Torrington Crier December 2021 & January 2022 by The Torrington Crier

FREE

December & January 2021/22 The Crier is produced 10 times a year on behalf of the community, by The Crier Community Interest Company. 5900 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year! We would like to thank you our wonderful community - for your support over the last year.

Thank you!

Torrington Author Danny Hughes invites you to the launch of his Children’s Book

Life’s Crazy! Esme’s Story

To include readings from the book and music with Fleur Sparrow, followed by book signings. Plough Arts Centre, The Auditorium, Saturday 11th December at 11.30am

Everyone welcome!

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN & LANDS CHARITY 202801 25 South Street, Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8AA

T: 01805 623517

E: admin@townlands.org.uk

www.torringtontownlands.org

DISTRIBUTION OF VOUCHERS – DECEMBER 2021 In order to keep everyone safe, we will not hold our normal Distribution Day. If your household fulfils the T&C’s (set out below) then qualifying households must apply for the Distribution Vouchers by post or dropping off a note to the th office, no later than Sunday 12 December 2021, with your details: • • • • •

Name Address Phone number The benefit you receive (see list below) The note must state that you wish to claim the vouchers

Qualifying households are entitled to receive vouchers that may be spent at most shops in the Town.

IMPORTANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS Only ONE claim per qualifying household

To qualify you must be living within the Great Torrington Parish boundary

(and shown on the Electoral Roll for not less than one year before the date of the Distribution) AND be in receipt of any of the following benefits:• • • • • • • •

State Retirement Pension Attendance Allowance Constant Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance Employment and Support Allowance Incapacity Benefit Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Personal Independence Payment

If your application is successful, then vouchers will be posted to you on or th before Friday 17 December 2021

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER THE DEADLINE DATE

I M Newman 2

– STEWARD TO THE TRUSTEES

Bespoke Garden & Land Services Daniel Jokic

Organic foods & local delicacies, olives & cheeses. Now taking orders for Christmas Hampers & Cheese Boards. Pop in or call Tamzin on 07763 910 083 The Whole Jar, Shop 5, Torrington Pannier Market, Great Torrington

Qualified Horticulturist

T: 07964 055 224 E: danjokic@hotmail.com

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

Read The Crier Online

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Torrington & District Community News & Events

Contact us... Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 (please note that this is a home number not an office) E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon. We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication. Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 (please note that this is a home number not an office) E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All adverts are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please. Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk Town Distribution: Matt Joy Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton

Crier Deliveries

Do you live in Kingscott? We would like to thank our volunteer deliverer Jenny Walter, who has delivered 42 copies door-to-door for some time. This issue will be the last Jenny is able to deliver, and so we are appealing for someone else to take on this if possible. Please get in touch if you can help. We are also very grateful to Lidl in Torrington for allowing us to leave copies on their packing bench for shoppers to pick up. They will be there for collection from the last week of each month.

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

Disclaimer:

The Crier does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, legality or reliability of any information, product or service represented within our publication or on our web site. The information provided is for informational, educational or entertainment purposes only. Anyone using the information provided by The Crier, does so at their own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify The Crier from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use. The Crier does not endorse or recommend any product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to The Crier belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Crier or its team. Website links from The Crier or its website are provided for convenience only. The Crier is not responsible for the content or availability of any external or 3rd party sites and does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information found on these sites.

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What's On?

What’s On at Great Torrington Town & Community Hall?

For information on Town & Community Hall events, please email townandcommunityhall@gmail.com or ring Anne on 07971 696 192. December & January Events Our indoor Car Boot Sales will start again on Sunday 16th January 2022 and then run every Sunday from 10am to 1pm (sellers 9am to 1pm – no booking required, first-come-first-served. Tables £7 or £5 if you bring your own table. Thursday 2nd December 12pm to 2pm Seniors of Torrington Christmas Lunch For more information and bookings phone Bev on 01805 624614. Saturday 4th December Christmas BIG Bash with Golden Coast Band from 7.30pm An evening of foot tapping tunes to dance to: jazz, swing, jive, rock and much more. Tickets £12.50, available at the Town Hall & Crafty Needles. Saturday 11th December 10am to 12.30pm Festive Wreaths Workshop Tickets £15 including tea coffee and biscuits. Grateful thanks to Elaine Weeks and Anne Ayre for helping us raise money towards the upkeep of the Town Hall by staging this wonderful Christmas event. Saturday 11th December Cavalier’s Surprise Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Give-a-way The Trustees would like to say a huge thank you to the Cavaliers for their continued support for our Town. Sunday 19th Children’s Christmas Disco 2-4pm Special thanks to our Trustee Rose Purcell who came up with the idea to run regular children’s discos. Our first disco was a wonderful success, with DJ Jude and all the children and parents who came along had a super time. All future discos will be ticketed events (we have to restrict numbers to comply with

health and safety regulations.) Thanks to Leo Beck and Tanya Tillier for

We would like to say an enormous thank you to our Torrington Co-op for choosing Knit & Natter sponsoring this event. as their local charity, and to January discos: Saturday 8th 10.30am all the Co-op customers who helped to 12.30pm - Sponsored by Paul Hutchin. raise a massive, £1524.55 We hope Saturday 22nd 10.30am to 2.30pm you will enjoy the 12 days of Christmas Sponsored by Steve Jones (Builder). our Knit and Natter group have knitted Friday 14th January from 7.30pm Just for this year’s Christmas window Dance! An evening of jive, rock and shopping competition, and the beautiful roll, swing, jazz and freestyle dancing. Christmas scene which will be on display Come along and enjoy a fun evening, in the Undercroft for all to enjoy. with great music that will have you It’s been a challenging year for so dancing all night long! Anyone can many individuals and businesses and dance and you don’t need a partner! Rita we are tremendously grateful to all our Farmer, who runs the weekly Dance Fit funders and individuals who have hired classes at Function Fitness, will be on the hall, our Town Hall Titans for all hand to share some of her professional their support, and everyone who has tips, so book now and give yourself contributed in any way to the success something to look forward to in January! of the Town Hall. We are already Tickets £10 available at the Town Hall taking bookings for parties, anniversary and Crafty Needles. celebrations and weddings for 2022, so Friday 11th February from 7.30pm come and talk to us about any special join Zamba Acoustic for a night of events you want to celebrate next year. Reggae music, dancing and delicious Finally, on behalf of the Trustees, Jamaican Food. Advisors, Titans and Staff, we would Tickets £15 available at the Town Hall like to thank Becky and her team at the and Crafty Needles. Crier for sharing so much of what our Digital Learning Courses at the Town great community does each month. We Hall wish everybody a Happy Christmas and Our first digital learning course which peaceful New Year. was run by LearnDevon was a great Anne Tattersall success and we are hoping to run more Business Development Manager in the New Year. If you would like some Yarnscombe Christmas Fayre help, or perhaps know of anybody who Saturday 4th December 10am-12pm at might benefit from getting to grips with the internet, emails, zoom meetings etc., Yarnscombe Village Hall. Refreshments and stalls, all are then contact the Town Hall and get your welcome! name down for the next course. Raising funds for St. Andrews Church, THE TORRINGTON TOWN HALL Yarnscombe. DRAG RACE IS ON! Do you think you’ve got what it takes to North Devon Choral Society is be Devon’s top Drag Queen? If so, we would LOVE to hear from you! Back! Auditions will take place in early 2022 We are delighted to be singing (deadline for applications is 31st March Handel's Messiah on Saturday 4th 2022). December at 7.30pm, at the Church of The top Drag Queen will get to perform St Michael & All Angels, Great Torrington. alongside a professional Drag Queen Conducted by John Hobbs, soloists at one of the Town Hall’s Drag Show will be Elinor Chapman, Rebecca Smith, events. Mark Hounsell and Tim Murfin.

Audience seating will be limited, and can be reserved in advance by email or telephone - janetsharpy@yahoo.co.uk or 01805 628262. Payment will be at the door, card preferred. We request that the audience respect social distancing, wear masks if possible, and do not attend if you are unwell.

Plough Christmas Craft Fair

From Wednesday 1 December to Thursday 23 December - the annual Plough Christmas Craft Fair in the main gallery is back! Opening at 10am and running through until 8pm every day, except Sundays and Mondays, we'll be presenting a fascinating cross section of local crafts. There will always be some makers in the gallery to answer questions and have a chat. We are also holding a three-day extension to the craft fair in the auditorium on Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday morning. A special event with extra work and surprise guests. Downstairs there is a show by Art on Friday - group of local artists based at The Plough who meet twice a month in The Gallery and exhibit annually on the Artists’ Wall. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy that special gift! From Saturday 15 January to Saturday 12 Feb 2022, there is an exhibition by photographer, Paul Seed and painter Irene Jones. Both have an instinct for drama and theatre. This will be the first time they have exhibited together. Downstairs we are showing a stunning tapestry by a recent graduate from Camberwell, Myrtle Glanville, depicting North Devon myths.

Seating will be limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis, anyone wishing to book seats in advance please I wanted to do something for Torrington contact Laura on 07399 453 556. In the Town, so decided to raise money for interest of limiting mingling, we won’t be plants and flowers for the community/ serving refreshments during the interval café gardens and Torrington in Bloom. and advise attendees to bring their own Making Torrington a pretty place to visit drink. Admission cost is £5 per person, will help encourage people into the under 16’s free. The admission will also town. Please come and support our little include a raffle ticket for our Christmas project. Draw. Please help us to limit the spread Sue and I will be on hand to help you of Covid-19 by wearing a mask, once in make either a Christmas wreath or a your seat masks can be removed it you table decoration. When booking please wish. We will also have hand sanitizer state which one you would like to do. available. We look forward to seeing you The hall is substantial so we will be able there. to accommodate quite a few of you, the more that come the more money the Parish Church Events groups will receive. North Devon Choral Society I would also like to put a call out to all is singing ‘Handel’s Messiah’ the lovely gardeners and tree surgeons in the church on Saturday in the area, if you are pruning around December 4th at 7.30pm. that time, please think of us - we would Tickets are £15 and are be very grateful to receive donations of limited. To reserve tickets, foliage. please email janetsharpy@ So please come and join us on yahoo.co.uk, or phone 01805 628262. December 11th 2-5pm, for an afternoon Pay at the door. Card payment preferred. to meet and chat with others and have a Winkleigh Singers are singing a mince pie or two. service of Nine Lessons and Carols on To book a space, telephone 01805 Monday December 20th at 7pm in the 938946 or pop into the shop. church. Tina Hodgson Our Christmas service is Midnight Mass starting at 11.15pm on Christmas Torrington Silver Band Eve. There is no service on Christmas morning or on Sunday December 26th. Christmas Concert! If you need to make enquiries about Torrington Silver Band is delighted to services, baptisms, weddings or funerals, invite you to join us for our Christmas please contact Chris Foster, one of the Concert. On Friday 17th December, churchwardens on 01805 623328, who we will be opening the doors at Howe will try to help you. There is also plenty Concert Hall for the first time in 24 of information on the church website: months. The concert will begin at www.stmichaelstorrington.org.uk. 7:30pm; doors will open from 6:45pm.

Fundraising Wreath & Table Decoration Event

Traditional Indian Cuisine

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Please get in touch to find out more! 5

Torrington Christmas Caper

19th December 2021 orrington Amateur Athletics Club invites you to take part in our fabulous and popular Christmas Caper! Approximately nine miles of mud, forest trails, rivers and hills that you will love! Probably… After over a year of lockdowns and restrictions, we welcome you back to one of the most challenging multi-terrain runs in the South West. Previously voted ‘Devon Race of the Year’! You will definitely get wet, you will definitely get muddy, and you will finish with a smile on your face! Probably... All that and Christmas pudding for all finishers, what's not to like? Booking details: Entry is available in advance, on-line only £18; unaffiliated/£16; affiliated (plus non-refundable booking fee of £1.50 taken directly by Timing Monkey). Payment is processed by PayPal but you do not require a PayPal account to pay, you can pay by credit/debit card. Online registration closes at midnight on 12th December. Entries received by three weeks prior to race day, will have their numbers posted out to them. Please note, we are putting in place precautions to ensure our event is Covidsafe. This will include taking online entries ONLY. Entry on the day and postal entries will not be permitted this year. The last four Capers have seen a steady increase in entrants, with 2019 almost reaching capacity, so book in plenty of time. No-one wants to be disappointed at Christmas! Please note that number transfers will only be possible through this site and before the closing date for online entries. To enter, please go to: www. timingmonkey.co.uk/.../Torr.../registration.html

The Appledore Singers

Charity Christmas Concert in aid of Devon Freewheelers EVS he Appledore Singers’ Charity Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday 12th December, 2.30pm at Northam Hall (top of Fore Street). This year’s concert will be in aid of Devon Freewheelers EVS, also known as ‘Bloodbikes’ (charity number 1180264), a very worthy cause. The Choir will delight the audience with arrangements of festive music – both traditional and modern - and, as always, there will be the opportunity for audience participation! The afternoon’s entertainment will also include our popular 'Grand Raffle’. The choir, accompanied by Chris Beechey, will be conducted by our Musical Director, Pam Beechey, and our entertainment will be ably compered by Anthony Chambers. The audience will undoubtedly leave with a spring in their step! Admission is £6 at the door (under 16s free), to include light refreshments. For further information contact Pam Beechey 01237 420652. ‘Seek a Smile thro’ Song’

Torrington Foodbank

ere we are heading towards the end of yet another difficult year, where we still have Covid with

us. The Torrington Foodbank has seen falls and rising numbers needing to access the foodbank, but the one thing which has remained constant is the continuing support you have given us this year. We cannot thank-you enough for your generous donations to us. We have had support from both the local and village schools following their Harvest Festivals, and also from the churches again following their Harvest Festivals. Our thanks also go to Dolton for their monthly donations and to Jenny and Jackie Bunting who have been very generous to us. Lastly and very importantly, we would like to thank the Co-op, Lidl, Information Centre and the Cottage Hospital for allowing us to have collection boxes at their premises. For some the coming weeks and months may bring difficult times; if you are struggling to put food on the table please use the foodbank, it is there for you. Just to remind you we are at the Baptist Church on Tuesday and Saturday mornings 10am - 12noon. The Torrington Foodbank would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas.

Cavaliers Column Chapter 18

ere we are heading headlong towards Christmas and The Cavaliers are now spending much time preparing for the ‘Kiddies Giveaway’ on December 18th in the Town Hall Undercroft area. The kiddies’ goody bags and contents are being sourced, the grotto is underway, mince pies are coming from The Cavaliers, along with the clotted cream, chestnuts, our BBQ and Chris Tatt’s amazing mulled cider. There is so much to prepare for! Our family bonfire and firework display on 6th November was another extraordinary success and we welcomed hundreds to view the marvellous display, (again) put on by Two Tigers Pyrotechnics. It is a shame though, that so many who travelled to the Rugby Club come up for a free show. The verges outside the club on the roadside were full, and although some came to the gate to pass over a donation there were many more who couldn’t/wouldn’t be bothered. Considering the amount of work that goes into this event, covering lighting, signage, materials, first aid cover, advertising, the fireworks… the list goes on, it is upsetting and frustrating that so many just can’t be bothered to support us in the proper manner. You know who you are!! Our thanks go to Glen Bealey, who is a great help at these and other events, and to Torrington Rugby Football Club for the use of their facilities. Also, to Wendy at Torridge View for the brilliant Neptune Guy they made for us for our ‘Penny for the Guy’ collection in the square. Thanks to all who contributed so generously. We are currently planning the cheque presentation event for those who requested funds from our Mayflower Bonfire proceeds, and we have now got

Torrington Library News

Bounce & Rhyme: Tuesday morning 10.30-11am during term time. Little Fingers craft for pre-schoolers: Friday 3rd December & 7th January 10.30-11am Christmas Craft: Saturday 4th December. The Christmas tree will be up and decorated so come and share in some festive fun.10.30-11.30am drop in event. One 2 One IT support: If you have a tablet, laptop or smartphone you are struggling with (maybe a Christmas gift!), our volunteer Perry will be back to offer support on Thursday mornings (by appointment). Please call on 01805 622107 to book. Walk & Talk in Torrington – Christmas/New Year: Our last walk for 2021 will be on Thursday 23rd December. We will return on Thursday 6th January to walk off those extra Christmas calories! We welcome new walkers to our walking group for beginners. Walks start and finish at Torrington Library, Castle Hill. It’s a friendly, short walk exploring routes around Torrington followed by a cuppa if wished at the cafe@1646. A great way to make new friends and appreciate the beautiful area all around us. All welcome. Please get in touch with us for further details 01805 622107. Booking is essential. Follow us on our Facebook: #TorringtonLibraryDevon for information on our online services and regular updates and activities run by us and other libraries. Our Facebook page also offers the popular Book Talk group so why not check it out? Thank you As ever we are grateful to our Friends of Great Torrington Library for all their support and assistance. Thank you to all our volunteers, especially Audrey, our young volunteer and Eleanor and Stanley our Duke of Edinburgh volunteers. Our Christmas/New Year opening hours are: Friday 24 December - Tuesday 28 December - closed Thursday 20 December - Friday 31 December - open Saturday 1 January 22 - closed Tuesday 4 January – open, normal opening resumes for the New Year. Please refer to our website: www.devonlibraries.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services and how they are currently being delivered. For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk or our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001. We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Kate G, Kate C, Becky & Michelle Your local library in Devon is managed by Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries.

to go through each of these requests and decide who gets what. It’s a very difficult process, as each claim is different for different needs and the Cavaliers have to jointly agree the sums awarded. Making money is easy; making a difference is the challenge. I think we’re in for a late night at that meeting no doubt. The Christmas lights and tree will be going up shortly and after the switch on

we will know that Christmas is really just around the corner, and lit up, our square will look amazing again over the festive period. That closes this chapter and so, All for One and One for All. Ace

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Rotary Club of Torrington News

s well as a strong commitment to supporting the local community, Torrington Rotary Club also supports others who are in need in the wider world. It does this carefully, if possible through personal contacts, so ensuring that support it gives goes through trusted organisations with a successful track record. Recently, the club has supported Shelterbox in its relief efforts following the Haiti earthquake, as well as contributing to the rebuilding of a children’s hospital in the Lebanon following the Beirut port explosion. As well as responding to immediate international emergencies, the club gives longer term support to ongoing campaigns. For example, in recent years it has planted hundreds of purple crocus in Rack Park, Torrington; purchased from the global End Polio to help finance its vaccination campaign, which has been so successful in almost eliminating the scourge of child polio across the globe. The club is looking to continue this work. If you’d like more information about Rotary and our Torrington club, or you’d like to come along to one of our dinners at Torrington Golf Club, please contact us; new members of all age groups are welcome and you don’t have to reside in Torrington. Likewise, if you know of a local need that we might help with, please let us know. Email secretary@torrington. rotary1175.org. Happy Christmas and all good wishes for 2022 from all of us at Rotary.

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

Local Author Danny Hughes publishes Children’s Book

anny's children’s book ‘Life’s Crazy! Esme’s Story’ is set in North Devon and bursts into life with thirty beautiful colour paintings by the artist Klara Plumtree. It is the story of Esme, who has hair like fire, is proud, kind, almost nine years old, and dances to her own tune! Danny, who has been a Community Arts Organiser and worked for the Devon Wildlife Trust for many years, has merged his passions of arts and nature into this story, which has been 20 years in the making. He conjures up an exciting tale, influenced by his own experiences living with his children in a caravan in the Devon countryside. ‘Life's Crazy! Esme’s Story’, aims to capture the quirkiness of Roald Dahl, the playfulness of Pippi Longstocking and the message of climate activist Greta Thunberg. Serious subjects are tackled, including bullying, the loss of a parent, and the threat of the destruction of an ancient woodland. But this is not a dull read. It is a fast moving, magical story about the power of fun, personal courage and hope! The book is available at the Plough Arts Centre Craft Fair, Great Torrington, 1st23rd December. A Book Launch will be held at 11.30am on Saturday 11th December at The Plough Arts Centre. Danny will be reading excerpts from his book, and there will be music with Fleur Sparrow, followed by book signings. It is a free event, everyone is welcome.

What is Emotional Freedom Technique?

motional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Tapping is a powerful way to come to terms with unresolved issues which may stem from childhood or a recent event, change unwanted responses to emotional triggers, transform beliefs that no longer serve you, and reprogram yourself for great happiness and success. EFT is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine system and involves tapping lightly on meridian points on the face and upper body with two fingers, usually the index and middle finger, and is sometimes described as an emotional version of acupuncture without the needles. By tapping on these points, it has been shown to have a powerful impact on the way the brain responds to stress and the way it processes information. EFT appears to affect the amygdala (stress centre of the brain) and hippocampus (memory centre) both of which play a role in the decision process on whether something is a threat. EFT has been shown to lower cortisol levels, our stress hormone. Too much cortisol can result in lowered immune function and have an impact on our physical health. Stimulating the acupoints during an EFT session is believed to send a signal to the limbic (emotion system) in the body and reduce its activation. It can be used to change distressing or negative feelings and self-limiting thoughts or behaviours and to instil more positive emotional states, beliefs or goals. Typically, during a session,

Post Covid - is it time to slow down and take a breath?

A mindful approach to New Year’s resolutions n this frantic world, how often do you jump from event to event, just trying to keep everything going? In the rush to accomplish all those necessary tasks, do you find yourself losing connection with the present moment, and sadly missing out on what you’re doing and how you’re feeling, perhaps even losing sight of who you really are? Being mindfully present, makes it easier to savour the pleasures in life as they occur, creating a greater capacity to deal with adverse events. The courses and drop-in sessions I offer are ideal for those who wish to learn to meditate, those who are seeking to reduce the effects of stress or negative thought patterns, and those who struggle with anxiety and depression. A trained practitioner with over 40 years of meditation practice, and committed to helping individuals find a gentle and compassionate way to face daily pressures, I offer friendly intimate group sessions together with online programmes that can be matched to your personal requirements, either individually or in small groups. Enter the New Year with zero pressure to do anything other than remain open to the possibility of your own potential; receptive to change, and equipped to show compassion to yourself and those around you. Remember what Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. For more information, follow the links in my advert or email me, James Murray, info@gentlemind.uk or for an informal chat phone 01769 302007/07866 545 978.

you clear any distressing or negative aspect before using it to move to positive possibilities. EFT is a stress-management tool, which calms the body and brain allowing us to think more clearly and make better decisions. If you would like to know more about

how I can support you then book a free 30 minutes discovery session via https:// calendly.com/samanthahardwickcoach or email hello@samanthahardwick.com.

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From Your County Councillor…

don’t know how other readers of The Crier feel but for me, I can hardly believe that I am now writing for the ‘Christmas’ edition when it feels like the summer wasn’t that long ago at all! I know that for many readers 2021 has been a long and challenging year, as we have continued to deal with the pandemic with the first months of the year still being dominated by Covid restrictions. However, while there is more positive news to report, this is still going to be a challenging time for our Adult Social Care sector and our Children’s Social Care services. Devon urgently needs around 2,000 more care workers, particularly in domiciliary care and care homes. Proud to Care Devon, led by Devon County Council, is running a recruitment campaign across the county this autumn and winter, and the campaign is encouraging those looking for training opportunities to consider if their skills and values are suitable for a career in

care. Proud to Care Devon is calling for people who are interested to complete a quick online form at www. proudtocaredevon.org.uk/findyourcalling. Applicants will get a call back and the offer of free one-to-one telephone support, providing careers advice and information about jobs and training in care and health. If you are considering a career in care, or know people who would be interested, please do pass this information on. Similarly, for our children, Devon is also looking for more foster carers, particularly for children with more complex needs. More information can again be found online – www. fosteringindevon.org.uk However, as we look forward to 2022, there are definite reasons to be positive, and if I look at Great Torrington alone, we can count the restoration of the Town Hall, the work at the Museum, the transformation of Castle Hill done by the CDT, the work hub, the ongoing Globe project – all these and more are positive social and economic advancements for the town, that have happened despite the huge challenges over the last 18 months. At Devon County Council we have also had some good news following the Budget, when the Government announced that DCC’s bid into the Community Renewal Fund had been successful, with £9.3millon being allocated to thirteen innovative six-month pilot project across Devon. The projects will help upskill and

retrain up to 3,500 people in the County. Among the successful projects is the North Devon Biosphere, who have secured £1.3m of this funding for an economic development programme that will harness the coastal and rural environment of Torridge and the North Devon coastline, to stimulate jobs and boost social mobility. Naturally, I am keen to see our area benefit from these projects and have made it clear to Council officials I do not expect to see this money channelled exclusively into the larger towns of Barnstaple and Bideford alone. On a slightly different note, residents and visitors to Great Torrington may have noticed new, clearer road signs being erected in the town. This is the outcome of the long running ‘sign review’ project that I have been working on with the Town Council and DCC. The aim is to provide clearer, simpler signage to help direct visitors to the Town Centre and boost our local attractions. It should also see the decluttering and removal of old and out of date signs, so I hope people will agree that it will be an improvement for our area. Finally, on the Covid front, while this virus has not gone away, nearly 9 out of 10 people in Devon aged 16 and above have been double vaccinated. The rollout of the booster vaccine has also stepped up in Devon, though at the time of writing, I have been assured by NHS Officers that plans are being put in place to ensure those who cannot travel to the vaccine centres will be offered their boosters through more local outreach

2, Church Walk, Torrington, EX38 8HS

services. As we approach Christmas, may I wish all Crier readers a Happy Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. It is an honour to represent Torrington Rural on Devon County Council and I remain hugely grateful to the residents of Torrington Rural for the support you have given me over the years, and for the faith you have shown in me when I was re-elected in May. I will continue to do all that I can over 2022 and beyond to repay that faith, and to continue working hard for our area. If there are any DCC issues you’d like to contact me about, you can get in touch on Facebook facebook.com/ cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Councillor Community Grant Funding Available

have some money available in my Councillor Community Grant which can be allocated to a local project. Please contact me for a form on the email address below. Our community has been wonderful in making sure everyone continues to feel safe, in a united effort where everyone has pulled together during difficult times. I continue to work on your behalf at TDC, on all concerns you may have. I hope that the New Year brings peace and good health to all Cllr Margaret Brown, 01805 624375 Margaret.brown@torridge.gov.uk

Trustees Wanted Voluntary Role

he Great Torrington Town and Lands Trust is looking for new Trustees. Do you have a few hours to spare each month? Although one of the oldest charities in North Devon, the Trust is forward-looking and provides affordable housing, grants to support local community projects and Christmas vouchers for older and disabled citizens in Great Torrington. We would welcome all applications to join our Trustees Board, but are especially keen to recruit people with background knowledge in the building industry, farming and land management, along with those with more commercial business and legal skills. Would you like to learn more about the charity then please contact our Chair Steve Blake on 07879 896 668 or email your CV to stephenmblake@btinternet.com for an initial informal discussion. Please look at our website: torringtontownlands.org for more information about the charity.

Learn More about The Great Torrington Town and Lands Trust

ave you ever wondered where the money comes from for the vouchers given out on distribution day each December? The charity has been managed by a group of Trustees since the reign of the first Queen Elizabeth, and over the years gifts have been given to the Trust for distribution to the elderly and infirm inhabitants of the borough of Great Torrington. Some of the benefits were originally given to treat Leprosy, to maintain the bridges over the River Torridge, to repair the Parish Church and towards other good causes for the town. Today the charity is administered under rules made by the Charity Commission; it provides local housing, the profits which are given out to schools, clubs, societies and organisations and in the form of vouchers given out to pensioners and those in need each December. We are sad not to be holding our usual ‘Distribution Day’ again this year, as we’re sure you will agree it is always has such a wonderful atmosphere and gives us the opportunity to meet so many people. The vouchers will be distributed by post again on this occasion and will be to the value of £25 per applicable household (in the form of 5x £5 vouchers) which can be spent in most of the shops in Great Torrington. We hope that this helps, during what has been a very difficult couple of years for many, and will help to boost our local economy by keeping the money in the town. Please look at our advert on becoming a Trustee for the Gt Torrington Town and Lands Trust, as we continue to help the Community in 2022. The Trustees, Steward and Staff wish Crier readers a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

Commons News

nother very busy month on the Commons has seen the river in flood and trees falling. It is a great help when people let us know of blocked paths so we can clear things as soon as possible. We have been doing some hedge laying around Collingham’s orchard. This does look a bit brutal when first done, but in the spring the benefits will be seen and the birds and invertebrates will benefit from the nesting sites. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Torrington and their support to help us keep looking after their Commons. The Golf Club ran a tournament as a fundraiser for us, which raised £500 and meant that the Commons Trophy, last played for many years ago, will have a new set of names engraved on it. Well done to M Beer, R Ware, S Berry and S Baker, and thank you so much to everyone who entered and donated. Though none of the current Conservators are golfers, we had a thoroughly enjoyable day out and met a good few of our 365 supporters too. Many thanks to Tony and all the team up at the club. We would like to send a very warm thanks to all the Friends of the Commons, our volunteers and everyone who supports us throughout the year. Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mandy Harrison Chair GTCC

Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

e launched the Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Project in June 2020, and in November 2020 we issued membership cards to the Supporters that can be used to get a discount or other benefit in 42 local shops and businesses. Since then the Commons 365 Supporters project has boomed, and I know that many other people have told me that they are going to join. December is the time of year that the shops in town rely on you to shop local, it can be make or break for some of them. So please go into town and shop local. Even better, if you can fill in the application form on this page and send it to me. I will issue you your membership pack by return. Every £2 a month that we receive is greatly appreciated and goes a long way to help maintain, improve and protect your commons. The Conservators are volunteers and we are looking for people to join our board. Please get in touch if you would like more information on becoming a Conservator. We are a registered charity. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month, or a £24 annual donation, which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1: cut out or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the address on the form. You can pay by standing order or by sending a cheque for £24. Option 2: visit the website www.torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque. Option 3: you can email vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you. You can also collect an application form from the Post Office. Some of the shops in town also have application forms. Andrew Giles

Participants

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From Your Mayor...

ctober and November have been very busy months in the Mayor’s diary: I am so pleased I am now able to represent the town at so many important events for the community. In mid-October I attended Holsworthy Mayor’s Charity Ball which was an evening to remember, as it was a chance to dress up for the first time in ages. The Mayor of Holsworthy, Cllr Helen Parker, hosted the event to raise money for Blood Cancer UK and Cancer Research charities. I was delighted to be joined at this event by my granddaughter who attended as my consort. On the 26th October the opening of a Silent Space for people living with dementia and memory loss in the Secret Memorial Garden was a truly enlightening moment. Chris Porter’s wish became reality when I unveiled the new sign, helped by Chris’s husband Colin. The Dementia Friendly Community working group and volunteer gardeners have made this spot a silent haven for anyone looking for peace and tranquillity. On the 28th October I joined the very lively Children’s Expressive Arts Extravaganza in the Pannier Market,

which had been organised by the Town Council. Entertainers had the youngsters spellbound, and they were in full voice during the Punch and Judy Show and the Magician’s set. I was delighted to be invited by the Scouts to attend their coffee morning at the end of October, to open their newly refurbished kitchen, which was partially funded by a donation to the Scouts from previous Mayor, Cllr Keeley Allin. A long way from my memories of sitting cross legged in the grass and cooking on an open fire, the new kitchen in the Scout Hut sported induction hobs and extractors. The Cubs had yummy cakes on their stall, and a wealth of craft tables lined the very fresh-looking hall. On the 2nd November I attended a Low Carbon Future Workshop at Caddsdown, which really opened my eyes to even more opportunities for us to help address climate change in Great Torrington. That same afternoon I joined the Torrington 100 Community Fayre in the Town Hall, which was a resounding success, with so many organisations showing up visitors were spoilt for choice. The Mariners Away shanty singers entertained us throughout the event, and there was evidence of a lot of foot tapping in the crowd.

The funeral of a former Town Councillor, Jim Thacker, took place on Wednesday 10th. Cllr Mills and I were pleased to be able to attend the service at the crematorium on behalf of the Town Council. At this time of year, it is important to reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. To that end, on 11th November at 11am on the anniversary of Armistice Day, I laid a wreath on behalf of the town at our War Memorial to honour the fallen and I will be attending the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service on 14th November. I continue to be involved in plans to redevelop The Globe which is looking very positive. Torridge District Council, who is leading this project, will be providing an update on progress to the community in due course. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy, peaceful and healthy Christmas on behalf of all of us at the Town Council and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Christmas Lights Switch-on event in the town square on Saturday 27th November at 6:30pm. Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

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TOWN COUNCIL NEWS O Little Town of Great Torrington…

Join us for Community Carol Singing around the Christmas Tree! Saturday 27th November 2021 from 6.30pm in the Town Centre for this year’s CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON! Come along and celebrate the start of Christmas as we host a community ‘Carol Sing Song around the Christmas Tree’ in the town centre. Torrington’s Silver Band will be playing and will lead the carol singing. We hope to be joined by some members of Ploughcapella (North Devon Community Choir) to help us along with community singing! We are also excited to invite children from the Bluecoat School, who will parade into the town centre with their home-made lanterns. We also anticipate they will treat us all to a Christmas carol! Christmas Lights will be switched on as we continue to sing some more carols in the beautifully lit-up town centre, savouring the Christmas atmosphere. All this will be followed by free mince pies; courtesy of the Chamber of Trade and hot and cold drinks will be available from the Town Hall Undercroft for a small sum. Come along and join in the festivities as we once again light up the town centre in readiness for this special Christmas time.

Great Torrington’s Silent Space

reat Torrington’s Dementia Friendly Community working group were delighted to be able to launch Great Torrington’s Silent Space, on Tuesday 26th October 2021 in the Secret Memorial Garden behind the Castle Hill building in Sydney House Car Park. The Silent Space Project is a national initiative to create areas where people can find peace and tranquillity in natural settings, to switch off from technology, avoid talking loudly or be silent and enjoy nature: https://silentspace.org.uk/. The idea for a dementia friendly silent space was put forward by Chris Porter, one of the founding members of the Dementia Friendly Community working group, following a similar project her daughter worked on as part of her PhD. Chris and the working group thought having a silent space specifically for people living with dementia would be a great asset to the town, as it works towards becoming dementia friendly. Very sadly Chris passed away suddenly last year, so the work she did initially with this project was put on hold temporarily and was recently completed by the Dementia Friendly Community working group. At the launch the Chair of the working group, Cllr Di Davey welcomed Liz Ware, Founder of the Silent Space Project, Cllr Doug Smith, Mayor of Great Torrington and Colin Porter, Chris’s husband who helped the Mayor unveil the new signage for the space. The garden will be designated a Silent Space on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between the hours of 1:30 and 3:30pm each week. The working group would like to thank everyone involved with making this launch possible, including the Torrington and District Community Development Trust who have kindly allowed us to use the Secret Memorial Garden for the Silent Space, their volunteers who maintain the garden so beautifully and Roger Davies for creating the new sign. The Dementia Friendly Community working group hopes that by designating the Secret Memorial Garden as a Silent Space on specific days, people living with dementia and their carers will find respite from the busy world we live in.

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Parking Charges in December 2021

orridge District Council has confirmed the “small businesses free parking day” across all Torridge District Council car parks will be on Saturday 4th December 2021. Great Torrington Town Council has six hours remaining of its second allocated free parking day for 2021 and Members agreed to use this to provide free parking at Sydney House Car Park only on Christmas Eve, 24th December 2021 between the hours of 8am and 2pm. Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

Christmas 12 Days of Christmas

he Town Council has joined with the Knit and Natter group at the Town Hall to create a window spotting competition, to run from the end of November and through December. The knitting group has knitted the various festive creations mentioned in the 12 days of Christmas song; from a Partridge in a pear tree, to five gold rings and 12 drummers drumming. These items will be placed in various shop windows around the town centre from Monday 29th November and children and young people will need to find which festive creation is in which shop. The application form is set out below or can be downloaded from the Town Council’s website www.great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk. The closing date is Friday 17th December 2021 and the winner will be announced the following week. Go on - Have a go and see if you can find all 12!

Great Torrington Bug Hunt: Winner Announced!

ollowing on from an interactive encounter with reptiles and invertebrates at the Town Hall, hosted by animal expert Kim Insull from Really Wild Learning at the start of October; families were encouraged to take part in the Great Torrington Bug Huntwhich ran for the remainder of the month. This window spotting competition, which involved searching the town for insect facts in the local shops, closed at the end of October and all application forms were entered into a prize draw. On the 9th November, the Mayor of Great Torrington, Cllr Doug Smith, was joined by Kim Insull and Elsa the milk snake to draw the winning entry out of a box. The lucky winner was Allannah

McConnachie and she has won a free family ticket to visit Really Wild Planet CIC in Bideford. Well done to Allannah and to everyone else who took part in the competition! Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

Great Torrington Remembers Every Man Private John Courtney Hancock

his is the second part of Private Hancock’s story, continued from the last edition. Whatever the extent of a person’s knowledge is for the First World War, most people will have heard of the Battle of the Somme. Because of the size of the event, both in terms of scale of resources committed, and losses sustained and the indescribable conditions, the Battle of the Somme has become synonymous with the effort and suffering of the campaign. The attack was launched on the 1st July 1916. As well as seeking sweeping gains through the Somme region of France, the attack also looked to relieve the besieged French forces at Verdun, which was resulting in horrendous losses. Along an 11-mile stretch, 18 British Divisions, from across the Commonwealth, would take part. The lion’s share of the British soldiers were young men, with little battle experience, and largely made up of conscripts from Kitchener’s Army. They would be further supported by French Divisions to their south. The strategy would see an eightday artillery bombardment, consisting of 1,500 guns, so fierce it would ‘soften up’ the German defenders from the outset. In addition, shortly before the infantry attack, a series of eight enormous mines, which had been tunnelled under the German strongholds, detonated - causing chaos and confusion within the German ranks, not to mention the sheer devastation. At the sound of the whistles soldiers would go ‘over the top’

into no man’s land, under the cover of a creeping artillery barrage. Because of the likely success of the bombardment and mines, it was predicted that the German defenders would be virtually blown into submission, and their defences shattered, in which case men were ordered to walk to their objectives without the fear of any significant resistance. The plan was hopelessly flawed. Wellfortified German bunkers gave excellent protection from the explosive onslaught, the creeping barrage was badly coordinated and lifted too early, and the barbed wire defences were largely intact. At the lifting of the bombardment, the German defenders were able to swarm out of their underground sanctuary and take their positions. What was to follow was what can only be described as a massacre. Machine gun and sniper fire mowed the advancing forces down like a scythe to grass, many regiments barely covering any ground from their trenches. The ensuing catastrophic casualty count would see the worst day in the history of the British Army, with around 20,000 dead and a further 38,000 wounded. Despite these losses, the decision was made to continue the battle, which dragged on into the autumn till November. Although there had been some successful gains by the French to the south, the British advances barely totalled seven miles, at a loss of 420,000

British casualties. With the ratio of miles to casualties being a pitiful achievement, the only meagre success that could be drawn from this campaign was the diversion of German resources from Verdun. As you will remember from the last edition, John Hancock was assigned to the 2nd Devons. At the beginning of the Somme offensive, the 2nd Devons were tasked to a section of line between the towns of Ovilliers and La Boiselle, overlooking what was referred to as the “Mash Valley”. From their starting positions, the German lines were approximately 700–800 yards away, with little cover between the two, and virtually no surprise element to be gained. Zero hour was set at 7.30am. Just before, a volley of short range mortars would pepper the frontline German trenches, in an effort to pin down the defenders for as long as possible. The assault from the 23rd Brigade would be led by the 2nd Middlesex and the 2nd Devons. It was reported that the weather conditions that morning were misty, but the visibility was worsened by the smoke and dust that had been churned by the earlier explosions. Despite these apparent advantages, the advancing troops were subjected to a hail of fire from the now-emerging opposing forces, who were also fighting for their lives. In the fog of war, it was reported that those

looking on from the British trenches originally thought that the advancing troops had stopped to take cover, not realising that they had been swept down by the gunfire. Remarkably, it is recorded that elements of the 2nd Devons were able to reach the enemy frontline trenches and even managed to stretch beyond this. Around 70 men were able to gain this foothold until ammunition depleted, reinforcements were not forthcoming and they were exposed to fire from their flanks; they were forced to retire. On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the 2nd Devons were one of only a few regiments that were able to make it to their objective. The first hours of the Somme offensive cost the 2nd Devons dearly; 232 killed and a further 199 injured. John Hancock was amongst the dead, aged 22 years old. His gravestone is found at the Serre Road Cemetery in the Somme area of France. He was single with no children. Being the only child of illegitimate birth, John had no siblings. His family lineage died with him. When we look at casualty lists from the Great War, it is almost too easy to desensitise to the stream of figures attached to each battle. John Hancock’s death on the 1st July 1917 was one of some 20,000; it is only really when you understand more of this one man’s life that this single death becomes a tragedy. Michael Newcombe, michael. mnewcombe@gmail.com

Torrington in Bloom It’s your Neighbourhood Awards

must apologise to all those who are involved in our various IYN community projects for such a long delay in receiving news of the awards from South West in Bloom. However, it is good news, so perhaps worth the wait! So, without further ado, here are the results: The Secret Memorial Garden: Outstanding Swimming Pool Border: Thriving Rack Park: Outstanding S&G Flowerbed, New Road: Thriving Castle Hill Café & Gardens: Thriving ‘Outstanding’ is the top award and ‘Thriving’ is the next to top award, so overall, Torrington has done really well again with our community projects. Congratulations to all of you who have worked hard throughout the year to keep the town looking as smart as possible, in the difficult circumstances of the Covid pandemic. We did not enter the main award for the best town, mainly because we had almost run out of funds! However, we have since received some grants and also the donation of £1,000 from an anonymous Torrington inhabitant, so we are able to continue our work. However, our skills lie in our community projects and we might just continue with IYNs in future, watch this space. Hopefully, weather permitting, we shall have planted the town centre before the end of November; we have been given some bedding from RHS Rosemoor (whom we thank very much for their continued support), plus bulbs saved from last year to replant. We are holding our AGM in December this year, on Monday 13th at the 1646 café. If you would like to come along to find out more about the work we do around the town, you would be most welcome. There will be a few ‘nibbles’ available after the meeting! Lastly, a very big thank you to all our volunteers and committee for the hard work undertaken during an exceptional year, it is very much appreciated and may it continue. Cherry Hammon, TIBA 01805 625788

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

ctober's delivery went relatively smoothly, despite the pallet delivery network problems, and hopefully we've devised a reasonably reliable system thanks to the cooperation of Barnstaple-based Evans Transport. As I write, we're gearing up for November's delivery, so fingers and toes crossed! We were so pleased to meet some of you at the Torrington 100 Community Fayre in the Town Hall in November, answer your questions and give you the chance to actually taste the difference between tap water and the water from the gravity water filter that we had on show. Those who did try it were amazed and delighted at the difference. The organic, vegan sugar and gluten-free snack samples made by our members also went down very well – people commented on how delicious and flavourful they were. We're here to help you make your festivities both really enjoyable and healthy. We are what we eat, so let's build a strong immune system that'll see us through winter and on into the joys of spring and summer. As I've said many times before, our main supplier's catalogue is very comprehensive – over 5000 items in fact. But you may not realize that it includes aromatherapy oils, candles and incense products, herbs for both kitchen and medicinal use and, of course, a range of superfood pouches. It also includes a wide range of a wellknown liquid herbal formula brand and aloe vera juice – all these last three are available to buy in singles, so no worries about buying large quantities or finding someone to share – unless you want to,

that is! Wellbeing Tip: Supplementary foods are both a great way of giving ourselves a boost when we need one and of making sure our nutritional needs are conveniently and enjoyably met from day-to-day. The secret is variety: avoid plumping for one superfood and using it continuously, rotation is always best. The body gets tired of the same thing day in and day out and starts to react; we're simply not designed for endless repetition. Green superfood powders such as barleygrass, wheatgrass, chlorella, blue-green algae, spirulina and moringa are wonderful, but taking them continuously isn't wise. If overused they can make the body damp, an environment that fungus just loves. So use them say 3-4 times a week perhaps, alternating with adaptogens, such as maca (lovely caramel taste) for energy. I find other good ones are the Chinese mushroom Superblend (you can sprinkle a little on food - delicious) for the immune system, energy and more (plus anti-carcinogenic); the various protein powders such as hemp and chia - again use them occasionally and modestly. Contrary to previous thinking, large amounts of protein can actually be a burden to the body and therefore counterproductive. Baobab powder has a lovely sherberty taste and a long list of benefits, including high vitamin C content, slow energy release with blood sugar and fat burning effects. Then of course there's the king of superfoods – raw organic cacao beans, conveniently

split into little nibs, so you can enjoy that real deep bitter chocolate flavour, balanced with your favourite dried fruit. Just some of raw cacao's benefits are that it helps fatigue, boosts mood, gives glowing skin, prevents premature ageing, combats tooth decay, aids digestion, soothes coughing fits, improves brain function and is full of healthy fats! The important thing to understand is that raw cacao is absolutely NOT the same thing as cocoa powder, which has been industrially processed and heat treated, destroying most of its good qualities. All the superfoods I mention here are available to buy at wholesale price through OWBG. Besides organic raw cacao nibs, we have raw organic cacao powder and raw cacao butter so you can have fun making your own super healthy chocolate – the kids will love helping. Mary Upcoming grocery final order dates: 9th Dec/Jan 13th How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website! What does membership cost? Free What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307/email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG Website:owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group Email: owbg@protonmail.com Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

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Fleur’s Gardening Forum Plant a Tree and save the Planet!

o goes the latest mantra espoused by Government and conservationists alike. We need to plant thousands of trees to offset our alleged carbon footprint, but what can the individual gardener do and what trees would be the best to plant in a garden, large or small? Planting a tree is no more difficult than any other plant, depending upon the size of the tree you purchase. Whips, which are usually one-two year old saplings, are the easiest to establish but may take many years to reach maturity and thus, begin to have any impact upon the environment. Large, more mature specimens, particularly those grown in containers, give instant impact but need a lot of TLC in order to establish them successfully. The size of your garden should affect what variety of tree you select; however, planting an oak in a small space may not have much impact until the tree reaches 100 years of age, because it is relatively slow growing. If you choose a weeping willow or a sycamore, though, you will have an enormous tree in a relatively short time and may end up having to chop it down, which would be tragic. The soil type is also important; some trees prefer moist soil, such as willows, aspen, alder, certain types of rowan and whitebeam. Others like the soil to be more free draining; beech, hornbeam,

depending on the season, Torrington Methodist Church Devon 10.30am Rolle Canal & Northern Saturday 13th flowering at thewith timeGeoffre of the Rev Stephen Hill 6.30pm Rev Ken Advice Surgery Waterways Society Guided Walk The start of the Morgan for an appointment ring walk 01237i The season's programme of to Kiln, chestnut are examples.The Acid to new neutral have enough leaves absorb carbon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter the Weare Giffa email to on tellgeoffrey@geoffrey th Sunday afternoon walks starts on 26 soils are best for Japanese acers and dioxide in sufficient quantities from the Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Halfpenny Bridge, at website www.geoffreycox.co.u May visit atmosphere. to EX39 the site themeans most conifers and alkaline soils with suit that the Abbotsham Rd,aBideford, 3AR ofThis Coffee Morning in aidThe of Wem May. dis Sunday 26thtrees Inclined Plane at Ridd. 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Not only that, but 'Russell Kane' @ Devon Hall in the side of the valley Doug 01805 appreciated 622648 or Beryl 0a too closely together. deciduous trees don’t photosynthesise 8pm that could be maintained 624294 enable the Soc Planting whips the inland during but enter a all theisway to the the winter months, Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30 volunteer cheapest way weir to create period of dormancy –High this Bickington may meanCinema work Monday 8th head at Rosemoor. promoteon and maintai a wood,Historical preferably of perhaps we should concentrate AGM & Talks 'Beam Music Coope Boyes & Simpso Many Society people willthat have seen the Rolle Canal. Future wa mixed deciduous and evergreen House & Quay' & Johnplanting Oatway The instead! Plough th this site on previous walks but this year trees will be 16 June, 28th Ju Torrington Clockmaker 7 There for 7.30pm evergreen, but have you will is an@opposite function there been developments over August. For further details Church Sunday 14th have toMethodist remember that, to photosynthesis, is called the winter that will make it well worth awhich email: hassallc@ymail.com Film 'Wreck it Ralph' (PG) 2pm @ The Torrington Methodist Church probably,repeat two-thirds of The respiration. When this happens, treesbut you'll visit. Heritage Lottery 01237 425357, p Plough Rev Peter Whatton 6.30pm Mr funded hascarbon them will die off or‘Life's be Journey’ releaseproject water and dioxide as byto leave a message. Film 'Argo' (15) 5pm @ The Plough produced new products. pathway from the Sheriff eaten after first a few Respiration occurs at night C Film the 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough St. Michael’s Church 10am S Tarka Trail down to the bottom of the years and those that are or during low light when photosynthesis Ignatius Sunday Club in upper Inclined Plane where left mayTuesday need thinning stopstwo andillustrated plants mustFilm rely on another 9th Sessions' (15) 3pm Our'The Hedgehogs Need Yo information boards means have been installed hence out after 10 years or so.Film to function, they 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough The Hedgehog Ploughabsorb Awareness W to describe the saltmarsh habitat by For very small gardens, many(12A) oxygen directly throughway the stomata Filmwhich 'Hitchcock' 8pm @ The but why wait until th the might Torridge and (tiny the pores) workings andsame way they absorb new-build houses have,Plough you prefer in the Monday help? As 15th spring is here purpose of the Rolle Canal. It is now to plant shrubs rather than trees. These carbon dioxide duringSinging daylight hours. By weathe for Fun 7.30-8.30pm and hopefully the possible to gain a far better Community usually establish more Wednesday quickly as larger10th the way, practically allBickington plants carry outspikyCentre improves our friend of Said theMass lay-out and Mini Mover Dance Session Stunderstanding Michael's Church 8.30am specimens and are easier to control. these functions, not just trees. will be up and about agafo of the inclined plane boat lift 9.30-10.30am @ Bickington in workings St James Chapel C You also have a huge range of choice, Lastly, if you really want to make an It’s been an extremely tou than wasW.Ipreviously theHall case. Torrington @ Methodist 7pm The Centre with foliage effect, flowers and even fruit impact on the environment around you, winter for them. T upper basin of 8pm the canal the top of Film 'I Wish' (PG) @ TheatPlough

changeable and wet wea to give you all-year interest. Havinghas saidbeen why don’t you rip out those ugly fences the incline cleared of scrub Tuesday 16th has made it difficult that, there are many dwarf varieties of that don’t last more than a few years and for ma sufficiently to enable the outline of its Thursday 11th 'Hearing for You' Social grou them to findinstead food or hibern tree that are ideal for a St small space – plant a beautiful native hedgerow banks to be clearly seen, and the way hard of hearing. Every 3rd Tue Michael's Church Said Mass over the months so m Acers, Prunus (ornamental that will provide yearpast interest, thecherries), railway subsequently cut through The all Bickford Centre call 0127 10.30am in St James Chapel followed byyou with weak and need help. If yo Birch, Hazel, Ilex (holly). be a haven birds other wildlife the northern destroying thefortop of and Youth Club High Bickington C Walsingham cellend, in vicarage youcuthad a resident Cafe 10.30-12.30pm Theonly thetree incline. This and canal basin now for 11+ @or5-7pmhedge The botanical side toMemory this planting you@ will needCentre to it once area or lastreplacing year don’t Badminton Clubplease 7pm Juniors Plough supportsbecause an increasing population of painting crusade needs to be examined, twice a year, so no a bowl of water and some Adults @ Bickington Commun Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Earlylevel Purple and Twayblade until a tree reaches a certain of Orchidbroken panels! (a them, placing it inside a fe Cribbage Beast 2pm @ The PloughHappy green flowered orchid) gardening which, for maturity it is not going to have much 2022. pairs competition @ Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The Arms 8pm impact on the environment, simply Fleur Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ Plough note early start for long film because it won’t be large enough, or Plough note early start for long

Hickfords Property Services CRIER COPY DEADLINE for Wednesday 17th Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon

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St Michael's Church Said Ma ee eJames inFrSt Chapel stim friendly ad ates & Short Tennis vice HNC @ High Bicking , NVQ and Institu Centre 4.30-5.30p WCommunity ood Prese te of rv in g & Legion 3rd We Royal British Damp -Pro ofing month @ GT Conservativa qualifi7pm ed Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, frie Gallery Gig 'Judith Christie & Diane for parents & children aged 0-5 Hickford 623376 Calvert Contact 8.15pmColin @ The Plough C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 9.30am-11am @ Atherington P Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: hickford208@aol.com every Wednesday term time.

today pleaseWorks  Damp Surveys & Remedial  Woodworm & Rot Treatments Friday  Kitchen 12th & Bathroom Design & Fitting StMichael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Property Maintenance in St James Chapel  Extensions Theatre Scottish Falsetto Puppet  Landscaping Decking Theatre 7pm @&The Plough

Stevenstone

he Rolle family acquired the manor of Torrington from the Fortescues at the time of Henry VIII, and were lords of the manor for some 350 years. They lived at Stevenstone (spelt Stephenstone until 1635) in the adjoining parish of St Gilesin-the-Wood. When John Lord Rolle died in 1842 he had no male heir, and his Torrington estates were left to his nephew, the Hon. Mark George Kerr Trefusis, son of Lord Clinton, on the condition that he changed his name to Rolle. This he did by Royal Licence in 1852 at the age of 17. When still a young man in his thirties, he built an extravagant new manor house at Stevenstone, in what was called a 'Franco-Italian' style of architecture. It was started in 1868 and took four years to complete, but less than 100 years later the house was in ruins. It was by far the largest and grandest house in North Devon, featuring steeples, turrets, towers and balustraded terraces, and was built to replace an earlier square manor house. There had been a series of mansions on the site, one of which was mentioned by John Leland in 1539 as being the first brick-built house in Devon. Roundhead soldiers had made their camp there before the Battle of Torrington in 1646. Mark Rolle added magnificent stables, carriage houses, workshops, sawmills, a huge walled kitchen garden and a 50 foot long billiard room. At the time of Mark Rolle's death in 1907, the massive château was reduced

to a mere 27 bedrooms. By 1930, it was being offered at auction with 665 acres, a deer park, fishing lakes, an engine to provide electricity, gas engines to make acetylene gas, a large stable block and garaging for 10 cars. However, it didn't sell and the magnificent fixtures and fittings, the marble fireplaces, carved staircases and doors were all sold off piecemeal. Some of the oak panelling ended up in Corner House in Potacre Street. During the Second World War, the house was requisitioned for British, and later American, troops. It must have been a bleak place in which to stay as it was by now an empty shell. Afterwards, the house gradually fell into ruin and more building materials were stripped out and taken away. Six lodges still survive, which once stood at the ends

of long driveways, and bungalows were built in the huge walled kitchen garden. The former stable block was converted in the 1950s, into attractive terraced cottages known as Stevenstone Court. The library and orangery probably date from around 1680. When Stevenstone was rebuilt in 1868, the orangery was re-roofed in glass and became a fernery, following the fashion of the time, as the Victorians loved ferns and aspidistras. In the 1940s the library was converted into a house and the fireplace from the dining room in the main house was installed in its drawing room. In 1978 both buildings were offered for sale in a dilapidated state and were bought by the Landmark Trust, who carefully restored them to be let as holiday cottages. Moira Brewer

Torrington RFC

ur season continues with mixed results, but gradually the hard work from our coach Zerren Bell and all players is coming together. A visit from Exeter Engineers to play a 2nd XV was a crackingly good game, with Torrington coming out on top. They certainly had to work for their victory, as Engineers were determined not to go down lightly. Unfortunately, due to injury, work commitments and a positive test for Covid, we couldn’t venture down to Plymouth to play Old Technicians. This game will be played on the return fixture date, with us having to travel to Plymouth, thereby forfeiting the home advantage. Plymouth Arguam paid Donnacroft a visit at the end of October. A cracking 50-11 victory from Torrie on this occasion buoyed spirits enormously. Next up was a trip down south to Salcombe. With a bare squad, Torrrington gave a good account of themselves. A tight game resulted in Salcombe coming out on top 21-12. The boys then hurried back to Donnacroft to witness the fabulous firework display and bonfire laid on by The Cavaliers. Despite the weather being unfavourable, a good crowd showed up to enjoy the spectacle from Two Tigers Fireworks. The hardier souls stayed on to enjoy refreshments in the Rugby Club bar until late. By the time you have read this, we will have visited Dartmouth and hosted arch rivals South Molton at Donnacroft. We’ll be taking the opportunity to contest the Dicky Cawthorne Trophy as well. This game is normally a pre-season match, but due to Covid - blah blah blah! Ramblers will visit Donnacroft for our last home game of the year, before we visit Exeter Athletic for the first of our return fixtures rounding off the year’s games. It’s been great having rugby back at Donnacroft after far too long. Renewing acquaintances, rekindling friendships, enjoying each other’s company again. I, for one, have really missed the banter and gentle - and sometimes not so gentle - ribbing of each other. Offence not being taken, despite the severity of the comments. It’s also brilliant that so many new faces have appeared and been welcomed into the family of Torrington Rugby Club. Because that’s what we are all about, friendship. Nobody is paying their mortgage from the game at our level; it’s done for fun, enjoyment and friendship. We look after each other from the youngest of our blossoming youth section, to the veteran players who have seen it, done it and got the scars to prove it! Come and have a look and see what you might be missing out on. Or just enjoy a beer or two in the clubhouse. May I take the opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. After the rubbish we’ve had to deal with, we all deserve it! C’mon Torrie! Respect, Discipline, Sportsmanship, Enjoyment & Teamwork Mark Waterson

Time Change for Torrington WI Meetings

tarting this December, Torrington WI will hold its Monthly Meetings in the afternoons. We will still meet on the second Wednesday of the month, in the Methodist Church Hall at the top of Mill Street, but at 2.30pm. Old and new members are always welcome. The Meeting on Wednesday 8th December will be a ‘Christmas Party’ with games and quizzes and party food. For our first 2022 Meeting on 12th January, we will have a speaker, Peter Hood who will tell us - in a light-hearted way - about Sir Richard Grenville, Founding Father of America. If you would like to know more about us, please contact our President, Judy Rose on 01805 938143, mobile 07976 479 470 or email chezrosefr@btinternet.com.

Torrington RFC Youth Section

t's been a funny few weeks for the youth section. We've had lots of games planned, managed to fulfil a few at certain age groups, but also struggled with others due to illness and Covid break-outs amongst the ranks. A reminder for us all that it's far from gone. It has been great to host clubs such as South Molton and Barnstaple at North Tawton. We've even welcomed Wiveliscombe RFC for the first time! A great bunch that enjoyed their visit and we hope to return the favour again soon. The U13 girls (and Mya Heal as an U15) have played a couple of games, mixing with Bideford, which has been great to see and they've really enjoyed it. Although a couple have not been impressed with wearing the red and white, rather than the green, white and black! Now more than ever, we need to recruit more players. We've noticed that we have lost quite a few to football, as they didn't have to stop when rugby was shut down for so long. Hopefully they'll come back again soon. A huge thank you to those that have stuck with it though. This week some of our players will be representing the club at the Remembrance Sunday parade in Torrington. Such a great event and one we feel important to represent. As well as looking for more players, we're always on the lookout for more coaches to help lighten the workload of those already in place. If you would like to get involved with some coaching, or other roles such as admin, catering etc., my contact info is below. We're also looking forward to getting involved in various community events over the coming months, which we've really missed. Hopefully we'll be able to have a Christmas party this year! Everyone at Torrington RFC Youth Section wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2022!! Adrian Avery Youth Chairman agavery81@gmail.com;07780 665 378

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

Ring & Ride services operate in the following areas: Mondays from Westward Ho! and Northam Tuesdays from Torrington Wednesdays from Hartland Fridays from Bideford NEW: on Thursdays to Bickford Centre CONTACT JANICE BANKS on 01271 864258

The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a Boom Tingz Burgers £30 voucher. Please send completed crossword with contact details, to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner of last issue’s prize is Craig Banyard. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 13th January and the solution and winner will be in the February issue.

Boom Tingz Burgers and more!

hings are going from strengthto-strength for Maxim and Jackie Brown at Boom Tingz Burgers in Potacre Street! Still receiving 5 star reviews and with a newly-revised menu, they won’t be resting on their laurels though. Always looking for new ways to tickle Torrington’s taste buds they are bringing you Tapas Tuesdays, once a month from 30th November! A fabulous selection of Tapas Treats will be available to order as takeaways, for collection or delivery. After a very successful Community Sunday Lunch at Taddiport Village Hall on 14th November, Maxim and Jackie will be offering a great Sunday Lunch menu every Sunday 11.30am to 2.30pm from 28th November onwards. To see the menus or to order Burgers, Tapas and Sunday Lunches visit the Boom Tingz Burgerz-Great Torrington Facebook page or look online at www. boomtingzburgers.co.uk or call 01805 62434 Ps Pre-ordering for Tapas and Sunday Lunches essential!

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of them too but it would far exceed my quota of words. If you want to see pictures of our last show or a list of previous productions, visit www.torringtonplayers.com

on Players Drama & Nature Workshops for Torrington Pupils month! 'Hobson's his half term, the Year 3 pupils Torrington In Bloom aven't booked your at Torrington Bluecoats Primary The beautiful tree, he dates, time, price Silver-Gilt Winners 2011 School have been enjoying And a sad man sitting down,

mber are all on the Torrington in Bloom is delighted with takingorpart in some drama workshops, Wanting to have more. ont cover, pop the above result and would not have organised by the Plough’s Youth Theatre By Oscar o the Plough in been able to achieve outreach team. erson. it without the help and part in school-based he cast Taking has been support of local Interesting tree, worked hard to put orking workshops, hard underpupilstraders, groups and Wanting things from the old tree, together a performance basedwe on would the Sad and nothing left. e direction of Frank individuals, ‘Thea Giving Their you final all. By Finley lman, tostory bringofyou likeTree’. to thank performance to the and emorable evening wasAheld list next of sponsors acked with laughter. ‘Bluecoat Triangle’ of trees in supporters isJubilee available It was a happy tree, enry Hobson Woods. TheisPlough have at The man was quite ungrateful, on and the school noticeboard pleby, who alongside been working in conjunction with the entra n c ethe t o t hThe e story c o u nwas c i l sad. finds time write andoffices/1646. TowntoCouncil the volunteer, Alan By Andrei es on our website This is Britainhard in Bloom’s definition of Williams, who has been working on's eldest daughter constitutes level:From The Plough Outreach at the site on theirwhat behalf. Alan wassilver-giltNote sible one, Sara to help ‘Very Good’ – Ita was highwonderful to bring this also is on hand pupils plant(75-84% trees mark) Team: r, 'bumptious' sisters standard virtually and wildflowers, so that theentry, site willwhich be meets story to life through drama with Year and Jo somewhere Wood. Neilthey all the judging criteria 3and canofcontinue to visit fromincludes Torrington Bluecoats Primary as Willie Mossop, sections of exceptionally and see how it changes over the coming School. Ahigh huge thank you to the school, Moore, plays Albert, standards. Exemplifies best in years. Alanpractice from Jubilee Wood & Meadow ckie. Joyce Ridgwell areas and demonstrates very Thank you alsomultiple to Sophie Hatch, who and to Torrington Town Council for h and this will be her hthe i g hchildren p o t e to n t create i a l f o r supporting continuin g project. the ith TP. worked hard withdevelopment and sustainable effort. their performance, and to the Year 3 The story of 'The Giving Tree' is one members, but very The judges’ comments were positive parents, who came out to support their that reminds us that as humans, we ny Bedinetz, Colin in many areas, too: ‘Torrington in children. A wonderful time was had by tend tothe take nature and our environment Puttick and Esther Bloom has learned a lot during last all involved! for granted. The ng Richard Pitt, who year and you have the potential to be a story reminds us to be gratefulcentre for the trees and for the green g very Welsh in 'A very strong entry. 1646 Here some Haikus we did based we have and it was a privilege in Wales' to are a very improves each yearonand spaces is a valuable be exploring this topic through arts lane. the story: asset to the town. toDartington’s engagement ere could not be a (Crystal) grounds were a valuablewith our local primary the unsung heroes The tree is giving,addition to the route. Theschool. flowerbed at I wish IThe could listwas all badS&G man and stealing, is a vast improvement. The The ending was sad. By Bella C

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Award for Torrington Players

orrington Players have been awarded the NODA (National Operatic & Dramatic Association) South West Regional Certificate of Excellence for their production of ‘A Wife for all Reasons’ which was staged recently in the Oak Room of the Town Hall. Written by Stephanie Easton, ‘A Wife all Reasons’ is a series of six monologues, depicting moments in the lives of the wives of Henry VIII. Margaret Jewell, Elizabeth Harris, Sarah Ford, Janice Gist, Emma Berridge and Liz Drayton brought each queen to life and introductions were made by Narrator Jo Fallaize. Originally staged in October of 2019, the performances were due to be repeated in March of 2020, but the production had to be cancelled as a result of Covid. Players’ Chairman, Paul Cockman, said that he was delighted that so many of those who had been disappointed had chosen to rebook and see the monologues two years after they were originally staged, and that the tickets had sold out for both of the performances once again. He said that many of the patrons from the cancelled production had kindly donated their ticket money to the Plough, and he had been able to hand over a cheque to them for £210.

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been loved companions and now have no idea why they find themselves in kennels, instead of in their nice comfy bed by the fire, often sharing some of the Christmas turkey. Sometimes this is i there all my ‘Crier’ Friends, simply because the dog has grown old, Freddie calling in. but often it is because the puppy has I can’t believe that by the time you read this we will be heading towards reached those adolescent years and is starting to push boundaries, especially Christmas and the start of a New Year – where no training has been given in the where has the time gone? Before I get first place. So while we would always really excited, which I always do talking about Christmas, I just want to share with ask anyone thinking of introducing a new dog into their home to consider a rescue you some really great news: both Pixie dog first, if you are welcoming a puppy and Woody will be having Christmas then an ode and a message to consider. in their very own forever homes. I am so happy for them as they have waited If Only They Had Trained Me for so long, especially Woody who was My family brought me home with them, at the kennels for eight months before Snugly cradled in their arms adopting his human. As always, as one They cuddled me and smiled at me, dog goes out another seems to arrive and said I was full of charm and so we welcomed Tizzy, a five year old Cocker Spaniel and Star a six month We would laugh and play all day Lurcher into our centre. Tizzy caused they showered me with toys a bit of a sensation and everyone I soon learned to love my family wanted her, which quite frankly I am not especially the girls and boys surprised, as she was lovely and I am The children loved to feed me glad to say that after being spayed she they’d give me special treat has already trotted off to her new home. They even let me sleep with them Star is still with us and is a beautiful all snuggled in the sheets colour, and very playful. She is now They used to laugh and praise me looking for a home with someone who when I played with my old shoe has the time and patience to continue But I was never taught the difference her training. My, she was a little naughty when she arrived, but under the between the old ones and the new guidance of the rest of us woofs, she is The kids and I would grab a rag learning very quickly. and for hours we would tug It is always sad in December as year So I thought I did the right thing on year the rescue receives many calls when I chewed the bathroom rug to take in dogs, often having been They said I was out of control abandoned in readiness for the new and would have to live outside puppy to arrive at Christmas time. So I did not understand this sad for these dogs that they have

although I tried and tried. The walks stopped one by one they said they didn’t have time I wish that I could change things I wish I knew my crime. My life became so lonely in the backyard on a chain I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane. So they brought me to K9focus but were embarrassed to say why They said I caused an allergy and then kissed me goodbye If I’d only had some training when I was just a pup I wouldn’t have been so confused when I was all grown up The rescue can only take in as many dogs as funds will allow, and so you will see my special Christmas Appeal on our website (www.k9focus.co.uk) and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ K9focus) and while we know this is an expensive time of the year – the odd penny or two would be very welcome, for which we thank you. While us rescue woofs may not have a log fire to curl up by on Christmas Eve, I know that as always there will be special treats for us when we wake on Christmas morning, together with lots of love. In the meantime l can hear that Classic FM is playing carols in my kennel and so it just leaves me to wish you the very best Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Back in 2022! Licks and Woofs, Freddie

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From Your District Councillors…

t the last full council meeting, Toby Davies the Torridge Superintendent came to speak to Councillors and introduce the new area Inspector, Ewan Seear, who has now taken over from Shaun Kenneally. Ewan has 20 years’ service in various roles across Torridge and North Devon. From his comments, he is very much focused towards being a communityfacing service and working in partnership with various groups, with a particular emphasis on engaging with the youth. Toby also spoke about a range of subjects across the area. He started by assuring us that the Devon and Cornwall region is the safest in the country, and that Torridge is the safest area within Devon and Cornwall police. He also cited a 10% decline in crime since 2019. Toby announced the targets for the area including: Reducing violence to women and children, which mainly occurs in domestic environments. Targeting county lines - he urged us to report, report, report! (Online is best for non-urgent incidents!) The police are also cracking down on road safety, using their two new police camera vehicles, plain clothes officers, and coupling it with Operation Snap. (Operation Snap involves motorists uploading their dashcam footage of any poor driving witnessed on the roads, which the police can then follow up on). He emphasised the importance of road safety by telling us that we are more likely to lose a loved one on the roads, than through any other crime. There is also a new government

website called ‘StreetSafe’. This is a website where you can register an area on a map where you don’t feel particularly safe, but you can’t say that an actual crime has been committed. Such as a dark alley, or people gathering in large numbers which can feel threatening, those kind of things. The idea is that local authorities will then have this flagged and can assess what it is about the area that makes people feel unsafe, and can try to change that perception through various methods e.g. better lighting. The council also agreed the objectives for their new trading company ‘Active Torridge’, which will be taking over the running of the leisure facilities (including Torrington Pool) when the contract ends with 1610 at the beginning of next year. The focus is on getting more people active and healthy, reducing health inequalities, including working with social prescribing, and giving all children access and opportunity to learn to swim. As Great Torrington’s councillors we are keen to hear any complaints you have

with the current service at Torrington pool and what we can do to improve it. Also, a notice of motion was put forward by Cllr Christie asking Torridge to support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill. This was supported (just!) with councillors voting 16 for and 15 against. Community and Resources Committee: Following 2020, the grants allocated to some councillors had not been spent due to the restriction and slowing of community groups caused by Covid-19. It was decided by the committee that the remaining funds from last year would be split equally between all councillors. This means that each councillor will have an additional £600 to spend on community projects this year! Last year when TDC granted £25,000 to the Plough Arts Centre, Cllr Bright added to the motion that another grant of £25,000 should be considered for the following year. This was supposed to have occurred last month, however due to the change in dynamics over the last year, officers advised that we should wait for the completion of the Plough’s Business plan before making any decision on the funds. So it is a deferral at this stage, but it’s not off the table. If you have any issues in your area, please get in touch with us, Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, 07495 367 801, Cllr.cottle-hunkin@torridge.gov.uk Cllr Chris Bright, 07936 325 909, Councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk

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Torrington Traders Bouncing Back!

raders in Great Torrington are bouncing back after the Covid-19 lockdowns and are bucking the national downhill trend felt in the retail sector. For the last five months, trade and footfall in the centre of Torrington has increased whereas, nationally, it has declined and the feeling is very positive. At the last meeting of the Chamber of Trade it was unanimously agreed that businesses in the historic square are doing well. Angie, from ‘A Place for Everything’, a home furnishing and gift shop in the Pannier Market said, “It's been such a relief, we had no idea how it would be once everything opened up again. We are starting to realise that a brisk start after lockdown is settling in to a definite upturn in footfall and business”. Jamie and Claire from ‘No.37’, a cafe and food deli, hardly ever closed as they adapted to the new rules as they served takeaway meals. Jamie said, “Providing a takeaway service was really hard work but really satisfying during lockdown. We provided a much-needed service to provide warm, freshly prepared quality home cooked food to those in the town unable to do that themselves, as well as for those who were looking for a special treat. Now we are fully open as before and find we are full more than before. It's amazing and very heart-warming to have had that response from the locals and visitors”. Felicity from ‘Collectability’, an antique shop in the square said, “We have noticed the increase in footfall in town, it's literally buzzing, more so than before the Covid restrictions shut us down. The support from the Town Council has really helped. They have arranged for musicians in the square and that has created a great buzz, people feel better, they are spending more time in the square. It's not just a shop, it's a social experience and it's what people missed during lockdown”. Jane from ‘Inside 11a’, a ladies fashion and accessory shop in South Street said, “Since reopening post Covid shut down, Inside 11a has gone from strength-tostrength. We have noticed a significant

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increase in footfall in the town, but more importantly, lots of new faces in the town. The different events that have been put on by the Council have created a very positive atmosphere showing that Great Torrington is a great place to trade and visit”. Tina runs Fine Floral Design on South Street told us what she managed to do when her shop was not allowed to open over lockdown, but that did not stop her completely, “I spent the whole of lockdown delivering plants and flowers to all staying safe at home, the shop was not open but I kept a service going that suited the situation.” Tina shows the greater role the local shops are to the community, going that extra mile supermarkets cannot provide giving an outstanding personal service to the town. Chris Bright of the Town Council who was at the Chamber of Trade meeting agrees and reflects on lockdown and how the town is bouncing back, “The shops we have here are providing a great service to the town and wider community. It's seems people are aware that shopping at our small and unique independent shops benefits everyone in the area as well as the environment. Covid made us realise how important our community is, as well as being outdoors, so by walking around the local shops, being surrounded by your community in the fresh air benefits everyone and yourself”. Matt Whittaker, an on-line trader who works from the town, is also a Trustee for the Town Hall and adds, “The refurbished Town Hall has also played an important part in boosting the square, with regular events like pop-up shops and dining. It now acts as a focal point in the town and is playing an important role in the postCovid recovery of Great Torrington”. Doug Smith, the Mayor of Torrington, on hearing the positive feedback from the local traders says, “I always knew Torrington had a massive untapped potential, it is, in many ways, a unique town. It has a great collection of shops. It may not have some maybe more specialized goods but it has what we need for every day: it has great gift

shops for occasions; it has friendly warm and good cafes. People are using the online shopping for specialized items, but are clearly coming into town for everyday goods and to enjoy the social side to shopping in our town. Maybe the growth in online shopping now is freeing up more people to choose to walk into our beautiful town to meet friends, engage more with their community, do a bit of relaxing shopping and have a cuppa and a slice of cake”. So take a stroll into town, see for yourselves what is going on, buy local goods, local fruit and meat, shop plastic free, save money on fuel costs and continue to support local businesses and ultimately yourself and be proud of this splendid and beautiful town. Great Torrington Chamber of Trade

New Netball Kit for GTS Teams

n Tuesday 19th October, Jonathan Heard, Director of Furze Game and David Large, Rotarian from Torrington Rotary Club, met with the Year 8 and 9 netball teams from Great Torrington School, for the launch of their new netball kit, which they have both sponsored. At the presentation Mrs. Frickleton, PE Teacher, said, “I am so proud of the teams for their talent, dedication and enthusiasm for their netball and training after such a long break from the sport. They love their new dresses and we thank the Rotary Club of Torrington and Furze Game for supporting us. We will be proudly wearing our kit in upcoming matches.” Both Furze Game and Torrington Rotary are delighted with the kit and are pleased to encourage the school in their sporting activities.

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Tarka Valley Railway News

he weeks since my last report have seen a great deal of activity at the railway. Firstly, we have finally completed work on Phase 1 of our project. The siding is complete - we just have ongoing maintenance to deal with which involves laying more stone and road scalping. Our long awaited new shop arrived on November 2nd. It is located in the garden of the Puffing Billy where the old box van body was. The van body had to be moved and it is now situated in a prominent spot in our newly created wideway. We are now in the process of restoring it. Work has continued in all other areas - it has been commented by many observers that we are beginning to look like a real railway now, but we have a long ‘to do’ list. Volunteers are the life blood of the railway and we are currently looking for someone to be our storekeeper, as well as volunteers on more specialist roles in education, insurance and legal matters, plus helpers to work in our new shop when we open it to the public. If you think you can help please contact Martin Wilson on m.wilson917@btinternet.com. As usual our Facebook page has weekly updates and photos - please take a look when you can. Robert Martin Tarka Valley Railway

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Great Torrington Market Place Musings

o, the clocks have gone back, and the festive season is fast approaching. Our senses will be bombarded with offerings via shop windows, TV, radio, social media, printed media and internet searches as well as us visiting specific company websites to browse and to possibly buy. The property industry is no different throughout the year. Many of these channels and more must be utilised with the aim of exposing the property to the widest possible audience to obtain the best price, in the best timescale, to suit the client, be it a landlord or vendor. So, what do you do if you are looking to buy or rent? Many people will only utilise one method of searching, or maybe two, and quite often miss out in what could be the perfect place for them. It is time consuming to spend your hours and days across all these mediums, but nothing beats building a relationship with the local agents in your target area of search, getting to know them and letting them know you. You may feel they are being intrusive in asking questions that properly trained agents will ask, but it is all part of the process of trying to understand what motivates you and what your dream is. They are not just being downright nosey! The industry is changing and for the better. All customer facing employees will soon have to be trained to a recognised industry standard, which will not only improve the perception of the industry, but also mean that agents must, without doubt, act in their client’s best interest not their own personal pocket, which sadly over the years has not always been shown to be the case for some. Choosing an agency that has well trained, motivated staff will ensure you are truly having your home dealt with in a correct and professional manner. For many who have gone through formal training and are members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) or Members of the Guild of Property Professionals, which are Trading Standards approved, this is all second nature, but we are never too old to learn, and we welcome this positive step. Sadly, there are too many agents out there working with no qualification and little or no training. Maybe it is time to question the potential estate agent or letting agent you are thinking of using, to see if they are qualified, before committing to use them to sell or rent, what is likely to be your biggest single asset. You would never board an aeroplane knowing the person flying it has no experience and is on their first day, so why trust your home to anyone who is not properly qualified to do the job. The new regulation is likely to see some agencies suffer, as employees leave as they will not make the grade, but if the industry benefits as does the client, then this is no bad thing. As Henry Ford once said, “The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay”. Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director

he Cubs enjoyed a fun night with board games: from brain teasers to cat bingo. They also learnt about fire safety and drew an escape route from their house to a safe place. We also practiced what to do if the Scout Hut alarm went off! They also cooked dough on a stick over a camp fire and had a treat of smores after. This term the Scouts toured the newlyrefurbished Torrington Museum, with the opportunity to try on items such as helmets and armour from the past. The following week they carved pumpkins, producing a wide variety of designs. At another Scout meeting the discussion was false advertising and the impact it has on our lives. Everyone got very involved in the discussion, with some interesting points being brought up. For the rest of the term they will be tracking their food footprint, learning some emergency first aid, attending the pantomime at the Queens Theatre and having a Christmas camp in our Scout Hut. HELP WANTED – leaders, assistant leaders & committee members 1st Torrington Scout Group is looking for individuals to join our hall committee and/or become leaders or assistant leaders. Committee members would help run the hall, for bookings and fundraising events etc. A Beaver leader would restart our group for 6-8yrs and assistant leaders in Cubs 8-10yrs and Scouts 1014yrs would help run a varied program. If you wish to join or have any questions, please contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon Whitear for more details, via email on Jordon.whitear@gmail.com.

Rolle Canal Restoration

n 1967 a series of books were published covering the history of English Canals. There are two lines that cover the Rolle Canal, sometimes also known as the Torrington Canal. “The Torrington Canal represented a canalization of the Torridge River and was some 6 miles long, but little detail can be traced.” Although the canal was fed by the Torridge above Rosemoor and met the river at Sea Lock near Annery Kiln, it was far from a canalization of the river. Luckily a lot more of the canal can now be seen, thanks to the work of the Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society and their volunteers. I was introduced to the canal by local historian Barry Hughes, who was leading a weekend course on the ‘Industrial Archaeology of North Devon’ for the Beaford Centre in the early 70s. As well as visits to the lime kilns at Bucks Mills and to Appledore Shipyard, there was a walk across some fields at Annery Kiln to reach the tidal lock where the Rolle Canal left the river Torridge on its way to Torrington. I was only a youngster at the time, but having already been on some family canal holidays, I could just about recognise amongst the trees and weeds what might have been a canal lock. There was a stone wall anyway, but nothing much else. It left me thinking that one day when I’d made my fortune, I would like to buy the site and restore the lock to its former glory. Many years later, but still to make that fortune, I heard that a local councillor, Tony Barnes, was hoping to organise a society to discover more about the

Rolle Canal. Within a fairly short time the ‘Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society’ had been born and I was a member of the committee. That’s where I met Adrian and Hilary Wills who had beaten me to it. They had bought the field that included the ‘Sea Lock’ and were hoping to restore it. My way of restoring the lock would probably have meant that I would employ builders to do most of the work, but I soon found out that Adrian was going to rebuild it society helps too. Please visit our himself, with a little help from his friends. website at www.rollecanalsociety.org for After many years of hard work, more details. Sea Lock now looks like a lock again, Mike Harper although there is still the problem of Pictured: Sea Lock after restoration. obtaining the very expensive lock gates New gates are required. required to finish the job. Restoration of the canal basin above the lock is Adrian’s Abbeyfield current project. onthly talks in the house Other amazing things have happened have started again with an since the Society was formed nearly 20 interesting one on Lundy years ago. At the other end of the canal Island. Residents enjoyed a Christmas at R.H.S. Rosemoor, the canal basin Shopping trip to Merry Harriers last is being restored to something like it month and are looking forward to the would have been back when the canal Christmas Tree Festival in Crediton, in was a busy transport link. The large early December. Christmas and New lime kiln beside the canal is receiving some tender loving care and the remains Year are always happy occasions at Glen Tor and we hope to go out for a of the nearby tucking mill are being meal together in January. painstakingly uncovered. We would like to thank our House The Furzebeam section has, thanks to Manager and all the staff team looking the Torrington Commons Conservators after us so well over the last 12 months and Clinton Devon Estates, become a and all through the pandemic. They go permissive path and what a beautiful ‘over and above’ to keep us safe and walk it is, especially in spring when the bluebells and wild garlic are in full bloom. well. We have a vacant room and if you or If you would like to help the society a loved one would like to find out about with its work, we are always looking Abbeyfield, please contact the House for volunteers to help with the various Manager on 01805 623605. restoration projects, but joining the

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North Devon Ramblers Winter Walking Festival

ou are invited to take part in our Winter Walking Festival which runs from 18th December 2021 to 7th January 2022. It is great to see so many people interested in walking for leisure, to get fit and to see the countryside around us and North Devon Ramblers have been promoting walking for over 40 years. Our walks cover the whole of North Devon and are designed to suit people of all abilities: from those who are happy to do a half day nice and easy walk, to those wanting to experience something more strenuous - like our 12/14 milers on the open moors. Our walk leaders route check and risk assess all walks and know the area well. The Winter Walking Festival includes some old favourites and routes newly developed by our adventurous, map reading members. Whichever you choose we will give you a warm welcome. Want to know whether the walk is right for you or not sure where the start point is? Give the walk leader a ring and find out a bit more, they will be happy to discuss. This year we have seven walks so hopefully something to interest everyone. Sunday 19 December- East Lyn Valley Thursday 23 December- Woolacombe Tuesday 28 December - Bude 30 December- Instow 2 January- Woody Bay 4 January- Braunton Burrows 6 January- Little Torrington Full information about these walks and all our other activities can be found on our website www.ramblers.org.uk/north-devon

Girlguiding is Back Face-to-Face!

irlguiding is no longer being held virtually, and is now back face-to-face! We are doing lots of fun and rewarding projects and activities, as Girlguiding helps girls to learn new skills, make new friends and so much more. The 1st High Bickington Rainbows for girls aged 5-7 years, runs on Wednesdays during term time only, from 5.30-6.30pm at High Bickington Community Centre. 1st High Bickington Brownies for girls aged 7-10 years also runs on Wednesdays during term time, from 6.30-8pm at High Bickington Community Centre. There are also units of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meeting in Torrington at the rugby Club. Parents can register their interest through the link below and then pick one the unit that’s the most convenient to them. A Girlguiding leader from that unit will contact them to arrange a taster night. Visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your-daughter/ Angie 1st High Bickington Brownies highbickingtonbrownies@aol.com

Little Torrington WI

ur WI way of life is gradually returning to normal and everyone is enjoying meeting up again. We had interesting speakers in both October and November: Glenda Barnett author of ‘Celia Ladygarden and The Case of the Curious Curiosity Room’ spoke of her life as a writer, and in November Neil Littleales gave us an insight into researching one’s ancestry. To assist the year’s finances we held a seasonal ‘bring & buy’ in November. Thanks to Devon Libraries we have started a new year with our Book Club, but we are still meeting on Zoom and the Art Group has four weekly sessions programmed this month using inks, again on Zoom, the craft group meets monthly in Beaford. There is always pressure for more social time at meetings, so our December meeting will be very much a get together, with a Christmas Quiz, carols, mince pies and mulled wine. If you are thinking of joining a WI do come along. Our secretary Linda can be reached on 01805 603442 and our Facebook page and the national NFWI website will provide more background. Sally Ramsden

Bookworm 2

(With apologies to Rudyard Kipling for his “exceedingly good” poem) If you can keep your head when turkeys all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can stick to your Christmas grocery budget And not let your credit card go overdue. If you can wait for Christmas presents and not be tired of waiting, Or being lied to by suppliers, don’t deal in lies, Or get frustrated, don’t give way to frustration Just sustain yourself with even more mince pies. If you know the exact amount of cards that you will need, If you have no pile left with addresses you cannot find, If you can post them all by mid-December, you still won’t succeed, For you’re bound to leave at least four or five behind. If you can buy the right sized Christmas tree this December, Or find the imitation one hidden somewhere on a shelf, If you haven’t tested the fairy lights, just remember How easy it is to electrocute yourself! If you can bear to sing “The First Noel” once more, Watch a nativity play, be thrilled by infant Virgin Marys, And enjoy the office party with its silly hats, And get hysterical at men dressed up as Christmas fairies. If it brings you true joy to wrap yet another Christmas gift, For mother, sister, uncle or cousin once removed And if interrupted in your task you don’t give short shrift, Knowing that each present will be thoroughly approved. If you delight in cooking the traditional festive meal, The mince pies, turkey and the Christmas pud, If you can serve up every plate before the gravy can congeal, If it’s enjoyed by Grandad without you “touching wood” If you can fill the unforgiving minute With cooking, baking, wrapping till the bitter end, Then sit back and enjoy the Day and all that’s in it For you’ll have mastered Christmastime my friend. Stef Easton

eal Stephenson's ‘Fall or Dodge In Hell’ is a highly inventive science fiction fantasy, that develops into parallel worlds; one slightly in the future and one in a virtual world. Techie multi-billionaire Dodge dies unexpectedly and, in accordance with his will, his brain is scanned and digitised. Technology develops which allows his brain to be turned back on and a new world is invented, one that has more than a few echoes of ‘Paradise Lost’. Plants and trees arrive, then birds and bees, and trouble starts as soon as apples grow and are eaten. Meanwhile technology is also causing trouble in the real world. Facebook here is called Miasma, and people employ personal technology editors to shield them from the problems it causes. Part of America becomes Ameristan, where people abide by the Old Testament and sinners are stoned, in this case by bullets - after all, what are these but metal stones. This book raises profound philosophical questions regarding developing technology and human existence. But it is packed full of imaginative detail, interesting characters, and is huge fun, even if, like me, the reader is not hugely into technology. It also gives great value for money, the number of pages being enough to fill a three book saga. Bookworm 2

Considering Adoption?

re you considering adoption but not sure where to start? Families for Children is holding an information session for you to find out more. Whether you are in a relationship, single, mixed race or LGBT+ we would love to speak to you! So come along and talk to our friendly team. All information sessions are held via Zoom. To book please contact Families for Children on 01364 645480, email devon@familiesforchildren.org.uk or alternatively you can book online at www.familiesforchildren.org.uk. Wednesday 8th December 6pm-8pm

Art on Friday Back at The Plough!

rt on Friday at The Plough meets in the Plough Gallery from 10.30am until 2pm. We get together approximately every second and fourth Friday in the month for painting, occasional workshops and painting outside, etc. Earlier in the year our exhibition was cancelled, so this will now take place in December. New members are always welcome to join us. Contact: Hazel Montgomerie 01805 623757. Annual Exhibition on The Artists’ Wall in The Plough Cafe: 1st December until 23rd December 2021 at The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington (Gallery open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm). While you lunch, brunch or have afternoon tea, enjoy the view from your table. This is an opportunity to buy an original piece of art at an affordable price.

Christmas & New Year at The Plough Arts Centre

We’re delighted to offer a broad variety of events, to keep the winter blues away and everyone entertained over the festive season! The Plough Café has reopened! Pop in for a cuppa, a cake – or choose from a range of light lunches. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30pm until 2.30pm, Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are available. We sampled the soup and the Ploughman’s this week – both seriously delicious! Throughout December and January we will be offering a selection of ‘socially distanced screenings’: from a jam-packed diary of films (please check our website and the diary listing opposite for specific films and dates). We have ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ on none other than its day of release; ‘Last Night In Soho’; ‘The Last Duel’; ‘Mothering Sunday’; ‘Spencer’; ‘ Ghostbusters: Afterlife’; ‘Encanto’; ‘No Time To Die’ and ‘Eternals’. Come and enjoy your favourite tipple from our wellstocked bar and watch in comfort! For the family, we have two amazing live theatrical events to keep the kids (and you!) entertained in December, with eight performances of ‘Rhia and The Tree Of Lights’ from Wednesday 1 December to Saturday 4 December, and North Devon’s very own Multi Story Theatre Company presenting ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on Saturday 18 December. If you’re looking for an adventure, our Escape Kids Room is an hour-long mystery suitable for primary age with a little adult help; for groups of up to 10, the slots are bookable between Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 December (10am-5pm) and on Wednesday 29th December (1-5pm). Book now to avoid disappointment! You can enjoy fantastic live music from the exceptionally talented Phil Beer on Thursday 16 December and there will be no other place to be on Factory Friday 17 December as Big Al and The Wild Strawberries + Support will be raising the roof – bring your dancing shoes! Don’t forget… if you’re looking for a Christmas gift that is that little bit different come along to our Christmas Craft Fair which will be open throughout December – you’ll find lots of wonderful and unusual items made by local people! As if all that wasn’t enough, we have a very exciting line-up of events coming in the New Year – including none other than The Comedy Store which promises to be an evening of raucous laughter! A very Happy Christmas and a bright New www.theploughartscentre.org.uk Year to you all.

BOX OFFICE: 01805 624624 VISIT:

DECEMBER & JANUARY Events AT THE PLOUGH Wed 1-Sat 4 Dec 10.30am & 1pm/Sat 1pm & 3.30pm (8 performances) Family & School Live Theatre (KS1 & 2) ‘Rhia and The Tree Of Lights’ £9 Full Price/£7 Supporter & School Groups (every 11th ticket free for groups) Wed 1-Thur 23 Dec Christmas Craft Fair The Gallery 10am-8pm & auditorium Thur 9, Fri 10 10am-8pm & Sat 11 10am-4pm. Wed 1-Thur 23 Dec Art on Friday. The Gallery. Thur 2 Dec 7.30pm Film Socially distanced screening of ‘Last Night In Soho’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 2 Dec 7.30pm Haunted History Tour Barnstaple Rail & River. ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 3 Dec 8pm Film ‘Last Night In Soho’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Fri 3 Dec 7.30pm Quiz Night ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £6 per person to include a glass of wine/juice/nibbles Sat 4 Dec 8pm Film ‘The Last Duel’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Sat 4 Dec 10am-5pm Workshop Christmas Decoration Willow Weaving Workshop at ThePlough@StAnne’s . £55 Tues 7 Dec 10.30am Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Tues 7 Dec 1.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Tues 7 Dec 7.30pm Socially distanced screening of ‘The Last Duel’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Wed 8 Dec 8pm ‘Spencer’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 9 Dec 7.30pm Socially distanced screening of ‘Spencer’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 9 Dec 7.30pm Haunted History Tour Torrington Town. Starts & finishes at The Plough, £12 Fri 10 Dec 7.30pm Stories of the Bygone Brothels of Devon. ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 10 Dec 8pm Film ‘No Time To Die’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Sat 11 Dec 8pm Film ‘No Time To Die’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Tues 14 Dec 7.30pm Film ‘Mothering Sunday’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Tues 14 Dec 10.30am Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Tues 14 Dec 1.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Wed 15 Dec 2pm Film ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter

Wed 15 Dec 5pm Film Socially distanced screening of ‘Mothering Sunday’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Wed 15 Dec 8pm Film ‘Mothering Sunday’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 16 Dec 8pm Live Music Phil Beer. All Tickets £16.50 Fri 17 Dec 10am Film ‘Encanto’ £4.50 (£3 Schools) Fri 17 Dec 12noon Film 'Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Fri 17 Dec 8-11pm Live Music Big Al and The Wild Strawberries + Support. Standing Gig + Balcony Seats. £12 Full Price/£10 Supporters/£6 Key Workers Sat 18 Dec 10am Film ‘Encanto’ £4.50 Sat 18 Dec 3pm & 6pm Live Theatre for all Beauty and the Beast, Multi Story Theatre. £9 Adults/£7 Children/Groups of 4 people £26 Sat 18 Dec 10am Play in A Day The Christmas Carol, 8-12 yrs. ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £2.50 Sat 18 Dec 10am Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Sun 19 Dec 2pm Film ‘Encanto’ £4.50 Sun 19 Dec 4pm Film Socially distanced screening of ‘Mothering Sunday’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Sun 19 Dec 7pm Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Mon 20 Dec 2pm Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Mon 20 Dec 5pm Film ‘Spider-Man:No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Tues 21 - Thur 23 Dec Family Fun ‘Escape Kids’ Room. Hourly slots 10am until 5pm for groups of up 10. £25 Tues 21 Dec 2pm Film ‘Encanto’ £4.50 Tues 21 Dec 4pm Film ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Tues 21 Dec 7pm Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Wed 22 Dec 2pm Film ‘Encanto’ £4.50 Wed 22 Dec 4pm Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Wed 22 Dec 7pm Film Socially distanced screening of ‘Eternals’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 23 Dec 2pm Film Socially distanced screening of ‘Encanto’ £4.50 Thur 23 Dec 4pm Film Socially distanced screening of ‘No Time To Die’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 23 Dec 7.30pm Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Wed 29 Dec 1-5pm Family Fun ‘Escape Kids’ Room. Hourly slots for groups of up 10. £25 Wed 29 Dec 2pm Film ‘Eternals’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter

Wed 29 Dec 5pm Film Socially distanced screening of ‘No Time To Die’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Wed 29 Dec 8pm Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 30 Dec 2pm Film ‘Eternals’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 30 Dec 5pm Film ‘No Time To Die’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Thur 30 Dec 8pm Film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ £7 Full Price/£6 Supporter Tues 11 Jan 6.45pm Workshop Introduction to Acrylics, 6 week course until ThePlough@StAnne’s. £160 Thur 13 Jan 8pm Open Mouth Music & Poetry (in the Gallery). Suggested Donations: £4 Waged £2 Unwaged Thur 13 Jan 7.30pm Barnstaple Bygone Brothels Tour. ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 14 Jan 8pm Live Music Geoff Lakeman & Rob Murch. ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Full Price/£10 supporters Sat 15 Jan 8.15pm Live Music/Gallery Gig – Loveworthy ‘Entwined’ All tickets £7 Sat 14 Jan 6pm Exhibition (preview) Photographers Paul Seed & Irene Jones. Sat 15 Jan until Sat 12 Feb thereafter. Tues 18 Jan 10.30am Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Tues 18 Jan 1.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Thur 20 Jan 7.30pm Haunted History Tour Barnstaple Town.ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 21 Jan 8pm Comedy The Comedy Store. £16.50 Full Price/4+ ppl £14.25 Sat 22 Jan 8pmLive Music ‘Sweet Little Mystery Songs of John Martyn’ ft. Sarah Jane Morris, Tony Remy, Tim Cansfield. £15 /£12 Supporters Sat 22 Jan 10am-4pm Workshop Winter Snowscape in Acrylics at ThePlough@ StAnne’s. £60 Tues 25 Jan 10.30am Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Tues 25 Jan 1.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 Thur 27 Jan 7.30pm Haunted History Tour Barnstaple River Park & Prison. ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Sat 29 Jan 8pm Live Music Oggle Band Ceilidh. £12 Full Price /£10 Supporters/£6 Key Workers Sat 29 Jan 10am-5pm Workshop Zarzo Basket Weaving Workshop at ThePlough@ StAnne’s. £60

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Dignity, Fear and Sweat

As I look down I see my watch, it’s ticking slowly. But, not as slow as the silence going by. I watch the sergeant observe me and everyone else. Time is now. Where’s the alarm? “Good luck my friend.” I hadn’t realised that I’d zone out. It feels like my dignity is being poured into a river to wash away. If the bullets don’t take me, my own country will. I feel myself go numb, and lose my ability to move. Standing still, I taste my sweat. Bitter. “Soldiers alert!” Suddenly, I snap out of my trance, The voice is like a flame which melts the ice around me. I hear the whistle go… Georgeina Marker Year 9

Bayonet Charge

Silence flowed through the air. Out came the watch, “1 minute to go boys.” Heavy breathing all around me. “Fix bayonets”, the sergeant bellowed. Cold metal shivered my insides. Boys around prayed, For our love of country, To save the king. Striking his sword, He rumbled… Explosions shook the trench, Throwing us to the floor. I gripped onto the ladder. It slipped my hands as I climbed. I thought about my family.

Climbing I froze in terror. The battlefield went silent. There is a ringing in my ear. My soul flew away. Ella Radford Year 9

Foolhardy Bayonets

Relentless and never-ending pain, The wooden ladders tower above, Form this war I wish to restrasin… I give my bayonet a mighty shove. My breath goes awry, And the shells smashed the ground, Looking out into enemy territory, All to find dead bodies around. The rain beats hard and the precipice shivers, Stumbling on the slushy mud, I plunge face down. Riddled with holes and shot-slashed, their life force withers, I keep running, persisting, but my own blood makes me drown. Lying down, motionless, it was no surprise, The devil hangs over me, foreshadowing my inevitable death… Tears of agony, blood of dislike, I rush towards my demise. Devoid of hope, the pain of regret, I take my last breath… Matthew Sam Year 9

Does It Really Matter?

Does it really matter? Losing our minds, Our will to live for our country, Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori they say, But is this really true? Dancing with death isn't one's choice, But only considered an honour,

Year 9 have been studying the poetry of the First World War and have had great success in writing war poems of their own, inspired by the greats: Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and Ted Hughes. We signed out lives believing it to be a true honour, As soon as the ink pressed against those dotted lines, We had only signed ourselves up to die, But we had no idea, Blood stained emerald green grass of the battlefield, Clinging onto our lives with the tips of our fingers, Pernicious bullets, deadly gas, Soldiers white, writhing eyes, The life slowly being drained out of them, Until the long, dragged out, painful wait is over, One soldier less and only more to go, Dropping one by one like flies, Choked up with gas, From that moment, We knew it would be over, Rapidly the numbers dropped, Our death beds were waiting for us, And to think we had no idea, Until it was too late, They waited, waited for us, The anticipation of it all grew, We asked ourselves, How long? Sleep deprived, Marching asleep,

Losing consciousness, We had to keep going, It was never ending, The gunshots, the sounds of the shells dropping, Soon this will be over, I will be at rest with the others, But it is quiet now, the valleys are silent, All to be heard is the soft high-pitched twittering of the birds, Who thought this nature filled valley, Was once the most torturous valley of hell, The silence and peace was once shattered, And it was serenaded but not with the sweet sound of the songbirds but death, But it is silent now, But my darkest memories lie here, to torture me To torment me, This was where all was lost, And forever will be Scarlett Nott Year 9

Readying For Battle

Goosebumps spread across my arm, But I feel numb. The howling of the heavy wind, And the breaths from other soldiers. Anxious, alert and aware: all take over. Yet relief, bravery, pride stil stand silently. The distant sound of gunshots, Louder is the yelling of orders. Readying my bayonet with cold, slippery fingers, Bullets all assured and steady. Last minute nerves and the feeling of bewilderment kicks in, With a tug on my hat, I look around knowing this memory will stay. The feeling of hard, wet, muddy wood suffocating in my palms, I grip on for dear life, hesitant to climb and

fight. The last order from the sergeant sets me off, Screams, smoke, gun shots and bombs was all I could hear, Before it all went black. Lilita Kersey Year 9

As I hear the watch tick

A sudden shout of bravery said “One minute lads”. Everyone’s eyes: scared, nervous, frightened. I look around - slowly to see heavy breathing. I begin to panic as I hear “fix bayonets” shouted from down the line. I struggle with the fear crossing my mind as I try to fix my bayonet. I say quietly “oh god, I can’t, my fingers won’t work.” Soldiers with fear on their face as the whistle blows for battle Sudden movement sounds happen round me, Equipment hitting each other as soldiers move… As I’m stepping onto the last ladder step I hear screams. Bombs suddenly whistling thought the air, yelling in my ear drums. Bullets zipping past my head. A sudden numbness hitting my head as I se soldiers fall Not even 2 seconds of silence Yelling and shrieking every second Voices cracking and breaking from fear. AS bewilderment crosses our minds we’re wondering why we even entered this battle. Haunting thoughts as we turn our backs Everyone coughing like hags. I pray this is not my last breath. Amelia Ingram Year 9

The Box in The Loft

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

This month we hear from Leo in Year 7 who has been taking part in Orienteering competitions:

y name is Leo Gilbert and I have just started in Year 7 at Great Torrington School. My parents got me into orienteering at a young age as they have done it for most of their lives. Every year as a family we do an international orienteering competition, as well as local events in the South West. Orienteering isn’t a very well-known sport and is a mix of map reading and running. You have series of controls (checkpoints) that you have to run to in a sequence as fast as you can. You have an electronic ‘dibber’ that registers when you get to a checkpoint to show that you have been to the correct controls for your course. On the 2-3 October I competed in the British medium and long national championships. On the 2nd I competed in the long championships and came 8th on my course. The next day in the medium championships I came 3rd and was very happy with the result. Every year the location changes and this year it was just outside of Braunton in North Devon. The terrain was very difficult to navigate as there was a sandy surface and lots of tracks. It is always very exciting going to big competitions like this and although I'm always extremely nervous, it’s incredibly exciting and the atmosphere is amazing. There are people everywhere and lots of food stalls, along with official places like Download (where you download all the information and find out your time) trophy return and enquiries. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to my next orienteering event. Leo Gilbert, Year 7

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Discover a Greener Office

uring lockdown, we came to appreciate gardens and green space more than ever, seeking refuge in the natural beauty and colour of nature. Many say this has had a positive impact on their mental health, while others see gardening as a practical way to help tackle important environmental issues; such as growing their own food to live more sustainably or providing pollinator-friendly plants for bees. The popularity of houseplants has also helped introduce many young people to gardening, particularly those living in urban areas without access to a garden. Last year the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), who have been offering work-based training programmes for almost 200 years, reported a huge rise in applications, the highest in decades. This year, committed to investing and training the next generation of horticulturists, the RHS is increasing the number of places available starting in August/September 2022, which opens for applications on 1st December. All work-based learners earnwhile-they-learn, obtaining a real understanding of the seasonal work involved in an ornamental garden. Opportunities are available for those with no existing horticultural qualifications or experience, as well as those already with some knowledge and qualifications, looking to explore their next steps and grow confidence via real hands-on practice. Apprenticeships If you are you interested in plants,

gardening or horticulture, but new to the industry, then a Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship could be the opportunity to work alongside experienced and inspiring horticulturists learning to establish, cultivate and maintain formal and informal garden areas. Level 2 apprentices at the RHS spend two years working in one of the gardens, learning on the job with some college attendance, and there are two positions available at RHS Garden Rosemoor. No experience or horticultural qualifications are required. A passion for trees, nature, woodland, and a head for heights, could mean that an Arborist Apprenticeship at Rosemoor is your opportunity to gain a real understanding of the seasonal work involved in caring for trees an ornamental garden, and prepare for professional life in industry. If you have three months full time practical experience in a public or private garden then you could apply for a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor at Rosemoor. You will learn advanced horticultural skills as well as supervision, communication and the business side of the horticultural industry. RHS Diploma in Horticultural Practice The RHS Diploma in Horticultural Practice, open to those with an existing Level 2 horticultural qualification and some experience, is a two-year programme, resulting in a formal Level 4 Qualification. Based at RHS Garden Wisley, students rotate around the garden learning about

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all areas of ornamental horticulture, developing supervisory skills, including management practices, budgeting and communication skills. Alongside the day-to-day tasks, students are actively involved a range of opportunities such as helping at RHS shows and events such as Chelsea, designing and building a garden in the local community, other garden visits, bursary opportunities and managing their own allotment space. Student accommodation is provided with the Diploma programme, so relocation is possible. Specialist Horticultural Placements Also open to those with an existing Level 2 horticultural qualification and some experience, RHS Garden Rosemoor is offering two Specialist Horticultural Placement (SHP) roles in Ornamental Horticulture for the year 2022-23. This one-year placement offers the unique opportunity to hone existing skills in a particular area of interest such as edibles, herbaceous, woodland, alpine, propagation, trails and arboriculture, working alongside a team of experts in a chosen specialism. Recruitment window Applications open on 1 December 2021 Diploma and SHP positions close on the 1 February 2022 Apprentice applications close on 1 March 2022 Visit: rhs.org.uk/rhsschoolofhorticulture Contact: schoolofhorticulture@rhs.org.uk Follow:@RHSEducation Image: Group of Apprentices © RHS/Helen Yates

Purple Penguins

Silver Jewellery Manufacturers Offering Bespoke Beautiful Designs

13 Fore Street, Great Torrington, EX38 8HQ. Email: purplepenguins3@talktalk.net • Tel: 01805 622530 Winter is Never Dull at Rosemoor

inter is probably the hardest season in which to ensure interest in the garden, but with a little research and visiting gardens such as Rosemoor, where our dedicated Winter Garden showcases many of these plants, you will find winter treasures throughout the gardens. The most valuable winter plants are flowering shrubs and they usually have the added bonus of scent. Place them next to a frequently used path or next to the front door, so that you do not miss out on the sweet fragrances that are often released by cultivars of Hamamelis, Viburnum x bodnantense, Lonicera and Daphne. Evergreens bring structure to the garden and the best value plants are those that have more than one quality. For example, Mahonia cultivars have interesting, architectural leaves and sprays of bright yellow flowers in winter, which are often highly perfumed. Sarcococca are less showy, but you cannot beat the scent that drifts widely from the tiny flowers hidden amongst the shiny dark green leaves. If it is colour you are after, and you have an acid soil, camellias in shades of pink and red would be high on the list. It is not only flowers that bring colour to the garden; stems of dogwood (Cornus) and willow (Salix) can be found in fiery colours of red, orange and yellow (especially by the Lake). These look fabulous planted with bulbs such as snowdrops, Scilla and Narcissus, with hellebores or with heathers (Erica). Special plants and features in our gardens can be enhanced through the use of lighting during the winter, and our Garden Illuminations (Glow) event is a show not to be missed. This year, it has been extended to the Lower Woodland Walk. Sculpture is also a fabulous way of adding interest and our Winter Sculpture Exhibition is full of inspirational pieces to suit all pockets. Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer Camellia ‘Saint Ewe’ in the Stone Garden ©RHS/ Mark Winwood Cornus alba 'Sibirica' AGM and Galanthus 'Atkinsii' AGM in Lake Field ©RHS/Sheila Dearing

RHS Rosemoor Prepares to Light Up the Dark

Selected dates until 30 December (4.30-8.30pm) he RHS is preparing to light up the dark with a brand new illuminated experience at RHS Garden Rosemoor! Hundreds of thousands of fairy lights and other colourful light displays will transform the garden with its longest ever Glow trail, creating magical moments for visitors throughout the festive season. Stroll beneath the stars and take in colourful tree canopies, striking sculptures, bushes draped in sparkle and water features basking in the glow. Large trees will be bathed in light, showcasing the garden’s natural beauty and unique structures. A selection of hot drinks and tasty treats will be available to buy along the trail, and a range of artisan crafts and festive goods can be found at the Christmas craft and food fairs taking place on selected dates. Christmas markets: Christmas Craft Fair, Fri 26 – Sun 28 Nov Discover inspiring gifts from a plethora of talented artists and makers at the return of Rosemoor’s popular festive craft fair. Christmas Celebration Craft Fair, Fri 3 – Sun 5 Dec New for 2021 at RHS Garden Rosemoor is the Christmas Celebration Craft Fair. Discover unique and wonderful gifts from a mix of stalls, created by carefully selected artisan traders from around the West Country. Magic of Christmas Food & Craft Fair, Fri 10 – Sat 11 Dec Indulge in the delights of a magical fair full of temptation and treats at RHS Garden Rosemoor. This is a special place to come and buy those unique and wonderful gifts from a mixture of food and craft stalls, created by carefully selected artisan traders from around the West Country. Tickets for Glow are selling fast and must be booked in advance online. For more information and to book, visit www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoorglow

Christmas Community Workshop Sponsored by Fine Floral Design

Saturday 11th December 2pm till 5pm at Castle Hill Community Centre £20 per person All materials provided, make a wreath or table decoration• Tea/Coffee & Mince Pies Majority of proceeds to go to the Community Gardens & Torrington in Bloom To book a place tel: 01805 938946 or pop into the shop Merry Christmas!