Torrington Crier April 2021 by The Torrington Crier

FREE

April 2021 The Crier is produced 10 times a year on behalf of the community, by The Crier Community Interest Company. 5900 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district.

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New and updated information on the town's heritage, its attractions and wonderful independent shopping in 3 free maps to help you enjoy exploring Great Torrington.

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CHULMLEIGH COLLEGE Interested in our school? Follow us on Facebook to find out more!

Join us to see how we can help YOUR child achieve ‘Nothing But Their Best’ Our results are amongst the ‘BEST IN THE SOUTH WEST’ Transport is available from Torrington, Beaford & Dolton t: 01769 580215 e: admin@chulmleigh.devon.sch.uk 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.

Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?

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 601964 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 adverts 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: Matt Joy Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton

Thank You

We would like to thank the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity and Great Torrington Town Council, who have provided support towards the cost of using Royal Mail to deliver the Crier through the pandemic. This has enabled us to ensure that important news and information can still be shared throughout our community, when it hasn't been possible to use our normal deliverers. We have been overwhelmed by the continued support from our advertisers, and are so pleased to have been able to continue getting their businesses into 5900 homes across the area, even more important at this time. Our contributors have also continued to provide editorial throughout, and we have had many comments from readers saying how much they enjoy receiving their copy each month.

Volunteers collect Criers from the Library each issue and drop them off in various villages. If your community doesn’t receive the Crier but would like to, and you can help, please contact Becky on 01805 603152, torrington. crier@gmail.com, or call in to Torrington Library. Thank you!

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. Website 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.

Great Torrington Heritage Trail

he Great Torrington Heritage Trail is a brand new project for Torrington, describing a concise history of the town and its people, from prehistory to the turn of the 20th century. Led by, and with text from, local eminent archaeologist and historian Emily Wapshott, and with backing from the town Futures Group, County and District Councillors, and the Town Council, the Heritage Trail map includes links to a detailed website and coming soon, sign boards on the trail itself. The map, alongside a fresh version of the Civil War Trail and town map, will help provide both residents and visitors with an opportunity to embark on digging deep into the vast wealth of history available within the town. The maps/trails will be available all across town - collect one on your next visit and spread the word to visitors you see (eventually!) Information Great Torrington has for decades understood that it has acquired some remarkable history over the years of its existence, yet there has, until now, been some difficulty seeking, finding and understanding much of it. The stories have been hidden in plain sight, they just needed a little tracking down, collating and presenting - and this is what the new ‘Heritage Trail’ sets out to do. Many wonderful current and past members of the community have been involved in collating and publishing historic material over the years, and this new project provides a fresh look at the heritage information available.

The hope is that the new map, trail and website will place bite-sized chunks, into the hands of those who may be interested, leading to a full exploration of available information. The Heritage Trail came about from the first ‘Round the Square’ festival – when John Eeles (G.T. Futures Group and co-organiser of the first festival) had a discussion with Emily Wapshott about how much history seemed to be hidden in full view in the town. A couple of walks ensued, and an idea hatched. Camouka, the graphics and design company behind the previous big town maps and the ‘this is Torrington’ work became involved, and ideas were thrown around. Funding was kindly provided by our councillors – Andrew Saywell, Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Margaret Brown and Chris Bright, and the Town Council – and over the last two years much has been written, arranged, drawn and printed – with the outcome seen today. The new ‘Heritage Trail’ website is located within ‘Onegreattorrington.uk’ https://www.onegreattorrington.uk/greattorrington-heritage-trail/ Included within the website information is a deeper look into the dates, times

and spaces the information covers. Emily Wapshott has delved deep into the available resources, and provided an exceptional array of additional activities. These include timelines, reading links, general and teaching resources, and county environment record links. At some time in the near future each point on the map will correlate to a visitor sign post, with similar details on. This needs to be funded, and importantly, permissions sought within the conservation areas and from land owners, to place the boards correctly. This addition to the town's growing list of things to do and see, will provide further reasons for visitors and residents to embrace the town's shopping offer and the beauty of the locale. With many more holidays being taken in the area, this new town highlight will help attract visitors to this beautiful town.

Blackberry Farm Shop

* Open 7 days a week, & s�ll producing our home cooked food * Please order in advance & use our fully contactless collec�on or delivery service. * Product range: now includes general groceries, household items, toiletries beer, wines & spirits. * Delivery service now reaches out to those who are isolated or wan�ng to stay at home. For full details & a stock list: Call 01409 261440 • Email: lizzy@lizzyslarder.co.uk or Visit our Facebook page Blackberry Farm Shop Stay Safe everyone. Lizzy’s Larder, Blackberry Farm Shop, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, EX22 7NP

Census Advisors Census Day was 21st March. However, e are hoping that from if you are struggling to complete your 29th March we will be details online, we can help. Library staff able to extend our Choose have been trained as Census Advisors and Collect service from the library, and Torrington Library will be able to offering additional appointments and an help you on Thursdays between 10am additional day. and 5pm. Contact us for an appointment, The library building will remain closed 01805 622107. Other libraries in Devon to customers up until 13th April, as we follow Government guidance. From 13th are offering this service throughout the April we hope to open our doors in a very week. Please call the Customer Service controlled way to allow customer access. Centre on 0345 155001. Follow us on our Facebook The mobile libraries will remain off the #TorringtonLibraryDevon for information road until week commencing 12th April on our online services and regular when it is hoped that they can return to their rounds in a carefully controlled way. updates and activities run by us and other libraries. All subject to Government guidance. Our Facebook page also offers the Please refer to our website: www. popular Book Talk group so why not devonlibraries.org.uk for up-to-date check it out? information. New Service - Reading Friends Don’t forget we are currently offering Are you a new parent or an adult with FREE reservations! This is for a limited childcare responsibilities? Do you enjoy period, so if you would like to order a reading or want to get back into it? book or two, now is the time. You will Would you like to have a chat informally need your library card number and PIN with someone who loves reading too? to do this online or you can contact the You might like Libraries Unlimited library direct. Reading Friends! New Walking Group for Torrington While reading is the focus, the 1-2-1 We are pleased to announce that we phone appointments with trained library will be starting a new walking group for staff are informal, no reading preparation beginners from mid-May (again following is required and chatting together socially Government guidance). Walk and Talk is encouraged. in Torrington will start and finish at You can find out more from our press Torrington Library, Castle Hill. It will be release: bit.ly/Reading-Friends a friendly walk exploring routes around Anyone wanting to join Reading Torrington, approximately 30 minutes Friends or find out more can email in length, followed by a cuppa back at readingfriendsgroup@librariesunlimited. Castle Hill. A great way to make new friends and appreciate the beautiful area org.uk all around us. All welcome. Please get in Join the Digital Library You can join the library online by touch with us for further details. visiting www.devonlibraries.org.uk

Torrington Library News

Once you have completed the online joining form, you will be given a temporary library card number, which will enable you to access our digital library immediately. As and when our libraries re-open we will process all temporary memberships registered during the closure period and we will issue a library card to you. If you already have a library card but require the PIN for your account you can click on the 'Forgot PIN' option to get a PIN reset sent to your registered email address. Access our Digital Library www.devon.libraries.org.uk We have a huge selection of titles available for you to borrow in our Digital Library and new titles are being added every week. • Download and stream free eBooks, eAudioBooks and eMagazines on your tablet, smartphone or home PC. • Visit our Online Reference resources https://www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/ arena/referenceonline • Access to Ancestry Library Edition has been temporarily extended to Devon Library members at home, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington. library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001. We look forward to the day when we can welcome you all back to the library in a safe and controlled way. Kate G, Kate C, Becky & Michelle Torrington Library is run by Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries.

Pet, Home & Garden Supplies

Unit 2 Winkleigh The Old Airfield (Next to Jones’s Cafe)

Now open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-3pm • Closed Sunday & Monday Please phone to check times before travelling due to Covid 19 restrictions Wild Bird Foods • Peanuts • Treats • Fat Balls • Dog Foods • Cat Foods Treats • Litters & Bedding For the Home... Toiletries • Cookware • Bin Liners Cleaning Products • Plastic Ware & Stationery For the Garden... Compost, • Wood Chip • Top Soil • Fence Care Hose Fittings • Plant Foods & Pest Control Paints • DIY • Brushes & Rollers • Coal & Solid Fuel We look forward to seeing you, Stay Safe.

Tel 01837 680084

Eight stone-built holidays cottages • Pretty countryside open gardens setting• Comfortably priced • 1-5 bedrooms • Spacious indoors & out • Somewhere for everyone to enjoy. couples, families, family celebrations • Outdoor summer pool, small animal farm, games room, playroom, fast wi-fi. Torridge House Cottages, Little Torrington 07807 698 224 • www.torridgehouse.co.uk

Great Torrington Town & Community Hall Update

he Trustees of the Town and Community Hall are now making plans for when we come out of lockdown and open our doors once again. We are keen to start up some of the regular events we know you look forward to, so please check our website for updates. www.greattorrington-townhall.org Just a reminder. We are hoping to start our popular Pop-up-Shops as soon as we are able, so if you have been spring cleaning, please save us some good quality clothes and small items of brica-brac to sell. Later this year we are launching an exciting new Community Project... Torrington Street Deals! Saturday 28th August 2021 Be part of this inaugural event and watch it grow into an annual mini-festival! Torrington Street Deals is a perfect event for you to earn a bit of extra cash from your unwanted items. You can sell clothing, bric-a-brac, antiques, plants, art and craft work, produce etc. The Town Hall will be designing and printing a Street Deals map covering every household taking part in the event. Participants just need to pay a £5 fee for inclusion on the promotional map which will be promoted widely across the South West and the event will be marketed via a range of media platforms. Many thanks to our three Torridge District Councillors who are supporting us with their grants so we can put all the plans in place. CCTV in the Shambles We are pleased to let residents know we will shortly be installing another CCTV camera in the Shambles. There have been a number of complaints regarding the mess and litter left in this area by thoughtless people. We are working with the Town Council to try to improve the situation, and details of any incidents picked up on the cameras will be passed to the appropriate authority. We extend our thanks to our District Councillor for the funding to enable us to add this extra camera to address the problem and to give added peace of mind to our community. Can you use your skills to help us at the Town Hall? Are you a qualified electrician, gas engineer or painter/decorator? Can you spare some time to help our small maintenance team? If you could offer some occasional help, our Trustee Nigel Lewis-Carpenter would be delighted to hear from you, please contact him on 07597 667 524. Looking forward to seeing you all again very soon! Sandra Crawley, Chair-Great Torrington Town & Community Hall

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

irstly, on behalf of our members, I would like to convey my sincere condolences to Colin Porter and his family following the sudden and sad loss of Christine. She was a valued member of our group and she will be sadly missed. Yes, the group is still here, despite the current Covid situation, but we are in a state of limbo at the moment because of government guidelines, not knowing what and when we can plan regarding future events. We do know that our Roscoff friends are keen to visit Great Torrington this year, but like us, they do not know where they stand regarding travel, vaccines, etc. We don’t really wish to have a strictly controlled visit where we can’t put on a full and interesting programme of events; for the moment, we cannot plan anything and will just have to see how things pan out. I am hopeful that we will be able to get back together and enjoy some activities throughout the rest of the year. Although the group has postponed all events and gatherings, we welcome new members. We currently have over 40 members. Age is no barrier, as we have members ranging from 10 years and upwards; you also don't have to be able to speak French. If you are interested in joining us, please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) 01805 625765. On behalf of all our members, I would like to wish everyone well and a speedy, but safe, return to some kind of normality. Nick Roberts

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

Free local delivery when you spend over £25!

Notable Buildings in Torrington – 50 South Street

My husband and I were the couple that started our married life at the above address, following our wedding on 5th February 1966. However we did not live in the garden flat. We had the entire top floor which consisted of three double bedrooms, sitting room, bathroom and large kitchen/dining room. The Oliver family used the rest of the house including the garden flat. Due to being on top of the hill, we were unable to light a fire in the sitting room in rough weather as the complete burning mass was blown out on to the rug (if the fireguard was not anchored!). There was only cold running water in the kitchen, so we bought a small over sink electric water heater for washing dishes etc. My eldest daughter was born while we were there, followed a year later by my eldest son. Our rent was £3 weekly (furnished). We lived there until my son was a few months old when we were given a new council house. Funnily enough, that son now runs his own removal business and last week he moved the owners to their new address. I hope this is of interest to Moira Brewer and Crier readers. Valerie Copp

Arts Society Lectures

he North Devon Arts Society is continuing its online lectures on Tuesday 13th April at 2pm, with the intriguingly titled ‘Silent Lines like a Cry of Pain’, discussing the art of Kathe Kollwitz. The talk is given by Dr Angie Smith, one of whose specialisms is German art. For more information: www.tasnorthdevon.org.uk

Cycling Through Covid & Beyond!

midst the difficulties of lockdown, our proximity to the Tarka Trail has provided many of us with much needed exercise, connection with nature and friendly encounters through chance meetings, at a distance, with friends and acquaintances. Whether cycling, walking, out with the dog or getting the children out and about, these excursions can give us renewal of both body and spirit. We are indeed so fortunate to have these opportunities nearby. The great news is that things are underway to make it easier to access the Tarka Trail from Torrington, beginning with a scheme to create a branch off the Tarka Trail at the Puffing Billy along Rolle Road to Taddiport. This is a familiar walking route to the trail for many of us but a combination of drainage problems, rough surfaces and Commons bye-laws (which have previously excluded cyclists) mean that this has not really been a “route for all”. Following a positive public consultation undertaken by the Commons Conservators last autumn there is now the opportunity to create an “Active Travel” trail along Rolle Rd, providing access for all non-motorised users: ramblers, dog walkers, cyclists and mobility vehicles. This is especially good news for residents of Taddiport and the lower parts of Mill Street – and may also tempt visitors to come off the trail and seek the quirky delights of Taddiport’s vibrant community and heritage. Although the Rolle Rd scheme is a thoroughly worthwhile initiative, it doesn’t in itself facilitate a safe and easy connection between the town centre and the Tarka Trail, particularly for cyclists. To this end the Torrington Action for Cycling group has recently convened to try and revitalise this long-held, but previously thwarted ambition – to create a safe, rideable, traffic free route to connect the town centre with the Tarka Trail. The rationale for this vision is based in part on the huge public health benefits of enabling us to access the Tarka Trail safely by bike, but also opens up great opportunity in the realm of eco-tourism. Some 50,000 cyclists pass by on the the Tarka Trail at the Puffing Billy – yet very few venture into Torrington. Many are riding the Devon Coast-to-Coast route. With Torrington lying some midway between Ilfracombe and Plymouth, the possibility of offering accommodation, café, pub and entertainment facilities to travelling cyclists is an exciting one with potential to uplift our beleaguered hospitality and arts sectors. As I recollect from previous involvements in ecotourism provision, cyclists are a hardy bunch and out of season demand can often equal summer trade on winter weekends. All we need is the infrastructure plus appropriate targeted promotion to reveal Torrington’s special delights to the burgeoning band of pedal-powered staycationers. If you are interested in contributing to this endeavour we would love to hear from you. David Job, d.job@btinternet.com Torrington Action for Cycling

Friends of Torrington Library Christine Porter

t is with great sadness that we have to share the news of the death of our Chair, Christine Porter. Chris was a dedicated and enthusiastic member, who gave much time and effort to the organisation of the committee and the activities involved in fund raising. We have lost a much valued member of the community. She was an avid reader and promoter of the Summer Reading Challenge, which will take place this summer. One of Chris’s favourite genres was murder mysteries and we hope to host another Murder Mystery Event later in the year.

I Have a Dream

(Sorry, ABBA) I have a dream, a fantasy, That I can buy everything I see, No more window shopping, I can go inside So many things on offer, how will I decide? No more online spending Now I can see everything for real It seemed never ending But now I can also touch and feel! I will not stop, I have to shop. Stef Easton I wrote this piece on 15th June last year as the shops opened. However it is just as appropriate for the12th April this year – when she shops are due to reopen again!

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Time to Spring Clean & Declutter Your Mind & Body!

s it time to spring clean and declutter your mind and body to make room for more joy in your life? We have all experienced a loss of some kind during this pandemic: whether it’s a loss of control, freedom, normality, human contact/ connection or job/ finances. You could be experiencing and putting their needs before yours? issues around family dynamics, around I encourage you to take time to renot seeing friends, health, enjoyment connect, recharge and replenish you. of life and fear for the future. Any Reset through connecting with nature, of these can have an impact on our walking, gardening or dancing. Become mental health (such as feelings of guilt, creative - drawing, painting, cooking. anger, regret), and "One of the ways of doing this is All of these are our physical health great for clearing to up our self-care routine – do the mind, releasing (such as headaches, you have one? Do you need to tension and will help tension/aches and start one? Do you give yourself your self-esteem pains, disturbed sleep). Children and any time to relax, unwind? Are and self-worth. teenagers have had you always giving? Are you Whatever your selfa double impact of care practice I do pleasing others and putting loss with curtailed hope you will find their needs before yours?" education, diminished time for you. job prospects and reduced social If you need help identifying/ contact with peers. releasing old patterns of behaviour As our thoughts turn to spring cleaning and would like freedom from feelings our homes, we need to turn our focus of hopelessness, sadness, overwhelm, onto our own mental well-being and loneliness, anxiety, limiting beliefs, shift old unhelpful patterns. One of the unhealthy patterns, procrastination and ways of doing this is to up our self-care want to reach a place of happiness, routine – do you have one? Do you confidence and joy then I invite you need to start one? Do you give yourself to book a free 20-minute nurturing call any time to relax, unwind? Are you with me on 07974 682 525 or hello@ always giving? Are you pleasing others samanthahardwick.com.

North Devon Hog Roast from a Vintage Horse Trailer!

ere at the North Devon Hog Roast we are all getting very excited at the prospect of our new way of serving people! We are in the midst of getting our vintage horse trailer converted, giving our lovely customers a choice of being served from this, or a gazebo. Give your guests something more to talk about at your event by hiring the North Devon Hog Roast’s new mobile vintage horse trailer! Available for your wedding, christening, birthday celebrations and community events etc. We provide all our customers with the quality of service we would expect to receive ourselves and are pleased to be able to serve tasty meat with local provenance. When you book The North Devon Hog Roast for your event or party, we guarantee that you will have a member of the Hastings family on your catering team, making sure you are given the best of personal service. You will find our set menus at www. northdevonhogroast.co.uk however as a small family business we are able to provide a bespoke service which best meets individual needs and requests. Please do get in touch to discuss your requirements – 01805 603909 or e-mail info@northdevonhogroast.co.uk. Sam, Andy, Emily & Oscar

The Box in The Loft

rue account ‘The Box in The Loft' is the first novel from Sue (Suzy) Tanton, in collaboration with American author E. Ritchie. Sue knew there was "something more" to the events surrounding her last five years spent at the home she built and shared with her late husband Bill at St. Giles in the Wood. Bill was diagnosed with dementia in April 2006 and Sue was also unwell, but only diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism three months before Bill's death. Permission had to be obtained to release all the Police logs and NHS reports that were imperative to this book. ‘The Box in The Loft' covers the time from developing Lower Cranford from a

"‘The Box in The Loft' covers the time from developing Lower Cranford from a bare site to an agricultural smallholding and their first home together. Married for over 22 years till the day of Bill's death, Sue never imagined what they would endure..." bare site to an agricultural smallholding and their first home together. Married for over 22 years till the day of Bill's death, Sue never imagined what they would endure; the book is a tale of distorted and concealed important information, physical threats, greed, political agendas, a diverted bank account and stolen IDs! The book also includes family history. "What's in a Name?" John Patrick Tanton was Bill's brother who lived in New York and Washington D.C, he was a journalist and friend of Jeremy Thorpe. What else

did he do? John Harrison Tanton, another relative and eye specialist, lived with his wife Mary-Lou in Michigan, U.S.A. and used to visit Bill and Sue in the summer holidays. Together they discovered the history of a silver watch which had been in the family for many years, he sadly died on 6th February 2012. Intrigued? Well why not get a copy of ‘Box in the Loft’ and it will all make sense! It will also be something positive

in Bill's memory, with all royalties going to the SW Peninsula Medical School, Dimbleby Cancer Care Org and CLIC Sargent (in memory of the late Sarah Louise Field), AC SW, Dementia SW, Human Animal U.K and CCDC. The book will be available on Amazon at the end of May in paperback and ebook. For further information/enquiries contact 71--75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9JQ.

CWB Landscaping

WB Landscaping is a full service landscaping business covering mid and north Devon; with over 10 years’ experience delivering large and small landscaping projects. CWB undertake hard and soft landscaping, including design and quoting to help meet your budget. At CWB we undertake work covering patios, walls, driveways, fencing, decking, specialist features including living walls, slate walls, ornamental features including ponds, pergolas and unique brickwork designs to being your garden to life. CWB can help and advise you on sourcing the materials needed at trade prices ensuring that you have the best price possible for your landscaping project. CWB is covered under a public liability insurance with Direct Line (always ask to see a valid insurance certificate, whomever you use for your landscaping project). If you would like customer references before you decide please do ask Christien, the director of CWB. If you would like to see some of our work please visit our Facebook page. For an initial chat and quotation guideline please call us on 07756 649 514.

The Box in The Loft

All royalties going to the SW Peninsula Medical School, Dimbleby Cancer Care Org and CLIC Sargent (in memory of the late Sarah Louise Field), AC SW, Dementia SW, Human Animal UK and CCDC. Available on Amazon at the end of May in paperback and ebook.

Instant Images Embroidery We work closely with our customers to offer quality embroidered and printed garments. 46 South Street, Torrington Tel: 01805 938002 instantimages.devon@btinternet.com www.instantimagesembroidery.co.uk

In the Year of 2020 Recommended Reads

ooking back to my first Bookworm entry in May last year, the first sentence reads “Welcome to all bookworms during this difficult time of self-isolation”, so no change there! Here we still are in lockdown, but by April, when you read this, we may all be a lot nearer to normal. The main point of this column, apart from talking about a book that I have read, is to introduce you to an author that you may not have tried for yourself. One such author is C.J.Sansom who has written seven books in the ‘Shardlake’ series, all of which are exciting and informative. Matthew Shardlake is a lawyer and a detective in the 16th century, firstly in Henry VIII’s court at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries; ‘Tombland’ is his latest book and is, I think, one of his best. Set after the death of Henry VIII, England is sliding into chaos, the nominal king Edward VI is eleven years old and his uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset rules as protector. The people face religious intolerance, the Protector’s long war with Scotland which threatens to involve France and, worse of all, the economy is in collapse, inflation rages, and rebellion is stirring among the peasantry. Sound familiar? Shardlake, now working for the old king’s daughter Lady Elizabeth, has been asked by her to investigate the gruesome murder of Edith Boleyn, wife of John Boleyn and a distant relative of Lady Elizabeth’s mother Anne. Then East Anglia explodes as peasant rebellion breaks out across the country and a huge camp is built by the rebels on the outskirts of Norwich at Mousehold Heath, the date is 1549. Shardlake is imprisoned by the peasants but he is sympathetic to their cause and the murder of Edith Boleyn has connections reaching into both the gentry and the rebel camp. If you are interested in the history of this period, you will find this an interesting story of murder and political intrigue, which is even better if you know Norwich with its castle, cathedral, and of course the area known as Tombland. Bookworm

In the year of 2020 A deadly virus spread, We couldn’t see our loved ones, Just ‘Stay at Home’, they said! Exercise and shopping Is all we were allowed, No hotels, pubs or restaurants, No groups or football crowd! We had to keep our distance, ‘Two metres’ we were asked, Our hands were washed and sanitised And faces always masked! Summer came, then autumn, And lockdown came once more, How much more could we all take? It all became a bore! Christmas was a washout, We only had one day To spend with those we love the most, And then they went away! A vaccine is available, We have to wait our turn, It could be spring or summer Who knows? We’re yet to learn! When life returns to normal, We’ll do the things we miss, Like seeing friends and family And greet them with a kiss. Ros Stamp

Pet Food Bank

uring the pandemic crisis, Emma Osborne noticed that much was being done to help children and struggling families, but nothing was being done to support low or no income families with their pets. She posted to a range of local Facebook groups asking for people’s thoughts and opinions; the response was overwhelmingly positive and donations started to come in. Patch’s Pet Food was set up in October 2020, with the aim of helping

those in need to feed their pets during this crisis and beyond, hopefully helping to take the strain and worry from people and also the need for them to re-home their pets. Emma named the foodbank in honour of her loyal Labrador cross who sadly passed away in November 2018, and now his loving memory lives on. Patch’s Pet Food now supplies people with two weeks’ supply of food for a large number of pets including, but not limited to, dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits, mice, hamsters, rats, gerbils, and guinea pigs. We are currently helping to support 35

cats, 14 dogs, two rabbits, two guinea pigs and some rats; this number is growing week on week, proving the need for support and help in this area. For details of drop off and support locations, please get in touch via email or our Facebook page, details are at the end of this article. We have donation boxes set up at various locations around North Devon to help us collect food, as well as a range of pet items such as bedding, cages, bowls leads etc., if anyone is in need. In Torrington at 22, Hunterswood, EX38 7NX (private addresses: please leave items in the boxes, please do not disturb the box hosts). You can also donate at Whiskers Pet Centre 20 South Street EX38 8AA. We have developed a positive working relationship with Cat Protection in both Barnstaple and Holsworthy areas, K9Focus and the Bluecross in Bickleigh. Most of our pet food donations come from the public, as well as from Top ‘n’ Tails in Braunton, we have an Amazon wish list (https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/ wishlist/ls/3DLB9NUE4V205?ref_=wl_ share) so people can make donations which come directly, saving people having to travel during the lockdowns. We also have a GoFundMe page set up by a volunteer to help us with donations, https://gofund.me/d4cfe399 We are currently looking for donations to help us raise enough money to obtain a storage container to store our

ever growing pet food supplies. We have a room in the back of Del Boy’s in Ilfracombe who have been amazing and so helpful and also some space in a garage, but we are rapidly running out of room. If anyone can help us with one free, or at a significantly reduced rate, we would be very grateful. Lastly we are looking for local support from businesses and local funding groups that can help us with funding, volunteers to help with fundraising and collections and deliveries. If anyone you know is in need of help please contact us on their behalf, so we can help reach as many people as possible, please contact us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ PatchsPetFoodBank, via email patchspetfoodbank@gmail.com or our website www.patchspetfoodbank.co.uk. Thank you! Emma Osborne

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he Scouts have been keeping orrington Commons 365 Supporters get a busy with Zoom meetings. th Thisis strung across times: to the Roman Devonian dialect the membership card that they can use to get a November there will be a On the 16 of dollars in royalties bottle Whibble!” events to celebra term a ‘food rate’ night was held, goddess of fruit and square – Torrington is known as a or other water benefit from the 38 different lunch at Barnstaple in aid of discount ACWW, sales of the resulting That joke was told to me on a balmy Diamond Jubilee in J tion, symbolizing rebirth friendly town and this is no better branded foods andofbusinesses participating in our shop local the Associated Countryshops Women the Italy inwhere 1902-1903, heand non-branded and warm Wednesday in 1976 by WO2 Bingo at Roboroug elevant such to as us Jaffa today, displayed than at the May Fair. In this era cakes,World, crisps and yogurts of which the WIcampaign. nationallyAtisthe a time of Mick s of records for the writingO'Neill this article is aday was filled whenthere every take place on the 6 e into the winter of our ofthe social isolation, the May Fair provides were tasted. Some of foods had no member. Not widelyplan known, the to startwith and Typewriter for the shops opening again inand April,being then a British with good prizes laughter, the medicine of friendship, inclusion and difference infrom taste, whilst some were ACWW has representatives from many as later heard live the members will be able to visit all the participating eeping with the spirit of support. The fair encourages community Draw. Eyes down at soldier was the best job in the world; quite different! Next was a ‘great cookie nationalities; working relief of like to invite more shops and he shops. We would drenMetropolitan are the focalOpera point life as the young and oldtowards join together for Please see future being paid to fulfil an adventure dunk’ which involvedthe a hot drink a What poverty andand sickness, promoting health eMuch first public radio businesses to is join the scheme, theunnecessary. offer you makeSix is years later against Mr Gove’s common good. better way for events in 2012. seemed test schools to see if biscuits tasted before and advancing education. It’s down-to20. orrington’s are there to better bring neighbours together? entirely up to you and youhecan change whenever was killeditdealing with an IRA car or tell after a dunk, as how durable earth approach offersfar mutual support sue you aboutas well ow I will full community People come from and to would also you wantwide to. We like toleaving hear from bomb, a tourist family and many andJammie practical help toaccommodation women and businesses; we would like to introduce a short-term membership ratic they are! found that Dodgers hat roles. could be We more enjoy the delights of May Fair. They also friends who remember a good man communities acrosswith thefor world. datching listening the crowning of and bring their money them! The lasted very well custard creams the periodfair of the visitors stay. This touriststhe to shop in Great who will, aswould they encourage say, be forever The procession ofbest. boys Nextreplenishes coffers of the and townthe – To find outthe about the ACWW Bob the Dymond tasted they completed Torrington. smiling twenty-seven-year-old I htly coloured costumes providing a Institutes welcome to the local Women's nationwide, visit some science experiments, including egg boost We havetimes. had great feedback from the shops that are open to say that the remember. heart. Ribbons rippling, economy – such a help in difficult www.theWI.org.uk geodes, crystals that have existing 365 Supporters have been using their cards. Please ask instore about their ngton W.I. which are salt William Brennan d the band blasting: the Businesses use the carnival as W.I. an Silver Band O Any Torrington formed on place the egg shell. As queries we don’t about like Meeting will take current offer before you start shopping. oniously woven. opportunity to advertise their wares. th Have you ever tho ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on anything, were taught the collection We will they 9 November. The aims the project are to increase the trade in Torrington and raise fundsinstrument to ours on to thewaste maypole are Charities also benefit: tins of are 01805 623588. a brass o essential life skill of making scrambled be electing a new e May Fair breaks down soon full to overflowing. maintain, improve and protect the Commons. Hopefully, more and more people will If you previously? President and eating eggs enjoyed The apply al barriers asand it appeals Yetthe it isresults. often argued that historic to be acel365 Supporter and go shopping in our town. local band, come alo Torrington committee for the Scouts have also been home Great baking, veryone. Choirs, dance ebrations are archaic and We anachronistic. have a list of projects planned for the Commons and to do theseHowe we have to Concert Hall, C following year, Town Project making cheese fruit the scones; theyHall ups and majorettes alland On contrary, Torrington’s th raise allfestivities of the funds. In the last year we have been able to raise money to build Nov onwards, on 14 taking a look back By the time this report appears in to the stage: a feast revitalise the oldand traditions. In the current were great at for following instructions two bridges and completely renew the playpark;Vintage, we have recently raised enough All Things all we have eyesat and ears. Local climate of apathy, laziness and The Crier, you will have noticed produced some amazing scones. for benches and picnic tables. The Retro Conservators are a registered charity. & Kitsch! itaries are and happily indifference, the been May Fair the last year then scaffoldingtheir has put lifts our spirits Cubs have been completing To make it as easy as possible to join the 365 thSupporters we have been able to ed in the stocks and and transforms Torrington into a vibrant k preview of speakers to facilitate This November 24 , come along to Global Issues badge,upwhich involvedthe repair print application form in this edition, so that you can cut it out and post to me. ected to and duckings. The community. Despite the ancontinual 2. Cups prizes the roof make the the British Red Cross charity shop in making a list will of whatof items theyand would The 365 Supporters pay just a £2 per month donation which can be increased or has awho lavish lunch, to development of modern and those did bestof ina natural building water-tight fortechnology Torrington. We have everything from need in case emergency, with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer - that’s an extra 50p added to your £2 h many are invited. The increasing time spent at computer nthly competitions, and thedowinter. Itto will be Ladybird storybooks to vintage stating what they could at home nourse, crier be bellows as tea he screens, last year’s record-breaking donation! You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. The Christ time for enclosed in waterproof crockery and beautiful vintage clothing save energy, for example turning off dly marches the streets turnout shows there is the still aworking placethe forarea live Joining 365 Supporters group is simple: sheeting to protect As you are aware to wonderfully kitsch homeware. lights. They also collected items imported ors and The Torrington entertainment. Given the choice Option 1: cutofout or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the in the S nifty at getting through and to minimise any risk to the internal is provided The event will run for three days and sates like the beating playing a avideo game oraddress participating in from other countries; such as toy car on theofform. You can pay by standing order or by sending a cheque for in the r e of things, we will also fabric. At the same time, a series positioned we will be open until 8pm on the first munity. from China and a melon the buzz the fair, I know which I would fromofBrazil. £24. time to welcome Bob photoelectric panels will be installed, to tower. This has cau day. So why not come along and e of the May choose… ofFair theweek Scouts and Cubs are very l give us All the low-down Option 2: visit the website www.torringtoncommons.org and and navigatetraffic to thecoming 365 reduce running-costs, and perhaps into t spectacle of light and Today, the new enemy of a large-scale have a look, try something on much looking forwardprovide to the return of .oats journey an income for the project by Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying through the town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As been suggested tha enjoy a glass of bucks fizz, you might scoutingselling in the near future. 7pm inface-to-face the lined Methodist surplus power to PayPal thebeNational by or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print anmore application streets are with huge crowds gather, it could argued suitable site w even say “I used to have one of those"! youmembers have a son or daughter may form d prospective Grid. post in with a cheque. n. In the Ifpacked town that there iswho a danger of anto accident. be by the Town H be interested in joining Cubs aged 8-10 me visit for Any Although this work being notochoice but free. to mingle Nowadays, with all theisridiculous rulescollect an application form from some of the shops in town. You cancarried also (near the Green Lan Scouts aged or by ifregulations you helpit is Trust, Bingo at RoboroughAndrew Giles, paying or their subs this10-14 out thecan Townlands payment ends. and a struggle to Vice Chair Café). Before ma anyway, please email months for theee!’ price of contact will beJordon taken from funds set aside sed to in zee The organise anything. In this age for of Village Great Hall Torrrington Commons any Conservators decision regar hat! banner me in thick countless litigation, our town is in Jordon.whitear@gmail.com. the project, which would havehall included A Roborough Diamond Jubilee Club the future position of has been formed to raise funds for Christmas tree, th

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Budget - 3rd March 2021 Summary of Measures

hether you agree or not with the contents, there is no doubt that it is the most anticipated Budget announcement of recent times. The Chancellor had the task of striking a balance between continued support for individuals and businesses and the need to plug the finances gap left by those measures. Of course, not to forget, at the same time he needed to take into account Brexit and the manifesto pledges. As a result, the Budget, this time was full of content and too much to cover in this article in any detail. As a result, I have decided to summarise the main measures affecting individuals and small businesses. COVID-19 Support The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Self-employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) have both been extended to September 2021 with the value of the support falling off towards the end of the schemes. The CJRS will continue in its current form until July, at which point the employer will be asked to contribute towards the cost of unworked hours (10% for July and 20% for August/September). The employee will continue to receive at least 80% of their current salary for hours not worked. A fourth and fifth grant will be paid under the Self-employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS). The eligibility criteria will remain the same, except that the person must have submitted a tax return for 2019–20. This is a significant change as it should mean that around 600,000 individuals – mainly the newly selfemployed – who were prevented from claiming grants one to three will now be eligible to claim grants four and five. The amount of each grant is equal to 80% of three times average monthly profit, capped at £7,500; however, there is an extra condition for the fifth grant: where turnover has fallen by less than 30%, the grant will be capped at £2,850. The fourth grant may be claimed from late April and the fifth by late July. Other COVID-19 related announcements included:

* the temporary increase in the residential SDLT nil rate band to £500,000 in England and Northern Ireland will be extended to 30 June 2021. The nil rate band will reduce to £250,000 from 1 July 2021 and will return to £125,000 on 1 October 2021. * the extension of the temporary reduced rate of 5% VAT for goods and services supplied by the tourism and hospitality sector until 30 September 2021. A rate of 12.5% will apply between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022. A new payment scheme has been available since February, that allows businesses with deferred VAT to spread their payments over a series of up to 11 equal monthly instalments on an interestfree basis from March 2021. Businesses can also pay the full deferred amount by 31 March 2021 or contact HMRC to arrange an alternative way of paying. The Government intends to bring forward provisions in the Finance Bill to: - enable the continued operation of the scheme; and - introduce a penalty for late payment of deferred VAT. The introduction of the new penalty means it is essential for businesses who have deferred VAT under the above scheme to pay it by 31 March 2021 or make arrangements with HMRC by that date. * the extension of the business rates holiday for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England to 30 June 2021. This will be followed by 66% business rates relief for the period from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022. * the payment of restart grants in England of up to £6,000 per premises for non-essential retail businesses, and up to £18,000 per premises for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses; and * a new Recovery Loan Scheme under which the Government will provide an 80% guarantee on eligible loans between £25,000 and £10m. The scheme will be open to all businesses, including those who have already received support under the existing Covid-19 guaranteed

loan schemes. To combat fraud relating to Covid-19 support measures, in particular the CJRS and SEISS, and including the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, the Government will invest over £100m in a Taxpayer Protection Taskforce of some 1,265 HMRC staff. Personal taxes A number of allowances and thresholds will be frozen at the amounts applying for 2021–22 for all tax years up to and including the tax year 2025–26. This includes the income tax personal allowance and the basic rate limit, which will be set at £12,570 and £37,700 respectively from 6 April 2021 to 5 April 2026. Although the Chancellor met the manifesto pledge to not increase the rate of income tax, these measures will mean that more people will pay income tax than before, and it will significantly increase the number of individuals who pay tax at the higher rate. Other allowances and thresholds to be frozen include the pensions lifetime allowance (£1,073,100) and the capital gains annual exempt amount (£12,300). The Class 1 NICs upper earnings limit and the Class 4 NICs upper profits limit will remain aligned to the higher rate threshold. The 2020–21 inheritance tax nil rate band of £325,000 and the residence nil rate band of £175,000 (applicable where the value of the individual’s estate does not exceed the taper threshold of £2m) are to be retained until 2025–26. The taper threshold will remain at £2m. Corporate taxes Pre-Budget rumouring had suggested a staggered increase in the rate of corporation tax for all companies from 19% to 23%, beginning in September 2021. Instead, the rate will increase to 25% from April 2023. Importantly, the rate will remain at 19% for companies with profits up to £50,000, and a taper mechanism will apply where profits are between £50,000 and £250,000. Although this exception for smaller companies appears favourable, it should not be forgotten that the small

companies limit was previously £300,000 when there was last a different tax rate for small and large companies. Whilst the above changes signal some pain in the longer term, the Chancellor offered up some short-term relief to corporate businesses by way of a new ‘superdeduction’ for capital investment. Companies (not sole traders or partnerships) investing in qualifying plant and machinery between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2023 will benefit from new first-year allowances (FYAs). For main-rate assets, there will be a 130% FYA and for special-rate assets, a 50% FYA. There will be a temporary extension to the period over which a business may carry-back trading losses, from one year to three years. This extension will apply to a maximum of £2m of unused trading losses made in each of 2020–21 and 2021–22. Making Tax Digital (MTD) The scope of MTD for VAT is to be extended to all VAT registered businesses with effect from 1 April 2022. From their first VAT period after 1 April 2022, those businesses with a taxable turnover below the VAT registration threshold and who have not previously been required to operate MTD will have to keep their VAT records digitally and

Torrington in Bloom

submit their VAT return information through MTD compatible software. In summary, the implementation dates for the next stages of MTD are now:* From April 2022 – MTD for VAT - all VAT registered businesses * From April 2023 – MTD for Income Tax – all self-employed and partnership businesses with business income over £10,000 * MTD For Corporation Tax – this has been under consultation and is muted to be compulsory from 2026 at the earliest. The above represents just the briefest of summaries and it is important for individuals and businesses to seek professional advice regarding their own individual circumstances. If you need assistance contact Keith Berry on 01805 628122 or email keith. berry@berrysaccountants.co.uk Keith Berry FCA (Berrys, Chartered Accountants)

hope that you have all enjoyed the wonderful display of spring bulbs in Rack Park. The lovely purple crocus planted by members of the Torrington Rotary Club to publicise their campaign to eradicate polio from the world, and the narcissi planted around the apple trees by members of the local church, Torrington in Bloom members/friends. The planters in the town square and car parks are also filling out with bulbs and wallflowers, so we should have a good display over Easter and beyond, for when visitors are finally allowed to travel far and wide. Further good news comes from the Men’s Shed who have been busy restoring the planters by the town entrance signs; they have also installed a new one at the bottom of the hill by Town Mills. Members have also offered to fill the planters with compost and, hopefully, plant them up and manage them. I have to finish on a sad note, though. Sarah Chesters who, for a number of years was our judge in our Best Garden competition, sadly died a few weeks ago from cancer. She had been a wellknown figure in the horticultural world of RHS Rosemoor where she was head of the Learning Centre, and many of us knew her quite well. Sarah always thoroughly enjoyed visiting people’s gardens whilst judging and was thrilled when advice provided on a previous visit had been acted upon the following year! We will certainly miss her. Cherry Hammon

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GREAT TORRINGTON T From Your Mayor…

here is this year going? I hope you are all keeping well and continuing to stay safe during these difficult times, and that you are remaining hopeful about the way forward. It is important to keep reminding ourselves of how far we have come and that we will come through this time and be all the stronger when we do. Beginning to think ahead, I am especially looking forward to our independent shops re-opening. Our town centre is full of many unique shopping opportunities and to be able to come into town to buy a gift or a treat for yourself will be very special. I would like to reenforce my Mayor’s challenge to “Shop Local” as much as you can. Our traders have all been incredible during the pandemic; either adjusting work patterns, or closing altogether for our safety; all so that we have been able to shop for essentials and keep safe! Please support them back as we transition into restrictions being lifted. Whilst my calendar remains quite empty in terms of events, the Town

Council has continued to be busy and we have used this to work on some marketing initiatives. The new Marketing Working Group has been very proactive recently and you will note from other articles and the Crier’s front cover that we will soon have two map trails available for the town. This is an exciting initiative and we hope that locals and visitors will learn more about the town’s rich heritage. I know we are all anxious to get back to some kind of normality, but we must remain vigilant and remember the three disciplines… hands, face and space. We are incredibly fortunate that rates have been so low in Great Torrington and Torridge so let’s keep it that way. As always, please do not hesitate to get in contact if you need anything; I’m

very happy to help in any way I can! Keeley Allin – Mayor of Great Torrington cllr.allin@great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk 07783 711 500

Details of events for May & June 2021

t the February Council Meeting members agreed to cancel Civic events for May and June 2021 due to the ongoing Covid19 restrictions and for safety precautions. To that end there will be no Mayoral Introduction Ceremony or Civic Service this year. We hope very much that we can get back on track next year and enjoy these traditional events once more.

Annual Town Meeting Thursday 15th April 2021

otice is hereby given that Great Torrington Annual Parish Meeting will be held via Video Conference on Thursday 15th April 2021 at 7pm. The Mayor of Great Torrington will submit a report on the Town Council’s activities during 2020/21. Consideration will be given to any matters raised by Registered Electors who reside within the parish of Great Torrington. We would be very pleased to see members of the community at this meeting and would value your thoughts regarding priorities for the Council going forward. For Video Conference details to enable you to join the meeting, please contact the Town Council before Thursday 15th April at midday. Karen Chapman (Town Clerk) Great Torrington Town Council

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TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Your Council, Working for YOU

Marketing Working Group

e reported last December about the newly formed Marketing Working Group. Since then, the group has been busy and you will note from the front page of the Crier, one of the main pieces of work has been updating the ‘Town Map’ and John Wardman’s ‘Civil War Trail’. These will join the new ‘Heritage Trail’ map which was finalised at the end of last year, created by Emily Wapshott and the Futures Group. By mid-April, we will have three maps available in paper form and will distribute these far and wide, but would also like to encourage our local residents to grab copies and either have a look at what the town has to offer in respect of a unique shopping experience and/or take in one of the history trails and learn more about the wonderful heritage of your amazing town! Last autumn, the CDT asked the Town Council if we would take over membership of the North Devon Marketing Bureau (NDMB). Members agreed and we have ensured that we have maximised the quota of photos we are able to display on the Visit Devon website, and have populated the site with appropriate information about Great Torrington. In addition, we have also subscribed to a half page advert in the ‘Visit Devon’ booklet which is distributed nationally. We have spent some time boosting the One Great Torrington website by adding in various community groups. It is envisaged that the “OneGreatTorrington” website (www.OneGreatTorrington.uk) will be the portal for the town and will point people to various activities, shops, groups etc. Closer to home again, we are looking at other activities and opportunities. The working group is currently planning a History Alive weekend in September 2022, which was reported on last month, and there is talk of designing a heritage calendar for 2022. We are also looking for local treasure hunt style activities throughout the town which can be added to the One Great Torrington website to be used by a whole host of people, including children. If you have any such trails, and you are happy to share them, please contact the Town Council. What continues to be evident throughout all of this work is the plethora of volunteers who work tirelessly and passionately for the community of Great Torrington. We are very fortunate! Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any ideas as to how we can promote the great things our town has to offer and keep an eye out in future editions of The Crier for updates on how we are progressing.

A Tribute to Christine Porter

embers, officers and volunteers of the Town Council were deeply saddened to hear the news of the untimely death of Christine Porter. Christine was instrumental in setting up the GTTC Dementia Friendly Community Working Group, striving to improve all aspects of day-to-day living within the community for those living with dementia as well as their Carers. Christine was passionate about this initiative and worked extremely hard “on the ground” and alongside other members of the group. She was an inspiration to so many and will be greatly missed by everyone who worked with, and had the privilege to know her. Our thoughts are very much with Christine’s family and friends at this sad time. Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

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abulous Freddie checking in with all the K9Focus news! March has been a busy month at the kennels, getting everything ready for our grand reopening on 12th April – it has certainly been a long time since I have seen my friends who volunteer and bring me treats! The tack room has had a spring clean and has been turned into a training room, where the rescue will soon be running training lessons for people who are interested in learning more about us canines and how to enrich our lives – watch out for details on our website. Talking of which the website has been updated with details of our dogs looking to find their forever homes, namely: Woody the Staffie, Poppy the Beagle and Rex the Collie. Aunty Lynne thinks that we will also soon be taking in more dogs that will be looking to adopt a human! It does seem that every month there is something sad to report at the rescue and this month it is about the lovely Nessa, our German Shepherd girl. Sadly when Nessa came to us she had a little cut on her nose which didn’t

seem to bother her, but over the last month the cut got more infected and just wouldn’t heal so off to the vets she went. Sadly she has now been diagnosed with Immune Mediated Disease (Variant DLE). Put simply it means that her immune system has gone haywire and the body no longer recognises good cells from bad cells and attacks itself, which is why the cut would simply not heal. Fortunately this diagnosis was made early and so the prognosis for Nessa is good, although she will need lifetime medication which of course the rescue will support. To date her vet bill is £822.81 and the cost of the ongoing medication is £85.02 per month, and so we are looking for sponsors for this lovely lady. If you can spare a copper or two to help us provide the care she needs and

"To date her vet bill is £822.81 and the cost of the ongoing medication is £85.02 per month, and so we are looking for sponsors for this lovely lady." would like to become a ‘Nessa Sponsor’ then please email lynne@k9focus.co.uk for details. In return you will receive

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monthly updates from Nessa herself, together with access to her private Facebook group; which also has reports, videos and photos from all the sponsor dogs including myself of course. Can you resist those eyes? Now onto some positive news – dog shows!! Yes we will be resuming our annual dog shows and the first two will both be on the same day on 28th August 2021 – one at Braunton where we will be joining in with the Braunton Fayre (which is usually held in May) and one at the village fete in High Bickington. I for one am really excited and will be trying to put in a guest appearance at both. Details will soon be on our website together with all the various classes available – can’t wait. Just before I finish up and go out for my daily walk can I please remind you that dog theft is still on the increase due to the still escalating cost of puppies. Thieves are even stealing cars with dogs in. Various organisations have cited social media in helping thieves target dogs, which are often stolen to order and while it is an old record, often played – please, please do not leave your friend tied up outside a shop, even for a moment. Everyone thinks it won’t happen to them, until it does! So on that note, take care, have fun and remember to put your Easter Eggs up high out of reach of us woofs! Licks & Woofs, Freddie

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Little Torrington WI

he social element of the WI is important to all of us, but another aspect is our campaigning. In 2019 we nationally adopted “No More Violence Against Women”. To learn more about the issues we invited Sue Wallace of North Devon Against Domestic Abuse to talk to us via Zoom. It is alarming that during lockdown the situation has worsened for many women, with a 49% rise in calls to the national abuse helpline. Phone number 0808 200 0247.

We are all looking forward to the end of restrictions but in the meantime we continue with our craft sessions, coffee mornings, book club and art lessons. Next month our Zoom speaker will be Jacquie Felix Mitchell who lives in Totnes. She will be talking about growing up with a Caribbean ancestry and of her passion for gardening. She was featured in the March issue of WI Life, as she produces the gardening blog on MyWI. Should you wish to join us you can

always drop in on a Zoom meeting and look at our Facebook page. During any given month we also have book club, craft get-together, coffee morning and plans are afoot for a wine evening. So do contact our secretary Linda on 01805 603442. Sally Ramsden

County Council News

nce again, I would like to start by thanking everyone for the part you are all playing in keeping our communities safe and overcoming the coronavirus. I would also like to pay tribute to all the hard work our teachers, parents and pupils have done to ensure our schools have been able to fully re-open. At the time of writing (11th March), our Covid rates remain exceptionally low and I have little doubt that is thanks to the magnificent efforts local people are putting in to follow the guidelines. The vaccine rollout also continues to go well in Devon, with over 400,000 people having received their first vaccination dose and according to NHS estimates, over 95% of over 65s in Devon having received at least one dose. More and more Community Testing sites run by Devon County Council are also becoming available, with plans afoot to have a mobile testing facility up and running in Torrington, alongside other rural areas in Torridge. While I know we long for the days when Covid testing and other related measures will no longer be necessary, increased testing will be one of the cornerstones for our return back to normal life. Since my last article, the County Council Budget has now been agreed. There will be a £37 million extra cash injection into vital services, including an additional £21.7m for Adult Social Care, £11m for Children’s Services and for Highways an extra injection of £600,000 for potholes. However, to pay for this extra spending, there will need to be a rise in Council Tax – 1.99% for general services and 3% dedicated solely for Adult Social Care. The inclement weather we’ve had in the last few months has inevitably taken its toll on the roads and I have been dealing with a lot of pothole and flooding related issues in the last couple of months. There has been a backlog of pothole repairs though I am now, at the time of writing, seeing some signs that they are catching up on the repairs. Please do continue to report potholes and any other issues on the highway network to DCC – type Devon.cc/report-it into your web browser or phone 0345 155 1004 – though if there are any issues with the service please let me know and I’ll look into them. Lastly, as you are probably aware, the Government has confirmed that elections to the County Council will be going ahead in May. The issues of the election can be discussed elsewhere but I would like to thank the people of Torrington Rural for their kindness shown to me during the last four years. It has been a real privilege to serve you and regardless of the result, I will remain, up until May, at your service. In the meantime, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to contact me about you can get in touch on Facebook facebook.com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

If You Look After Someone, Who Looks After You?

ince Covid-19, the number of unpaid carers in Devon has increased by almost 50% to approximately 130,000 (source: Devon County Council). It has never been more important to identify and support carers than now. Devon Carers are passionate about helping those who support others. A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to family, friends or neighbours, who could not manage without their help, on a regular basis. Anyone can become a carer at any time. It may happen gradually as a person’s health deteriorates or instantly, as a result of an accident or unexpected health condition. Quite often a person does not recognise themselves as a carer, even though they have a caring responsibility. No matter who a person is caring for and whether they have the same condition as somebody else, their situation is unique to them. Devon Carers is an organisation who support unpaid carers to maintain their own health, wellbeing and independence to care safely, confidently and effectively. The service has been commissioned jointly by Devon County Council and NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group. They provide a range of services to over 20,000 carers across Devon, excluding Plymouth and Torbay. These include:• Website – an excellent information resource https://devoncarers.org.uk/ • Quarterly magazine – with the latest news, carer stories and training courses • Helpline and webchat – available

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Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 9am-1pm. Call 03456 434 435 • Alert Card – to alert others, if they become unexpectedly ill or taken to hospital, that they are unable to care for their loved ones and to summon help for them • Training – opportunities to learn skills to assist with their caring role • Peer Support – connecting carers to mutually support each other • Emergency Plan – a record containing important and useful information to help others if a carer is unexpectedly unable to carry out their caring role • Hospital services – additional support following a stay in hospital • Carer assessments – a personalised assessment of how caring affects your health and wellbeing and how we can support you with one-to-one assistance if required. They treat each carer as an individual, taking time to find out what’s important to them, and work out together how they can support them in their caring role. The challenges carers face in different parts of the county can vary greatly, so having local teams enables them to provide specific advice and support. The teams also liaise closely with health and social care services and have strong links with voluntary and community organisations. If you think you are an unpaid carer, or know someone who is, please get in touch with Devon Carers to find out more: devoncarers.org.uk/ or 03456 434 435 Devon Carers

Fleur’s Gardening Forum - Spring Pruning

any people are afraid to prune trees and shrubs but sometimes these plants do need a bit of a ‘tidy’ and March and April are good times to do this, particularly for those which have flowered during the winter. This is also a good time to remove dead or damaged limbs down to good wood (check this by scraping a little piece of the surface bark away with your fingernail, if the stem or branch is alive it will be green underneath). For those shrubs which have flowered already, this is the best time to prune since you will be giving the plant eight months or so to develop next winter’s flowers. Of course, you don’t have to prune at all, really only if the shrub is getting too large for its position, or perhaps needs thinning. Early flowering Camellias can be re-shaped now, as can Chimonanthus and Daphne. It is a little late to prune roses but you could still thin out the centres to allow air to flow more easily and light to penetrate. Check roses to ensure the roots have not been loosened by a combination of wet weather and high winds – even severe frosts can ‘lift’ the soil around the roots of all sorts of plants. Fork lightly around the plant

and incorporate a bit of fertiliser before firming the soil down. You may need to stake the plant as well to allow it to reestablish its roots. (This applies not only to roses, but other shrubs as well). Some shrubs benefit by hard pruning now, particularly if you want a display

of colourful stems, ie, Cornus species. These can be cut almost to ground level, which will encourage new stem growth with better colour. If you haven’t already done so, you can still prune your mop-head Hydrangeas and Buddleias. Prune to half their size, down to strong growing shoots. Don’t forget, if you have had to cut a tree or shrub back hard, fork in a good fertiliser around the roots, or water with a liquid feed, then mulch well with your home grown compost. The new growth will have plenty of time to mature before next winter. Fleur

Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

ockdown has gone on for so long now in one form or the other that I'm beginning to wonder if readers actually realize that the Organic & Wholefood Buying Group was never intended to be an online group! Rather the exact opposite – a group of local people joining and meeting together to exchange information, experiences and to support each other in leading a high quality healthy sustainable lifestyle. We're really looking forward to resuming our socials and house gatherings and have lots of ideas about other enjoyable events and gettogethers. Our members have a wealth of experience and knowledge that could

"Oils and fats have been portrayed as the arch enemy of health, however nothing could be further from the truth. Oils are essential to health..." really benefit those interested in making lifestyle changes and improving their health. Online groups undoubtedly have their place, but being in the company of one's own community is simply in another league – the human league. Wellbeing Tip: I'm often asked about which are the best oils to use in cooking, so here's a brief summary. Oils and fats have been portrayed as the archenemy of health, however nothing could be further from the truth. Oils are essential to health, they're vital for the

proper functioning of every single one of our cells, vital for brain function and our innate immune system. It's what's done to oils during processing and their packaging that's damaging. Oils are temperature and light sensitive and plastic packaging migrates into foods, especially oils. So choose organic, cold pressed and packaged in dark glass. Coconut oil is the superhero oil for health and enjoyment! It has at least 20 major health benefits: anti-inflammatory, prevents heart disease and high blood pressure, is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and it actually helps us to lose excess weight, whilst increasing energy and endurance. It also provides instant energy and is not easily stored as fat. It gives clean, light richness to any dish and is really delicious! Use raw virgin as a spread, in smoothies and any dishes enhanced by coconut flavour. Use mild gently steamed coconut oil for baking and savoury dishes where coconut flavour is not required. Steaming removes the strong flavour and odour without heat extraction. Omega 3-6-9 oil virgin cold pressed - Essential Fatty Acids in the right proportions. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are exactly that - essential to our health as our bodies cannot make them, unlike many other fatty acids. It must be kept in the fridge but can be drizzled over hot or cold food, making a delicious dressing for salads and vegetables or added to smoothies. Never use for cooking as it’s highly heat sensitive!

Organic extra virgin olive oil produced from the first pressing, which is performed within 24 to 72 hours of harvesting. Mechanical or hand pressing are the only methods used to obtain extra virgin olive oil. No heat or chemical processes are used. The oil obtained from the first pressing is the only olive oil that can be classified as extra virgin (or virgin, depending on the natural acidity level). To be classified as extra virgin, the acidity level of the olive oil can be no greater than 1%. Uses: It is best to use extra virgin for dishes in which the olive oil will not be heated, such as in salads or as a condiment All these are available through OWBG at wholesale prices, either a whole or shared cases, along with a good range of special oils such as avocado, sesame, toasted sesame, black seed, ghee, pumpkin and sunflower seed, hazelnut, hemp, flax, safflower and walnut. Next grocery final order date: 15th April How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website! What does membership cost? Free What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307 or email mary@ marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG Website:owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group Twitter: Follow us @owbg1 or #owbg Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

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Work With, Not Against Damp Borders

o some people, a boggy or damp area in the garden is a problem, but it does not have to be. Such an area opens up unique planting opportunities, provided you can keep it damp over the summer. Plants that enjoy boggy conditions range in size from the enormous Gunnera manicata to the more dainty and colourful members of the Primula family. Then there is another group of plants that, although do not naturally grow in wet conditions, tolerate damp feet. April and early May is the peak season for many of these plants to flower and the Stream Garden at Rosemoor always looks fabulous at this time. Ferns are perfect as an architectural

backdrop for the more decorative plants. One of our favourites is Matteuccia struthiopteris AGM or the shuttlecock fern; allowed to form colonies along the stream, it thrives under the shade of deciduous such as Betula or Acer. Camassia is a native to moist meadows in North America so is well suited to the damper areas of your garden. The erect stems

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of Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii Caerulea Group support beautiful starshaped flowers, combining perfectly with the bright green of the fresh fern fronds. Add splashes of bright red, purple and orange in the form of drumstick and candelabra primulas then you have a winning combination. Most people don’t have room for Gunnera but, if you are looking for big leaves, Rodgersia will fit the bill. Those with bronze tinted leaves such as Rodgersia pinnata 'Superba' AGM complement blue irises and Camassia perfectly. Our own British natives should not be overlooked when planting up a damp area. Caltha palustris (marsh marigold) and Cardamine pratensis (cuckoo flower) are two springing to mind that are sure to thrive. So don’t look at that wet border with suspicion, turn it into a boggy oasis of bold plants and colourful flowers. Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer

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The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a voucher for a roast dinner for two at the Globe Inn Beaford, with pudding (either take-away or eat-in). Please send completed crossword with contact details, to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner of last issue’s prize is Jane Moore. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 8th April and the solution and winner will be in the May issue.

Award-winning Pub Ready to Open

hilst 2020 was a pretty difficult year for pubs, the Globe Inn Beaford managed to win not one but two amazing awards – North Devon CAMRA Pub of the Year and Food Drink Devon’s Eatery of the Year. Despite having to close their doors for the majority of the year, this country pub kept locals fed with their takeaway food service and have been busy brewing their own beer for when they reopen. We’ve got our fingers and toes crossed for some spring sunshine and are hopeful that the Globe will be able to open the beer garden this April. The plan is to open the garden for food and drinks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 16th April, Covid permitting, and will continue to offer take-away food on these days too. It’s recommended to book in advance as space is limited outside, especially in the covered outdoor space. Give Sam and Jim a call to find out more and get booked in.

Great Torrington Fairtrade Group

hat a year it has been for the whole world! We are now hopefully beginning to come out of lockdown and more things are beginning to open and become more accessible. Like many groups and societies, we have had to put face to face meetings and events on hold. Events for Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 (22nd February to 7th March) were held online. This year’s campaign slogan was “Choose the world you want”. This is a very apt slogan considering what we are all going through and how we have had to adapt and take stock of our lives. The pandemic has had a huge impact on our lives and even more so on the farmers and workers in the developing world. Many of Devon’s Fairtrade towns held online events, with

"Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers." Torrington’s being held on the 1st March. It incorporated a presentation on the banana growers of St Vincent and how Fairtrade has benefited them and their community and the difficulties they are facing during the crisis. All the events posed two questions: “How can you become a Fairtrade ambassador in your family, community and town?” and “What can you do to persuade people to buy

Fairtrade and help the World?” Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. Many people now recognise the Fairtrade symbol and there are over 4500 Fairtrade products that carry the Fairtrade Mark. Through our shopping choices we have the power to make a difference to producers, workers, their

families and communities. When our shops are able to open again let’s buy local but also think how our choices can make a difference to overseas farmers, producers and communities. For more information on Fairtrade visit www.fairtrade.org.uk Facebook: Great Torrington Fairtrade Group

Spring at RHS Rosemoor

or Easter, we have teamed up with the organic and Fairtrade brand Chocolate & Love for a wonderful family trail around the garden. Easter Family Trail 29 March-18 April A chance for families to have fun together whilst exploring the gardens in all their spring glory; finding wonderful flowers, beautiful views, an abundance of wildlife and solving all the clues on the trail whilst learning all about how Chocolate & Love is made. The self-guided garden trail for both adults and children (available daily) is available to download from the Rosemoor website, where you can also find out more and book tickets, or by using a QR code on arrival at the garden. RHS members go free but all visits need to be booked in advance as COVID restrictions still apply with limited capacity. Each Family will receive a Chocolate & Love goody bag on completion of the trail, including activity sheets, some seeds to plant and grow and a nice treat!

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Notable Buildings in Torrington Part Six urning right at the top of South Street you come to Halsdon Terrace. This row of large, rather elegant houses was a more symmetrical terrace before a double-gabled property on the right-hand end, Halsdon House, was demolished in the late 1960s to make the turn into South Street easier for traffic. Just down Church Lane, opposite the old glove factory, is a property called The Old Smithy. The smithy was where the integral garage is now, which still has a cobbled floor, and the smith lived in the adjoining cottage. An elderly local man remembers the smithy in operation and said it used to make equipment for the

glove factory. The smithy was converted into the present house in 1951 and this date was etched into a pane of the leaded window in the door to the garden from the living room. Mrs Christine Williams, who lived in the house for many years, said that the walled garden was where the horses were tied up ready for shoeing, or after they had been shod. A rectangular brick structure, which she used as a sand pit for her children, had been the manure heap for the smithy. There was a large carriage house at the end of the garden, where the four garages are now, which used to block the light from her garden so she was pleased when it came down. The house

created in the 1950s had a galleried landing and three bedrooms. In 2002 it was converted further, when the gallery was blocked in, to create a four bedroom family house. (Number 12 Calf Street near the roundabout was also a smithy at one time). On the south side of the church, in Church Walk, is the Sexton's House, white plastered with black paintwork, low with Gothic windows. Tannery Row, set behind the high stone wall, was completed in 2006 and stands on the site of the former bullring, where bull-baiting took place up until 1753. This then became the site of a tannery. The large bark shed, which fronted onto Church Lane, was converted into a cinema. Torrington people, who were children in the 1950s, often used to go to the cinema for entertainment (and some remember being thrown out for mucking about!). Two films a week would be shown and tickets ranged in price from half a crown (two shillings and sixpence = 12 ½ pence) at the back to 7d (seven old pence = about 3p) at the front. The cinema closed in May 1964 (the last film to be shown was Elvis Presley in 'GI Blues') and became a bingo hall which was finally demolished to make way for Tannery Row. On the corner of the churchyard and New Street are two houses which used to be the old police station, with a lock-up round at the back. They are now called, rather appropriately, 'Peel Cottage' and 'Peel House'. Moira Brewer

Torrington RFC

appy springtime to you all and with it the excellent news that we should be coming out of lockdown at a pace. Providing all the criteria have been met. The RFU have issued the ‘Return to Rugby’ roadmap which lays out what can be done and when and with whom, as long as figures are met. Although the Rugby Season will have finished by then. This does mean, however, that the 20212022 season can start as per normal with pre-season training in August. This has come as a more than welcome piece of news to both the club and players. We, as a club, now have an enormous amount of work to do to get us up and running again. Although we have been working quite hard at keeping things ticking over, to try and keep pace with whatever gets thrown at us. Planning application has been submitted to provide extra changing facilities for our ever growing junior section. This would be looking to include girls’ sides too. Hence the need for extra room. Work has been ongoing with rewiring and some replacement of the training area floodlighting as well as the installation of new storage containers. The old ones were at least 15 years old and secondhand when we purchased them! They had served their purpose well, but were no more than scrap. The Clubhouse itself has had a refreshing lick of paint inside to welcome back all of our supporters and friends. From our Chairman Torrington Rugby Club is always on the look-out for more volunteers to help run the club. We are a family friendly organisation, working hard to provide a fantastic rugby club for a wide range of age groups. After an extremely challenging 12 months, we now have a lot of work to do to get the club ready again for when life returns to normal, and to ensure the longevity of an important sport and social

club for the town. You don’t have to play rugby to join the club! The key areas we need help with are; * Match days * Bar management * Social media * Website management * Facility hire If you would like to help us, or if you would like some further information, please contact Club Chairman, Philip Hearn. Email trfc1985@outlook.com Phone 07788 417 626 From our Junior Section Chairman With the government roadmap now in place, it was great to be able to set sights on when we can get the junior section of the club up and running again. So, although we are still waiting on guidance from the RFU about what we are able to do within sessions, at least we know that after the 31st March we will be back at the club having some well-deserved fun with those that have quite possibly been affected the most. As I write this, I am pretty sure that there will be no games to be played for the rest of the season but for now, that doesn't seem important. Some of the junior section may take the opportunity to train during the week, to free up the weekend for some muchneeded quality family time, outside of the house! A reminder that the youth section generally trains on a Sunday morning at Torrington Rugby Club at 10am, but for anyone new thinking of joining us, please double check with me so I can confirm days and times. For all those parents reading this that have had to endure home schooling on top of work and child care, well done! Hopefully we will return to rugby with some nicer weather as well! For more information, please contact the youth section Chairman, Adrian

Avery on agavery81@gmail.com or 07780 665 378. On a sad note, a well-respected friend of the club, Peter Harris, died at the end of February. Peter was well known to the older members of the club as he drove the coach on many an away game. He would ensure that there weren’t too many hostelries that weren’t visited on the journey back. His funeral took place on 13th March in Petrockstowe where he lived for all his life. The club old and bald were invited to provide a guard of honour as he was carried to his final resting place at St Petroc’s Church. Our thoughts to Heather, his wife, Paul and Neil, his sons, and the rest of his family. We look forward to sunnier weather a brighter future and playing the game again. C’mon Torrie! Respect, Discipline, Sportsmanship Teamwork And Enjoyment Mark Waterson

Competition Time

Kids! We want you to design a colourful A4 poster to raise water awareness. Your poster will be displayed in Torrington for everyone to see and winners’ posters will be transformed into permanent banners. Please choose one theme: Ways to save water Water pollution Why water is important Address your entry as ‘Water Competition’ and post to: 77 Mill St, Great Torrington, EX38 8AN by Sunday 30th May. Write your name, address and age on the back of your design, without folding it. Age categories: 5 to 7 years, 8 to 11 years, 12 to 15 years and 15 to 18 years. Good Luck!

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For two weeks each year at the end of February and start of March, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid. Pupils at GTS have been exploring the idea of Fairtrade in their RE lessons and have come up with some thoughtful letters and poems – and some yummy Fairtrade bakes! Breakfast time is the best time to have a banana Asia was the first ever place to grow and export bananas No fuss, just pick up a banana A tummy full of banana is just the best N ow is time to start eating bananas A brighter future is ahead of us So support us with our Fairtrade bananas, buy one, become one of us Maci Tompkins Year 9 We eat bananas all the time, Yet in the UK they are not our own They come from far away, None closer to home. But these bananas may not have been grown fairly, There may be nothing wrong with the banana itself , But with the grower there may be. Conditions poor, Children working. While we enjoy banana bread, banana and custard or just plain banana, The people who grew it may be starving, Barely enough money to support themselves, let alone families. Support and buy Fairtrade for the sake of those families. Help Fairtrade be fair to the farmer! Olivia Davies Year 10

Fairtrade, this is a system that helps all, Aiding communities big and small. Asia is where they were first grown, Now they are worldwide known. The Fairtrade premium offers opportunities, Such as equipment and children’s nurseries. 33% of bananas are Fairtrade in the UK, This is starting to go a better way Storms and climate change damage some stuff, But nowadays we solve it, as we know enough. So, Fairtrade is definitely a better way, As it’s helping someone every day. Lucy Beer Year 8

Where do bananas come from? In the home of Veronica Brown. Now a successful family of banana plantations Don’t worry, your bananas are in good hands We take bananas for granted And hardly even know Right where they come from Down in the Caribbean Isla Pearce-Odell Year 9

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Contact Sharon 01805 622543

Dear Mr Bloodworth, I think that we should include more Fairtrade products in our school, such as bananas and here is why. We would be really helping a family or community like St Vincent and Veronica. The money they got they have used to build roads, schools, provide a school bus and they have helped improve their clinic. With our money think of all the improvements they could make. At the moment their bananas are being attacked by a disease and more money may help them find a better and easier way to kill off that disease. What is Fairtrade? Fairtrade is something that helps farmers receive the money they deserve, here are the advantages of buying Fairtrade products... Guaranteed fair minimum price A fair wage for banana workers No child labour And much more. This year places like St Vincent need our help more than ever. Tourism was a huge source of income for this tiny island but with Covid that has not been possible. Please help by supporting Fairtrade. Yours sincerely, Isabel Sylvester Year 9 Dear Mr Bloodworth, I think that our school needs to use more Fairtrade products for the following reasons: As the name suggests, Fairtrade is when the consumers pay for the foods and the money goes to the producers. This is 100% guaranteed which is great as this helps them to be able to pay for scholarships, school and even enough money to live off. This in itself is a good enough reason to buy Fairtrade. Fairtrade means higher quality food, it's made by real people not machines, everything is hand-picked with minimal amounts of chemicals used. Fairtrade gives us as a school the chance to be able to connect with other cultures as the Fairtrade products are unique and are a great way of reflecting culture. When you buy something Fairtrade you are helping to decrease world poverty as you are supporting those farmers who would otherwise struggle. It gives small farmers the opportunity to help their business grow and gives them a sustainable income. Fairtrade is not supportive of child labour and discourages exploitation. And all of the working conditions are safer for the workers involved. So please can we have more Fairtrade products available in school, Mr Bloodworth? Morgan Fuller Year 10

Dear Mr Bloodworth, It has come to my attention that we should have more Fairtrade food products available to buy in our school. Fairtrade is giving farmers not just in this country but also in other countries a fair price for their products, it is creating safer working conditions for those people who grow our food, it is making sure that there are no children labouring to grow our food but making sure that they are getting an education instead, and it is also creating greater protection for the environment where our food is grown. By buying more Fairtrade items and stocking them in the school vending machines or in the cafeteria, there is more money going to those who need it the most. By buying Fairtrade it can provide things like buses for school children in developing countries to get to school rather than walk. It can provide those schools with support if they need it. It can create roads for easier access to places that people in developing countries need to get to. There are so many worthy causes that Fairtrade is helping to put an end to and make right, but there is so much more that we can do to stop it as a school and as a community. Please, use more Fairtrade products and improve the lives of others. Aiden Newell Year 10

NEW PHONE NUMBER! 01805 624141 FOR FAST, FRIENDLY, LOCAL SERVICE CALL ROB ON 01805 624141 OR 07717 313194

Lance Corporal John Stanley Blake

he amount I’m able to write about each soldier is solely dependent on the information available. In some cases information is scarce. Unfortunately, this is the case with John Blake. Indeed, even details establishing John’s connections with the town are scant. In the first instance, we are aware that his father, also called John, was born in the area and on early census information has a birthplace recorded as Beaford. In the 1861 census we find him living in the village at the property “Part of Canns”; a decade later they have moved to the village of Merton at property “Fir Tree”. It is not until we reach 1891 that we can see a little more of the family dynamic. At this point, they are resident in the St Pancras area of London. John (senior) works as a tailor and has married his now wife, Annie. I should point out that Annie has a birthplace listed as Marylebone. The household is made up of their five children, which comprises of Edith, Laura, Elsie, Matilda and John Stanley, a newborn. Not too much has changed by 1901, other than the family has moved to an address in Hendon, Middlesex. As before, John (senior) continues his occupation as a tailor. The 1911 census is more revealing. Although some factors remain the same, such as the family still living in Hendon, John (senior) now has a listed occupation as “master tailor”. John (junior) has followed in his father’s footsteps and is also working as a tailor at the age of 20. Even at this stage it is unclear to find a connection between

John and Great Torrington to see how his name was included on the war memorial. The last piece of evidence that does shine light on this is his service records. Whilst his birthplace is listed as Bloomsbury, Middlesex, his residence is listed as Torrington. Despite this, John still returned to Middlesex, Wembley to be precise, to enlist with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. His service number is A/200147 and he holds the rank of Lance Corporal. Beyond this brief mention, there is no other evidence of John’s

"Beyond this brief mention, there is no other evidence of John’s tenure with the town. However, bearing in mind his historical family connection, as well as this mention in the service papers, it is reasonable to assume he had, at least briefly, relocated to the area for work." tenure with the town. However, bearing in mind his historical family connection, as well as this mention in the service papers, it is reasonable to assume he had, at least briefly, relocated to the area for work. John was attached to the King’s Royal Rifles Corps, 17th Battalion. After being raised in May 1915 and after undergoing the various training regimes, the 17th Battalion arrived at French shores in

March 1916. They would see early action, but they were also prominent at the Battle of the Somme. One of the greatest tasks the battalion were set was the capture of the Schwaben Redoubt. This was a fortified trench network position overlooking Thiepval, which would cause any occupying force of the village untold damage. The redoubt needed to be captured. A number of attempts had been made to capture the redoubt since the 1st July 1916 with varying degrees of success. On the 14th October the 17th Battalion were called into action to attack the remaining occupied section in the northern area. This objective was completed relatively quickly and they were in control of the sector by the end of the day’s fighting. However, the next day saw three successive German counter-attacks supported with flamethrower units. These were all rebuffed but with heavy casualties. Lance Corporal Blake was amongst those killed on the 15th October 1916. Although he has no marked grave, John is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial as well as the Great Torrington war memorial. I’m particularly interested to hear if you have any further information on Lance Corporal Blake. You’re welcome to contact me on 07583 607 434, or by email on: michael.mnewcombe@gmail. com.

Market Place Musings

ell, the ‘elephant in the room' and the most frequently asked question of, ‘will the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday finish at the end of the March’ has now been answered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his March 3rd Budget! Our hope of it being gradually phased out came true and the announcement was broadly welcomed by the industry, alongside the selling and buying public at large. However, this phasing out of the SDLT could still cause a headache for the industry. Throughout February there was such a frantic focus to be through by the 31st March by all involved in the selling process, be it lawyer, mortgage provider, surveyor or removals company, that we are now faced by a further two key cut-off dates involving SDLT banding changes: one at the end of June and one at the end of September. As such it will cut across school summer term and the summer holidays - remember those? So, what are the bands? From now until the 30th June 2021 for the purchase of a main residential property in England or Northern Ireland: Up to £500,000 - 0% The next £425,000 (the part between £500,000 and £925,000) - 5% The next £575,000 (the part between £925,000 and £1.5 Million) - 10% The remaining amount (the part above £1.5 Million) - 12% From 1st July until 30th September for the purchase of a main residential property in England or Northern Ireland: Up to £250,000 - 0%

The next £675,000 (the part between £250,001 and £925,000) - 5% The next £575,000 (the part between £925,001and £1.5 Million) - 10% The remaining amount - 12% From 1st October 2021 (the pre-Covid rates will apply) for the purchase of a main residential property in England or Northern Ireland: Up to £125,000 - 0% The part between £125,001 & £250,000 - 2% The part between £250,001 & £925,000 - 5% The part between £925,001 and £1.5 Million - 10% Over £1.5 Million - 12% For those who already own a property and are buying what is termed ‘an additional property’, then an extra 3% is levied on top of all the rates. If you are contemplating your first ever home purchase England and Northern Ireland, then there is further good news. Up to 30th June 2021: No SDLT on the first £500,000 of a main residential property. From 1st July until 30 September 2021: No SDLT on the first £300,000 of a main residential property. From 1st October 2021: No change on SDLT from above. (£300,000 was the pre-coronavirus stamp duty threshold for FTBs). How will these rates affect our local market? Certainly, the

spring market has sprung. Activity levels are extraordinarily high right across the board and with the positive feeling of the vaccination roll out creeping in, the impending better weather (could it have got any more blustery and wet over the recent weeks?!) and the fact that a return to a sort of normal life is around the corner; we do not see this abating. Core family homes within the town will certainly benefit greatly from the continued reduced SDLT rates over the coming months. What we are noticing, with the advent of faster broadband speeds being rolled out, is a shift towards a more pleasant home working environment being sought after, and space away from the main home, often with countryside views, becoming more of a key search. This was no more apparent than in terms of our office team, which we split into home working and office working groups to maintain a seamless service whilst minimising the risk of Covid. “Don't work from bed. You want your bed to be a place of peace and calm, not work stress.” Liz Grossman Kitoyi Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director

Thank you for your con�nued support we can’t wait to get back to business as normal! Even when we’re closed, you can s�ll sign up for classes, experiences or buy a gi� voucher As soon as we can we’ll open for weekly classes, po�er’s wheel experiences, child & pet clay imprints & po�ery pain�ng. Takeout packs are available to collect if you’re keen to get crea�ve at home. Keep safe!

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