December/January Crier 2015/2016

December & January 2015/16 The Crier is produced for the community, supported by advertisers, Great Torrington Town Council, and the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity. 5800 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district, with a readership of 14,500

Sydney House Car Park Free Christmas Parking!

5th, 12th, 19th, 23rd & 24th December

Great Torrington at Christmas

• Sunday 29th November Christmas Fayre & Light Switch On 12-6pm • Wednesday 9th December The Big Sing, Pannier Market 7pm • Friday 11th December Christmas Distribution of Vouchers The Plough 9.30am-2pm • Saturday & Sunday December 12th & 13th Tarka Valley Railway ‘Santa at the Station’, see pg 6 • Saturday 19th December Cavaliers’ Kids’ Giveaway 10am-1pm • Thursday 31st December Cavaliers’ New Year Celebrations 7pm ‘til late

See inside for more events this Christmas!

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From Your Mayor…

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Torrington & District Community News & Events

Crier Contacts:

Editor: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Advertising: Esther Williams, 01805 603023 E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA Copy deadline, 12 noon on the second Thursday of the month, but to guarantee space, earlier if possible please.

Merry Christmas from the Crier Team

The Crier team would like to wish all of our readers, contributors and advertisers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Thank you to you all.

Where can you get the Crier?

The Crier is delivered door-to-door in Torrington, if you don’t receive a copy, or if your copy is late, please call Becky Huxtable on 01805 603152. Criers are also distributed throughout the rural district, and are available at Torrington Library, Lidls, Budgens, the TIC, 1646 Cafe and the Plough.

Next Copy Deadline

The next issue will be February, copy deadline 14th January.

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he first weekend of November is a time of Remembrance, and Great Torrington did it in style with a wonderful concert in St Michael and All Angels Church, organised by Liz Harris. There was a wealth of talent; Dream Kidz, Great Torrington Silver Band, The Cavaliers, Big Al and his guitar and Liz Harris and her accompanist Ruth Watson. Invited guests read poignant letters, thoughts and poems and we all had a good sing along to old favourites. There were a few prayers and hymns too. On the Sunday we had our annual Remembrance Service at the War Memorial, well organised by the British Legion, Town Council Secretary and Town Marshall. Rev. Ken Morgan officiated and the Town Band was there in full force. There was a large crowd of all ages, and it was most pleasing to see so many town organisations (including the youth groups and schools) represented and laying wreaths.

I was lucky enough to be invited to Barnstaple Mayor’s Concert, with school groups singing and the Nigel Brooks Singers and Barnstaple Ladies Choir. It was a most excellent evening, as was my own concert the following evening where the Silver Band entertained us with a wide selection of show tunes and traditional marches. We raised a good sum, which was split between the Silver Band and the Mayor’s charities.

One of nice things about being Mayor is being invited to events in people’s lives, and this was the case at Abbeyfield in Villa Road. Susie Anderson was retiring after nearly 25 years of service. She will be much missed by residents and staff, and I wish her a happy retirement. I also had great pleasure in officially opening ‘Hair We Are’, which is a new hair dressers in South Street. It is good to see a new business setting up and I wish Liz Curtis great success.

My next Mayor’s Charity event is ‘Old Photographs of Torrington 1940-1980’ with Peter Christie, on Friday 26th February at 7pm in the Methodist Church Hall. It is £4 per person children free.

To keep up with town council matters do visit our website www.greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk. My telephone number is 01805 622409, email address cathrinesimmons@hotmail.co.uk

Police Urge Public to Report All Irresponsible Dog Owners

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orrington Police and Torridge District Council are now working together to tackle dog fouling on our pavements, footpaths and grass verges. We are asking all responsible dog owners, and members of the public, to report the people that do not follow the law. The penalty is £75 if paid within 14 days, or £50 if paid within 10 days, but this penalty can rise to £1,000.

Please help us to make our town and beautiful commons clean - we urge you to report ANY irresponsible dog owners straight to Torridge District Council or your local Neighbourhood Police Team. Report online at www.torridge.gov.uk/article/10724/ Report-it, call 01237 428700 or 101.

Many thanks for your support and let’s make our town clean!

Common News

Commons Play Park Public Consultation

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ur play park is in need of a face lift grant aid. We have decided to obtain and sadly has been vandalised, expert advice on the best way to develop so that the current equipment the park for the future – that means you! is no longer fully useable. We receive If you have a young family we need to hear what you have to more enquiries and comments concerning “If you have a young family say about the type of the Play Park at the we need to hear what you equipment we provide.

Old Bowling Green than have to say about the type We also plan to improve in the on any other subject, of equipment we provide. accessibility choice of equipment, and the Conservators We also plan to improve are keen to provide accessibility in the choice make it more familyfeatures like this that of equipment, make it more friendly and, above all, encourage families to family-friendly and, above safe.

Please help us by go out and enjoy the all, safe.” either sending an email Commons. Whilst play parks generally are the responsibility of to Jane Hopkins at clerk.conservators@ our local councils, we also see this as part gmail.com, or you can complete the form of our remit under the Commons Act. Safe below and post it to us at the address outdoor play equipment is very expensive, shown.

I would also like to thank those who and we have limited financial resources, so we will put together plans that will have taken the trouble to write to us on allow a phased development of the site – this subject in the last few months. We according to whatever additional funding are listening and doing our best to find the we can obtain from external sources and best solution.

Commons Calendar

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f you would like to be certain of your copy of the Commons Calendar 2016, you had better get your skates on while stocks last. Copies are now available at the Castle Hill Information Centre and Jack & Molly’s in The Square. They will also be available in December at The Plough Arts Centre, and any remaining copies will be sold at the Pannier Market Christmas Fair.

Covety Spring

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any of you will have noticed new sign posts just below the Old Bowling Green car park, directing you down the newly renovated steps to Covety Spring. This ancient and natural sacred spring is said to have healing powers that were greatly valued by our ancestors. Whatever your beliefs, this is a peaceful place in a beautiful woodland setting so go and have a look. I hope to say more about the history of this special place on the Commons next time.

Swailing

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peaking of old customs, we are considering re-introducing the practice of swailing – that is burning off the excessive gorse and bracken - on limited parts of the Commons. To avoid danger to wildlife, this will only be carried out from December to February and under careful control. The advantages are that it clears a build-up of invasive shrubbery, allowing new plants to come through; it improves the soil and avoids the risk of major fires where the gorse has grown too thick over time.

Swailing presents no particular danger to small mammals and reptiles, was commonly done some years ago and is a traditional and sensible land management practice.

Have a very Happy Christmas everyone!

Clive Whalley, Chairman

Great Torrington Commons Conservators - Play Park Public Consultation

Please tell us what kind of activities you would like to see in a newly developed play park at the Old Bowling Green, by entering a number in the space next to each type in order of preference. For example, if you think that a slide is the number one priority then enter “1” in the space next to sliding, etc. This will give us an idea what type of equipment to provide.

Sliding.......... Climbing.......... Swinging.......... Bouncing.......... Rocking.......... Themed (eg. castle etc.).......... Adult Fitness..........

Now tell us what age range you feel we should provide for – from age.......... to age..........

And lastly, if you have any suggestions you would like to add, please tell us here:........................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please cut out and mail your completed form to Play Park, Great Torrington Commons Conservators, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA or email us with the same information to clerk.conservators@gmail.com

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Successful Show for Torrington Boxing Club!

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orrington Boxing Club hosted another successful show at the GTS Sports Hall on 31st October. Twelve bouts were scheduled, featuring nine Torrington boxers. Ned Pettifer opened the show again, with an entertaining and confident three rounds against his lively opponent from Tiverton. Next up was Charlie Golder, who picked up valuable experience in his first ever skills bout. Fergus Mclean lost on points to his stronger opponent from Intense ABC Plymouth, similarly Matt Gray lost out on points to stronger opposition from Bulmershe, Reading, both Mclean and Gray giving tough debut performances. Having worked very hard, Jack Pledger lost to his opponent.

However, the Torrington boxers, Nathan Board and Trai Sheppard both gave everything in their bouts to win against opposition from Sydenham and Bude respectively, before the interval.

Following the break, the remaining Torrington senior boxers continued with the standards set by the juniors.

Dan Langdon entertained the crowd by stopping his opponent in the second round, having himself taken a standing count in the first round. Sam Gilbert headlined and did not let his supporters down, narrowly beating his opponent from Sydenham on points.

Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club would like to send a huge thank you to the Torrington community for supporting this event.

Heath Pettifer

ELITE

STITCH Update

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e are disappointed and have serious concerns about the NHS Trust’s decision on community beds. Just 40 beds over two locations to cater for the needs of the whole of North Devon’s 165,000 plus population. There is no guarantee that even these beds will be permanently retained. Together with Torridge Councillor, Philip Hackett, we are working with other communities to collect more stories as evidence of the failure of the Care Closer to Home project.

Immediately before this decision, there were 64 beds - all of which were fully occupied, so bearing in mind this was before the onset of winter, how on earth can 40 beds be considered adequate? And worse still, when you need a bed and these are all full, you could be sent anywhere in Devon that has a bed available, and this includes dementia hospitals. Just imagine how terrifying and distressing this would be when you are not suffering from that cruel disease, and are simply needing post procedure medical care?

STITCH will fight on to challenge this decision. We are not prepared to sit back and watch people’s health being put at risk, end of life care being compromised, or lives being lost.

NDHT cannot cope with demand, and whilst our doctors and nurses do a brilliant job dealing with acute medical conditions and surgical procedures, they face constant pressure to provide beds and reduce waiting lists simply to meet their targets. As a result, post-operative care is cut to the absolute minimum resulting in patients being sent home whether they are well enough or not.

The obvious solution is, and always has been, provided by community hospitals.

They have a long established and excellent record in the safe and efficient delivery of post-operative care and recuperation. They have an incredibly valuable role to play in the long term health prospects of patients, but there has to be enough of them across the county to ensure that rural areas are properly and adequately serviced.

If you would like to share any concerns, you can speak to me in complete confidence on 01805 624375.

STITCH wishes our community a happy and safe Christmas.

Margaret Brown, STITCH

Remembrance Concert 2015

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would like to thank everyone who took part in, and helped with, the Remembrance Concert on 6th November at St Michael’s church in Torrington. I have received endless praise for the performers and readers from those of you who attended. It was pleasing to see the church so full and lovely to hear you all in such good voice.

During the course of the evening we raise over £500 for the Royal British Legion, which will help them to carry on their vital work with service personnel and their families.

Liz Harris

ACCESS SOLUTIONS

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BOOM LIFT / TRUCK MOUNT / SCISSOR LIFT

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07736 512 747

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

Ring and Ride services operate in the following areas: Mondays from Westward Ho! and Bideford Tuesdays Torrington Wednesdays from Hartland Thursdays High Bickington and south of the area.

‘Going Out and About’ Club runs on Fridays

Further details from: Karl Williams 01271 549680

Bonnie’s Home Help Regular or one off House Cleaning A friendly and local service. * Cleaning * * Prescription pick-up * * Shopping * * Ironing *

Ring Bonnie on 01805 622256 / 07773 973 498

Closure of Community Hospital Beds Comment from Geoffrey Cox Q.C., M.P.

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t has long been my belief that community hospitals serve a vitally important role in the care of many patients, particularly those in remote rural areas, and it is therefore with considerable concern that I have seen the closure of many of these valuable hospital beds across the northern part of my constituency over the last couple of years.

In rural areas especially, community hospitals are extremely important, providing a mid-way care solution between our acute hospitals and a patient’s own home, where the remote location of a property may prevent vital care services from reaching a patient in a timely fashion, who may otherwise have been cared for in a community bed. Therefore, to remove the beds without being completely certain that the alternative service, Care Closer to Home, is comparable or greater, is ill advised, and I have repeatedly made this view clear throughout the consultation processes, both in Torrington and across the wider Torridge area.

Regrettably, it seems that despite the concerns that have been raised with them; the NHS Trust have decided to go ahead with their plans to reduce bed numbers, which has resulted in the unfortunate closure of the beds at both Torrington and Bideford Community Hospitals.

In addition, based on what my constituents have fed back to me, and on the sheer strength of feeling that I have seen at the public meetings I have attended, I am left in no doubt that many people feel that these decisions, which have been taken about their communities, have been done without adequate consultation and engagement.

I have consistently expressed my dissatisfaction about the consultation process at the meetings I have held with the NHS Trust, CCG and Ben Gummer, the Minister in charge of hospitals, but regrettably it would seem that this has been to little avail, as the Trust have continued their plans to transition community services towards the Care Closer to Home model.

Decisions about the number of beds appropriate for a given population, and the location of those beds, should be made on the basis of superior clinical outcomes for patients, and it is clear that the Trust feel that Care Closer to Home delivers this.

I am, however, keenly aware that very few of my constituents share their confidence and faith in the alternative solution, and that real concerns exist about the care that is being provided.

With this in mind, I remain unconvinced that any beds should be closed until the Care Closer to Home scheme has been proven irrefutably effective. At the very least these changes should be put on hold until the resources and investment are put in place to make them effective.

I will therefore continue to urge the Trust to ensure that these changes are put in place safely and effectively, and that sufficient investment is made available to implement the Care Closer to Home scheme as soon as possible.

Get Together Friends

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et Together Friends (formerly TorrAGE 4 Torrington) is a social group organised by volunteers for those aged over 60years, who find life ‘a little lonely’ at times. We are a friendly, non-profit club and we aim to ‘give something back’ to those members who attend events on a regular basis.

Why not pop along to the Bickford Centre (Tuesdays) and join GTF - it’s easy, we just need your name and address.

Our co-ordinators hope to plan another shopping trip/outing and more social activities - please keep an eye on the posters displayed in the Bickford Centre, South Street, Torrington for details of forthcoming events - in the meantime we have the following dates for your diary: 1st December - day/shopping trip to Street/Garden centre 7th December - Plough film - Suffragette 8th December - Members’ Christmas lunch at Torridge Vale Social Club.

January (date to be confirmed) Plough film - The Lady in the Van Please visit the Bickford Centre on a Tuesday and see Marcia or Val to book and pay for your tickets.

Local Bus Service to Bideford

Many of our members have reported that the local bus service has decided to drop customers on Bideford Quay rather than at Morrisons, which means a long walk for older clients who will not now have the shopping experience or the chance to enjoy a light meal. Whilst we are a social club, we would like to help our members and as such will have a petition to sign at the Bickford Centre - we look forward to your support.

Linda Bealey, Chair, GTF

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What's On at Christmas & New Year Free Christmas Parking in Great Torrington!

There will be free parking in Sydney House Car Park on the 5th, 12th, 19th, 23rd & 24th December 2015. On Saturday 5th December, ALL car parking in Torrington will be free from 8am-6pm, for ‘Small Businesses’ Day’.

Tarka Valley Railway at Christmas!

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ith Christmas now only weeks away, we are delighted to announce that Father Christmas has agreed to visit the railway over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday December 12th/13th. He will be setting up his grotto in the carriage and is looking forward to seeing children (and parents!) between 3-5pm each afternoon. There will be festive nibbles and drinks in the Puffing Billy, and the children will receive a personalised present from Father Christmas. Booking is essential, and this can be done through the Puffing Billy on 01805 623050 giving the name(s) and age(s) of the child(ren) who wish to see Santa. Places are limited so book as soon as possible.

It is noticeable that autumn is now upon us, and our Thursday working days on site are getting a little bit shorter as the light fades in the afternoon. However, we are still making progress on a variety of fronts. Effort is now being concentrated on the brake van and tank wagon, whilst our locomotive ‘Progress’ is being reassembled after its mechanical overhaul, and repainted into its original colour – Lincoln Green.

Interestingly, at the time of writing, the grey undercoat is receiving much admiration!

The seasonal clearance of vegetation around the site has also started which helps to make everywhere look more attractive.

The Rotary Club raffle has now been drawn and we were pleased to learn that three people who bought tickets from us were winners. Well done to all concerned.

A reminder, if you get your Crier in time, that we will have a stand at the Christmas Market on November 29th in the Pannier Market in town. Please come and say ‘hello’ and perhaps find that last minute Christmas present you were looking for. Over the same weekend, the Puffing Billy are holding a craft fair, so do look in at that as well.

In the meantime, we wish a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our friends and supporters and thank you for your continuing support.

Rod Garner, Tarka Valley Railway

Spending Christmas Alone?

Christmas Day Lunch

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would like to invite those in our community spending Christmas Day alone, to come along to the Methodist Church and join myself and friends for lunch.

Just £5 each will get you a two course meal and entertainment in the afternoon.

If you would like to accept the invitation and need transport, please ring me on 01805 624375 or get a message via a friend as soon as possible, as we need to order supplies.

It promises to be a special event with lots of fun, more details when you make contact.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes, Margaret Brown

St Nicholas Fayre & Craft Market @ St Michaels

5th December 10.30am to 3.30pm

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hristmas goodies, cakes, books, raffle, refreshments, face painting, local craft stalls and Father Christmas!

Buckland Brewer Christmas Market Saturday 5th December 11am-3pm

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ome and visit one of Devon’s largest village Christmas Markets with over 30 festive stalls.

As well as the many traditional Christmas craft stalls, this year we have Dunstaple Farm joining us selling their wonderful ice cream and cream. Also Steve Gladwin, your local Torrington butcher, ready to take your Christmas orders, Holsworthy Beekeepers, Fancy Something Sweet, Bray Valley Wines, Winkleigh Cider and Brilliant Fish.

Father Christmas will be making an appearance; Torrington Silver Band will be playing and the children from the local school singing. BBQ, pasties and mulled wine will also be available to add to all the festive fun. For further info contact Dawn 01237 451822.

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Christmas at Rosemoor Winter Sculpture Exhibition

21st November 2015 – 21st February 2016. Every day, 10am - 5pm Pick up a trail from the foyer and see how many sculptures you can discover. There will be free, guided sculpture walks on most Wednesdays during the exhibition, which will leave the Visitor Centre at 11.30am.

Christmas Food Fair

6th December 10am - 3pm Rosemoor will be laden with festive treats, with the very best of local produce including cheese, meats, fish, wine, cider, pastries, puddings, jams and much, much more. The perfect place to stock up on some gastronomic goodies in the run up to Christmas. Go on treat yourself!

Cookery Demonstration with Lucy Lucey – two demonstrations: one at 11.30am and a second at 2.30pm - using seasonal produce.

Decorated Christmas Trees

12th December to 4th January 2016 10am - 5pm daily Show off your Christmas Tree decorating skills and join our Tree Decorating Competition! The competition is open to anyone, group or organisation, who wants to show off their creative flair using natural materials only to create the most stunning tree. Trees will be provided (extra charge of £10 per tree) and space is limited, so make sure you register early to avoid disappointment. Entry forms available from Rosemoor or telephone the Events Team on 01805 626800 for further information.

Featuring All2Knit’s giant Knitted Christmas Tree, back by popular demand!

The Magic of Christmas

12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December Performances at 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

An Entertainingly Different production of music, merriment and mirth featuring Rob Pudner plus a surprise appearance by a very special seasonal guest! There is no additional charge for this event and timed tickets will be available on the day. Children of all ages welcome.

Normal Garden Admission applies to all events.

Cavaliers’ Events at Christmas & New Year Christmas Grotto and Giveaway

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Great Torrington Town & Lands Charity Christmas Distribution of Vouchers

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reat Torrington Town & Lands Charity hereby give notice that the Christmas distribution of vouchers to those residents of Great Torrington, who are in receipt of any of the benefits listed below, will take place at:- The Plough, Fore Street, Torrington, on Friday 11th December 2015 between the hours of: 9.30am2pm.

No applications will be considered before or after the above hours.

Please note - applicable benefits are:* Attendance Allowance * Constant Attendance Allowance * Disability Living Allowance * Employment and Support Allowance * Incapacity Benefit * Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit * State Retirement Pension Only one claim per household.

If you are claiming on behalf of a relative/friend, please bring a letter of authorisation signed by the recipient.

Suitable evidence of entitlement to these benefits must be presented on the day.

Applicants MUST have been resident within the Great Torrington Parish boundary and shown on the Electoral Roll for not less than one year before the date of distribution.

I M Newman, Steward to the Trustees

he Cavaliers are planning their traditional Christmas grotto and giveaway in the Square on Saturday 19th December from 10am1pm.

The Big Sing The theme this year will, once again, be a secret, but as usual there will ur traditional be treats for everyone, including goody bags for the children, mulled cider for the ‘Big Sing’ adults, mince pies and roast chestnuts for everyone. I am sure Father Christmas will Christmas event find time to make an appearance. will be taking place The event is totally free, so please find time to come along, give the kids a treat, on Wednesday 9th have a chat and get into the festive spirit.

December at 7pm in New Year’s Eve - Disco in the Square the Pannier Market. lease join us in the Square on New Year’s Eve to welcome in 2016, This is your opportunity to get into the with lots of music and dancing. real spirit of Christmas. The format is very As in past years, the Cavaliers will be staging the traditional New simple; once again our own Silver Band Year’s Eve disco in the Square from 7pm to past midnight. will be playing the Christmas Carols we Free music all night, party poppers and other bits and pieces at know and love. Reverend Ken Morgan midnight to see the New Year in with a bang. will be there to lead us in the singing, so We hope you can join us. wrap up warm, and come and join in this Steve Young, Cavaliers Chairman real community evening!

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What's On at Christmas & New Year Christmas and New Year at The Plough Arts Centre

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ive yourself some time off from Christmas shopping and card writing and join us at The Plough for some fantastic entertainment.

There’s always a wide choice of music which will satisfy most musical tastes, and on 18th December we have The Worry Dolls, followed on the 19th by Pigbag, but for some seasonal music, the Exmoor Carolers will be singing their hearts out on 20th December and seasonal refreshments will also be available.

Our live streaming from the National Theatre continues to thrill audiences so book early for Jane Eyre on 8th December, Les Liaisons Dangereuses on 28th January and As You Like It on 25th February.

We begin the New Year as we mean to go on, with music to suit every taste. We welcome local guitarist and songwriter Ira Loveworthy entitled Inland Seas, An afternoon with Phil Beer on 10th January and Speed The Plough returns on 15th January, bringing the Reform Inn from Pilton to Torrington! Roots Accoustic, a youth folk band will be appearing on 16th January and Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane are appearing on 23rd January.

Cinema is just as exciting with the new James Bond Spectre on 16th, 17th and 22nd December and The lady in the Van on 27th- 30th December.

Instead of a pantomime we are bringing a beautiful children’s theatre production to The Plough – The Santa Trap is an ideal show for children aged three years plus, who will adore this action packed, explosively funny new musical – what a lovely way to set them up for the Christmas festivities. Showing from Sunday 13th to Tuesday 15th December, so book early as this is bound to be a very popular show!

Don’t forget, if you are looking for a Christmas gift that is different and takes the strain out of Christmas shopping, then come along to our Original Gifts Exhibition.

Open throughout the whole of December you will find lots of wonderful items made by local people!

And finally, if you haven’t received one of our lovely programmes be sure to drop into The Plough and pick one up. Alternatively, you can join our email list by emailing the following address: julie@the ploughartscentre.org.uk.

A very Happy Christmas and a bright New Year to you all.

GTS Christmas Carol Concert

Thursday 17th December, 7pm at St Michael & All Angels Church.

Everyone welcome.

Big Bang @ GTS

Thursday 17th December, open to the public 3.30-5pm in the Sports Hall, everyone welcome

Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School Christmas Fayre

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he Friends of Torrington Bluecoat are busy planning their biggest event of the term – our Christmas Fayre. The fayre takes place at the school on Friday 4th December, and we would like to extend a warm invitation to the whole community to join us.

There will be entertainment, refreshments, games, stalls and of course no Christmas Fayre would be complete without a visit from the main man himself - Santa! The fayre is open from 5.307.30pm and we hope to see you there.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contact us at fotb@bluecoat-primary.org Friends of Torrington Bluecoat – Registered Charity Number 1028175 Friends of Torrington Bluecoat Committee

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Torrington Silver Band Christmas Concert

7.30pm at Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street, tickets £5 on the door to include tea or coffee and a mince pie. Children free.

Buckland Brewer’s Christ�as Market

Sat�rday 5th December 11am to 3pm Visit one of Devon’s largest village Christ�as markets with over 30 stalls Food, Drink, Craſts and Christ�as Cheer

Admission free

Torrington Community Hospital League of Friends Carols

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he League of Friends of the Great Torrington Community Hospital will once again be holding Carols for a Community Christmas in Torrington Methodist Church, on Sunday 13th December at 3.30pm. The service will be led by the Rev Ken Morgan, and Torrington Silver Band will accompany the carols, which will be interspersed with Christmas readings.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Christmas with us, and those of you who have supported the work of the Community Hospital over the years, and campaigned for the reinstatement of our beds, or whose friends and families have benefitted from nursing care in our hospital in the past, are particularly encouraged to come along.

Webbers’ Christmas Presents for the Children’s Hospice South West!

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elp to create a magical Christmas for the children and their families at the Children’s Hospice South West.

All you have to do is take your unwrapped gift to any Webbers Estate Agent, as they have kindly offered to help collect and deliver the presents to hospices throughout the region.

Presents will be delivered to the hospice by horse, to make the occasion even more special.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN TORRINGTON Advent & Christmas Services 2015 Wednesday, 9th December 7pm Big Sing in the Pannier Market

Friday, 11th December

7pm Light up a Life at the Methodist Church

Sunday, 13th December

3.30pm Cottage Hospital Carols service at the Methodist Church

Wednesday, 16th December 6pm Carol Concert at Taddiport

Thursday, 17th December

7pm Candlelight Supper at the Methodist Church

Sunday, 20th December

9am Holy Communion at Taddiport 10.30am Sung Mass at the Parish Church 2pm Carol service at Frithelstock 6.30pm Carol service at the Baptist Church 6.30pm Carol service at the Methodist Church 6.30pm Candlelit Carols at Little Torrington

Thursday, 24th December - Christmas Eve

6pm Children’s play and carols at the crib at the Parish Church 8pm Carols and Mass at the Catholic Church 11.30pm Communion at the Methodist Church 11.30pm Sung Mass at the Parish Church

Friday, 25th December - Christmas Day

9am Holy Communion at Taddiport 9.15am Mass at the Catholic Church 10.30am Baptist and Methodist joint service at the Baptist Church 11am Holy Communion at Little Torrington

Christmas Blessings to everyone

R & S Ware Family Butchers Catering & Delivery Available Quality Beef, Lamb, Pork & Poultry AWARD WINNING BURGERS & SAUSAGES Quality Service and Satisfaction Open six days a week 15-17 South Street, Torrington TEL: 01805 622191 EMAIL: rsware@btconnect.com 9

• 14 The Gallery • Computers at Torrington •

GREAT TORRINGTON PANNIER MARKET

Retail Outlets, Craft Workshops & Café

Open Monday to Saturday all day Tel: 01805 626110 • genesis@great-torrington.com Thursday to Saturday General Market 8am-5pm •

British Red Cross • Sheena’s Sweetshop • The Market Café • Fiddlesticks

Enjoy the Magic of Christmas at the BIG Sheep

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he BIG Sheep is set to wow visitors this Christmas with their stunning Woolly’s Winter Wonderland, which opens on Saturday 5th December and remains open every weekend in December until the 19th, and will then be open every day until Christmas Eve. A unique and magical Christmas light display will combine 20 kilometres of cable and thousands of lights with a computer generated display and will synchronise with some great Christmas songs.

‘Breakfasts with Santa’ will take place on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st December, but do book in advance as there are limited spaces. Priced at £10 per person, this includes a hot breakfast and an exclusive meeting with Santa between 8:30am and 10am, before a full day out at the BIG Sheep. Each child will receive a gift in a festive sock from Santa, an “I’ve met Santa” certificate plus a Christmas helium balloon to take home. Book tickets for your family through the BIG Sheep website: www. thebigsheep.co.uk.

Toddler Take Over Christmas Special - Thursday 10 December th

If you want your toddler to enjoy something stimulating, imaginative and energetic come along to our Toddler Takeover Day! Book Online for discounted tickets; toddlers - £5 each (£6 each on the door). Toddlers under the height of 3ft will be given a Little Shepherds Card which entitles them to Free entry on future visits, whilst under 3ft. Adults - £5 each - a special discounted rate pre-booked.

BIG Sheep’s Christmas Quiz

Available from December 1st, the 90 question quiz will keep the whole family amused this Christmas. Email Claire@thebigsheep.co.uk for your free copy. Answers will be available from Boxing Day.

Christmas Market

The Christmas market will be open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays 5th, 12th, 19th and Wednesday 23rd December. Free range turkeys, organic meats, sprouts on stalks, cheeses, cakes, puddings, biscuits, fudge, chocolate, bread, fish and Christmas trees are just some of the delights which will be on offer.

In addition to all the Christmas fun, EWEtopia indoor playground will be open for the whole family to run wild.

Torrington Pool Active Kidz Christmas Holiday Activities

Tuesday 22nd to Wednesday 30th December eave your kids with us at one of our Active Kidz Holiday Playscheme days, while you finish the Christmas shopping. Each day offers a host of festive sports and activities, as well as games and arts and crafts.

For more information and full details of what is on offer please call 01805 623085 or visit: www.1610.org.uk

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Mon & Tues Crafts & Food 9am-4pm Call Kate 07596 742909

Christmas Tree Festival at St. Margaret’s Church, Northam

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he Church will be open on Saturday 19th December from 10am till 4pm, on Sunday 20th for a service of nine lessons and carols at 10am, then open from 1-4pm; open Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd 11am-3pm, and usual church opening times.

The Appledore Singers Charity Christmas Concert

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he Appledore Singers’ Charity Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday December 13th, 2.30pm at Northam Hall (top of Fore Street) and this year, it will be in aid of Devon Freewheelers - the charity comprising volunteer bikers, who transport blood and other items, on behalf of the NHS, to and from hospitals and surgeries all over Devon.

The choir will delight the audience with arrangements of festive music, both traditional and modern and there will be the opportunity for the audience to participate in singing favourite carols!

The afternoon’s entertainment will also include a grand raffle.

All proceedings will be ably and wittily co-ordinated by our compere, Anthony Chambers, and the choir, accompanied

by Chris Beechey, will be conducted by our Musical Director, Pam Beechey.

Admission is £6 at the door (under 16s free) to include light refreshments.

For further information contact Pam Beechey: 01237 420652 or see our website: theappledoresingers.co.uk ‘Seek a Smile thro’ Song’

Season’s Greetings from New Road Garage Wishing all our customers, old and new, a lovely Christmas and a peaceful New Year From, Darren, Saskia and our great workshop crew; Chris, Lee, James, Pete & Zac.

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

• Crafty Needles • Odds & Sods • The Jewel in the Town • Toy Swap Shop • Times Past

Car Sales • Servicing & Repairs • Valeting • MOTs 01805 625008

Hickfords Property Services Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist

 Damp Surveys & Remedial Works Free esti mates &  Woodworm & Rot Treatments friendly ad vice HNC ,  Kitchen & Bathroom Design & Fitting NVQ and Institute of  Property Maintenance Wood Pre serving & Damp -Pro  Extensions ofing qualified  Landscaping & Decking  Plastering/Rendering - Alterations Contact Colin Hickford C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 623376 Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: hickford208@aol.com

A Fantastic Summer Season for Great Torrington Heritage Museum

Great Torrington Memory Café

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reat Torrington Heritage Museum has had a marvellous summer season with over 4,000 visitors, many from different countries. Several history groups have visited us with some requesting a history or civil war walk round the town.

The plans to alter the building and turn it into a new museum are taking longer than we thought. After discovering bats in the roof, we have now redesigned the ceiling of the second floor, and reinstalled the loft. So we will have happy bats! We can then resubmit the planning application. We are still in discussion with English Heritage concerning a door from 14 South Street into the Market House, which is a Grade 2* building.

We have several young people now helping us, looking after the education side and working with the schools. We also have history graduates working on some of the items in the archive, sorting and putting them on the computer. The museum enjoyed having two work experience boys from Great Torrington School, and I understand they enjoyed the week with us too.

Throughout the winter the museum will be working with Men’s Sheds, as they will be altering some of our display cases.

We have two new displays; one is on fishing from Angling Heritage, and the other is due to the closure of 1646, we now have some of their artefacts and models - all to do with the civil war.

We have held two very successful projects in the Market House; one concerning children making items connected with fishing and the sea, and then a talk by Charles Innis about the River Torridge.

We have a programme starting in February to alter and clean the displays, so if anyone is interested please contact myself and become a volunteer; we do need many more to help take the museum forward.

The Museum is now closed and will be opening again in May 2016.

Val Morris

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he move to the Methodist Church meeting room has now made it easier for people to access the memory café, being closer to town.

Activities in November included a talk

by Sophie who told us about the ‘Meeting at the Plough’ project, and we also had a ‘chair dancing’ session with Jenny – both activities where very successful.

In December we have a Christmas lunch at the Torrington Arms. We are now starting to organise activities for next year and in January we have Theresa, who will be providing music for us all to sing along to.

The café will be open on the second Thursday of each month in 2016, once a month through January to May and twice a month – second and fourth Thursdays – from May to September.

If you or a friend or family member has concerns about memory loss, then do come along and get information, support and advice from qualified volunteers, others caring for people with memory loss and NHS professionals.

If you would like any further information then please contact Pauline on 01805 625969.

Torrington Community Food Bank – Here For You at Christmas

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s we enter this busy and expensive time of year, may we remind you that Torrington Community Food Bank is here to help. The Food Bank provides local families and individuals with essential food supplies at a time when they need them most. We know that Torrington is a proud place where people don’t like to ask for handouts, but you can be assured of confidentiality, and we won’t judge you or your circumstances.

Call into either Castle Hill (over the Library) Great Torrington on a Saturday morning, or the Baptist Church in New Street on a Tuesday morning. Both are open between 10am and noon. You can enjoy a hot drink, and a friendly face will be available to help and advise. By providing you with help, we hope to relieve a little of the stress caused by your circumstances.

Please note Food Bank will not be open on 26th December.

McTimoney Chiropractic

Lizzy’s Larder

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

You will be sure to receive a warm welcome when For gentle and effective treatment ofBlackberry many conditions you visit Farm. including: *InBack neck and shoulder pains * tearoom you will find some of Devon’s finest Entry is FREE* Pain, our discomfort joints* views. produce, and withstiffness beautifulinDartmoor Open 7 days a * Muscular aches * Our traditional family farmTorrington shop is full of week.

10 Forerun Street, food, local crafts and gifts, and 01409 261440 delicious homemade01805 628271 We look forward Milton Damerel don’t forget to visit our friendly animals or join us on Sue Cochrane Dip. Reflex.

(B.C.M.A.) one of our farm tours.

Nr Holsworthy to seeing you!

Visit: www.Blackberryfarmshop.co.uk Www.aandjopticians.co.uk EX22 7NP

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

Reflexology

TORRINGTON

SOLICITORS

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

Please phone 01805 622465

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Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman

• Interior and exterior painting

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

T: 01805 625238 M: 07814 147 603

A J Installations

Oakwell

TV, DVD, Video and Digital Installations 01805 Got equipment you can’t use properly?

622614

Kitchens Ltd

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

01805 804626 or 07977 810 088 www.oakwellkitchens.co.uk

Mayor’s Diary

was at Hatherleigh Co

Torrington Club to see many of their re Another hectic Great month has passed. Bowling Community Awards.

T Helen and I have represented the Update the awards we have

T

Town at he many civicfor Officers which recognise peo events, 2 0 1including 5/2016 made a difference to th church services for the were elected It was lovely to at la Chairs of North Devon at our AGM on 10th be involved with, th District Council and November.

This Father Lawrence MacL Torridge District committee will be led byhenewly-elected and his family will b Council.

Keith Jackson. our town, and the Chu We enjoyed achairman trip to Bideford to The and Bowling third oldest in good o Vicarage was a watch their Regatta on Club 10th is the the country, and is in a beautiful location all to meet them.

September watched the spectacular Castle Hill.Drums, It can be accessed The through Co-op and Bideford Massed on Pipes and arranged a Harvest through the Pannier with visiting bands Castle coming Street from allor over Pannier Market on Market. the UK. 11this September. short mat season, the which held in Barnstaple Fair The is always a wellThis was the first the clubhouse, has just begun.

We have supported day, with all the “Chain oneyears organised members rangingthe from 13 of ageand I Gang” out in force to celebrate think it will become a tradition of the Fair.

The weather upwards.

We arewas a friendly group, keen to regular event on the kind as we walkedwelcome around town, whilst and encourage new members.

Torrington calendar. the declaration of Bowling the opening the exercise Do You Recognise Anyone? offers of gentle and warm Finally, was after the think this must be the Torrington Scout Troop, probably late Fair 1940s or read. early Immediately companionship. Monday evenings we aretried to Macmillan coffee part of the proceedings hadanyone 50s when my father, Leonard Jackson, was Scout master. Doformal you recognise open sessions for interested in morn and in fact ended up finished, we dashed down to Newquay. yourself or a friend here? If you can supply any names, location or date, or trying a new activity.

This is a wonderful cha It was time for Helen to put on a ‘posh would like a copy please contact me - Wendy Thomason on 01635 49735 or For information please contact: surprising that it’s so frock’ for a reception celebrating the 622057 wendythomason38@yahoo.co.uk.

Christina Payne 01805 After all those coffees ‘South West in Bloom’ competition.

Keith Jackson 01805 601200 Soap Kitchen shop to We still had to wait until the following Visit: www.greattorringtonbowlingclub.

Richard Phillips who day to hear the results, and were proud Farming Charity Plough Service com years of business on 3 and delighted when it was announced evon area Farming Community Network have Congratulations to you that the Torrington in Bloom team had planned their annual Plough Service to be held I look forward to hea won a Silver GiltFund (last Raising year it was Coffee Morning, at Torrington Methodist Church, on Sunday you have an event or silver).

Thank you to the committee, January 10th at 3pm. The Minister, Rev Kenneth Morgan, will lead the service which Thanks. want to tell me about traders and individuals who work so will include carrying of the plough into the church and asking God’shard blessing of the he coffee morning at the Methodist 625662, or to enhance our surroundings in th 01805 plough, the soil and the seed. The speaker will be Rev Philip WagstaffGreat of Okehampton on 10 Pauline Octoberatraised the Council o Torrington. We willChurch soon have and members of the local farming community will be participating in the for Shelterbox, thanks to 626135. the service. opportunity of meeting£350 the judges A collection will be taken for FCN work in Devon. Refreshments will andwehelp lots better of people, but especially Councillor R to be findserved out how can from do even a warm welcome is given to all to come and hear more about this – farming charity’s the members of the Methodist Church our next challenge is GOLD!! work in Devon. congregation who were wonderful.

Our last out-of-town engagement Colin Reed, Devon Service Secretary 01363 774522 Ruth Funnell

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STEGGLES TREE SERVICES

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Merton 01805 603924. www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk Excellent home-made food served every day 12-2pm/6-9pm Great selection of wines, real ales, ciders Open fire and snug rooms

TREE REMOVAL AND PRUNING, INCLUDING HEDGES

NO OBLIGATION - FREE QUOTATION NO JOB TOO SMALL - FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED

TEL: 01805 622868 - MOB: 07876 454361 EMAIL: davestegg@hotmail.co.uk

Get ready for Christmas – make some time for yourself 15% discount on any treatment to 20.12.15 Treat yourself, you deserve it!

Local independent florist - always happy to help.

Weddings – Funerals - Giſt bouquets - Ar�angements Please call on 07846 857 933

• Facial • Manicure • Pedicure • Waxing • Eye Treatments • For full treatments and price list please see website or telephone Contact: 07895 431784/www.backtobeauty.co.uk

Treatments at The Treatment Room (5 miles from Bideford) or at your home or office

Back to Beauty – Professional Beauty Therapy

B

ack to Beauty offers beauty treatments from the treatment room at Frithelstockstone, (5 miles from Bideford), which has wonderful countryside views and a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. Be met with Pukka/Twining’s tea or Nespresso coffee to accompany your treatment. Alternatively, Back to Beauty can attend you at your home, office or care home to provide the treatment of your choice at your convenience.

Back to Beauty recognises that women often do not have enough time to unwind and relax. Therefore a thorough and competent service is provided offering you some protected “me” time that ensures you feel cosseted and uplifted.

The business is owned by Sarah Rigden who, after taking voluntary redundancy from the NHS earlier this year, decided to have a career change. Sarah completed an intensive Diploma in Beauty Therapy Studies and a Business and Marketing course. Sarah’s qualification is nationally recognised by VTCT. The business is a member of Associated Beauty Therapists and is fully insured.

Back to Beauty offer Kaeso facials which are often referred to as a “mini face lift”; the purpose of facial massage is to increase blood and lymphatic circulation which will benefit the appearance and function of the skin and underlying structures.

Wonderfully relaxing, it will leave your skin feeling fabulous and you feeling calm.

The website provides a comprehensive list of treatments and prices and you can get in touch with Sarah for any enquiries/bookings either by phone – 07895 431 784 or via the website www.backtobeauty.co.uk.

Honeybee Floral Art

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y name is Melissa Baker and I run Honeybee Floral Art, a freelance independent florist, from my home in Torrington, providing a full range of floral requirements.

My interest in floristry started many years ago when a good friend of mine and I started evening classes learning the basics of flower arranging. From this I often enjoyed arranging flowers for family and friends and arranged my own church wedding flowers During the summer of 2013 I decided I needed a challenge, and knowing how much I enjoyed flower arranging, I decided to enrol with the Academy of Floral Art, Exeter, to gain further experience and florist t Castle House Care Home in Torrington, we would like to update you on qualifications. From this and through a few recent changes. Firstly, we would like to introduce you to our new their encouragement, I decided to take Manager, Jacky Hopper; in the summer we changed our registration from my interest another step and started my nursing to residential and Jacky has been working hard with us over the past few own business. The name Honeybee months to ensure a smooth transition. She brought with her, and continues to bring, a wealth of knowledge and experience gained over many years; from her experience comes from the meaning of Melissa and as a business manager to her more recent involvement with Marie Curie. Jacky also I thought it was an excellent name for my business. has extensive knowledge when it comes to staff training within the care sector.

So here I am, ready and delighted to For our residents and guests, Jacky and her staff aim to offer the best standards of residential care with personal attention by providing a secure and happy ‘home from offer you a full range of floral services; home’, with person centred care at the core of what they do. The Home environment whether you require wedding flowers, funeral flowers, gift bouquets or is kept as relaxed and comfortable as possible, offering residents the opportunity to corporate arrangements, I am always remain independent, with newly renovated bedrooms to aid comfort and relaxation. happy to help.

Please feel free to contact Jacky or Sue, the home administrator, whether your You can contact me on 07846 857 933. interest is for respite, short or long term care on 01805 622233, and to arrange Honeybee Floral Art - 36 Burwood Road, a visit at your convenience. You can also find out more on our website, www.

Torrington, Devon EX38 7NE. castlehousenursinghome.co.uk.

Castle House Care Home

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Diary

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

To place an entry in the diary, please either email torrington.crier@gmail.com, call 01805 603152, or write your entry in the diary on the Library counter.

Thursday 3rd

Plough Films: The Lobster (15) 5:30pm; Suffragette (12A) 8pm Plough Workshops every Thursday: Sapta Dance 11am - 2:30pm; Tai Chi 2-3pm. Writers Group 7:30-9pm (first Thursday of the month) Tai Chi 12-1pm and 1-2pm every Thursday, Torrington Hospital. TorrAge Ageing Well Tuesday 1st 01805 622666 Plough Film: Sicario (15) 8pm Pannier General Market every Thurs Plough Exhibition: The Original Gifts for 8am–5pm Christmas Exhibition Until 24th Dec St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass Plough Workshops every Tuesday: Yoga in St James’ Chapel.

2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30-7:30pm; Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm Church every Thurs term time 9.30am Market in the Pannier Market 9am-4pm -11.30am £1.50 per family. Jill 01805 new stall holders reqd. looking for crafts, 624387 foods, books jewellery, clothes, Kate 07596 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Thurs @ 742 909.

High Bickington Community Centre Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Wendy’s Fitness for Life classes at the Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 £1.50 inc tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Slimming World Join us at TVSC every Food Bank 10am-12pm every Tues @ Thurs at 5.30 & 7.30pm Norah 07789 Baptist Church 632166 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Toddler Group 9.30-11am every Thur @ Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda High Bickington Community Centre Masterson 01805 623212 Writers Poets & Listeners 7.30pm 1st Torrington Beavers and Cubs at Conservative Club Scout Hut, Gas Lane Tuesdays during term Torrington Craft Group, Every Thursday time 5.30-7pm, Fran Ashton 01409 281246. 1-4pm @ the Methodist Church Hall £2 per Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club session inc refreshments, call and see us training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, for a chat or call Jeanne Singleton 01805 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit 622650 Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club Wednesday 2nd training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, Plough Film: Horse Money (12A) 8pm 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit Plough Workshops every Wednesday: Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meet Adult English Class 6:30-8:30pm; Latin for every Thursday 9am-3pm at Torrington Beginners 7-8pm; Tai Chi 7:30pm - 9pm Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly Station (the Puffing Billy), unless weather is appalling. Variety of tasks. All welcome. coffee morning every 1st Wed of the 07881 905 260. month 10.30am-12.30pm @ Phase 1 Common Room, Ethelwynne Brown Close, Friday 4th East the Water Bideford Friends of Torrington Bluecoat 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Christmas Fayre 5:30-7:30pm at Great Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.30-8pm Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary School Shirley Lee 01805 625965 – everyone welcome.

Free English Course for Adults every Plough Music: Johnny Coppin – All On A Weds 6-8pm @ The Fire Station. Learn Winters Night 8pm the basics or aim towards L2(GCSE=) Plough Workshops every Friday: Sarah qualification. Rosemary Dymond 01237 Anne Westcott School of Dance 3:30472462 7:30pm Langtree Reunites Netball Club High 5 Pannier Market every Fri 8am-5pm training (sch yrs 3-6) 6-7pm, Junior training ALLSORTS Children’s Club at Bluecoat (sch yrs 7-9) every Weds 7-8pm evening Primary School, Fridays, 6.30-8pm. School

December 2015

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(Juniors 7-8pm and Seniors 8-9.30pm) @ Torrington sports hall. Visit www. langtreereunites.hitsnetball.co.uk Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-8pm carded boxers only Running club every Wednesday at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm Donnacroft

years 1-6. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 ALLSORTS Plus Youth Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 8-9.15pm. School years 6 and upwards. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 English Folk Dancing 8pm every Fri @ Northam Village Hall with Bideford Ceilidh Club. Info John 01237 476632 Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 11+, 7.15-9pm seniors

Saturday 5th

Christmas quiz at Taddiport Village Hall, 7.30pm £50 prize Torrington Baptist Church Children’s party for those who came to Holiday Club Plough Music: The Boss UK (Bruce Springsteen Tribute) 8pm Christmas Tree Festival at St. Michael’s Church, Horwood EX39 4PB, 11am to 4pm, in aid of Barnstaple Hospital League of Friends. www.HorwoodDevon.co.uk. & Sunday 6th.

Woodland Vale Residential Home Christmas Fair 2-4pm St Michael’s Church 10.30am-3.30pm St Nicholas Fayre and Craft Market with Father Christmas Plough Workshops every Saturday: Plough Junior Jazz 11am - 1pm; Plough Youth Theatre 9:45am - 5:15pm Torridgeside Saturday Football Fun Club - 10am - 11am in the Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School MUGA. Every Saturday. Ends 12th December for the Xmas break.

Pannier General Market every Saturday 10am–4pm Food Bank 10am-12pm every Sat @ Castle Hill, (1st floor) Torrington Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am @ Libbaton Golf Club

Sunday 6th

Plough Film: Suffragette (12A) 3pm & 7pm Torrington Baptist Church Messy Church for the children and Mark Stanbury preaching at the service for adults Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Mass every Sun 9.15am St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Mrs Sheila Babb, 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan Holy Communion.

Grosvenor Church Torrington, Bluecoat Junior School 4pm. ‘No Ordinary Birth Plan’, with an exciting children’s programme, refreshments at 5pm. Tim 07798670754. Every Sunday.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Abbotsham Rd, Bideford Sunday

Torrington Discount Stores Everyday items at bargain prices

Pound Lines, Pet Products, Cleaning Products, Household Items, Sweets Drinks and Snacks, Children’s Toys, Craft and Stationary items, Toiletries Open 9am-4pm Mon-Sat. Tel: 01805 622 707 Email: torringtondiscountstores@outlook.com

Sacrament service at 10-11am ALLSORTS Sunday Brunch, first Sunday of each month @ Bluecoat Primary school, 10.30am. Contact Morag on 01805 625510 Car Boot Sale Tesco Rose Lane. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm cars £5 - vans £7.

Sellers 9am. Maureen Beauchamp 07999 445 489. Fundraising for Diabetes UK.

Monday 7th

Plough Workshops every Monday: Yoga 6:30pm - 8pm; Folk Orchestra 7pm - 9pm Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact - 07870 509 674 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.157.15pm Emma Keil emmakeil@talktalk.net.

1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6pm7.30pm Leanne Wade 01271 377094, 07729 065 556 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout Hall every Mon term time 7.30-9pm Peter 01409 281246 Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com or find us on Facebook.

Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training, above TVSC, 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 11+ 7.15-9pm seniors.

U.S. Social Group. meet new friends every Monday 8pm @ the Panniers in Barnstaple (Weatherspoons), 40 plus. Mixed social group for people on their own.

Running club every Monday at 6pm (except Bank Holidays) at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym

Tuesday 8th

St George’s Church Monkleigh, coffee morning and bargain stalls, all welcome for chatter and fun, 9.15-11.30am Monkleigh

Unit 2C Hatchmoor Industrial Estate Torrington EX38 7HP Open Wednesday to Saturday

Village Hall, Penny 01805 622183.

Plough Theatre: National Theatre Live: Jane Eyre 7pm

Wednesday 9th

Torrington WI 7pm, Methodist Church Hall, ‘how to make a simple Christmas Wreath’ demonstration by President Daphne Metherell, then ‘make your own’ session, party food.

Plough Film: Dance of Reality (18) 8pm

Thursday 10th

Torrington Fairtrade Group meets 7.30pm at The Plough - new members welcome. Further details call Kathy 01805 624678 or Myra 01805 624232.

Harracott WI Carol Evening Yarnscombe Village Hall, with Appledore Singers, 7.30pm. £4 to include tea/coffee. Proceeds to Children’s Hospice South West.

Plough Music & Poetry: Open Mouth Music & Poetry Night Globe Hotel 8pm Plough Film: Burnt (ctba) 8pm Plough Workshop: Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm (every second Thursday) St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass in St James’ Chapel.

Friday 11th

Torrington Methodist Church Light up a Life Service, 7pm Torrington Baptist Church “Outreach Lunch” contact Shirley Bere 01805 623887 for details.

Plough Comedy: Phil Jupitus 8pm Great Torrington Town & Lands Charity Christmas Distribution of Vouchers at The Plough, 9.30am-2pm. See page 7.

Saturday 12th

Taddiport Tea Dance, 2-4.30pm, Doug 01805 622648, Beryl 01805 624294 Torrington Silver Band Christmas Concert 7.30pm at Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street, tickets £5 on the door to include tea or coffee and a mince pie.

Children free.

Mendelssohn’s Elijah North Devon Choral

Society, conducted by John Hobbs, with a cast of international soloists, Parish Church, Torrington, 7.30 pm Plough Music: Fotheringay + Support Sean Lakeman and Kathryn Roberts & Sally Barker 8pm Plough Comedy: Phil Jupitus at Lynton Town Hall 8pm St Michael’s Church 7.30pm Concert by North Devon Choral

Sunday 13th

Plough Theatre: Mayflower Productions: The Santa Trap 4pm Torrington Baptist Church 10:30am Morning service including Nativity Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Ken Morgan, 3.30pm Hospital Carol Service with Silver Band.

Euchre Royal Exchange 7.45pm

Monday 14th

Plough Theatre: Mayflower Productions: The Santa Trap 9:45am, 11:30am/1:30pm

Tuesday 15th

Plough Theatre: Mayflower Productions: The Santa Trap 9:45am, 11:30am/1:30pm Plough Film: The Lobster (15) 8pm ‘Hearing for You’ Social group for the hard of hearing. Every third Tues 2pm @ The Bickford Centre. Call 01271 373236

Wednesday 16th

Plough Theatre: The Nativity (Plough Prism Style) 6pm Plough Film: Spectre (12A) 8pm Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm

Thursday 17th

Plough Film: Spectre (12A) 8pm St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass in St James’ Chapel.

Friday 18th

Plough Music: Worry Dolls + Support 8pm

All Shines Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing Services Windows, gutters, soffits & solar panels House wash, roof de-moss, patios, block paving decking etc.

Carpet cleaning

01805 938502 07711 079 577

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Saturday 19st

Cavaliers Christmas grotto & giveaway in the Square 10am-1pm.

Plough Music: Pigbag + Support 8pm St Michael’s Church 4.30pm Licensing of Fr Peter Bevan Barn Dance with the Bursledon Band at Pollyfield Community Centre Bideford 8pm. Bring and Share supper. John 01237 476632. Bideford Ceilidh Club.

Sunday 20th

Plough Music: The Exmoor Carolers 3pm Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Mrs Elsie Potter, 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan, Carol Service.

Torrington Baptist Church 6:30pm Carols

by Candlelight (NO Morning service) Christmas Euchre competition TVSC 7pm

Tuesday 22nd

Plough Films: Pan (PG) 3pm; Spectre (12A) 8pm Christmas Euchre at the Torrington Arms 7.45pm.

Parish Church 7.30pm. Short concert of Christmas organ music and carols.

Wednesday 23rd

Plough Film: Pan (PG) 3pm

Thursday 24

th

Christmas Eve St Michael’s Church 11.30pm Midnight Mass Torrington Methodist Church 11.30pm Rev Ken Morgan Holy Communion

Friday 25th

Christmas Day 10.30am Rev Ken Morgan, Torrington Baptist Church

Saturday 26th

Boxing Day Christmas Euchre Competition Royal Exchange 7.45pm

Sunday 27th

Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Ken Morgan Holy Communion, no evening service.

Torrington Baptist Church 10:30am Morning Service Plough Film: The Lady in the Van (12A) 3pm; The Dressmaker (ctba) 7pm

Monday 28th

Plough Films: Pan (PG) 2pm; The Lady in the Van (12A) 5pm; Legend (18) 8pm

Tuesday 29th

Plough Films: The Dressmaker (ctba) 3pm; The Lady in the Van (12A) 8pm

Wednesday 30th 16

Plough Films: The Lady in the Van (12A)

3pm; The Dressmaker (ctba) 5:30pm; Legend (18) 8pm

Thursday 31st

Cavaliers’ New Year’s Eve disco in the Square from 7pm to past midnight.

January 2016 Friday 1st

New Year’s Day Bank Holiday

Saturday 2nd

Plough Films: Addicted To Sheep (PG) 3pm; Bridge Of Spies (12A) 8pm Plough Workshops every Saturday: Plough Junior Jazz 11am - 1pm; Plough Youth Theatre 9:45am - 5:15pm Torridgeside Saturday Football Fun Club - 10am - 11am in the Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School MUGA. Every Saturday. Ends 12th December for the Xmas break.

Pannier General Market every Saturday 10am–4pm Food Bank 10am-12pm every Sat @ Castle Hill, (1st floor) Torrington Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am @ Libbaton Golf Club

Sunday 3rd

Plough Films: Addicted To Sheep (PG) 3pm; Bridge Of Spies (12A) 7pm Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Mass every Sun 9.15am St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Mrs Julia Spencer, 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan Covenant Service.

Grosvenor Church Torrington, Bluecoat Junior School 4pm. With an exciting children’s programme, refreshments at 5pm. Tim 07798670754. Every Sunday.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Abbotsham Rd, Bideford Sunday Sacrament service at 10-11am ALLSORTS Sunday Brunch, first Sunday of each month @ Bluecoat Primary school, 10.30am. Contact Morag on 01805 625510 Car Boot Sale Tesco Rose Lane. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm cars £5 - vans £7.

Sellers 9am. Contact Maureen Beauchamp 07999 445 489. Fundraising Diabetes UK.

Monday 4

th

Plough Workshops every Monday: Yoga 6:30pm - 8pm; Folk Orchestra 7pm - 9pm Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact - 07870 509 674

1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.157.15pm Emma Keil emmakeil@talktalk.net.

1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6pm7.30pm Leanne Wade 01271 377094, 07729 065 556 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout Hall every Mon term time 7.30-9pm Peter 01409 281246 Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com or find us on Facebook.

Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training, above TVSC, 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 11+ 7.15-9pm seniors.

U.S. Social Group. meet new friends every Monday 8pm @ the Panniers in Barnstaple (Weatherspoons), 40 plus. Mixed social group for people on their own.

Running club every Monday at 6pm (except Bank Holidays) 6.15pm GTS gym

Tuesday 5th

Plough Workshops every Tuesday: Yoga 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30-7:30pm; Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm Market in the Pannier Market 9am-4pm new stall holders reqd. looking for crafts, foods, books jewellery, clothes, Kate 07596 742 909.

Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm £1.50 inc tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Food Bank 10am-12pm every Tues @ Baptist Church 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 1st Torrington Beavers and Cubs at Scout Hut, Gas Lane Tuesdays during term time 5.30-7pm, Fran Ashton 01409 281246.

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

Wednesday 6th

Plough Workshops every Wednesday: Adult English Class 6:30-8:30pm; Latin for Beginners 7-8pm; Tai Chi 7:30pm - 9pm Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly coffee morning every 1st Wed of the month 10.30am-12.30pm @ Phase 1 Common Room, Ethelwynne Brown Close,

nising a od quality clean clothes, urtains. My aim is to fill h December. ld like a bag to fill, gary has kindly agreed to n point (my Mum works ways good to have the inside!) and I will ion of the filled bag from lternatively if you would r cleaned I can be 1805 622539. "enry D’Alberti-Nicholson

five to ten days for the vaccine to take effect so it is important to get the flu jab before flu is about. I’d urge everyone eligible for the flu vaccine, particularly those in the clinical at risk groups, to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Protect yourself early to minimise the risk of getting flu.

Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for those in an ‘at risk’ group. It can result in a spell in hospital, and sadly flu kills. The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated.

North Devon TV, DVD & Appliance Repairs At home or in the workshop Call The Repairguys on Torrington 01805 628099 9

East the Water BidefordIt sounds a long way off for a chat or call Jeanne Singleton 01805 compulsory microchipping and if er seem toTorrington be thriving omotion 3rdfor Brownies at Torrington 622650 But please make a diary note anyone has any concerns about this Amateur Boxing Club 18 mammals, but the Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.30-8pm Torrington Police F Members To come and share the things we do Aunty Lynne is at the end of the phone. he adder in our four 01805 625965 training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, Army Shirley CadetLee Staff TheAdults imaginative tote able is now to ladies offerboxfit ot Kinsella popular with Free English CourseK9Focus for every 7-8.30pm (17) some. has of all the town’s Allsocieties us rescue dogs are Weds 6-8pm with @ The microchipping.

Fire Station.

Learn Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meet casional meetings ion to the seniororrank their commitment their roles chipped so that wefor can never be lostfrom 9am till about 3pm at thelittle basics aim towards L2(GCSE=) every Thursday we know about our geant qualification.

Major. Adult Rosemary Dymond Parkinson’s, again and 01237 endand upcaring in Torrington a horribleStation dog (the Puffing Billy), unless ion together other Sergeant Garywith Woods 472462 weather appalling.

Variety of tasks. All Alarms where and Football goals pounds we might be isput to the Queen’s LangtreeJubilee Reunites Netball ClubExhibitions High 5 welcome. 07881 905 260.

Golf and sleep. interesting would be 3-6) a 6-7pm, Junior training given more than training (sch five yrs Societies for youth Some of you may have seen on our9th Saturday ry ponds and streams, (sch yrsto 7-9) every 7-8pm service the Weds And manyevening more, (www.facebook.com/ all soPlough worthwhile Facebook page Films: Hunger Games: Mocking (Juniors 7-8pm and Seniors 8-9.30pm) so provide information ch promotes personal Truly I www. say, K9focus) thatforsooth we recently took in a 3pm; Crimson Peak (15) Jay Part 2 (12A) @ Torrington sports hall.

Visit er quality and of pollution. young people 12 to 7 for year 7.30 old mastiff8pm. three called Bella. langtreereunites.hitsnetball.co.uk orrington Junior School Bella Wednesday, 7 butMusic: Plough really is December a big softie she isIra Loveworthy ‘Inland Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club tions were made at o regularly go stream Seas’ 8:15pm Torridge very much overweight.

She also needs training 6.30-8pm carded boxersVale onlySocial Club March training erduring schools must have Enjoy bitatof local heaven.

Running club every to Wednesday haveaan operation costing around Sunday 10th habitats to explore 6.15pm meet atthe GTS£500 gym as she has in-growing eyelashes VJT Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am rmation on Torrington Training 6.30-8.30pm Donnacroft e area.Rugby Can we have and is in constant Mr pain.

We are Jim Wood, 3pm Rev Philip Wagstaff nt Major Garry Coates es please? launching an appeal this month to get & Rev Ken Morgan, Farm Crisis Network In Remembrance Thursday 7th Michael Collingham her eyes corrected andwas ensure that she Service, no evening service.

Plough Workshops every Thursday: Lord Ponsonby an absolute Harvey, Sergeant Major Torrington Baptist Church 10:30am is no longer in pain.

She is also on a Sapta Dance 11am - 2:30pm; Tai Chi tartar who made his servants live an Morning Service with Family Communion as the operation cannot be 2-3pm. Writers Groupdiet 7:30-9pm (first absolute dog's life. His harshest Plough Music: olks Thursday of the month) performed she has losthis a faithful fewAfternoon tea with Phil treatment until was reserved for Beer 4pm Tai Chi 12 -1pm and 1-2pm every pounds!

We know times are difficult Update butler Whibble. It wasPlough “Whibble getfor my Film: 99 Homes (15) 8pm Thursday, Torrington everyone Hospital. TorrAge at the moment but if you boots off!” “Whibble, get me a whisky!'' ocus Ageing Well 01805 622666 could sparethis a few to helpallmy Tuesday 12th Whibble and coppers Whibble that, day Pannier General Market every Thurs lovely friend then shehis would be very Plough Exhibition Animated Stills until long.

One evening lordship came as lived8am–5pm 30th grateful.

You can donate online via our home from his club after aJan particularly St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass with the Athletic Club’s website (www.k9focus.co.uk) and see Amateur “Whibble, run13th in St James’ Chapel. lavish dinner and barked, Wednesday nmas more Caper Race Toddler on more of or alternatively Little Fishes Group at Baptist me apictures bath!”

In Bella, due course he slipped Plough Film: Gueros (ctba) 8pm although due to lots Thurs ofat term ecember 2011, starts if gently you do not soapy havewater. access to the a Church every time into 9.30am the Feeling have been able to find ation begins at £1.50 9.30am Thursday 14th computer then cheques (made out to -11.30am per family.

Jill 01805 after-effects of his dinner, he passed for four-legged t o n our Rug b y C l u b K9focus) 624387 can be sent to Miss Bella, wind in a manner reminiscent of an DEADLINE FOR s was Short only for set in 2-4pm Mat up Bowls every Shepherds Thurs @ onaac.org further K9focus, View, promptly Lower Hill,fell Icelandic geyser and d sinceHigh thatBickington time hasCommunity Centre FEBRUARY CRIER, Stsleep.

Giles, Torrington, Devon EX38 7JU. Just then the door burst open classes at Ithe 200 Wendy’s abused Fitness and for Life Next month will be telling youNOON all and there Whibble stood, to12 attention, TODAY Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 sether in North Devon, and about our forthcoming dog shows , but Again with a hot water bottle.

His Lordship Slimming World Join us at TVSC every Torrington Fairtrade Group meets by Lynne to say in exploded, the meantime keep theAunty year again “Get outplease man, I do didn't ring Thurs at 5.30 & 7.30pm Norah 07789 7.30pm at The Plough new members u to everyone for all following us on Facebook and sharing ember and I don't want you, welcome. go away”.

“I begdetails call Kathy 01805 632166 Further pport. our stories. gether” Writers Poets & Listeners 7.30pm to differ sir, my hearing is or perfect.

I 624678 Myra 01805 624232. pleased to hear the Lots woofs and licks, ecember Conservative Club Plough Music & aPoetry: Open Mouth distinctly heard youofsay, what about ncement regarding Torrington Craft Group, Every Thursday Music Poetry Night 8pm Missand Jessica.

1-4pm @ the Methodist Church Hall £2 per Plough Film: Black Mass (15) 8pm session inc refreshments, call and see us St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass

in St James’ Chapel.

Friday 15th

Plough Music: Speed the Plough 17: ‘The Reform Inn comes to Torrington’ 8pm Art on Friday – twice at month at The Plough 10.30am-2.30pm ‘Free Choice of Subject & Medium’ New members welcome - contact Hazel: 01805 623757

Saturday 16st

Plough Music: Roots Acoustic & Friends 7:30pm Plough Film: Carol (15) 8pm

Sunday 17th

Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Mr John Dennis, 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan Plough Films: Carol (15) 3pm; Under Milk Wood (15) 7pm Torrington Baptist Church 10:30am Breakfast Special: crafts, chat, coffee/tea & cakes

Tuesday 19th

Plough Film: Brooklyn (12A) 8pm ‘Hearing for You’ Social group for the hard of hearing. Every third Tues 2pm @ The Bickford Centre. Call 01271 373236

Wednesday 20th

Plough Film: They Will Have To Kill Us First (15) 8pm Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm

Thursday 21st

Plough Film: Steve Jobs (15) 8pm Plough Workshop: Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm (every second Thursday) St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass in St James’ Chapel.

Friday 22nd

Plough Film: Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2 (12A)8pm

Saturday 23rd

Plough Music: Gordie Tentrees + support Jaxon Haldane 8:30pm

WHISKERS PET CENTRE

For all your pet needs

Large stock of pet foods Nutro, Wellbeloved, Beta MarkBakers Alford, Scott andBird etc.Cann Wild Andrew Luxton are available seeds and nuts.to see clients by appointment.

Lots of posh & normal wellies in all sizes

Call 01805 623725 or visit our 20 South Torrington offices in Street, Okehampton and Exeter ( (01805) 622859 www.stones-solicitors.co.uk mail@stones-solicitors.co.uk 15

17

Plough 10.30-11.30am, Samina 01837 e, with 18)along 8pm @ Themany Plough 682811 or I07974 43318”, 156 We met when was “just ncluding this year’s New Buildings or Renovations?

R.PITTS Then call your Local “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Friendly Builder

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Roland Pitts A.B.C. RBuildings STACEY FAB TREES New Renovations?

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Hardwood £110SERVICES a load Then call your Local Tel: 01805 624665 STEGGLES TREE TTS Freddie Andrew Blackford 'BUILDERS' Mob: 07812 067199 Then call your Local Friendly Builder TREE REMOVAL AND PRUNING, INCLUDING HEDGES 1 Truck load = 1.3m³/46ft³ ENOVATIONS”General Small groups, Friendly Builder Merton 01805 603924.

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by Andrew & Janice Gist All types of building work undertaken NO OBLIGATION - FREE QUOTATION www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk running monthly in Torrington Please ring Ambrose Wood Fuels, Umberleigh Roland Pitts NO JOB TOO SMALL - FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED Renovations - New Build - Extensions For Socks etc. • Town Museum • Times Past

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Food Hygiene Courses

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07814 292 077 or

Excellent home-made food served day 12-2pm/6-9pm Barn Conversions -every Roofing - Plastering please telephone

01409 281572

Ask fo

“BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Damp proofing Timber Treatment Great selection of01805 wines,-622364 real ales, ciders 01769 540 014454361 TEL: 01805 622868 - MOB: 07876 Local, fri 01805 622604 Building & Renovations Suppliers of logs and kindling EMAIL: davestegg@hotmail.co.uk Open fire and snug rooms CRB Che Tel:624665 01805 624665 R. PITTS Tel: 01805 For a free quotation call For more information k Mob: 07812 6 Pannier Market, Torrington 067199 Mob: 07812423176 06719907721 398 829 Tel: 01237 k• th Sunday 24 could beClub as simple as a£1.blue depending the season, well be £2(this Excitingon Times for may Torridgeside Football Torrington Methodist Church Devon 10.30am per child – under 1s £1 – siblings Rolle Canal & Northern Saturday 13th Torrington mushroom crate turned upside down flowering at the time of the walk.

Rev Stephen Methodist Hill 6.30pm Church Rev Ken 10.30am Advice Price includes healthy snack & drink for e are pleased to announce that at the EGM held in October, Surgery with Geoffrey Cox MP. Waterways Society Guided Walk Wed 6.30-8pm Shirley content!

Lee 01805 carnival queen and her attendants. wives shop to their hearts’ Fri 4 Information Rev Stephen Hill, 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan with ain10cm x 10cm hole cutasin one of The start isFootball at Annery Morgan the children &new hot drink for adults the evening way itCommunity had been recycle their cardboard -625965 placeof itthe in walk for an appointment ring 01237 459001 or Torridgeside Club voted a committee safely for future generations. your will be Dolton’s three pubs are all expected The Centre is available to hire for The new season's programme of Plough Films: Brooklyn (12A) 3pm; Steve Pannier Bric-a-Brac Centre Church of have Jesus Christ Latter Rebecca Leach 560 685. Market the short sides and a weight on top)every Fri Kiln, on theout Weare Giffard- Darren road ome ofThe their poems your new brown and put for Chair email to tellgeoffrey@geoffreycox or via byWest, th isbag follows: Secretary -01769 Tricia Clement, Theofcommittee now working hard ur volunteers along all Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

Diary

W

Weightafter Watchers @ The into the to benefit from the carnival atmosphere meetings, 4pm, through Sunday walks starts on 26 Jobs (15)afternoon 7pm 10am-4pm Day Saints meet @ Bideford College (opposite Sydney House Car Park, which should stop any local cats Halfpenny Bridge, at 2.30pm on website www.geoffreycox.co.uk ay in and the Plough.

Their collection withfor your bottles, cans and Treasurer Sue Kavanagh. raising funds some bright new rage your Torrington Baptist Church Conservative Club every 6.30and an influx of visitors.Devon There will be a evenings most days, andWed also on Mayensure with aBideford, visit to the 10:30am site of the th-on Allsorts Childrens’ Club,(not Bluecoat Roselyn, Shebbear.

Abbotsham Rd, EX39 3AR Thursday 18th next to 'Panamart') Coffee Morning in aid of Wembworthy May. The distance is little enjoying a free meal.

Cat now biscuits Sunday 26 was so well written that I newspapers.

This secures the 01837 future of Torridgeside, and the committee has curtains to give the hall a fresh new es. There’s a walk for Morning Service with Communion 7.30pm, Berni 811172 roundabout, trampoline, fish and occasional Saturdays for small events Inclined Plane at Ridd.

This is the Infants School every 6.30-8pm, Sunday Sacrament 11.50amStfish Michael's Church Said Mass Chulmleigh Town Hall 9-11am delighted toat announce that Church over a@ mile butwish with plenty look atof plans flavour) arethe anclub ideal food Fri to put inchips, efforts should beservice As a parting note can I20 Aare Listing of Rolle Community, Social mr five toWe18 miles! grown to aEnglish strong group to with lots to develop further. place where the Free Course for Adults GTS barbecue, and candy wagon. or training days.

Please see Kiz or th look. Canal 1pm School years 1-6 Morag 01805 cakes,May produce, draw prizes appreciated in St James and discuss is likely to take a 10.30am the feeding stationChapel but please never 625510 thecircle.

'Esteem' group - everybody to support those Tuesday 26 a wider Iup have a Fair and and Fundraising Events in happy the Why not come and join in the fun on hments will be provided It’s an exciting time to7-9pm. get involved. was raised about 43 feet term-time Weds Learn the email: kizangell@btconnect.com Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 3pm @ The Allsorts Plus Young Persons’ Major Walker MC Ceremony @ War Music Gaga: Rock Anthems 8pm @ The Plough Film: Song (15)difficulties, 8pm th fingers crossed couple of for hours. A donation of bread and milk as it can make them Club, suffering withSunset mental health dour them to come along to keeping for 7.30pm) when April my 26 (7 Memorial walk, Stagecoach and Surrounding The Saturday Football Fun Club hasPlough got off toBluecoat anYour excellent start, with around 20 from theTorrington valley floor Friday near basics or aim towards L2(GCSE=) Plough 11am (see article) Vote Counts!

School every Fri 8-9pm years £2 to the Rolle Canal seriously ill. depression, fatigue, pain or anxiety the Planning sunshine – and warmth! th st we are celebrating St children George’s Night. be on hand atCommittee the Wednesday 27 Weare Giffard toDistrict a Film 'Argo' (15)end 7pm @level The Plough regularly attending.

This is an open session for children in school years 1-6, qualification.

Jayne Doyle 0797 687 Areas.

Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4.30pm details Charity Xmas Cards & Gifts Morag 01805 625510 1 6-9 Torrington Scouts have Society's If you find a hedgehog out duringregistered the has been awarded grants from theBest wishes you all. funds will be Council, present You will Hall be assured of7985 ato warm k to your starting point.

Plough Film: Sunset Song (15) 8pm Comedy 'Russell Kane' @ Devon into the side oftheir the valley or 01237 472462 so 01805 please come along to01805 Bluecoat Primary School MUGA, any Saturday atParish 10am.

It’s Doug 622648 or Beryl Friday 19th Concert @ Wembworthy Cards for good causes and Fair with Nat and West Community Force, appreciated and helps day, wobbling unsteady or you’re Rural Devon Trust (through the Devon Cllr Mrs Margaret Brown n person.

Arrangements welcome and fun-filled evening with are hoping to provide 8pm that could be maintained 624294 Langtree Unites Netball Club Weds just £2 for an hour’s session.

St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am th Church 7.30pm free entry, collection Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s which invites people to enable the Society to keep worried about one that visits your Community Foundation) Thursday 28th Mayor of Torrington April at to de this on 24way nd 7-8pm, hotthefoodand and from entertainment.

All for ongforthe way more all theand inland Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30pm @ teams eve term-time (Juniors Seniors in garden, St James Chapel Torridgeside also have youth for U10s, U11s, U13s, U14s and U16s, and are for church funds, 01769 580241 November to church Bideford from 2 vote for a local charity/ volunteer work going to place the hedgehog in a high Plough Theatre: National Theatre Live: Awards For All. (If each. you have views on the use of The by future isweir theirs, and £7.50 Monday th details).

(Seeany diary for es’ some of8th our High Bickington Cinema head at Dangereuses Rosemoor.

'Zion Train' 8pm @ The Plough 8-9.30pm)@ Torrington sports the lookout for players and volunteers to help develop youth football Music 'Glen Tilbrook' @choice, The December, Monday tonew Friday 10am7the of 8pm their Les 7pm promote and maintain features ofhall.Gig sided box with a cause hot water bottle We can now AGM buy & laptops, enabling funds from the saleMusic ofalways EriconPalmer it willHistorical be inLiaisons good hands Society Talks 'Beam Coope Boyes & Simpson 8pm @ Many people will have seen Tessa 07971 083 510 Probus Club meets at the Black Horse, Plough in Torrington.

If you are interested in starting up a youth team, in the age groups we 4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.

Over 30 with the winner and two the Rolle Canal.

Future walks this year wrapped in a towel and cover with the the group use theOatway internet in order to The Tue 1tovery Centre, and would like Plough to shareththem in th theHouse ideas they have & Quay' & John sto proved to be this site on previous walks butEvery this Uncovered year th 8Saturday 20th Torrington Silver Band practice Torrington High Street, Torrington, 10am. fourth Exhibition until Saturday 26th Nov. charities to select your cards from and r u n n e r s u p b e i n ga don’t have covered, please get in touch – you’ll be put through training to become June, 28 July and 18 will be 16 cloth that you used to pick it up with help them become an integrated and Story time in Library The Crier, please send letters to Torrington Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @ hope this year will be 10–10.30am there been developments over on Music Bob Fox Cucumber 8pm @ The Plough Thursday.

9.30pm, Nick 01805 622150 st have th The Sunlight Company an interesting selection of gifts from awarded a grant.

Please go to August.

For further details if required: then please ring any of the following fully qualified Level 1 FA coach.

A New Book accepted part of our community.

They Tues of every month for under 5's 1 torrington.crier@gmail.com, or14th drop Isure was again Methodist Church theMichael’s winter that will make it wellSaid worth a Sunday r.30SoMarch, make you St Church 10.30am Mass Film 'The (12A) 8pm @ who preview 7pm many parts of Hedgehog' theChurch world. www.communityforce.natwest.com/ email: hassallc@ymail.com or phone will'Unguiding' be on more than willing to tonight give @ The Ifisyou are interested in finding out more, contact us torridgesideyouthfc@hotmail.

My book about Torrington finally will be able to engage a support worker Fitness League taster classes everyTorrington 'Wreck it Ralph' 2pm @ The them into the Library, thanks) h for Film the Dream Kidz Methodist 10.30am in St James’ Chapel. st repeat visit.

The(PG) Heritage Lottery riends, family and Sunday 21st The Plough Plough Torrington Scout projects/ and type 1 01237 425357, but you'll probably have advice or take to one of the local vets. a look at our website www.torridgesideyouthfc.co.uk, find us on Facebook onThe its way! to assist with his form-filling, producing a Revco.uk, Plough Tues 10-11am @ Plough Michele of getJoseph and Peter take Whatton 6.30pm Mrs Vivienne funded ‘Life's St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass your registration thJourney’ project has Group into the project name box, to leave a message.  British Hedgehog Preservation Friday 29 Film 'Argo' (15) 5pm @ The Plough at Torridgeside AFC or call us on 07544 025 232.

CV, searching for education courses I have written it as a series of 01237 07527406743 reamcoat.

Sold out for or Dolton Carnival 3 Great Torrington TownThu Council Ignatius Sunday in upper room produced a422195 new pathway from the Sheriff ong withPlough your entry fee.

Sat 5Club Chris Hassall register and vote for us.

Please get as Film: Star Wars (ctba) 8pm Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough Society 01584 890801 and will be able to search for local questions that newcomers are likely to St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass Sue Kavanagh 1st Torrington Guides every Tues at ry performance, thisdown was to the bottom of the Flaming bands TorringtonPannier Methodist ChurchMarket 10.30 every Sat Pannier Generaldrummers, Market every Thurs Tarka Trail otocopy the forms and General Notice of Annual Meeting of torches, the Supper with desert & Beetle Drive.

In aid many of your friendsRescue and family to do Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room  North Devon Hedgehog ask about Torrington and its voluntary or paid work.

The group has Torrington Rugby Club 7-8.30pm Linda evening of music and and fireworks will give a small Devon Rev Ken Morgan 5pm Circuit Service @ 10am–4pm Inclined Plane whereChurch. two illustrated ound Tuesday to and 10am–4pm of Stfriends Giles in the Wood 6.30 for so as well, as if we are we 9th Sessions' & 7pm Town Council Our'The Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!! drop-in days three times a week, (see Film 01271 816989 or 07964 522 successful 359 surroundings and the answers, of(15) Masterson 01805 623212 byregister the 7pm young people of £7, village a3pm blaze of @publicity Little Fishes Toddler Group at Parkham information boards have been installed an and pay onFilm 'Crazy, Stupid Love' (ctba) 8pm prompt, tickets under 11yrs £4.

For Pause For Thought will be able to continue our program of Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough The Plough Anni Nicholls diary) which include a 'listening ear', Notice is herby given that: varying length and detail, to those Beaver Group boys & girls 6-8yrs Hedgehog Awareness Week is on its Torridge Ramblers afternoon walk eghtwalk.co.uk. really tickets are very lucky tosaltmarsh next month.

Torrington Baptist Church isevery termto 'Hitchcock' describe the habitat by Please Jacky 01805 623141, Ann 01805 @ The Plough eading up to Christmas always a busy time in Hedgehog many schools, with Christmas Film (12A) 8pm @ The refurbishment to Scout HQ, not only someone from the community who is questions.

There are 64 sections on The Annual Meeting and way but why wait until then to 01237 451820 every term-time Tues @ Scout Hut,  Torridge Rescue ent in Torrington.

The Dolton’s annual £1.50 carnival, time Thurs 9.30-11.30am, per the and01805 the 622045. workings and 625164, Margaret 0 ‘Early Bird’Torridge entry fee Plough fairs and well-known nativity.Film Many willMiserables' knowwith story well,group, have Monday 15th benefitting the Scout butnever all 'Les (12A) 3pm @but The happy to of sitand and chat, for those feeling different topics and 160family. black andthe of theover Mayor of the above help?

As spring is 01805 here 4.30-5.45pm Anne Lewis, (working ND Hedgehog ding ovations at the end which dates back to Victorian Sun 6the Art Friday – twice aInauguration month The Wendy 623214 purpose the Rolle Canal.

ItatBeaver is now April me till 1st on Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High those who hire the hall. taken on board the real message.

Jesus came as a baby from heaven to earth, Plough and the weather lonely and low. named Council will hopefully be held at the white photographs.

I hope that, astimes, well 01805 601580 Rescue) Angela Hodge rmances and there are Plough 10.30am-2.30pm –better Any will be on Fawkes Catholic Church of the Holy Family – possible to gain a‘Portrait farTown Rosemary Conley dietGuy & exercise fee will beLeader £15, so Wednesday 10th Bickington Community Centre Fran Ashton tFilm h sins.

'I Give it a 486 Year'509 (15) 7pm @ The to pave the way for theSredemption of5our improves our spiky friends The also offers free legal as providing aand guide for visitors, this Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington Spiritual Healing 3-4.30pm 7-9pm.

07884 Medium’ New members welcome -& contact em putting onCentre another N i g h t , a t u r d a y Mass every Sun 9.15am understanding of the lay-out Class, Bluecoat Early Years Centre entry in fast! th StHazel: Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Mini Mover Dance Session for under7 5's Plough Reading John c 3 and verse in the Bible, tells us we must be ‘born again’; will be up and about again.

01805 623757 advice, and tenancy and debt advice, book will contain plenty of material that May 2013 at 7pm. on Tuesday 14 Frithelstockstone, 01805 622883 Please look out for events inwe are n June for those that November, which Baptist Church 10.30am Creative the inclined plane boat lift 9.30-10.30am 6.30-7.45pm everyCommunity Thurs gives Wendythe in workings St James of Chapel @ Bickington all been born in the natural way, but also need to be born in the spirit, in order to be true It’s an extremely tough is of interest to townspeople. by appointment, (see diary).

Rev. The meeting is open to the public your area during Hedgehog Bingo Taddiport Village Hall every y enough to get tickets th festivities an extra spark of than was previously the case.

The Church W.I @30 Methodist Hall 7pm Centre 01237 424787 Saturday th th rung Torrington at Monday 22nd winter for them.

The followers of Jesus.

What this means is that weAwareness pray, saying sorry totoGod our Father for Graham Slingo comes inatare for atop coffee I would like to take this opportunity to who most welcome.

11 May. Week 5 Tues, eyes down 7.30pm nd. A Film huge thank you to Ode to Derek Stamp interest this year. upper basin of the canal the of St. Michael’s Church Sung Mass & Slimming World TVSC every Thurs 'I Wish' (PG) 8pm @ The Plough Plough Film: Star Wars (ctba) 5pm & 8pm Mini Mover Dance That’s Session for under 5's on changeable and wet weather and chat, and we have started a book Michael Tighe, Town Clerk thank all the local people who have all our wrongdoings, and ask Jesus to come into hearts. all it takes to be ‘born Rugby Training at Donnacroft every ston and Harris and Derek Stamp is 60, Farmer Gent, one of the key theLizincline has been‘Woody clearedGuthrie of scrub Sermon every Sun 10am 5.3016th &Ralph 7.30pm Bev Roberts 01805 Plough Gallery Gig: goesTuesday 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington has made itgiving difficult for manyby ofcountry club for young people (read ops have helped me write book by Tues 7pm again’; you willSocial be the changes that can take placeMethodist in doing so.

Bad habits production team for allDave A As milestone life, figures behind theamazed Dowland fair sufficiently to enable the outline ofbook its this Pets Therapy Torrington Church to Palestine’ with Clinch and aSean 624955 Thursday 11th 'Hearing for You' group for the Community Centre in his them to find food or hibernate properly over a week or fortnight generously of their time, providing me Film 'Troll Hunter' (15) 8pm @ The will go, attitudes can change, because He brings us in line with how God planned k primroses and effort.

Nicholson 8:15pm banks to be clearly seen, and the way And we’ve come this far together and dog show in June, is organising Great Torrington May Fair 10.30am Rev Mark Gilberson, 6.30us Pets As Therapy is a Rugby Training at Donnacroft every hard of hearing. Every 3rd Tues 2pm @ St Michael's Church Said Mass Comedy Alistair McGowan 8pm @ The over the past months so many are £1,600now eof daffodils then come inofstand withchat information andThe lending me their Plough funds from the to live. the railway subsequently cut through As devoted man and wife. the spectacular finale in which st th Rev Graham Slingo national charity founded Bickford Centre call 01271 373236 10.30am in Stsale James Chapel followed by Thurs 7pm, clubhouse open 8pm Plough & and Carnival Everyone 1 to 4weak May 2013 Sunday 31 and need help.hear Ifand you know that about it received over drink top of photographs.

ISo have spoken rthe Centre, I have the northern destroying the Torrington’s top of Youth worth ofHigh fireworks will light up the night should you the Christmas story, and not got that extra Club Bickington Community Walsingham cellend, inavicarage Film of the (12A)special 4.30pm in 1983.

It have is'Way unique in Morris' Writers, Poets Listeners 7.30pm Gallery Gig The Pete Canter Trio Great May Fair & Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Wed 2 you had a resident hedgehog in your cakes) on Thursdays after aching to has shown an interest infor the project of letters, e-mails and Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm @ The now the Ken incline.

This6.30pm canal basin Centre 11+ @ 5-7pm He’s always therethe to baby hold my hand, sky. thatto it @ provides therapeutic @ The Plough relationship with Jesus, allow your thoughts move on from in the manger, 8.18pm The Plough @ the Plough Rev Morgan, Rev Ken Morgan Carnival is a time for fun, laughter and & session areaThe lastyou year please don’t forget to Samba put ssupports casking hLittle o o linto / an cTadpoles o lincreasing lae g e and .stayIO nplayenjoyed out toPlough burst have to all.

Badminton Club Juniors 8pm lls all Father population of talking And me when I’m sad,nursing Pipe & Bazaar Drum Band, visits to kiss hospitals, hospices, to the part we7pm must play stalls in order to be2-born again ourselves.

Christmas & teas Holy Communion we all hope01805 great weather!!

However, every term-time Wed 1-3pm a bowl of water and some food out for Tuesday Mon 7 for so Torrington Uncovered will be Saturdays, gents can sit lay of spring colour.

Adults @ Bickington Community Centre Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Earlythe Purple Orchid and Twayblade (a reconsider decision My soul mate many01805 years, Band and Torrington Allstar Majorettes and care homes, special needs623230 23rd 3.30pm @ Methodist Hall £1 entry to Vernon Andrew Plough Film: Sunset Song (15) 3pm; In it can be the a time when we see an a feeding 622747 them, placing ittaking inside station Cribbage pairs competition @Torrington Torrington 2pm The Stretch & Tone every Mon at The and read a coffee, or also has hitBeast the Victory Hall available from weekend following green flowered orchid) which, Trustees.

The@ Town Best friend I’ve ever had. will all be part in the parade schools and a variety of other venues Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @High The Heart ofwith the Plough Sea (12A) 7pm include refreshments, At Grosvenor Church we run a five-week discovery course, where more increase antilaunch social behaviour, 3rd Torrington Brownies atin the Film 'Cloud Atlas' @Fair, The after Arms 8pm Plough 10.30-11.30am, Samina 01837 books from our7pm charity ireproof doors to the(15) May on Saturday greed tobuy write on behalf Bickington Community Centre through the village, along with many Filmthe 'KillChristian List' (18)faith 8pmis@explained.

The Plough about If interested please contact myself or Pastor underage drinking, violence and th Torrington Baptist Hall, every 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The this year’s Plough note early start for film 682811 or I07974 433 156 bookshop 'Book Relief UK', their Filmbrightly-lit May atwhile the term-time Plough. ds have been installed 4 long Badminton Club 7pm Juniors 8pm nity.

We met when was “just 18”, floats, including Tim Gilbert on 07798 754. or Re New670 Buildings criminal damage! PloughMoira note early start for long film Brewer Parish can Records Adults @ High Bickington Community R.PITTS ne the Torridge now Then call CRIER COPY DEADLINE for Centre “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Frien Wednesday 17th Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon Rol St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am RBuildings STACEY Greattoday Torrington Wednesday 24th or Renovations?

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by Moira (Brewer in St James Chapel www.yourgardencare.com General Building Contractor (01805)623213 month qualifi7pm Film 'Fire in Tree the Blood' (PG) 8pmwinning @ Thechutneys Local stockists of The Bay Company award  Extensions ed All types of building work undertaken Theatre Scottish Falsetto Puppet Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Plough & Jams, all made in the West Country.  Landscaping & Decking l 7pm General Garden Maintenance Renovations - New Build - Extensions Theatre @ The Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, friendly group www.pgdaccountants.com and join us for a glass of wine Come Barn Conversions - Roofing - Plastering l Gig Garden Fencing Gallery 'Judith Christie & Diane DOGS ON LEADS ARE WELCOME IN THE GARDEN for parents & children aged 0-5 Thursday 25th Hickford C.S.R.T—Tel “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Damp proofing -07810 Timber l Contact Hedge Colin Laying Calvert 8.15pm @ The Plough Tel: 01271 268082 Mob: 448Treatment 618 at the launch01805 623376

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23

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First Thursday Writers’ Group

Enrico by volunteers with Caruso their own friendly, Obesity in Dogs and Cats temperament-tested and 1873 vaccinated (25thFebruary –

earned of dollars in royalties who find millions reading stressful. from the retail sales the resulting Come andtosee us atof Green Lanes ithndthe festive period upon us, many of usdiscs. like 78rpm In Italy in 1902-1903, he dogs and cats.

Shopping Centre on Sunday 19th May August 1921) 2 share the festivities with our pets.cut Christmas is five batches of recordsK for the 10-30am-4.30pm.

Enquiries; Moore Since it’s beginning over 22,000 PAT Part 2 often a time for over indulgence, butGitr is important am o p h o n eNorth and T y pArea e w r iCoter 624739 Devon dogs have been shame registered into the What a great nothat01805 to remember that there are there certainare foods aren’t so good Company.

He was later heard live from Ordinator PAT. Pets Asmastered Therapy recordings scheme. Every year digital of Caruso. for our pets and over indulgence lead to obesity. the stage of the Metropolitan Opera some of these retire andwonderful newcan dogs, One cannot imagine how his House in the Farmhouse, first public radio East Woodlands Over 50%of dogs and cats are now overweight or obese. having first been examined and passed voice was. broadcast in 1920.

The causes are simple.

We give our pets too much food Alverdiscott, Open Garden onCaruso’s health, temperament, suitability and 25-year career, stretching In thegarden nexttoissue I will tell youforabout and too little exercise.

Overweight pets are predisposed stability grounds, Pets As Therapy.

This will be opening the from 1895 to join 1920, included 863 some diabetes of time his operatic roles. serious conditions including arthritis, pancreatitis, second as part of the National Today there are currently around appearances at the New York th Until then goodison listening (especially with cats) and even cardiovascular disease.

There noSaturday doubt that8excess and Garden Scheme 4,500 active PAT visiting dogs 108 Metropolitan Opera before heand died of th Bob Dymond body fat shortens an animal’s life span.

Sunday 9 of June 2013 from 2-5pm PAT cats at work in the UK. Every an infection at the age of 48. His fame There is notoset weight fordespite particular breeds, but the following guidelines will each day. week these calm friendly dogs and has lasted theideal present day, Torrington W.I. help to determine if your pet is carrying extra weight... cats give more than 130,000 people, Five miles NE of the limited marketing and promotional Our Annual Meeting will take place * You should be able to feel each rib as you run your fingers along the ribcage.

Great Torrington, five miles south of both young and old, the pleasure and avenues available to him. He was, November.

We will on Wednesday 9th B3232 Barnstaple offnarrowing the at Windmill chance to cuddle talk to The have * When viewed from above, your pet should a definite or ‘waist’ behind nonetheless, a and client ofthem.

Edward be of electing new bedsides that are each year Cross along one mile single atrack the ribcage.

Bernays during the visited latter’s tenure as a President and road.

Postcode EX31 3PP number a staggering half million. * When side, Publicity dogs should press viewed agent infrom thethe USA. in have an abdomen that tucks upwards from committee for the Richard and Ann welcome you to Sick patients often feel isolated and the bottom of the ribcage to the groin.

Caruso’s time relied on newspapers, following their gardens, extending to even the most withdrawn to open * Overweight cats developseem amagazines, flabby stomach thatsculptured hangs between their backyear, legs, particularly wire services, taking a look were back just over an acre. The gardens up and theand barriers down whenthe their photography the telephone. which is let easily seen and felt when cat is sitting. at all we have regular Pets As Therapy visiting dog is created in 2006 from a blank Caruso’s biographers, Pierre * Very overweight dogs develop a rollKey, of fat just in front of their hips. experienced in have the last year and then and been transformed around.

These everyday life as alandscape Bruno Zirato dogs andofbring Stanley Jackson The development too many fat cells puppy, through overfeeding, will usually getting a sneak preview of speakers into a hidden oasis of swaying grasses, closer and with it all the happy attribute his fame not only to his voice cause obesity in the adult dog. So start as you mean to go on! booked for 2012.

Cups and prizes will associations forto reduce them of spectacularly bamboos and but alsoand to maintain ahome keen your It is musicianship, a lot easier pet’s weight architectural if you feed a low calorie, be awarded for those who did best in and cool-to-hot terraces.

Little garden comforts.

The constant companionship business sense of results in a feeling of ‘fullness’ while not high fibre diet.

Thisand fills an the embrace stomach and our optional monthly competitions, and rooms create hidden gems where the of an undemanding animal, that gives commercial sound calories. recordings, then in adding unnecessary there can will, sit of and course, for tea visitor enjoybethetime tranquillity unconditional love, iswell-known often one of the its infancy.

Many opera Once your pet’s weight has reached its optimum level, you could then put your pet andthe a natter. of garden as it blends with the most missed aspectstime of rejected their lives. singers of Caruso’s the onto aAs ‘light’ diet to was maintain this to weight.

Measure the amount of food are giving Being rather nifty at getting through Pets Therapy formed help rolling, tireless views.

Ayou pond area phonograph (gramophone) and their your pet each day.

You can still give treats – provided that the treats come from the the business side (unfenced) andof things, still weinwill also its make bearable voices this haveloss beenmore lost as a result,and but daily allowance you have measured! manage a bit of time to welcome Bob developmental stages, provides an speed other recovery. singers including Adelina Patti, You can help a cat exercise its food by cutting a hole ingive the side a plastic Brewer, willfor us theoflow-down area of who shade gunnera and bog Buttons was the first Pet Nellie As for Therapy Francesco Tamagno and Melba carton and hiding its food inside. on the Cavaliers. plants.

A potager’s delight. in North Devon and Josie the first in exploited the new technology once Remember!

Christmas period can unsettling forand pets, withbe an We start 7pm inourthe Methodist Entry costsattime £3.50 teas will Torridgeside.

There have been they became The aware of the success of be an increase in visitors to our homes and general excitement.

Church Hall, and prospective members available.

There will also be plants for outstanding results with the Read2 Caruso’s recording sessions.

Here are some tips to help cope: are very welcome to visit for free. Any sale. programme in our schools, whichextant has Caruso made more that them 260 * Provide a “safe”, quiet place for them to go if they become frightened orabout anxious. new paying their subsEast this no sponsorship conditions and has For members further information recordings in America for the Victor month, 14 months for theopen pricefor of * Keep feeding andCompany, exercise routines to usualWoodlands times. get garden and others helped many children to learn to read.

Talking Machine (later RCA 12.upset How aboutpet’s that!stomach. the National Garden Scheme visit The dogfrom acts1904 as toatogive non-judgmental * Remind guests not titbitsand as this your Victor) 1920, he could www.ngs.org.uk listener and offers comfort to those Hatchmoor Vets

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t November’s meeting group therea will be of a On the 16th November

Great Torrington us Barnstaple read and listened lunch at in aid of ACWW, to pieces on the Memory Café the Associated Country Women of the

topic of ‘Mind Yourthe Step’.

March’s memory World, of which WI We nationally is a welcomed a new café went withgroup a member, member.

Not widely known, the and had books signed by one the buzz despite having ACWW has representatives fromofmany published authors in our towards midst. relief of to cancel the nationalities; working The firstand piece we heard was ahealth very activity. poverty sickness, promoting A presentation tooktale. place for John atmospheric Gothic This was and advancing education.

It’s down-toPortman has nowmutual retired from earth approach offers followed by who a poem inspired by thesupport reason being ourthis Volunteer and and we and practical help women we chose topic - Fundraiser theto step down into are still trying to which recruit for this post, so communities across the world. our meeting room can catch out the if To youfind would like to ACWW be part of the a out about the and unwary!

The third offering was completely committed team volunteers to Women's Institutes nationwide, visit different again, and weofheard a tale about www.theWI.org.uk provide thisof valuable service then the meeting teenage emotions, with please get in touch.

We are also Any queries about Torrington W.I. the experience of a life fully lived. looking for volunteers to help with ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on Going back in time, there was a piece memory café – if you can spare two 01805 623588. on a young girl in ancient times observing hours a month then please contact me. life in a Dartmoor settlement, minding her We are looking forward to this Torrington step as sheGreat climbs a scree-covered tor. An month’s Town meetingHall where Annie Brierley Project amusing story with a message reminding will be reading short stories and By the time this report appears in uspoems. that one good turn deserves another.

This will invoke memories and The Crier, you gave will us have noticed Our newest member a very wellraise discussions and should be a very scaffolding has put written piece on been the execution of Lady enjoyable activity. up to facilitate the repair Jane Grey. WeAwareness were all impressed at his Dementia week takes of the roof and make the skill in setting scene withoutwith tellingthe us place in the May. Along building water-tight for any dates or names, and yet still enabling Alzheimer’s Society we are planning to the It will the be context of his ushave all winter. to an understand information giving presence in enclosed in waterproof piece. the town square on Thursday 23rd May sheeting to protect the working area Although wealong all wrote on out the more. same so do come and find and to minimise any risk to the internal topic, pieces The the theme ofwere this varied weekand is diverse.

“Worry fabric. At the same time, a series of changes nothing.

Talking changes They enabled apanels lot of will discussion as we photoelectric be installed, to everything”. explored how we had dealt with the topic. reduce running-costs, and perhaps May’s café meeting will bestyles on We also looked at the provide anthincome for different the project by Davidin,Clinch will be Thursday 9 when people choose to write and shared selling surplus power to the National playing guitar and pipes to entertain constructive criticism with one another.us Grid. thjoin in the fun all.

Do come along and January, NextAlthough meeting:this Thursday work 7 is being carried as well Conservative asTownlands being able to payment access Torrington Club, out by the Trust,7.30pm relevant“Forget information and discuss Subject: me not”. will be taken from funds set aside for concerns with professional NHS staff.

Visit: the torringtonwriters.co.uk. project, which would have included Contact: Pauline Page 01805 625969 Nikki Whiting

19 117

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

01805 603324

Fleur’s Gardening Forum- The Winter Garden

S

ome people think that their garden in winter is without colour or interest, yet with a little imagination, an otherwise dull patch can be transformed so that you are lured outside even on the dullest days.

Structure is all important in the winter garden, as plants die back and colours are often subtle and muted, so something eye-catching is essential. This could be provided by an arch or obelisk, or even by painting your garden shed a different colour from brown. Coloured gravel or slate chippings rather than a concrete path are much more interesting (and less slippery) when wet. Large coloured containers can form an interesting feature especially if planted with an evergreen shrub such as Buxus sempervirens (Box), or a dwarf variegated conifer, both of which can be kept trimmed to shape.

Low winter sunlight can create aspects of your garden that you just don’t see during summer, and siting a colourful shrub where the sun catches it will light up a dull corner. Cornus alba ‘Siberica’ with its bare crimson stems (which you prune back in March), under-planted with Euonymous ‘Emerald n Gold’, a groundhugging evergreen shrub with lovely soft yellow variegation makes a colourful combination.

If your garden is large enough for a tree, then Betula utilis var. ‘Jacquemontii’ (Silver Birch) has brilliant white bark and in summer has a light and airy canopy. Try to obtain a multi-stemmed version and then under-plant with winter flowers such as Pulmonaria, Helleborus, and bulbs

20

such as Narcissus, Crocus, Snowdrops and hardy Cyclamen.

Many winter flowering shrubs are sweetly perfumed, and most do not grow too large for the average urban garden.

Mahonia japonica has pretty racemes of yellow flowers with a delicate perfume and prickly leathery, shiny leaves.

Lonicera fragrantissima or L purpusii are shrubby deciduous honeysuckles with white flowers, (‘fragrantissima’ means most highly perfumed). Chimonanthus praecox has bell-shaped creamy yellow flowers which can be cut and brought indoors to fill your room with scent.

Hamamelis mollis (Witch-hazel) is an architectural small tree, having tiny pale yellow spidery flowers, but does require a slightly sheltered position where the sun can draw out the perfume. Then there is Daphne, which is a slow growing, evergreen shrub with richly scented small flowers – their perfume can fill a garden.

D. odora ‘Jacqueline Postill’ is one of the best with palest pinky-white clusters of flowers, darker in bud. It sheds leaves after flowering, so don’t panic when this occurs! Viburnam bodnantense ‘Dawn’ has strongly scented pink flowers on bare stems right through winter.

Heathers can provide beautiful colours during the winter, from pinks and purples, through to white, some with golden foliage. They make excellent ground cover and you only need to trim them after they have flowered to stop them becoming leggy, but you need acid soil for these plants to thrive.

Camellias, although most of the

garden varieties are unscented, do make good structural evergreen shrubs and depending upon the cultivar, can be in flower from December through to April, in many different shades of red, pink, white and now yellow. Again, keep these in shape by pruning immediately after flowering.

Cotoneaster horizontalis is a wonderfully easy shrub to grow against a fence or wall.

It is deciduous but its common name of ‘herringbone cotoneaster’ is easy to see during the winter as the branch structure closely resembles a fish skeleton. It also has winter berries which the blackbirds love!

Climbers can include Jasminum nudiflorum a vigorous scrambler but which can be pruned hard after flowering.

The flowers are yellow but unscented, appearing all through the winter into early spring. Pick a few long twigs that are well budded and bring them indoors about a week before Christmas to light up your Christmas table arrangement. Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica ‘Freckles’ with bell shaped flowers spotted heavily with deep maroon provides a slightly exotic look, but needs a little shelter from the worst weather.

Another bonus of growing winter flowering plants in your garden is that they are attractive to early bees and butterflies; the plants having evolved richly scented or brightly coloured flowers specifically for this purpose. So, you will be giving the local wildlife some winter cheer as well as yourself!

Fleur

TEL: 01805 622637 MOB: 07818 084633 EMAIL: gebsfires@gmail.com

Supported sheltered housing for people aged 55+ at Abbeyfield Glen Tor, Villa Road, Torrington.

Please phone 01805 623605 if you, a family member, or a friend is interested in becoming a resident, or look at the website: www.abbeyfield.com Email:abbeyfield.torrington@btconnect.com Exempt Charity registered as an Industrial and Provident Society No 23413R and with the HCA No H3383

Little Torrington Past and Present Exhibition

T

he Friends of St. Giles, Little Torrington, are organising a two-day exhibition in the village over the weekend of January16th/17th 2016, entitled ‘Little Torrington Past and Present’. If you live in the village now, or if you or your family have lived there in the past, this exhibition is likely to be of interest to you.

The display, which will occupy both the Church and the Village Hall, will use photographic material - much from private collections - to explore how the village has changed and evolved over the last 60-odd years. We plan to display how the agricultural landscape, people and buildings, have altered in this time, and contrast images of the past with their present-day counterparts. As well as providing a fascinating insight into our recent history, we hope the exhibition will raise money for the major refurbishment which is planned for the church of St. Giles Little Torrington.

Refreshments will be available throughout the two days in the Village Hall. Please come along and support us!

Finally, if you have any interesting photographs of the village scenery or people, please contact Stephen Ramsden on 01805 623152. You need not fear losing your valuable old pictures - we will come to you and scan them - so they need never leave your home!

Abbeyfield News

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esidents enjoyed an afternoon planting bulbs in pots and another, making Christmas decorations, both of which were sold at the Abbeyfield Christmas coffee morning at the end of November. It was a lovely morning with many of our old friends, We have enjoyed an outing to ‘Tea on the Green’ at Westward Ho! and a shopping trip to Barnstaple.

Everyone is looking forward to the Christmas lunch outing to the Barnstaple Hotel, entertainment from Tilly Kimber and her singers, and all the celebrations planned for the festive season.

There is currently a vacant room in the house, and if you think that you, or a loved one, would like to find out more about living here, why not ring our housekeeper on 01805 623605 for a chat and perhaps arrange a visit to meet the staff and residents.

Mendelssohn’s Elijah at St Michael and All Angels

N

orth Devon Choral Society will be performing Mendelssohn’s Elijah on Saturday 12th December, at St Michael and All Angels, Torrington, starting at 7.30pm.

One of the best loved pieces in the choral repertoire, this work has a local connection.

In 1836 James Barry, curate of Bratton Clovelly, sent a suggested libretto to Mendelssohn, who developed the idea into a dramatic oratorio.

It was an immediate triumph at its first performance in 1846, and has remained at the hearts of choral singers and audiences ever since, a joy to listen to and a joy to sing.

Conducted by John Hobbs, soloists will include the internationally renowned baritone Darren Jeffery in the title role, with Heloise West, Rebecca Smith and Andrew McKenzie-Wicks, and the role of the youth will be sung by the up and coming local young singer Charlotte Hastie.

Tickets are available from Sheena’s Sweetshop, Torrington Pannier Market, or call 01805 628262.

Rotary Young Citizen Award 2015

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o you know an inspiring individual or group who enjoys going that extra mile in helping others, or has made an outstanding contribution to their family , school, club or other organisation? If so, then maybe you could nominate them for The Rotary Club of Torrington Young Citizen award.

For full details and a nomination form please contact :- Rotn. Paul Troke, 13 Yarde Cottages, Peters Marland EX38 8QA, or email paul.troke@gmail.com or get in contact via our club website www.torringtonrotaryclub.org.

The winner will receive the Peter Adams Memorial Trophy and £100 (nominees must be under 21 years to enter)

L

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Clinton Hall, Merton Ideal for Weddings, Parties & Functions Up to 300 people - Full licensed bar

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16 thWI is strung across the in even millions earlier times: Roman Torrington Devonian dialect How to Start Researching a Family History Part 6 to the November there will be a On the 16 earned of dollars in royalties Enrico Caruso festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and square – Torrington is known as a

I

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thought I’d start by recapping what errors transcription.

Spellings of hadin aid of ACWW, lunch at e’ve Barnstaple from through the retail sales of the resulting (25thcovered February Year 10 1873 have –been flowers.

This tradition, symbolizing rebirth friendly town and this is no better we have nd over the last few names enormously, prior a glorious the Associated Country Women of the 78rpmvary discs.

In Italy inparticularly 1902-1903, he relevant to us today, displayed than at the May Fair. In this era to write a basics per- toistheparticularly August 1921) editions.2Weasked have looked at the Act ofof1870.

Also for beware e n t e nthe a r yWI nationally is a World, ofCwhich cut Education five batches records the breathing new life into the winter of our of social isolation, the May Fair provides suasive review about a Part 2 to get research back to 1837 and the ofcommunity. recording a rlocal but the events member.

Not widely the Gan r a up-country m o p h o n e vicar and Typew i t e r Year the medicine of friendship, known, inclusion and a great shame there are for no fair or festival ACWW has representatives many Company.

He was laterwith heard live from startWhat of General Registration. accent! we’ve enjoyed could not have from happened Moreover, in keeping the spirit of support.

The fair encourages community digital mastered recordings of Caruso. their GCSE nationalities; towards reliefthe of the stage ofThe thekey Metropolitan Opera There are three English main toolsassessment. points aim for without hardworking work that went into rejuvenation, children are the to focal point life as the the young and old join together for One cannot imagine how wonderful his Hereuse: is Charlotte’s timely poverty and sickness, promoting health House in the first public radio you recollection of reminder are 1911 the most recently planning.

Members are grateful that we of the festivities. Much against Mr Gove’s the common good. What better way is voice was. of one suchpeople fair we in should and advancing education.

It’s broadcast in 1920. the oldest the treasure. released census.schools 1851 - are the have outstanding officers in down-toDaphne better wishes, Torrington’s there to bring neighbours together?

Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching earth approach offersfarmutual support In the next I will tell community you parish about Metherell, closed tofirstissue allow full People come from and wide to family; the censuses from census recording Joyce Ridgwell and Valerie from 1895 to 1920, included 863 and practical help to women and some of his operatic roles. participation.

What could be more enjoy the delights of May Fair.

They also Sending Out a Mayday 1911 back to 1841 and the of birth.

1837 the start of Hunt. appearances at the New York communities acrossto the world.

Until then good listening appealing than watching the crowning of bring their money with them!

The fair birth, marriage and death he died of general registration.

Contrary There is pleasure come now in the For Our Spring Fair Metropolitan Opera before the May Queen?

The procession of boys replenishes the coffers of the townthe – To Carol find out about theExeter ACWW and Bob Dymond certificates.

Most important to popular belief, our Devon Service at Cathedral we allow Torrington’s to anCan infection at the age of 48.tradition His fame and girls in brightly coloured costumes providing a welcome boost to the local Women's Institutes nationwide, visit ofdwindle? record ancestors did move about on 1st December. Cheltenham is the hasall,lasted to theeverything present day, despite would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, economy – such a help in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk Torrington What picture comes into your mind foruse Christmas shopping on immediately! quite a the lot. band If W.I. you can’t find the limited marketing and promotional skirts skipping and blasting: the destination Businesses the carnival as W.I. an Any queries about Torrington rd when think of Torrington’s Our Annual Meeting will take place 3 December.

We can learn some new The you censuses and the May them where you expect, then avenues available to him.

He Fair? was, maypole is ceremoniously woven. opportunity to advertise their wares. th ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on For many it is the the We are will Christmas onJust Wednesday 9 November. arrangements on 8th December GRO registers have all ofbeen indexed look along thecolours lines of communication; nonetheless, a image client of maypole, Edward as the on the maypole Charities also benefit: collection tins are 01805 623588. laughter and sunshine; it would be beFair electing new when Nympton hosts “Deck the and are available on-line.

You use them currentsoroads were existing then!

Bernays during the latter’s tenure as a which intertwined, the May breaksadown soonBishop’s full to overflowing. difficult to imagine Torrington without it. th President and Halls”.

January topress cross agent reference information to resolve by sea mayas beitan issue social barriers appeals Yet Looking it is oftenforward argued to that25historic celin the USA. Publicity in In Devon, travel Yet today, our historic tradition is Great Torrington committee for the there toNorth everyone.

Choirs, dance ebrations are archaic and anachronistic.

Caruso’s time relied on newspapers, is a French Connection themed difficulties and try to match that information especially in Devon, which had under threat. It is easy to allow following year, Town Hall Project groups all lunch On at theLongdown contrary, Torrington’s festivities particularly wire services, for those not on a New up with the recollections the family. notoriously poor roadsand untilmajorettes the turnpikes the pressures of modern lifeoftomagazines, taking a look back By the time this report in th take to the stage: a feast for revitalise the old traditions.

In appears the at current photography and the telephone.

Year’s diet regime!

Our meeting 7pm century.

There’s lots of The indices are available from FreeCen. of the late 19 slowly strangle our cultural at all we have the eyes and ears.

Local climate of apathy, laziness and The Crier, you will have noticed th Caruso’s biographers, Key, Fraynes in South Wales for this reason! on Wednesday 9 December will see us org.uk andInFreeBMD.org.uk respectively. heritage. this fast age ofPierre are and happily indifference, the been May Fair our spirits experienceddignitaries in the last year then scaffolding has put liftsmaterials Bruno Zirato and Stanley with re-cycled in The indices to the latter are onlyJackson for the Ancestors are likely to move along roads wreath-making high-tech gadgetry, mass peltedpreview in the of stocks and and transforms Torrington into a vibrant getting a sneak speakers up to facilitate the repair attribute his fame not only to his voice media and instant to end up in local Christmassy colours.

General Register Office records held (and later railways) subjected to and duckings. community. booked for 2012.

Cups prizesThe will of the roof andDespite make thethe continual and musicianship, but also a those keen market gratification, there littlerelation time to to We send everyone goodtechnology wishes at and this nationally, and bearis no towns.Mayor has a lavish lunch, to development of modern be awarded for those who did best in building water-tight for business sense andmatters: embracefrom of left for what really held locally.

They are allanavailable Once you have constructed your family special season but especially to all the which many are invited.

The increasing time spent at computer our optional monthly competitions, and the winter. It will be community life.

Today, more commercial sound recordings, then in tree-looking the commercial sites but why pay for what like a bare skeleton,you need Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of town crier bellows as he screens, last year’s record-breaking will, of course, be time for tea enclosed in waterproof than ever, it Many is essential to its be infancy. well-known opera tothere Torrington’s other societies who work so can had for free? Do bring a healthy flesh it out (to mix a metaphor).

We can proudly marches the streets turnout shows there is still a place for live and a natter. sheeting to protect the working area keep ourofhistoric celebration alive. Our singers Caruso’s time rejected the of Being his The Torrington entertainment. the choice of to predecessors look at other sources to through do this hard town. Given scepticism you festivity see, as they are start rather nifty and at getting andfortothe minimise any risk to the internal week of to what annual phonograph (gramophone) andfosters their Silver Band pulsates like the beating playing a videoplease game or participatingon: in subject to recording errors in the first place next time.

Any enquiries ring the business side of things, we will also friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a fabric. At the same time, Daphne a series of voices have been lost as a result, heart of the community. the buzz of the fair, I know which I would Jon Frayne 622876 panels will be installed, to (particularly in censuses) anddie. also link withsingers our ages past.including We cannot let this manage a bit of time to welcome Bob 01805 photoelectric other Adelina Patti, The grand finale of the May Fair week choose…

As you walk the cobbled streets of our Brewer, who will give us the low-down reduce running-costs, perhaps Francesco Tamagno and Nellie Melba is the carnival, a spectacle of light and Today, the new enemy ofand a large-scale Probus Club ofbreathe Torrington ancient town, antiquity. once The on the Cavaliers. provide an income for the project by exploited theyounew technology sound. Fanciful floats journey through the town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As ovember saw the culmination of the speakers 2015.

Each speaker’s talksurplus has been received with great May Fair links present-day Torrington We whilst startprogramme at 7pm inforare the Methodist selling power to the they became aware of the success of town the streets lined with huge crowds gather, it could beNational argued with the enthusiasm, past, transporting us tocovered a bygone and has such diverse Thethe Private Pilot; Is What Youthere see Happening?; an Old Churchsubjects Hall, andasprospective members Grid. cheering children.

In packed town that is a danger Tales of anofaccident.

Caruso’s recording sessions. era – when life was simpler. Harbour; Cockney Farmer; Operation Rhyming Slang; The Berlin Airlift; Fire & Safety; Fighting Leprosy and The Angloare very welcome to visit for free.

Any Although this work is being carried square, you have no choice but to mingle Nowadays, with all the ridiculous rules Caruso made more that 260 extant Torrington has hosted the annual May is almost Belgian Blue.in A full programme for Victor 2016 complete and will be published later. and newmake members paying their subs this out by the Townlands payment and new friends. regulations it is Trust, a struggle to recordings America for the Fair 1554. in However, many Theresince isMachine no meeting December as the Christmas lunch has been arranged for 10thtaken ; reception atIn12 this noon with all month, 14 months theee!’ price ofThursday will be from funds set aside for ‘Uz get be plaised to for zee The organise anything. age of Talking Company, (later RCA celebrations in England have their origins 12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome countless litigation, our town is in the Xmasfrom fare and a free raffle. and he the project, which would havehall included Victor) 1904 to 1920, Probus meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at The Black Horse, Torrington. There are currently two or three vacancies.

Applications for membership to: Hon Sec Ken Egan, 42 Pathfield, Torrington, EX38 7BX. 01805 624319

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Which are the Oldest Streets in the Town?

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ll the main streets of Torrington commons at the western end of town, * News * Events * Clubs * Announcements * News * Events * Clubs * Announcements * are mentioned in early deeds, crossed the Torridge at Rothern Bridge

wenttoup to Frithelstock and on to such as Calf (Calve Strete) 1283 and It’s time spring clean the cupboards andjumble Stratton facilitated and Cornmarket (Cornstrete) 1345. Even Hartland and let any help(which raise funds in between New Street (Nywystret) appears in a communications support of the hall and church. monastic establishments). document dated 1382.

The sale will start at 2pm and the Streetselection and place names in Torrington In the 17th century, most of the population usual of delicious homelived close to the town centre. The Hearth reflect activities that took place there madethe cakes and refreshments will be Tax of 1674 lists only 316 houses. Given inavailable the past.throughout.

Limers Road was an old pack the size of the population at the time, this road along which lime, coal and other Annual Parish Meeting Welcome the new News would have to meant an Parish average of seven supplies were transported from Weare section of The Crier.

We have The annual meeting be people per house, so the built-up area of Giffard, where parish they thhad beenwill unloaded received funding from Devon May at 7pm held on Monday 13 the town was densely populated. from barges (before being replacedin bythe the County Council and Torridge District village hall. Village organisations have Torrington commanded an important Rolle Canal in 1827). Mill Street led down Council in conjunction with Beaford been invited to attend and participate crossing of the River Torridge by way of to the ancient Manor Corn Mill, which and Little Torrington Parish in the meeting. The parish council will the South Bridge (Taddiport) and Rothern was later rebuilt further upstream by Lord Councils, to enable us to provide present the latest information on phase Bridge, and served a market centre for Rolle.

Rack Park is where woollen cloth this space.

Pleaseassend any news 3 of the parish local plan. Parishioners the area. was hung out to dry on racks.

Castle tosurrounding torrington.crier@gmail.com, call will have an opportunity to offer their There were fourordistinct main roads Street approach from the town 01805 603152 drop inold to the viewsmarks on thethe plan. running due north, south, east to the site of the medieval castle and Library,almost thank you.

Social Bridge Barley GroupGrove refers and west from the “Street and place There namesare in a number of people who town: School Lane to the bailey of the Torrington reflectare theinterested activitiesin starting a social toBEAFORD the north was the castle. that took place there in past. bridgethe group and willAwelcome old roadToddler to Bideford, new others turnpike New Group Limers Road was anwith oldapack road similar interest.

If anybody via Caterpillars Weare Giffard, road to Bideford is the name of a new along which lime, coal wouldand likeother to join, it doesn't matter Gammaton andbetween East- 9.30-11.30am constructed group meeting supplies were transported from was whether totalthe beginner a the-Water, andinalso west or bank on Tuesdays the to Village Hall Weare Giffard...” you are aon more experienced player, come along Barnstaple.

The road off your children of the Torridge via kitchen. After dropping and join the contact at school why not come along set withup pre-by Landcross was named after the school in group.

1825. Please The old road Ian from or Joan Lovell on 01805 603256. school children, and even John Lovering in grandma 1671 in Weare Giffard. Rothern Bridge to Torrington was up uncle for aancient cuppa and The The really roada chat. to Barnstaple – Carriage Path on the commons. When BUCKLAND BREWER group, organised Clare Heard and ‘Barum’ – was by by another old pack-way Torrington railway station was built in 1872 Shelly Nymmo, openwhat to everyone Plant from Calf Street,isdown is now Gas the road Sale was altered, and again in 1928 th and costs £1.50 per family.

Lane to Brent Bridge and on by Coombe when thesale new on Rolle Bridge 11 was built.from New Plant Saturday May Cross.

Taddiport Bridge to the south, Bridge by the New Manor Mill/Orford Mill 10am–3pm and Sunday 12th May Jumble Sale 11am –3pm on the Village Greenof Lord took the old road to Plymouth which was built in 1843 at the instigation Beaford Village Hall committee, climbed a steep hill toand Little Torrington. Rolle, andLunch a new road was cut from there Safari along with St George All Saints th To the east the old road to Exeter went up Mile Hill to12 Little Torrington, Merton On Sunday May from 12.30pm Parochial Church Council will be from Well Street, by way of Caddywell and Hatherleigh which opened in £7 1844. at the Methodist Chapel, tickets holding one of their ever popular th to North and Shallowford and Moira Brewer from Enid Booth (01237 451655) with May. jumble sales in the hallback on 11up Healand. The old road down over the proceeds An extract fromMethodist Torrington Uncovered for the and Parish

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Church, the Village Hall and Churchyard.

Dance for Parkinson’s Move and Dance Together FRITHELSTOCKSTONE

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Newree Bus Shelter dance sessions led by Becky

elements of the African On Jeffrey Tuesdayusing 26th March 2013, dance.that Mondays 11am-12.10pm bus shelter Frithelstockstone has awaitedVillage for many atpatiently Weare Gifford Hall,decades, EX39 4QR, wassession finally installed. next 14th December. These open Its provision has beenfor made possible sessions are designed people with by kind donations from Councillor SamIf Parkinson’s Disease, family and carers.

Robinson (Devon County Council) and you would like to join in please call Becky Philip onCouncillor 07788 475 173 Pennington (Torridge District Council), of whom Share Your Skillsboth at the Plough contributed from their allocation of The Wolf and Water are now working with Locality Funds.

Plough Arts Centre, running ‘Meet Me at shelter was supplied andproviding the The Plough’ sessions which are erected by GoShelters of Southport, weekly opportunities for local people to Lancashire. come together to share and develop their arts skills, in a relaxed, friendly and fun HUNTSHAW environment.

WolfLunch and Water are also Fundraising supporting 30hz, local music industry th Sunday 12 May - Fundraising two professionals, and delivering digital course lunch and coffee for Huntshaw music DJStaines' workshops for Parishproduction Church atand Jenny Pound a House varietyBarn, of local youth groups.

Young Huntshaw,Torrington, people new skills, EX38 are 7HHlearning at 12.30pm.

Ticketexpanding entry existing ones and learning about new only £12. Telephone 01805 624490 and technologies in music asapdeveloping as limited places. production, and having a go at creating MERTON their own music.

Vintage & Classic Vehicle

Torrington Army Cadet Rally & Summer Fayre Force

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orrington Army Cadet Force meets Sunday 5th May 2013 11am–5pm every Friday from 7-9.30pm Come along to this great family and day is forout those 12 to on 18 for years old. with aged lots going everyone, a If interested please contact perfect way to end May Fair Week! 2Lt Matthew Sanders, Torrington Entrance: £2, U16’s £1, U5sDetachment free.

Commander on 07463 818 187.

Find us on the A386 between Email:matt.sanders@armymail.mod.uk.

Torrington and Hatherleigh. EX20

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With the warmest of welcomes we invite you to our beautiful pub in Roborough.

Come & bask in the sunshine on our beautiful patio in tranquil surroundings… well maybe with just the 1 or 2 tractors passing us by…

Coming up @ The New Inn

The New Inn, Roborough, EX19 8SY, Tel: 01805 603247 Email: info@thenewinnroborough.co.uk

Torrington in Bloom Association 2016: Growing Gold!

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Wednesday 2nd December Lunch & Supper Club- 2 course xmas set menu £7- booking essential Friday 18th December Andy Crooner 1940’s crooner singing from 8:30pm Christmas Raffle drawn at 8pm.

Tickets on sale now Christmas Party menu available for parties of any size £22.95 pp Christmas Eve- All things Chrismassy from 6pm; Christmas Day – Lunch 12pm – 2pm (booking essential) Boxing Day – Bar 12pm – 4pm; Food 12pm-3pm New Year’s Eve- ‘Around The World Party’ with live music from 9pm and 4 course set menu £25.50 For more information please see our our website or drop in, www.thenewinnroborough.co.uk Monday & Tuesday 5pm – 11pm; Wednesday & Thursday 12pm-3pm; 5pm – 11pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 10.30pm

News from Torrington Children’s Centre

efore I talk about next year, I must take time to thank all those of you who have supported us during 2015, because without your support we would not be able to continue with our work making Torrington a brighter, better place to live.

Firstly, I thank the Torrington Arms for accommodating us for our Best Garden presentation evening, and what an evening it was! We raised over £80 in the raffle, which covered most of the cost of engraving the trophies, so thank you all for contributing both prizes and money. Thank you also to Nigel Stark, Val and Mike Knight for running this competition and doing all the admin, and thanks to Pat Stark for providing the delicious lemon drizzle cake on the night! Thanks to Sarah Chesters who judged the competition.

I thank the Town Council for all their support over the year and look forward to working even more closely with them next year. I also thank Torridge District Council for helping to keep the town clean and tidy, in particular our street cleaners, Guy and Chris, who kept up appearances very efficiently!

Our Town Mayor Cllr Cathrine Simmons, Cllr Margaret Brown and others all pulled together to support us with various projects, including the planter at Dartington Fields and a town litter-pick, articles on the council website and blog.

Thanks also to Torrington Rotary Club, the Conservative Club, the Chamber of Trade, Whiskers Petshop, Eastmond House, Dartington Crystal, and all those local companies who put on lovely displays over the summer.

I must also thank RHS Garden Rosemoor and Dave Squire in particular who, almost single-handedly, kept the larger flowerbeds looking fantastic. Our local Horticultural Club is also working hard for us, having adopted the flowerbed by S&G Carpets.

Barry Cubitt, who runs the Vicarage Nursery in School Lane, deserves special thanks for producing the superb hanging baskets in the Pannier Market and the large planters in and around the churchyard. He also has kindly donated plants to the Tarka Valley Railway Group amongst other projects.

I may not have named everyone involved, but you all helped us achieve Silver-Gilt at this year’s awards ceremony in September, so thank you very much.

Our theme for 2016 is ‘Growing Gold’, since it is an Olympic year, so let’s get thinking about floral decorations and shop window dressing in gold so that the whole town shines and glistens!

A Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year to all our kind supporters and townsfolk.

Cherry Hammon, Chair Torrington in Bloom, 01805 625788

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hristmas is well on its way, and we have been busy planning lots of fun activities and sessions for the Christmas period.

All of the centre sessions will have a Christmas theme, and children will get involved with Christmas crafts and stories. Details about our Christmas opening times will be found on our Facebook page during December, so keep an eye out for information about our visit from Father Christmas to one of our Winkleigh sessions!

Over the next coming weeks we will be planning the new timetable for January. In addition to many of the sessions that will continue to run all year round, we hope to deliver a parenting course in January.

Parenting courses provide parents with an understanding of their children’s behaviour. The course will equip parents with knowledge around what to expect from children at different ages, and how to support their learning and behaviour.

All courses are free of charge and free crèche places may be available. For more information or to book your place, do contact the Children’s Centre on 07889 604 652.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kayleigh Stringer, Service Co-ordinator

Heavy Duty Gardening Compact Tractor & Loader Flail/Topper Mowing Rotavating, log sawing/splitting Wood chipping, hedge trimming etc.

Garden overhaul and tidy Small/odd jobs done around the farm 24

Michael Harris, Petrockstowe 01837 811283

opodist

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21 13

Contact Geoff Williams on:

Contact Geoff Williams on: OPEN 10 – 4 MOST Tales DAYS May Fair, Carnival &inBank Holidays of ,the Torridge Storytelling the Community 01805 623157 / 07971 404406

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Barry n Saturday October 3rd, the 01805 622 604 www.monkleighgarage.co.uk

official launch of Tales of the Torridge took place in front of a packed audience at Appledore Book What’s On at Two students from Year 9 at Great Slave ship Festival.

OverSchool 200 copies have so far Torrington have come runners-up Condensation rising from Torrington Library beenin sold and the book is into its second a national writing competition: Strong ebony diamonds print‘Copywrite’, run.

Author visit run by the National Schools Beaten to a pulp.

G r e a t CATEGORIES: GUIDELINES/RULES Partnership.

Harley is Carter and Reuben Tales of the Torridge a fully-illustrated e look forward to entered poems ‘Slave The men come and of ten short storiestheir that capture what welcoming Pauline Smith, bookMusgrave Torrington Ship’ and ‘Don’t Make Promises’ intocan the include 1. BestDevon floral display by a business ‘Floral Takecontainers, people up hanging baskets, in Torridge born writer and it might have been like to live display’ competition when they were boxes, in Yearornaments.

8 window Plants need not be bedding but We hear screams periods of its researcher, to talk about her ‘Tales of the during andthe thismost term significant have heard that they 2. Best floral display bySchool a public house can include fruit,are vegetables, herbs, perennials, shrubs.

And they come down history – a boys history rivals that Torridge’, fresh from her book launch at maritime runners up. Both arethat delighted, and Artificial flowers are not allowed!

All covered in cuts of any larger portAmazon in England, including the3.Appledore Book Festival.

8th(best have wonsea a £50 voucher each.

Red blood drips.

Best floral display by anTuesday individual garden)* The English department is very proud Bristol and even London, yetofbe able to be viewed from the road or December 6- 6.45pm. See article on this Plymouth, * category 3 must Harleyeven andnow, Reuben and thinks it is garden.

They don’t say a word remains, littlepavement, known. page.

All welcome.

4. We Best floral by aKatie’s group,miniie, scouts, school, ie, front start this display month with “My characters tell their own tales wonderful that, once again, work done in Like they neighbourhood** Historical texts are often inaccessible Christmas Craft Event saga.

English lessons can win national superimposed onto up theirof lips. group’ consistButtoned of a minimum twocontemporary people (of any and competitions. dense but I knew**‘Athat onlymust with A children’s Christmas photographs that form the illustrative From The Depths 5.

Best back garden (photograph only)*** age). extensive historical research would voices, Craft Session will be held They’ve been in The Crier before, but Where are we going Nothing th could be seen; my pupils backgrounds.” here are the two winning poems:emerge on Tuesday 15out December On this never ending trip? like or big glassy balls.

Light characters and simple***stories 6. stretched Best allotment vegetable garden**** category 5 photographic must be a photograph of your that could be told in much the same way 50 children took part. The arrival of the from up 4-5.30pm, as usual ahead seemed to be further, further, own garden, please ensure your name and address is on No-oneon knows as our own family stories arephoto handed Vikings the Skern, the subsequent this7.will involve much glue further.

A wind flushed down the corridor.

Best floral display outside a public building back of (2 photos are allowed) Does care?

Don’t make promises was about a tiny etc.) boat on a down through generations.

My characters Battle ofanyone Arx Cynuit and the transportation and Iplenty of Christmas (firewhipped station, councillike offices, Human faeces everywhere Alone in my room, nothing but me. rough, choppy sea.

A screaming tell their own tales superimposed ofaKing Hubba the Dane to his Tomb were sparkle! ****category 6onto can be public allotment or a private garden I heard the door from downstairs. pounded at my eardrums, wanting to 8. Best floral display by a young 16) and can vegetables and Itlike cannot be a contemporary photographs that contain form the highlights forfruit. us all!

Both of these are free eventsperson but (under Do the men live this?

I heard my name being called, breakthrough. Unwanted thoughts tiptoed commercial enterprise Itbutiscan a group wish or individual backgrounds.

This technique mybedearest that as many booking is essential.

Pleaseandcall on illustrative “Someone’s on the phone for you!” cautiously into my head bounced 9. around Best floral display small garden effort.

It must be your own allotment/garden, or group will find Quick!

Shh! forges indelible visual links for readers adults and children as possible 01805 622107, call in to the library or my brain. (less than 20ft x 20ft approx.), balconythat or courtyard. /garden which you are an activeaparticipant.

Hereof they come Ireinforce picked upthe the narratives phone,allotment the long voiceafter said…

Something’s coming. theof Tales the Torridge book that helps email torrington.library@devon .gov.uk.

No more thinking.

“Hello Son, how are you doing?”

It’s coming to getHours me......and there’s no stories have finished. them connect and identify further with this Christmas Opening th The closing for ALL categories is: 30 ItJune Please off your entry details and hand in to the wasbookshops, a2013 voice I haven’t heard cut in years. out. date Local museums and high- wonderful part ofkeep North Devon.

In the run ThewayLibrary will close at 1pm on Theysure take a man addresses supplied.

Make you a note of which It was a voice I used to know.

An echo replaced the air, the echo that th end gift shops have been extremely up to Christmas, I will continue to promote Thursday 24 December and re-open on And a woman Completed forms may be left at the following addresses: categories you have entered! only could be the beating of my panicked nd supportive, along libraries a series Wonder whatof willseasonal happen. readings and Saturday January.

Whiskers Shop, Vicarage Nursery or Ferry’s Home I said, “I’m fine,with how’s you?” throughout it in heart.2 Pet Torridge, BBC Devon and The talks in Torridge.

Congratulations youfine, have any queries, please contact: Hardware The voice saidRadio slowly,If “I’m thanks The End. Canfurther seeTorrington black bodies for asking.”

The End. to Crystal Stevenson Cherry Hammon, in Bloom Voice FM. Primary schools are also Secretary, For information, contact me on Congratulations th As far as my eyes can see.

The End. take place on having Tuesday 6 August Association, on 01805 625788. catching2013. on to its potential.

In October, talesofthetorridge@gmail.com or follow on Judging reachingwill Book Track Gold, Then the voice said very very slowly… ...whispered into my ears. I felt around, I was delighted to be invited by teacher, meMan onatFacebook: www.facebook.com/ read 100 books and reviewed them my foot, whack!

“I will be coming in next week…” touching the ice cold stone walls, fingers Hogan, into Torrington Bluecoats paulinesmithwriter with staff at Torrington library.

Cut sensation outstretched in front me.Crystal Someone or Sarah I/we wish to enter the of Torrington in Bloom 2013 Competition: Name/Group: …………………………….…………….

My foot leaking.

School to read of the Pauline Smith will be at Torrington was presented her Gold badge in bymine. Primary Six weeks past, sinceone I heard thestories: voice. something with entwined their fingers Wateron drips from my eye.

I said We to myself…

Something taking over body; I “TheThen Invader”. then carried out follow- Library December 6th between 1800 children’s authorwas CJ Busby, at hermyspell Category: …………………...Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………

“Never make promises keep.” wasn’t sure who I was anymore. up activities in how to fireyou thecan’t imaginative and 1845. Further details from Library writing workshop at the Library in late Want mother. Want father.

Harleytelling, Carter, staff Katie Huxtable, process through simple story at 01805 622107.

October.

Man and whip dangerous ………………………………………………………Post Code:…………..Contact telephone number: …………………….

Year 9 Year 8 Pauline Smith Kate Greaves, Library Supervisor which we projected into drama. Over

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Hannah’s GCSE descriptive writing has an appropriate theme and atmosphere for our December issue. carnivalofqueen and attendants. heir content! for anhearts’ opportunity variety events onher offer (and even a Dolton’s three pubs are all expected is available to hire for ross Torridge to be limited edition B10 beer!).

Winter Prince to benefit from the carnival atmosphere rimportant 4pm, The through into the work North Biosphere t’s a they bleakdo. winter’s The day. The sun hasDevon blossomed to their and an influx of visitors.

There will from be a most days, and also on viting nominations forin thecatchment follows the water been hidden sky by the area over-run fullest potential. roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, turdays for small events of recognised fog and snow. the Thissource makesofthe are rivers singing serves to be theday TawBirds & Torridge barbecue, and candy wagon. ys. Please seea Kiz or night, look like bright thesmaller surroundings their sweet, eering. (and rivers running into thesoothing sea l@btconnect.com looking white and grey.

There’s a faint, sing in Volunteers Week 2013, along the coast fromsong; Lyntonthey to Hartgentle breeze however, the freeing air nips Counts! harmony.

Theand gentle Your Vote rtnership with CATS land) down through the villages at you Sport) likeGifts frost The is among breeze of mas Cards & 1st wind Torrington Scouts have ction through arebite. towns of north Devon out toregistered sea,Mother to otherEvening things make sounds.

Thebeyond. chirping Nature’s summer good causes and toFair with Nat West Community Force, esentation on Lundy and birds andMary’s faint sounds of cars are a which part isinvites enough to to give on of sale in St. people nebe 6-9pm, at the Pierof noise.The events will be advertised locally nd of the ensemble you the comfort of a November to d from vote forinteractive a local charity/ ard Ho!,2 A single new B10 park on theand edgevia of a the village is mother’s embrace.

Monday to Friday 10amcause of their choice, rs aged years oldabandoned. website Notwww.northdevonb10.org.uk. left5-19 alone, frigid, a single Roars of the engines ynated 10am-1pm.

Over 30 with the and overpowers two will also be put add slid. to the excitement there will swing swinging, not a Just singletoslide The of winner cars soon the harmony of ect your cards from and r u n n e r s u p b e i n gaway into the distance. e of five freetouch, prizeis draw metal and plastic park,beicy ato the birds, with only tosome fade selection of suffer. gifts The frompopulation awarded a park grant.

Please golonely to park has now been gories of to fabulous prizes donated by once Biosphere left of the is The he world. www.communityforce.natwest.com/ but one. One single child accompanies the stand invaded by anin army of children. The S business supporters individuals Torrington Scout projects/ lonely but Devon. the and silenttype roar1 silence day has formation or park. He is alone north There will be of plenty of been shattered by the Group into the project name box, of his laughter is enough to echo in the overwhelming screams of laughter. The aonvolunteer opportunities to enter the draw at B10 Carnival desolate village. His only company isonline his child of winter register and for us.

Please get has as to be events and vote from May to returned to his castle ches, drummers, bands cherished, blue and white toy Robot.

He park, only totowitness the horror of past many of your friends and family do to attend September 2013. will give a upon smalla Devon sits frozen swing, soon revived by summer years.

He is no longer alone. so as well, as if we are successful we Upcoming Events ge Please a blaze of publicity the warmth of his touch.

Gently, he swings Noour longer isolated.

He only accepts the will be able to continue program of month.back and forth, careful  Get Local Wildof hisonly nottotoKnow harmYour company toy Robot so this invasion refurbishment tothe Scout HQ, not Volunteer Coordinator: on’s annual carnival, chilled chains.

The silent creak of the metal is unacceptable.

Flowers with Plantwalk Expertbut allThough he is the ruler of benefitting the Scout group, h130 datespark backbreaks to Victorian the silence Clare of the frosty day. Hartland winter, they are the ruler of summer. He is Gurton who hire in the hall. g@torridgecvs.org.uk s, will be on Fawkes fromthose He Guy ventures the park and powerless.

Clare has organised aFran series of Ashton th May pond, frozen by the The winter prince manoeuvres to the once h t , 2013.

Sapproaches a t u r d a y the5nearby weekly guided plantwalks inpond Hartland harsh temperatures.

No one is around, the frozen to find more disappointment. ember, which gives the to be a part of B10 - the North Devon air extra is still.

The thick s Biosphere Reserve vities an spark of ice hovers above the The water is free from ice, and so free tenthnot anniversary celebra- of the chilled jail. Lily pond’s water, trappingBiosphere’s it below. from imprisonment OdeWith to Derek Stamp ar. h Anniversary tions. a soul around, the child gains confidence pads cover the surface of the crystal water Derek Stamp is 60, h Gent, one ofB10) the will key sary (branded These friendly outings, where youare the families of frogs, and steps upon the frozen liquid.

He is still. and upon them A milestone in his life, the Dowland countryand fair ls, organisations findeternity, and he learnkeeping aboutcoolplants For what would seemcan like an from the harsh sun within the And we’ve come this far together wom in June, is organising around doesn’t northern move. He then growing takes a step, as shades.

No funare to be found here. The boy on local verges, As its devoted man and wife. r finale in which £1,600ute to an exciting careful as a spider with web.

A jolt perambulates to a single wooden bench usually twoofhours long and will rks will light up the night happiness runs through him, forbe the held arctic onat a theWednesday edge of the park and remains there of celebratory always hold myrest hand, block has not cracked. He’s He skates forthere hoursto for6pm. the of his ort of the North evening from This is aday ‘till dusk. He watches And kiss me when I’mthe sad, & Drum Sambahe could on Band, end, wishing slip away from party of children, here Reserve. unique opportunity to see waiting for his time to Mysolitary soul mate for so many ington Allstar Majorettes and live in his own world. comeyears, once again. until reality autumn the North Devon Biosphere Best friend I’ve ever had. king part in the parade Time marches on.

Summer soon arrives The time where he can reclaim his castle will be from a different angle, with itswith of heat, blessing us with as his own.

The to time where he is alone. illage, along many activities andwaves learn more about identifying daily warmth.

The lushWe green grass covers Hannah Gould, Year 11 met when I was “just 18”, ts, including this year’s New or Renovations? and the with land, the along with hordes local wild flowers and to Buildings enjoy of flowers, R.PITTS

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You’re right because you’ll explain and help.

I’m wrong because I’ll allow a long groan to echo, far past the point of care.

You’re right because you’re straight to the point, delivering with finesse.

I’m wrong because I’ll waffle on awkwardly.

And that’s why they look up to you, That’s why I’m left behind.

You’re right because you can let go and be carefree.

I’m wrong because I’ll let my selfdiagnosed OCD ruin my afternoon.

You’re right because you can speak to others with ease.

I’m wrong because making a dentist appointment is my idea of hell.

You’re right because patience flows through your veins.

I’m wrong because I need to have it straight away.

And that’s why they look up to you, That’s why I’m left behind.

You’re right because you think with your heart before your head.

I’m wrong because I can’t show emotions.

You’re right because you give as many compliments as you receive.

I’m wrong because I deny it.

You’re right because you’re not afraid to say how you feel.

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skillsmay that need be learnt as parents.

You havetoheard that this Continual ‘fault-finding’, or a ‘putyear GTS pupils are building downs’ (often saidright, in jest)a are plane.

Yes, that’s reala sure way to create questions about selfplane. A Groppo Trail light-build worth in children.

Additionally, those kit plane to be specific. Pupils who are consistently criticised will start throughout the school will be to wonder their relevance. involved inabout one way or another, contrast, children whose parents andInone way some pupils were affirm their children’s efforts feel useful, involved recently was in a trip worthy and acceptable as people. They to the Royal Naval Air Service in are also likely to work hard to maintain Yeovilton.

They had an amazing those positive feelings, and when they time. encounter setbacks will have the confidence to try again. This is building Royal Naval Air Service, emotional resilience, a really strong Yeovilton foundation for success in life, and Monday which ngives skills to deal with life th the 19both of good and bad. experiences O c tchildren o b e r , know what you love Letting weabout went on a school them or why you are proud of tripthem to can Yeovilton also strengthen resilience. to Simple visit thestatements Royal Navysuch Air Service base as; “I am so in Yeovilton. When we arrived, we were proud to be your mum/dad. The way greeted by very friendly men who gave afterof your this usyou strictlooked instructions what friend we should afternoon heour fellown oversafety. makesThe me and shouldn’twhen do for feelis like thethey luckiest in the base where keep, mum/dad make and repair world” orsuch “Youas: worked so hard(Wildcat on your machines helicopters homework today.

I know tried and the Lynx), missiles, and you machine really hard and looked did yoursovery best.

Well guns.

Everything much bigger than I imagined. done for that.” There were aircraft all over Identifying the base; it strengths was a really special sightto and helping that made me develop thoseappreciate strengthswhat will these also people do there. increase confidence in children.

We were given a tour someshapes of the main Strengths come in of many and hangers and the workshops: military and sizes, and each one is of equal value; civilian. We got the opportunity to talk to relationships, maths, different types of reading, people around thesports, base creativity, curiosity, a love of nature, an such as: engineers who worked on both ability to make people smile or many the Lynx and Wildcat Helicopters, pilots, other areas.

The list is endless. officers, the Commanding Lieutenant and If you who would like toinknow a little more engineers worked the military and aboutworkshops. building emotional resilience civilian We also spoke to twoto engineers: support one yourspecialised child, askinatmechanics Bluecoat

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One of this year’s Year 7 GTS Learning Baccalaureate challenges is ‘Leaders’. Pupils have been interviewing local people who are in TBC). Players will colo And‘Family Der was 21, are large enough to they handle.

Children’s positions Centre about leadership and thenThrive’ writing they up their findings.

Before Marks ainstead of drawin We’ve been on together all thesethe years, Place seed tray inside polythene which runs once a month a were let loose on members of the public, they practised on their design, and the £ And have a grown up bagson. or cover with abeetle cloche and Mr keep Saturday morning.

The we next Family teacher.

Here is Georgia’s write-up teacher th of English and LBACC include Fairtrade refresh the compost moist.

Thrive session will be Saturday 13 Royl. nextPrimula Group mee day Remember, if you The have April 10–11.30am. We’d like to have a special Tuesdaygrowing 8th November, On the 21st November.polyanthus or other species in An Interview with Mr Royl A dayhimself that’s special, just like garden, him, Plough Centre. your youtoo may endtoArts up with Native rWild Royl Flowers considered as a left behind as he was young move Which he will long remember. forwhat more can’t along, quite ‘good But he hadthat a dream to go decide toorcollege To Grow in boy.’ The only naughty up. primroses Emma onthem 01805 622143 want be!notDon’t plant thing he did was graffiti on his andthey being top to and being able to gotoo Your Garden Being such a quiet man, to each other! friend’s wall. Unfortunately, his friend’s withclose the other year didn’t stop him from Primulahim vulgaris isHeour doesn’t wanttoa fuss, dad caught and chased him back fulfilling his dreams.

Fleur Butwhose we really ought toWhen celebrate, primrose, hislovely house.native His punishment was todelicate scrub he got to secondary school, he theflowers walls ofwith hisafriend’s house until enjoyed very much and that’s where he he means toitus. darkerCos centre can they bethe in World From the Horse’s Mouth were completely bloom from clean!

November (in sheltered wanted to become a lawyer. So he finished Who wants to eat four-legged When he was younger, Mr Royl wanted secondary school andour went to college as youclosely Der at areas) to early May.Love Look friends? to be a rally driver as he loved cars.

In fact, a lawyer and then he changed his mind Ros & Hamilton the flowers themselves for they carry I’d say neigh to such a main course he separate loved carsfemale so much that before (‘pin’) stigmahe orwent male AGAIN! Is this ourtofood tends? into(‘thrum’) teachinga he a rally driver.

In his He did the not way want go supply to university ringwas of stamens on different Fairtrade spare time as a child, he used to design to make a proper teacher, but the Resisthim by complaining ourselves flowers, so a visiting insect picks partwas of his a up successful andeveryone who was his own cars and shoes.As That government made hoarse‘Wine FundHeRaising pollenback from then, a male flower and then flies smartthe passion but now it is helping enough go there so he went.

Wisdom’ evening, Fairtrade to a female where the Group pollen asked is finished Just how the meat was misnamed is In a aid of children to enjoyflower their learning. his degree in 2004 and he does Steering for suggestions deposited on the stigma.

They prefer puzzle In his primary school, he was onefor year further not regret Fairtrade it.

The NDD well-drained soils in asopen woodland, ahead of everyone else he has apromotions very Now, he andChemotherap reading And just enjoys what didEnglish the marketing entail in Torrington. hedgebanks, churchyards, etc. intelligent brain. When he was in Year 5, idea andJust that is why he is an English teacher. a burger made from a OneThe wasimagine reducedNew Buildi he name got moved up tofrom a Year class.price The Fairtrade Though some he will do rally driving derives the 6 Latin prima muzzle tea day and There will be a sale only problem was that when that Year 6 again. rosa, ‘first rose’. must to prevent such Village a sale Hall on coffee for We clubs andtrystaffclassPrimula went up veris to secondary got Georgia Stone Wiltshire, Year 7 is the school, dainty he cowslip rooms. This is something November When we shop for meat we want10am-4pm, in our and differs from thewe primrose in that are keen to do, especially as one of for the new chemothera andeach the stem other is specialised electronics. the bag big guns in their armoury that they topped the byinmultiple, small Fairtrade TownFood goals to Good our quality ofthe theis choicest and pains new-t They told us whatflowers their role the attached to helicopters andfor also seeing golden-yellow withwas an on orange encourage clubs, societies, community books, bric-a-brac, ra Not be saddled with cutlets ofcarry. nag helicopters. the torpedoes that the helicopters spot at the base groups of eachandpetal. staff-rooms to use home-made light lunch The Lynx grow air pilot uspastures about The has changed my views Or experience something which once wore reins Cowslips bestinformed inFairtrade ancient refreshments. be available. what does in his how good about engineers and people who fly these andhemeadows but job canand be found along It’s a has shame for allme meat to be So, our is asuch £5 package it is, he then introduced us thespecial Lynx offer machines and inspired to broaden railway embankments andtoroad verges 100 bags, a and jar to of take an interest in helicopters he works with;containing explaining to us tea my suspect horizons Par For The Cou and prefer a more alkaline or clayey Butand as long as butchers townshown and coffee, 100 sugar becoming sticks a packet what’s inside the helicopter and what every an engineer.

It inhas soil.

They flower during April and May. Book citycost piece of equipment does. even let us normal a wider array jobs in the Navy and in Sign of He biscuits.

The of ofthese Both Primula species grown from My new sporting nov sit in the aircraft. When Iitems sat in would one of be the over engineering in general.

I hopeare other kids Ensure their what we £8, so that this is a sources seed may require period of cold to world of Devon golf.

Th helicopters, there werea so many buttons taking engineering are able to come here expectcontact us significant saving. Please germination.

It’stoprobably bestspecial to in the Over was all a andaidswitches, it made me future experience really We can because view the the matter withwhich takeappreciate up this offer. seed in autumn toWe over-winter in Village Cricket Club tr howsow much work these pilots need to a opened up my‘Beetle eyes. will to bedo holding a ‘equinimity’!

Fairtrade th cold frame unheated greenhouse understand eachor button and switch.

Dennis Bone & Luke Bromhead, Lords. Witney R.C. Drive’ on 12 November, 7pm (venue My favourite part seedlings of the day was seeingas Grieg-Wills, Charlie Josey, Year 10 and prick out as soon

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9

British Native Flowers to Grow in Your Garden

Pulsatilla vulgaris his is a beautiful little plant which is commonly known as Pasque Flower, but which is now very rare in the wild and is protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. In fact, you are unlikely to see it growing in this part of the world since its natural habitat is undisturbed chalk or limestone downland, particularly in parts of the Cotswolds, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

The Pasque Flower is a hardy perennial with very soft, silky foliage (wonderfully touchy-feely!) with deeply divided, fern-like, mainly basal leaves. A ruff of less divided foliage surrounds each solitary flower, and these flowers are a gorgeous bright violetpurple colour in the wild, consisting of six sepals. In the centre of the flower is a bright golden boss of stamens. The seed head consists of a long, silky plume that persists after flowering. It is related to the Wood Anemone (A. nemorosa) which also has ruff of foliage surrounding each flower.

Although you are unlikely to see it growing in the wild, Pulsatilla is readily available to purchase from garden centres, and is a very popular flowering plant; breeders have extended the colour range to include a beautiful wine red flower and a refined white one as well. The cultivars often have only five sepals.

The best growing medium for the Pasque Flower is a free draining, gritty compost which does not get waterlogged. It looks best in an alpine trough, flowering during April-May, and its height is not usually more than 8 ins (20cm). It should be kept in an open sunny position, not overshadowed by other plants.

I have not actually tried growing Pulsatilla vulgaris from seed and, in fact, I am not sure I have seen it advertised, but if I do find some, I may well give it a go. I imagine, though, that it would be slow to germinate.

Fleur

T

Do You Know of WWII Servicemen from Little Torrington or Taddiport?

T

he Parish Church of St Giles, Little Torrington, has long had on its walls two ‘Rolls of Honour’ recording the names of servicemen from the parish, who were in the Great War of 1914-1918. On Remembrance Sunday this year, a temporary list of those men and women who served between 1939-1945 was added.

The list is temporary because there are only 13 names on it, and I feel certain there must be more to be added before a complete ‘Roll of Honour’ can be drawn up. I am asking any Crier reader who lived in Little Torrington and Taddiport in the war years who may have served themselves, or any relative of someone who served, to contact me so that I can make sure that person is included.

Initial contact please by telephone (01805 623445) or by calling at 80 New Street, Torrington.

Michael Sampson

28

Remembrance Mosaic

T

o commemorate all those who fought in the two World Wars, residents at Hatchmoor Nursing Home have made this beautiful touching mosaic. During this time of Remembrance our thoughts are for all those who have given their lives and thank those who have served and are currently serving their country.

Solomon Singh

Taddiport Village Hall News

A

t long last we have had our central heating fixed, and a huge thank you to Gerald and Andrea from Ron Sussex and Sons for all their help.

Our Christmas quiz will be on December 5th at 7.30pm, with a £50 prize. Come along for a fun evening and don’t forget to bring your favourite tipple!

Coming in the New Year will be dog training classes, and if you would like to book the hall or hire our tables and chairs, please call Hazel on 01805 625904.

We would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a sparkling New Year.

Charlie Tyzack

We will be holding a ‘equinimity’!

Fairtrade ‘Beetle r unheated Drive’ greenhouse on 12th November, 7pm (venue t seedlings as soon as

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It’s time you knew who’s who in tyres

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Club Strong diamonds share ebony their with bout their natural selfwas in 21, cord injury and supporting SIA’s experiences members a For matter urgency, ifa group o TBC).

Fairtrade And Der Par TheofCourse in thePlayers church. will Thecolour old oneinpacked up at the is end of September, andsees itsowas y the National Schools Beaten to a pulp.technologies like eand support are sustainable PV natural world is a really information services. you can help please contact head Marks instead of drawing the traditional We’ve been together all these years, veteran golfers trying to win the ey Carter and Reuben discovered that spare parts were no longer readily available. A new more Coun now panels, wood burning stoves, internal ctd oftheir childpoems development.

You can hold supper in your own coach Lane on 07901 beetle design, the £2 will Gavin And we havea awell grown up son.and Cup. gone back654 to 999 my sportin ‘Slave efficient boiler shouldand reduce ourentrance carbon footprint, but atI’ve a cost of over £15,000, The men come into or hold the and external wall insulation, secondary develop greater home, at work a larger supper email: include Fairtrade refreshments. passion after my efforts on behalf o Make‘Floral Promises’ into the display’ can include Takecontainers, people up hanging baskets, which had many not been budgeted for. All contributions would be gratefully received! new season; training glazing and more.

Although ofornaments. the at your community centre. torringtonpoliceboxing@gmail.com.

The next Group meeting will be on We’d like to a special day the Torrington Cavaliers which, I’m n understanding they were inlocal Year 8 have window boxes, Plants need not be bedding but th Wegood hear screams Don’t thethSt Nicholas Fayre and Craft Market in the Church on December 5 . st with is SIA going well, people can perennials, be put offshrubs.

by Tuesday theforget words ranging from provide a fundraising pack November.

8 November, 7.30pm in The Onwill the 21 pleased to say, was well received. vethem; heard that they are can include fruit, vegetables, herbs, And they come down There will bethis stalls, crafts, tombola, a grand draw, refreshments and light lunches, numbers benefiting from renewable and sustainable, and watching them containing hints and tips, recipes, Aflowers day that’s special, just like him, Plough Arts Centre. Please come If you like sport I’m sure you’ll enjo boys are delighted, and Artificial are not allowed!

All covered in cuts not forgetting a Father Christmas.

It runs the fromread.

10amIt to 3.30pm.a lot of humour. the experience of our new weekend of open set to lift flowers, fruit each. invitations and donation envelopes.

By homes isalong, Amazon voucher Which heand will long remember. orvisit forfrom more details contact contains Red blood drips.

North Devon Choral Society will be performing their Christmas in the sessio coaching set up, which has been that concern. understanding why rtment is very proud of inviting seven friends and asking them Emma on the 01805 622143.

There will be aconcert book-signing Can * category 3 must be able to be viewed from the roadYou or Help th .

See posters in the town for further church at 7.30pm on Saturday December 12 benpavement, and thinks it is To book a visit to see one of these ees are important in enhanced even more with a grant from to donate an additional £5 you will Our new housekeeper is set- 10.30am Being such a quiet man, at Torrington Library from They don’t say a word Boxing Club Find a ie, front garden. nce again, done in want households gothe to details. our website raise at doesn’t least £35, but also give tling in 12.30pm well and enjoying12ththe thework RFU enabling us towillupgrade Novembe He awe fuss, on is Saturday Like they New win national OurHome? new priest for the parishes of Great challenge Torrington, Torrington, www.bidefordsustain.org/seeinggreen andscan on interaction, additional fundraising ideas to ofLittle the job.

Buttoned up theiroflips.

Copies will also beFrithelstock available from Th But we really ought celebrate, floodlights, aconsist massive improvement **‘Ayou group’ must of ato minimum two people (of any Taddiport, Fr Peter Bevan, isBoxing to be licensed byEaster the Bishop Exeter, Saturday Torrington Police Amateur oroncall Jolene on 01237and 474 123. velop araise great sense of the even The Coffee Morning was very or from Mole andofHaggis inonTorrington Cos hemore. means World to nights. us. helping all concerned training age). th The Crier before, but Club faces homelessness for the at St Michael and All Angels, Great Torrington, at 4.30pm.

Everyone December 19 Where are we going ein natural world and will The money raised will help the successful, with over £500 being me on 01805 624495.

Come along This is also starting to show great winning poems: On thismatch never ending trip? second time in a year and is searching appreciate and respect is welcome to attend and there will be refreshments in the Church after the service, Spinal Injuries Association offer raised for the residents’ comforts fund. have a glass of wine and see what it Love you Der Aikido Black Belt for GTS Student rewards in the team’s results; *** category 5 photographic must be a photograph of your for aan training ul place wethe callDevon home, withstudent opportunity to meetfor Fr Peter and hisWe family. to individuals who22-14 become thank everyone who came and Ros & home Hamilton about. with Junior Cup Torrington School Ollie home ownsupport garden, please ensureGreat your name and address is permanent on knows Bob Brewe paralysed theirNo-one families, from the event.

Our next music, fund On Tuesday December 22nd there will be asupported short organthe concert of Christmas Staines the first junior win who werehas top become of the sessions. back of against photo and (2Totnes, photos are allowed) Doesoccurs, anyoneand care?

Since the club was forced to leave ake promises s began on Thursday moment a spinal injury for raising effort will be a Garden Party in with carols at 7.30pm.

If you have never heard this wonderful organ played, this member of Torrington Aikido league above us, Fairtrade being pick everywhere of the Humanthe faeces the Globe Hotel when it shut in ,3pm. nothing but me. the rest of their lives. the Summer.

If you know of anybody would be a good opportunity to do so.

David Read will be playing the organ and club to obtain his black belt. ****category can be aa public allotment or of a and private garden bunchAs to 6date.

Another added bonus part of successful ‘Wine om downstairs.

January, they have been room in signing to 0erested For moreup information or the request a interested services in becoming a Fund Raising everyone will his be invited tousing join inaSale the carols.who Themight times be of Christmas for the Ollie recently andthat can contain vegetables and fruit.

Itlike cannot becompleted a result is that we now have South Wisdom’ evening, Fairtrade Do the men live this? being called, in Torrington Town Hall as a temporary of Grow ‘Little Buds’ fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright resident, ring the housekeeper In aid of churches in and around Torrington can be found in a please separate advertisement. aikido grading on Saturday commercial enterprise but can be a group or individual Steering Group asked for suggestions Molton in the next round, an interesting butthe haveThe to leave there by Bluecoat Children’s ste phone onforItyou!”

0845 0714350 or 16themail on 01805 623605 for NDDH March and is now Chrisfurther Foster effort. your allotment/garden, ormeasure, group forown furt her Fairtrade Quick!

Shh! local must derbybe against another team from the st 30th April.

5 625830. fundraising@siafishandchips.co.uk or information.

Shodan black belt. proud owner of 1 allotment /garden of which you are an active participant. promotions income Torrington.

Here they Chemotherapy Unit division above. By the time you read this, one, thevisit voice said…

Cluband coach Heathcliffe Pettifer said www.siafishandchips.co.uk.

Ollie started in 2006 trains more thinking.

OneNo idea was reducedNew Building re you doing?” we will have played our other localAikido derby that the club has never been able to will be greatly appreciated.

-ven’tPlease YouthLittle GroupTorrington News Needed! three aalso week cut off your price entrywith details and XV hand in to thein both The Players Fairtrade tea and Therethewill be a sale at Frithelstock heard in years. against Ilfracombe, our times 2nd set down roots, having trained four th The final game of note, ison theinSunday annual 1610 Torrington Triathlon at Barnstaple and Torrington club.

They take a man The Crier would like to start a regular addresses supplied.

Make sure you keep a note of which coffee for clubs and staffStone Village Hall 13 ed to know.

Make entertaining Bideford Nomads.

Proudly Present: Cinderella different venues since being formed Dave Hickman memorial veterans game funds And aThis woman categories you have entered! section on youth activities in the rooms. is something November 10am-4pm, to raise Torrington Pool On bonfire night the Cavaliers put on against nergy Efficient? last year.Bideford on January 2nd, at Torrington what will happen. ritten and Directed By Bob Harrod area.

5350 copies of The ow’s you?” we are rdkeen to Wonder do, especially as one of for the new chemotherapy building.

Gettingdisplay, Older?with yet another great Junefireworks 2013 Sunday 23 are worried about their He said: “Despite the relative Donnacroft.

Kimberley Crocker youfine, have any queries,Town please contact: Crier and are starring distributed throughout owly,If“I’m thanks the Fairtrade goals is to Good quality new-to-you clothes, Finding It Harder Hear? ofwould s about the weather holding offsee justblack enough to To ed how they can Torrington Terror: scenic, rural bikein numbers vacant in the Can bodies If anyone like properties to become involved with a host other the local Cherry Hammon, Secretary, Torrington Bloom Torrington, all of over encourage clubs, societies, community books, bric-a-brac, raffle, lucky as dip,Cinderella, and Come along and join the Hearing theirAssociation, homes during the encourage a good turnout for a great and run courses.

Novice friendly, but town, the biggest challenge for the club As far as my eyes can see. on 01805 625788. on or home-made off the pitch,light please contact me people playing the other parts. surrounding rural area.

Congratulations GTS groups and staff-rooms to use lunch and cakes will Loss Support Groupis finding in Torrington Groupyou! is challenge a newbelow. home.You The can committee evening. th idSustainability very will very slowly…

If you run group of any sort, on thebedetails hire our Friday anda youth Saturday 29 and 30 Fairtrade refreshments. available.

Yr 9 Netball teamth enjoy a cuppa and friendly company. theweek…” answers this upMan at watch my foot, whack!

Distances members, boxers and their supporters WhySo, notto come and a game ndnext including2016, sport,at drama orto Hall, anything our special offer is a £5 package facilities for various purposes or sponsor January the Victory Little Congratulations the Yr 9 Netba Informal monthly ‘get including together’ at the t question.

Over Bike the2.30pm Cut sensation Swim 400m, 32km, Runoff, 4.5km.

Function Fitness and the for yourselves? kick normally, else, please send news, appeals and 100 tea bags, a jar us of in a variety of ways, all help is, as Torrington. : Name/Group: …………………………….…………….

Doors open 7pm, curtain up th containing team who came second in the Nort Par The Course ……

My foot andI heard 19 May, many Bickford Centreon on theCavaliers, third Tuesday Notthe sure about doing a leaking. triathlon haveFor worked tirelessly to nce voice. with the next games being information to: tournament on 10th Octobe coffee, 100 sugar sticks and a packet always, greatly appreciated.

7.30pm.

Devon Water drips from my eye. round your Bideford and itsth not every month 2pm. make the club aBook own?

Why enter as cost a at relay success.

The club self…

Signing – South Molton, Devon November 28 Email: torrington.crier@gmail.com of biscuits.

The normal of these st th …………………………………………………………………

C’mon To book ticketsThey ring lost BobinHarrod 01805 2011. the last 90 second May, 18 are opening up quarter their final, Nextfirst quarter dates:21attracts mises you can’tCup keep.” team?

The perfect introduction to the up to 30 members at anyisTorrie. one My new sporting novel set in Drop the it into Torrington Library, or post Junior leg. items would be over £8, so this is a th of the it was 4-4 623297, until the end o Rob Bewes, Club Chairman, 623485 or Irenefinal; Daniel 01805 Want mother.

Want father.

Harley Carter, July 2013 June, 16 you what can be done th sport of Triathlon. time, training three times a week, and world of Devon golf. This follows Final December 5 saving.

–Man Plympton Victoria, to email The the Crier, Castle Torrington, significant Please contact us game thenHill, in the last 90allsecond and whip dangerous …………..Contact telephone number: …………………….

07976 066 440 or Bob, eastfordfarm@aol.com, Year 9 Lyn -toSee Hear r energy consumption For information or book yourCentre have more a dozen boxers Over than whichhalfwas all about a Devon Devon league game. tomore take up this special offer.

EX38 8AA, or call 01805 603152. they lost 7-4!

They are through to th Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, seats £5.

(Please don’t assume a booking Office: 01271 373 236with medical place –We visit www.1610.org.uk. ready to compete in get to th Villagecards Cricket Club trying to December 12 –holding AWAY –a South Molton, will be Fairtrade ‘Beetle Devon Tournament being held Discipline, Sportsmanship. has been made until you receive an on th umerous householders th Mobile: 07831 515 809 Lords.

Devon Junior leg. All7pm support November, (venue Drive’ onCup, 12 second 15th November. Good luck girls. acknowledgement) seehearnd@livingoptions.org ing up their time to

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ot Common long until News Christmas now,

On and Themy Common we have new sister Minky and I identified 300 species are over getting very excited.of Itwild will flowers.

There be some we be Minky’s first must Christmas in athat home, have due better to their and shemissed, is lookingbut so much now, although she still hasflowering, to have herthe special prominence when list food apparently is quite expensive. mustwhich be fairly complete.

I amThe always little sad at this52 time of Treea Trail contains kinds year though,trees as Aunty Lynne gets21 of native and we have asked to takespecies in lots of introduced ondogs otherthat parts of their simply We do notknow want of 40 The owners Common. around Christmas. far differentforgrasses, 11 So sedges, nine already, the rescue hasWe taken rushes and 15 ferns. do however inhave a four month old limited Yorkshire much more knowledge Terrier a two yearofold Husky about and other types plant.

A list and –guide both of unclaimedbut any towhich fungi were is underway, from the Local Authority pound; additional information would be after seven days, lovely such dogs as welcome – as in these other areas would have been put to sleep mosses, liverworts and lichens.if Aunty Lynne hadn’t rescued them.

Our diversity of butterflies is appeal...

Presents for the dogs well known, We know this with is an extremely busy and 30 species expensive time of the year, but if you could spare just a few coppers to buy described. some presents for the dogs that will be in Especially the kennelsare overthe Christmas, they would welcome be very grateful gravy bones and kong Fritillaries, but –the toys their absolute HighareBrown has favourites! You can take to the for K9focus Charity not these been down recorded ten years.

Shop Appledore (by the shipyard) Eightyat kinds of birds come and go,or ring on 07971 461 806 and she will andLynne as with national trends, some of arrange these collection. are becoming more rarely

Fundraising Fashion Show

seen. Roe deer seem to be thriving amongst our 18 mammals, but the success of the adder in our four reptiles is not popular with some.

Apart from occasional meetings with wasp nests, we know little about our insect population together with other December, as we are having a fashion invertebrates,. showEspecially on the 5thinteresting at the Appledore would Social be a Club, lotsofofour lovely sparkly survey ponds and dresses streams,to see buy also just inprovide time forinformation Christmas. thisand would Entrance is only £2.50 and that includes a regarding water quality and pollution. free mince pie, so do come along and see I know that Torrington Junior School us.

It starts at 6pm, through to 9.30pm, pupils used to regularly go stream and ticketsOther are available our charity dipping. schoolsfrom must have shop or fine againhabitats by calling used the to Lynne. explore the the ecologyYou of can the also area.come Canand wesee have team at Café Collective on 6th your discoveries please?

DecemberMichael in Bideford, where Collingham

we will be having a stall with lots of things for you to buy for your beloved dogs and cats, and all the money raised will go to helping more dogs.

0n 17th January we are looking to have an open day down at the Kalm Supported Living café, where you can Torrington Amateur Athletic Club’s come along and chat about the rescue, annual on see someChristmas of our dogsCaper looking Race for homes th December 2011, starts at Sunday and, if you18have room after the Christmas 11am. Registration begins 9.30am festivities, enjoy a coffee and aatcake. aRight, t T oI am rrin t ogo n Christmas R u g b y shopping Club offg to Seepoint torringtonaac.org forand further and out a few nice toys treats that Santa will take the hint. indetails. the hope Signing off and wishing you all a very Together Happy Christmas andAgain look forward to It’s that time of the again being with you againyear in 2016.

For you to Woofs remember and licks, Miss Jessica “Torrington Together” PS. Please don’t forget our Christmas On the 7th of December Boxes for the kennel dogs!

The fundraising team is busy in

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30

Harry the Piano at Bideford It sounds a long way off Music Club Christmas But please make a diary noteConcert

H

arry’s extraordinary To come and share the thingstalent we dohas The imaginative totea reputation as one earned him of all the societies of town’s the most gifted improvising their commitment for their roles pianists in the world.

Celebrities and Parkinson’s, andlined caring critics alike have up to shower him Alarms and“There Footballis goals with praise. nothing he cannot Golf and Exhibitions do,” says Liza Tarbuck. “The best music Societies youth show I’ve for ever seen,” - Terry Wogan.

And many all so at worthwhile Harry will bemore, performing Bideford Music Truly Christmas I say, forsooth Club’s concert.

7Infor1996 7.30 when he was eight, Harry Wednesday, December 7 gained a scholarship place at Chetham’s Torridge Vale Social Club school of Music, and there performed Enjoy a bit of local heaven. numerous concerts around Manchester.

VJT At fifteen he won a scholarship to the Purcell School of Music, where he again performedIn in Remembrance many concerts including the Lord Ponsonby wasbyan absolute piano part in “Petrushka” Stravinsky at tartar who made his servants live an the Royal Academy of Music. Two years absolute life. His harshest later he wondog's a foundation scholarship to treatment was reserved for his faithful the Royal College of Music and then went butler Whibble. It was “Whibble get my on to win a scholarship for the Masters boots off!” “Whibble, get me a whisky!'' of Music Course at Trinity College of Whibble this and Whibble that, all day Music, London.

In 2011 he won the long. One evening his lordship came Kendall Taylor Scholarship Masters in home from his club after aforparticularly Performance Course at the Royal College lavish dinner and barked, “Whibble, run ofme Music. a bath!” In due course he slipped Harry into willtheperform musicFeeling of many gently soapy water. the different genres ending withhea passed request after-effects of his dinner, slot. will reminiscent be at the Bideford windThe in concert a manner of an Methodist Church Hall, Street fell on Icelandic geyser and High promptly nd December at 7.30pm.

Wednesday sleep. Just2then the door burst open Tickets are £13 at thestood, door, students and and there Whibble to attention, children otherHis information, with a are hot free. water All bottle.

Lordship exploded, “Get out 423112 man, I didn't ring Lindy Johnson 01237 and I don't want go we away”.

“I beg On January 10th you, at 3pm will hold our to ever differconcert sir, myonhearing is afternoon, perfect. I first a Sunday heard you what Tom about a it distinctly will feature a duo of say, guitarists Ellis and Lorna Snowden. Bring the family!

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17

December & January Live Events at The Plough Arts Centre 01805 624624 December Johnny Coppin - All On A Winters Night The Boss UK (Bruce Springsteen tribute band) National Theatre Live: ‘Jane Eyre’ Comedy with Phil Jupitus ‘Juplicity’ Comedy with Phil Jupitus at Lynton Town Hall Fotheringay + Sean Lakeman, Kathryn Roberts & Sally Barker Mayflower Productions: ‘The Santa Trap’

Fri 4 Sat 5 Tues 8 Fri 11 Sat 12

8pm 8pm 7pm 8pm 8pm

Sat 12 Sun 13

8pm 4pm

The Original Christmas Gifts Exhibition: Fri 28 Nov –Wed 24 Dec

21 + films and workshops

Worry Dolls (standing gig) Pigbag (+ support) The Exmoor Carolers

Fri 18 Sat 19 Sun 20

January

Afternoon Tea with Phil Beer Speed The Plough—The Reform Inn at Torrington Gordie Tentrees (+ support with Jaxon Haldane) National Theatre Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Sun 10 Fri 15 Sat 23 Thurs 28

8pm 8pm 3pm 4pm 8pm 8:30pm 7pm

January Exhibition: Animated Stills The Plough will be closed from Monday 4 - Friday 8 inclusive

www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

December & January Films at The Plough

W

e have a feast of films for you at The Plough this winter: well-known ones that everyone’s been waiting for such as Suffragette and Spectre and less obvious ones that you won’t get to see anywhere else in the area, like The Lobster and The Dance of Reality. Around Christmas and New Year, we shall be showing Pan, The Lady in the Van, The Dressmaker and Legend. Details for these December screenings can be found in the current Plough programme, but please note an extra matinee screening of Spectre on 17th December at 2pm, by public demand.

The January films will be publicized on a separate leaflet. They include an acclaimed documentary about a family of sheep farmers in Yorkshire - Addicted to Sheep - which has been requested by audience members; the new Steven Spielberg thriller, Bridge of Spies; Danny Boyle’s biopic of Apple founder Steve Jobs; a new version of Under Milk Wood starring Charlotte Church; the last part of Hunger Games; Terence Davies’ Sunset Song set in Scotland at the turn of the last century; and the new Star Wars – among many others. Make sure you pick up the January films flier so you don’t miss out!

The Nativity - Plough Prism Style Wednesday 16th December 6pm

T

he Plough Prism presents a very enchanting, exciting and enjoyable spin on ‘The Nativity’. The Plough Prism is a drama group of adults with disabilities, who love performing. Full of Christmas cheer and spirit!

Don’t miss out on this! £7 full /£6 concessions /£5 supporters.

Please contact the Box Office for tickets: 01805 624624

Community Fundraiser For The Plough Arts Centre Lift!

W

e need to raise £20,000 to enable us to get our lift up and running again.

Please help us raise funds, to make The Plough Arts Centre more accessible.

We welcome members of the community to hold coffee mornings, bake sales, jumble sales, themed events etc in aid of the Plough Arts Centre lift.

Please get in touch with Sophie if you would like to find out more, or you have a fundraising idea on 07527 544 694, 01805 624624 or sophie@theploughartscentre. org.uk.

Sophie Evans, Youth Theatre & Outreach Director

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Torrington & District Community News & Events

Editorial: torrington.crier@gmail.com

The Crier Diary, for community and fundraising events only, is available on the Library counter, please enter details yourself.

Please include event, venue, time and a brief description if required. Or email: torrington.crier@gmail.com.

Becky Huxtable: 01805 603152

If possible, all submissions and enquiries to the email above - 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: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Esther Williams: 01805 603023

Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue.

10% discount for a run of five adverts. All advertisements are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please.

Deadlines: All copy by 12 noon on the second Thursday of the month before publication.

EDITOR/PRODUCTION ADVERTISING/ACCOUNTS PRINTED BY DISTRIBUTION RURAL DISTRIBUTION TYPING ONLINE CRIER

Becky Huxtable Esther Williams Toptown Printers Alan Blamire/Sue Crane Community Jenny Hearn Steve Young

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Crier Team.

Castle Hill Opening Hours Library Book Renewals

01805 622107 0345 155 1001

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

Café & Garden @ 1646

01805 626146

Open Mon – Sat 9am-4pm

Tourist Information

01805 626140

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

Torrington Town Council

01805 626135

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

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Torrington

03 444 111 444

Tues 9.30am-12.30pm drop in

Community Development Trust

01805 626100

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Genesis/Pannier Market Admin

01805 626110

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Heritage Museum & Archive

Contact Sue Scrutton 01805 622391 or Val Morris 01805 622306

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Crier Team

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