Torrington Crier April 2022 by The Torrington Crier

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April 2022 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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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 (please note that this is a home number not an office) 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 (please note that this is a home number not an office) 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

Crier Deliveries

If you live in a village which would like the Crier delivered and you can volunteer to collect copies from the Library, and either drop them at a central village location or deliver door-to-door, then please get in touch! We are also very grateful to Lidl in Torrington for allowing us to leave copies on their packing bench for shoppers to pick up. They will be there for collection from the last week of 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.

Torrington Town & Community Hall News & Events

e are delighted to welcome Andy Griffiths and David Parish as advisors to the Town Hall. Andy is a busy man working with the Mayor as his Beadle, but with his passion for Torrington still finds time to help us at events and we appreciate his advice and good ideas which are always welcome! Dave is our ‘new boy’. After a busy career with the Royal Mail he is now working for them part-time so is looking forward to getting involved with our team of trustees to ensure we can continue to make the Town and Community Hall a place for the whole community to enjoy. If you would like to get involved or help at any of our events, please call Anne Tattersall on 07971 696 192.Tickets for all events below should be booked online greattorrington-townhall.org/events. Children’s Disco Saturday March 26th 10.30am-12.30pm. Grateful thanks to our sponsor Paul Hutchings Pop up Shop Saturday 2nd April 9am-1pm. Pop in and grab a preloved bargain. Recycling helps our environment. Cash Bingo Fortnightly on Wednesdays, 6th, and 20th April from 2pm. Eyes down – mark your books! Enjoy great company and lots of fun. Easter Flower Workshop Saturday 9th April with Ann Ayre and Elaine Weeks. Get creative with flowers this Easter. You can use flowers from the hedgerows, your garden or simply bring your favourite ones along with you. For those of you who enjoyed Ann and Elaine’s Christmas wreath making, this event is a must. The trustees of the Town Hall are enormously grateful to Ann and Elaine for hosting this Town Hall fundraising event. Workshop commences at 10am12.30pm including tea/coffee and biscuits. Tickets £12.50 can be booked online greattorrington-townhall.org/ events/ Drag Show Friday 15th and Saturday 16th April Back by popular demand. Fonda Cox will be appearing for two nights and booking is essential Tickets £15. Fonda will take you on a journey of laughter, fun and music. She’ll have you

above discos, or future discos for £100, please contact Anne on 07971 696 192. Exciting news! Elvis is in the building! Let’s get this May Fair rocking and rolling. Come along and shake, rattle, and roll to a fantastic Elvis Tribute Act. Tickets £12.50 can be booked online greattorrington-townhall.org/ events

Men’s Shed in stitches with hilarious stories, and her cutting wit. Hecklers beware, Fonda will have an instant comeback! Children’s Disco 30th April from 10.30am-12.30pm. Grateful thanks to our sponsors Torrington Rotary Club. Dates For Your Diary May Fair Celebrations at the Town Hall We are honoured that the Town Hall will be the venue for all the dignitaries from around Devon to meet for the formal proceedings. They will then join with the whole town in the Square to celebrate the crowning of the May Fair Queen and see for the first time the costume theme for her entourage - always such a memorable and exciting moment for everyone - especially the proud mums and dads. The Town Hall’s ‘Tavern in the Town’ is a fully licensed bar and will be open: Wednesday 4th May from 6pm; Thursday 5th May noon until 6pm and Saturday 7th May from 6pm. There will be a special ‘lounge’ upstairs for seniors and the less able bodied who want to enjoy the spirit of May Fair in a comfortable space. Teas and coffees will also be available. May Fair Cash Bingo Wednesday 4th May eyes down at 2pm. Just turn up and buy your books. May Fair Carnival Discos on Saturday 7th May. 10am-12.30pm for children aged 5 to 11 years; 2pm-4pm for children aged 11 to 16 years; 8pm til late for adults. Tickets £3 children, adults £7. All tickets should be booked online greattorrington-townhall.org/events If you would like to sponsor any of the

t the time of writing, we are at the end of February and I am

sorry to say not a lot has happened with the new site. What with the bad weather and members coming down with Covid and other ailments, it has meant that we were short of numbers for a few weeks. So we have continued to clear the overgrown ivy and shrubs. On a positive note, we have managed to fit the new gates supplied by Torridge Gates, although they still need a bit of tweaking when we are fully manned again. This means that the site is a lot more secure and we can gain access so much more easily. We have also had Western Power put in an electrical supply and now have proper electricity on the site for the first time. When the weather improves we want to complete the conservatory, so we have a dry place to rest and have a cup of tea or coffee. I am sorry to say that these large expenses have depleted our limited funds somewhat, and work will have to go on hold until we can afford the materials for the two sheds and the larger brick building. To assist with the funding we have set up a GoFundMe page on our Men’s Shed Facebook page, so would welcome anyone to have a look and a small donation would be most welcome. Bye for now. The Men’s Shedders

Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee

Important information The fair will be arriving in Torrington on Sunday 1st May 2022 and departing a week later. It would really help the drivers of the lorries if cars etc. are not parked on Castle Street and the lower part of South Street (outside of the old Newmarket inn) and the way is clear for the vehicles during this time. Thank you. May Fair Dates: Rehearsal night 4th May; May Fair day 5th May; Round the Tree Race 6th May; Carnival 7th May. May Fair Day 5th May 2022 * For health & safety purposes, can wheelchair users assemble early in The Square on May Fair day please * Volunteers are needed to put away chairs after the May Fair celebrations from 4.30-5pm * Everyone attending and participating is encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety in relation to COVID-19 and adhere to any Government restrictions in place at the time Carnival 7th May 2022 Entry forms can be found at: Xanadu South Street Torrington; Great Torrington Town Council website - great-torringtontowncouncil.gov. uk; May Fair Facebook page; Pauline Baker – 07790 549 982 or pauline-baker3@ hotmail.co.uk Absolutely no throwing of coins at the Carnival floats and walkers and no alcohol. Remember that from 6pm on Saturday 7th May, there will be disruption on the roads around town until 8pm. Everyone attending and participating is encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety in relation to COVID-19 and adhere to any Government restrictions in place at the time.

Town Parking Requests for May Fair Week

he fair will be arriving in Torrington on Sunday 1st May and departing a week later. It would really help the drivers of the lorries, as they make their way to Barley Grove car park, if cars etc are not parked on Castle Street and the lower part of South Street (outside of the old Newmarket Inn) and the way is clear for the vehicles during this time. Also, during May Fair week from the evening of the 4th through to the morning of the 8th May, it would be so helpful if, during the key times, there is no parking in the bays around the square, South Street and Fore Street. This is to allow safe access to all, including pedestrians, residents and businesses during those peak times. Additionally Calf Street, Well Street and New Street (carnival route) on Carnival day. This goes a long way to the smooth running of the events. Carnival entry forms are available from Xanadu in South Street, online at the Town Council website or via the link on the Facebook page. The Committee are really working hard to make May Fair 2022 a joyous week for all, after such a long wait. We can’t wait to see you all. May Fair & Carnival Committee

A Warm Welcome from Torrington Methodist Church

very Sunday, Morning Worship at 10.30am. Every Sunday, Evening Worship at 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request link. Treat yourself to our friendly and appetising ‘Bacon Buttie Coffee Mornings’, third Saturday monthly, 10am- 12pm. Our premises (incl. Wi-Fi, projector) are available to hire, please see the website or phone Sheila 01805 622949. Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon. EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street.

Torrington Town Hall Comes Full Circle!

ifty years on, Great Torrington Town Hall is delighted to be hosting the Golden Wedding anniversary of Pam and Dave Petherbridge, who were the last couple to get married at the Town Hall on Saturday 18th March 1972. Anyone in Torrington will tell you the May Fair, which is held on the first Thursday of May, is the most popular and exciting event in the Town’s annual calendar, so it’s not surprising that May Fair mischief was at play in 1960. A photograph of May Fair 1960 has recently come to light, depicting a young Pamela Hammond looking furtively at David Petherbridge, without realising that one day she would marry him. Some might say that’s the magic of May Fair. Pamela and David are very much looking forward to celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary with their children Sarah and Emma and many of their friends and family who attended their wedding. When asked the secret to a happy marriage, Pam and Dave agree that it’s ‘all down to give and take and compromise.’ Anne Tattersall

‘Castle Hill Work Hub’ Officially Launches to Support Local Businesses

vibrant, communityfocused work hub designed to support local businesses was officially opened in Great Torrington by the Chair of Torridge District Council, Councillor Doug Bushby, on Friday 4th March. Known as Castle Hill Work Hub, this bright and modern facility was launched at an event attended by the Council’s senior management team, a Department of International Trade advisor, local businesses and Petroc and North Devon+, whose business support programmes will be available through the hub. Set within the Castle Hill building at the heart of Great Torrington, it also provides users with a great opportunity to support local businesses within the town centre. The Castle Hill Work Hub offers a meeting room for 6-8 people and 15 workspaces as well as a collaboration area and kitchenette. This is the first co-working hub to be launched in Torridge and it was developed by Torridge District Council, with funding support from the Devon Work Hubs programme and the Getting Building Fund. It is designed to provide a low-cost, flexible offer to support businesses to grow and people to find routes to collaborate and improve their wellbeing. The hub provides a perfect location for people looking to work in a relaxed but professional space; in particular where people have been working from home or where businesses have decided to not continue with their traditional offices during the pandemic. Members will also be able to benefit from free drop-in business support opportunities and a regular presence from Petroc’s Big Benefits for Small Businesses programme, which will enable them to receive free support to boost their skills profile. Members can pay as they go or, if they are looking for a more regular booking, then the monthly tariffs can offer this service. The work hub is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and spaces can be booked online, via the booking page at www.torridge.gov.uk/castlehillworkhub. Castle Hill also boasts excellent Wi-Fi, free tea and coffee, as well as printing and copying facilities. Just bring your laptop, tablet or even phone and enjoy this wonderful new space in the heart of Great Torrington. To find out more, including the current ‘first day for free’ offer, simply contact castlehillworkhub@torridge.gov.uk to experience the space!

Torrington Rotary Collection for Ukraine

he community in Torrington and the surrounding area showed tremendous generosity in responding to Rotary’s Ukraine appeal and street collection at the town’s Craft and Food Fair on 6th March, donating a total of more than £1100. As a charity our club can claim a further 25% through the Gift Aid Small Donation scheme for the bulk of these donations; as a result the total collection amounts to £1367.57. The sum will be channelled through the Devon and Cornwall Rotary Ukraine Appeal Fund; both to the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee – the partnership of 15 leading charities which are mobilised to send humanitarian aid where it is needed most in the Ukraine crisis, and to Rotary Clubs in the countries in the vicinity of Ukraine handling humanitarian aid to the refugees. This will ensure that your money will go promptly and directly to where it is needed most. Thank you, again, Torrington and our surrounding villages, for your generosity. Keeley Allin President Rotary Club of Torrington

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Tarka Valley Railway News

Can you help? pring is here and work is beginning to speed up in readiness for the 150th anniversary of the opening of the original line. However, we do need more volunteers to help us achieve our vision for TVR. We require people with practical skills, as well as helpers for our newly-opened shop and individuals with admin and HR knowledge. Please email us at tarkavalleyrailway@gmail. com or visit us on a Thursday, which is our working day. Restoration work is ongoing on our brake van; the area around the site of the signal box continues to be excavated and new sleepers have been installed on the track behind the Puffing Billy. The locos still require work on braking and hydraulic issues, but we are endeavouring to rectify the problems as quickly as possible. The task is not made any easier by the difficulty in obtaining the parts required. The poor weather has meant few visitors so sales have been poor. However, with our new shop now open and fully stocked, we look forward to welcoming you. Our Facebook page has weekly updates and photos; do please take a look when you can. Our new website is now live containing historical information, videos and how you can get involved. It is well worth checking it out: wwwtarkavalleyrailway.org. Robert Martin Tarka Valley Railway

Considering Adoption?

e need adoptive families for children who wait the longest. Are you considering adoption but not sure where to start? Families for Children is holding an information session to give you the opportunity to find out more. Whether you are in a relationship, single, LGBTQ+ or have had children of your own we would love to speak to you! So come along and talk to our friendly team at this information session to find out more. All information sessions are currently held via Zoom. To book please contact Families for Children on 01364 645480 or email devon@familiesforchildren.org.uk or alternatively you can book online at www.familiesforchildren.org.uk The next meetings are scheduled for: Tuesday 5th April 6-8pm Saturday 7th May 10am-12 noon Tuesday 7th June 4-6pm Friday 8th July 10am-12 noon Thursday 11th August 6-8pm Thursday 8th September 6-8pm

Great News from Tina Hodgson

have now passed my Level 5 Masters in Floristry and this will also be my fifth year in the shop. I just want to say a big thank you to everybody for putting up with me, as it has been quite a strain on my daily life, but I have done it!

Great Torrington Futures Group/Torrington Through Time

reat Torrington has had a chequered interest in the town's ‘Castle’ over the years. Long known about, but with little information being available concerning its actual shape, size and layout, a new project is just underway, which hopes to uncover much of the hidden heritage of the castle site. Archaeologists from South West Archaeology began surveying the castle earthworks in Great Torrington on Monday 7th March. The Mayor Doug Smith and Chair of Torrington Museum Dave Gibbons both attended the site to learn more about the project and the traditional and high-tech digital survey methods. The fieldwork is part of the larger ‘Torrington Through Time’ community heritage project, which led to the creation of the new town Heritage Trail and onegreattorrington website heritage hub page, sponsored by Torrington Futures Group Chair, John Eeles and supported by District, Town Councillors and our County Councillor. Emily Wapshott of Archaeologists Engage, who is running the project, said “Torrington's Norman motte and bailey castle site has not received that much specific research attention in the past and there is much we still don't know about the site. We hope to be able to gain a better understanding of what remains of the early earthworks and how they may relate to the areas under the bowling green which have been excavated. The castle was the seat of one of Devon's great Norman Baronies, so deserves to be put back on the map!” It is hoped some imagery from the project will be ready for display in the museum for May Fair, so the people of the town can learn more about their castle. John Eeles

Barton Barn Bash - Fundraising for Charity

arton Barn Bash July 2nd 2022, 7pm-midnight at Barton Farm Weare Giffard, raising money for Devon Air Ambulance. Featuring top Queen tribute act ‘This Is Queen’. Live music, bar, food, all profits to the Air Ambulance. Raffle in aid of Young Lives Versus Cancer. Tickets £10 each, available via our Facebook page or text or call 07943 033 057.

Kim’s Mobile Hair & Beauty Telephone 07773 565 378

Great Torrington Community Development Trust (CDT)

ome may have seen that we closed the T.I.C. for the second ue to unforeseen circumstances, I now won’t be working in 'Hair We Go' as week of March, to allow our stated in last month's issue of The Crier. I will be offering all hair and beauty great volunteers to empty, re-decorate services from the comfortable beauty room in my home, with free parking or and re-organise the inner office. This I can do mobile hairdressing if it’s more convenient for you. will now house the main Information Please check out my Facebook page 'Kim White' for beauty treatments offered or Centre for local people and visitors. It call on 07773 565 378. will continue to offer photocopying and laminating (A4 & A3 black and white and colour). As less room is needed now, with e are all guilty of doing this, be it pushing through another cold as so much information online, we are “you don’t have time to be sick” or putting yourself last as everyone exploring the idea that the outer part will else’s needs come first, or maybe you are living in a semi-dehydrated become an outlet selling locally made state. We will all have different reasons for this, but we all have certain patterns in arts and crafts. We are planning that it common. would operate with an option that those Our patterns of how we prioritise, allow time for and how we think about our own selling their work, might volunteer to wellbeing are shaped by several things: how we were bought up; what we have work with the information volunteers experienced so far in life; our current health; the community around us etc. Our to 'mind the shop' for a reduced relationship with ourselves and our health is a bit like a teenager – it’s complicated! commission. If you are interested, please We are constantly living in the fast lane with our pedal on the accelerator, but get in touch 01805 622433 or hoodp@ like a car we are running out of fumes, or actually our stress hormone. We attempt hoodp.plus.com. to give 100% in every area of our life, no matter how busy our schedule is with After the initial delays due to Covid, on unrealistic expectations. We are great multi-taskers and achieving in multiple Friday 11th March the Castle Hill Work areas can at times come in handy, but we often ignore the signs of exhaustion and Hub was officially opened. So seize the burnout. We are living in a culture where we think resting is a sign of weakness. opportunity to support home working! If this feels like you then don’t wait until you burnout take action now. Take a We have expanded our meeting space step back, breath and start to make small changes, give yourself permission to by adapting the old Thomas Fowler have some ‘time out’ and do something that gives you pleasure. If that feels too Centre (above the Cafe) to provide for much, start slowly even if it is just 10 minutes, stop, move away from what you feel small groups for whom the main hall you should be doing and place one hand on your heart and one on your belly and is too big. If you are looking for such a breathe in for the count of four and out for the count of four, repeating this for four space please contact Sue: s_woolass@ breaths at least, then when feeling calmer go back with a clearer mind. Gradually yahoo.co.uk. build up to 20 mins, 30 mins, 60 mins to half a day to a whole day – it takes time to Looking into the far distance, following undo the forever pushing but it is so worth it for our health and wellbeing. It is so the success of our open day last year, important to re-connect, recharge and replenish you. we are planning a traditional fête-style If you need support in stepping out of your patterns of doing I would love to event on Saturday 3rd September, so put have a chat with you – you can call me on 07974 682 525 or email me on hello@ the date in your diaries now. samanthahardwick.com. You don’t have to do these changes alone. Peter Hood, Chair

Hair & Beauty by Kim

Are you Putting Yourself or Your Health Last?

Please help our local businesses and 'Think Local' whenever possible. Think Local editorial is free for advertisers! Please contact Esther Williams on 01805 601964 for more information.

Loss, Grief & Bereavement

rief is not only about our responses when someone dies, but about losing anything that is important to us. It could be a hope, dream or expectation, a change in role, identity or physical ability or the loss of a relationship - including children leaving home and many other personal experiences. We aren’t always aware that we are grieving, or that we have something valid to grieve about, but a loss and associated grief is unique to the individual. Generally, the more significant the loss the more severe and possibly prolonged the grief is likely be. Grief can affect all aspects of your life; your feelings and behaviours, how you relate to others, your thoughts and beliefs, your physical health, concentration and memory, your identity and sense of self. Emotions can be unexpected and not what you imagined, at times overwhelming, intense, and even frightening. You may experience a wide range of feelings from sadness, anger and guilt to numbness and isolation. There is no right or wrong way to grieve or feel. Grief is natural and normal; most people manage to navigate this most difficult and painful experience without professional support. Eventually they can carry on with life, begin to be happy at times and memories change from a trigger for grief to becoming something to bring happiness. Other people need some support with the process of healing; some grief is complicated by previous losses, difficult circumstances or can appear months or years after the loss. Grief can be a very lonely and isolating journey and the process can become stuck. Professional help can offer somewhere safe to talk feelings through, help unpick previous traumas or experiences contributing to the ‘stuckness’, and assist the movement towards a new normal. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to talk through any of these issues or any other issues affecting your wellbeing. Tel: 01805 603100; email: marcelle@tocnow.co.uk; website: www.tocnow.co.uk Marcelle Palmer

Boom Tingz News!

axim and Jackie Brown of Boom Tingz Burgers in Potacre Street, Great Torrington want to give thanks to all the customers who have helped to make their first six months in business such a ‘Booming’ success! Yes, just six months ago, on 8th September, Boom Tingz had its red ribbon cut and our café declared open by Torrington’s Mayor Doug Smith! So much has happened in the intervening months too, it feels longer than half a year in some ways. We got married soon after and then had to put in for planning permission to continue to be a take-away and do deliveries, as well as being a café after March 23rd - when the special Covid rules ended. After a much-needed honeymoon in January, we heard our takeaway permission had been granted permanently on Valentine’s Day, with the help of lots of support from the community. Shortly after, we received our 5-star food hygiene rating and now we have yet more good news to share. We are excited to be joining forces with Annie and her team at The Torrington Arms, providing them with our food on Thursday to Saturdays, so you can enjoy an evening with friends in a great pub with your favourite tipple and our great food! So, once again, a big thank you to all our customers who helped make a crazy idea eight months ago come true! Here’s to the next six months and more Great Burgers – Great Torrington!

From Your County Councillor…

hoped, when I finished last month’s article, that with the pandemic receding this month’s edition would be about unambiguously ‘good’ news. Sadly, the tragic events in Ukraine have been an appalling backdrop to start this month’s article. With the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Devon County Council has through ‘Team Devon’ – which is DCC, all Devon District Councils, Plymouth, Torbay and the Devon Association of Local Councils (representing Town and Parish Councils) – pledged to support Ukrainian refugees seeking sanctuary in the UK and has condemned Russia’s actions. Particular support will be given to families in Devon whose relatives in Ukraine are fleeing the conflict. The authorities have asked that, in lieu of donations of equipment or clothing, financial contributions are given instead. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched a Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and you can donate online on www.dec.org.uk. To donate directly to the Ukrainian Government, use the website www. withukraine.org, which is run by the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK. More information about charities you can donate to and what is going on in Devon can also be found online at www. devon.gov.uk/Ukraine. Despite the awful events in Ukraine, life does continue and, on a more positive note, I would like to thank and congratulate all those involved in organising and running the very successful ‘Taste of Torrington’ event on the weekend of 5th March. It was great to see so many visitors in the town! Since my last article we had ‘Storm Eunice’ blow its way through Devon.

Readers may be interested to know that the Highways Network Operations Control Centre took almost 1,300 calls during the storm period and a team of 150 Highways Officers, contractors and more than 70 tree surgeons, cleared debris including rocks, trees, and branches from the roads. Over 400 trees were uprooted. Gritters also had to be deployed due to falling road temperatures. There were extensive power outages across Devon, and in particular Torrington Rural (my home was one of them!). I am well aware of the issues we had locally, with some communities left without power for a long time. I did raise the blackouts with the Emergency Planning Team at DCC, who passed this onto Western Power Distribution. WPD were though, at the peak of the storm, dealing with over 60,000 premises across Devon and Cornwall without power, and nearly 10,000 of those were registered as priority customers. DCC’s Incident Management Team took the decision to proactively contact people known to DCC Adults and Children’s services, where they potentially would be vulnerable if left with no power. This happened, and a number of welfare issues were successfully resolved. At the time of writing (9th March), I know a number of communities and households are still without internet services following the storm. In particular we have had issues in Yarnscombe and Winkleigh, and I have been working with our MP, Sir Geoffrey Cox, to lobby BT and get some clear communication from them as to when their repair works will take place. I was left less than impressed when misleading information was put out, saying that they were waiting for DCC to approve road closures when, as a statutory undertaker, they have the right to immediately close a road to restore a loss of service to households. DCC only has to be informed two hours after the works start. Nonetheless, I will continue to liaise closely with Highways to make sure if any road closures are applied for, that they are approved swiftly.

Finally, work continues well on the A386. Engineers are hoping to have the road fully re-opened without traffic lights by mid-April, if not sooner. There has been one unfortunate issue, when a utilities company dug a trench which subsequently sunk and caused a major road hazard, just before the traffic lights as you leave Torrington. I raised this with Highways Enforcement who subsequently issued an enforcement notice and the trench was repaired. While these are troubling times, I am still here to work for you and, as ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to contact me about you can contact me on Facebook on facebook.com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew. saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Youth Genesis Sessions

ur weekly drop-in sessions are term-time at The Methodist Church Hall for ages 11-17. This term our openings are as follows: early session 6-7.30pm, ages 11-13 years. This is a more structured session for young people, aimed and planned with their input on their interests: e.g. cooking, arts and craft, games, competitions, discussions on issues they choose to raise with us. The later session is 8-9pm, a dropin chill and chat that is aimed at 14-17 years. However, this term we are focusing on the shelter project, to develop a youth committee who will be taking a lead on the need for a shelter in Calf Street play area. Torrington Youth Space, Youth Genesis Trust and the Police have been working collaboratively to support the young people in this project. Also our detached/outreach team will be out and about on Friday nights if any young people want to catch up with us. You can follow us to be kept updated on forthcoming activities via our social media Facebook and Instagram accounts #Youthgenesistorrington.

Common News…

he recent storms have caused a certain amount of tree damage and the team had their work cut out clearing paths, but all was completed swiftly. Thank you to everyone who reported where work was needed. We have an ongoing issue with pollution going into the stream at Ladywash. We have taken a number of phosphate samples and they are often giving unacceptably high readings. We are working with the Environment Agency to try and pinpoint the source of the pollution, but in the meantime the more reports of the problem as it occurs the better. If you are walking down the path by Ladywash (from the main road to Rolle Road) and you notice a detergent type smell, or the water is a cloudy blueish/white colour, please ring their incident hotline, 0800 80 70 60 to report it, and also let us know the date and time. The grid reference is SS 49888 18715. Nature conservation on The Commons Did you know Torrington Commons is a Devon County Council Wildlife Site, and falls within the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? The Torrington Commons Conservators are working with the Devon Wildlife Trust to conserve nature on The Commons. Two current projects are ‘leaky dams’ and a ‘bioblitz’ in the spring. With the support of the Devon Wildlife Trust, ‘leaky dams’ are being installed along three sections of Commons Lake, in habitats away from the footpaths and open access areas. They are made of trees and branches, placed across and within streambanks to ‘slow the flow’ of water, a simple and cost-effective method to improve water quality and habitat in wooded streams. Leaky dams reduce flooding downstream and encourage water onto the neighbouring floodplain habitat. They also reduce stream bank erosion; provide shelter and a food source for invertebrates and fish. The water on the floodplain creates pools and wet woodland, excellent for amphibians and insects, as well as providing carbon storage. The filtration of water through the floodplain can remove silt, phosphates, nitrates and other pollutants, improving water quality. As part of the Devon Wildlife Trust Conservation Communities Project, a ‘bioblitz’ is planned for Torrington Commons for the weekend of 21st/22nd May, to record as much about the natural environment as possible. The project will seek to work with people in Torrington and surrounding areas, bringing in various experts to survey wildlife, sharing skills and helping locals to gain confidence in identifying what is on the Commons and how to protect and record it. Please look out for further details of times and meeting points if you would like to get involved. Mandy Harrison (Chair GTCC), chair@torringtoncommons.org Facebook @TorringtonCommons

Fannying Around… Again

A Comedy Cabaret Evening of Menopausal Madness nce upon a time there was a crazy bunch of old ladies who started a comedy thing to raise money for local charities and have fun in the process. With a combined age of 952, and having survived a pandemic, several windy days with names, and The Great Toilet Roll Shortage of 2020, it’s a miracle they are still here. But, like Frankenstein’s monster, they have been sparked back to life to spread a little joy and raise as much money as they can for DEC Ukraine. So, if you are looking for a night of silliness and a revival of some of your favourite Fanny Bits this is the night for you! If you are too young to remember, but you like a bit of Victoria Wood/Jane Austen/knitting/silly songs/synchronised swimming and odd men (that is one hell of a Venn diagram) then this is for you too! The Fannys are (but don’t let that put you off): Carol Ryan; Steph Easton; Chris Keeley; Glenda Barnett; Margaret Jewell; Jean Evans Loude; Jo Falliiaze; Jan Baker and the odd man. Sat 28th May 7.30pm, The Castle Hill Community Hall (1646). In aid of the Ukraine crisis (all proceeds will go towards the DEC Ukraine). Bar available (you might need a stiff drink). Tickets £12/group of 6 £60: available from Fork N Feast Café/Hogwash Soap/Duffy’s.

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The Old Bowling Green

he OBG will be used this year for some special events; the first one will be the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Funday on Thursday June 2nd. This event is being organised by the Great Torrington Cavaliers. Lots of things will be happening during the day, which will end with the lighting of a beacon and then a spectacular fireworks display. More details to follow. Also, on that day Mayor Doug Smith will officially open the play park. By then we will have had a new piece of equipment added. It’s a swing that can be used by a small child and an adult at the same time. The money for this has been donated by the Cavaliers. Sunday May 1st will be the start of our car boot sale season, these will continue until the last Sunday in September and we will also have a sale on the bank holidays. Although it’s called a car boot sale, it’s more of an eco recycling event. There will be a large range of plants and shrubs, vegetable plants, homemade chutneys and loads of second hand items looking for a new home. Better than going to a landfill site. The Men’s Shed will have their stall every Sunday and, as usual, the Conservators will have their stall there selling books, dvds, cds and other items as they become available. This year we will have double the usual space and the selection of items will be enormous. Everything that we have has all been donated by the people of Torrington and the surrounding villages. We would still like more donations of books, dvds and cds if you have them, please. You can contact me on 07956 366 390 or you can bring them along on Sunday mornings. Every penny is used to help us maintain the Commons. We will update you as more events are arranged. Andrew Giles Vice Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators

Great Torrington Bowling Club (Est.1645)

fter a successful winter of playing short mat bowls the club is ready to start going outdoors again. We open our green for bowling on Saturday 16th April at 2pm, with a club roll-up and welcome anybody that is interested in finding out more about playing bowls. We have a full season of bowls friendlies lasting until the middle of September. We are looking for clubs, businesses and groups of three non-bowlers to participate in our Charity Challenge Day, to be held on Sunday 22nd May. If anyone is interested please contact our Secretary Andrew Smith or any member of the club for a form and further details. This is a real fun day, playing with and against people who have not bowled before, and a donation to the winning team’s charity. If anyone would like further information about the club and bowling, please contact Andrew Smith on 07485 648 704 or go to our website greattorringtonbowlingclub. co.uk. Fred Niven, Vice-chairman, GTBC

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Great Torrington Town Litter Pick Saturday 30th April

hy not join us for our next Great Torrington Town Litter Pick on 30th April 2022, as we get ready for our May Fair celebrations? We will be working in the town centre, but also along New Street and Calf Street. We will have some litter pickers available, or bring a brush, shovel, bin bag, gloves trowel etc. and get stuck in. We hope to see you there! Cllrs Keeley Allin, Gill Clayton, Chris Bright & Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin

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Fleur’s Gardening Forum - The Fruit Garden

urther to last month’s article about crop rotation, there should always be space for some fruit growing, whether it is a few strawberries or a full-scale orchard; once established, such an area can save you a considerable sum of money over time, depending upon what you grow. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the space to grow large fruit trees and bushes, so let’s concentrate on a border. Probably the most important thing to remember, is to grow only that fruit which you actually enjoy eating. There is absolutely no point growing gooseberries if you don’t like them! Firstly, prepare the ground in the same way as you would prepare a new herbaceous border. Dig over thoroughly to remove perennial weeds and work in plenty of good quality, well-rotted compost or manure. Allow a couple of weeks to elapse so the soil can settle down and any weed seeds to germinate – hoe these out before they take hold. The biggest pests of soft fruit growing are birds, especially blackbirds - you could lose up to 2/3 thirds of your crop to them. The best way to lessen the effect of bird damage is to erect a fruit cage – expensive but effective and permanent. Otherwise, as the fruit starts to ripen, you could cover with old net curtains or netting. If you intend to grow blueberries or cranberries, you will need to incorporate ericaceous compost into the area as well, since these fruits need acidic soil in which to flourish. Raspberries need moisture-retentive soil and they seem to thrive on clay. They require little maintenance, apart from removing the old, fruited canes in autumn. A bonus with raspberries is that the flowers are loved by bees! Strawberries are easy to grow, either in troughs or in the ground; you mainly need to guard against slug damage. During autumn, cut away all the old foliage and remove runners, although you could keep a few as ‘reserve stock’. Blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants can be planted in small groups to enhance fertilisation, but blackcurrants have a different pruning regime to the other two; keeping an open centre is the best way to ensure healthy, productive growth. Gooseberries can be trained to grow as a fan, with supporting canes, or as bushes and there are new varieties that are almost thornless. A major pest of gooseberries is the sawfly, which can strip a bush of all its leaves very quickly indeed, so watch out! Blackberries, loganberries and tayberries can be invasive but with careful pruning, they can be trained along a trellis, as per roses. There are now many fruit tree varieties that have been especially bred for the smaller garden. Container grown trees can be planted in the ground and may yield heavier crops than if kept in pots. It is the pruning regime that is important and you should read any instructions carefully, or consult the RHS website for further guidance. Fleur

1st Torrington Scout Group

he Scouts learnt to navigate in a previous meeting and then went to Great Potheridge House to do some night orienteering. It was a bit muddy, but they all had plenty of fun. The next week we were invited to 1st Woolsery Scouts, where we learnt how to make a Da Vinci Bridge which is selfsupporting using no rope. The ultimate test was to walk over the bridges they had built. It was great to meet up with another scout group and we look forward to inviting them to one of our meetings. The next two meetings were in our patrols and completed two different activities, swapping over the following week. One group did some pioneering and built a bridge between two tables; this required much thought as they were only allowed to ask three questions to help them. The other group used the new kitchen and learnt how to make shortcrust pastry and jam tarts, it was great to be able to use the new kitchen that the community helped fund. Help Wanted: Leaders, Assistant Leaders & Committee members 1st Torrington Scout Group is looking for individuals to join our hall committee and/or become leaders or assistant leaders. Committee Members would help run the hall, from bookings to fundraising events etc. A Beaver leader would restart our group for 6-8yrs and assistant leaders in Cubs 8-10yrs and Scouts 10-14yrs section would help run a varied program. If you wish to join or have any questions, please contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon Whitear for more details via email on Jordon.whitear@gmail.com

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Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

he Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow. Please consider applying if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons. We have a range of projects this year, including developing our visitor centre, renovating the Waterloo Monument and maintaining the many footpaths. The lower carpark on the OBG also needs some major work. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation, which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1: Cut out or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the address on the form. You can pay by standing order or by sending a cheque for £24. Option 2: Visit the website www. torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque. Option 3: Email me at vicechair@ torringtoncommons.org or phone or text on 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you. You can also collect an application form from the Post Office and some other shops in town.

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AHJ Builders A Place For Everything @no. 11 in the Pannier Market Fork ‘n’ Feast at 1646 Collectability in the High Street Computer Works Cornmarket Antiques Crafty Needles in the Pannier Market Dafforn and Sons New Street Dartington Crystal Duane’s Carvings and Gallery in the Pannier Market Everest Indian Takeaway in South Street Fine Floral Design in South Street Hair We Are in South Street Hogwash Soap Castle Street and online Ian Coote Architecture Inside 11a South Street Java Gifts Cornmarket Street Jayne Poole Photography Kitch ‘n’ Cupboard in the Pannier Market Lillian Rose Interiors Well Street Little Leaf Pregnancy No. 37 Café in South Street No. 5 Hair and Beauty in South Street Not Just Travel Gillian Farr Proseprints online and craft fairs R&S Ware Butchers in South Street Samantha Hardwick Well-being Coach Second Nature Beauty Studio at No.5 Cornmarket Street Squires Electrical in the High Street Steve Gladwin Family Butchers Fore St Tanya’s Beauty Studio Fore Street The Puffing Billy The Sweet Spot The Whole Jar Torrington Framing Torrington Golf Club Torrington Museum Bookshop, High St Torrington Refill Shop Toy Swap in the Pannier Market Unique Boutique Cornmarket Street Whiskers Pet Centre South Street Xanadu (in-store discount only) South St

Waterloo Monument

he monument was erected in 1818 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It is in urgent need of renovation and the Great Torrington Commons Conservators have taken on the responsibility of saving the structure from collapse, so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come. Using funds donated, a survey was completed on the condition of the monument on Castle Hill, in February. The survey was carried out by BEA Engineering Design Ltd, with the assistance of a contractor from Heritage Cob and Lime. Also present was Emily Wapshott a local archaeologist, plus a representative from the Devon County Council Historic Environment Team. The survey findings were: * The condition of the monument has deteriorated due to erosion of the mortar joints, leading to water ingress, rather than ground movement. * Contrary to local folklore, there appears to be no central chamber. Rather the centre is filled with rubble. Because of water ingress this rubble is settling and pushing out the outside structure. * There are holes where the mortar has fallen out, creating loose stonework. Some areas of stone are ‘blown’, and some large stones are cracked. To repair the structure and make it sound will require scaffolding, to rake out and repoint all the joints, and reconstruction where the stonework is blown or cracked. As the monument is a listed building, Torridge District Council will need to agree a repair plan. Once a plan is costed the Conservators will be seeking to raise further funds to carry out the repairs. We will keep you informed of our progress in future editions of the Crier and our Facebook page. David Nudd, Torrington Commons Conservator

Afternoon Tea in Beaford

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GREAT TORRINGTON T Your Council, Working for YOU

From Your Mayor…

n the 12th February, rain couldn’t disrupt the 1646 procession through the town, or dampen the spirits of the crowd who followed the event through to the firework display in South Street Car Park. What a great tradition this is and I was very pleased to play my part as Mayor. A few days later I joined the group of judges, along with some members from the May Fair committee at GTS, for the incredibly difficult task of choosing the Carnival Queen and attendants. Any of the contestants would have made a worthy Queen; however, we eventually agreed a winner in Phoebe Young as Carnival Queen, with Brooke Copp and Lily-Mai Rogers her attendants. On the same day, the May Queen and Crowner were announced at the Bluecoat School. This year we welcome Cadie Hewitt and Lola Stevens respectively. The other roles were decided as follows; Heralds: Regan Beer and Quinlan Dymond; Standard Bearer: Alex Williams; Attendants Jessica Braund, Bella North, Dynasty Harris, Alanna Clifton, Honey Huxtable, Mollie Mae Coysh, Lola North and Isabelle Vennall. I very much look forward to seeing them parade and play their respective parts on May Fair day 2022! Throughout February we were hit by a number of storms in quick succession, which caused disruption across the town in many ways. Our huge thanks to Utility services staff who worked round the clock in appalling conditions to restore power as quickly as they did, though inevitably many people had lengthy cuts. A storm of an entirely different nature hit us when Russia decided to invade

Ukraine to everyone’s disbelief and horror. With each news report new atrocities unfolded and the UK, amongst other nations, responded amazingly with immediate offers of support and help in many forms. At the Council meeting on the 3rd March, I called for a vigil of support for the Ukrainian people on the following Saturday night. We had very little time to organise this, but that made it even more poignant, as the people of Ukraine had even less time to organise themselves for the monstrous onslaught they are still enduring. At the vigil I drew attention to the similarity of those Ukrainian people to the ordinary ones in Russia, and even here in Great Torrington, and offered our moral and humanitarian support. The turnout was wonderful, for which I extend my thanks, and many people have approached me after the event to underline their support I had the lovely task of announcing the winners of the May Fair programme cover designs to the two chosen pupils at the Bluecoat School. Well done to Dotty Scoynes (front cover) and Ava Dymond (back cover). Castle Hill Business Hub was officially opened on 4th March, when I was honoured to represent the town in the ribbon cutting ceremony with Chief Executive and Chairman of Torridge District Council, Steve Hearse and Cllr Doug Busby respectively. This hub is available for anyone to use, and has all the facilities on hand and in-house. That same evening took me south to Okehampton for their Mayor’s Ball, where I had the opportunity to meet with local mayors from Barnstaple, Holsworthy, Northam as well as the Lord Mayor of Plymouth. It was noticeable and gratifying how many of them sang the praises of Great Torrington! On the 5th of March the inaugural Craft, Food and Drink Fair took place

over four venues across the town and was a resounding success, with over 70 tables on view. Lots of people fed back their appreciation and delight at the success, and asked for more! I was also invited to meet with Emily Wapshott on Monday 7th March, on what turned out to be a bitterly cold morning on Castle Hill mound. Emily and two other archaeologists were conducting a non-invasive survey of the castle and surroundings in preparation for a potential dig this and next year. This would be an incredibly exciting prospect for the town as we are steeped in a rich heritage. Finally, I should like to express my personal support as well as that shown by our town’s people to the citizens of Ukraine in this unspeakable war. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

Annual Town Meeting Thursday 14th April 2022

otice is hereby given that Great Torrington Annual Parish Meeting will be held at the Great Torrington Town Hall on Thursday 14th April 2021 at 7pm. The Mayor of Great Torrington will submit a report on the Town Council’s activities during 2021/22. 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. Karen Chapman (Town Clerk) Great Torrington Town Council

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TOWN COUNCIL NEWS 16

Enrico Caruso (25thFebruary Year 10 1873 have –been asked to Celebrations write August 1921)a per2ndJubilee Platinum

suasive review about Part 2 he Town Council continues to a What work a great shame there the are Town no fair the or festival for with Cavaliers, digital mastered recordings of Caruso. Hall, Commons Conservators their GCSE English assessment. OneRosemoor cannot imagine howtogether wonderful his and in pulling plans Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder voice was. forone the Platinum Celebrations. of such fair Jubilee we should treasure. Caruso’s 25-year will career, stretching Detailed information be reported in fromMay 1895 to 1920, included the and June Crier; but for now,863 Sending Out a Mayday appearances at thedates New please putSpring the following and York times For Our Metropolitan OperaFair before he died of inCan yourwe diaries; allow Torrington’s to an infection at the age of 48.tradition His fame 1. Thursday 2nd June, 1pm: we will join dwindle? has lasted to the present day, despite the nation as ourcomes Town Crier reads the What picture into promotional your mind the limited marketing and national proclamation in the town centre. when you think of Torrington’s May Fair? avenues available to him. He was, For many it is2nd theaJune, image of the maypole, 2. Thursday later that nonetheless, client of Edward laughter and sunshine; it organising would be afternoon: The Cavaliers are Bernays during the latter’s tenure as a difficult tofun imagine Torrington without it. a familyagent afternoon at the Publicity Old Bowling press in the USA. in Yet today, our historic traditionand is all Green with activities for children Caruso’s time relied on newspapers, under threat. It is easy to allow ages and will run up to the lighting of a particularly services, the pressureswire of modern life tomagazines, Beacon. photography and the telephone. slowly strangle our cultural 3. Caruso’s Thursday 2nd Juneage 9.09pm: A Piper biographers, Key, heritage. In this fast ofPierre will play Zirato “Diu Regnare” Bruno and Stanley high-tech gadgetry, mass Jackson attribute his and fameJune not instant only to his voice 4. Thursday 2nd 9.15pm: Lighting media and musicianship, also a keen of a Beacon at 9.15pm a gratification, there is but littlefollowed time to by business sense andmatters: an embrace of left for what really firework display. community life. Today, more commercial sound recordings, then in 5. Sunday 5th June 3-5pm: The Town than ever, it is essential to its infancy. Many well-known opera Council, in conjunction with the Town keep our historic celebration alive. singers of Caruso’s time rejected the and Community Hall will facilitate a Our week of annual festivity andfosters phonograph (gramophone) their community picnic in the town centre friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voiceswill have been lost as a children’s result, which include some link withsingers ouralso past. We cannot let this Patti, die. other including Adelina entertainment andcobbled local music. Weof our As you walk the Francesco Tamagno and streets Nellie Melba hope fortown, a great family funantiquity. afternoonThe ancient you breathe exploited the new technology once celebrating the Jubilee. May links present-day Torrington they Fair became aware of the success of with the past, transporting us to a bygone There will be more information to Caruso’s recording sessions. era – when life now, was simpler. follow, but for please mark these Caruso made more that 260 extant Torrington has inhosted the annual May couple of dates your diaries, 2ndVictor and recordings in 1554. America for the Fair since However, many 5th June, to join in with the community Talking Machine Company, (laterorigins RCA celebrations in England have their celebrations events. Victor) fromand 1904 to 1920, and he

th in even millions earlier times: to the Roman Devonian dialect is strung across the November there will be a On the 16 earned of dollars in royalties festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and square – Torrington is known as a lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, from the retail sales of the resulting flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth friendly town and this is no better the Associated Country Women of the 78rpm discs. In Italy in 1902-1903, he is particularly relevant to us today, displayed than at the May Fair. In this era World, of which the WI nationally is a cut five batches of records for the breathing new life into the winter of our of social isolation, the May Fair provides member. widely known, the G r a m o p h o n e a n d T y p e w r i t e r community. the medicineNot of friendship, inclusion and ACWW has representatives from many Company. He was later heard live from Moreover, in keeping with the spirit of support. The fair encourages community nationalities; working relief for of the stage ofchildren the Metropolitan rejuvenation, are the focalOpera point life as the young and oldtowards join together poverty and sickness, promoting health House in the first public radio Craft, Food &Much Drink Fair of the festivities. against Mr Gove’s the common good. What better way is and advancing education. It’s down-tobroadcast in 1920. s one of our Welcome Backare Fund initiatives, the neighbours Town Council tendered better wishes, Torrington’s schools there to bring together? approach offers support In the for next I will youtoabout closed to anissue allow full tell community come and wide to events company organise earth a People Craft, Food andfrom Drinkfarmutual Fair. and the practical help to Fair. women and some of his operatic participation. What could Management, be more enjoy ofLowe May They also South West roles. Events headed updelights by Lucy was the communities across the on world. Until then good listening appealing than watching theinitial crowning of bring money with them! The fair successful applicant. The arrangement wastheir to host the event Saturday the May Queen? The procession of boys replenishes the coffers of the townthe – To find out about the ACWW and Bob Dymond 5th March over two venues; the Town Hall and the Pannier Market. During the and girls in brightly coloured costumes providing a Institutes welcome boost to the local Women's nationwide, visit early preparation stage it became apparent there was a high demand from stall would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, economy – such a help in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk W.I.subsequently progressed holders toTorrington attend. The event touse spread further afield and skirts skipping and the band blasting: the Businesses the carnival as W.I. an Any queries about Torrington Our Annual Meeting will take place additional venues, namely Castle Hill and the Plough were added. maypole is ceremoniously woven. opportunity to advertise their wares. th ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on We we willconsider onJust Wednesday 9 November. We are really pleased to say that the event to have collection been a huge as the colours on the maypole are Charities also benefit: tins are 01805 623588. be electing a new success. We blown with the quality and of the goods on offer, intertwined, sowere the May Fairaway breaks down soon fullvariation to overflowing. President and as well as the number of people who attended! The weather was also onhistoric our side social barriers as it appeals Yet it is often argued that celGreat Torrington committee for the everyone. Choirs,down dance are as archaic and own anachronistic. with glorioustosunshine beaming on theebrations town centre our very Town following Town Hall Project and all event. On The the contrary, Torrington’s Band playedgroups beautifully inmajorettes support year, of the town was buzzing andfestivities the taking a alook back Bystall theholders time appears to the stage: feast for revitalise the old this traditions. the current atmosphere take superb with positive feedback from and report local In shops. It in at all we have the eyes and ears. Local climate of apathy, laziness and The Crier, you will have noticed also served as a great opportunity to showcase the town, and feedback indicates are and happily indifference, the been May Fair lifts our spirits experienceddignitaries in the last year then scaffolding has put that many of the visitors on the day will come back and visit us again. A big thank peltedpreview in the of stocks and and Torrington getting a sneak speakers up totransforms facilitate the repair into a vibrant you to Lucy,subjected all the stallholders and those who worked hard behind the scenes at to and duckings. community. booked for 2012. Cups prizesThe will of the roof andDespite make thethe continual the various venues to help make the Fair such a success.ofWe are also grateful to Mayor has a lavish lunch, to development modern technology and be awarded for those who did best in building water-tight for Rosemoor for providing a shuttle bus service to and from the town. which many are invited. The increasing time spent at computer our optional monthly competitions, and the winter. It will be town crier be bellows as tea he screens, year’s record-breaking there will, of course, time for enclosed last in waterproof proudly marches the streets turnout shows there is the still aworking place forarea live and a natter. sheeting to protect Rack Park & the Churchyard Maintenance of his predecessors and The Torrington entertainment. Given the choice of Beingorrather nifty getting through and to minimise any risk to the the pulsates past fiveatyears or so the Townplaying Council been contracted by internal Silver Band like the beating ahas video game or participating in the business side of things, we will alsoto maintain fabric. both At the same time, a series of District Council (TDC) Rack Park andwhich the heart of Torridge the community. the buzz of the fair, I know I would manageChurchyard. a bit of time to have welcome Bob enjoyed photoelectric be installed, veryweek much workingpanels for the will community in to The grand finale of We the May Fair choose… Brewer, who will give us the low-down reduce running-costs, and perhaps is theofcarnival, a spectacle lightvolunteers, and Today, the new enemy of a large-scale both these areas and withoflocal in particular at Rack Park. This on the Fanciful Cavaliers. provide an income forand the Safety’. project As by sound. floats journey through town event ‘Health arrangement will change from the 1stthe April 2022 as TDCistake over maintenance of We whilst start the at 7pm in are the lined Methodist sellingcrowds surplus power to thebeNational town streets with huge gather, it could argued all open spaces across Torridge. The Town Council did formally request to maintain Church Hall, and prospective members Grid.there is a danger of an accident. cheering children. In the packed town that both contracts, but understand that the of this would not beisfeasible for are veryyou welcome visit for Anylogistics Although with this all work being carried square, have notochoice but free. to mingle Nowadays, the ridiculous rules the District Council. We have been assured that the quality of maintenance will newmake members paying their subs this out by the Townlands payment and new friends. and regulations it is Trust, a struggle to be replicated bymonths TDC to and that they are to continuing work withfor month, for theee!’ price oflooking will forward be taken from funds set aside ‘Uz get be 14 plaised zee The organise anything. In to this age of volunteers and that! for thebanner community Great Torrington. 12. How about Mayor’s welcome in ofthick countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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From Your District Councillors…

t the ‘Budget Special’ full council meeting, the budget highlighted that Torridge’s Provisional Local Government Financial Settlement had given TDC an increase of core spending power of 1.1%, but given that inflation is 5%, that on its own leaves us at nearly a 4% reduction in real terms spending power. Even with raising TDC’s council tax by 2.88% (£5 per year for a Band D) we see a real term reduction of 1% in the council’s funding next year. Most residents fall into bands A, B or C and so the increase from Torridge is less than £5 per year to those households. Torridge District Council is the collector of council tax, but it is collecting on behalf of other authorities as well. Torridge only takes around 8% of the council tax collected, while Devon County Council takes nearly 75% and Devon and Cornwall Police around 12%. The Police and Crime Commissioner, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, and town or parish councils, also take their shares from the council tax, and each can choose their own council tax levels. Under Torridge’s capital programme, a selection of projects were on the table to be approved to commence. Each project was scored using a system which is supposed to value each on its merits, and projects scoring over a certain threshold were recommended for ‘approval’. However, some councillors were not convinced that the scoring system was right or fair. Numerous councillors were not happy that the Torrington Pannier Market repairs were scored below the threshold of the ‘approval’ list, and the replacement play equipment in Victoria Park in Bideford also didn’t make it through. There is already a planning application submitted by Torridge for the Pannier Market, which would allow them to renovate the front of the Grade II* listed building. Torridge has also funded preliminary reports, collecting paint samples, and the removal of the bellcote (which had deteriorated so much that it was at risk of collapse). The project was all ready to go, apart from approving the

Northern Devon Healthcare Trust and Royal Devon and Exeter Trust merger and the New Hospitals Programme. There is already collaboration between NDHT and RD&E, with rotational services and joint clinical leadership working well. However, the formal (corporate) merger is proposed from April 2022, which will offer increased access to resources, reduced costs, digital innovation, and improved patient confidence with the support of a larger hospital. Clinicians are behind the merger and it has the full support of SOHS. The new combined trust will be a teaching trust with over 100 trainees (up from 35). North Devon District funding of £176,000. The Hospital was one of four hospitals in Chair of the Torrington Devon and Cornwall picked for the New Museum, Dave Gibbons, Hospital Programme (capital investment came to speak at the from Treasury). The submission date meeting to show support for the business case is April 2023 with of the refurbishments. the build schedule being 2025/27. The He highlighted that it aim is to redevelop the existing site, with was ‘oven ready’, and refurbishment of the old hospital, but also spoke about some also adding new build, utilising the land Torridge officers who had been working around the existing building to grow. The really well with him and the trustees, and new hospital will offer increased bed made real progress with the building. spaces and additional capacity, however He also highlighted that Torridge has the it was acknowledged that the biggest duty to ensure listed buildings like this anticipated challenge is the workforce: are kept to a high standard and the legal how to get trainees and most importantly, requirement from Historic England, given recruit. It was also highlighted that there that it is Grade II* listed. Alison Bennett is a shortage of cancer consultants from Kitch ‘n’ Cupboard also spoke in nationally. support of the repairs, saying that if it Finally, on the Torridge website, there is put off for too much longer, then the is a survey about bringing electric hire job in hand is going to be a much more cars and E-bikes to Torridge and North serious one to be done. Cllr CottleDevon. We hope that the project goes Hunkin read out a great supporting letter ahead, as we have had several residents from the Deputy Mayor Keeley Allin too. mention that they cannot get to work on But members on the night voted in favour Sundays because of the lack of buses, of the recommended capital programme and they would be really keen to see which did not include the pannier market E-bikes as an option. E-bikes also make repairs. However, the wording of the it easier to cycle up steep hills, like recommendations does say ‘with the Station Hill, making it easier to cycle from projects that fall below this score being the Tarka Trail to the Town Centre. So referred back to officers for further please just spend a few minutes to give work/refinement, and possible future your thoughts. consideration’. But with no explanation Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin; Cllr.cottleor timescale on when a project would be hunkin@torridge.gov.uk; 07495 367 801 reconsidered. Cllr Chris Bright; Councillor.bright@ At the most recent External O&S torridge.gov.uk; 07936 325 909 Committee we received an update on the

Interesting Things to See in Torrington

striking golden statue stands amongst the gravestones in Torrington cemetery. It was unveiled to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sister Nivedita, in a ceremony attended by town and district councillors as well as Indian dignitaries; including Swami Sarvasthananda from the Ramakrishna Mission in London. Born Margaret Elizabeth Noble in Ireland in 1867, she lived as a child, from 1871 to 1877, in Torrington where her father was a pastor in the Wesleyan church. She was a teacher, author, social activist, school founder and disciple of Swami Vivekananda, whom she first met in London in 1895 and followed to Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1898. It was he who named her Nivedita which means 'dedicated to God'. She wanted to educate girls, who were deprived of even basic education, and opened a girls'

"She was a teacher, author, social activist, school founder and disciple of Swami Vivekananda, whom she first met in London in 1895 and followed to Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1898. It was he who named her Nivedita which means 'dedicated to God'. " school in Calcutta in November 1898. During the plague epidemic in 1899, Nivedita nursed and took care of the poor patients. She died in Darjeeling in October 1911 aged 44. Her ashes were

returned to Torrington where they were interred in the family grave. In Castle Street there is a slab of stone set into the pavement and a plaque

on the wall nearby that states, 'THE LARGE STONE IN THE PAVEMENT ORIGINALLY MARKED THE BOUNDARY OF THE OLD BOROUGH'. Beyond that were the castle grounds. A former owner of a very old house, number 33 South Street, believed the house was here during the Civil War in the 1640s and was possibly the last house in the street at that time, as the neighbouring three-storey house is of a much later date. He moved into the house in 1940 when his mother was headmistress of the Bluecoat School. It was difficult to find a house in Torrington, as many of them were being used as

billets for members of the regiments who were stationed in the town during the Second World War. There was possibly a small dame school in the house, before the Board School in Whites Lane and the Bluecoat School at Barley Grove existed. It is also believed that the property was a telephone exchange at one time: there was a telegraph pole in the back garden which would have brought lines into the house and an alcove indoors where the switchboard could have been. There is also a trapdoor in the floor which leads out to the double BT concrete covers in the street outside. The house would have been the information centre of Torrington, with the telephonists able to listen in to local telephone conversations! A brass plate was found in the house bearing the name of a dentist, Mr Willetts, who lived and worked there at one time. There is a system of bells in each room for summoning servants in days gone by. Perched on the roof above the entrance to the pannier market is a bellcote, installed in 1842 when the market was built. The bell disappeared many years ago and, although plans for the 1990s renovations of the pannier market included the repair of the bellcote and the re-installation of the bell, this didn't happen. The District Council has plans at present to refurbish the bellcote, but the question is: what happened to the bell? Moira Brewer

i Fabulous Freddie checking in. Well what a month March proved to be here at the rescue. Firstly the new fence that was erected was damaged in the wind, as trees from the neighbouring property blew down on it – fortunately not too much damage and it has now been repaired. In addition to the issues around the fence, the phones and internet were down for over three weeks, which made it very difficult to operate. However in comparison to things happening elsewhere in the world these are minor issues. Talking of world issues, did you see the lovely entries on our Facebook page for the virtual dog show in aid of the people and pets of Ukraine? For some reason I wasn’t allowed to enter, probably because I would have won too many of the rosettes, but a big thank you to everyone who supported it as we raised £600 – a fantastic achievement. The money will be used to buy vital medical equipment together with food and bedding for the animals. The winner of the prettiest girl was won by Harper, some of you may remember that she was rescued by K9focus and continues to be sponsored by us. I remember she didn’t like me much, but I have to admit that she was very pretty!

I am pleased to say that Barney the Beagle has now gone to his forever home, which is really good news as he was quite demanding in the kennels –

especially when there was food around. As always, when one leaves another is quick to follow in their kennel and so we have now welcomed a little stray, who Aunty Lynne has called Mabel. Sadly Mabel was found roaming the streets and, although she has a microchip the chip has not been registered, which we do see so often and therefore her owner cannot be traced and no one has come

forward for her. She is a very sweet girl and I am sure it won’t be long before she is snapped up. Our two lurchers, Cagney and Lacey are also still waiting to be adopted, I can’t believe no one has taken these two lovelies to their hearts – they are adorable and so well behaved. They are sisters who have been together since birth, and so it is essential that they are homed together. They love their ‘zoomies’ but then become typical lurcher couch potatoes and love nothing more than a belly rub. As we start to move through spring, thoughts of our summer events come to mind. As always, we have lots of events planned: starting with the Bideford Bike Show on Sunday 29th May, when we will be having tombola. We are very excited about the show, as K9Focus has been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from the proceeds. Once again, we will also be holding our dog show and fun run at Castle Hill House, Filleigh on 11th September, which saw an amazing turn out of dogs last year. Let’s hope the weather is as good in 2022 as it was in 2021! Well that’s about it from me for this month, but with just a quick reminder that although us woofs love chocolate, chocolate does not love us and is actually very dangerous. I hate to say it, but remember to keep all those lovely Easter eggs high up off the ground or locked away where we can’t reach them! Wishing you all a woofable, chocolatey Easter. Love Freddie

Cavaliers Column Chapter 20

e know it’s still early days, but The Cavaliers along with the Town Council, who are steering a series of events, and with funding from the Town and Lands Charity, are beginning to plan a family fun day on the Commons to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Thursday June 2nd is when it all kicks off and is the date when the nationwide Jubilee beacons will be lit across the country. The Cavaliers will construct Torrington’s beacon, ready for lighting at around 9pm, but feel it is an opportunity not to be missed to make the event a fun day for all. We haven’t been able to hold a family fun day for a couple of years now, due to obvious reasons, and feel that a good old family get together might just be a good tonic in these recent difficult times. Bouncy castles are being sourced and various kiddie’s entertainments are being planned (along with the obligatory beer tent for adults!) and we feel it will also be a great opportunity for other groups to get involved. So, here’s a shout out to any local sports clubs, groups and organisations to come down and provide some extra entertainments during the day. Perhaps local football clubs could hold a penalty shoot-out competition, Golf Club for pitch and putt and perhaps the Running Club might organise a small fun run/treasure hunt. The Rugby Club for a tug of war battle and the Cadets perhaps might have some ideas. If anyone wants to put up a stand or gazebo to advertise and showcase what they do, then they would also be most welcome. Let’s fill the Commons with a day of fun and laughter and God knows, don’t we all need it! Oh! I forgot to say there might be a few fireworks! If you would like to be involved please contact secretary@torrington-cavaliers. co.uk. On another note, we would like to thank all those who turned up and supported the Battle of Torrington torchlight procession in February. The

weather was pretty awful but it didn’t dampen the spirits. It was good to meet up again with the Sealed Knot members, who always travel down to add a splash of colour to the town over that weekend. The event was well supported and thanks again for that. Well, that’s the latest so until next time. All for One and One for All. Ace

Easter Holiday Fun

April 2nd -12th airtrade Easter Egg Window Spotting Competition. Entry forms from Kitch ‘n’ Cupboard, Pannier Market. Closing date 12 noon Thursday 12th April. Fairtrade Easter egg prizes for the first three correct entries, drawn from a hat.

Rolle Canal Progress Report Rosemoor Site

October 2021 to March 2022 ince writing the last article for The Crier (October 2021 edition), a great deal of work has been carried out on the canal by our team of dedicated volunteers, particularly at the Rosemoor site which continues to be the main focus of our work. Our restoration of the lime kiln is coming on well and most of the western wall has now been repaired. This work has been greatly helped by the Executive Committee’s decision to purchase five tons of good quality stone from a local quarry. This was not cheap, but we have now exhausted our ‘in-house’ supply and, without this new material, work would have ground to a halt. The benefits of having good stone are twofold: it enables the process of re-building to proceed much more quickly, but also ensures that the end result will be aesthetically pleasing. The photo of the lime kiln taken from the towpath shows the impressive scale of the restoration to date. In late November/early December we started on the daunting job of repairing the main arch of the lime kiln which overlooks the lower basin. The closeup photo shows the rather depressing extent of the damage to the arch. This

will not be easy to repair but we have gained valuable experience in this field from our restoration of the southern arch in 2019. Prior to starting the re-build, it was necessary to erect a wooden former to support the new masonry during the reconstruction. We made a start on the re-build in late January and have now laid the base stones. The work is laborious as the stones have to be cut to size using an angle grinder but our masons are making steady progress on this challenging task. On the canal itself, we have concentrated our efforts on rebuilding the wall of the upper basin. This has been something of a race against time, as we wanted to complete this project before the winter weather set in. After many weeks of sustained stone-laying, this task was completed in December. We have managed to re-create a curved section of the wall, which we believe was a winding point for the tub boats where they would have been turned round after unloading. The wall was badly damaged here, so this has largely been a matter of conjecture, but there must have been an area for boats to be turned in preparation for the return journey to the Sea Lock. We have been forced to construct a semi-circular retaining wall around

the awkward telegraph pole which BT engineers, in their wisdom, decided to install right on the line of the canal. On the face of it, this seems a strange decision, but we have to remember that the pole was erected well before our restoration work started. At that time, the area was completely overgrown and there would have been very little evidence that there was a canal there at all. So, the restoration of this section of the canal is now largely complete apart from the final ‘capping off’ which we hope to undertake later this year. Substantial progress has been made on our other major project – the excavation and restoration of the tucking mill. It is now clear that the building is much larger than we originally thought. The discovery of a substantial wall running southwards, parallel with the towpath, suggests that there may have been a third chamber in addition to the two which we have already excavated. The floor adjacent to the wall of the third chamber is constructed of a concrete-like material, although there is evidence that this may have been laid over an earlier cobblestone floor. This would make sense, as it would mirror the cobbled floor we found in the lower chamber – assuming the rooms were built at roughly the same time. In the wheel pit, the foundations of the external wall have now been largely reconstructed; including tying in the corner of the wall where it joins the upper section of the building near the lip of the mill race. This was quite complicated, but it finishes off the entire length of this section of wall and clearly defines the periphery of the

site. In January, we decided to remove the two cast iron shafts and gearing (part of the original mill machinery) which we unearthed some time ago, and store them safely in the lime kiln. This was a Herculean task as these pieces are incredibly heavy. However, with much puffing and blowing we eventually hauled them up the hill and into the main chamber of the kiln (see photo).

last six months, we have made really good progress with the restoration of this fascinating site, which we are sure will be of great interest to visitors when the site is opened to the public. Would you like to join our team of volunteers? The work is interesting and varied and there are tasks to suit most ages and abilities. If you are interested, please contact our Chairman, Ian Harrison 01237 475707; e-mail: halehillfarm@gmail.com. Tony Nicholls

Bideford Music Club

Along with all the other artefacts we have found, these will be cleaned up and eventually put on display. In February, we uncovered the lower walls of the mill race, where it enters the small leat which flows into the River Torridge. These formed a curved splay at the outflow which must have looked very attractive although, sadly, much of the original stonework has been damaged or has disappeared. Over the

ideford Music Club’s next concert features two pianists, Imma Setiadi and Nigel Clayton. Both have won many prizes and awards and have distinguished careers as performers and teachers. They will perform on Wednesday 6th April at St Mary’s Church, Church Walk, Bideford EX39 2BP. The concert begins at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets cost £14.50 on the door. Please pay by cash or cheque only. Children and students are free. Contact the Treasurer on 01237 477242 for further details and information.

What Does Culture Mean to You?

hings Made Public is working with stakeholders in North Devon and Torridge, with the support of Arts Council England to develop a cultural strategy for the area. It is important that the Northern Devon Culture Strategy is shaped by local people, which is why you have been asked to fill in this short survey. We know that culture means different things to different people. For some it might be watching live music at a local venue or enjoying a good film on a Saturday night, others might see it as gardening, crafting or cooking, whilst some will prefer to visit the ballet or getting involved in an immersive theatre experience. Perhaps you love all of the above and more! Or maybe none of it floats your boat! We want to hear about what you get up to in North Devon and Torridge, the things that make the place you live so special, the things that help or hinder what you do and where you go and most importantly how you perceive creative opportunities and activities in the area. So, what are you waiting for? This is your chance to have your voice heard! www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TKDN6K7

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Torrington RFC

t looks like winter is finally leaving us behind. With a none too subtle reminder of who’s in charge. Fortunately the clubhouse only suffered minor damage from storms Dudley and Eunice, and a crossbar was torn from its mounting on our second pitch. Our last opponents of February, Plymouth Arguam, didn’t get off so lightly. Their pitch was made unplayable and goalposts felled by the winds. However rugby spirit prevailed and the game was relocated to their near neighbours Plympton Victoria, who allowed the use of their pitch to enable the fixture to go ahead. However this didn’t stop Arguam from coming out as victors, despite a spirited display from Torrington. A 41-15 score line was the result on this occasion. Onward to March and distant Salcombe travelled to Donnacroft, with a bus full of players and supporters who were determined to have a good day out. Coinciding with our ‘Ladies Day Lunch’, the travellers took full advantage of our hospitality, joining in with fun and games in the clubhouse. On the pitch a strong Torrington side dominated the majority of the game. However, succumbing to intense pressure from Salcombe, quick scoring from the visitors overtook Torrie’s dominance resulting in Salcombe coming out victors 20-31. Onward to our next game, which

involves a trip to our old adversaries South Molton. Just a few miles down the road compared to some of our travels, and we always get a very hospitable welcome from Molton, in the bar if not on the pitch! Then we’re off to Plymouth (AGAIN!) to visit Tamar Saracens. Always a good game to watch and hopefully one we should be very competitive in. That rounds off March’s games. With the end of the season in sight, April takes us to Buckfastleigh firstly, and then Dartmouth travel to Donnacroft. Sincerely hoping they can assemble a squad for this, our last game of the season, as they have had their share of player availability issues as many of us have. Come and visit us if you haven’t already. We don’t bite and we have a bar stocked with reasonably priced beverages of many different strengths, but most of all you’ll be made very welcome. If you feel you’re able to help out, either on or off the pitch, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us either by visiting on match days, or e-mail TRFC1985@outlook.com. Discipline, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship, Respect & Teamwork C’mon Torrie! Mark Waterson

Torrington & District Historical Society

onday 11th April is our AGM. This is an opportunity to meet and elect a new committee, the business part of the meeting will be quite brief. We will also be able to find out some of the plans for the coming year, enjoy a cup of tea and chat to other members. Several members will be offering an insight into their particular areas of historical interest. We have had some great meetings this year: from finding out a bit about Margaret Beaufort and Torrington during medieval times; a bit about Bideford during the Second World War; more about RAF Chivenor during the Second World War; David has reignited our passion for family history. During the summer we are planning a programme of visits to local areas of interest. Why not come and join us? We have such a mixture of interesting speakers and visits; you don’t need to be a historian just curious! We meet at the Torrington Methodist Church on the second Monday of the month at 7.30pm. Maggi Rogers

Easter Bingo

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The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a selection set of gourmet barbecue rubs and sauces from Hogster Hog Roast. 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 Beryl Heard. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 14th April and the solution and winner will be in the May issue.

“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway” Michael Pollan

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April Doubleday

A pioneer in Fairtrade Gold have been living in North Devon for the past 42 years and have been involved with ethical jewellery practices and sourcing since leaving university in 2005, after studying jewellery and design. I first became aware of the environmental and human rights abuses within the jewellery sector whilst writing my dissertation, which was called Blood Diamonds. It highlighted to me all the bad practices involved in the industry. I decided I could not work with materials that had been used for war, involved forced and child labour and caused environmental damage such as deforestation and pollution due to the use of mercury and cyanide in the gold production process. Back in 2007, a group of like-minded people and I used to meet in London to discuss how we could make a difference to the jewellery industry and make it more sustainable. We all lived in different parts of the UK and were finding it hard to move the organisation further, so we took it to Fairtrade. In 2011 10 others and I became the first in the world to be Fairtrade certified, using Fairtrade gold; other countries have since followed suit. Using Fairtrade gold guarantees that the gold has been mined to meet Fairtrade standards. This gives you the knowledge that your piece of jewellery hasn’t involved child or forced labour, has been mined in a responsible manner, with replanting after mining and has used chemicals in a controlled way or not at all. The miners are paid a fair wage for their hard work, plus a Fairtrade Premium which they can choose how to spend. They can invest it in their community for education or healthcare or into their business. It gives them the power to make life better for themselves and their community. There are over two million small artisanal miners on the planet, but most of them use unsafe and bad practices. Being part of Fairtrade would help the miners and their communities to improve their lives and move them out of poverty. My passion for Fairtrade Gold took me to Colombia with my son to make a short film about an artisanal miner called Americo. The film shows how his involvement in the Fairtrade Foundation has helped him and his community. If you want to view the film it can be viewed on my website www.aprildoubleday. com.

Huntshaw Bell Fund – Event

n Saturday 14th May at 2.30pm, Ian Campbell from Exeter will be giving a talk in the church entitled ‘The Art and Science of Bells and Bell Ringing’. Ian will be bringing an 8ft high bell stand and large bell into the church, where he will demonstrate ringing in the up position and when down. He will also have with him a set of hand bells and volunteers to demonstrate how change ringing works, and with his laptop connected to speakers he will demonstrate the ‘Magic of Bells’. Ian says his talk will be more like entertainment than a talk, and afterwards everybody will have a chance to try to ring the big bell. Entry will be free but there will be a donation bucket. Afterwards, while people are trying out the bell(s), there will be tea, coffee cakes and refreshments, plus plenty of display boards to look at from the Devon Guild of Ringers. Richard Sears

Torrington in Bloom Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 We have not run our Best Garden competition for several years now, mainly due to Covid and before that, logistical reasons. Anyway, our committee is agreed that a special, one-off competition should be held to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. To make things more straightforward, we are limiting the competition to the best window-box, hanging basket and container display for front of houses only. Businesses can also enter but under the same criteria. The main rule will be that it must be able to be seen from the pavement or your driveway/garden gate. You can have just window boxes or baskets, or containers of any size and shape, or a mixture of all three. Let’s brighten up our lovely town this year with lovely displays of jewel colours, especially considering what we have all been through over the past two years and the crisis in Ukraine. The closing date for entries will be the 31st May. An entry form is set out below which please detach and leave at either Whiskers Pet Centre of Duffy’s Home Hardware. Judging date is the 29th June and our judge has just been confirmed as Geraldine King from RHS Garden Rosemoor.

Torrington in Bloom Competition Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 Name:………………………………………………………………………... Address (please include post code):…………………………………………………………………………… ...............................………………………………………………………………………………………………… …….............................................. Tel. No:……………………………….......................................................

Entries can be left at Duffy’s Home Hardware or Whiskers Pet Centre by 31st May. Judging will be held on Wednesday 29th June. Any queries, please contact Cherry Hammon on 01805 625788 or c.hammon2021@gmail.com

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Spring has Sprung at The Plough!

e have an incredible line up of live music this month, starting with the playful and powerful ‘Rheingans Sisters’ and their contemporary folk sounds, which led them to being awarded ‘Best Duo/Group’ at the 2019 BBC Radio 2 Folk awards. Patti Boulaye (also an award winner!) will bring her one-woman show ‘Aretha & Me’ to The Plough, playing classic songs such as Respect, Say a Little Prayer and Chain of Fools - amongst others. Critically acclaimed ‘Simon and Garfunkel Through the Years’ will be sharing their ‘masterpiece’ live concert experience with us as well! As always, we promise exciting Theatre! ‘YES! YES! UCS!’ is set in 1971, telling the story of Aggy MacGraw who joins fellow workers in a fight for the Right to Work – a fight that changes her life forever. The awe-inspiring ‘Frozen Light’ will present ‘2065’, a futuristic sensory extravaganza for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers. For Shakespeare lovers, there will be a live stream of ‘National Theatre Live: Henry V’ on 21st April. Comedy fans can enjoy the darkly comic stand up performance of ‘Bobby Mair: Cockroach’ – expect edgy, gutwrenching humour from one of the best comedians in the country! Film buffs - expect a vast array of screen entertainment, with ‘The Duke’, ‘River’, ‘Sing 2’, ‘Tinderbox’, ‘Licorice Pizza’, ‘The Phantom of the Open’, ‘Hive’, and ‘Nan: The Movie’ (get those

Visual Arts at The Plough

n April we have two exhibitions: ‘Say it with Flowers’ from Proseprints, with two accompanying workshops and ‘Don’t Look Now’ by Janet Sainsbury - a new series of oil paintings examining the often-complex relationship between the muse and artist. ‘Say it with Flowers’ explores the symbolism of flowers from myth to Victorian romanticism and looks for wise words and the attributes needed to create a kinder and greener future. The workshops are: Symbolist Still Lifes - print, collage and stencil, 10.30am-2.30pm 8th April. Inspired by the vibrant colours of the French Symbolist Odilon Redon’s flower paintings and the magic of Matisse’s cut outs, come and join Proseprints to explore simple relief printing, collage and stencil to create your own stunning, colourful symbolist flower still life. Materials are provided, suitable for all levels of experience of making art. Expect some messiness and laughter and joyful creativity. Plough Print Play - exploring print techniques 23rd April 10.30am-2.30pm An introduction and playful exploration of colourful relief print techniques, suitable for all those with an interest in or some experience of print. We will be using a vase and flowers still life as inspiration and printing using a book press printer. We will be creating some exciting monoprints, trying out hand-painting before and after printing, and using colourful tissue paper (Chine Collé) and found natural objects. Materials are provided and there is no difficult cutting involved. Cost for either workshop: £35 or £10 concession for those in receipt of a means-tested benefit (including Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Carer’s Allowance). wrinkly tea-coloured tights ready!). To keep the kids entertained this Easter, ThePlough@StAnne’s will host our next Escape Kids adventure ‘Witch’s Spell’ – a one hour adventure for up to 12 people – perfect for families and their friends! For a magical story, ‘Angel of Awakening’ is a journey into the afterlife of 11-year-old twins at Spirit School. Suitable for children 6yrs +, this production supports ND Hospice and Children’s Hospice South West. For an inspiring evening of music, movement and theatre, look no further than Share Music South West and their inclusive company of performers. The evening will have themes of hope,

resilience and growth both within ourselves and the world around us. The very talented Charlie continues to serve hot and cold beverages, homemade bakes and light lunches on Tues – Sat 10.30am-2.30pm, with a delicious menu that always includes vegan and gluten free options. Come and taste for yourself why Charlies@ ThePlough has such a huge following! See our Crier diary for dates, or check out our website at www. theploughartscentre.org.uk for more details, or contact our Box Office on 01805 624624. See you soon! Your Plough Arts Centre

APRIL Events AT THE PLOUGH Fri 1 April 6pm Exhibition Artists Wall Proseprints. Until Sat 30 April. Free. 8pm Live Music The Rheingans Sisters £15, £13 Supporters Sat 2 April 2-4pm Exhibition Janet Sainsbury preview. Until Sat 30 April. Free 8pm Live Comedy Mark Steel, last few tickets, all £16.50 Sun 3 April 3pm* & 8pm Film The Duke (Cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters/ *Matinee £4.50 Tues 5 April 8pm Film The Duke (Cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters Wed 6 April 8pm Film River (Cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters Thurs 7 April 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2 8pm Film The Duke (Cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters 7pm Live Event Share Music South West presents ‘Resurgence’ All tickets £5 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothels at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 8 April 2pm* & 8pm Film The Duke (Cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters/ *Matinee £4.50 10.30am-2.30pm Workshop Symbolist Still Lifes, Print, collage and stencil £35/£10 Concs 8pm Live Music Sam Carter at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12, £10 Supporters Sat 9 April 8pm Live Music Patti Boulaye Aretha & Me £22 Full £20 Supporters Sun 10 April 4pm Live Theatre Townsend Productions present ‘Yes Yes UCS’ Age guidance: 10yrs+ £12, £10 Supporters & Key Workers, £8 under 18s Until Wed 13 April. Every hour from 10am6pm. Escape Kids – Witch’s Spell At ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple. £30 ticket for 1hr for up to 12 people. Ideal

for primary aged school children, with an adult to help! Tues 12 April 2pm Film Sing 2 (U) Matinee £4.50 5pm & 8pm Film Licorice Pizza (15) £7/£6 Supporters Wed 13 April 1pm Film The Duke (Cert TBC) Matinee £4.50 5pm Film Licorice Pizza (15) £7/£6 Supporters 8pm Film Tinderbox (12A) £7/£6 Supporters 7.30pm A Gallery Gig Steve Knightley: Songs inspired by Devon all tickets £14 Thurs 14 April 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town Centre at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 8pm Live Music Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years £16, £14 Supporter Sat 16 April 10am-5pm Workshop Waste paper basket Weaving Workshop at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple. Tutor: Jane Welsh £60 all materials and tools supplied 11am Film Sing 2 (U) Matinee £4.50 2pm* Film Licorice Pizza (15) £7/£6 Supporters/ *Matinee £4.50 5pm & 8pm Film The Phantom of the Open (cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters 8.15pm A Gallery Gig Jim Causeley Songs of Devon £12, £10 Supporters Tues 19 April 10am-4pm Workshop 8-12yrs Play in a Day at ThePlough@StAnne’s £10 5pm Film Sing 2 (U) £7/£6 Supporters 2pm* & 8pm Film The Phantom of the Open (cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters/ *Matinee £4.50 Wed 20 April 2pm Film Sing 2 (U) Matinee £4.50 5pm Film The Phantom of the Open (cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters 8pm Film Hive (cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters Thur 21 April 2pm Film The Phantom of the Open (cert TBC) Matinee £4.50 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Bideford Town at Bideford Library £12

7pm Live Satellite National Theatre Live: Henry V (15) £12 £10 Supporters Fri 22 April 2pm Film Sing 2 (U) Matinee £4.50 8pm Live Comedy Bobby Mair: Cockroach £15, £13 Supporters Sat 23 April 10.30am-2.30pm Workshop Plough Print Play Exploring print techniques £35/£10 Concs. All materials and tools supplied 5pm & 8pm Film Nan: The movie (cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters 8.15pm A Gallery Gig Rakes Adrift £10, £8 Supporters, 10 tickets for Key Workers at £5 Sun 24 April 11am & 2pm Live Event A Tell Me A Story Show ‘Angel of Awakening’ £8, £7 Supporters, £5 school groups Mon 25 – Wed 27 April 11am & 1.30pm Live Theatre Frozen Light present ‘2065’ for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities (and their carers). £Group Bookings only ring for details Thur 28 April 5pm & 8pm Film Nan: The movie (cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Undertakers Tales at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 29 April 8pm Live Music Calan £16 £14 Supporters 8pm Live Music Nick Girone-Maddocks & his Band at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12, £10 Supporters Sat 30 April 10am-4pm Workshop Sunset in Watercolour at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple. Tutor: John Piper £50 all equipment provided 11am-3pm Workshop Soap making workshop with the Hedgewitch Soapery Ltd at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple. £50 all ingredients, soap making & safety equipment provided. 5pm & 8pm Film Nan: The movie (cert TBC) £7/£6 Supporters

Property Market Musings

‘

Welcome Back To Great Torrington’ has taken place and the town really pulled together to put it firmly back on the map and show what a great community exists within it, and the surrounding villages and hamlets. The talk is now turning to the next major event which is the welcome return of the Great Torrington May Fair and Carnival on Saturday May 9th. How does it relate to the property market I hear you ask? In a world of turmoil, as can be seen by the sad events unfolding in the Ukraine, the last two years of the Covid effecting our lives, the rising of energy prices and such like, people are beginning to once again search out communities to get a feel of a sense of belonging, a quality of life. The events the town hosts throughout the year highlights a togetherness, a sense of spirit, a sense of purpose and a sense of fun, that many people have never experienced or have, but since lost. All these events broadcast far and wide make Great Torrington and the surrounding areas a highly attractive place to property search. It is hardly surprising therefore, that the property market has had a brisk start in North Devon, and especially in Torridge, through the first part of 2022. Whilst it is perceived most buyers come from out of the area, this is not quite the case. Take for instance the new homes built by a local developer based here in Great Torrington. Out of 22 units only five are buyers from outside Devon and over 40% are from the town itself, many of whom are beginning the exciting journey of owning their first home. The collaboration of local lawyers, local financial advisors, local builders, local workforce, and local estate agency is helping keep the community spirit alive. The rental market is certainly starved of property, arguably more so than the sales sector, and good quality, well presented accommodation will often get multiple applications, again many from people being locally employed or just wanting to stay local as this is where their roots are. Will more property become available as cheap travel/holidays abroad are very much back with a bang? Many people could opt away from a staycation, thus making short term investment property less appealing, which in turn means empty homes, therefore reduced income, so traditional rentals will be more attractive. Certainly, we have seen a sharp increase in activity from landlords returning to the market, many of whom are not wanting to ask top end rent, but wanting a decent length of tenure, at a sensible rent for locals. This is very encouraging. The spring market beckons, demand is high, gardens are beginning to show signs of life and colour (although I can’t imagine how after all the storms we have all endured), daylight is getting longer, mortgage rates are still historically low and look to stay as such, so there is much to commend a property move over the coming months. Adrian Hardwick, Webbers

Bideford Trefoil Guild

e are a small group of likeminded ladies who have been involved with Girlguiding at some time in our lives, some as leaders and some who attended Brownies and Guides as young people, although this is not a criterion. Everyone is welcome. Our programme is relaxed; ranging from loosely associated Guiding activities to social meals out. April's meeting will involve Easter crafts, May is a meal out and June will be a Jubilee celebration. We meet at All Saints Chapel Community Centre Instow on the first Tuesday of the Month 7-9pm. If you would like to know more please contact Sandra Nevard 07976 117 778 for more information.

Parish Church

hile we wait until a new vicar is appointed, following the retirement of Fr Peter Bevan, the Sunday services have been covered by retired clergy. Prebendary Nigel Jackson-Stevens, writes... ‘For many, Easter means hot-cross buns, a holiday weekend, chocolate bunnies and cream eggs. But for Christians, it is the most important day in the year because it is on that day millions of people will be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our traditional ‘Happy Easter’ seems tame, compared with the greeting found in other places where they say ‘Christ is risen’ and respond ‘He is risen indeed’. But if you are puzzled by that statement of faith, the mystery of Easter will become clearer if you see the events of Maundy Thursday (the last supper), Good Friday (the crucifixion), and Easter Day, (the resurrection) as inseparable. It is no wonder people are confused, if they nip into church only for the final act. Good Friday surely demands more remembrance than putting a cross on a sticky bun. Perhaps at no other time than the present are we more aware of the forces of evil, and need the reminder of a battle fought out on Calvary. Do make it, if you can, to one or all the services in Holy Week at St. Michael’s. Details and times are shown below. As we think of the people of Ukraine you may want to pray... ‘Lead us, O Lord, from death to life, from falsehood to truth, from despair to hope, from fear to trust, from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our universe. Amen’. Services in the Parish Church for Holy Week and Easter April 10th - Palm Sunday 10am. Blessing of palm crosses and Sung Eucharist April 14th - Maundy Thursday 7pm. Eucharist of the Last Supper April 15th - Good Friday 12 noon. Stations of the Cross and Good Friday Liturgy April 16th - Holy Saturday 7pm. Blessing of the New Fire and 1st Mass of Easter April 17th - Easter Day 10am. Sung Eucharist

Year 9 have been working hard in English developing their writing skills by learning how to structure circular narratives, where the ending of a piece mirrors or echoes the opening. Here are some lovely examples from pupils, in response to this picture prompt: The Lighthouse View

I start my trek from the lighthouse, my home, to the village. The lemony sun is beaming as it rises in the East without a cloud in sight. The radiant arctic blue sky stretching as far as the eye can see with tall trees swaying slightly in the soft, soothing breeze; as birds chirp from their branches singing a sweet melody. As I ambulate along the coast I look out at the sea full of mystery and wonder, from forgotten shipwrecks to magical creatures. I can see fish swimming under the vibrant sea as it changes colour from the trick of the light, the bright marmalade sun. There are islands in the distance just in view, no fog or mist blocking the sight so you can see how pleasant it looks. When I get to the village there are children playing laughing and screeching with excitement. The shops are clear, barely anyone around as I get the items I need, most are probably on the beach because of the jolly weather. There are water fights going on and I get hit accidentally but I don’t mind since their having enjoyment playing with their water pistols. On my way back to the lighthouse I get a chill going up my spine, the air suddenly getting bitter and the once clear skies turning cloudy and porpoise grey. You can see the clouds steadily and sneakily cover the sky like a blanket but it’s wet and horrible. It happened so quickly and it’s only just past midday, the once tranquil sea turning ferocious and brutal with waves forming from the vibrant colours to an aegean blue and the fish swimming further to the sea floor to avoid getting caught in the storm approaching. My home is in view now but the once shining picture in my head turns to a sinister one. The trees that once lightly swayed became erratic and the birds that sang are nowhere in sight. Waves constantly crashing roughly against the sharp rocks creating foamy water that bubbles and sticks to the top of the waves like an infection. The once happy picture turning sad, the light turning dark, the tranquillity becoming chaotic, and the lemon sun switched to pewter grey clouds. Lillie Mae Weston, Year 9

Chaotic Calamity of the Clouds

One night, struggling to fall asleep, the muffled wave crashed below. Hastily, I darted towards the nearest pane of glass and peered outside – a lethal storm was brewing. The platinum wind slashed the windows repeatedly, letting off an excruciating screech, like a fork on metal. Several successive shards of water slammed the fragile glass, like a heavy machine-gun. Cautiously, I withdrew from the lighthouse and anchored myself to the oversaturated earth, as the hydroinfused needles pierced my lungs at the force of a bullet, splitting the rocks in half within my vicinity. The azure-blue waves – like sledgehammers, smashed the drenched onyx, reducing it to dust as it carried itself along the enraged ocean’s surface, into the distant land… Rainclouds; aluminium and steel, shrivelled up like a sponge as it

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s I stumble along the cliffs, soul-searching screams of the ocean intrude my thoughts and crowd my every sense. I know I shouldn’t be out here and I know my death is inevitably waiting, but I crave freedom from my broken heart. The wind pleads, echoes and wails in my presence whilst strands of my own ebony hair whip my face, dampening my fair skin and blinding me in the process. Suddenly, my balance betrays me and I no longer feel the sharp stab of the rocky surface beneath my feet… My night dress flows upward in the direction I am falling - I knew this would happen, I knew it. Yet, my mind is at peace and the world is no longer spitting in my face. I cannot hear the bashing of waves or even my own rapid breaths, and in that moment, I realise that is because I am deeply submerged in my worst nightmare. Clawing at my burning eyes and compressed itself, releasing all the grasping at my neck, I finally fathom my water it had stockpiled, almost creating situation. My legs and arms fight the a tsunami. “Is this a nightmare?” I kept oncoming push and pull of the waves asking myself over and over… as I above me and my mouth is open, watched the dreadful leaves being screeching into nothingness, but nothing forcefully torn apart from the brittle happens, no one comes to save me. I and elder tree. Seafoam strangled me; feel myself being pulled deeper, deeper like a gas bomb in World War One, until every last piece of my existence causing me to asphyxiate. The wild is taken from me! I give up, I breathe lighting stabbed the ocean floor, quickly and choke and struggle. Now, I am just dissipating, forsaking a crescendo of another pointless loss in this world we rumbling. call our own. Water unexpectedly crashed over My head rushes and my eyes are the lighthouse, causing a bloodthirsty open, inspecting the greying mystery whirlwind of debris to violently lose beyond the ocean. Am I dead? This isn’t control and wreak havoc to everything what I expected of the afterlife, to be around it. The wind cut straight back in the place I despise most. There through my chest, bringing me to my is no pounding of waves or intimidating knees, leaving marks around my body clouds above. Birds chirp and the sun and tearing through the thin silk of encases me whilst I linger at the edge of my clothing. My shortness of breath the cliff. A door opens and my name is and the overwhelming stress in my called, and when I look back, I see my mind caused me to be knocked out father frowning at me. unconscious. I never fell. I laugh into the breeze A bright, passionate orange light and unfamiliar tears slip down my face. stung my eyes, birds were singing My thoughts are finally clear and every and flowers were blossoming, and the sense is back to normal. My freedom geomancy of pebbles lay on the soft is inevitably waiting, and I am alive in earth. The sky burst into a pool of azure this world we call our own. No pleads, blue and the grass stood up like many echoes or wails of the wind will stop me shining stakes of jade. now. Matthew Sam, Year 9 Esme Segerberg, Year 9

Last term, Year 9 also did some wonderful creative writing based on a short clip from the film 1917. Here is one example from Crystal:

e are here again lost between right and wrong. Trapped between good and bad. Me and my friend Tom are trying to deliver a message, it’s not just any message this one is important. Wow. Just walking and looking at all the damage that has been caused, makes me rethink what I have done. As we enter the farm grounds, we see some orchards laying soundly on the floor left to rot for their living days… The ivory orchards did not want to be disturbed. From outside it looks old, almost as if you were to touch it, it would collapse right on top of you. Wasted. Moss on the roof, holes in the walls everything is just…well…destroyed. We come over to the barn and we find some milk which is still warm, - someone must have been here not to long ago but they have blessed us with this wonderful refreshment. Soon we hear planes. We check to see if it is our friends. They are back! The milky white planes are having a dog fight! All you here are guns going off and bombs being dropped violently expressing their anger. We got him. He falls gracefully to the floor just waiting to crash… He comes straight for the barn, heading straight for us! He is the hunter… And we are the prey… Crystal Martin, Year 9

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Oatthe syrup comes in a glass jar – recyclable and Ignatius Sunday Club inbe upper roomto the issues produced newbypathway from we hope will not subject ChrisMass Hassall Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough Society Methodist 01584 890801 10am Sung Church uncontaminated which into food. Church From the same manufacturerTorrington Tarka Trail down by to plastic, the bottom of migrates the St. Michael’s of the last two years. On10.30 Tuesday 12th Club in upper roomand date Rev  North Devon 5pm Hedgehog Rescue Ken Morgan Circuit Service @ Inclined Planerice where two illustrated we also have malt syrup, barley maltIgnatius syrup,Sunday coconut blossom syrup April we start with a demonstration of Tuesday 9th Film 'The Sessions' (15) 3pm & 7pm @ Our Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!! 01271 816989 or 07964 522 359 Parkham information boards have been installed syrup, all with their own unique flavours and nicely presented in glass. Refined knife skills provided by our local cookery Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough The Hedgehog Plough AnniRamblers Nicholls afternoon walk Weekhave is ontheir its Torridge to describe the saltmarsh habitat by sugar is cloyingly but each Awareness of these syrups school, Tineke Cooks.Rescue Film 'Hitchcock' (12A)and 8pmblanketly @ The super sweet, way but why wait until then to 01237 451820  Torridge Hedgehog the and the workings own Torridge delightfully distinctive flavoursand and subtleties, so using them adds depth and Plough If you fancy joining us, come Monday 15th Film 'Les Miserables' (12A) 3pm @ Thealong help? As spring is here (working with ND Hedgehog purpose the Rolle is now variety toofdishes, quiteCanal. apart Itfrom being Singing so muchforbetter for our health. These to Rescue) Little Torrington Victory Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High Plough and hopefully the weather Angela Hodge Hall. You will possible gain using a far better methods, syrups are to produced traditional which means the process involvesFilm be Wednesday 10th Bickington Community Centre assured of 509 a(15) warm 'I Give it a 486 Year' 7pmwelcome. @ The See improves our spiky friends 07884 theMass lay-out and aMichael's wide variety ofofnatural enzymes, ratherMini than simply a very limited range Stunderstanding Church Said 8.30am Mover Dance Session for underof5's Plough more about look us and the wider WI on will be up and about again. Please out for events in our the inclined plane Traditional boat lift 9.30-10.30am in workings St James of Chapel @ Bickington Community laboratory produced enymes. methods result in wonderfully full flavours Facebook page. It’s been an extremely tough your area during Hedgehog than wasW.Ipreviously theHall case. The Centre Torrington @that Methodist 7pm digestible. th and a product is much more Monday 22nd Ramsden winter for them. The May. Awareness Week 5th to 11Sally upper basin of the canal at the top of FilmRefined 'I Wish' (PG) @ The Mini Mover Dance Session for under 5's white8pm sugar hasPlough been nicknamed ‘white death’ because it contains no changeable and wet weather the incline has been cleared of scrub Tuesday 16th 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington nutrients beyond empty and studies shown Requiem has made have it difficult for that manyit causes of sufficiently to11th enable thecalories, outline of its many PetsVerdi As Therapy Thursday 'Hearing for You' Social group for the Community Centre weight gain, diabetes, depression, suppresses the immune system and, just like orth Devon Choral Society will them to find food or hibernate properly to beChurch clearlySaid seen, and the way hard of hearing. Every 3rd Tues 2pm @ Pets Alistair As Therapy is a8pm Stbanks Michael's Mass Comedy McGowan @ The a drug, is very addictive. The best option of course is to avoid sugar or replace it over the past months so many are now be performing the railway subsequently cut through national charity founded the fabulous The Bickford Centre call 01271 373236 10.30am in St James Chapel followed by Plough weak and High needBickington help. If you that withnorthern more cell natural sweeteners syrups. They are made upknow of complex Requiem on Saturday, the end, destroying thesuch top as of malt Youth Club Community Walsingham in vicarage in 1983. It Verdi isPete unique in Trio Gallery Gig The Canter you had a resident hedgehog yourare that9th sugars which enter canal the bloodstream more slowly white sugar and asinthey April, at Church of St Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm @ The now the incline. This basin Centre for than 11+ @ 5-7pm provides therapeutic Michael & All 8.18pmit @ The Plough lastofyear please don’t forget relatively an unprocessed, also contain aarea range nutrients and minerals. Angels, Great Torrington. Club 7pm Juniors 8pm to put Plough supports increasing they population of Badminton visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing a bowl of water and some food out for Tuesday @ Bickington Community Centre Theatre Multi Storey: & The Upcoming Grocery Final Order Dates: 14th April, 12th May by John Hobbs,needs this Early Purple OrchidBeauty and Twayblade (a Adults and Conducted care23rd homes, special placing it inside a feeding station Youth pairs @website! Torrington Beast The Plough How2pm do @ Iflowered join? Via our Facebook page Cribbage orthem, website, fullcompetition info on the green orchid) which, wonderful willof@High beother accompanied schools awork variety venues Cluband for 11+ 5-7pm Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The What does membership cost? Free Arms 8pm Bickington Community Centreon the renowned by Andrew Millington Film Ring 'Cloud01805 Atlas' (15) 7pm @ Themary@ Plough note early start for long film questions? Badminton 7pm Juniors What if I need advice or have 623307/email FatherClub Willis organ, as 8pm well as the Plough note early start for long film Adults12 @ strong High Bickington Community marycrailwellbeing.co.uk Abbey Brass, and full CRIERWebsite: COPY DEADLINE for OWBG owbg.jimdofree.com; Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Centrepercussion. Soloists will be Heloise

Hickfords Property Services Wednesday 17th

Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist Crail Biofeedback & ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon Group; Email: owbg@protonmail.com; Facebook: West, Cheryl Brendish, Robyn Lyn St Michael'sMary Church Said Mass 8.30am Wednesday 24th today pleaseWorks www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk Evans and Geoff Williams. Wellbeing; Damp Surveys & Remedial ee eJames inFrSt stimates Chapel St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am & friendly ad Tickets are £17, children and Short Tennis  Woodworm & Rot Treatments vice HNC @ High Bickington in St James Chapel , NVQ and Friday Institu Centre 4.30-5.30pmProviding students free, for 5+ quality but affordable Abbeyfield Kitchen 12th & Bathroom Design & Fitting WCommunity Short Tennis @ Highavailable Bickingtonfrom choir ood Prese te of rving & Legion 3rd Weds of every StMichael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Royal British members, at Torrington Jewellers, or D am Propertyesidents Maintenance Centre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ have been out for meal at p‘Fork Feast’ and enjoyed meeting Community -Proofinand accountancy and taxation services. g @ GT in St James Chapel month Conservative Club qualifi7pm reserved in advance, to be paid on the Film 'Fire in the Blood' (PG) 8pm @ The  Extensions e d up with the volunteers Theatre Scottish Falsetto Puppet again. Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Plough door by card or cash. Please contact  Landscaping & Decking The lounge has been repainted and new armchairs purchased. Further Theatre 7pm @ The Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, friendly group Janet on janetsharpy@yahoo.co.uk or painting modernisation is planned for ground floor and is 0-5 already in www.pgdaccountants.com Gallery Gigand 'Judith Christie & Diane forthe parents & children aged Thursday 25th Contact Hickford 01805 623376 01805 628262. Calvert 8.15pm @ The Plough Tel: 01271 268082 Mob: 07810 448 618 progress. WeColin hope to haveC.S.R.T—Tel a celebratory lunch for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 9.30am-11am @ Atherington Pavilion St Michael's Church Saidstart Masstime of 7pm, Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: hickford208@aol.com Please note the June 5th. every Wednesday term time. earlier than was shown in the last Crier We have a vacant room, and if you or a loved one would like to find out more 10 11 issue. about Abbeyfield, please contact the House Manager on 01805 623605.

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Rhododendron Heaven

n this part of Devon we are blessed with largely acid soil and high rainfall, meaning that we can grow those most colourful of shrubs – rhododendrons. We have built on Lady Anne’s collection and now have an extensive selection of different colours, sizes and forms. Some of the cultivars planted by Lady Anne are now very rare, for example R. ‘Thomasine’. We have sent material of these rare beauties for propagation by tissue culture techniques, which is fortunate, as the parent plant of R. ‘Thomasine’ has had to be removed. These woodland plants grow best in free-draining soil, with plenty of organic matter such as leaf mould. Find a sheltered position, in light shade and they will reward you with colourful blooms throughout the spring. Be aware that if the sun catches the plant on a frosty morning, the blooms will be damaged. Azaleas and rhododendrons, once classified in separate plant groups, are now all in the genus Rhododendron. As well as several botanical differences, those once classed as azaleas tend to be smaller in stature with finer leaves. Many of the larger rhododendrons have big blowsy flowers including pink Rhododendron ‘Hydon Dawn’ AGM (in Lady Anne’s Drive beds) and yellow R. ‘Viscy’ AGM (Lock’s Trail). Rhododendrons are also known for their intense colours, for example deep pink R. ‘Beethoven’ AGM (Woodland Walk), scarlet R. ‘Hinode-giri’ (Woodland Walk) or R. ‘Ilam Violet’ (Croquet Lawn). However, some, including R. ‘Egret’ AGM (Lady Anne’s drive beds) have an unexpected delicacy. For more inspiration, come along to the RHS National Rhododendron Show on 2324 April. If you would like to have a go at exhibiting favourite blooms from your own garden, entry forms are available from georginabarter@rhs.org.uk or on the RHS website. For more information on rhododendrons visit rhs.org.uk/advice. Sheila Dearing, Garden Technical Services Officer, RHS Garden Rosemoor Pictured both RHS/Sheila Dearing: Top Rhododendron 'Hydon Dawn' AGM Above Rhododendron 'Egret' AGM

RHS Rosemoor Events

The Great Wool Weekend 9–10 April, 10am–4pm Join us for a weekend celebrating all things warm and woolly, as Rosemoor becomes a yarn-lover’s paradise. The Giant Easter Egg Hunt 9–24 April, 10am–5pm Enjoy a supersized family adventure at RHS Garden Rosemoor this Easter, as dozens of larger-than-life hand painted eggs await discovery on the Giant Egg Hunt. Explorers of all ages can follow clues and solve puzzles to complete the trail at RHS Rosemoor. Every child who successfully finds all of the hidden eggs will be rewarded with a free chocolate treat from PLAYin CHOC to take home. This delicious chocolate is free from the top allergens, organic, vegan-friendly and ethically made here in the UK. On selected days there’s a chance to meet the Easter Bunny for fun and games! RHS National Rhododendron Show 23–24 April, 11.30am–4pm Sat; 10am– 4pm Sun Admire the variety of these beautiful spring plants with more than 60 competition classes, as well as trade and advice stands and displays of magnolias. For more information about events at RHS Garden Rosemoor, please visit our website: https://www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/rosemoor/whats-on

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