December/January Crier 2016

December 2016/January 2017 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

Great Torrington at Christmas

•Free Christmas Parking in Great Torrington!

Free parking all day in Sydney House Car Park on Saturdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th December & Friday 23rd December •Friday 9th December - Christmas Distribution of Vouchers The Plough 9.30am-2pm •Saturday & Sunday 10th & 11th December - Tarka Valley Railway ‘Santa at the Station’ •Wednesday 14th December - The Big Sing, Pannier Market 7pm •Saturday 17th December - Cavaliers’ Christmas Grotto and Giveaway 10am-1pm •Saturday 18th December - Christmas Caper Run, Torrington Rugby Club 11am •Saturday 31st December - Cavaliers’ New Year Celebrations 7pm ‘til late

See inside for full details & more Christmas events!

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R & S Ware Family Butchers

Catering & Delivery Available • Quality Beef, Lamb, Pork & Poultry

AWARD WINNING BURGERS & SAUSAGES

Cooked Meats, Homemade Sausages, Hogs Pudding, Burgers, Brawn, Faggots, Spit Roast Chicken, Pasties. Homemade Pies & Sausage Rolls, Cheeses, Eggs, Frozen Foods & all BBQ Meats Quality Service and Satisfaction • Open Seven Days a Week CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN Orders to the value of £20 or more will receive a voucher for 10% off 1 single transaction during January/February 2017 15-17 South Street, Torrington • Tel: 01805 622191 • Email: rsware@btconnect.com

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Crier Team!

Contact us...

Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.

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

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

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

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

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

Read The Crier Online

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

Live in Shebbear, Atherington or Huntshaw?

We need volunteers to collect Criers from the Library each issue and drop them off in the above villages. Could you help? Please contact Becky on 01805 603152, torrington.crier@gmail.com, or call in to Torrington Library. Thank you!

The Crier Team would like to thank all contributors, advertisers, volunteer deliverers and readers for their support for the Crier over the last year. We wouldn’t be here without you!

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Crier Team

Disclaimer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drain clearing CCTV surveys Repairs/Relining Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation * Freelance Florist - Locally Based * Bespoke Wedding Flowers - Free Consultation * Beautiful West Country Seasonal Flowers * Special Occasions * Corporate Events * Funeral Flowers * Environmentally Friendly Funeral Tributes * Private & Personal Consultation * Free delivery within 10 mile radius Tel: 01237 451988 Mob: 07533891380 Visit: www.tinahodgson.com Email: tina-hodgson@hotmail.co.uk

From Your Mayor

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ello all, what a month it’s been, my diary has been overflowing with duties in and around our community.

October the 14th was my Charity Concert at the Methodist Chapel and The Torridge Male Voice Choir entertained us. Visiting mayors, including the Lady Mayor of Exeter, came along and joined in some of the songs, especially the Devon Song which was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all who made this possible. £500 was raised for my charities which are Great Torrington May Fair and Torrington in Bloom, look out for more events over the next couple of months.

Mr and Mrs Stacey celebrated their Diamond Wedding on 27th October and I made a surprise visit to them with flowers and a card on behalf of the Town Council, and had a lovely time talking about times gone by. Yet another Diamond Wedding was celebrated in November when Bob and Jean Fisher received a surprise visit with flowers and a card too.

On Friday 11th November, along with many others, I attended the short Remembrance Day service at 11am, before the main one on Sunday 13th with the British Legion leading the parade to lay a wreath at the Memorial on behalf of our town. I also attended the special Remembrance Concert in the Parish Church on Friday the 11th November, a moving ceremony for all who attended.

The Community Christmas Day Lunch is planned to go ahead again this year, at the Methodist Chapel 1pm prompt. If you would like to join us the cost is £5 on registration please, for more details see the article on this page. If you need a lift just say when you call.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

Margaret Brown, Mayor of Great Torrington

Community Christmas Lunch Don’t Be Alone at Christmas!

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hristmas Day 2015 saw the birth of a community event for residents of Torrington, who would otherwise be on their own on this day. Mayor, Margaret Brown and I decided to invite these people to a Christmas roast turkey lunch, complete with decorations, crackers, entertainment and presents. We were very pleased that it was a great success.

So, guess what, we’re going to do this again this Christmas! The places are limited by the size of the hall, and the ovens, so we will have to respond on a ‘first come first served basis’. If you, or a friend or neighbour are likely to be spending Christmas Day on your own and would like to join others to enjoy your lunch, the cost is just £5.

There are only 30 places and I expect some of last year’s ‘guests’ will want to join in again, so it’s best to call Margaret as soon as possible on 01805 624375 to avoid being disappointed.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Gillian Saich

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

Ma a nd

de in Torringt

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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Natural Soap, palm oil free • Natural Bath and Skincare Soap making courses @The PloughArts Centre On sale now @ Kitch ‘n’ Cupboard, Torrington 01805 624 508 • www.hogwashsoap.co.uk

Massage treatments & sports therapy Christmas gift vouchers available

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All Shines Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing Services Torrington Slimming World Torrington Rugby Club, Hatchmoor Rd Every Thursday at 5.30pm & 7.30pm New 9.30am session from January 5th 2017 Contact Norah 07789 632 166

Update from SOHS

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eeing Red Day: We had an amazingly successful march through Barnstaple on Saturday 22nd October when the town really did see red. 4000 people joined in, all wearing red. They walked through the town centre to the square where they listened to speeches about the plans for our North Devon District Hospital and made clear their opposition to any closure. Many of the marchers were from Great Torrington and surrounding villages.

Parliamentary Debate: We are bringing our Members of Parliament onside. Both our MPs, Geoffrey Cox and Peter Heaton Jones, spoke in October in a parliamentary debate called by Hugo Swire, the MP for East Devon, to discuss the proposed changes to Devon Health services. Geoffrey Cox emphasised the problem of geography and the inequitable funding level given to Devon.

County Council Action: County Councillors are also speaking up for us.

At the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee on 8th November, two motions were passed; one from Cllr.

Biederman (Fremington) and one from Cllr. Greenslade. They called on our Devon MPs to lobby the government for fairer funding of our NHS, and the suspension of the Success Regime until this is sorted. Devon receives £230 less per person than Cumbria, which is an equivalent area, also being rural with difficult transport connections.

Public Meetings: SOHS is continuing its campaign, with public meetings throughout the area to encourage people to write to their Councillors and MPs and

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Windows, gutters, soffits & solar panels House wash, roof de-moss, patios, block paving decking etc.

55ft reach pressure washing.

01805 938502 07711 079 577

STITCH - Secretary of State Referral

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s we reported in last month’s Crier, we were not at all happy with the outcome of the Secretary of State referral and vowed to challenge it. This we have now done!

Torrington was the first town to have a ‘Care Closer to Home’ system of healthcare imposed on it. The flawed consultation process prompted the community to send their case to Devon County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, for forwarding to the Secretary of State.

Local MP Geoffrey Cox stated that, “if a textbook example of how not to go about the reform of health services in rural communities were needed, this is it.”

We decided to review the referral submission and immediately identified that certain key information, including the STITCH report, 39 appendices of evidence and numerous fully documented patient complaints, were not included in the supporting documentation that was presented to the Secretary of State.

Furthermore, STITCH has learned that on the advice of the Devon County Council legal department, all of the Torrington evidence, which showed that the grounds for the consultation process had failed, was withheld. Torrington Town Council, Torridge District Council and the members of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee were not informed of this decision.

Torrington Town Council passed a unanimous resolution on 3rd November to send the case back to the Secretary of State, on the grounds that the consultation was flawed and that the town’s evidence of the failure of the new healthcare service had not been submitted.

STITCH attended the DCC Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Overview Committee meeting in Exeter on 9th November, presented their case again, and successfully secured agreement that the Committee would submit the evidence from STITCH and Torrington Town Council, which was omitted from the original Secretary of State submission. They also agreed that MP Geoffrey Cox be asked to refer the matter to the Secretary of State and arrange a meeting with representatives of STITCH and the Secretary of State.

STITCH is more committed than ever to ensure that the voice of Great Torrington is heard loud and clear - and the fight continues to secure quality healthcare for us all.

STITCH to the Clinical Commission Group. There will be a meeting at the Pollyfield Centre in Bideford at 7pm on Monday November 28th and all are welcome.

Consultation: The Sustainability and Transformation Plan has now been published, and we are waiting to learn

how, when and where the CCG intends to consult with the public, you and me, and ask our views on it. Watch the press and this space for details. We mustn’t let them get away again with a failure to consult.

Ruth Funnell, Secretary

listener and offers comfort to those

www.ngs.org.uk

Great Torrington Town & Lands Charity 202801- The Town Who?

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Great Torrington Town & Lands Charity Christmas Distribution of Vouchers

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he 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 9th December 2016, from 9.30am-2pm. No applications will be considered before or after the aforementioned times.

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 and 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

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any readers will have heard of the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity (formerly Town Lands and Poors Charity) as a local organisation that gives away Christmas vouchers which can be exchanged for goods in many of the town’s shops, but what do you know of the charity itself and the people who run it?

You may be surprised to learn that the Town and Lands Trustees have been in existence, in one guise or another, since the mid-1500s and were set up to administer legacies of money, property and land left by local people for the purpose of supporting the needy, the elderly, the church and the education of the young of the parish. In the early days these bequests would have been overseen by ‘the great and the good’ of the town but, over time, such matters became subject to formal guidance and regulation from external bodies such as Government and the Charity Commission within whose framework we operate today.

At one time the Trustees’ vouchers were exchanged for a sack of coal and a bag of flour, which led to the scheme becoming known locally as ‘the coal vouchers’.

Things have moved on and nowadays we distribute vouchers to the value of £20 (from 2016) on a nominated Friday in December. This year voucher distribution day will be Friday 9th December 2016 between 9:30am-2pm at The Plough, details opposite. We are pleased to announce that, for the first time, we will be providing donation boxes at The Plough where recipients can leave unused vouchers for redistribution to local charities.

The Town and Lands Charity is still in ownership of land and property which we rent out to local people and the income from these rentals, along with our investments with the Charities Official Investment Fund, is used to fund the voucher scheme and to make grants to local causes which are compatible with the aims of the charity. Additionally, we are responsible for the town’s Almshouses which provide eight self-contained flats located on New Street. The Almshouses are a special feature of our care, and we operate a separate charity dedicated to their management, the Great Torrington Almshouse Charity.

Some of you will recall when the Town and Lands offices were located next to the Town Hall, before we moved to our new home, 25 South Street (opposite the Sydney House car park) in January 2015. Office opening hours are Mondays and Tuesdays 9am-5pm and you can call us on 01805 623517. The charity is administered by three members of staff, and overseen by fifteen trustees who are drawn from the local community and offer a wide range of knowledge and expertise. It is our purpose to manage the charity for the benefit of the parish and, from time to time, this means reviewing what we do and how we do it so that we can make the best use of our resources. More about this in future editions…

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

The Town and Lands Trustees and Staff

Dog Walking from £8 per hour Safe key storage, insured & police checked

Call Sue on 07917 467 318 01805 601313 E: yappiesdogs@gmail.com or see Facebook 5

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

6-7.15pm

Please call WENDY on 07787607322 or email wendy.cox@btinternet.com Class includes optional weigh in, motivational talk and 45 minutes of Zumba Fun

The Great Torrington Bake Off

Common News

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ou know it’s autumn when river, nevertheless, as with all the trees we fixate about trees and on the Commons, we monitor them shrubs on the carefully. The Commons Commons. This is the Ranger carries out time when most of our regular inspections of cutting and clearing all our mature trees, takes place. Many keeping records old Torritonians know and taking photos to that years ago there compare how they was barely a tree on develop over time. the Commons, much The Conservators’ of it grazed by sheep policy is to avoid and goats. The picture removing mature today is very different, specimens, but sadly and whilst it is probably we occasionally have unrealistic to think that to take out some trees. we could ever return Many have commented to those days, or even on the extensive want to, we currently clearing of larger have a programme to mature trees between open up some of the Millennium Path and magnificent views, Sandfords Gardens. particularly from “Many old Torritonians know that These were all elm Castle Hill. This years ago there was barely a tree on trees badly affected also allows us to the Commons, much of it grazed by by Dutch elm control the spread disease, and posed sheep and goats.” of common invasive a danger to nearby varieties that would otherwise overrun property and the public, as well as the Commons. Many users of the overhead electricity lines. It now looks Commons tell us how much they a little desolate there, but we know that appreciate the vistas we have restored. will soon green over.

We also keep a close eye on trees Experts have told us of a new threat that could pose a threat. For example, that will inevitably affect the Commons. trees along the river can sometimes Ash dieback disease has been identified cause the riverbank to collapse, whilst in the South West and it is only a matter sometimes they help to protect and hold of time before it reaches us. A pity to the embankment together, so things end on that note, but one of the many are sometimes more complicated than challenges of running the Commons. they seem. Although the Environment Have a very enjoyable Christmas!

Agency is responsible for trees on the Steve Jones, Chairman

KARATE Function Fitness • Castle Street • Torrington “Learn and experience the true spirit of the martial arts with one of the area’s most respected, genuine and established groups” Structured Classes For All Levels & Ages Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Children • Adults • Families • All Welcome ~ FIRST LESSON FREE WITH NO OBLIGATION ~ Established dojo also located in:

with

PETER HILL 6

6th Dan Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Renmei, Japan Japanese trained and graded to present level Professional Karate-Ka with 45 years experience

Barnstaple, Bideford, Crediton & Okehampton For further information or details please

Tel: 01805 624568 / 07732 420160 E-Mail: PHill25467@aol.com

www.devonwadoryu.co.uk

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he Mayor of Great Torrington, in conjunction with Dartington Crystal who will be celebrating their 50th year anniversary in 2017, are organising a Great Torrington Bake Off on the 8th April 2017. The Bake off will include a demonstration by local chefs and the opportunity for the community of Great Torrington to enter a cake baking competition.

The Mayor would like to hear from any local chefs who would be willing to offer their services to do a charity cooking demonstration, and anyone in the community who would like to bake a celebratory cake that could be auctioned, with proceeds going towards the Mayor’s Charities. If you are able to do either of these please contact the Mayor, Cllr Mrs Margaret Brown on 01805 624375.

Great Torrington Town Council Christmas Opening Times

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lease note that the Town Council offices will be closed from Thursday 22nd December 2016 at 1pm until Tuesday 3rd January 2017 at 9am.

In case of emergency, please telephone the Mayor on 01805 624375, or Torridge District Council on 01237 428700.

Michael Tighe (Town Clerk) Great Torrington Town Council

Lizzy’s Larder

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

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

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

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

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

What's On at Christmas & New Year!

Cavaliers’ Christmas Grotto & Giveaway

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he Cavaliers are planning their traditional Christmas grotto and giveaway in the Square on Saturday 17th December from 10am-1pm.

The theme this year will, once again, be a secret, but as usual there will be treats for everyone including, goody bags for the children, mulled cider for the adults, mince pies and roast chestnuts for everyone. I am sure Father Christmas will find time to make an appearance.

The event is totally free, so please find time to come along, give the kids a treat, have a chat and get into the festive spirit.

Steve Young, Cavaliers Chairman

Free Christmas Parking in Great Torrington!

Free parking all day in Sydney House Car Park on Saturdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th December and on Friday 23rd December.

Join the Christmas Caper Race!

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n Sunday 18th December Torrington Running Club will be holding its annual Christmas Caper race. The course is approximately 9 miles of challenging route around the town and nearby countryside, which takes in some spectacular scenery, and has previously been voted Devon Race of the Year.

The start and finish is at the Torrington Rugby Club, with registration starting from 9.30am and the race starting at 11am.

As well as changing facilities, showers and refreshments, there are prizes for all finishers along with category prizes. Entry is £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.torringtonaac.org or find out more details from ‘The Torrington Christmas Caper 2016’ Facebook page. Come along and enjoy the race, it will give you the chance to run off your Christmas pudding even before you’ve eaten it! Although fancy dress isn’t compulsory, we always enjoy seeing the occasional fairy or reindeer.

Happy Christmas.

Michael Newcombe

The Big Sing

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he Big Sing has been going for over 10 years and is an opportunity for everyone to sing the wonderful carols of Christmas, regardless of whether they are church goers

or not.

Why not come along and join the children, friends and neighbours in singing songs accompanied by Torrington Silver Band. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s charities, so we hope to see you at Torrington Pannier Market on Wednesday 14th December at 7pm.

A warm welcome awaits you.

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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 Sunday 4th December we have John Spiers (of Bellowhead fame). For some seasonal music, the Exmoor Carolers will be singing their hearts out on Sunday 18th December and seasonal refreshments will also be available.

Comedy leads the way with the return of political animal Mark Steel on Saturday 3rd December and the hilarious Seann Walsh on Saturday 17th December (Lynton Town Hall). New to The Plough this year is funny man George Egg – Anarchist Cook – if you like food and cooking then you’ll like this. A cocktail of stand-up comedy, striking innovation and festive delights!

We begin the New Year as we mean to go on with a programme to suit every taste. We welcome local guitarist and songwriter Ira Loveworthy entitled Songs for Citizens, all three members of Show of Hands in solo performances; and a very special benefit gig for SOHS on Saturday 28th January with the

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evergreen Ricky Knight and friends; local bands night on Friday 27th January and Irish singer Cara Dillon in early February.

Instead of a pantomime we are bringing a beautiful children’s theatre production to The Plough – Ernie and The Sea of Ice is an ideal show for children aged 5 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 Wednesday 30th November until Saturday 3rd 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.

Christmas Coffee Morning & Cake Sale at Torrington Cycle Hire, Sunday 4th December 10am-1pm

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n Sunday 4th December, Torrington Cycle Hire, at the bottom of Station Hill in Torrington, will be buzzing with Christmas cheer as Margaret Brown, Torrington’s Mayor, welcomes townsfolk to her ‘Christmas Coffee Morning and Cake Sale’ to raise funds for her Mayoral charity. Margaret’s charity appeal is for Torrington May Fair and Torrington in Bloom, and she is hoping for a big turn out to support both these charities which are very dear to people of the town.

As well as cakes and coffee there will be mulled cider and mince pies, bric-abrac and craft stands and some surprise entertainment.

Margaret is hoping that lots of people will come along to support the event and her charity appeal and says, ‘this will be an ideal event for the townsfolk to get together and catch up with friends and family before Christmas. I am enormously grateful to John, Jane, Adam and Arthur at Torrington Cycle Hire for hosting the event and to Anne for organising it and I’m sure it will be a lovely social occasion as well as a great fundraising event for our Town.’

If anyone would like to help by donating a cake, bric-a-brac, books etc. or help on the day, Anne would love to hear from you and you can contact her on 07971 696 192.

Cavaliers New Year’s Eve Disco in the Square

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lease join us in the Square on New Year’s Eve to welcome in 2017, with lots of music and dancing.

As in past years the Cavaliers will be staging the traditional New Year’s Eve disco in the Square from 7pm to past midnight.

Free music all night, party poppers and other bits and pieces at midnight to see the New Year in with a bang.

We hope you can join us.

Steve Young, Cavaliers Chairman

GTS Christmas Concert

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e warmly welcome you and your friends and family to the GTS Christmas Concert, which is taking place on the 15th December at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Torrington, 7pm.

The Christmas concert is the highlight of our term and promises to be a feelgood event, full of festive cheer. The concert will feature a wide variety of Christmas music performed by both pupils and staff of GTS. Please arrive at 6.45pm for a prompt 7pm start.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Christmas Concert. Join us for a Christmas Story!

Tarka Valley Railway at Christmas

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s autumn moves into winter, our band of volunteers remain busy, helped in no small way by continued good weather on our Thursday working days. The team working on the tank wagon had to give their muscles a good workout as the tank doesn’t sit true on its chassis. It has to be jacked up to the correct position and the old timbers replaced. Meanwhile the brake van team ran out of paint, so restoration activity ground to a halt, but we hope to be able to resume very shortly.

Vegetation clearance has been mainly targeted at the old bridge at the end of our phase 1. It was found to be severely overgrown with ivy, bramble and trees making it impassable. Once cleared, the stonework was found to be fairly sound. Garden beds and pots have been replanted and sales in the carriage remained steady – nice weather in half term week helped the number of visitors who were extremely interested in the model railway, which is now almost complete.

The main event for December is Santa’s visit on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th from 2-4pm on both days. His grotto will be in the carriage and we hope to have our loco illuminated with fairy lights. The cost is £5 per child to include a present.

Booking is at the Puffing Billy.

We are making great progress at the site but still need willing volunteers to help, and not just on restoration work. All skills are needed, including marketing, digital and administration; so if you would like to come down for a chat, visit us at the carriage on a Thursday. We are closing the carriage at weekends over the winter but apart from a break at Christmas, we will still be there every Thursday.

Finally, do check out our website www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk and Facebook page for news updates and information.

Rob Martin, Tarka Valley Railway

Enjoy Mince Pies & Chocolate with The Friends of Torrington Library

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he Friends of Torrington Library invite you all to visit the Library on Saturday 10th December 10am until noon. There will be mince pies for adults and chocolates for the children and free prize draw tickets for everyone. This year we are also sponsoring a real Christmas tree for the foyer at Castle Hill, for everyone’s enjoyment. Come and see what your Library has to offer!

We would also like to thank everyone for their support during 2016. We wish you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Friends of Torrington Library

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

No. 22, Cornmarket Street, Great Torrington New, and Nearly New Fashion From Designers to the High Street...

Opening Hours: Monday 10:30am-2:30pm, Tuesday 10am-4pm, Wednesday 10am-3pm, Thursday & Friday 10am-4:30pm, Saturday 10am-4pm 01805 622476, www.facebook.com/pages/Unique-Boutique UniqueBoutiqueTorrington@outlook.com

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The Best Christmas Present in the World, by Michael Morpurgo Christmas Carols & At St James Iddesleigh, Saturday 3rd December 2016 7pm Supper at St. Giles, unique Christmas concert narrated by Michael Morpurgo Little Torrington and Virginia McKenna, with songs performed by award-

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winning ‘A Capella’ group Voices at the Door.

The Best Christmas Present in the World revisits the trenches and tells the haunting story of Christmas 1914, when soldiers on both sides put down their weapons in honour of Christmas Day. A heart-warming story of humanity and courage, this vivid and emotive war story is thoughtfully interspersed with traditional songs of Christmas. A truly inspiring and atmospheric celebration of Christmas, suitable for adults and children of all ages. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available and a selection of Michael’s books will be on sale.

Tickets: adults £15 to include two children under 12. To book contact 01805 804347.

Christmas Market with Peppa Pig at Langtree Parish Hall

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e will be holding Christmas markets on 10th and 17th December, from 10am until 2pm at Langtree Parish Hall and Peppa Pig will be at all four events - handing out a free selection box to every child that attends.

We have 20+ stalls currently booked for each event, offering a wide range of crafts, food, gifts and other essentials, and a tombola, raffle and mulled wine. Our cafe will be open offering hot and cold meals, cakes and refreshments. Entry is free, so we look forward to seeing you there!

Adam Nicholls

Buckland Brewer Christmas Market Saturday 3rd December

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nce again Buckland Brewer will be holding its traditional Christmas Market in the Village Hall, Methodist Church and outside in the street between the two venues. With over 30 stalls ranging from homemade chocolate to wood turned gifts, hand bags to homemade pickles, jewellery to beautiful homemade felting, plus lots more for everyone.

Steve Gladwin the family butcher and Brilliant Fish will be taking orders for Christmas, along with Winkleigh Cider and others. Father Christmas has also arranged time to drop in for the children during his busy schedule. With mulled wine and mince pies, pasties and a BBQ, why not make this a date for your diary. Contact Dawn 01237 451822.

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46 South Street, Torrington Tel: 01805 938002 instantimages.devon@btinternet.com

On Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm, £5 on the door, under 16’s free.

Includes tea or coffee and a mince pie, draw will take place in the interval.

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

GREAT TORRINGTON PANNIER MARKET

• 14 The Gallery • Just 4 Kidz •

We work closely with our customers to offer quality embroidered and printed garments for business, leisure and schools.

Ordering in time for Christmas? Deadline is 8th December 2016. Thank you.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Torrington Silver Band Christmas Concert at Howe Concert Hall

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

•

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

Instant Images Embroidery

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e look forward to welcoming you all to our annual carol service on Sunday 18th December at 6.30pm.

Join the Little Torrington Christmas spirit in our warm church! Your favourite carols by candlelight, festive decorations and a collection for the Devon Air Ambulance, all followed by mince pies and mulled wine in Victory Hall. If you’d like to read one of the lessons, please contact Rev. Peter Bevan at Torrington Vicarage.

May we also thank all those who helped at our fabulously popular Harvest thanksgiving service and supper in September, the church collection of £106.53 has been donated to the Farmers’ Benevolent Fund. With over 100 attending, space was at a premium in Victory Hall after the service, where the cider and scrumptious food was heartily enjoyed in the most convivial atmosphere.

Watch out for the date next year - and don’t forget to reserve your tickets to avoid missing out on this favourite annual event.

North Devon Choral Society Concert at Parish Church, Torrington Saturday 17th December 7pm

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CHURCHES TOGETHER IN TORRINGTON Advent and Christmas Services

fter the success of our Verdi Requiem concert at Barnstaple Pannier Market in the summer, North Devon Choral Society is looking forward to our Christmas concert - the wonderful Handel’s Messiah. We will be singing the complete work, with an interval, so the concert will start earlier than usual at 7pm.

Conductor will be John Hobbs, accompanied by Andrew Millington on the Father Willis organ, with international soloists Catherine Hamilton, Anne Braley, Andrew MacKenzie-Wicks and Niall Hoskin.

Tickets are £15, children and students free, available from Sheena’s Sweetshop in Torrington Pannier Market, call 01805 628262, or at the door on the night although we advise advance booking as this is bound to be a popular concert. Do come along and let the rousing Hallelujah chorus and all the other sublime music put you in the mood for Christmas.

Christmas Blessings to everyone

Parish Church Christmas Fair

6pm Crib Service 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

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he annual Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday December 3rd in the church, from 10am-3pm. In addition to all the traditional stalls, raffles and tombola, there will be a number of craft stalls with lots of Christmas present ideas. Refreshments will be available all day, ranging from tea and coffee to delicious lunches. Fr Christmas has promised to visit too!

Sunday, 27th November 1st Sunday of Advent 6.30pm Advent Vigil service ‘ From Darkness to Light’ at the Parish Church

Friday 2nd December

6pm for 6.30pm Action for Children Supper at the Methodist Church

Wednesday, 14th December

6pm Carol Concert at Taddiport 7pm Big Sing in the Pannier Market

Friday, 16th December

7pm Light up a Life at the Methodist Church

Sunday, 18th December

9am Holy Communion at Taddiport 10.30am Sung Mass at the Parish Church 2.30pm Carol service at Frithelstock 10.30am Nativity service at the Methodist Church 6.30pm Carol service at the Baptist Church 6.30pm Candlelit Carols at Little Torrington

Saturday, 24th December - Christmas Eve

Sunday, 25th December - Christmas Day

8am Holy Communion at Little Torrington 9am Holy Communion at Taddiport 9.15am Mass at the Catholic Church 10.00am Baptist’s and Methodist’s joint service at the Methodist Church 10.30am Sung Mass at the Parish Church

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

* Dry, seasoned ready-to-burn logs available & delivered * Real Nordman Fir Christmas Trees available from 29th November, very low needle loss. Starting from £20 Do come down and see us at Victoria Sawmills, Merton EX20 3EG, 01805 603429

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Christmas at the BIG Sheep!

Toddler Take Over Christmas Special

Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th December 9am-3pm

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imited numbers per date for extra special time with Santa when the BIG Sheep will be dedicated to entertaining pre-schoolers! Tickets must be pre-booked for all customers, including season ticket members. Members can enter for FREE but must choose a date to visit, as numbers will be limited each day.

Highlights include: Christmas crafts, gingerbread decorating - bring your favourite sweets - we’ll supply the icing and gingerbread, skating with special skates for toddlers and a toboggan slope.

Christmas Food & Craft Markets

Saturdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and Wednesday 21st December 9am-1pm

The BIG Sheep Christmas Food and Craft markets are the ideal place to pick up gifts and scrumptious food and drink for the festive season. New for this year will be our ‘Taste of Christmas’ event which will take place at our first market on Saturday 3rd December; watch some of Devon’s best chefs in action and pick up some great festive cooking tips.

Stock up on free range turkeys, organic meats, sprouts on stalks, cheeses, cakes, puddings, biscuits, fudge, chocolate, bread and fish. Treat your nearest and dearest to handmade original crafts. The markets will also be the perfect place to pick up a locally grown Christmas tree. Log on to www.the.big.sheep.co.uk for a full list of stallholders.

Woolly’s Winter Wonderland

Weekends from 3rd December and daily from 17th-24th December

As well as ice-skating, tobogganing and snowboard simulating, Woolly’s Winter Wonderland will have a have a magical light show creating the real magic of Christmas and you can visit Santa! Ewetopia, the BIG Sheep’s indoor play area, train ride and twister will be open to burn off excess Christmas excitement!

Parkham Christmas Fayre and Market!

Friday December 9th 6-8pm. Allardice Hall, Parkham.

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antastic raffle and promise tree, visit Santa, local craft, food and gift stalls, bottle tombola, children’s games, turkey and bacon rolls, tea and cakes. £2 entry for adults (includes free drink and a door raffle ticket) children free.

Proceeds to the Friends of Parkham School. Kindly sponsored by Rob Braddick at the Pier House

Make Christmas Decorations at Torrington Library

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aturday morning drop in Christmas decoration crafts sessions on Saturdays 1011.30am. Create decorations for the Christmas tree.

Kate, Lisa, Becky, & Bernadette send seasonal good wishes to all our library users.

The Library is open until 1pm on 24th December then closed until Saturday 31st December when normal business resumes.

Annual Christmas Dinner Dance at Little Torrington Village Hall

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ittle Torrington Village Hall is once again holding its annual Christmas Dinner Dance on Friday December 2nd, 7.30 for 8pm. Dancing to the Texans. Tickets £15 from Irene 01805 623297. Come and start the festive season.

To hire the hall for your private function ring Rose Peard 01805 625194.

Tanya’s Holistic Beauty & Nails Studio

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

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Christmas & New Year at RHS Rosemoor

Magical Winter Garden Illuminations

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hursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 4-8.30pm (excl. Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve). Normal Garden Admission to include evening lighting event - half price entry after 4pm.

Based in and around Rosemoor’s Winter Garden, come and enjoy the magical illumination of the garden in the depths of winter with dynamic, hitech colour-changing lights.

Winter Sculpture Exhibition

Every day, 10am - 5pm Normal Garden Admission Rosemoor’s winter sculpture exhibition is an exciting and eclectic mix of exhibits from a diverse collection of sculptors, spread throughout the garden. Pick up a trail and see how many sculptures you can discover. Most of the pieces exhibited are for sale. Free, guided sculpture walks leave the Visitor Centre at 11.30am most Wednesday mornings. Please see the courtyard information board for details.

Christmas Lunch

On the three December weekends before Christmas, delicious Christmas lunches will be served using the best local produce available. 12-2pm.

The Magic of Christmas - A Christmas Carol

10th -11th, & 17th-18th December Normal Garden Admission Entertainingly Different present ‘A Christmas Carol’ Story Trail. A magical journey where you’ll come face to face with some of the best loved characters from Dickens’ seasonal favourite in a fully immersive and interactive story trail.

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.

Short walk between performance locations, duration approximately 1hr.

‘Paper to Petals’ Snowdrops, Hellebores & Crocus

28th-29th January Saturday & Sunday, 11am-1pm and 2- 4pm Normal Garden Admission - Lecture Hall Craft demonstrations making beautiful handmade snowdrops and hellebores from crepe paper to brighten your home and help to banish the dull days of winter.

Come along and have a go!

Image RHS Garden Rosemoor

The Appledore Singers Christmas Concert

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he Appledore Singers’ Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday 11th December, 2.30pm at Northam Hall (top of Fore Street).

The choir will delight the audience with arrangements of festive music – both traditional and modern - and, as always, there will be the opportunity for participation in singing favourite carols!

The afternoon’s entertainment will also include amusing poems, piano duets and a grand raffle.

All proceedings will be coordinated by Anthony Chambers our compere 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

Girlguiding Torrington’s Christmas Fayre

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irlguiding Torrington’s Christmas Fayre is being held on the 5th December, in the Great Torrington Pannier Market.

All monies raised go into our district funds, which help to enrich our members’ guiding experience.

Come along and see Santa in his grotto, have a browse of our stalls and play a few games, whilst grabbing a cuppa. Everyone is welcome.

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Diary

Mayor’s Diary

Anotherofhectic month has passed.

A Listing Community, Social and Helen and IEvents have inrepresented the Fundraising the Torrington TownDistrict at many civic and Surrounding Areas.

events, including church services for the To place an entry in the diary, please Chairs of North Devon either email torrington.crier@gmail.com, District Council andin call 01805 603152, or write your entry Torridge District the diary on the Library counter.

Council.

We enjoyed a trip to Bideford to watch their Regatta and on 10th September watched the spectacular Bideford Massed Thursday 1stPipes and Drums, with visiting bands coming from all over Plough Original Gifts Exhibition until the UK. 24th December Saturday Plough Theatre Fair Ernie is andalways the SeaaofwellIce Barnstaple (5yrs +) 10:30am supported day, &1pm with all the “Chain Plough Girl ontothecelebrate Train 8pmthe Gang” Film:The out in force Tarka Pottery Adult Classes was tradition of the Fair.Pottery The weather every Thursday in term time:10-12 noon, kind as we walked around town, whilst 1-3pm and 7-9pm t: 07931306414 the declaration of every the opening of the Plough Workshops Thursday: Fair was read.

Sapta Dance 11amImmediately - 2:30pm; Tai after Chi the formal Writers part of the 7:30-9pm proceedings 2-3pm.

Group (first had finished, of wethe dashed down to Newquay.

Thursday month), Life Drawing It was time for Helen to put on a ‘posh Sessions 7:30pm-9pm Tai Chi for 12 -1pm and 1-2pm for beginners frock’ a reception celebrating the or those requiring everycompetition.

Thursday, ‘South West ina seat Bloom’ Torrington Hospital.

TorrAge Well We still had to wait until Ageing the following 01805 day to622666 hear the results, and were proud Pannier General Market 8am–5pm and delighted when it was announced Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am that Mass. the Torrington in Coffee Bloom morning team had Said 11am - 1pm won Fishes a Silver Gilt Group (last year it was Little Toddler Baptist silver). every Thank you to time the 9.30committee, Church Thurs term traders £1.50 and individuals who work so 11.30am per family. Jill 01805 624387 hard to enhance our surroundings in Short Bowls 2-4pm Thurshave @ GreatMat Torrington.

We every will soon High Bickington Community Centre the opportunity of meeting the judges Wendy’s Fitness for can Life do classes the to find out how we evenatbetter Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 – our next challenge is GOLD!!

Slimming World Join us at Torrington Our last out-of-town engagement Rugby Club every Thurs at 5.30 & 7.30pm

December 2016

Norah 07789 632166 Writers Poets & Listeners 7.30pm Conservative Club was at Hatherleigh Community Centre Langtree Indoor in The Parish to see many of Market their residents receive Hall, every Thursday from 10am-2pm.

Community Awards.

This is similar to Local produce, food, gifts, community café. the awards we have in Torrington, Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club which 6.30-7.30pm recognise people who have training juniors age 8-11, made a difference to their town.

7-8.30pm ladies boxfit It Valley was lovely to at Volunteers last welcome, Tarka Railway. meetand be involved the atInduction every Thurs fromwith, 9am-3pm Torrington of Father(the Lawrence MacLean. hopeis Station Puffing Billy), unless We weather appalling.

All family welcome.

905happy 260. in he and his will07881 be very

our town, 2nd and the Friday

Church Fete at the Vicarage was a good for us Little Torrington Villageopportunity Hall Christmas all to meet them.

Dinner Dance, dancing to The Texans, The and 623297 Town Traders tickets £15 Co-op Irene 01805 arranged Methodist a HarvestChurch Festival the Torrington 7pminAction for ChildrenMarket supper on Pannier Plough Ernie and the Sea of Ice September. the 11thTheatre (5yrs 10:30am This +)was the &1pm first Plough Film: I, Daniel one organised and I Blake (15) 8pm Gt Torrington Parish Church 8.30am think it will become a Said Mass regularWorkshops event on the Plough every Friday: Sarah Torrington calendar.

Anne Westcott School of Dance 3:30Finally, we tried to attend as many 7:30pm Macmillan coffee mornings as possible Pannier Market every Fri 8am-5pm ALLSORTS Club at Bluecoat and in factChildren’s ended up going to five!

Primary Fridays, 6.30-8pm.

School This is School, a wonderful charity and it‘s not years 1-6. Phone Morag 01805 625510 surprising that it’s so on well supported.

ALLSORTS Pluscoffees Youth Club at Bluecoat After all those we went to the Primary School, shop Fridays, School Soap Kitchen to 8-9.15pm. see Lesley and years 6 and upwards. Phone Morag on Richard Phillips who celebrated ten 01805 625510 September. years ofFolk business on8pm 30thevery English Dancing Fri @ Congratulations to you Northam Village Hall with both.

Bideford Ceilidh lookJohn forward to hearing Club.I Info 01237 476632 from you if you have Police an event or anniversary you Torrington Amateur Boxing Club training juniors age 11+, want to6.30-7.30pm tell me about – just call me 7.15-9pm seniors 01805 625662, or our secretary, Little Otters Baby & Toddler Group, Pauline at the Council offices on 01805 Merton Every Friday, 9am-11.30am, at The 626135.

Clinton Hall, Merton Councillor Richard Rumbold Town Mayor Saturday 3rd 10am – 3pm. Stalls, refreshments and

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Father Christmas. All welcome.

Coffee morning Monkleigh St George’s Church 10-11.30am. Refreshments, bring & buy, bargain stall, all welcome Plough Workshop: Drop in Willow Xmas Decorations Workshop10am – 2pm Plough Theatre: Ernie and the Sea of Ice (5yrs +) 1:30pm & 4pm Sir Duke here again wowDohow Plough Comedy: Mark Steel–‘Who I quickly a month goes by!

Well Autumn Think I Am’ 8:30pm is definitely upon Barn Dance The Northam Hall, 7.30-11pm, usBags’, and bring many& of band & caller ‘the Oxford share supper, soft drinks provided, the rescuePenny dogs 01805 622183 are gaining their Breakfast rolls, coffeewinter and cake 10am to coats in noon, meat raffle, 1st prize £25, 2ndfor prize readiness the £15, takeaway available. In aid of Weare onset of Winter!

Giffard Village hall refurb/rebuild.

We Saturday: have been as Plough Workshops every busy as Plough ever with Plough Junior Jazz 11am - 1pm; Youth Theatre 9:45am -three 5:15pmnew dogs being taken Saturday in who were due to beClub put Torridgeside Football Fun 10-11am Great really Torrington Bluecoat to sleepin–the I don’t know why as Primary School Every Saturday. they are lovelyMUGA. and very friendly – they Pannier General Market every Saturday even like children!

10am–4pm Bruno, our 12-month-old puppy that Food Bank every Sat is @ still needs an10am-12pm eye operation, Castle Hill, (1st floor) Torrington bouncing around and we are well on Dolton Weight Loss Group every our way to raising the £3,000 needed Saturday 9.30-10.30 in the small village for his operation. hall.

Contact Mary (01805 804421) or We (01805 have 603999). been chosen as one of Emma

three charities to participate in a run by Animal Plough Workshop: Plough Storytelling Friends Insurance.

Basically the Circle 3-5:30pm charityMusic: that receives the(Folk) most7:30pm votes Plough John Spiers gets a whopping So come Catholic Church of£5,000. the Holy Family – on all you Facebook fans, please vote for Mass every Sun 9.15am us, and passParish the word around to all Gt Torrington Church:10am Sung Mass Sunday your with friends andClub family. It is simple to Torrington Methodist Church vote, and costs nothing.

Just 10.30am go to: John Chapple, 6.30pm Rev Sue Macbeth www.facebook.com/feelgoodpark and Torrington Baptist Church on the left-hand menu 10.30am you will see Nativity Service ‘Vote for Charity’. Click this and it will Grosvenor Church Torrington, Bluecoat take School you through to an a page showing Junior 4pm, with exciting Christmas Fair in the Parish Church from children’s charitiesprogramme, in the scheme.

Then click refreshments at on

Whiskers Pet Centre

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Sunday Brunch (Grosvenor Torrington Church) Every 1st Sunday 10.30am 12noon Bluecoat School Hall. Food and fun for all the family! Tim Gilbert 07798 670 754 Car Boot Sale Tesco Rose Lane. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm cars £5 - vans £7.

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

603357/ admin@clinton.devon.sch.uk

Beginners 7-8pm; Tai Chi 7:30pm - 9pm Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly Tuesday 6th coffee morning every 1st Wed of the Plough Film: I, Daniel Blake (15) 4pm; month 10.30am-12.30pm @ Phase 1 Deepwater Horizon (12A) 8pm Common Room, Ethelwynne Brown Close, Abbeyfield Christmas Coffee Morning, East the Water Bideford Glen Tor, Villa Rd, 10.30am-12pm 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Torridge Walk & Talk, meet @ Sydney Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.30-8pm House Car Park, 10.30, 01237 421528 Shirley Lee 01805 625965 Monday 5th Tarka Pottery Adult Pottery Classes Free English Course for Adults every Short Mat Bowls every Monday 2-4pm every Tuesday in term time:10-12 noon and Weds 6-8pm @ The Fire Station. Learn and 7-9pm at Great Torrington Bowling 7-9pm t: 07931306414 the basics or aim towards L2(GCSE=) clubhouse. All welcome Beaford Brownies Beaford School Rosemary Dymond 01237 472462 Torrington Craft Group, every Monday 6-7.30pm Bridget Wade on 07830 797 050 Langtree Reunites Netball Club High 5 1-4pm Methodist Church Hall £10 per or email beafordbrownies@outlook.com training (sch yrs 3-6) 6-7pm, (sch yrs 7-9) month or £3.50 per session Jeanne Plough Workshops every Tues: Yoga every Weds 7-8pm evening, juniors 7-8pm Singleton 01805 622650 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30-7:30pm; seniors 8-9.30pm Torrington sports hall.

Plough Workshops every Monday: Yoga Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm www.langtreereunites.hitsnetball.co.uk 6:30pm - 8pm; Folk Orchestra 7pm - 9pm Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45amParish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm training 6.30-8pm carded boxers only 3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, £1.50 inc tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Running club every Wednesday at contact - 07870 509 674 Food Bank 10am-12pm every Tues @ 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ Baptist Church Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm Donnacroft High Bickington Community Centre 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Mass (Book of Common Prayer) Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15- Masterson 01805 623212 7.15pm Emma Keil emmakeil@talktalk.net. 1st Torrington Beavers and Cubs at Thursday 8th 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Scout Hut, Gas Lane Tuesdays during term Plough Films: Inferno (12A) 3pm; Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6pmtime 5.30-7pm, Fran Ashton 01409 281246. Deepwater Horizon (U) 8pm 7.30pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 623212 Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @High Plough Workshop: Open Mouth Music & 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout Hall Bickington Community Centre Poetry 8pm (every second Thursday) every Mon term time 7.30-9pm Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Peter 01409 281246 Juniors, Adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Said Mass.

Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Community Centre 01769 561387 Friday 9th Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club Great Torrington Town & Lands Charity Megson 01805 622150 training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, - Christmas Distribution of Vouchers at The Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit Plough, Fore Street, Torrington between Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Wednesday 7th 9.30am-2pm. See page 5 Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Plough Film: The Girl on the Train (15) Plough Workshop: Christmas Card Beach Room torridgegingerbreadgroup@ 2pm; La Finestra di Fronte (15) 8pm Making (Guildhall, Barnstaple) 10am outlook.com or find us on Facebook.

Singing for health, for older people, Plough Film: Dr Strange (12A) 8pm Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club Gt Torrington Parish Church 8.30am training, above TVSC, 6.30-7.30pm juniors those with dementia and their carers.

Conversation at 10.30am, singing at 11am, Said Mass age 11+ 7.15-9pm seniors.

Running club every Monday (except Bank Torrington Community Hospital. £1 per Saturday 10th session. 01805 622666 or Julia Hadley Holidays) at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Plough Film: The Light between Oceans 01409 281708.

Little Otters Pre-School, at The Clinton (12A) 8pm Plough Workshops every Wednesday: School, Merton Mon-Thurs, 9am-3.30pm, Taddiport Christmas Tea Dance 2-4pm Adult English Class 6:30-8:30pm; Latin for with lunch club 12-1pm, term time. 01805

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Sunday 11th

Plough Dance: Tea Dance live music 2pm Plough Films: The Light between Oceans (12A) 5pm; Dr Strange (12A) 8pm Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Sung Mass with Sunday Club Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am messy church for children, spkr Eric Moore Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Sue Macbeth, 6.30pm Mr John Dennis

Monday 12th

Plough Film: Inferno (12A) 8pm Plough Theatre: PYT ‘Eu, Not Eu’ 7pm

Tuesday 13th

Little Torrington WI meeting at 7.30pm, The Victory Hall, talk on wine tasting

Wednesday 14th

The Big Sing 7pm at the Pannier Market Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Mass (Book of Common Prayer) Great Torrington WI . Methodist rooms.

Games through the ages with Peter Hood.

Thursday 15th

Drama Workshop: Plough Playstory (Barnstaple Guildhall)10-11am & 11:30am – 12:30pm Plough Live by Satellite NT Live – No Man’s Land (15) 7pm Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Said Mass. 11am - 1pm Coffee morning

Friday 16th

Torrington Methodist Church 7pm Light up a Life, Mrs Vivienne Sheriff Plough Comedy Night: George Egg ‘Anarchist Cook’ 8pm Gt Torrington Parish Church 8.30am Said Mass

Saturday 17th

Plough Comedy: Seann Walsh ‘One For The Road’ (Lynton Town Hall) 8pm Plough Music: The Plough Christmas Party with The Medicaments + 8pm

Sunday 18th

Torrington Baptist Church 6.30pm Carols

by Candlelight Plough Music: Exmoor Carolers 3pm; Encore Screening: Andre Rieu: Christmas with Andre 7pm Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Sung Mass with Sunday Club Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Mrs Della Bealey & junior church, 6.30pm Rev Stephen Hill Torridge Vale Social Club Euchre 7.30pm

Tuesday 20th

Plough Drama Workshop: Santa & His Helpers, Play In A Day (7-12yrs) 10am-4pm Plough Music: Encore Screening: Andre Rieu: Christmas with Andre 2pm Plough Film: One More Time With Feeling (15) 8pm ‘Hearing Loss Support Group’ Every third Tues 2pm Bickford Centre 01271 373236 Torridge Walk & Talk, meet @ Puffing Billy Car Park, 10.30, contact 01237 421528

Wednesday 21st

Plough Drama Workshop: Santa & His Helpers, Play In A Day (5-12yrs)10am-4pm Plough Film: Trolls (U) 4:30pm; The Vanquishing of the Witch Baba Yaga 8pm Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Mass (Book of Common Prayer)

Thursday 22nd

Saturday 24th

Gt Torrington Parish Church: 6pm Crib Service at the crib, 11.30pm Sung Mass Torrington Methodist Church 11.30pm Rev Stephen Hill

Sunday 25th

Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Eucharist Torrington Methodist Church & Baptist Church 10am Rev Sue Macbeth, no evening service

Wednesday 28th

Plough Films: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (PG) 2pm; Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) 5pm; Allied 8pm

Thursday 29th

Plough Films: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (PG) 3pm; Allied 8pm Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Said Mass.

Friday 30th

Plough Films: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (PG) 2pm; Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) 5pm; Allied 8pm

Saturday 31st

Cavaliers’ New Year Celebrations in the square 7pm ‘til late

January 2017

Plough Films: Trolls (U) 3pm; In Pursuit of For regular events please see Silence (PG) 8pm December entries.

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

Bingo at St Giles Parish Hall, eyes down at Sunday 1st 7.30pm, last Thursday of the month Gt Torrington Parish Church Sung Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Eucharist & Sunday Club 10am Said Mass.

Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am covenant service Rev Stephen Hill, no Friday 23rd evening service Plough Films: Trolls (U) 2pm; Easy Rider (18) 8pm Tuesday 3rd Gt Torrington Parish Church 8.30am Torridge Walk & Talk, meet @ Dartington Said Mass

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• British Cross10.30, • Sheena’s Sweetshop • The Market Café • Fiddlesticks • Crystal CarRed Park, 01237 421528 Plough 10.30am-2pm ‘Free Choice of Mr John Dennis, 6.30pm Mrs Julia Spencer Subject & Medium’ Hazel: 01805 623757 Thursday 5th 24th wives Plough Talk: Refugee Awareness Evening Tuesday Wed 6.30-8pm Shirle shop to their heart Community Information Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Plough Workshop: Cold Process Soapit in impressed by the way it had been recycle their -625965 place (donations to ‘Drop in The Ocean’)will 7:30pm Usher, formerly Head Gardner at safely for future cardboard generations.

As always, your evening be The Centre is availa Said Mass. 11am - 1pm Coffee morning Making Workshop with Chris Keeley from Centre Some of their poems your new brownisbag and put out for Gtconducted.

Torrington Church 8.30am Hestercombe Gardens.

The committee now working hard marshalled byParish our volunteers alonghave all Weightafter Watchers @ meetings, 4pm, th Soap 10am to bottles, 2pm SydneyHogwash House Car Park, been onencourage display in and the (opposite Plough. your Their collection with your cans and Said Mass In April we have a coach outing to raising funds for some bright new routes to ensure Friday 6th Conservative Club e evenings on most days Plough Film: A United Kingdom 8pm next presentation was so well written that newspapers.

Gt Torrington ParishShow Church 8.30am the Cornish Flower at Bocconoc curtains to give the hall a7.30pm, fresh new safety at all times.

There’s a walk fortoI 'Panamart') Berni 01837 occasional Saturdays fo Saturday 14th th delighted to As announce that decided from their five efforts should beof Wednesday a parting can I wish Aare Listing Community, Social 25note Said Mass Estate.

We are delighted at how look. everyone, toWe18 miles!

Plough Films: Arrival e (12A) 5pm; Free English or training days. Cours Pleas the 'Esteem' group to support those recognized by a wider circle.

I have everybody a happy May Fair and Plough Film: Francofonia (12A) 8pm and Fundraising Events in the quickly seats have been taken and Why not come and join interm-time the fun on Delicious refreshments will be provided Nocturnal Animals (15) 8pm Saturday 7th Hellothe from the Mayor Weds 7-9p email: kizangell@btconn suffering with mental health difficulties, th fingers Torrington Parish Church 10.30am therefore asked them to come along to Gt keeping my crossed for toward Plough Music: Loveworthy – Torrington ‘Songs for Plough Street Cat (7 for 7.30pm) when are nowFilms: praying for decent weather.

Friday April 26 the end of Ira your walk, Stagecoach and Surrounding basics or aim Since last A writing to named you IBob have at (Book Common depression, fatigue,Mass pain orcelebrating anxiety - St Prayer) a once meeting of the Planning –ofand warmth!

Citizens’ (Aagain Gallery 8:15pm (12A) Mum’s A Street wesunshine are George’s Night.

On the2pm; home frontList we (nc) will 5pm; be hosting a will beGig) on hand atCommittee the end qualification.

Jayne D attended various events.

District Areas.

Charity Xmas has been awarded grants from the th Best wishes to warm you all. Car of the Town Council, to present their th Cat named Bob (12A) 8pm You will be assured of a quizOn with our ‘adversaries’ other ferry you back to your starting point.

Thursday 26 7985 or 01237 I spent the to Saturday, 16 Marchfrom Sunday 15th Cards for good4724 cau Rural Trust Plough (through the Devon Cllr Mrs Margaret Brown findings towe us are in person.

Arrangements Music: Afun-filled Retro Musical Soiree welcome and evening with gardening clubs in the area.

This year, hoping toDevon provide Sunday 8th Langtree Unites morning with Bideford Town Council to Plough Film: Mum’s List (nc) 3pm th Trade gifts will be on Ne sa Community Foundation) and from th Mayor of Torrington April at have been made for this on 24 (A Steveeve Knightly – Gtcelebrate Torrington Parish Church: 10.30am at hotGallery food Gig) and8:15pm; entertainment.

All for Our speaker in age-old May, Tuesday 7 Court entertainment along the way and more term-time (Junio Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Sung the Manor church Bideford from 2n Awards For All. (If each. you have views on the use of the Town Hall. The future is theirs, and ‘Landlocked’ 8pm Sung Mass Sunday Club th details).

7.30pm willwith be Howard Wills, locallyof ‘themed £7.50 (Seeany diary for by some of our Mass with surprises’ Sunday Club 8-9.30pm)@ Torring ceremony.

This is where members can hands now buyGtfunds laptops, enabling Torrington Parish 10.30am from the sale Church of 7theDecember, Eric PalmerMonday t I am confident it willChurch be We in good Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Torrington Methodist 10.30am the of aquestions National Collection of marshalls!

Tessa 07971 083 51 thekeeper public ask of the Council, 4pm, Saturday Said Mass.

11am 1pm Coffee morning the group to use the internet in order to Tue 1 John Hawkins, 6.30pm Rev Sue Macbeth Centre, and would like to share them in10am-1 listening to proved the ideas have Mrafter Jim Wood, 6.30pm Rev Stephen Sempervivums anda Jovibarbums.

He Nightwalk has to they be Hill very Torrington Silver B in the manner of jury, about making Torrington Uncovered charities to Plough Workshop: Storytelling Circle helpStory them become an andon time in27th Library Theintegrated Crier, please send letters to select your c put forward. will be sharing with us the the plantsTown. he popular and we hope will be 10–10.30am th th this year Friday 9.30pm, Nick 01805 improvements around st an interesting selection Tuesday 17 3-5:30pm A New Book accepted part ourArt community.

They Tues ofofevery month for under 5'sa month atorThe 1 Isure torrington.crier@gmail.com, drop was again On than Saturday 30SoMarch, on Friday – twice found on a visit to Madeira. better ever. make you Film 'The Hedgehog There was also an interesting talk Plough Film: Arrival e (12A) 8pm Plough Films: A Street Cat named Bob many parts of the world.

My about Torrington is on finally willfamily be able and to engage abook support worker Fitness League taster classes every‘Picture them into the Library, thanks) at theyour Plough for the Dream Kidz Plough 10.30am-2pm For more about the Society rally friends, TheaPlough given about the local pottery.ring Sally (12A) 3pm th to assist on its way! with form-filling, producing a Tues 10-11am @ The Plough Michele production of Joseph and his Wednesday Postcard’ Hazel: 01805 623757 Ramsden, onThe 01805 email and 18 get your registration Plough Queen623152, ofIKatwe 7pm a colleagues, ThatFilm: same evening attended CV, searching education courses I have written as anight series 01237 422195 07527406743 Plough of the Soul (nc)out 8pm Plough Music: Localitbands including Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Sold Dolton Thu 3 of Carn Great Torrington Town Council sallyramsdenindevon@hotmail.co.uk inFilm: fast, Paths along with your entry fee.forfor or celebration of St Patrick’s Day at the forms Plough Comedy: Tiff Stevenson: Seven (A to Littermouth andTues The Rivals + are more bands and will be able search for local questions that newcomers likely to 1st Torrington Guides every at Tuesday 10th practically every performance, this was Flaming dru Pannier General Ma orPlough turn upwith to aBig meeting at Torridge free to photocopy the forms and Al and his band Feel Notice of Annual of torches, the Gallery Gig) 8:15pm to be announced 8pm -Meeting midnight Plough Exhibition: ‘Leaving Home, ask about Torrington and itswill give orand paid work.

The group has Torrington Rugby Club 7-8.30pm Linda a fabulous eveningtovoluntary offriends music and and fireworks 10am–4pm Vale Social Club.. pass them around playingHome?’

Irish folk tunes. Some visitors Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Torrington Parish 8.30am of a blaz Finding

by Henrietta Job & Freddie Town Council daysonthree times a week, (see Church surroundings and the answers, Masterson 01805 623212 entertainment byregister the drop-in young people of Gt Little village Fishes Toddl or you can and pay Sally Ramsden from France, their delightful family, Mass (Book of Common Prayer) Said Mass Job until Sat 18 along Feb with diary) which include a 'listening ear', Notice is herby given that: varying length and detail, to next thosemonth.

Beaver Group boys & girls 6-8yrs the Town.

We really are very lucky to Torrington Baptist C line at www.nightwalk.co.uk.

Please children, danced around with adults in Plough Film: The Music of Strangers 8pm someone from the questions. community who isth There are 64 sections on The Annual Meeting and every term-time Tues @ Scout Hut,

Diary

Great Torrington Town Council

Nov 2011

Leprechaun costumes.

Nightwalk 2013 Wednesday 11th evening’s entertainment

It was a fun and was well Get Torrington ready for WI another Great Methodist Rooms supported, as Ann Tattersall’s events Nightwalk to remember 7pm Peter Christie North Devon Savages th always are.

Yet another of The her May on Saturday Plough Live by 18 Satellite: RSC Live: successful fundraising events for my Tempest 7pma new leg near 2013…and chosen charities this year, The North Gt Torrington Parish Church 10.30am Holsworthy!

Devon Hospice and Plough. year, Mass (Book of Nightwalk is Common now in the itsPrayer) seventh th March you our will children atfor the On 27 and we are hoping sign up Thursday 12th Junior School invited Cheryl and I what everyone tells us is a & memorable Plough Open Mouth Music Poetry to receive a presentation on fine the night rest assured we’ve ordered Night: (in the Gallery) 8pm regeneration of our Town and their Plough Film: Animals (15) 8pm weather and aNocturnal lovely sunset! the future.

This was the Gtvisions Torrington Parish Church 10.30am This willfor be an unforgettable evening, result of their viewing the recent Inside Said Mass.

11am 1pm Coffee morning with an atmosphere full of anticipation, Out programme.

They spent Many many memories and camaraderie.

COPY DEADLINE FOR the weeks interviewing towns people Nightwalkers wore fancy dress in last FEBRUARY CRIER 12 feature; NOON square, shops and they year whichvisiting was alocal wonderful also visited the old creamery site at or the whether you13th decide on fancy dress Friday bottom Mill welcome!

Street. I was so not, you areofwarmly Art on Friday – twice at month at The

have such talent in Torrington.

The Saturday 28 Thursday 19th Dolton’s ann time Thurs 9.30-11.3 note that the £10 ‘Early Bird’ entry fee happy to the sitand and for those feeling different topics and 160family. black and dates Inauguration of theover Mayor ofwith thewhich above st 4.30-5.45pm Anne Lewis, Beaver Plough Film: Sully The Plough Café Curry Night live kids had standing ovations at endchat, ba Wendy 01805 April remains the same(12A) till 18pm and low. named Town Council will be held at the GtofTorrington 10.30am music 6-8:30pm white photographs.

I hope that, astimes, well 01805 their performances and there are 601580 will be o Rosemary Conley d thereafter theParish fee Church willlonely beLeader £15, so Said Mass. 11am - 1pm Coffee morning Music: Ricky Knight &Class, Friends The Centre alsoPlough offers free asPlough providing guide for visitors, Arts Centre, Great Torrington Spiritual Healing 3-4.30pm &alegal 7-9pm. rumours of them on another NBluecoat ithis g(Ah t , Earl Sa please get your entry putting in fast! th Night for14SOHS) and tenancy and debt advice, book will contain plenty of material that everywT May 8pm 2013 at 7pm. on Tuesday 01805 622883 performance in Juneadvice, forFrithelstockstone, those that Benefit November, 6.30-7.45pm Friday 20th th is of interest to townspeople. by appointment, (see diary).

Rev. The meeting is open to the public Bingo Taddiport Village Hall every were not lucky enough to get tickets Sunday 29 Plough Film: Paterson (nc) 8pm 01237festivities 424787 an Spring Hasaround.

Sprung at Graham Slingo comes in are for a coffee I would like to take this opportunity toWorld TV who most Tues, eyes down 7.30pm this time A Quizzical’ huge thank you Plough Quiz: ‘Let’s Get (in The to Plough Films: A welcome.

United Kingdom (12A) interest this year.

Slimming Little Torrington and chat, and we have started book Tighe, Town ClerkGent, thank all Wars: thea Michael local people who have Rugby Training at Donnacroft every Gallery) 8:15pm 3pm; Star Rogue One (nc) 7pm Stephanie Easton and Liz Harris and Farmer o 5.30 &Ralph 7.30pm Bev R clubTues for young (read bookthisChurch: The have helped me awrite book by giving Gtthe Torrington Parish Church 8.30am Gt Torrington Parish 10am Sung 7pm restsnowdrops of the production team for allpeople figures behind the Dowla 624955 Said Mass with Sunday Club overFilm a week or Mass fortnight been lovely, the primroses generously of time, providing me in June 'Troll Hunter' (15) 8pm @ their The their hard work and effort. and dog show Great Torrington May Fair Rugby Training at D Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am are out and the daffodils then come in and chat with information and lending me their Plough On the topic of funds from the sale of the spectacular finale in st th Thurs 7pm, clubhous Saturday 21st & Carnival 1 to 4 May 2013 Geoffrey 6.30pm Rev Suespoken over a drink and Harding, on the bank atVin the topabout of photographs.

Everyone I have the Eric Palmer Centre, I (Folk) haveit received worth of fireworks lig Writers, and Plough Music: Garbutt 8pm Great Torrington’s May FairPoets & will Macbeth Wed 2 cakes) on Thursdays after Mile Hill approaching the to has shown an interest in the project many copies of letters, e-mails and sky. @ the Plough Carnival a time talking for fun,tolaughter session Sunday casking hLittle o o linto / cTadpoles o l lae g eTuesday .stay nplayis village are 22nd about to s burst and IO& have enjoyed you all. and 31st telephone calls all Father The Pipe & Bazaar Drum s Christmas we all hope great weather!!

However, Plough Films: Sully (12A) 3pm; Paterson every term-time Wed 1-3pm 01805 Torrington will Torrington beMethodis Saturdays, gents Plough can sitTheatre:Uncovered magnificent of spring colour.

Frozen Band Light3.30pm present: Lawrence display to reconsider the decision and All @ it can also be a time when we see an (nc) 5pm; Snowden (nc) 7:30pm 622747 ‘HOME of Unexpected Friendship’ and Victory read with a coffee, orA Tale Spring by Fever has hit the Hall available from the weekend following made the Trustees.

The Town will all be taking part include refreshments Gt Torrington Parish Church: 10am Sung 11am increase antilaunch social behaviour, 3rd Torrington Brownies atin the & 1:30pm buy books from charity as well; new fireproof doors to behalf the ourMay Fair, after on Saturday Council has agreed on through the village, Film 'Kill List' 8p Mass with Sunday Club to write underage drinking, violence and (18)alo th Plough Film: Star Wars: Rogue One 8pm Torrington Baptist Hall, every term-time bookshop 'Book Relief UK',atwhile their the Plough. storage cupboards have been10.30am installed 4 May of the Community. brightly-lit floats, includ Torrington Methodist Church criminal damage!

Moira Brewer in order to store Parish can Records Everyone in the Torridge now

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Find Your Perfect Christmas Tree…

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ohn Cockram has been growing Christmas Trees in North Devon for over 40 years and is now a wellestablished, family run business, selling quality Christmas Trees fresh from the field.

Year-round we work hard to make your perfect tree for next Christmas. In January we start to prune and shape the trees ready for their spring growth; in February we start the re-planting process, where we replace every tree that was cut for last Christmas. Throughout the year we work continuously to ensure we provide our customer with the best quality tree for their homes every year. Christmas really is a year-long event for us.

We grow a wide variety of trees across three plantations, including the traditional Norway Spruce and the popular low needle drop Nordman Fir and Fraser Fir. We cut our trees daily for freshness, but also offer the opportunity to choose your tree from the field before cutting, ensuring your tree will last well into the New Year.

We open our retail sites at Chulmleigh and Horwood, near Bideford over the four weekends before Christmas, giving customers the opportunity to walk around the plantation to select their own tree. Your tree is then cut and netted, ready for you to take home and freshly cut trees are also on display.

When you get your tree home it’s important for you to treat it like you would a cut flower. It should be placed in a stand which holds water and it will regularly need topping up - you’d be surprised at how much it drinks. Keep your tree away from direct heat sources such as radiators and you’ll find it will be looking just as good in the New Year as the day you put it up.

For further information, please see our website www.johncockramchristmastrees. co.uk and follow us on Facebook – search John Cockram Christmas Trees and Horwood Christmas Tree Farm. We look forward to welcoming you!

Eco Bio Logs – Give Them a Try!

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e are a locally-based small business making Eco Bio Logs from waste sawdust, which would otherwise be dumped in our landfill; we have produced a long-burning, high energy, green, low density log.

Mr Logs are superior to many other eco logs available as they are very dry, densely compacted and heavy so they burn with good flames and heat with very little ash, leaving less mess to clean up afterwards. Mr Logs burn hot and clean for between 3-4 hours, which is their unique selling point. We do deliver, for a small charge. Give our logs a try, and hopefully become one of our regular customers!

18

Need Building Supplies?

Talk to Tamar!

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amar Trading Building Supplies is a well-established local company, an independent builders’ merchant with three branches located across Devon and Cornwall.

With stores conveniently located in Torrington, Holsworthy and Bodmin, our company motto is ‘Talk to Tamar’, safe in the knowledge that, when you do, you will find a vast range of stock; from roofing materials and heavyside goods, to ironmongery and kitchen showrooms, at your fingertips at each of our stores, all available for immediate collection or prompt, free delivery within a 25-mile radius of the branch.

Whether you’re undertaking a house renovation or a new build, from the foundations to the final lick of paint, we are more than happy to provide the advice and guidance needed to help keep your project on budget and on schedule. Our dedicated and knowledgeable sales team are on hand at all times to ensure that your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Talk to Tamar Trading Building Supplies today! www.tamartrading.com Torrington 01805 626333 Holsworthy 01409 253555 Bodmin 01208 264700

RON SUSSEX AND SONS LTD PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS (Est 50+ yrs) Oil, LPG and Natural Gas Heating, Domestic dwellings & caravans Landlords, Servicing & Commissioning All Plumbing work—Calor Gas Stockists (delivery available) 116 New Street (via Stoneman’s Lane), Torrington Tel & Fax 01805 623293 Oftec Reg.

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Ron Sussex Plumbing - Your Local Firm

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on Sussex set up the plumbing and heating business just over 50 years ago.

When he retired, he handed the business over to his son Gerald, who continues to run it now with James, who is Gas Safe registered and is the main installer on the firm.

Bill, who is also Gas Safe registered, carries out boiler/fire servicing, repairs of natural gas and LPG and also issues landlord’s gas safety reports. He has a heating engineer, Simon, who specialises in oil - working for him on a self-employed basis, and lastly his wife who does all the secretarial work required.

Plumbing has changed a lot over the years, but they still pride themselves on being ‘old-school’ and installing in copper rather than plastic. It might be a little more expensive, but you get a much better class of job.

The firm works closely with a professional builder, tiler, carpenter and electrician to offer a complete job from start to finish. When a wet room is required, they also provide wet floor laying specialists.

No job is too big or too small with all kinds of repairs taken care of.

Reputation is everything, and they pride themselves on being known for their honesty, trustworthiness and reliability, as well as providing a very high quality of workmanship.

Marland Meats

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e have a small herd of Pedigree Red Ruby Devon cattle running alongside commercial Limousins in Peters Marland. People appreciate the extra flavour of traditionally- bred beef, so we started up Marland Meats as a family butchery business from Coombe Farm, selling premium quality meat at competitive prices.

The meat is matured for approx. 28/35 days in our inspected, approved cold store and butchered personally by Graham and then frozen.

We provide: hindquarter joints of varying size; bone-in rib joints; slow cook brisket/ boxeater and shin steaks; steaks cut in appropriate portions; diced braising meat and mince in 500g bags; beefburgers – approx 135g each - pack of 5.

Please contact us on 01805 601245, email ward.marland@gmail.com if you would like to try some, or for a price list.

The New Inn Roborough, Award Winning Local Pub

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he New Inn is a 16th century thatched pub nestled in the small rural village of Roborough, situated just seven miles from Torrington. In four short years, husband and wife Magda and James

Berry have created a haven with awardwinning food and service; awards from Devon Life, Devon Tourism, North Devon Journal, CAMRA and Food & Drink Devon. These awards recognise the effort put in by them and their fabulous team. A warm welcome, eclectic selection of gins and ciders, local beers, happy locals are all guaranteed.

James and his team work hard to create a menu that caters for all tastes.

You will find a menu that changes monthly, with pub classics and creative specials that use local ingredients mostly sourced from within a twenty mile radius.

Whatever you like in a pub, you are sure to find it at The New Inn!

19

8 carnival Arts queenat andthe her Plough attendants. shop to their hearts’ content!

Community A Shock ChangeInformation to the Torridge wives and West Devon Constituency Visual Dolton’s three pubs are all expected The Centre is available to hire for Centre December to benefit from the carnival atmosphere meetings, after 4pm, through into the this Great Torrington Moved to Central Devon! (opposite Sydney House Car Park,

W

and an influx of visitors. There will be a evenings on most days, and also on hen to the'Panamart') Boundary Commission announced changes to the constituency next roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, occasional Saturdays for small events boundaries in Devon, all that was talked about in the media was We are delighted to announce that barbecue, and candy wagon. trainingwith days.

Please seeinstead Kiz or ‘Devonwall’. is proposed North Cornwall, the 'Esteem' group - to Itsupport thoseto linkorTorridge email: kizangell@btconnect.com of Tavistock Westhealth Devon.difficulties, suffering withand mental Your Vote Counts!

In the pressfatigue, excitement this ‘crossing of the Tamar’ the fate of Great depression, pain about or anxiety st Charity Xmas Cards & Gifts 1 Torrington Scouts have registered Torrington was not noticed.

The proposal is to move Torrington, Two Rivers, Clinton has been awarded grants from the Cards Rural) for good and Fair with Nat West Community Force, and (the County seat of Torrington into acauses newly configured RuralWinkleigh Devon Trust (throughCouncil the Devon Trade will be on sale in St. Mary’s which invites people to Central DevonFoundation) Constituency, and whichfrom will include bitsgifts of Teignbridge (as far down as Community nd November to church Bideford from 2 vote for a local charity/ Awards For Haytor!), bitsAll. of West Devon and of Mid Devon District Councils. So the MP for this th December, Monday to Friday 10am7 cause of their choice, We can now buy laptops, enabling proposed constituency will be expected to cover a massive geographical area and 4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.

Over 30 with the winner and two the group to use the internet in order to four district councils. charities to select your cards from and r u nGifts n e r Exhibition s-up being he Original help them integrated and forgotten I think webecome would bean in danger of being in this scenario. an interesting selection of gifts from awarded a grant.

Please go once again kicks off the festive to accepted of our community.

They that we object to this proposal, on We can part tell the Boundaries Commission many parts of the world. www.communityforce.natwest.com/ season in style.

There are nearly will be able to engage a support worker the grounds that we use Bideford and Barnstaple rather than Okehampton or Torrington projects/ and typewith 1st local to assist with form-filling, producing a 50 stalls this year, artists Scout and Crediton when shopping away from Great Torrington, and when looking for sixth Group providing into thea fantastic project selection name box, CV, searching for education courses makers Dolton Carnival form education or further education. We can also argue that the transport links go register and vote felting, for us. knitwear, Please get as and will be able search for local quilting, Flaming torches, drummers, bands including; mainly in those two to directions. many of your friends and family to do voluntary or paid work.

The group has book and fireworks give a tosmall Devon woodwork, driftwood, paper and It is not too late to make your objections known.

You canwill go online Boundaries so as well, as if we are successful we drop-in days three times a week, (see crafts, jewellery, glass, ceramics, village aLast blaze of publicity Commission Review and follow the links to make a comment.

Thursday your will be able to continue our program of diary) which include a 'listening ear', next month. basketry, ironwork, copperwork, candles, Town Council voted unanimously to write objecting to the proposal, but individual refurbishment to Scout HQ, not only someone from the community who is Dolton’s annual carnival, paintings and many other festive objections will also help. benefitting the Scout group, but all happy to sit and chat, for those feeling which dates backRuth to Victorian goodies, including a great range of Funnell those who hire the hall. lonely and low. times, will be on Guy Fawkes cards and decorations. We are open Ashton The Centre also offers free legal Night, Saturday 5 t h most days through until 8pm,Fran so plenty of advice, and tenancy and debt advice, November, which gives the opportunities for shopping.Join us at the Great Torrington Memory by appointment, (see diary). Cafe Rev. festivities an extra spark of preview on Wednesday 30th November year the members memory cafe have GrahamhisSlingo comes in forofathe coffee to Derek Stamp interest this year. at 7pm, Ode with mulled wine and music enjoyed a variety of activities, presentations, an and chat, and we have started a book Derek Stamp is 60, Farmer Ralph Gent, one of the key and the exhibition is open until 1pm on andpeople musical(read entertainment. club forouting young a book A milestone in his life, figures behind the Dowland country fair Christmas Eve. The year ends or withfortnight our annual Christmas lunch, which over a week And we’ve come this far together and dog show in June, is organising Downstairs on the café wall we will be held Thursday 8th December at thethe Torrington then comeon in and chat As devoted man and wife. spectacular finale in which £1,600have an exhibition of work from the Arms, so the cafe at the Methodist Church will not be open. about it over a drink and worth of fireworks will light up the night Plough Printers, and another chance to Ifcakes) you haven’t yet bookedafter for Christmas lunchsky. then please get on Thursdays He’s always there to hold my hand, unique hool/college.

On ins ctouch.

And kiss some me when I’m gifts. sad, The Pipe & Drum Band, Samba purchase Mary Jannaway a drop in Saturdays, sit I would like gents to take can this opportunity to thankBand all our sponsors, volunteers and My soul mate for is sorunning many years, and Torrington Allstar Majorettes Willow Christmas Decorations Workshop and read withcommittee a coffee, for or all their help and steering group keeping the in memory Best friend I’ve ever had. willsupport all beintaking part the parade rd on Saturday 3 December from 10ambuy books from our charity cafe open, so we can continue to offer support and a social settingalong for people through the village, with with many 2pm.

Come along and have a go bookshop 'Book Reliefcarers.

UK', while their memory loss and their We met when I was “just 18”,NewatBuildings or Re brightly-lit floats, including this year’s If you or a family member or friend have memory loss, and would like more R.PITTSmaking your own unique willow reindeer,Then call angel, star or tree. £5 per decoration. information about the memory café, then please contact Pauline on 01805 625969.

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December & January Films at The Plough

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The Plough Youth Theatre

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ith fun and friendly weekly workshops and exciting performance opportunities, PYT is the place to be! Learn new skills, make friends and take to the stage.

New term starts Saturday 21st January to Saturday 25th March (excluding 18th February).

• Play Story (3-5yrs) - 9.45am-10.45am (£40/£30 supporters) • Infants (6-7yrs) 11am-12noon (£40/£30 supporters) • Juniors (8-12yrs) 1-3pm (£75/£60 supporters) • Seniors (13-18yrs) 3.15-5.15pm (£75/£60 supporters) Please contact Sophie to book your place or to find out more: 07527 544 694/01805 624624 sophie@ theploughartscentre.org.uk.

• The Plough Prism - an exciting weekly drama group for adults with disabilities. Tuesdays 10.30am-12.30pm at The Plough Arts Centre. £3.50 per participant. Funded by The Clare Milne Trust. New term starts Tuesday 24th January to 28th February (excluding 14th February) • Motion Dance - an enjoyable weekly dance and movement group for adults with disabilities. Tuesdays 1.30-2.30pm at The Plough Arts Centre. £3.50 per participant. New term starts Tuesday 24th

he winter film programme starts with I, Daniel Blake, the acclaimed Ken Loach film for which he won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival this year.

Other high profile movies showing at The Plough include Deepwater Horizon, a dramatization of the 2010 oil rig disaster; Dr Strange, a fabulous Marvel movie with a very illustrious cast including Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role; The Light between Oceans, a romantic drama set in a lighthouse off the coast of Australia; and Inferno with Tom Hanks reprising his role as the Da Vinci Code symbologist.

Other films which won’t have had as much publicity include: the Italian La Finestra Di Fronte (Facing Window); the Nick Cave documentary One More Time with Feeling; In Pursuit of Silence, which has been likened to Koyaanisquatsi; and a refurbished digital print of Easy Rider.

The Christmas holiday family films are Trolls and Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them and for adults Allied, pairing Brad Pitt with Marion Cotillard in a 1940s-set action drama, and a last chance to see Bridget Jones’s Baby.

In January we will be screening A Street Cat named Bob; Mum’s List, a dying mother’s life lessons to the husband and sons she left behind, based on the bestselling novel; Nocturnal Animals, the very stylish Tom Ford thriller; Sully, Clint Eastwood’s story of the American pilot who landed his damaged plane on the Hudson River in order to save the passengers and crew; the sci-fi thriller Arrival; Snowden, Oliver Stone’s account of the whistle blower; Jim Jarmusch’s ‘zen masterpiece’ Paterson; Star Wars: Rogue One and several other less well-known films which will be well worth checking out.

For dates and details of these screenings, please pick up the monthly film flier or visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk, where you can also book online.

January to 28th February (excluding 14th February).

• EU, NOT EU - Wednesday 14th December - 7.30pm A devised, political satire performance created in response to the recent EU Referendum. Our Plough Youth Theatre Seniors may not be old enough to vote, but they have a lot to say on our political climate. Directed by Sophie Hatch, £7 Full £6 concessions £5 supporters. To book call 01805 624624 or visit www.

theploughartscentre.org.uk • Christmas Tea Dance Sunday 11th December - 2-4pm We are holding a delightful afternoon of music, tea, cake, reminiscing and dancing to celebrate the Christmas season. We welcome you to come along to this festive and joyful event. With reminiscent songs from Kathy Ellis and ONO. All tickets £5, to book call The Plough Box Office on 01805 624624 or visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk.

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Fleur’s Gardening Forum Evergreens

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ur passion for having something evergreen in the house at Christmas probably goes back several thousand years when, in the depths of winter, the sight of a tree or bush seemingly still alive and flourishing must have seemed nothing short of a miracle. Better still that it was covered in berries or even flowering. The religious, pagan or otherwise, overtones naturally confirmed the presence of everlasting life conquering death because everything else in winter was believed to have ‘died’. Even now, in this secular society, we enjoy the sight of a tree laden with berries, or a hoar frost edging evergreen leaves with silver glitter.

Evergreen shrubs and trees are so versatile, too, in our gardens. They can provide a windbreak, or shelter belt in an exposed garden, they can also create natural structures instead of walls or fences, within small and large gardens, or a focal point. Evergreen hedges also provide permanent privacy for ourselves, and cover for birds and other small animals throughout the year.

A specimen conifer growing in the garden can be spectacular, even Cupressocyparis leylandii is a magnificent tree in its own right (if you have room!) and can reach almost 35m in height. Alternatively, you can trim your evergreen shrubs and trees into all shapes and patterns as in the art of topiary (yew is perhaps the best conifer for this), but an evergreen hedge can be pruned to resemble the battlements of a

castle wall or ‘windows’ can be created to enhance or expose a lovely view.

Evergreen shrubs need not be just plain green; there are many variegated forms, both coniferous and broad-leaf and some evergreens have fragrant blossom, especially Daphne, Osmanthus and Viburnam species and cultivars.

Other shades of foliage can include glaucus blue and golden yellow.

Heathers, which are mainly classified as shrubs and not perennials because they do not die back during winter, can provide brilliant colour all year round.

Careful selection of cultivars will certainly give you a range of flowers all year in shades of white to pink, to mauve, red and purple.

Most conifers need little management apart from pruning to size and shape, usually done in late summer or early autumn. Most require neutral to acid soils to thrive and an annual mulch of ericaceous compost is ideal.

Broad-leaved evergreens can require more frequent pruning, eg: Privet or Lonicera nitida and care should be taken as to timing and the way you prune.

Large leaved hedges and shrubs should not be pruned with hedge trimmers, but with secateurs or loppers. This is because you need to avoid chopping up the leaves too much which can let in disease and spoil the look of the hedge or shrub; better to prune down to a new shoot. Also, for those evergreens that flower during the winter or early spring, pruning is ideally carried out immediately

after flowering.

Heathers should be treated a bit like lavender; they need a good trim after flowering and should not be allowed to grow tall and leggy, because they don’t regrow from old wood.

If you are growing evergreen specimens in containers, it is essential to feed regularly and to use a good quality compost, such as John Innes No. 3, or the equivalent ericaceous mixture for acid-lovers.

Your garden should never be an empty ‘canvas’ in the winter – when you’re sweating over preparing the Christmas dinner, what better sight is there than to look out of the kitchen window at a garden still full of life and visual interest.

Fleur

Extra Date for Little Torrington Players’ ‘Down Town Abbey’

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he Little Torrington Players will be presenting ‘Down Town Abbey’ at the Little Torrington Victory Hall on Friday and Saturday 3rd and 4th February, 2017. All seats are booked, but we will hold a third evening on Thursday 2nd February if there are sufficient numbers to justify an extra performance. Please email or text Bob Harrod to reserve a seat. Please don’t assume a booking has been made until you receive confirmation. 07918 865 777 or eastfordfarm@aol.com

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Great Torrington Remembers Every Man

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I

have some very exciting news for you all! Christmas is approaching and down at the K9focus Charity Shop (5 Hubbastone Road, Appledore, EX39 1LZ) on Saturday, 3rd December there will be a sale of Christmas doggie hampers and toys that Aunty Lynne has put together. I will be there as I want to lead my mum to all the delicious treats and goodies that will be available to buy. There will be coffee, cakes and loads of human clobber on sale as well. Every coffee and item sold will go to helping more dogs, as our fantastic volunteers are working and giving up their time for free.

As if that isn’t great news, Peanut, who has been waiting for ages, now has a new mum and dad and has trotted off to his new home, although Charlie who has been with us for months and months, is still waiting. Perhaps Santa will bring him some good news soon.

Don’t forget that while they look delicious, mince pies, Christmas puddings and chocolate are not good for us doggies, so, get your owners down to the K9focus shop for some really nice biscuits and treats that won’t make you take that dreaded trip to Mr Vet! We wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year and thank you for your support. Aunty Lynne always says that without you we could not rescue all these dogs and this year there will be 106 happy wagging tails around Christmas Trees throughout North Devon, that otherwise may not have been here to see 2017.

Thank You. Woofs & Licks, Miss Jessica

Torrington Corps of Drums

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t is with great sadness that we have made the difficult decision not to continue with the reforming of the Corps of Drums. The decision was finalised at the last meeting on Tuesday 11th October 2016. We would all like to say a huge thank you to the community for all the support we have received during our efforts to reform. We were all totally overwhelmed by all of the comments we received after the May Fair Reunion Parade and this is something that all of those who took part will remember for a long time to come.

The donations we have received have been returned and our final balance has been donated to the Cavaliers who were also instrumental in our reforming.

Thank you all once again,

uring the Great War, 83 men from Torrington lost their lives and are now remembered on the town’s war memorial. Bearing in mind the size of the town at the beginning of the last century, these figures become even more devastating for a small community at that time.

Although the names are there for all to see and are respectfully read out at the annual Remembrance Day gathering, the details of their lives are being lost to history.

The Great Torrington Remembers project aims to gather as much information as possible about these men so they can be remembered by this generation and the next. There are some fascinating stories to tell.

Some of these soldiers fought with the Canadians, the Australians, the Irish and Welsh, along with a host of other regiments across the country. Some of these men would have fought at the most notorious of battles, such as Jutland, the Somme, Passchendaele, Jerusalem and Gallipoli.

To learn more about their lives, please visit www. greattorringtonremembers.co.uk and/ or ‘like’ the accompanying Facebook page to receive updates. This is a work in progress and I aim to eventually provide details of all 83 soldiers. If you would like to be involved or discuss this project, please email me on greattorringtonremembers@gmail.com Michael Newcombe

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he Shedders continue to work on a number of projects and tasks for the Torrington and district community.

These include a play car for the Little Frogs pre-school unit; placards for the Torrington Players’ roadside advertising of productions; restoration of bench seating; the construction of memory boxes to store stimulus materials for dementia sufferers and the revarnishing of display boards.

In October a group of Shedders visited Age UK’s ‘Exeter Men in Sheds’ to learn how another Shed operates and we have also established a link with BMA Construction who are providing us with waste timber from their current construction site at South Molton.

We warmly welcome new Shedders.

If you have time on your hands, are retired or at a loose end - and interested in some practical work (but no skills required!) why not drop in for a cup of tea and a chat? We meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10am to 12pm at The Shed, Torrington Football Club – walk down the roadway behind the swimming pool and we’re up the steps on the right.

For more details contact either David Nainby (01271 379016 or 07817 000586) email: david.nainby@ btinternet.com or Steve Emerson (01805 625243 or 07960 121738) email: emo5244@yahoo.co.uk

Torrington Army Cadets

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uring half term cadets from Great Torrington travelled to

Longmoor training camp to undertake a week of extensive musical training and at the end of the week their musical skills were assessed. In addition to this, cadets also had the opportunity to participate in a variety of other activities including swimming and shooting. Our cadets performed really well; in addition to passing her musical course, Cadet Lance Corporal Eve Bridger has also been awarded a CVQO BTEC Level 1 Certificate. Cadet Corporal Pitcher was awarded the Most Improved Snare Drummer on the course, in addition to passing her assessments and earlier this month she was also appointed as the Drum Major for Devon Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums.

Recent promotions are being celebrated by Great Torrington Detachment of Devon Army Cadet Force (ACF). Cadet Freddie Webber was promoted to Staff Sergeant earlier this month in recognition of his achievements and leadership qualities, which include achieving his 4* Army Proficiency Certificate and his Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s award. By gaining this promotion, Freddie becomes one of the most senior cadets within the whole of Devon Army Cadet Force.

Cadets Daniel Lobb, Molly Hodge and Karla Pitcher were promoted to the rank of Corporal and Cadets Laura Martin, Tamara Roberts and Eve Bridger to the rank of Lance Corporal.

In order to be promoted, Cadets must demonstrate that they have shown and continue to uphold the values and standards of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) listed below: Values: selfless commitment, courage, discipline, integrity, loyalty, respect for others. Standards: lawful, appropriate behaviour, total professionalism, duty of care.

The ACF promotes personal and social development in all its members, with opportunities to gain useful team skills, leadership experience and worthwhile certification.

If you are aged from 12 years then why not try us out. For more information please call the Detachment Commander Lt. Matthew Sanders on 07463 818 187 or visit ‘Great Torrington Army Cadet Force’ on Facebook.

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A Christmas Message from the Light Up a Life this Christmas with North Devon Hospice emember someone special to you this Christmas with North Devon Vicar of St Michael’s Hospice’s annual ‘Light Up a Life’ appeal. Light a candle in memory of your Parish Church loved one at our special services that take place across North Devon. You

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s I write this on the morning after the extraordinary election of Donald Trump as United States President, the world seems more unpredictable than ever. Old certainties are disappearing; Brexit has been voted for, war haunts humanity. Displaced peoples from areas of conflict seek refuge among caring and compassionate societies and communities. The bombing of Aleppo is a running sore on the world’s body and the United Nations is powerless to bring peace.

In the face of all this uncertainty and suffering, it is difficult to hope for the best. But hope is what the Christian faith has offered to a suffering world for over 2000 years. We should never give up on hope, otherwise despair will overwhelm us. When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born at a particular place and time in the days of Herod the king, it was into a no less real world of darkness, violence and subjugated peoples than ours. His birth was a shock to many.

Christian people believe Jesus Christ to be the perfect human life, because he is the life of God made real. The word ‘perfect’ is overused as an exaggerated compliment, for even a small task, or dismissively meaning ‘job done’. The perfection of Jesus Christ is to do with the best qualities, virtues and values which we all long for and aspire to, essential for the flourishing of life.

Jesus Christ is the inspiration to

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are warmly welcome to your local service at: Torrington Methodist Church (for North Devon Hospice and Children’s Hospice) Friday 16th December 7pm.

Christmas is traditionally a time for family and friends to get together, so it is natural that at this time of year our thoughts turn to those who are no longer with us. ‘Light Up a Life’ offers you the chance to honour their memory, together with many others who are doing the same thing. It helps us realise we are not alone in missing someone special at this time of year.

If you cannot attend your local service, you can take part in the appeal by making a donation online at www.northdevonhospice.org.uk. Alternatively, phone the ‘Light Up A Life’ team on 01271 347232 for a leaflet, they can take your loved ones’ names and your donation over the phone. When you take part, we will send you a special star in the post to hang on your Christmas tree, on which you can write a message to your loved one. Their name will also be entered into our special books of remembrance.

By making a donation to North Devon Hospice in memory of your loved one, you will be helping to make a difference to those who need our care. All our support is provided completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the local community.

North Devon Hospice needs to raise over £4m from scratch every single year in order to care for the thousands of local people who need us during the toughest of times. By supporting our Light Up a Life appeal, you will be helping people right here on your doorstep; your colleague, neighbour, friend or even your own family member.

millions of people; for their acts of courage, generosity and charitable work which have become typical of the Christmas message and season.

In the vulnerability of his birth, Jesus represents the needy, powerless, oppressed and all who are broken in life and in spirit. It’s easy to forget this as we look at a Christmas card with a child in a manger. It is not, in fact, a sweet scene, but a disturbing one. The vulnerable child reminds us that humanity needs to be fed, yes, with physical nourishment, but also with lasting and spiritual values of

truth goodness and love which respect the dignity and worth of every person.

Christmas tells us that the God who created the universe is embodied in the child in the manger at Bethlehem. The Word made flesh is the communication of God as a human being. In this truth may we all find hope. The God who created the world also came to save and rescue it.

With my prayers and best wishes for Christmas and New Year Peter Bevan

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First Thursday Writing Group

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s we met just after Hallowe’en we chose ‘The Supernatural’ as our theme for this month.

The first offering was an atmospheric piece set on a remote part of Dartmoor, where an eerie procession could be seen descending from the tor. This was followed by a poem which looked at what we mean by the supernatural, and how we use it to explain away what we don’t understand.

The third piece was inspired by Walter De La Mare’s ‘The Listeners’. We were treated to the mysterious tale of a man on a horse delivering a baby to a derelict house in the forest, and almost being swallowed up himself by a strange moving ‘thing’ in the darkness. On a lighter note, ‘The Lady of the Island’ told us of a misty autumnal walk on the Commons, and a meeting with the lady of the Commons, who controls all the seasons and colours.

The final supernatural tale was of a young woman meeting a strange child in the darkness who she assumes to be lost. As they walk she learns the child is a witch, whose master has sent her to clear the ley lines on which the young woman’s house has been built. The fire service finds the house in smouldering ruins - and no sign of the young woman who had lived there.

We are now having a break over the dark winter months. Our next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 2nd February at Torrington Conservative Club. The topic will be ‘The Lunch’. For more information, please see our website at www.torringtonwriters.co.uk.

Nikki Whiting

British Native Wild Flowers to Grow in Your Garden Viscum album

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his native plant is a woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches and forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, especially apple but also lime and poplar. Have you guessed what it is yet?

We buy sprigs of it every year at Christmas and often hang it over doorways, with a vague desire that someone glamorous might just stand underneath it, waiting to be kissed!! Yes, it’s mistletoe, hundreds of tons of it are harvested and sold to Christmas shoppers. It is widely cultivated in the apple orchards of Herefordshire and Somerset (amongst other areas).

Mistletoe is epiphytic, that is it grows on a host plant, its roots pushing deep into the branch of the tree to extract minerals and water. However, Mistletoe, being evergreen, can photosynthesise so it does little damage to its host. It is a perennial, with leathery, blunt, yellowish-green leaves held in distinctive pairs. The flowers are tiny and also greeny-yellow and the fruits are white/translucent, each berry containing a single, very sticky seed.

It is possible to cultivate Mistletoe in your garden, especially if you have a gnarly old apple tree handy, by saving some of the berries from fresh bunches. Basically, you do what the birds do, burst the berries and rub the seeds into the rough bark.

Do this in several places on the tree and, hopefully, some may germinate and produce your own, home-grown crop. (Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, or wear gloves).

Mistletoe was revered amongst the ancient people of Britain, as it appeared to grow in the depths of winter when its host was apparently dead. Our tradition of kissing under the mistletoe probably originates from some mysterious fertility rite… and the Mistle Thrush derives its name from its taste for the berries.

Merry Christmas!

Fleur

See Goldilocks & The Three Bears at Holsworthy!

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he next performance at Holsworthy Theatre is Goldilocks and the Three Bears, written by Stephen Duckham and directed and produced by Sarah O’Connor and Heather Prouse. The show runs for two weeks, Monday to Saturday evenings 23rd January – 4th February 2017, with Saturday matinees on Saturday 28th January and 4th February (14 performances in all.) The evening performances begin at 7:30pm, the afternoon ones at 2:30pm, with the doors opening half an hour earlier.

Tickets will be available from 31st December 2016 either by phone on 01409 253 826 or from the theatre itself in Bodmin Street. Box Office opening times are 10am3pm, Monday-Saturday.

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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 Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2013

What Five if I told that there High to you Bluecoat andis a disease out there that affects Monkleigh! thousands of people in the UK, but for

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uesday 8 early November saw and which there is no diagnosis no cure? netball teams from Bluecoat of E Primary and Monkleigh This Cdegenerative disease is Parkinson’s, by5 the Primary comebrought togetherabout in a High reduction of the body’s production of Dopermine, which provides the chemical messages sent out to turn muscles on and off. When these messages weaken, you can get the muscular shaking that typifies Parkinson’s. However, you may not be aware that it also brings balance problems, affects the vocal cords, and even makes writing more difficult.

Parkinson’s UK have declared April 15th-21st their ‘Awareness Week’, to Netball game. High 5 is the massively bring the public’s attention to the popular entry of netball. a disease, and game their efforts to It’s support great way for children to get active, those affected, initiate research, and enjoyfunding. themselves and make new raise friends.

In that week, the Torridge Branch of The enthusiasm all involved was Parkinson’s UK is ofarranging several wonderful and at the end of a very events, to increase awareness of what soggy match,These everyone gathered in the we do locally. include: classroom for some well-earned squash  A Spring Fayre at Weare Giffard and a biscuit.

The score very on Village Hall from 10amwas to a1pm friendly 12-1 Monkleigh, but this did Saturday 20thtoApril anyone’s spirits.  not An dampen Information display at Frankie Bideford from class 4S commented “I really Library; it because Monkleigh more  liked A series of free publicwere meetings experienced and we got to find out around the Torridge area, startingwhat at it6.45pm was like to playincluding their team.”a Isobel and formal from Monkleigh was equally presentation which covers positive “What is adding “we really“Current enjoyed itResearch”, as we have Parkinson’s?”, never anotherTorridge school before.” and played “The local Branch activities”. will forward be information Everyone There is looking to their booklets available, and refreshments, next match hosted by Monkleigh Primary.

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l Local Driving Instructor l Beginners or partially trained l Nervous pupils welcome l Discounts for block bookings l Dual controls Alan Edwards - DSA ADI (Car) l Refresher lessons Tel: Torrington 01805 622972 l Pass Plus Mobile: 07818 667 074

Aand Fine Pe-degree of Staff Primary! plenty of opportunity to at askBluecoat We also need volunteers to help with

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ou often about schools celebrating the achievements their pupils, questions.

The read locations for these supporting the café andof its customers but on this occasion it is the support staff at Bluecoat C of E Primary meetings are: so if you can spare two hours a month th the limelight by setting example then please getofinlifelong touch. learning.  Mon 15stealing April Hartland Church Hall a shining th In September 2014, a group of teaching assistants and parent volunteers In April Annie Brierley is coming to  Tue 16 April Woodland Vale Care embarked on their journey towards a Foundation in Teaching and Learning. read Degree short stories and poems which Home, Torrington th The University Worcester, inshould partnership TheofLearning Institute, invokewith a lot memories from Working Wed 17with April Arts Centre, of Bideford the past.

If you, a loved one or friend the aim of the degree is to provide students with a knowledge base that will enable Quay a memory problem then let them the skills they need to be has effective practitioners in an educational th them Thu to 18reflect April on Memorial Hall, know about the Café - everyone is setting.

Holsworthy This was a huge undertaking with most ofwelcome. them juggling families, work life and  Fri 19th April Northam Hall Forcompleting further a Maths information contact their studies over the past two years, as well as GCSE in some If you would like any further Pauline PageHowever, 01805 625969 or email cases!

At times it seemed like an impossible challenge. perseverance information about any of on paulinepage123@btinternet.com prevailedevents, and the challenges these please were overcome.

Sam Stocker said “we look forward to implementing our newly gained knowledge contact Julie Jones, Meditation and skills in the promotion of improved learning experiences for Bluecoat children.”

Branch Secretary (01237 There is new a weekly meditation class Some of the cohort have now moved on to pastures but all of them were 478128). the dance studio at successful, so we would like to congratulateevery them Thursday all on this in significant achievement: The Plough Arts Centre, 6.15-7.15pm Sam Stocker, Caroline Barnes,Café Marie Dayment, Julie Turner, Nicky Hedden, Paula Great Torrington Memory Meditation is Louise a wayMartin, of Hickford, Georgette King, Kim Stone, Joanne Terry, Gemma Vaggers, The memory café seems to be learning to relax and and from Little Frogs Pre-School Charlene Hoare and Brittany Nudds. growing from strength-to-strength with respond creatively Time for a well-earned rest? Certainly of the cohort are to the more customers every month. not! The majoritychallenges which life continuing onto thirdon year to secure a BA(Hons) Degree in Professional February’s café their day fell Valentine’s throws at us.

It can for also Practice members and parent volunteers are now studying Day, andand to further celebrate we hadof astaff duet help to reduce stress. By learning to their Foundation Degree making Bluecoat of E Primary’s support staff one of the ‘Desert Rose’ sing ballads as well as Cmeditate we find space in our busy best educatedbiscuits and skilled the area. heart-shaped andindecorations. lives to get in touch with ourselves and We had a raffle which helped raise develop awareness of what is going on Singing For some Health money to cover of the costs. in our mind and in the world around us. inging forfortunate Health is again an informal group for people with dementia and We have been to get singing If we think of finding happiness, inner carers.

Thosethe livingDevon with Parkinson’s neurological disorders some their funding from peace,and asother a state of mind then Community Fund help to and could alsowhich benefitwill from theusgroup are most welcome, as well as anyone meditation can help us to achieve that continue to develop service who just wants to comethe along to singwe and enjoy goal.the company of friends. st rd provide for people whoathave memory Join Julia and friends Torrington Community Hospital on the 1 and 3practices, I teach two complementary loss.

Thanksoftothe John Portman who put Wednesday month at 10:30am for coffee and chat, singing at 11am. one which focuses onbegins the breath and in the hardvariety work of tosongs secure this Weall sing a wide from the 1940’s upwards; the and other which favourites focuses from on the the funding.

Asbest mentioned in last month’s shows; the of the Beatles, Elvis and others, all with a littlebeen reminiscing andfor a lot emotions.

I have meditating a edition, John is moving away from the a £1number of laughter along the way.

We welcome donationof to cover and coffee it yearsteaand learnt but the area we need to recruit another is not and compulsory. practices with the Triratna Buddhist volunteer is If you likefundraiser. singing, wantIfto anyone do something healthy for yourself, like a bit which of fun and Community, a movement has interested in this then postour then pleaseforget a way that is enjoy socialising Singing Healthadapted group is Buddhism for you. Forinmore information in touch. please call Julia Hadley on 07453 818 117 or TorrAGE (Ageing Well) on 01805 622666.

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Looking After Your Retired Torrington in Bloom Der was 21, Horses in need Winter skills that to be learnt as parents. they are Children’s Centre ‘Family Thrive’ nother year about hasAnd passed and our little group

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TBC). Players will colo large enough to handle.

Marks ainstead of drawin We’ve been together these years, Continual ‘fault-finding’, or ‘putthe seed tray inside polythene which continues runs once a hard month on a allPlace to work in and around the town, and the we have aongrown son. downs’ (often said in jest) are a sure bag or to cover with abeetle clochedesign, and keep Saturday morning.

The next Family but we do needAnd more hands deck!up I have way to create questions about self- reiterate the compost moist. include Fairtrade refres Thrive that session Saturday 13th we arewill notbe a group of gardeners, although nextPrimula Group mee We’d to have special day Remember, if you The have 10–11.30am. worth in children. Additionally, those weApril clearly love gardening andlike some of usaare highly th November, Tuesday 8 On experience the 21st November. polyanthus or other species growing in who are consistently criticised will start qualified with many years’ of gardening, both A day that’s special, just like him, Plough Arts Centre. to wonder about their relevance. your garden, you may end up with Native Wild Flowers professionally and as ‘gifted amateurs’.

Which he will long remember. or forwhat more In contrast, children whose parents primroses that can’t along, quite decide Our remit isinto help, advise and assist communities within To Grow Emma onthem 01805 62214 affirm their children’s efforts feel useful, Great Torrington to create or improve areas where they they wantlive, to be! Don’t plant too Garden Being such a quiet man, worthy and acceptable as people. They butYour close to each other! we don’t come along do the gardening. It is much more Primula vulgaris isHeand our doesn’t want a fuss, are also likely to work hard to maintain Fleur satisfying if the local community takes ownership of the actual job of looking after Butwhose we really ought to celebrate, lovely native primrose, delicate those positive feelings, and when they their local environment and itheismeans more likely to be to successfully maintained. the us. flowers with a darkerCos centre can be in World encounter setbacks will have the From the Horse’s Mouth for a emperatures have dropped, Having said that, we have been busy planting bulbs, violas and primulas bloom from November (in sheltered confidence to try again. This is building Who wants to eat our and with it so will the show, and we have also lots of crocus corms onfour-legged behalf of Love youbeen Der planting areas) to early May. Look closely at emotional resilience, a quality really of strong spring friends? pasture and if you are not careful the Rotary Club’s drive to eradicate polio from third countries (each purple Ros world & Hamilton the flowers themselves for they carry foundation for success in life, and I’dthe saydisease). neigh to such main course yourwhich old retired represents vaccinated against Next aspring, Great separate femalesomeone (‘pin’) stigma or male giveshorse skillscould to have deal trouble with life crocus Is this the way our food supply tends? getting through the winter!

Torrington should be bathed in its own ‘purple haze’! (‘thrum’) a ring of stamens on different experiences both good and bad.

Fairtrade Resist by complaining ourselves TheLetting very cold temperatures can you cause The localso horticultural will be busy renovating the flowerbed at S&G flowers, a visitingsociety insect children know what love As partpicks of a up successful ‘Wine and a lotabout of old,them retired to lose they are currently creating a flies planting hoarse plan for a hot, dry bed – sounds Fund Raisin pollen from a male flower and then or horses why you are weight. proud of Carpets; Wisdom’ evening, the Fairtrade Keep checking your horse’s weight to a female flower where the pollen is them can also strengthen resilience. exciting!

Just how the meat was misnamed is In a aid o Steering Group asked for suggestions throughout the winter, don’t deposited on planted the stigma. prefer We have also a treeThey in the Jubilee Wood, as part of that on-going Simple statements suchrely as;on“I am so puzzle The NDD for further Fairtrade well-drained soils in open woodland, yourproud eye, use a measuring tape around in memory of Mike Knight who was one our reliable to be your mum/dad.

The way project, And just long-serving what did the and marketing entail promotions inofTorrington.

Chemotherap hedgebanks, churchyards, etc.OneTheidea Just the you girth, looked then keep a record each this members for many years. after yourof friend a burger made from New a wasimagine reducedBuild name derives prima measurement.

Remove rugs regularly afternoon when he fell over makes me Our main area offrom work the next Latin year price will be the continued renovation of the Secret muzzle Fairtrade tea and There will be a sale rosa, ‘first rose’.and a small group feel like the luckiest mum/dad in the Memorial must trystaffto prevent such a sale Garden has already been getting on with tidying up coffee for We clubs and Stone Village Hall on “The very cold worked temperatures canyour and Primula is the world” or “You so hard on replantingveris – a few moredainty eagercowslip gardeners would make a huge difference to 10am-4pm, rooms.

This is something November When we shop for meat we want in our and differs from thewe primrose cause a lot oftoday. old, retired horses homework I know you to tried this project! are keenintothat do, especially as one of for the new chemothera each stem is topped by smallTownbaggoals is to really hardlose and weight” did your very best. Well A Merry Christmas to the youmultiple, all.

Fairtrade Good quality Food of the choicest and for our pains newgolden-yellow flowers with Hammon, an orange done for that.”

Cherry Torrington in Bloom, 01805of 625788 encourage clubs,Chair societies, community books, bric-a-brac, ra Not be saddled with cutlets nag spot at the base groups of eachandpetal.

Identifying and helpingonto and check for anystrengths rubbing, particularly staff-rooms to use home-made light lunch Or something which once wore reins grow best in ancient refreshments. pastures develop thosea rub strengths willit can also will Cowslips bony points. Once gets deep be available. eat more (up to 40%)Fairtrade to keep warm. freely moving about and grazing, but and meadows but can So, be our found alongoffer It’s increase confidence in children. a shame for all meat to be special is asuch £5 old package be difficult to deal with.

If the feed is not of high enough quality, particularly horses.

They will do railway embankmentscontaining and road verges Strengths come shapes and suspect 100 tea bags, aoutjar of as they have Watch for any signsinofmany quidding theyand mayprefer not beaable to consume enough well turned so long Par For The Co more alkaline or clayey sizes, and eachfood onefrom is ofthe equal value; Butand asfeed long as butchers in town and coffee, 100 sugar adequate sticks a packet (dropping chewed mouth) calories maintain weight and will and are well rugged. soil. to They flowertheir during April and May. Book Sign relationships, reading, maths, sports, city The normal cost oftheir these and check the droppings for bits of grass start burning their ownspecies fatoftobiscuits. keep warm.

Don’t neglect feet andMy be sure they Both Primula grown from new sporting nov creativity, curiosity, a love of nature, an Ensure that their sources are what we itemsassess would the be over £8, so this is a stem longer than 5mm. Either of these as well as checking trimmed regularly. may require ateeth period of cold to are world of Devon golf. Th ability to make people smile or many So, seed expect significant saving.

Please contact us problems would suggest the teeth need feedaid they are on and improve the quality old horses still need regular germination.

It’stoprobably bestspecial to Lastly, Over other areas. The list is endless.

We can view the matter withwhich was all a take up this offer. attention.

Old horses should have their by changing to better hay, to haylage, or worming – maintain a regular worming/ sow seed in autumn toWe over-winter in a a ‘equinimity’!

Village Cricket Club t If you would like to know a little more will be holding Fairtrade ‘Beetle teeth checked every 6 months. introducing concentrates. faecal egg count programme. th cold frame or unheated greenhouse Lords. about building emotional resilience to R.C. November, 7pm (venue Drive’ on 12 As the weather horses better when they Hatchmoor Vets prickdoout seedlings as are soon as support your turns child,colder ask horses at Bluecoat Alland

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TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB REAL ALE - DRAUGHT GUINNESS SKITTLES - DARTS - POOL - SNOOKER S CASH BINGO MONDAY NIGHTS At HomeLife Carers we pride ourselves on offering quality home care services to people throughout the local community, including: LARGE FUNCTION ROOM K • Personal Care Services • Preparation of Meals IDEAL FOR PARTIES/WEDDINGS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE • Night Care • Home Help DAYTIME • Sitting Serv ices

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Property Management Torrington Torridge Vale Social Club Dedicated to Property Management and Residential Lettings 5.30pm & 7.30pm The Personal Approach Tel: Bev 01805 624955

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THURSDAY Tattersalls

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01805 624059 0844 897 8000 www.slimmingworld.com

Est 1991

www.tattersalls.co.uk

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If you would like to know a little more about building emotional resilience to support your child, ask at Bluecoat

sow seed in autumn toWe over-winter in a a ‘equinimity’! will be holding Fairtrade ‘Beetle th cold frame or unheated greenhouse Drive’ on 12 November, 7pm (venue and prick out seedlings as soon as

TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB REAL ALE - DRAUGHT GUINNESS SKITTLES - DARTS - POOL - SNOOKER CASH BINGO MONDAY NIGHTS At HomeLife Carers we pride ourselves on offering quality home care services to people throughout the local community, including: LARGE FUNCTION ROOM K • Personal Care Services • Preparation of Meals IDEAL FOR PARTIES/WEDDINGS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE • Night Care • Home Help DAYTIME • Sitting Serv ices

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E

P

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Call us today on: Care Worker Regulated by VARIOUS ENTERTAINMENT EVENINGS N The Care Quality Opportunities Tel:BOARD 01805 625 999DETAILS WATCH FOR Available www.homelifecarers.co.uk Commission CALL SHARON ON 01805 622543 EVENINGS

THURSDAY Tattersalls

TORR

Torrington Torridge Vale Social Club Dedicated to Property Management and Residential Lettings 5.30pm & 7.30pm The Personal Approach Tel: Bev 01805 624955

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Village Cricket Club trying to Lords.

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PLUS IN PERSON CO

PAT S Join the Children’s Hospice A Year in the Rosemoor Allotments ©RHS/Peter Earl 9 s the end of this year’s allotment South West’s course draws to a close, it is soft toys, curtains and bedding (not share their experiences with to understand about their natural self in TBC). Players will colou And Der was 21, time Thurs 9.30-11.30am, £1.50 per Santas on the Run! good opportunity reflect; duvets or pillows). You can use any sustainable like instead PV relation to athe natural world is to a really Marks of drawing We’ve been together all thesetechnologies years,

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Est 1991

Wendy 01805 623214 allfamily. about taking inaspect the successes and we noting any bin baghristmas to donateisyour items.children. panels,upwood internal of child development. beetle design, and the £2 And have a grown son. burning stoves, Rosemary Conley dietimportant & exercise But what happens if your child downfalls from the growing season.

As and external wall insulation, include Bags2School will be collecting from secondary Children will develop greater ale 10am-5pm @ Little Fairtrade refreshm Class, Bluecoat Early Years Centre has a life-limiting illness or Torrington School on Thursday always weand haveunderstanding had a wonderful group andday more. Although knowledge of the ctory Hall,Great hot snacks Themany next Group meeti We’d like to haveglazing a special 6.30-7.45pm every Thurs Wendy st life-threatening condition?

Forbring those Please your 16th May at 9am. people can be put off by Tuesday the words8th November, 7 world around from of people keenthem; to learnranging the art of growing 805 622304 November.

On the 21 01237 424787 families, Christmas becomes an even bags to the school car park at the rearTVSCgrowing and sustainable, seeds watching them Bazaar 2pm @ Chulmleigh vegetables, andand it is always great to special, seerenewable A day that’s just like him, PloughthisArts Centre. P Slimming World every Thurs more precious and help by taking part in turning of book the sports hall and Sara-Jane weekend of open homes isalong, set to lift into flowers, fruit heand Pavilion, to table time will long remember. or for more de people’s confidence andWhich enthusiasm 5.30 & 7.30pm Bev Roberts 01805 Hospice South West’s ‘Santas raise money towards her trip.

We will that concern. vegetables to understanding why 580723 Children’s Emma on 01805 622143. grow throughout the year as they begin to 624955 ondo thea Run’ events in Rugby Bideford and who collection service for anyone book a visit to see one of these worms Being suchina quietTo man, harvestand theirbees crops.are important Training at Donnacroft every is unable toyou’ll bringbetheir bag7pm, or bags to households our wet website Holsworthy, helping to support nature. doesn’t a fuss,group; go Thurs clubhouse open 8pm The weather has beenHe kind to ourwant allotment once to the initial February Methodist Church the school carspecial park by phoning 01805 www.bidefordsustain.org/seeinggreen Through hands on interaction, families at this time.

But we really ought to celebrate, Writers, Poets and Listeners 7.30pm weather passed, they cracked on with their soil preparations, digging in manure v Martin Goord, 7pm 624787.

Please phone to the orThey call Jolene on 01237 123. their first children will growth developofamany great sense of Cosof he means the World to us.

Santas will be running in prior Holsworthy @ the Plough to fuel the their crops. were soon onto474 sowing collection date.ever on Friday 2nd empathy with the natural world and will for the first time seeds; broad beans, peas, lettuce and cabbages in early March and as the months ale 10am-5pm @ Little I would appreciate your to truly appreciate Love and respect Fri 2 help toto raise learn you Der Aikido Black Belt for GTS Student December, and they will return passed by more and more seeds were sown.

The plots began to fill up with young ctory Hall,funds, hot snacks th for me to be able to go on this the very beautiful place we call home, Pannier Bric-a-Brac Market every Fri & Hamilton Bideford on Sunday 4 December as Great Ros Torrington School studentbut Ollie plants, all eager to flourish.

June is traditionally a warm and dry month this year ails 01805‘once 622304 in Christmas a life time’10am-4pm Worldswitch-on Challenge Torrington.

Staines has become the first junior part of the lights we received quite a bit of rain, but on reflection this was well timed; the group had O' Connoradventure.

- Bluja tour+ ...

The sessions began on Thursday AllsortsSouth Childrens’ Bluecoat member of Torrington Aikido event. As Hospice WestClub, Fairtrade th just transplanted their young leeks into the ground, and the rain quickly settled sheds) 7.30pm @ Children’s The Thank you, 25 1.30– 3pm.

School every FriApril 6.30-8pm, club to obtain his black belt. is celebrating 25 yearsInfants of care in 2016, As part of produced a successful The variety ‘Cairngorm’ some‘Wine really and good looking leeks thisRaising Sara-Jane Vanstone If youin. are interested in signing uphas to School years 1-6 Morag them 01805 625510 Fund OllieFairtrade recently completed his Wisdom’ evening, the it’s hoped that this year’s runs are the year. AsClub, always courgettes and runner beans have produced an abundance ofIn aid of become part of the Grow ‘Little Buds’ Allsorts Plus Young Persons’ aikido grading on Saturday Steering Group asked suggestions most successful yet. fresh produce, the group sharing more andfor more th recipes and ideas on how to contact Bluecoat Children’s Bluecoat School every please Fri 8-9pm years with Grow – ‘Little Buds’ March and is now the The NDDH 16 for further Fairtrade air by Torrington Girl Santas on the Run is a 2k fun run, st handleonthe sudden glut.

Centre 01805 625830.

6-9 Morag 01805 625510 Shodan black belt.

Growing plants and proud owner of 1 promotions in Torrington.

Chemotherapy m @ Theand Pannier Market you can walk, runChristmas or jog the Fair route. summer came, so did the cabbageOllie white butterfly andincabbage root fly, which, 5-7pm @ As Torrington 2006 and trains discovering natureareis welcome a One ideastarted was Aikido reducedNew Buildin o, stalls,Children tombola & loads and dogs and it is timed with a delay in covering the young cabbage plants with a fine mesh to protect Junior School stalls £5 01805 623240 Seeing Green three times tea a week wonderful way to spend Fairtrade and in both Therethewill be a sale a come just £15 for adults and £7.50 for children, the crop, meant that pest problemsprice wereBarnstaple rife. allTorrington the allotment keepers lost Hall on club. time with your children, coffee for Almost clubsand and staffStone Village Can You Make 3 The price How with a family ticket forSat £37.50. their cabbages, but a quick re-sowing and ensuring that they were well protected, as they marvel in the rooms. This is something November 10am-4pm, t Pannier General Market every Satsome Your Home Energy includes your suit and special produced laterEfficient? than soOlder? all was not lost.

Nim' (12A) 8pm @ TheSanta miracle of the natural weplanned are keencabbages, to do, especially as one of for the new chemotherapy Getting th 10am–4pm Many people aregroup worried about their 25world.

CHSW Anniversary commemorative The allotment were lucky enough be involved someGood filmingquality for In Grow ‘Little Buds’ we will be the also Fairtrade Town togoals is To toinHear? new-to Finding It Harder Christmas Fair stalls, coffees, lunches fuel bills, worried about how they can medal, andmany you can register for both BBC’s ‘Gardeners’ World’, helping us to taste test a community variety of different vegetables growing different edible plants encourage clubs, societies, books, bric-a-brac, raffl 10am-2pm St Michaelsafford Church Come along and join the Hearing to heat their homes during the events at in www.chsw.org.uk/ (and online flowers!) our garden over the as part of a trial the BBCgroups were running Rosemoor and Harlow Carr in light lunch a and between staff-rooms to use home-made Loss Support Group in Torrington winter. Bideford Sustainability Group is y' (U) 8pm @ The Plough santas. seasons and exploring refreshments.

Yorkshire; shown at the Fairtrade end of October on TV. available.

Sun how 4 to use helping enjoy a cuppa and friendly be company. you find the answers to this them in healthy recipes.

ComeChurch along toof the Holy So, our specialwhich offer is atraditionally £5 package Cropping continued well into October, when our course Catholic Family Informal monthly ‘get together’ at the most important question. Over the Pop-Up Bluecoat Shop Children’s –Centre to enjoy 100 tea bags, a jar of together at the end th th containing begins to draw to a close as winter draws in.

We get the group Mass every Sun 9.15am Par For The Cou and 19 May, many Bickford Centre on the third Tuesday weekend 18 There will be a pop-up shop at some healthy outside time, Church and help coffee, 100how sugar sticks and aon. packet Baptist 10.30am of Creative the coursearound for a catch up toand see they have got It is always rewarding to householders Bideford its every month at 2pm.

Book Signi Great Torrington Heritage Museum, on create and taste Church your own edible of biscuits.

Theinspired normal they cost are of to these th hear of everyone’s successes gost back to their own th th May, 18 surroundings are opening up and theirhow Next quarter dates:21 My new sporting nove December 10thMichael’s from 10amgarden. 8 , 9 and St. items would bethe over £8, so this is a Church homes Sung Mass & allotments gardens and to grow veg in future.

June, 16th July 2013 to show you what can be done world of Devon golf. This 3pm,Children selling local by local authors. neral Market every Thurs will bebooks able to play, explore, significant saving.

Please contact us Sermon every Sun 10am It is this your time of year when the team atLyn Rosemoor select the applicants for nextwas all ab - See Hear Centre reduce energy consumption Over which We regret that there will the be no entry discover and learn about beauty ofto to Church take up this special Torrington Community year’s allotment course,toand begin to plan for offer.

February 2017.

Office: 01271 373 236 from the grid.

Village Cricket Club try theGroup rest ofat museum due to Infants building Toddler nature asthethey interact with the wild We will be holding a Fairtrade ‘Beetle Bluecoat School every Peter Adams ThereSun are numerous householders th Mobile: 07831 515 809 Lords. aptist Church termandevery natural world. Supporting children work.

November, 7pm (venue Drive’ on 12 11am Karen 01805 622866 seehearnd@livingoptions.org generously giving up their time to

2011

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17 It sounds a long way off Rotary’s ‘End Polio Now’ But please make a diary note This skipping directly to the PCC is of ToCampaign Started inwe do come and share the things success of the adder in our four great value to Devon family historians, The imaginative tote reptiles is not popular with some.

Torrington! as thefrom records of the PCC still exist, of all the town’s societies Apart occasional meetings with id you for know their commitment their roles whereas those from the lower church wasp nests, we know little about our that the Parkinson’s, and caring courts in the diocese of insect population together with other Football goals Devon were destroyed Alarms andworldwide invertebrates,.

Golf and Exhibitions campaign to eradicate in the blitz.

Especially interesting would be a Societies for youth polio started with an idea from a So, and we want to survey of our ponds streams, And many more, all so worthwhile Torrington Rotarian?

Former Mayor and this would also provide information search the PCC Truly I say, forsooth a founder member of our club, Jimmy regarding water quality andIf pollution. indexes. we are 7 for 7.30 Martin, together with Peter Adams, who I know that Torrington Junior searching in School Devon Wednesday, December 7 many of youSocial wouldClub have known, were pupils used to regularly go stream then we have a great Torridge Vale the initiators of the ‘End dipping. Other schools must have tool to help -the Devon Enjoy a bit of local heaven. Polio Now’ campaign in which Rotary is supported used the fine habitats explore VJT Wills to Index.

Thisthe is

seen. Roe deer seem to be thriving How to start researching a family history Part 16 amongst our 18 mammals, but the

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e have been looking at how wills can be found, and last time at how the church courts were structured so as to identify which set of records to consult. Common News On isThe Common we have This all heavy stuff identified over species of wild I know, and I am300 about flowers. to makeThere it evenmust morebe some that we have missed, but due to their complex!

Our ancestors prominence when flowering, the list did not always abide must be fairly complete. by these rules. In many The Tree Trail contains 52 kinds cases they wanted the of native trees and we have 21 ‘best’ outcome so went introduced species on other parts of ecology of the area.

Can atwe have by the World Health Authority (WHO), to theCommon.

PCC directly, available www.

The We know of 40 your discoveries please?

UNICEF, the US Centre for Disease and skipped the lower genuki.org.uk/big/eng/ In Remembrance different grasses, 11 sedges, nine Michael Collingham Control and the Bill andan Melinda Gates Lord Ponsonby was absolute courts entirely.

This DEV, has recently rushes and 15 ferns. We do however Foundation, which has seen the disease tartar who made his servants live an was particularly true been made available have much more limited knowledge almost eradicated absolute dog's life.worldwide.

His harshest if the will left lots of and is an attempt to about other types of plant. A“The list and sailors would buy wasyears reserved for has his planted faithful In recent Rotary property, or wasisgoing identify all wills made by treatment guide to fungi underway, but any butler Whibble.

It was “Whibble get myand (often at inflated prices) crocuses as part of this campaign, to be contentious.

The Devonians. Obviously additional information would be boots getthose me a who whisky!'' we’doff!” like“Whibble, to thank all have goods next higher courts acted many entries are welcome – as in other areasthe such as of their dead Whibble this and Whibble that, all day been helping shipmate and the captain mosses, liverworts and lichens. as the appeals court of references to indexes long. One evening his lordship came this year; in early theOur lower diversity one, so if the then had the task of passing only, where the actual home from his club after a particularly Spring 2017 you’ll Torrington Amateur Athletic Club’s but lavish of butterflies is to be the money raised decision was likely wills were destroyed, dinner and barked, “Whibble, run onto the annual Christmas Caper Race on see the results of course he slipped well known, with me a bath!” In due appealed, it made sense otherwise all wills and th widow.”

Sunday 18 December 2011, starts at their endeavours 30 species gently into the soapy water. Feeling the to go to the top to start administrations should 11am. Registration begins at 9.30am described. at Woodland Vale, after-effects of his dinner, he passed with! Well, that was the logic. thanChappy abe t inT there. o r r i n They g t o nareRmore ugby lub Especially wind in a manner reminiscent of an Great Torrington Another anomaly; sailors in the Royal See to add more entries if youfor come across torringtonaac.org further Icelandic geyser and promptly fell welcome are the School and on the Navy had their wills and administrations details. them. sleep.

Just then the door burst open Fritillaries, but the verges outside always proven in the PCC. Be aware If you want to search wider than and there Whibble High Brown has the Rugby Club, stood, to attention, that they often were young men, so Devon, then one of the commercial sites with a hot water Together Again bottle. His Lordship not been recorded for ten years. together with other It’s year- just again there aren’t wills asand theygo, willthat be time ableof tothe assist check first in exploded, “Get out man, I didn't ring Eighty kindsthat of many birds come sites around town and in some For you to remember seldom left property andsome the of their ‘card indexes’ what they cover as and I don't wantthe you, go away”.

“I begof the and as with national (real trends, surrounding villages.

“Torrington Together” customare of selling their property it varies.

As far as I am aware, all PCC to differ sir, my hearing is perfect. I these becoming more ‘before rarely On theand 7th of December If you’d likeyou to know planta distinctly heard say, why whatwe about the mast’ was real. The sailors would wills administrations have been crocuses or find outmore about buy (often at inflated prices) the goods indexed and the indexes are available Torrington Rotary club, please see www. of their dead shipmate and the captain online. The entire range of PCC records torringtonrotaryclub.org or follow us on then had the task of passing the money from 13xx to 1858 should be there.

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The Crier Prize Crossword

The winner of last issue’s prize crossword was Charles Drake, congratulations, we hope you enjoy your massage. The solution is printed above.

This issue the prize has kindly been donated by Tarka Pottery and is a Potter’s Wheel Experience for two.

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

The winner will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries will be Thursday 12th January and the crossword solution and winner will be printed in the February issue.

“At Tarka Pottery in Little Torrington, you can try our potter’s wheel experience, join a weekly adult pottery class, bring the children along to a fun, creative clay workshop, enjoy a family clay experience or paint pottery. Our friendly team are on hand to make sure your birthday, hen or family party is enjoyed by all. We also love to paint baby toes and offer a free painted footprint tile to babies up to 1 year old.

Tarka Pottery experience vouchers make fabulous Christmas gifts for all ages. Have a look at our website www.tarkapottery.co.uk or ring us on 07931 306414 to find out more.”

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Jubilant Joel Scores Winning Goal! wives shop to their hea Community Information n Thursday evening 13th October The Centre is avai Centre 2016, GTS Year 7 football team

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meetings, after 4pm, (opposite Sydney Housebattled Car Park, it out against Chulmleigh evenings on most da School in an away game. next to 'Panamart') from thethat kick-off,occasional both sidesSaturdays are delightedStraight to announce We are incredibly lucky at GTS to beWe a part or training knew was going to be an even game.days. Ple the This 'Esteem' group - toit support those of the annual Appledore Book Festival. email: kizangell@btcon Roughly 3 minutes in, their left-mid suffering health difficulties, means that we get visits from authors who with mental tookpain it past few of our depression, fatigue, or aanxiety - defenders and come and talk to pupils about what they do managed score.the After that, GTS Charity Xmas Ca has been awarded grantsto from and why they do it. Here, Andy andRural Luke tell Truststarted to dominate the game.

This led Cards for togood c Devon (through the Devon a goal assisted a lovelyTrade whipped you about a visit from Bali Rai and Joel sharesFoundation) giftscross will be on s Community and byfrom churchGabe Bideford from his football journalism.

Awards For All. by Harry Bloodworth to Morgan on the right wing, who placed it in the Monday 7th December, We can now buy laptops, enabling bottom left corner. Almost 4pm, straight away, 10am Saturday the group to use the internet in order to Chulmleigh intercepted a ball across charities tothe select you help them become an integrated and A Visit from the Author Bali Rai back line and their captainan curled it in - a selecti th interesting n Tuesday the 4 of October at Great Torrington School, a Year 10 group accepted part of our community.

They good finish! Next, a chance fromparts a nice many of the worl had the honour of meeting Bali Rai, an author of hard-hitting will young adultto engage be able a support worker square ball from Harry into the box and fiction books you wouldn’t normally find in the young adult/teen area, of to assist with form-filling, producing a a scrappy finish Joel Cooper managed a library or bookshop. Rai treats young adults as adults, with the firm CV, beliefsearching that for courses Dolton Ca intoeducation the left side of the goal to equalise. we should be treated equally with uncensored literature. With books such and as will‘(un) be ableJust to before search half for time, locala similar Flaming chancetorches, d arranged marriage’ and ‘Rani and Sukh’, Rai uses experience from his childhood, voluntary or paid presented work. The itself group to has Joel outside the box will give and fireworks which hugely impacts his writing. drop-in days three times a week, and we seized the(see opportunity, 3-2. village a bl Rai grew up in a very multicultural and multiracial society in Leicester city, which and include diary) a 'listening ear', A harsh free-kick broke for the next month. went to school with other children from different backgrounds like Polish and someone from the community is opposition: theywho smashed it top rightDolton’s a Jamaican children. His parents were Indian and spoke Punjabi and hehappy classes to sit and chat, those hand for corner butfeeling a world class save, which by dates himself as British even though some of his family didn’t approve; he was often lonely and low. our keeper Morgan Kavanagh, tipped times, will be reminded by his family that he was Indian, despite being born in the UK and it over the bar. started attackingN i g h t , The Centre also offers freeThey legal S spending all his life growing up here. but our defence, Ned Pettifer November, advice, and tenancy andclassy debt advice, Rai talked about how ‘British Values’ have often been brought in from different and James Meardon, and by is appointment, (see diary).

Rev. broke play up festivities an countries, like the most popular fast food dish of our times is curry, which normally kept the game rolling by sending the Graham Slingo comes in for a coffee interest this year. associated with India and Thailand. He also spoke about how immigrants are today up-field to our wingers, Tom Bright chat, and weball have started a book Farmer Ralph Gent often seen in a negative way and often reported as such in the news, and whereas, and Cal(read Duhig.a Chulmleigh’s captain club for young people book figures behind the Dow he says, Britain is full of immigrants from years ago: Britain is a country with its shot a nonchalant finish making it 3 all over a week or fortnight foundation in immigration. andbut dog show in Jun and they nearly broke again, Louis then come in and chat He also told us of several of his past experiences, like when he was hit by his the spectacular finale which about it over a Atkinson, drink andtook a fantastic touch friend’s mum for accidently saying an offensive word. worth of fireworks will led to Morgan Gabe’s second goal, 4-3. cakes) after His new-ish book, Web of Darkness, is about how a girl makes a ‘friend’ on on the Thursdays sky. effort: Joel The last goal was a real team school/college.

On Internet and how it leads to problems.

The was lucky enough to be in the rightPipe place& Drum The experience with Mr Rai was one that none of us was expectingSaturdays, to be quite so gentsat can sit Band and A the right time, securing the team’s Torrington first interesting, and taught us a lot of things about ‘British Values’ and made rethink andusread with a win. coffee, or a special mention will to all Archie be taking par Finally, things we already thought we knew. buy books from our charity Palmer who made a great through debut. the village, a Andy Hodge & Luke Stevens, Year 10 Relief UK', while their bookshop 'Book brightly-lit floats, Joel Cooper, Year 7 inclu

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In the Year 7 Learners’ Baccalaureate Challenge ‘Leaders’, Year 7 work on the skill of leadership. Part of this is to interview leaders in the community. Their latest challenge had them interviewing head teachers from the local community.

Miss Amos

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his article is about leadership qualities.

To be a great leader you need to be confident around your people, humble towards them, respectful towards everybody’s ways, a positive mindset, trustworthy to everybody, organised with work and motivated to keep everybody going.

Miss Amos, the head teacher of GTS is a confident leader and has a lot of experience of what makes a good leader and what not to do.

As Miss Amos walked into the classroom she looked quite scary until she gave us a glowing smile. She was dressed smartly in her grey suit with her pink blouse. She made us all laugh because she left the other two head teachers in her office! Once the other two head teachers arrived the interview began. When the class started asking their questions, Miss Amos looked quite worried until she answered her first question.

“What have you achieved whilst being a head teacher?”

Miss Amos answered: “Well, I have to provide good opportunity so my pupils can enjoy learning and improve at work which leads to the school improving and getting into the top 10% of the best schools in England for academic achievements!”

This shows that Miss Amos is never giving up on her students and her dreams of making GTS the best school in England.

Another question was: “what makes you a good leader?”

Which Miss Amos replied by saying: “to be a good leader you must learn from your mistakes and enjoy your work! One of the mistakes I made was when I was a deputy head at Honiton School, a teacher came to me with a complaint but I didn’t listen because I was so busy. Later on that day the teacher came back and said that I must sort it out, that’s when I realised what I had done.” This made Miss Amos realise the importance of listening and how good leaders listen carefully before acting.

Miss Amos has been working at GTS for 6 years now and she has made the school so much better than it was before! I got some GCSE results from last year to prove that Miss Amos has improved everybody’s learning. Last year 67% pupils achieved A* - C including English and Mathematics. That was 82% A* - C in English and 71% A* - C in Mathematics.

I think that Miss Amos is an inspirational head teacher and you can learn many things about being a great leader from her. Since I have started at GTS I have felt warmly welcomed along with my friends.

“GTS is on a journey to become a truly learning-centred school which strives to nurture the individual talents of all its learners. Everything we do will be to achieve our core purpose, ‘to inspire confident learners who will have the skills, qualities and qualifications to thrive in our changing world” Savannah Stewart, Year 7

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Mrs Yates

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e interviewed three head teachers for our article on ‘Leadership’ and asked them about their career and experience. Miss Amos from Great Torrington, Mrs Batten from St Helen’s and Mrs Yates from Beaford kindly gave up their time to come.

Mrs Yates is the head teacher at Beaford Primary School. She feels that Beaford is on the way to a 100% perfect education. One of the things she said was: “To be successful you need to be loyal and committed to the community that you work in.”

She thinks: “To use moral courage effectively as a leader, you need to understand clearly what is right and what is wrong.”

She said, “You never know what is going to happen in this job. You might be thinking you have a meeting in the morning but end up mopping things up in the toilet.”

Under her leadership, Mrs Yates has led Beaford Primary School to success.

Ofsted rated the school ‘outstanding’ which she is very proud of.

Her school aims include: • A challenging, personalised and inclusive curriculum that is both creative and stimulating.

• A safe, honest and secure learning environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

• High expectations of the learning journey where individuals will engage, reflect, persevere and take ownership.

Mrs Yates has taught us that even if you aren’t where you want to be, don’t give up, because eventually you will achieve what you want. She is confident, determined and committed which makes her a great leader.

Immy Paiano, Year 7

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Little Frogs Pre-School Congratulates Staff

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ittle Frogs Pre-School would like to congratulate their play leader assistants, Charlene Hoare and Brittany Nudds, who recently graduated with a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning from The University of Worcester. They have both been working at Little Frogs Pre-School whilst studying towards their degrees.

Little Frogs Pre School is based in Gas Lane, Torrington, and caters for children aged 2-5. They now continue for a further year to complete their Bachelor of Arts degrees. Little Frogs promotes the academic development of their staff, with another two staff currently undertaking foundation degrees.

Abbeyfield

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ur Christmas coffee morning is on Tuesday December 6th at Glen Tor, Villa Road, from 10.30-12 noon. As well as coffee and mince pies there will be stalls and a big raffle. You are all very welcome.

Residents are looking forward to the Christmas lunch with staff and volunteers at the Barnstaple Hotel and all the Christmas and New Year festivities at Glen Tor. Do you know anyone who might like to find out more about living here, with our friendly and active residents? Why not ring our house manager on 01805 623605 for a chat and perhaps arrange a visit to meet with them and our staff.

How Far Do The Commons Extend and For How Long Have They Existed?

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orrington is surrounded on three sides by 365 acres (146 hectares) of common land. The area is accessible to all, and visitors can walk the 20 miles of footpaths which include the golf course, ancient wood and flower meadows, steep bracken and gorse covered slopes, and sheltered river valleys.

In about 1194, during the reign of Richard I, ‘a large waste called the common’ was given to the people of Torrington by the lord of the manor, William FitzRobert.

In 1889 the rights of this land were transferred, by an act of parliament, to an elected Committee of Conservators which now administers the commons.

The earliest management was mainly concerned with control over the grazing and quarrying, but since 1981 grazing has stopped, and various management techniques have taken its place to prevent the area reverting back to scrub and woodland.

One of the first bills to be issued in 1889 prohibited the burning of furze or gorse on the commons, known as ‘swayling’, but this activity continued, judging by the number of fines for this misdemeanour listed in the Conservators’ minutes.

Swayling was part of the year’s cycle for grazing land. Women would go out and collect ‘fuzz-stubs’ for faggots and kindling and then the land would be burnt.

The alternative was clearing by hand. Before the Second World War one official swayling went disastrously wrong. The wind changed and four thatched cottages in Mill Street, backing on to the commons, were completely gutted.

There were far fewer trees on the commons in the 19th and early 20th centuries because of animal grazing. There were donkeys and goats, and sheep were run on the commons until 1981; Dr O’Flaherty’s billy goat ran loose near seats on Castle Hill and the boys of the town enjoyed baiting him. There was a duck pond on Mill Street common and geese and hens were everywhere. There used to be hunting around Furzebeam and meets at the Old Bowling Green in the 1960s, as well as informal shooting and rabbiting.

Various sports have taken place on the Old Bowling Green in the past; football, hockey, shinty, golf, bowls, and the Coronation Sports of 1902, and the area is now the setting for the Cavaliers’ bonfires which take place every five years or so.

Past generations have happy memories of playing on the commons with their friends, making dens in the bracken and under shrubs, playing football, hide-andseek and ‘tin can’ (throwing a ball at each other’s legs). They would swim in the river and go fishing, catching eels and having mud ball fights, or ride down ‘Sliding Rock’ on Castle Hill on tin trays.

There is a wide variety of flora and fauna to be seen on the commons and lists of these, together with suggested walks, can be found in pamphlets available at Torrington Information Centre.

Moira Brewer, an extract from Torrington Uncovered

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A Warm Welcome From Grosvenor Church – Come Along to Our Carol Service & Hog Roast Northam Lodge’s Family Christmas Fair & Grotto

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ortham Lodge’s annual Christmas Fair & Grotto will be open for festive family fun on Saturday 3rd December 2016 from 123.30pm at the Rose Hill Activity Centre on Heywood Road, Bideford, EX39 3PG. There will be many festive games to enjoy including; pin the red nose on Rudolph and a mince pie treasure hunt, plus gifts to buy - from log reindeers and snowmen to Christmas baubles, wreaths and decorations. Santa will be in his grotto to listen to Christmas wishes and give gifts to the children.

Hot homemade soup and refreshments will be available to warm you through, as well as a bountiful Christmas cake stall.

If all this wasn’t enough to make you feel all Chrismassy, then carols and Christmas songs will be provided by the school choir from St Margaret’s C of E Junior School, Northam. Enter and park for free, and bring the family along.

Boxing Day Barbecue at Clovelly FREE Entry!

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oin us for our Boxing Day barbecue on the quay at Clovelly, with FREE entrance into the village, why not have a walk on the estate then come along to the barbecue where there will be live music, mulled wine, and even a treasure hunt if you are up to it. Free entrance all day

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t Grosvenor Church Torrington we are always looking for a way to have fun and impact the community, and October was no exception when we had our first ever ‘Light Party’. This was our way of providing an alternative to Halloween by celebrating light!

Rather than sitting in rows we had lots of tables for families to sit around together, where they made a lantern to light up their doorsteps. We enjoyed apple bobbing followed by dipping faces in flour to retrieve jelly babies, and a giant string of doughnuts to eat – no hands! The highlight was turning all the lights off and seeing all the children proudly holding up their lanterns and singing ‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine’. The children learnt that Jesus is the light of the world, and how we can shine too with Jesus in our hearts.

With the huge help of Vern Andrew, we had put together 200 party bags for each family to take a bundle home to hand out to trick or treaters. Each bag contained a bit of light (a glow stick!), an invitation to come along to church, and of course sweets! Great fun was had by all and it was lovely to see lots of new faces.

Speaking of Vern Andrew, after 10 years of faithfully writing ‘Pause for Thought’ here in the Crier, he has decided to put down his pen. Each month we have loved to read the challenging and thought provoking articles Vern has been inspired to write. So a huge thank you to Vern for pointing us each month to Jesus. I’m sure many of us will miss his articles.

So as we look forward now to what the new John Lewis advert will be, or when we will first see the Coca Cola advert, we can’t ignore that Christmas is coming!

As a church we are very excited to be able to invite you all to our Carol service on December 18th. This will be in Great Torrington Bluecoat school playground, and will be candle lit, with a brass band leading the carols, followed by a free hog roast. Our special guests will be some Alpacas (nearest we could get to camels) accompanied by the three Kings!

This event is open to everyone so we really hope you can make it. We understand that for many people Christmas is also a difficult season, as some of us struggle with loneliness and loss. We believe church is about being part of a loving and caring community, so if that’s you, or you feel your life could do with a dose of meaning and purpose, why not make it a New Year’s resolution to pop along and visit us, you would be very welcome.

Tim & Rachel

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