tamar Trading Company Ltd

Equine & Canine Massage

RON SUSSEX AND SONS LTD

Janette Murch Merishia Massage Therapist New Kitchen and Bathroom Showroom now open 07780 993 014 jmequineandcanine.weebly.com

4 36

Oftec Reg.

FREE ESTIMATES

Gas Safe No. 21765

4

The Care Quality Opportunities Tel:BOARD 01805 625 999DETAILS WATCH FOR Available Commission CALL SHARONwww.homelifecarers.co.uk ON 01805 622543 EVENINGS

L

Tattersalls

l Local Driving Instructor Property Management l Beginners or partially trained l Nervous welcome Dedicatedpupils to Property Management and Residential Lettings l Discounts for block bookings l Dual controls The Personal Approach Alan Edwards - DSA ADI (Car) l Refresher lessons Tel: Torrington 01805 622972 l Pass Plus Mobile: 07818 667 074 01805 624059

Dog of the Awareness Month Week 2013 Parkinson’s

What if I told you that there is a disease out there that affects thousands of people in the UK, but for which there is no early diagnosis and no cure?

This degenerative disease is Parkinson’s, brought about by the reduction of the body’s production of Dopermine, which provides the chemical messages sent out to turn muscles on and off. When these messages weaken, you can get the muscular shaking that typifies Parkinson’s. However, you may not be aware that it also brings balance problems, affects the vocal cords, and even makes writing more difficult.

Parkinson’s UK have declared April 15th-21st their ‘Awareness Week’, to bring the public’s attention to the disease, and their efforts to support those affected, initiate research, and raise funding.

In that week, the Torridge Branch of Parkinson’s UK is arranging several events, to increase awareness of what we do locally. These include: his is our veryathandsome  A Spring Fayre Weare Giffard Jaime, who with ustodue to on Village Hall fromis10am 1pm his owner being very poorly.

Saturday 20th April Jaime a lovely 12display month old  An is Information at Border Bideford Collie, with an unusual liver and white Library; colouring. little public nervousmeetings when  A seriesHeofis afree hearound first sees people, and will bark, the Torridge area, starting at but6.45pm once he and sees aincluding ball or a treat he a formal presentation covers “What is remembers he iswhich a puppy and will Parkinson’s?”, simply roll over for “Current belly rubs,Research”, which he and If you “Thecanlocal loves. offer Torridge this lad an Branch active activities”.

Therethe willongoing be information home, and provide training booklets available, and refreshments, and stimulation that he needs, please contact us on 07971 461 806. He is far too young to be in kennels.

T

www.tattersalls.co.uk

and plenty of opportunity to ask We also need volunteers to help with questions. The locations customers TBC).

Players will c Andfor Derthese was 21, supporting the café and its meetings are: so ifall you can years, spare two hours a month Marks instead of draw We’ve been together these then up please  Mon 15th April Hartland Church And weHall have a grown son.get in touch. beetle design, and th In April Annie Brierley is coming to  Tue 16th April Woodland Vale Care include Fairtrade refre shortday stories and poems Home, Torrington The which next Group m We’d like to have read a special should invoke a lot of memories  Wed 17th April Arts Centre, Tuesdayfrom 8th Novembe On Bideford the 21st November. the past.

If you, a loved one or friend Quay pril is one of my favourite months as there always around; Arts I am Centre A day that’s special, just is like him, chocolatePlough has a memory problem then let them th  Thu 18not April Memorial allowed to eatHall, it but my always makes me some lovely dog friendly Which hemum will long remember. along, or for more know about the Café - everyone is Holsworthy Emma onand 01805 6221 chocolate treats! Here is the recipewelcome. so you can have fun making them, th such a quiet man, Fri 19 us April Northam of course doggies willHall beBeing happy to test them!

For further information contact He want aPauline fuss, If you would anydoesn’t Ingredients: Severallike packets of further doggy choc drops; Page an Easter egg625969 mould; or a email 01805 informationa bowl; aboutspoons. any ofBut we really ought celebrate, saucepan; onto paulinepage123@btinternet.com these please Cos into he means the World us.the saucepan with water 1: Placeevents, the chocolate drops a heatproof bowl.toFill contact Julie Jones, and place the bowl on top. Warm the water gradually and stir the melting chocolate.

Meditation Branch Secretary (01237 you Der 2: Lightly grease the eggLove mould and spoon the melted evenly around it.

There is achocolate weekly meditation class 478128).

Ros & Hamilton Place the mould in the fridge. every Thursday in the dance studio at 3: Once the two halves have set, fill one side some of Centre, your dog’s favourite Thewith Plough Arts 6.15-7.15pm Great Torrington Memory Café Fairtrade Meditation is a way of treats. memory café seems to be learning to and relax and part of successful ‘Wine and 4:The Spread melted chocolateAs around theaedge of one half of the egg stick the growing from strength-to-strength with respond creatively toFund the Raisi Wisdom’ evening, the Fairtrade second half in place. more customers every month. challenges which life In aid Steering 5: Once cool, any roughGroup edges.asked for suggestions February’s cafétrim dayaway fell on Valentine’s throws at us.

It can also The ND for further Fairtrade You could make an for a friend’s dog too and think about selling Day, and toalso celebrate weextra hadegg a duet help to reduce stress.

By learning promotions in Torrington. them to help raise some fundsasforwell the as rescue!

Remember!

Dog-safe chocolateChemother is to a ‘Desert Rose’ sing ballads meditate we reducedfind space in our busyNew Bui One idea was treat and should only beand feddecorations. to your dog in small amounts at a time. heart-shaped biscuits lives to get intea touch with ourselves price Fairtrade and There and will be a sa Sadly thisa month been very slow, with hardly any enquiries from people We had raffle has which helped raise develop awareness of whatStone is going on coffee for clubs and staffVillage Hall money to to adopt cover dogs, some of thesocosts. wishing and Bera and Diesel aremind still inand kennels -world so sad.

The us. in our in the around rooms.

This is something November 10am-4pm We have been fortunate again to get good news is that Alice has gone off to her new home enjoying her new inner life.

If especially we thinkand ofasis finding we areDevon keen to do, one of happiness, for the new chemothe some funding from new thearrivals; We have also had some Prince,peace, Jaime and Milo.

Princeofand Jaime are as a state mind then the Fairtrade Town goals is to Good quality new Community Fund which help us to both collies, and Milo is a will Labrador/Retriever and all very handsome I have to say, can help us to achieve that encourage clubs,meditation societies, community books, bric-a-brac, continue to develop the service we do check out their stories and pictures on ourgoal. website at www.k9focus.co.uk. groups and staff-rooms to use home-made light lun provide people who have memory I teach two complementary practices, We still for need a volunteer for our shop in Appledore, if anyone has a couple of Fairtrade be available. loss. Thanks to John Portman who refreshments. put one Aunty whichLynne focuses on the breath and hours to spare on Fridays between 10am3pm. has just embarked So, our this special offer is a £5 package in all the hard work to secure the other which focuses on the on a sevenAs month challenge to lose weight, she has 100 which tea bags, a called jar ofthe ‘2-Fat Ladies funding. mentioned incontaining last month’s Par For emotions.

I have been meditating a The C 7-month Sheaway has set up a Facebook group called ‘Pounds 4 Paws’for coffee, 100 sugarnumber sticks and ayears packet edition, Challenge’!

John is moving from the ofjoin and if you learnt the Book Sig where you can sponsor her, give her support, or simply the group want area and we need to recruit anotherThe practices of biscuits. normal cost of the these with Triratna Buddhist My new sporting n tovolunteer lose somefundraiser. weight (no sponsorship required) and get some ideas for recipes and Ifitems anyone wouldis be over £8, so this is a Community, a movement which has world of Devon golf. motivation. canpost join then thesignificant group at:get www.facebook.com/groups/Pounds4Paws. interested You in this please saving.

PleaseBuddhism contact usin a way that is adapted which was all wishing you all a very happyOver Easter I inI think touch.that is all I have fortothis takemonth, up thissospecial offer.

Village Cricket Club shall woof goodbye.

We will be holding a Fairtrade ‘Beetle th Lords.

Miss Jessica Drive’ on 12 November, 7pm (venue

A

RDEN NURSERY

ear swimming pool) All your everyday motoring needs a lovely ‘Walled Garden’ A HomeLife large selection ofourselves pre-owned g and Basket needs At Carers we pride on offering quality home care to people throughout the local community, carsservices & vans always in stock s, Perennials, Alpines, Climbers, Veg. including:

ee Advice

Est 1991

• Personal Care Services • Preparation of Meals

• NightGeoff Care • Home Help • Sitting Serv ices on: Contact Williams y Fair, Carnival & Bank Holidays Call us today on: 404406 Care Worker 623157 / 07971 Regulated by 1401805 01805 622 604 The Care Quality Opportunities Tel: 01805 625 999 www.monkleighgarage.co.uk Available www.homelifecarers.co.uk Commission

Instant Images 20 World of success like Susie’s!

Embroidery Torrington

Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness classes Slimming THURSDAY Celebrating Years

Torridge Club “ISocial lost 3 dress sizes with the amazing TORRINGTON We work closely with our Vale customers support at my to class,” offer Susie 5.30pm Scout Hall, Gas Lane, EX38 7BE & 7.30pm quality embroidered and printed garments * Thursday 6:30 - 7:45 pmTel: Bev 01805 624955 FOR FREE for business, leisure andJOIN schools. ® (Zumba Fitness) the 01237 424787 INCLUDES FREE PACK! withon Call th eWendy 46 South Street, Torrington *Pack given over 3 weeks. New

clubeart big h

Follow us on

wendy.cox@rosemaryconley.com 0844 897 8000 Tel: 01805 938002 members only. Class price: £5.95. www.rosemaryconley.com www.slimmingworld.com Please bring voucher to claim.

37

bottom ofwarmly Mill welcome!

Street. I not, you are

was

so

of the Community. in order to store Parish can Records Everyone in the Torridge now

Slice of Life, High Street Torrington

Free Quotations

* Italian Coffees, Teas, Cakes, Milk Shakes, * 01805 625645 email: * Hot Chocolate whipped creamcedek.co@virgin.net & marshmallows * Mobile:for Chris 07857 or 767 579 All available take-away eat-in Steph 07791 019 464

2

Natural Gas & LPG Registered

Great Torrington North Devon A EX38 7EZ

Phone Orders Welcome 01805 628080 Cedek Water Treatment Services Open 8.30-4pm Mon-Fri & 8.30-2pm Sat

Fresh Heating homemade for; services Central & fillings Plumbing Boiler Service/Installations/Maintenance Work * Baguettes, Wraps, Jacket Potatoes, Salad Bowls, * * Panini, Toasties, Pasties & Sausage Rolls, Homemade Soup, * Legionnaires Control Specialists * All Day Breakfast, Sausage & Bacon Baps *

criminal damage!

brightly-lit floats, includ Moira Brewer

new book...

R.PITTS En-suite Accommodation TORRINGTON UNCOVERED

Mrs Tracey Martin l l l l l l

“BUILDING & RENO

by Moira (Brewer www.yourgardencare.com (01805)623213

General Garden Maintenance and join us for a glass of wine Come Garden Fencing “ Hedge Laying at the launch Call David Lock Stone Walling * * * * T R.PITTS on 01805 603 541 Pergolas

www.locksbeamfarm.co.uk M 4th May 10.30am 12.30pm Saturday Mobile 07854 816 066 Patio email: tracey@locksbeamfarm.co.uk in the Plough Gallery

R

Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

23 Usher, formerlySign HeadupGardner at As always, your to Nightwalk

Hestercombe bank. There used to be a bathing spot Gardens.

Support The Work Ofmarshalled Hospiceby our vo In April we have a coach outing to routes to encourage here, with a concrete platform and a the Cornish Flower ShowNurses at Bocconoc safety at all times. T Night

changing shed built in the 1920s.

Estate. The We are delightedomen at across how North everyone, Devon from fiveA Hele next bridge to cross the river is thethe oneseats have been taken and quickly Delicious refreshment can now sign up to Nightwalk th at Taddiport, probably builtare in the 13 now praying for decent weather. at the moonlit end of your w 2017.

The ladies-only century and originally known Town Onas the home front we will be hosting a will 20 once again be on th walk takes place on Saturday May quiz withthe our ‘adversaries’ from other th to ferry you back to y Bridge. The river then flows under and is celebrating its 10 anniversary. gardening clubs in the area.

This year, we are h old railway bridge (now part of the Tarka th Those taking part7will be helping to raise along t at Our speaker in May, Tuesday entertainment Trail) before passing under Rolle Bridge, £100,000 for North Devon Hospice 7.30pm will be Howard Wills, locally ‘themed surprises’ b opened in 1928, which carries the main who provide care the the keeper of a nurses National Collection of during marshalls! road from Torrington to Bideford. Just Sempervivums night. and Jovibarbums. He Nightwalk has proW beyond this bridge is the old willRothern be sharing with usup the plants he1st topopular Sign before April get the and we hope wat Bridge which, with the onefound at Taddiport, on a visit tospecial Madeira.

So early bird discount,better as wellthan ever. Sep was one of the town’s original bridges For more aboutas the Society ring into Sallya draw rally your friends Bide being entered to win a and dates from at least theRamsden, 14th century.on 01805 623152, email colleagues, and get with Champagne High Tea for four at the The river continues on tosallyramsdenindevon@hotmail.co.uk Weare forms in fast, along thew award-winning Kentisbury Grange. or turn and up to a meeting at Torridge Feel free to photocop Giffard, looping through woodland B Nightwalk has become the single Vale Social pass them around meadows, and crossed three times

by Club.. sup largest Sally charity event in North Devon, family, or you canGan reg Ramsden the Tarka Trail. Weare Giffard marks after bursting onto the scene 10 at years line www.nightwa the tidal limit of the River Torridge and, trad ago. The 2017 walk has new routes, note that the £10 ‘Ea kind being low-lying, the villageNightwalk has suffered2013 more entertainment and plenty of the same t remains the flooding on many occasions.Get ready for another thereafter the fee surprises in store for the 1,000+ women Nightwalk Fair Bideford Long Bridge dates from theto remember please get your entry th who May are expected to take part. onand Saturday 18 form latter part of the 15th century has Ali Hunt, head of fundraising at the 2013…and a new leg near finis been widened at various times, and Has Sprung hospice said, “We need theSpring ladies of Holsworthy!

It w in a variety of ways, to cope Nightwalk with the is now in its seventh year, Torringtonfroc North Devon to step out forLittle Nightwalk demands of modern traffic.and Before the hoping you will sign up for we are 2017. Help our nurses be theThe light insnowdrops the ‘Sou building of the present stone bridge, what everyone tells a memorable been lovely, the prim darkusforishundreds of local families.

We’ve We there were at least three different night - rest assured we’ve fine toare and the day daf added lotsordered more features the out event weather and a lovely sunset! wooden structures which were in use on the bank at the including a prosecco bar, fire performers, andt This will be an unforgettable evening, from the late 13th century. Further Mile Hill approaching that live full music, light shows and Nightwalk with anBridge, atmosphere of anticipation, village are about downstream is the new Bideford won t-shirts available to all walkers.

So please memories and camaraderie. Many magnificent display of a soaring curve high up above the silve sign up now and help make a difference wore fancy dress last Spring Fever has h river which was opened in Nightwalkers 1987. The trad people feature; who need their local year which was toa local wonderful as well; new firepro Taw and the Torridge meet just beyond whether you decide on fancy dress or hospice.” storage cupboardshard ha Appledore and Instow and not, flowyou together are warmlyStarting welcome! points are at Barnstaple, in order to store Gre the out through Bideford Bay to the Atlantic. the Instow, Bideford, Torrington and Tamar Moira Brewer, an extract from to fi Lakes (near Holsworthy), and route – ou Torrington Uncovered lengths range from 3 to 11 miles. Sign up O at www.nightwalk.co.uk.

Where Does the River Torridge Rise?

T

he name Torridge comes from the old word ‘toric’ meaning ‘noisy’ and ‘violent, rough stream’ as opposed to its companion river, the Taw, which means ‘smooth, placid’. The sources of the two rivers are about 26 miles apart and they follow very different routes before meeting in a broad estuary.

The River Torridge rises on the border of north Devon and north Cornwall, just east of the A39, only some 15 miles from where it meets the sea. Its source is made up of three headwaters that combine to form the river, plus a rather more impressive tributary that rises on Deptford Moor and joins the Torridge above Horton Bridge.

Brimford Bridge is the first of the Torridge’s many bridges, and the river is rather hidden as it meanders through the countryside until it reaches Woodford Bridge. Below the village of Meeth, the Torridge is joined by the River Okement, bringing waters from Dartmoor.

The river approaches Torrington from the direction of Beaford, and flows under New Bridge near Orford Mill at the junction on the A386 where the A3124 turns off towards Exeter. This bridge is a majestic structure, built very high above the water because of the provision of a dry arch to take the canal (in use 1827-1871) which was on a higher level than the river. The river then flows along the base of Castle Hill, on which stands, high above, the town that has taken its name Torrington, with flat water meadows on the opposite

W

CHURCH STREET STORES DOLTON EX19 8QE Tel: 01805 804205

Open Monday to Saturday 6.30am - 8.00pm Sunday 8.00am - 7.00pm Convenience Store & Post Office

38

www.churchststores.co.uk for our latest offers 2

Merton 01805 603924.

Personally Supervised

by Andrew & Janice Gist www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk Excellent home-made food served every day 12-2pm/6-9pm Great selection of01805 wines, 622364 real ales, ciders Open fire and snug rooms

Rotary Young Vocalist of the Year Winner to Perform in Holsworthy

S

hebbear College 6th Form student Cameron Mills will be performing his first concert at the HATS Theatre in Holsworthy on Saturday 22nd July.

Cameron is an 18 year old accomplished local singer-songwriter gaining a strong reputation for his unique style. Join him and his special guests for an enjoyable evening of music including modern and older classics from Jazz and Swing to Pop and Ballads.

Cameron recently won the vocalists’ section of the Torridge Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year 2017 competition and is now going through to the national finals.

Cameron has organised this concert himself and is hoping that the local community will support his efforts as well as enjoying an evening of great music.

Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets are ÂŁ6. Website: www.cameronmillssinger.co.uk

Find the Easter Chicks at Clovelly!

C

hildren receive a village map on entry on which to mark the location and number of Easter chicks perched up and down the High Street. Return the map to the Visitor Centre reception, if you spot at least 10 chicks win an Easter egg and a bigger prize if you spot all 15. 8th to 18th April.

39

40