Torrington Crier December 2022 & January 2023

December 2022 & January 2023

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.

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: The Joy family & Esther Williams

Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community

Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton

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

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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.

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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.

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What’s On at The Town Hall

10th December 9.30am-12.30pm

Gt. Torrington Community Hospital League of Friends Christmas Coffee Morning

Raffle, bric-a-brac, Christmas gifts and a chance to support the local Hospital Hub.

Every first Thursday of the month starting 1st December the Police will be in the Undercroft. More information from the police nearer the time.

Thursday 15th December 2-5pm Christmas Knees Up

Are you planning a wedding for 2023/24?

The Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity Distribution of VouchersFriday 2nd December 9.30am to 2pm

Our trustees and advisors will be on hand while you are waiting to pick up your vouchers and we will be serving tea and coffee. We are looking forward to seeing everybody again and would like to say a big thank you to the Trustees of the charity for all they do for the community in Great Torrington.

Christmas Dinner/ Disco at the Town Hall Saturday 3rd December

Only £27.50 for a 3 course meal and bubbly on arrival. There is still time to book a great evening to spend with family and friends!

Saturday 3rd December 9.30am12pm Charity Coffee morning in the Undercroft

This is being organised by our Celia’s daughter Maya and her friend Isabella, who will be selling cakes to raise money on behalf of one of their favourite animal charities. The Town Hall supports young people in our community, and we encourage anyone who wants to hold an event to contact us. Well done Maya and Isabella! Any donations welcome, you can ring Celia on 0779 273 339.

Thursday 8th December & Thursday 22nd December from 12-3pm Christmas Lunch at the Town Hall

A delicious two-course feast with all the trimmings. We look forward to you joining us for some festive fun! Please book to avoid disappointment £12.50 per person.

Back by popular demand! Come and have a good old sing song with Cathy Scarlett, and a cream tea for just £7.50. We are authorised to accept your Townlands Christmas vouchers for this event.

Saturday 17th December 10am onwards Cavaliers’ Christmas Give-away

We are not sure who enjoys this event more, the children or adults, but everyone is catered for so please come along and join in the fun! The Cavaliers do so much for this town and are an amazing group of men- supported by their partners of course!

Knit and Natter every Wednesday from 10 to 12 noon

We are always pleased to welcome new people. Why not pop in and have a chat and a coffee (often with delicious cake on the go!) with Rosie or one of the ladies in the group. Good companionship and lots of fun. We hope you will love their latest Christmas display - what a talented bunch of ladies they are! Mix and Mingle Club every Monday from 10am to 3pm

A new club especially for people with care needs and their carers. Please contact Paula on 0779 324 155 or Rosie on 07723 047 978 for more information. Start the New Year with new skills

Learn Devon will be at the Town Hall in January 2023 with some new classes, including: Helping you get Back to Work; Drawing for Beginners and Essential Digital Skills. Please contact them direct on 01237 472462 for detailed information.

We have been privileged, as a licenced venue, to host several weddings during 2022. We offer a bespoke service to start you on your journey of wedding bliss, in our beautiful and historic Town Hall. We have received compliments from registrars who report that not only do they love the surroundings, but recognise the support we offer them, and the happy couple, for a stress-free ceremony.

We are looking forward to our first Wedding Fayre on Sunday 26th March 2023, from 11am-3pm, offering a wide range of wedding suppliers ready to help you create your own magical moment. Our website www. greattorringtontownhall.org has more information and a gallery of previous weddings. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements, or book a tour of the Town Hall and we can discuss the various options. If you are a supplier who wants to book a space at our fayre, please ring Celia for more details.

2022 has been a challenging year for us and many charities and businesses, and we are tremendously grateful to all our funders including the Lottery, for their Awards for All grant and to all of you who have hired our building. We do need your continued support, so please contact us if you have any special event you want to celebrate next year.

Finally, on behalf of the trustees, advisors, staff and volunteers, we would like to thank Becky and all the team at the Crier for the enormous contribution they make producing our community magazine.

Sandra Crawley, Chairperson Gt Torrington Town & Community Hall.

For information on Town & Community Hall events please email admin@ greattorrington-townhall.org or ring Celia 07792 733 399.

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Your Town Hall Needs You!

The renovation of the Town Hall took a lot of time, hard work, and huge fundraising efforts to get it over the finish line - culminating in our opening to the public April 1st 2019.

We had just about a year in business, with every reason to be optimistic for the future, when Covid struck.

Whilst this was an enormous blow, we have bounced back with everything from drag shows to weddings, family celebrations to music and dance nights, knit and natter to Covid vaccination clinics, and May Fair to the incredibly successful Jubilee indoor street party, and so much more! We are very much a space for all.

But I think many people may be under the impression that we are either owned by the Town Council, or Almshouse Town & Lands Charity, which we are notalthough we are, of course, very grateful for all their support.

The Town & Community Hall is a Grade II Listed building owned by the Great Torrington Buildings Preservation Trust Ltd - a Limited Company and a not-forprofit registered charity. The Town Hall was in a sorry state and the Trust was set up by the late Dr Harry Cramp to renovate and preserve it for the benefit of the community. He campaigned tirelessly for funds and secured grants to finance the £1.4m refurbishment.

The Trust comprises of myself as Chair plus just six other trustees - we are all unpaid volunteers. We have the very onerous task of ensuring the continued success of the renovation project and generating sufficient income to keep the hall fully operational. Every penny raised from our events goes towards the upkeep and maintenance of the building.

It is an incredibly challenging task. General maintenance of a building of this calibre is very costly, and our events do not produce enough income to cover all our overheads, particularly heating costs, so we are constantly looking for grants and sponsorship, an extremely difficult job in the present post-Covid economic climate.

Our small band of trustees is supported by a few advisers and volunteers, and we really appreciate all they do, but we need more people to help spread the workload, and keep this amazing building at the beating heart of our community.

If you are a local business, would you like to sponsor some of our events? Hold business meetings or social get togethers at the Town Hall? Could you donate materials for painting, decorating and maintenance? Could you help run our events or perhaps help out behind the bar?

The Town & Community Hall is there for everyone and we have a duty to ensure its wellbeing, not just for now but for future generations. So, we really do need all the help we can get. Please contact me on admin@greattorrington-townhall.org.

Sandra

Crawley, on behalf of the Trustees

Torrington Silver Band Christmas Concert

Torrington Silver Band is delighted to invite you all to join us for our annual Christmas Concert on Saturday 17th December at Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street, Torrington. The concert will begin at 7:30pm; doors will open from 6:45pm.

Admission cost is £6 per person, under 16s free. We will also be holding a raffle with some fantastic prizes plus free refreshments throughout the interval. It’s sure to be an evening of festive entertainment for all the family. We look forward to seeing you there.

The band are looking forward to joining the community on Saturday 26th November for the Christmas lights switch on in the square, where we will play some popular Christmas Carols for you to sing along to. This event will be the start of our busy festive period. Look out for us in Torrington Square on Saturday mornings (except Saturday 17th) where we will be delighted to take requests to play your favourite Christmas Carols.

Torrington Silver Band would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support throughout 2022 and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Library News

Upcoming Craft Events

Christmas Craft with Chris (adult) 2nd December 1.30-3pm booking essential as spaces limited - £3.50

Children’s Christmas Craft with Chris Saturday 10th December 10.30am-12pm drop in event Free drop in Ear Health Check with Sophie Bunting Thursday 15th December 1.30-3pm Bounce & Rhyme 10.30am Tuesday mornings. Action songs, and the session finishes with bubbles!

(No Bounce & Rhyme on 20/12/22 or 03/1/23)

Baby self-weigh – Stay & Chat 11.30am-4pm Walk & Talk - Thursday 10.30am

Join our regular Walk & Talk every Thursday up to and inc. 22 December, for a gentle walk followed by a cuppa. To join the group please arrive a bit earlier to register in advance of your first walk. New Year’s first walk date is Thursday 5 January 2023.

Library opening hours over the festive season: Saturday 24th & Tuesday 27th December - closed Thursday 29th to Saturday 31st December - open Tuesday 3rd January 2023 - normal hours resume Joining Libraries Unlimited (the charity that runs our library service) is completely free. You can join online (or at the counter) and start ordering books straight away. It's FREE to join, no ID is needed. The benefits of your FREE library membership: borrow up to 20 books and four language courses; download three eBooks or eAudiobooks, eMagazines (no limit and you can keep them); access computers and internet for up to two hours a day. Library reservations - adults £1, children free.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our library customers, and an especially BIG thank you to our wonderful volunteers and Friends of the Library for their continuing support and dedication.

From Kate, Kate, Becky & Michelle

Please refer to our website: www.librariesunlimited.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services.

For assistance with any queries, please contact us by emailing torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or via our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001. Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity 1170092 Librariesunlimited.org.uk

Great Torrington Calendar 2023

Now available in the following shops for you to buy - Whiskers Pet Centre, Torrington Refill Store, Webbers Estate Agents, Collectability, Jojo's Hair Salon, Duffys Hardware, Great Torrington Museum, Fork'n'Feast and Unique Boutique (look out for the posters in shop windows). £8 each or two for £15 (cash only and exact money appreciated please), an ideal Christmas present for someone!

Our huge thanks goes to those who contributed photographs; to the Town Council, Marketing Working Group and the Futures Group for compiling and working on this and to town traders for selling them for us. Money raised will be used by the Futures Group to be put towards various projects around the town. We hope you enjoy the different perspectives and vistas of our lovely town and its surroundings. If any other traders are interested in selling calendars for us please get in touch with the Town Council or gt.futuregroup@gmail.com.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2023.

Great Torrington Futures Group

WILLS

OF ATTORNEY TRUSTS INHERITANCE TAX ADVICE

Free initial consultation & estimate, no obligation.

Low rates (no VAT). Free home visits in EX38 area. Evening & weekend appointments available.

Contact me for a free consultation.

Telephone: 01271 858482 or 07766 714503 Email: philipwardtaylor@outlook.com

TAAC Christmas Caper 2022 18th December

What could be a better way to make room for Christmas dinner than running in a previous winner of Devon’s Race of the Year, the Christmas Caper!

• Wedding Receptions

• Conferences and Meetings

• Parties and Celebrations

• Badminton and Short Mat Bowls

• 24/7 Gym

• Yoga, HIIT and Flex Classes

01805 603300 info@clintonhallmerton.co.uk www.clintonhallmerton.co.uk

Taking place on the last Sunday before Christmas, the roughly nine-mile course offers plenty of mud, hills, river bank, fancy dress, forest trails and splendid views. It’s a challenging race, but we can almost guarantee you’ll finish with a smile on your face! If not, a Christmas pudding for all finishers will definitely get you over the line.There will be prizes for top three finishers in various categories and also a prize for the best fancy dress.

We often sell out, so don’t hesitate before going for it if you’re interested.

The race starts at 11am on December 18th at Torrington Rugby Club, with registration from 9.30am. Parking will not be possible on site but there will be plenty nearby. Entries will not be possible on the day and are online only. Please see our Facebook page or website for details and how to enter: www.facebook.com/ TorringtonAmateurAthleticsClub; www.torringtonaac.co.uk/christmas-caper.

If you’re interested in running and keeping fit, we offer weekly club sessions and other events throughout the year. Please email torringtonathleticsclub@gmail.com for details.

Nick @ TAAC

Christmas Events in the Pannier Market

Great Torrington Pannier Market is hosting a number of Christmas markets, these include Festive Fridays! Every Friday through December up until Christmas we will be getting into the Christmas spirit - join us for mulled wine, mince pies and a unique Christmas shopping experience. Saturday 3rd December will be our mini Food and Drink Festival, lots of tasty Christmas treats and tipples for you to try and buy!

We are busily preparing for the start of the ‘Craft and Scoff Friday’ markets which are being launched at the beginning of March 2023 - please contact lucyloweevents@outlook.com or call Lucy on 07518 066 623 for more information. The market currently has a two week free trial period for budding traders - trading days are Friday and Saturday 9-3pm.

Know Someone Who Struggles to Read?

Read Easy provides free and confidential one-to-one reading coaching for adults.

People can learn to read or improve their reading skills at their own pace and without pressure. It's friendly, flexible and fun!!

To find out more contact: 07942 377 377. Readeasy.org.uk

French Dance Evenings

Come and enjoy a free taster session!

We are a friendly bunch of people who learn French country dances. We meet once a month just outside Torrington. There is no age limit as many of the dances are quite gentle and no partners are required.

First taster session is free after that there's a £3 fee which covers tuition, light refreshments and heating!

You are most welcome to give it a try or just watch. Please email heatherholtexmoor@gmail.com for more information or find Truffetete on Facebook.

Blackberry Farm Shop

* Open 7 days a week, & s�ll producing our home cooked food

* Please order in advance & use our fully contactless collec�on or delivery service.

* Product range: now includes general groceries, household items, toiletries beer, wines & spirits.

* Delivery service now reaches out to those who are isolated or wan�ng to stay at home.

For full details & a stock list: Call 01409 261440 • Email: lizzy@lizzyslarder.co.uk or Visit our Facebook page Blackberry Farm Shop Stay Safe everyone. Lizzy’s Larder, Blackberry Farm Shop, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, EX22 7NP

Appledore Singers Charity Christmas Concert

In aid of North Devon Hospice

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

The Choir will delight the audience with arrangements of festive music –both traditional and modern - and, as always, there will be the opportunity for 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. The audience will undoubtedly leave with a spring in their step!

This year’s concert will be in aid of North Devon Hospice, which, over the years, has cared for members, relatives and friends of the choir and, indeed, the whole community. A very worthy cause. 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’

Remembering your Faithful Friend this

Christmas may be a time to remember family and friends - but Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is also asking local dog owners to remember their four-legged friends this festive time, with a Canine Care Card.

The Canine Care Card is a free service, which helps to ensure your dog’s future, in the event of you passing away, receiving a life-changing diagnosis or moving into a care home. This can often be a great concern to some people, who perhaps do not have a family member or friend in a position to look after their dog, should the worst happen. Therefore, by signing up to the service, Dogs Trust can offer peace of mind, reassuring you that your faithful friend will be well cared for by the charity.

Christmas

It is easy to sign up to the service, which simply asks for some information on your dog, including their likes and dislikes, as well as your dog’s medical history and your vet details. It also asks for you to confirm who you would like as your Dog Guardian. This should be someone you trust, like a friend, family member, solicitor, neighbour or vet, who can sign over ownership of your dog to Dogs Trust on your behalf, should you become seriously ill or pass away.

You can register online by going to www.dogstrust.org.uk and searching for ‘Canine Care Card’ - or if you do not have access to the internet, you can request a paper version of the application form. Once the form is submitted, Dogs Trust will then write to you, to confirm when your application has been processed.

Once signed up, should your card ever need to be activated, Dogs Trust will then arrange with your Dog Guardian for your dog to come into the rehoming centre or into foster care. With a team of vets, trainers and behaviourists on hand if needed, your dog will then be welcomed, loved and well cared for by the charity, who will work tirelessly to find a loving new home for your much-loved canine companion.

If you would like further information about the Canine Care Card, or to request a paper application form, please contact Dogs Trust Ilfracombe’s Supporter Relations Officer, Stan Charles-Jones, at Stanley.charlesjones@dogstrust.org.uk or phone 01271 817716.

Little Torrington WI

November’s meeting was a crafting session, book folding making a hedgehog. It was a busy meeting which everyone really enjoyed. Thank you Linda, for instructing us all.

December’s meeting has a guest speaker, Chris Tattersall from Honey Wood Orchard, for cider tasting, along with Jen’s mince pies.

The book group are meeting on the third Monday of the month and are currently reading Sugar, by Bernice L McFadden.

The ladies that lunch are meeting on Wednesday 23rd at St Johns Garden Centre, Ashwood, for lunch and a bit of early Christmas shopping. The Christmas lunch is on 14th December at Parkham.

Art class continues on Zoom on Thursday evenings, we have covered several mediums: pencil, charcoal, pastels with watercolour and acrylics to look forward to. The Meeth walk was beautiful but muddy, and was enjoyed in the sunshine.

We are currently looking for speakers and demonstrators to come and talk to the WI at our monthly meetings.

For more information please contact Jen Hood 01805 622433.

Golden Days Vintage

We are Golden Days Vintage, the newest shop in Torrington Pannier Market, providing affordable vintage clothing and accessories for women, men and children. Each piece is handpicked by our founding sisters, Chloë and Maisie, who ensure high-quality stock in a variety of styles and sizes. In addition to sourcing our stock from various warehouses in the South West, we buy pre-loved vintage clothing and accessories from locals in an attempt to keep Golden Days as sustainable as possible. We also encourage our customers to sell their purchases back to us if, after some time, they’re unwanted or no longer fit –particularly children’s clothes.

If you’re looking for something specific, fill out one of our request forms in the shop. We will keep an eye out for your item/s on future stock runs and contact you if we find what you’re looking for. Golden Days Vintage is open Mondays 12-4 and Tuesdays-Saturdays 10-4 and we look forward to welcoming you soon!

North Devon Choral Society Concert

Saturday 3rd December 7.30 pm Church of St Michael & All Angels

North Devon Choral Society will be singing Lauridsen's beautiful ‘O Magnum Mysterium’, and ‘Lux Aeterna’, a tranquil, light filled requiem of which the best known section is the haunting ‘O Nata Lux’. We will also sing Rutter's stirring ‘Magnificat’, accompanied by the famous Father Willis Organ. Conducted by John Hobbs, soloist will be Rebecca Smith.

Tickets are £17, children and students free, available from choir members, from Torrington Jewellers, or on the door, or contact janetsharpy@gmail.com.

Parish Church

Fr Steve Turner, our new parish priest, will be moving into the vicarage with his wife and daughter, just before Christmas. He is currently Assistant Curate at St James in Exeter. He will be licensed by the Bishop of Crediton, on January 4th in St Michael’s, to work in Torrington, Frithelstock, Little Torrington and Taddiport. His first Sunday service in Torrington will be Sung Eucharist on January 8th at 10am. We welcome them all and hope that they will enjoy their new life here in North Devon.

Our services for Christmas begin with a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday December 18th at 6.30pm. The Winkleigh Singers will lead the congregational carols and sing some less well-known ones too. Everyone is very welcome to come and join us and afterwards, enjoy a glass of mulled wine and mince pies. We will not have a Christmas Midnight Mass this year, but on Christmas morning there will be a Family Eucharist with carols at 10am, celebrated by the Very Reverend Graham Smith. We look forward to welcoming you.

Why is a Retreat Different to a Holiday?

Aholiday is simply time off from our daily route. We take time out from our busy lifestyles in an attempt to relax and recharge. Retreats offer us the time to withdraw, pull back from what is going on in our lives and provide a safe space to allow for a deeper physical and emotional withdrawal from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Retreats are a great way to truly stop, unplug, rest, restore and refocus allowing our body and mental well-being to reset and find balance and harmony

Here are five reasons why it is good to go on a retreat for your health and wellbeing:

1. A time to reflect, renew and restore

A retreat allows time for ourselves to reconnect, to bring back the joy of life, and to gain clarity to make more meaningful decisions in life. Research found that regular holidays only bring about short-term improvements in our well-being, whereas going on a retreat can improve our well-being longer term.

2. Time away from your home and daily routine

Retreats are usually situated in beautiful locations close to nature, offering you the perfect setting and space to forget about the hustles of life, to relax and unwind.

3. Shift to a healthier and more conscious way of life

A holistic approach to retreats, combining complementary therapy sessions, meditation, healthy meals and a nurturing environment help to shift you towards a more conscious and healthier approach to life.

4. Access to expert advice

Retreats may include yoga, meditation, complementary therapies or coaching sessions by professionals who support you to find the balance and the sense of well-being. These sessions are personalised to your needs but also provide you with simple tools and practices to take home with you to integrate into your daily routine.

5. Unplug from demands on our time to gain clarity

We are all spending more and more time multi-tasking between jobs, family, friends, email, texts and social media, all of which can have a negative impact on our well-being. Multi-tasking has been found to increase the production of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as the fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline, they overstimulate your brain and cause mental fog or scrambled thinking. Mindfulness and meditation do the exact opposite.

Even spending time on screens like TV or Kindle, when we think we are relaxing, there this constant bombardment of our senses which makes it hard for our minds to switch off and our eyes to rest. Retreats offer a space to take a break from our screens and rest our eyes and mind.

To find out about Be You Retreats visit samanthahardwick.com/retreats or call Samantha on 07974 682 525.

Boom Tingz Burgers & Waffles!

Maxim and Jackie Brown of Boom Tingz Burgers, 10 Potacre Street are still sweet on being here in Great Torrington, so they have decided to bring you great desserts as well as great burgers! They have added their own fabulous Boom Tingz Waffles into their kitchen, plus bringing in more sweet treats from Fat Boy Fudge in Bideford! Menus are available online or in the shop.

Alongside their regular offers of free milkshakes every Wednesday night and ‘Buy One Get One Free’ on burgers on Sundays (T&Cs apply to both these offers) they are offering 10% off for Crier readers during December, when ordering online at www.boomtingzburgers.co.uk and www. boomtingzwaffles.com. This can be for collection or delivery; you can pre-order up to two weeks ahead! The code is CRIER10

Why not buy some raffle tickets for their online draw on 20th December? £2 per strip with prizes of £300, £150 and a £50 Boom Tingz voucher! Tickets in the shop or online via the website above.

They always like to throw out great offers, so see what’s happening on the day by following their Facebook page www.facebook.com/BoomTingzBurgerz and see all T&Cs. Or call on 07543 172 415/01805 624934.

Maxim, Jackie and the Crew wish you a Boom Tingz Christmas and a warm and peaceful New Year.

From Your County Councillor…

Ithink it is safe to say we live in ‘interesting times’ at the moment, and after a frenetic few months of change and upheaval, I hope the Christmas period will give everyone a bit of respite, in what has been at times a challenging year.

As you may have seen from the recent local media coverage, budgetary challenges for the next financial year are the main issue dominating my work at County Hall at the moment.

By the time you read this, we should have hopefully had much more clarity on our funding settlement following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. Nonetheless, as things stand, there are likely to be some very difficult decisions to take for the budget in the next financial year.

As you’ll have seen from my previous articles, we have been working hard to contain a potentially very big financial overspend for this year. Like households across the country, we have not been immune to the cost of living crisis or inflation. Inflation in particular has been a major issue, as the 2022-23 budget was originally planned and set when inflation was running at two percent and Putin had not even invaded Ukraine. Needless to say, the projected costs of items and services that were originally planned for, are now far in excess to what they were back at the end of 2021 when this year’s budget was prepared.

As I’ve written about previously and have reported back to my Town and Parish Councils, the County Council would, if we did nothing, be facing a projected overspend of £40 million. However, through taking action over the summer and carefully reviewing our budgets, that overspend has now, at the time of writing, been squeezed down to £6 million. But this has been

achieved through having to make savings on existing budgets this year and postponing long term projects in areas like ICT and recruitment. However, some budgets continue to overspend and while every possible effort is being made to contain and reverse these overspends, it is not easy.

Nonetheless, we should be able to balance the books for this financial year. The main challenge we are now facing is going to be next year, where currently a budget gap of £75 million is being projected.

Unlike a lot of central government institutions, local government has to balance its budgets every financial year by law. If a council does overspend, then that overspend has to be covered from reserves or some other external income stream. If a council is unable to do that, it has to issue what is called a Section 114 notice which, in effect, means the local authority becomes bankrupt.

Needless to say, a bankrupt council cannot help anyone. John Hart, the Leader of Devon County Council has been upfront about this, that while these savings of £75 million can be achieved, it will in many cases mean some very painful cuts to services. Devon is not a unique outlier in this; local authorities across the country are facing some very similar problems, if not even worse. Cornwall’s projected budget deficit next year is £62 million (they are smaller than Devon) and further afield, Norfolk County Council has a £60 million budget gap for this year and Kent is £70 million.

This message is being taken back to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and I know that our Devon Members of Parliament have secured meetings with Local Government Ministers to raise these issues and lobby on our behalf. I do expect we will have more clarity after the Autumn Statement, but for the time being it is a case of having to wait.

In the meantime, despite the budget pressures, the work of the Council does go on and there is still funding available to help with issues. We have been successful in drawing down a further

£5 million in funding to help households weather the rising costs of living, with help to pay for food, energy and other essential items. More information about this is online here - www.devon.gov.uk/ cost-of-living.

Free holiday activities with hot meals for children in Devon are also now available during the Christmas holidays. All children are eligible to register, although priority places will be given to children aged five to 16 years old (or four-year-olds, if in reception), who are eligible for and receiving benefit-related free school meals, and their families.

Finally, the other main development that should take place before the Christmas holidays is the recruitment of a new full time Chief Executive. As of the time of writing, five strong candidates have been shortlisted and we are hoping to make a decision at the end of November, with the aim being they can start at the beginning of the new financial year.

So, as you can tell, things are exceptionally busy at the moment on DCC. Nonetheless I continue to work on local issues, from reviewing yellow lines in Torrington to public rights of way in Yarnscombe, speeding and road safety issues in Winkleigh and, indeed, throughout our communities in Torrington Rural. And, of course, continuing to do all that I can to get highways improvements works (despite the budget constraints!) done in our area.

As we come to the end of the year, a difficult year for many, I would like to wish all readers of the Crier and their families a very Happy Christmas. I hope and pray that 2023 will be a peaceful and prosperous year for us all. Despite all the challenges, it is a privilege to represent Torrington Rural and I will endeavour to serve you to the best of my ability in 2023 and beyond.

As ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to raise with me you can contact me on Facebook facebook.com/ cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

The Community Christmas Hamper Fund Needs Your Help

The Community Christmas Hamper Fund needs your help to provide a lifeline this Christmas for 400 struggling families. The fund started off in 2020, when a local Chimney Sweep, Tobias Kennedy Matthews, decided to help families in North Devon and Torridge struggling through the pandemic by fundraising to provide a lifeline at Christmas. The family would receive everything needed to make Christmas possible. The hampers included Christmas dinner complete with the trimmings, sweets, treats, crackers, stocking fillers and family games. In this first year of 2020, 115 families received a Christmas hamper, ensuring they had the Christmas they deserved.

Last year £7000 was raised, enough to provide a Christmas hamper for 250 families. Sadly Tobias had to turn away 400 applicants. This year, with the soaring cost of living, it is expected many more families will be in need of extra support to be able to make Christmas possible. ‘It is going to be more important than ever to try and be there for families in our communities here in North Devon and Torridge’ says Tobias.

This year Tobias has been awarded both the Mayor of Great Torrington’s good citizen award and The Voice Radio’s Local Hero Fundraiser of the Year award. ‘It’s made me realise how needed and appreciated this help is to so many’.

With a target to help 400 families this Christmas, Tobias has been fundraising by cycling 400km with good friends Rob and Kane. He is going sober for a month during the busiest period of working as a Chimney Sweep from October 17th to November 16th. ‘I enjoy nothing more getting home from a stressful day to a lovely glass of wine!’ So far the Community Christmas Hamper Fund has raised £7000, with Christmas just around the corner it needs to raise an additional £3000 to be able to provide hampers for 400 families.

Donations have been coming in from individuals and local businesses, such as Whitfield Tattoos, running fundraising activities. In the past some supermarkets have been able to donate food items. Tarka Self Storage is providing a premises for free to store all of the goods and space to prepare the hampers.

If you are able to help, please donate at www.gofundme.com/ christmashamperfund22

If you own a local business and might be able to help us in any way, please get in touch. Businesses that make sponsorship contributions will be publicly thanked at the beginning of the new year.

If you are struggling, or know someone who may need help this Christmas, please join our Facebook group TKM Community Fundraising or apply via the following link tinyurl.com/ChristmasHampers22. Contact Tobias on 07800 544 315; tkmchimneysweep@hotmail.co.uk.

Attention Gardeners of Torrington!

Help us support the Bickford Centre

Torrington Rotary Club needs your help please. Next June, over the weekend of 10th/11th from 2pm to 5pm, we are holding an ‘open garden’ event in partnership with RHS Rosemoor, in aid of the Bickford Centre in Torrington. Can YOU open your garden? You’ll be in good company, as RHS Rosemoor are supporting us too, so the £5 fee will allow entry to your garden AND RHS Rosemoor! All proceeds will go to the Bickford Centre, for renovations.

If you think you can help by allowing visitors to wander round your garden and have a chat then please email rotaryclubtorrington@gmail.com or phone Stephen on 07453 715 383; we’ll put your garden on the list, and you will be part of a lovely weekend for gardenlovers in north Devon.

If you’d like more information about Rotary and this event, please see our website www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ homepage.php?ClubID=1069

Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

The Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow, lots of people joined during November. The funds raised are making a massive difference in helping us to look after the Commons. Big Al has made two brand new picnic benches on the Old Bowling Green and they are ideally placed by the Burger van. There are also two more of them in the playground and they were paid for from the donations of the Commons 365 Supporters. Eventually all the older picnic benches will be renewed as well.

Most of us are either a short walk or drive away, and once you are there you can enjoy nature at its best. Our rangers are out every day working to keep the Commons in the best condition possible. The gates on the Old Bowling Green are now closed for the winter, but you can still stop for a burger or a drink and the all-important toilets.

Autumn is a great time to explore the Tree Trail. You can buy a copy for £1 from the Post Office in the Tourist Information Centre, Collectability, Whiskers Pet shop, Greedy’s Burger van or the Puffing Billy. The trail starts and finishes at the Old Bowling Green. It is a great walk and very educational.

Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons.

As a Commons supporter you are also able to be a town supporter by using your membership card to get a discount

or other benefit when you shop at the participating businesses.

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. Visit www. torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online and pay by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque.

Option 2. Email vicechair@ torringtoncommons.org or phone or text 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you.

You can also collect a form from the Post Office.

We are still collecting items such as books, CDs and DVDs to restock for next year so please get in touch if you would like them collected. I have been to every street in Torrington collecting the donations, and to South Molton, High Bickington, Barnstaple, Fremington, Bideford plus lots of the surrounding villages. Word is getting around. This year we have raised nearly £4,000 from selling them. It’s becoming a major source of our fundraising activities.

If I can open the bookshop during the winter, weather permitting, I will post it on Facebook. If you see the post please tell your family and friends so that they can

come along as well. You can contact me on 07956 366 390 or email vicechair@ torringtoncommons. org. Every penny is used to help us maintain, improve, and protect the Commons.

Andrew Giles Vice Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators

Diary Dates

Saturday 3rd December Xmas table in Torrington Pannier Market raising funds for the Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee. There will be a draw and tombola and lots of very pretty Xmas knits/decorations. Please come along and take a look and support our fabulous May Fair. Thank you.

Saturday 3rd December 10am-12pm, Yarnscombe Village Hall, craft stalls and enjoy a cup of coffee, mince pie or cake! Proceeds to St. Andrew's Church, Yarnscombe

Friday 16th December 7.30pm The New Jersey Boys are back at Langtree! ‘Oh What a Night’ Christmas Special featuring the music of Frankie Valle and tributes to Showaddywaddy.

A family show at Langtree Parish Hall. Tickets £15 under 16s £8, can be collected on the door.

Tel Sue 01805 601602 or email hall@ langtreeparishhall.co.uk.

Great Torrington

Futures

Group & Archaeologists Engage Torrington Through Time ‘Dig the Castle’ 2023

Long known about, but with no comprehensive study ever undertaken, Torrington Castle has had little recognition of its existence, either locally or in Devon, across the years. With little information being available concerning its actual shape, size and layout, an exciting project is underway which hopes to uncover some of the hidden heritage of the castle site.

In 2023 the ‘Torrington Through Time’ community heritage project, run by the Great Torrington Futures Group in collaboration with non-profit organisation Archaeologists Engage, are planning to ‘Dig the Castle’; a limited area excavation of test pits with professional archaeologists and community helpers, to better understand more about the Norman motte and bailey castle. The plan for an excavation follows on from the topographic GPS earthwork survey undertaken earlier in 2022, which studied the remains of the motte mound and ramparts in detail for the first time.

The dig will complement the Heritage Trail, (brochure, website and boards) which has now been completed, and the re-purposed Civil War Trail – brochures for which are available, for free, across town.

This community-led excavation intends to provide an insight into the real work of archaeologists, with the chance for community members to get in a trench and learn how to dig; it will create a historical legacy of renewed interest in the town’s heritage. This exciting project hopes to uncover information on the castle, possibly even details of its use and its occupants, and will help encourage more visitors to the area. If the project outcomes are rewarding, the ‘dig’ could even become a more regular event –there is much more history to uncover in Great Torrington!

The proposed dates for this event are from Saturday 23rd September until Sunday 8th October 2023. This will enable the participation of our local schools, and also avoids the summer holiday period, when many locals may be busy or away.

A team of volunteer helpers is in place to sort any of the challenges and issues surrounding setting up this sort of project, and we hope that local residents and visitors will wish to get involved, or at least come and see what's going on, over the two-week excavation period.

There is a considerable cost involved in arranging this form of activity, and fundraising and funds are being sought from a number of organisations.

For more insight into what's happening, and to view historic pictures, Lidar images and further information, please visit the dedicated page on the town website: www. onegreattorrington.uk/digthecastle/ Contact John at torringtondigthecastle@outlook.com.

Great Torrington Futures Group (Voluntary)

Torrington in Bloom

Just a reminder that our AGM is being held on the 12th December, from 7pm in the Town Hall Council rooms in the town centre. Anyone is welcome to attend; there will be a few ‘nibbles’ to encourage you!

At the recent South West in Bloom awards ceremony in October, our town did extraordinarily well again, with our entries in the ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ section. We received ‘Outstanding’ for all the entries bar one and our new entry for the town centre planters went straight into the ‘Outstanding’ category. So, the Secret Memorial Garden, the Café Gardens (formerly known as 1646), Rack Park and the planters in the town centre now have high quality, sustainable and all-year interest for visitors and inhabitants alike.

Together with RHS Garden Rosemoor and their apprentices, our now thriving group of volunteers have worked extremely hard all year to maintain and renovate the areas listed above, and their efforts are much appreciated by all.

Following on from this, we have now begun renovating the large flowerbed at the bottom of Well Street where it meets New Road (by S&G Carpets). It looks pretty devastated at the moment, but the entire bed is infested with bindweed and wild clematis so we have to dig it over thoroughly and remove nearly all the plants and start again. Therefore, this winter, it will look a bit bare, but next spring we should be able to start planting.

All this hard work is undertaken on a shoestring budget, currently less than £1,000, with many plants grown from seed or donated, or purchased at considerable discount. We are, therefore, using very little money to keep Torrington looking colourful.

Cherry Hammon

Torrington Shops in the Past Part Two

The Mole and the Haggis was a bookshop on the corner of High Street and South Street, which is still sorely missed. It was given its quirky name by the couple who opened the premises as a bookshop in 1984, with reference to themselves: she a Scot (haggis) and he a photographer, who spent time in a darkroom (mole). Roger Hickman took the shop on in 1993 and ran it for nearly twenty years. It was mentioned in The Guardian’s directory of independent bookshops in October 2011: ‘Classics mingle with textbooks and rare finds, while self-publishing authors from north Devon jostle for space with local interest tomes… The space may be tiny, but it holds a day’s worth of browsing material in its nooks and crannies.’ After Roger retired, the shop became Jack and Molly’s Trading Company and these days is an antique shop called Collectability. Before being a bookshop, it was Heywood and Hodge, ammunition dealers and ironmongers, an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ that supplied local quarries with explosives which were kept stocked in the basement! The building is known as Heywood House.

Many former shops have closed and are now private houses such as, in New Street, a butcher at number 50, a general store at 85A, hardware and plumbing equipment at 116, and Tracey's restaurant (formerly Cobbledick's animal feed) at number 12, Church End. In South Street, number 48 was once a clockmaker's shop, and Furse House,

number 42, used to be Singh's clothes shop and general drapers. There was a hairdresser and, before that, a grocery shop at number 35 Calf Street and, in Well Street, a shop called Jade, which sold designer clothes and knitwear, handmade pottery and antique jewellery, in the tall house next to the Cavalier pub. On the other side of New Road, number 74 Well Street was Popham's bakers in the mid-twentieth century. When people had smaller ovens in their houses, they would take their Christmas turkeys to be cooked in the bakery's large ovens.

Residents up at the eastern end of town have long wished for a local shop. There used to be a general store and launderette at Dartington Fields but they both closed. The nearest convenience store was Happydays in Calf Street. The

building was originally an old shippen which a man called Ernie Gilbert turned into a shop and his son, Alec, ran the shop which was named after their family. After they sold the shop, it was run as a Centra Food Market for the next ten to fifteen years and then it became Spar, followed by Masons and, at one time, was called Eight till Late. It was much used by pupils at the nearby school, by passing motorists and by local residents who would pop in for provisions. At one time, a notice appeared in the window saying, 'No admittance to people in pyjamas'! Now, the nearest shops for that end of town are the M&S Simply Food at the BP petrol station and, opposite, Morrisons Daily.

Moira Brewer

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN

Your Council, Working for YOU

Notes From Your Mayor…

The

Police and Crime Commissioner Councillor

Advocates meeting took place via Zoom this month, where I ‘virtually’ met our new Inspector Ewan Seear and we discussed local issues, including road safety. The following day I attended the Collaborative Working Group meeting, which we initiated during the summer to coordinate the town’s response to the small wave of anti-social behaviour issues

we experienced at that time. We are fortunate in Great Torrington to have one of the lowest crime rates in the country, but we do need to make sure that any incidents that do occur are reported using the correct procedures – please refer to a useful document from Devon & Cornwall Police on the Great Torrington Town Council website for details of how to report and who to report to or see on page 18 of the Crier.

I have also recently attended a number of civic events across the area: Holsworthy Mayor’s charity fundraising Civic Ball, the Mayor’s Civic Service in Lynton and Lynmouth and a musical evening presented by South Molton Town Council. which raised funds for South Molton Mayor’s charities. It is always lovely to get out and about in the area and network with local mayors and councillors.

I attended a memorial service in the Methodist Church for one of our former mayors, Avril Beer, where there was an impressive turnout of people wishing to express their sadness

at the passing of a former Mayor of our town. Avril played an influential role in many local institutions, not least the May Fair and Carnival Committee and will be sorely missed by all.

Several years ago, we were approached to assist in celebrating the life of Margaret Noble, who lived in Great Torrington in the late 19th Century, and an impressive memorial was placed in Great Torrington Cemetery. Sister Nivedita, as she became known in India, played an important role in the empowerment of women, providing

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TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Honorary Freewoman of the Town & Parish

(continued from previous page)

education and nursing to people living in very difficult conditions. This year we held a small ceremony to celebrate her 155th birthday and this was livestreamed to India.

This Halloween you may have spotted some scary goings on for little people at Great Torrington Town Hall. We must thank everyone involved for organising such a successful event, and it was wonderful to see a report from Great Torrington on BBC Spotlight that evening.

Your May Fair and Carnival Committee really needs your help. In order for the fabulous day that we all know and love to take place, we need people to get involved now. Support is needed with the planning and organisation, and also with stewarding and practical tasks on the day. If you think you can help and keep this ancient tradition alive, do contact the committee or attend the next meeting.

Christmas is fast approaching and I hope you enjoy the many events in town during the build-up to the big day. On behalf of the Town Council, I would like to wish you all a very peaceful and healthy Christmas time and a happy New Year.

Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

It is with great pleasure that we can announce that the title of Honorary Freewoman of the Town and Parish of Great Torrington is being awarded to Councillor Margaret Brown.

This honorary title is given in recognition of Councillor Brown’s long and eminent service as both a Town and District Councillor and was awarded by a unanimous decision at an Extraordinary Meeting of the full council held in October 2022.

Councillor Brown has dedicated herself to representing many causes in the interest of Great Torrington and its residents for many years. She became a Town Councillor in 1997, a District Councillor in 1999 and during her time serving on both the town and district councils, Councillor Brown has been Mayor of Great Torrington four times and Chair of Torridge District Council four times.

We hope the community of Great Torrington will join with us in congratulating Councillor Brown on receiving this prestigious award.

Parking Charges in December 2022

Torridge District Council has confirmed the ‘small businesses free parking day’ across all Torridge District Council car parks, this will be on Saturday 3rd December 2022, therefore parking will be free in both Sydney House and Barley Grove car parks in Great Torrington on this day.

Great Torrington Town Council has ten hours remaining of its allocated free parking for 2022. Members have agreed to use these hours and also to cover the cost of two further hours of parking. This will provide free parking at Sydney House Car Park only on the remaining three Saturdays leading up to Christmas (10th, 17th and 24th December) between the hours of 8am and 12 noon.

Jennie Smithson (Town Clerk)

Christmas Opening Hours

The Town Council offices will be closed from 1pm on Thursday 22nd December 2022 and re-open at 9am on Tuesday 3rd January 2022.

Jennie Smithson (Town Clerk)

Contacting the Police

How can we help you?

If life is in danger or a crime is happening now call 999

You can call 101 or complete the online crime reporting form www.service.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-acrime/?frc=50 to:

* report a non-urgent crime

* if your car, bicycle or mobile phone has been stolen

* if your garden shed has been broken into

* if your property has been damaged

* if you suspect drug use or dealing in your area

* if you want to give the police information about crime in your area

* get support and advice by visiting the Support and Guidance section

* to know who your local policing team is please visit the local policing section

* make an appointment with a police officer or message an officer via the form

* talk to us about other non-emergency policing matters

Remember...

The 101 number does not replace 999, which should be used for all emergencies especially when:

* a crime is happening * offenders are nearby * someone is injured * someone’s life is being threatened

Visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/accessing-information/our-services/siteinformation/cookies/ for other ways to contact us:

The police aren't always the best people to contact...

* Want to report abandoned or untaxed cars? Ask about anti-social parking? Noisy neighbours? Lost or found dogs? Contact Torridge District Council www. torridge.gov.uk

* For Environmental: Noise and nuisance; Anti-social behaviour; Bonfires; Fly tipping; Litter; Abandoned vehicles visit www.torridge.gov.uk/ environmentasbnuisance

* For Dogs: Fouling; Stray; Noisy; Dangerous visit www.torridge.gov.uk/dogs What3words what3words.com/ways-to-use

Three words for a faster emergency response. To find you more easily in an emergency, many UK emergency services are encouraging you to share your 3 word address. How do I use what3words in an emergency?

1. Find the 3 word address for your current location on the free what3words app for iOS and Android. It works offline – ideal for areas with unreliable data connection.

2. Share your 3 word address over the phone to the call handler.

3. The emergency service can then coordinate a response directly to the exact location where help is needed.

Torrington & District Historical Society

By the time you read this we will have had the last meeting of 2022. It has been lovely to welcome new members and visitors to our Monday evening talks, and our variety of speakers means there is something for everyone. We are currently looking forward to our Christmas lunch at the golf club, an opportunity for a good natter and chat about suggestions for future talks and visits.

We have a full programme for the first three months of 2023. In January we are welcoming Michael Griffiths-Jones who will be talking about the Torridge in the Iron Age and before. This is sure to make us see the local area in a different light and give us a chance for some exploration around the area. Other talks coming up include further revelations regarding the Braddick Family, and a talk about The Rolle Canal from Torrington to Rosemoor. We are also looking forward to taking part in an exciting community project next year. More information about this to follow.

We meet on the second Monday of the month at the Methodist Church in Mill Street. Doors open at 7pm for a cup of coffee or tea and a natter and our talks begin at 7.30pm. We welcome visitors at a cost of £3 per visit and we would love you to consider joining us.

More information can be found on our Facebook page or by contacting Pauline on 01805 623089 email pallen123@ btinternet.com.

Maggi Rogers

Property Market Place Musings

As we draw to the end of 2022, the picture has been very universal throughout the UK, with the housing market having an awful lot to deal with: from a lack of supply, slow legal processes, a lack of availability from removal companies, interest rate rises and so on. However, it has survived and will continue to do so, if buyers and sellers concentrate on the monetary difference from what they are selling at, and what they are paying. It is all too easy to get fixated on the headline quoted figures.

The Bank of England base interest rate is now where it was in November 2008, and is certainly a lot lower than it was in October 1989 when it reached the dizzy heights of 14.88% and, in fact, November 1979 saw a frightening base rate of 17%!

After the mini budget in September, mortgage rates spiked well ahead of the normal margins lenders would work at and the positive news now is that they, at the time of writing, have eased back. Lenders are also being innovative in their approach for mortgagees by locking in rates now for up to six months ahead of when they might need them.

Following the mini budget, there was a marked decrease in activity as we all took on board the impact of it but activity levels are on the way back up with more available stock than this time last year, and more coming on. Mortgages are still being arranged and sales continue to be made, so it is far from the doom and gloom for the housing market that some of the newspapers would have one believe.

The average amount of time it takes from agreeing a sale to completion used to be about 12 weeks, but in recent years this has been climbing, and now an average stands about 18-20 weeks. A lot can happen during our lives in this period of time, so as an industry we need to see what can be done to speed up the process although, being too quick can also be frightening! Sales can go through a lot faster, and in one such case this year from viewing the property to completing on it took 23 working days!

The end of the year is closing as more of a buyers’ market, and maybe we are returning to a market where property is seen as a medium to long term investment, especially when you consider that statistically every homeowner that has kept their property for a ten-year period would have seen an increase in the value of their property. So, rather than focusing on rising interest rates, the question should be about whether the buyer can afford to purchase the property now, and be able to afford it in the years to come.

May I take this opportunity to wish all the Crier readers a happy and a healthy festive season.

Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director

Bookworm

From the Torrington library shelves this month I chose Alice Munro's ‘Open Secrets’, a collection of short stories first published in the 1980s. Like a lot of her work, the stories are set mostly in southern Ontario, but range from the 1850s through two World Wars to the 1980s, embracing the lives and tensions of ordinary people. Her women protagonists are strong, brave enough to reject the conventional mores of the time.

Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Alice Munro's prose is dazzling - each story reads as a short novel, the characters unfolding and revealing themselves effortlessly and compellingly. After finishing the book, I read back to examine her style more closely, and found so many examples of her sparing but lyrical descriptions. An example, 'the changes came in a hurry - he deteriorated from a decent old man into a morose and rather disgusting old urchin in a matter of months. Dirty whiskers, dribbles on his clothes, a sour smoky smell, and a look in his eyes of constant suspicion, sometimes of loathing'.

These stories are pretty much perfect, beautifully written, both wildly funny and gravely sad. They leave the reader haunted, unfolding in our minds long after we have finished reading them. Libraries feature strongly in her writing, I am sure there is more of her work on offer at our own, and I will be searching it out.

From Your District Councillors…

Well this has been a very busy month and we’re happy to say that there is quite a lot of good news for Great Torrington!

Torridge District has been allocated nearly a million pounds from central government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund, and part of the bid from Torridge District Council includes the restoration of the Market House in Great Torrington (the entrance to the Pannier Market).

As your Torrington councillors, we have been campaigning for this for many years, and we are really hopeful that this will now finally come to fruition! What a boost it would make to our town centre to bring this beautiful building back to its former glory!

The Community and Resources committee agreed a 20-year lease for the redundant tennis courts to go to Torrington Football Club, with the aim of them turning it into a community multi-use sports area (which would still include two tennis courts as part of the agreement). The Football Club is eligible for external funding that the Council is unable to access, so this seems like the best outcome for the community. There are already various groups lined up to make use of it once funding is secured and they are brought back to life.

On 28th October, Cllr Cottle-Hunkin, Mayor Doug Smith, and Chair of TDC Doug Bushby commemorated Sister Nivedita’s 155th birthday at her statue in Great Torrington cemetery. This was live-streamed on Facebook and shared across the globe, making the newspapers in India, including the Indian Times and Telegraph. Our councils were asked to do this on behalf of Sister Nivedita Celebrations UK, who are based in London. Sister Nivedita was a remarkable lady, so please do look her up and visit her statue which was donated to us by the government of West Bengal; it is somewhat of a pilgrimage site for many of her admirers!

We are so pleased to hear that our fabulous Plough Arts Centre was successful in receiving significant funding from the Arts Council: £120,000 per year for three years! What a huge relief this is for everyone and so well-deserved. We would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to everyone at The Plough, who put their heart and soul into keeping it running through the good times and the bad, and we are so pleased that the great work and importance of this wonderful facility has been recognised by the Arts Council.

A few smaller improvements which we have been pleased about, after having received complaints from local residents: a gate has now been put on the toddler play area at Burwood, making it a much safer space - especially for those with more than one toddler to look after! A potholed path has been resurfaced at

Castle Hill Gardens, after many years of trying to find out who was responsible for its upkeep! And the gates and railings at Torrington Cemetery are finally in the process of being prepped and painted (hopefully in time for remembrance!). Using our councillor grant funding we have also donated small grants to the May Fair and Carnival Committee, and also some funding towards bulbs to be planted by our wonderful volunteers in Rack Park.

Unfortunately though, it’s not all good news to report, and at Torridge District Council’s last full council meeting there was a major decision made, listing South St Car Park as one of 11 sites going forward for potential housing development. We are now awaiting a feasibility study and business plan for this. The debate was held in ‘Part 2’ (confidential), but I can assure you that as your ward members, we spoke out strongly against the proposal and were shocked when a majority of councillors voted to go ahead with it. The car park is quite often full to capacity, its importance is clearly listed in the neighbourhood plan, and although TDC’s reason is ‘affordable housing’, call us cynical, but we find it highly unlikely that any houses situated next to that stunning view down over the Torridge Valley would ever be ‘affordable’.

Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin; Cllr.cottlehunkin@torridge.gov.uk; 07495 367 801

Cllr Chris Bright; Councillor.bright@ torridge.gov.uk; 07936 325 909

Seasonal Scam Alert!

Scammers’ tactics are increasingly sophisticated and sometimes hard to recognise. However, there are things to look out for.

* If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. E.g. tickets to an event that are much cheaper than being sold elsewhere, or a holiday that’s a lot less than you would expect to pay.

* Be wary of people contacting you out of the blue on social media, telephone or via text and email offering items for sale or a deal on something.

* If you’re buying from a website you haven’t used before, do a bit of research. Look at the terms and conditions and check that the address is a proper address, not just a PO Box number. This information can usually be found in the ‘contact us’ section. Registered UK companies lodge their details on the Companies House website.

* Check what people have said about the company – don’t just rely on the reviews on the website itself, have a look at other review sites.

* Scammers often ask you to pay in an unusual way or pay very quickly. E.g. send money via a money transfer service such as MoneyGram or Western Union or pay via vouchers.

* Never give away personal information such as a password or PIN and never click on or download anything you don’t trust.

To find out about scams across the country, you can sign up to the Trading Standards email alert on their website. National Trading Standards Scams Team (list-manage.com)

If you have transferred money, speak to your bank and to the police. If you feel the scammer is in your area and you feel unsafe, you should also inform the police. You can also report the scam to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-ascam/ and www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Don’t feel embarrassed reporting a scam – it can happen to any one of us and scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated. If you want to talk to someone locally you can contact CA TNMWD on our free, local Advice Line 0808 27 87 999 or visit www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk and click on ‘Get Advice’.

Demand for our services is increasing all the time not just at this time of year. If you would like to join us as a volunteer contact recruitment@ruraldevoncab.org.uk to find out more. We are a friendly bunch and you will receive ongoing training and support to enable you to help people in our community resolve their problems.

Abbeyfield

Our coffee, cake and chat morning, on the third Friday of each month is proving popular and we would love to see you here at Glen Tor, Villa Road, any time between 10.30am and 12 noon, on December 16th and January 20th. All we ask is that if you have any cold, flu or Covid symptoms, you give it a miss, to keep the residents safe. We welcome everybody, especially anyone who would like some company, as well as old friends and neighbours. It is a lovely warm and friendly house!

We hope to start our usual fundraising events in 2023 and will be planning the dates of our Spring Coffee Morning and Summer Garden Party, very soon.

We have a vacancy for another resident and the Friday morning coffee, cake and chat events would be a great opportunity for you to find out more about Abbeyfield for yourself or a loved one. Alternatively, you can always contact the House Manager on 01805 623605 for more information.

We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year!

Fleur’s Gardening Forum

Bring your Garden indoors this Christmas

We are all looking to save money and using plants, flowers or foliage from your own garden to create imaginative Christmas decorations will cost you next to nothing, apart from your time and perhaps one or two purchases such as glitter, glue, ribbon and candles.

Firstly, take a look at what is growing in your garden, even pesky plants like ivy make excellent decorations. Instead of expensive artificial swags, pick long trails of ivy to loop across the fireplace, perhaps blobbing some glue on the leaves and sprinkling with glitter, or painting the leaves silver (fun for the children, too!), and ivy lasts quite a long time out of water. The berries of ivy are also decorative but be careful, they are poisonous, but look great dotted with glue and dunked in glitter. Holly can be treated in a similar way and if you can get sprays with berries attached, even better.

If you have an old Christmas tree that you planted a few years ago that is getting a bit too large, saw off the top 4-5 feet (120-180cm) or so and you have a free tree. Treat this ‘tree’ in the same way as a shop-bought one: keep it in a bucket of water in a cool place until you need it indoors, then pot into damp sand or old compost as usual, or insert it into a special container. The tree in the garden should thicken up and provide you with side branches for future use.

Look for rosehips, hawthorn and elder berries in the hedgerows, also wild clematis seedheads. Some garden varieties also have lovely fluffy heads, especially the ‘tanguitica’ types. These seedheads are lovely carefully spotted with glue and sprinkled with glitter. The bare branches of some shrubs can be painted silver or gold, or you might have Cornus siberica growing in the garden, with its lovely scarlet stems, making a wonderful contrast to darker twigs. Hazelnut twigs with the dormant catkins are useful, too.

Flowers from shrubs can be picked whilst in bud and encouraged to bloom for Christmas by placing them in jugs of water at room temperature. As they begin to show colour, they can be used in table decorations. Try the dainty, pale yellow flowers of winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum). Other winter flowering shrubs to try are Lonicera fragantissima (winter honeysuckle) with white scented flowers, or Viburnam bodnantense ‘Dawn’ with fragrant pink clusters of flowers.

Other shrubs to include could be bay, rosemary and sage or other salvias which may still have a few flowering stems to cut, and also seedheads such as poppy Don’t buy oasis for your arrangement, instead cut a large potato in half, wrap it in foil and insert your stems of flowers into that (you may need to pierce some holes with a skewer or knitting needle for softer stemmed flowers).

A day spent foraging in and around the garden could save you pounds.

All I Want For Christmas is…

Iwonder how you’d complete that statement? What would you be hoping for this Christmas?

Some might say “I hope I’ll have better health” or “I hope we have enough food” or “I hope we can pay all our bills”, or “I hope I can spend some time with loved ones”. As Christians, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who brings an over-riding hope into a world that often doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense, a world of challenges and struggles. Christmas represents God’s love story with the world as He sent His Son, Jesus into this world, on a mission to save us by having a relationship with us now and forever more.

As we enter the Advent period leading up to Christmas day, we are also reminded of the Bible’s teaching that Jesus will return one day, not as a babe in a manger, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus can bring hope as we face day-to-day challenges. He longs to walk with us, giving us His peace and His joy. How do we obtain this? It’s simple, by taking a step of faith and inviting Jesus into our lives and choosing to follow Him.

As we approach Christmas, those involved in the Door of Hope Prayer Room in the town centre would like to wish you all a happy and hope-filled Christmas time.

If you would like to chat about this hope, please contact Kath on 07702 589 799.

Fleur

Torrington RFC

A mixed bag of results since our last report.

Firstly, I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing those players who have been injured speedy recoveries. Unfortunately a couple of those could signify that playing days are over!

Our trip to Crediton resulted in a loss 37-15. The lads giving it all they had against a strong side who proved better on the day, despite our usual ‘never say die’ attitude.

Exeter Athletic visited in the Devon Junior Shield. A dominant Torrington pack pushed them back at most scrums, rucks and mauls and we were worthy winners 26-7.

Off to Plymouth next to Old Plymouthians and Mannamedians, with a pretty much scratch side. A resounding 48-0 scoreline tells its own story.

Cullompton 2nds came to Donnacroft for the first time in a very long time. On the back of their first team having a huge winning streak, their 2nds were going to be a very difficult opponent. This proved to be so, with the scoreline 15-36 showing what they had to offer.

Another tough game on the road saw us off to Sidmouth 41-10 this time.

Exeter Athletic returned to Donnacroft in the league this time, eager to avenge their previous defeat. In pretty horrible weather conditions a good sized crowd watched on as Torrington, once again, dominated the forward play but were no match for some very swift backs

from Athletic. It was pretty much level pegging for most of the game with Torrington having to play catch up from a very early score from Exeter. Not until the last quarter did Athletic pull away to a strong lead, from which we were unable to recover. Two late sin-binnings didn’t help, with the spaces being taken full advantage of.

Then followed the Cavaliers bonfire and firework spectacular.

What initially threatened to be a soggy evening turned out to be much drier than anticipated and a good crowd watched as several pounds worth of flame and thunder resounded around Donnacroft.

Four home games should be of help to us for the end of November through to the New Year, the first of which will be our old adversaries New Cross.

Okehampton 2nds make the short journey on 3rd December, followed by Crediton 2nds the week after.

The Christmas break ensues, with our first game of 2023 seeing OPMs visiting on 7th January.

Unfortunately the junior section’s Super Saturday at Exeter Chiefs had to be postponed, due to the Chiefs' opposition, Wasps, having to pull out of the rest of the season due to business difficulties. The Juniors’ trip has been deferred to a European Cup game sometime in the New Year.

The Committee, players and all connected with the club, wish you a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you’ve not visited us before please do so. You’ll be made most welcome and we’d love to see you.

As always, new or returning players are eagerly sought. The clubhouse is available for hire please email trfc1985@ outlook.com.

C’mon Torrie! Mark Waterson

Torrington Methodist Church

Awarm welcome from Torrington

Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street.

Sunday Worship 10.30am at Church. Evening Worship 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request the link. Bacon Butty Coffee Mornings 10-12pm, 3rd Sat of each month.

Our premises (various rooms, incl. wifi, projector) are available to hire, see website or phone Sheila 01805 622949. Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon.

Torridge Walk & Talk

Anice way to get fit, make friends and enjoy yourself!

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, with a variety of walks for all levels. Just turn up and join in for free.

Full details on our website torridgewalkandtalk.co.uk or call Steve 01273 421528.

Moore-Stevens Hall for Hire

Peters Marland, 4 miles from Great Torrington

Our hall provides a lovely environment for smaller gatherings, suitable for fitness classes, children’s parties, fundraising events, coffee mornings, meetings, training & community events.

Capacity for 60 people seated. Wifi, projector & large screen, separate kitchen area. Disabled access & WC, EX38 8QG.

To book the hall please contact Mrs Pittman on 01805 601892. Hire cost from £7.50 per hour.

www.oakwellkitchens.co.uk

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Torri Youth

Mayor’s Diary

Since 7th November 2022, it has been a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds housed and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. This applies whether keepers have commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard. The decision was made by the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, as the UK continues to face its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza – with over 70 cases since the start of October

Another hectic month has passed. Helen and I have represented the Town at many civic events, including church services for the Chairs of North Devon District Council and Torridge District Council.

You should be vigilant for any signs of disease in your birds and seek prompt advice from your vet if you have any concerns. You can help protect your birds and prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on your premises, including:

• housing or netting all poultry and captive birds

• minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds - including making sure that their feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.

• preventing access by poultry and captive birds to ponds and watercourses

We enjoyed a trip to Bideford to watch their Regatta and on 10th September watched the spectacular Bideford Massed Pipes and Drums, with visiting bands coming from all over the UK.

• cleansing and disinfecting footwear and equipment before and after contact with poultry and captive birds (or changing into clean footwear before tending to your birds)

• regularly cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces in areas where birds are kept

• reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination, and using effective vermin control

• keeping fresh approved disinfectant at the right concentration for use at farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures

Full details of what is required can be found on the government website - www. gov.uk/bird-flu

You can also find a self-assessment checklist at the above link to help you put the measures in place, as well as more information about the virus.

You can keep up to date with any future changes by regularly visiting the avian influenza section on the government website, and by registering for email or text alerts - www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service

The risk to public health from the virus is very low, however it is important that people don’t pick up sick or dead birds.

You should call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 if you find:

• one or more dead bird of prey or owl

• Three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)

• Five or more dead birds of any species

The Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

It’s really great to be back, and we would like to say thank you to all the young people who entered our logo competition, some amazing art work was sent into us. There could only be one winner and Karson Slee’s entry was chosen by the judges, Sue Mills presented him with a £15 Amazon voucher at our last committee meeting.

was at Hatherleigh Community to see many of their residents Community Awards. This is similar the awards we have in Torrington, which recognise people who made a difference to their town.

It was lovely to at last welcome, be involved with, the Induction Father Lawrence MacLean. We he and his family will be very our town, and the Church Fete Vicarage was a good opportunity all to meet them.

We have been fundraising for Torri Youth since returning, for resources and activities young people want, and it was nice to be part of the Christmas Fayre.

Barnstaple Fair is always a wellsupported day, with all the “Chain Gang” out in force to celebrate the tradition of the Fair. The weather was kind as we walked around town, whilst the declaration of the opening of the Fair was read. Immediately after the formal part of the proceedings had finished, we dashed down to Newquay. It was time for Helen to put on a ‘posh frock’ for a reception celebrating the ‘South West in Bloom’ competition. We still had to wait until the following day to hear the results, and were proud and delighted when it was announced that the Torrington in Bloom team had won a Silver Gilt (last year it was silver). Thank you to the committee, traders and individuals who work so hard to enhance our surroundings in Great Torrington. We will soon have the opportunity of meeting the judges to find out how we can do even better – our next challenge is GOLD!!

We have also been given donations towards the shelter project, and we are looking at other funding opportunities to help with building costs, estimated to be £13,000-£16,000, and hope to put in an Awards for All grant application soon.

The Co-op and Town arranged a Harvest Festival Pannier Market on the 11th September. This was the first one organised and I think it will become a regular event on the Torrington calendar.

We have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline for 2023. We will return on Friday 13th January with young people’s social action projects starting; we are looking at setting up a pool league and, in February, we have a bike repair project and sponsored bike ride on the Tarka Trail.

Finally, we tried to attend Macmillan coffee mornings as and in fact ended up going This is a wonderful charity and surprising that it’s so well supported. After all those coffees we went Soap Kitchen shop to see Lesley Richard Phillips who celebrated years of business on 30th September. Congratulations to you both.

Young people need to book a space on our projects, which can be done by speaking to a youth worker or emailing paula.ftorriyouth@gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing from you have an event or anniversary want to tell me about – just 01805 625662, or our secretary, Pauline at the Council offices on 626135.

Our last out-of-town engagement

If you would like to help fundraise for Torri Youth, we have joined Easy Fundraising, an online shopping app which donates to us. Visit Easy Fundraising and search for Torri Youth.

Councillor Richard Town

Paula Fuller

(this

£2 per child – under

The Crier Prize Crossword

The winner of this month’s crossword will receive an hour Reiki session with Gerard of Reiki Connections. 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 Jonathan Rose. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 12th January and the solution and winner will be in the February issue.

Win a 1-2-1 Reiki session with Gerard of Reiki Connections

I am an experienced Reiki practitioner, qualifying in 2004. Many local people have experienced the physical, mental and emotional benefits of Reiki, and gone away with feelings of well-being. I’ve received feedback like “warm glow all over”, “a sublime feeling of peace”, “relaxing and refreshing session”, a “lovely mind blank”, a “gentle but powerful energy”, “I felt deeply peaceful but really energised”.

Reiki is a holistic healing energy; Reiki is so gentle, it can be used safely in conjunction with medical treatments, but makes no medical diagnoses.

A Reiki session is carried out with the receiver fully clothed, except glasses and shoes, with a blanket for extra comfort. I will place my hands on or above parts of the body (according to your wishes). Reiki involves the transfer of healing energy from giver to receiver through the hands, allowing energy (often experienced as great warmth) to flow into the receiver’s body. A handson or hands-off treatment will have the same results.

I get real pleasure from clients enjoying their Reiki experience, and the lasting benefits they feel; a recent client described his Reiki session as “like a Spa for the mind, body and spirit”. We operate a safety first approach, so negative covid tests before a session. To book a Reiki session, please call/text me on 07866 402495 or email gef351@ outlook.com.

Greetings from Fabulous Freddie

Iam feeling particularly fabulous at the moment as, in case you haven’t seen, I have been adopted! Well I am still a K9focus 4Ever Foster dog, but after spending the last six years in the kennels I am now living with Aunty Lynne in the house, following the sad loss of Jack, her beloved GSD. I have adapted really well and am behaving myself –well nearly! What I am really looking forward to is spending my first Christmas in a home and opening all my Christmas presents. I know there are lots of things I won’t be able to eat, but mum (aka Aunty Lynne) has promised to make me some special Christmas treats and has shared the recipe below.

As I write, sadly the planning issue in respect of the kennels has still not been resolved, but hopefully this will be sorted by Christmas – it is certainly on my Christmas wish list to Santa. Our thanks go once again to Bideford Bike Show, who put on a special fundraising show for us last month, and raised a fantastic £562.62 which will start to make a dent in the monies we need to cover the cost of the kennel amendments. The request to take dogs into the kennels continues to grow, and this seems to be one of the worst years yet for people surrendering their dogs. As we reported last month, many of these dogs have issues through lack of socialisation during the various lockdown periods, and so are much more difficult to rehome. Hopefully, when our planning issue is sorted, we will once again be in a position to help more woofs as it really is heart-breaking to

have to keep turning these desperate dogs away.

Dunelm in Barnstaple once again included us in their ‘Bring Joy’ campaign, where people can take a tag off the Christmas Tree and then buy a present. We know one of the presents are two jumpers for Cagney & Lacey, our two lovely lurchers, who are now doing very well in their new home. Can’t wait to see what my present is, but whatever, thank you again to Dunelm who support us throughout the year as well, by donating raffle prizes and toys.

Before I go, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the year, whether by sponsoring me with a regular donation or simply sharing our various Facebook posts and appeals. Without your support we would not have been able to operate, in what has certainly been the most challenging of years. Everyone at K9focus wishes you the very best Christmas and New Year and looks forward to seeing you at our various events in 2023. To all you woofs out there, watch what you are eating –especially no mince pies, and put your most appealing eyes on to persuade your mum to bake these delicious biscuits.

Ingredients:

3 cups whole wheat flour (or wheat-free flour for dogs with wheat allergies)

2 tbsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon (keep this to a minimum as too much can lead to mouth blisters!).

1/2 cup runny honey or molasses

1/2 cup warm water

1/4 cup light olive oil or flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F/160°C/gas mark 3

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ginger, and cinnamon until combined

3. In a small bowl, using a sturdy spoon, stir together the honey, water and oil

4. Pour the mixture into the flour

5. Using the same sturdy spoon, stir ingredients until thoroughly combined

6. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness

7. Use your favourite cookie cutters to cut shapes

8. Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray

9. Place your cut outs on the baking sheet

10. Continue to roll and cut out shapes with the remaining dough

11. Bake for 20 minutes

12. Cool completely on a wire rack Using a two inch cookie cutter, you should get approximately 28 dog biscuits.

Storing. The gingerbread dough will keep fresh for several weeks in the refrigerator or you can keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.

& woofs Freddie

Licks

Rolle Canal Project Update

The focus of our work at Rosemoor during the last two months has been mainly around the upper canal basin and the former tucking mill. Aside from the lime kiln, these are the two areas where we are anxious to complete as much as possible of the restoration work before we hand the site over to RHS Rosemoor.

In the upper basin we have continued to raise the level of the eastern wall which is now virtually complete. The debate about whether to cap the wall or not is still very much alive, but we are leaning toward capping with concrete copings as we have done on the lower basin. The reasons for this are twofold: firstly, from an aesthetic standpoint, it will give both the upper and the lower basin a consistent appearance; secondly, it will help to protect the stonework itself. The benefit of capping was very evident when we recently cleared vegetation and leaf mould from the eastern wall of the lower basin which we rebuilt some four years ago – underneath all the dirt, the copings and the wall were seen to be in excellent condition. We have also largely rebuilt what we think may have been an old bridge pier which abuts the upper basin wall at its southern end. Old photos suggest that there was some sort of crossing here from the tucking mill to the other side of the leat, probably to allow access to the drying fields on the opposite side. A few metres further on, we have uncovered the remains of a stone pillar which appears to be completely isolated from the rest of

the canal infrastructure so the purpose of this is still unclear.

Our ongoing restoration of the tucking mill has been significantly advanced by successfully laying a bed of stone flags on the spillway of the mill race. We have been trying to complete this work for some time but, with water leaking into the spillway from the canal, this has not been easy. The flagstones provide a solid, permanent (and very professionallooking!) floor and greatly enhance the appearance of the entire mill race. We have also started to repair the west wall of the mill building itself. We will lay three to four courses of stone here to raise the level of the foundations to a point which will clearly define the outline of the structure. Fortunately, we have ample supplies of building stone which we unearthed during our original excavations and this should enable us to make good progress on this aspect of the project. One interesting and potentially significant find has been what we think might be a piece of an old iron crucible (see photo). This came to light after many months of laborious digging in the area adjacent to the towpath, where we believe there may have been some sort of furnace, and adds weight to our theory that smelting and casting activity may have taken place here in the past.

Away from Rosemoor, we recently

carried out some much needed clearance work in the canal bed at Furzebeam. Over the last year or two, many young saplings (mainly sycamores) have sprouted in the section between the diversion and the exit onto the Tarka Trail and we were anxious to remove these or at least cut them back. Removing this growth has had a major impact in opening up the canal bed and letting in more light. We really need to spend several weeks (months?) here to properly clear the canal bed but, as ever, our resources are thinly spread. However, once our work at Rosemoor is complete, we will be able to devote more time to these somewhat neglected areas of the Rolle Canal.

Mike Harper

DECEMBER events at the plough

The Plough Welcomes Historic Funding News!

It has just been announced that The Plough Arts Centre‘s application for regular core funding from Arts Council England has been approved. From April 2023 Great Torrington’s popular arts and community venue will become a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and has received a conditional offer of core support of £120,000 per year for three years.

Our Director Richard Wolfenden-Brown was absolutely delighted to receive the news. He enthused: “During its entire 47year history, The Plough Arts Centre has never before received regular investment from Arts Council England, so all our audiences, participants, supporters, trustees, volunteers and staff will now be thrilled that the value of our work and programme has been recognised and supported in this way. After ploughing through the rough terrain of recent times, during and following the pandemic, this investment will help to ease growing financial pressures and encourage us to make our programme even more diverse, accessible and relevant to our communities”.

Chair of the Trustees of the charity, Hugh Wormington, added “This excellent news will enable us to play a full and equal part in the arts and community infrastructure of Northern Devon as we rebuild our audience base and initiate new community projects, so that we can work towards celebrating the 50th anniversary of the venue in three years’ time. It is also dependent on garnering fresh support from funders (including TDC) and ongoing support from businesses and supporters that have assisted us to date. This historic funding announcement is testament to the commitment and endeavours of all

our staff and volunteers, over many years, alongside everyone who currently values and supports the venue.”

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, of Torridge District Council, had this to say: “It is absolutely fantastic news that the Arts Council has supported The Plough with such significant funding! The Plough Arts centre is such a fantastic asset not just to our wonderful town of Great Torrington, but to the whole of the area, attracting people of all ages and all walks of life. I am so pleased that they have recognised the important work that The Plough does within the community and beyond. Huge congratulations to everyone involved and everyone who works so hard to keep the Plough going as I know things have not been easy, especially since the covid pandemic hit. This will be such a boost for everyone and is so well deserved. I really cannot explain how brilliant this news is!”

Bella, a young member of the Plough’s scriptwriting group and ‘Plough The Future!’ group welcomed the good news: “The Plough to me is a wonderful creative space. I believe it is a crucial space in Great Torrington’s community. It has a nice calm-but-fun air to it and I love it.”

For details about upcoming events in December at The Plough Arts Centre, please go to the Diary page, for January events please visit www. theploughartscentre.org.uk or call 01805 624624. All event tickets can be

purchased via www.theploughartscentre. org.uk or via the Box Office on 01805 624624.

Your (very happy) Plough Arts Centre

Visual Arts at The Plough

December sees the return of the famous Plough Christmas Craft Fair, where over 30 local makers will be exhibiting their work. The ideal place to pick up that special unique gift! Open throughout December Wednesday to Saturday 10.30am until 4pm and then from 6-8pm. Last day December 23rd.

January has an exhibition of Amanda McCormack's photographs of female footballers and, upstairs in the main gallery, the tapestries of Anne Jackson. Originally inspired by the trials of ‘The Bideford Witches’ of North Devon, in 1682, the last of such executions in Britain. She uses their stories to consider some of the fears and metaphors aroused by the idea of ‘the witch’, from modern-day political accusations of ‘witch-hunts’ to the games and rituals surrounding the annual celebration of Hallowe’en. These exhibitions run from Saturday 14th January to Saturday 18th February.

DECEMBER at the Plough

Thurs 1 Dec

10.30am & 1pm Live Family Theatre: Quirk Theatre’s ‘Mary The Pigeon’ £9 /£7 Supporters/Families/School Groups (every 11th ticket free for groups)

7.30pm Film: Amsterdam £7.50/£6.50 Supporters £4 (for great Torrington residents)

7.30pm Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £2 inc refreshments

7.30pm Tour: Barnstaple Town, River & Prison Haunted History Tour at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £14.50 inc refreshments

Fri 2 Dec

10.30am & 1pm Live Family Theatre: Quirk Theatre’s ‘Mary The Pigeon’ £9/£7 Supporters/ Families/School Groups (every 11th ticket free for groups)

Sat 3 Dec

10am Workshop: Italic Script at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £45 equipment provided)

2pm Live Family Theatre: Quirk Theatre’s ‘Mary The Pigeon’ £9/£7 Supporters/Families/School Groups (every 11th ticket free for groups)

7.30pm Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothel at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £14.50 inc refreshments

8pm Film: Nanny £7.50/£6.50 Supporters £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

Tues 6 Dec

10.30am + every Tuesday term time Workshop: Plough Prism for adults with additional needs + their carers £3.50

1.30pm + every Tuesday term time Workshop: Motion Dance for adults with additional needs + their carers £3.50

7.30pm + every Tuesday term time Community Choir: Ploughcapella contact Alison: alising.co.uk £75/£65 Supporters (per term)

Wed 7 Dec

9.30am & 1pm Live Family Theatre: Toucan Theatre ‘The Naughty Fox for 0-5yrs £9/£7 conc/ per person for groups free tickets for carers 11am & 3pm Live Family Theatre: Toucan Theatre ‘The Naughty Fox for PMLD (people with profound & multiple learning difficulties) £9/£7 conc/per person for groups free for carers

7.30pm Film: Conscientious Protectors: Extinction Rebellion £7.50 /£6.50 supporter £4

(for Great Torrington residents) adv tickets £5 Thurs 8 Dec

9.30am & 1pm Live Family Theatre: Toucan Theatre ‘The Naughty Fox for 0-5yrs £9/£7 conc/ per person for groups free tickets for carers 11am & 3pm Live Family Theatre: Toucan Theatre ‘The Naughty Fox for PMLD (people with profound and multiple learning difficulties) £9/£7 conc/per person for groups free for carers

7.30pm Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothel at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £14.50 inc refreshments

Fri 9 Dec

7pm Live Family Theatre: PYT Christmas Extravaganza! All tickets £5 Sat 10 Dec

9.30am Workshop: Zarzo Platter Willow Weaving at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £38 (all materials and tools supplied)

10am Workshop: Winter in Watercolours at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £50 (all equipment supplied)

10.30am Workshop: Creative Writing £15 1.30pm Workshop: Zarzo Platter Willow Weaving at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £38 (all materials and tools supplied)

5pm Film: Fisherman's Friends: One & All £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

8pm Film: Black Adam 7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents) Sun 11 Dec

7:30pm Live Comedy: Mark Thomas: Black & White £19/£11.50 key workers & unemployed Wed 14 Dec

2pm Film: Fisherman's Friends: One & All £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

7:30pm Film: Black Adam £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents) Thurs 15 Dec

7.30pm Tour: Barnstaple Town & Workhouse Haunted History Tour at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £14.50 inc refreshments Fri 16 Dec

8pm Live Music: Big Al & The Wild Strawberries + support: 3 Peace Sweet standing gig + bookable balcony seats £12/£10 supps/key workers £6 Sat 17 Dec

10am Workshop: Winter in Acrylics at

ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £60 (all equipment supplied)

11am & 2pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 full price/£6.50 supp Minestrone Matinee, tickets. A seat, soup, toast and a tea or coffee £10, matinee ticket only £5 £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

8pm Live Comedy: Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland (+ support) all tickets £21.50

Sun 18 Dec

Until Wed 21 Dec 10am-5pm (last entry) Family: Escape Kids - Ghost's Secret at ThePlough@ StAnne's, Barnstaple £30 per hour session, for up to 12 people. Pre-booking essential.

4pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

7pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter Minestrone Matinee, tickets. A seat. soup, toast and a tea or coffee £10 matinee ticket only £5 £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

Wed 21 Dec

11am & 2pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 Full price/£6.50 Supporter

Minestrone Matinee, tickets. A seat, soup, toast and a tea or coffee £10 matinee ticket only £5 £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

7:30pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

Thurs 22 Dec

11am & 2pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 Full price/£6.50 Supporter

Minestrone Matinee, tickets. A seat, soup, toast and a tea or coffee £10 matinee ticket only £5 £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

7:30pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

Fri 23 Dec

11am & 2pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 Full price/£6.50 Supporter

Minestrone Matinee, tickets. A seat, soup, toast and a tea or coffee £10 matinee ticket only £5 £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

7:30pm Film: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical £7.50 full price/£6.50 supporter £4 (for Great Torrington residents)

Great Torrington Water Forum

Christmas is a fantastic time of year to look towards the future, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others. Water conservation is one of the best things we can do individually, that can help others in the future, and with the amount of cooking and cleaning that goes on in and around Christmas, there are many ways in which you can limit your water usage! The 12 water saving days of Christmas (with thanks to Southern Water):

1. If you’re popping the kettle on, only boil what you need. As well as saving water, you’ll use less energy and it’ll boil faster.

2. Give your tree a tipple – your tree gets thirsty too, so help it dazzle for longer by letting it drink the cooled water left over from your bath, sink or vegetable pans.

3. Short showers can make big savings. You can spread the festive spirit by singing your favourite festive tune –you’ll have the whole household asking, “Do you hear what I hear?"

4. Christmas is a time when people visit one-another in their homes. With more visitors, the loo will have more flushes than normal. A cistern bag will ensure every flush uses less water if you don’t have a dual flush. If you think your loo might be leaking grab yourself a leaky loo strip, so you can test it out.

5. Wrap up your pipes to help prevent a winter emergency from cutting your celebrations short. The cost of calling a plumber or replacing damaged

possessions could give anyone a blue Christmas.

6. Instead of defrosting frozen food under a tap, leave it in the fridge, or on the side, overnight to thaw. That way, you can save water while you wait one more sleep.

7. Let’s be honest, nobody likes peeling vegetables. So, this tip could bring joy to the world. Soaking your veggies in water the night before is one of our favourite tips. Put your parsnips, carrots and potatoes in water the night before so that the next day you don’t need to boil them, simply pop them in the oven for roasting. Use the leftover water for boiling any other veggies on Christmas day like our Brussels sprouts! It’s a massive reduction in water usage.

8. Steam your vegetables. You can enjoy puffy white clouds if you steam your veg, and use less water than boiling them, plus they’ll be more nutritious.

9. Pick your pans wisely – if boiling is part of your recipe, choose the rightsized pan for what you’re cooking. A bigger pot takes more water to fill and longer to heat, especially in the bleak midwinter. Save water, energy and time by using a smaller one.

10. Hold onto your glass – if your idea of a wonderful Christmastime includes a festive tipple, try to hold onto your glass for several drinks. After all, fewer dirty glasses means less washing up. Glass tags or charms are a great way to keep track of whose is whose.

11. Use your ice twice – if you have any leftover ice when the party ends, gift

it to your house plants. Pop the cubes in the pots and, like Frosty the Snowman, they’ll melt away – and water your plants as they do!

12. Cleaning – washing dishes and clothes hardly brings tidings of comfort and joy! A full dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand if you’re hosting a houseful, you’ll soon have a full load! Don’t pre-rinse your dishes under the tap. Scrape the food into your food waste caddy or put aside for later. If washing in the sink, be sure to use a bowl. After Christmas dinner, don’t just pop your tablecloth and napkins in the washing machine, include your Christmas jumpers, pyjamas, and any other items of clothing you’ve been wearing to make a full load. Just because your tablecloth has a few bits of food on it doesn’t mean it needs its own special wash. Wash your load at 30 degrees so you can save energy as well.

Remember, everything we buy or use has a water footprint. That’s the amount of water it took to produce that item. From the water that’s used raising animals and in making clothes to the water required in factory processes. Even the water made to fuel transporting the goods to our homes. How often do we consider the hidden water cost of those hectic weeks of parties leading up to the big day? Let’s consider a watersaving Christmas this year.

Have a great Christmas and New Year from Great Torrington Water Forum.

GTWaterforum@gmail.com

1st Torrington Scouts

This term the Cubs have been very busy. They started by going around Torrington taking photos, which each cub then used to produce their very own calendar. We then joined Bideford Cubs for a joint camp. There was tunnelling, archery and lots of fun!

The Cubs then held their very own ‘come dine with me’ called ‘Cub dine with me’. They were divided into three groups, taking it in turns over three weeks to produce a three-course meal and provide entertainment for the rest of the pack. Well done to the Cubs (and the lovely parent volunteers) for all their hard work.

The Scouts spent their term working towards an expedition that took place at half term. They arrived at a campsite full of excitement, pitched their tents and on the first day they walked approximately six miles through woodlands to Shaugh Prior. They then returned to camp for a much-awaited dinner, and a small camp fire, which was enjoyed by all. After a windy and wet night, they packed up camp and hiked four miles to Burrator Reservoir for lunch, where they got to explore a waterfall! Everyone enjoyed the expedition and got their expedition challenge badge. During the half term the Scouts also went to the Milky Way. We desperately need help and support within the hall committee and the groups. If you can spare even an hour, contact the Group Scout Leader, Jordon on jordon.whitear@gmail.com.

Last month we published the winners of our National Poetry Day Competition. Here are two more fantastic poems we wanted to share with you.

Treading on thin ice

The river is low at the peak of the year, The forecast of heavy rain we do not hear, The atmosphere transforming into a greenhouse

The global problem continues to rise…

The picturesque view of the sunny days, Reality sets in. We are beginning to suffer.. The sadonic laughter of the unbearable heat

It has no remorse. All of our lives intertwined into our own responsibilities, We will only learn when it’s fire, blood and anguish, Was always taught to never play with fire…

However we are fine playing with our lives ?

We are treating our lives like a game…, Don’t get caught.

One thing.

And another thing.

Temperatures breaking records. Year after year after year, Deathly winters,

Winds crashing against the windows of our houses wailing,screaming in pain Torturing us…

As if it wants its revenge on us. For what we do. A threat ? A warning ?

But remember. Many many more consequences are yet to come to light Each version a faded lesser copy of the consequence before, More lethal More precarious Life threatening.

If we don’t sort our priorities, What chance do we stand against this game ? None.

Climate change can’t reverse itself We are treading on thin ice This problem will still continue u till no drops of water are left on the roadside, Eventually The ice will break and our existence will fall into an infinite black hole to never be retrieved again.

Scarlett Nott, Year

If I had a time machine

If I had a time machine

I would travel back in time, To when the earth was green, The clocks would chime.

Back then the earth was a beauty But look at it now. It’s now our duty, That we act now.

I wander through a woodland, Listening to splashes of water. This is a good-land, That needs protecting from slaughter.

A problem is deforestation. The trees fall down with a clang. This is our creation, These actions Are causing a bang!

Unless we act, All hope will be down. But we have an impact That could be drowned.

Animals are cute and fluffy you see. But by destroying their habitats, We’re corrupting their glee. Nobody wants that and that’s that.

If I had a time machine

I would travel back in time, To when the earth was green, The clocks would chime.

10

Stacey Poole, Year 11

Last month the Harry Potter Studio ran a schools’ competition to celebrate the opening of Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse. They challenged students to get creative and imagine their own magical plant creation, using Professor Sprout’s greenhouse from the Harry Potter books as inspiration. Here are two great entries from pupils at GTS.

Bregarian Saliprese

Hagrid was decorating the castle in readiness for Christmas – as well as the usual dozens of Christmas trees, he had asked Harry, Ron and Hemione to help him as it was Professor Sprout’s birthday; although he would not say which as he said it was discourteous to reveal a woman’s age. Professor Sprout was very fond of Bregarian Saliprese which is magical plant that has leaves that look like those of a runner bean plant. It flowers prolifically, with beautiful deep red petals, making the exceptionally long sections appear as though they are entirely covered in miniature poinsettias.

Bregarian Saliprese was abundant as Hagrid had created a small allotment in the forbidden forest with “specialist” manure. Hermione thought it best not to question Hagrid on this as she had read that Bregarian Saliprese thrived in Norwegian dragon dung, and she preferred not to know how Hagrid had obtained this given his record – she had convinced herself to believe that Charlie had supplied it in order to relieve her somewhat guilty conscience for turning a blind eye.

Although collecting the sections was relatively easy, the process itself was tricky because as soon as you cut the stem of Bregarian Saliprese it immediately entwined itself around the closest object which was usually your arm. Several unfortunate souls had died from asphyxiation as they had leaned in a little too close when cutting and had been strangled instantly. It was a worthwhile exercise as the fragrant smell was enticing - the plant smelt exactly like marzipan with a hint of cinnamon so was perfect for the seasonal festivities.

The team spent a couple of hours collecting as much as Hagrid could carry –Hagrid had cut whips from some of the older trees in the Forbidden Forest, so the four worked happily in pairs cutting and wrapping these in the Bregarian Saliprese. They returned to the Great Hall feeling jubilant at their achievement.

They laid the garlands as a huge floral swag all along the front of the Top Table supporting each end with Golden Ivy ties and the visual effect and aroma were equally sensational. Upon her entrance to the Great Hall for the evening festivities, Professor Sprout was totally overwhelmed at the sight and the children sang her a resounding chorus of Happy Birthday.

Nathan Beer, Year 7

Regenerite plant

The greenhouse is full of weird and wonderful plants, but there is one in particular that stands out from all the rest. This plant is a purple moving plant, it is the size of your pinky finger at the start and can grow as big as the length of your leg, the petals have an amazing ability to give one life back. When you feed it, listen and it sings and when it's at its best it sings the harry potter theme. The petals are a dark purple with rainbow stripes. There is one important thing you must know and that's not to remove the whole plant from the greenhouse; only the petals can leave, if you take the plant or even a branch out it turns the whole thing to poison and all its healing stops. The petals are full of rehealing powers. When you pick a petal you have to give it to the person in 24 hours or a petal loses its powers. To get the person back you have to open the petal and rub the liquid inside on the other’s eyelids.

Tanzin Galliver, Year 9

Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

For some time our core group has been discussing ways in which we could help our members more, given the current cost of living issue. So we've decided to reduce the members’ contribution to overheads from 10% to 5% from November, on the basis that every little helps. As we are entirely self-funded, we may have to review this decision going forward, but we do also have another money saving benefit in the pipeline. Meanwhile our wholesale supplier continues to offer special cost of living deals on particular products, where both the manufacturer and our wholesaler have agreed to each drop their margins for a specified time span and volume of goods. So it really is all about a lot of people doing their bit, linking up to help us all to surf on through these extraordinary challenging times.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous festive season, full of good surprises, Mary.

Upcoming grocery final order dates: 8th Dec, 12th Jan

* 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 www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

Four-day Christmas Tree Festival in Woolsery

Churches

Together Woolsery is planning a fourday Christmas Tree Festival.

It is a festival that brings together the community with local organisations, groups, and businesses.

The festival will be open from 10am to 4pm daily from Thursday 8th December through to Sunday 11th December and will be held at All Hallows Church and the Methodist Chapel, Woolsery.

On Thursday 8th December at 7pm we are thrilled to host the Wreckers Coast Choir as they will be performing under the twinkling lights in All Hallows Church. Refreshments of mulled wine, fruit juice and spiced biscuits will complete the evening, as we welcome you to this wonderful joyous evening.

Refreshments and children's craft activity will be available daily from Thursday 8th December from 10.30am to 4pm in the Methodist Chapel. Please note that the refreshments will close 30 minutes before closing time.

The festival will conclude with an evening service at 4pm on Sunday 11th December, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating this wonderful community event, nestled amongst the beautifully decorated trees, and enjoy this wonderful family friendly Christmas Service with some of our favourite Christmas Carols. Refreshments will be served after the event and time to enjoy and reflect on the beauty of the festival. All warmly welcome.

Of course, the success of the event is entirely down to the amazing trees that individuals, groups, organisations and companies create for the festival and we thank them all for taking part.

We hope it will bring joy and sparkle to your season and look forward to welcoming you.

Torrington Garden Society

Our last meeting was in March 2020, since then we have had no meetings and no one has come forward to form a new committee. The outgoing committee debated what action to take. We felt strongly that the town of Torrington should benefit if possible. Torrington in Bloom seemed the best candidate and would maintain the horticultural theme. We are therefore intending to close our account and to donate any funds to Torrington in Bloom.

Sally Ramsden, Outgoing Chair

Always Room for Improvement in the Garden

This is a good time of year to look at your garden with a critical eye, and ask yourself if it can be improved for winter interest. Have you got any colour? Is there much structure? Can you enjoy your garden in winter or is it just a dreary mass of browns and dark green?

There are two main ways of introducing winter colour using plants: flowers and colourful stems. Cornus and Salix produce the best stem colour; from bright red Cornus alba 'Sibirica' AGM, to orange C. sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' and the golden stems of Salix alba 'Golden Ness' AGM. These look fabulous planted with bulbs such as snowdrops, Scilla and Narcissus, with hellebores or with heathers (Erica).

Winter flowers quite often have a heady fragrance and so are best planted next to a well-used path. Cultivars of Hamamelis, Viburnum x bodnantense and Daphne are the best candidates.

Evergreens are perfect for screening, as a back drop to highlight other plants, as focal points and as groundcover. They come in all shapes and sizes with every shade of green, gold and variegation.

Many evergreens have more than one attribute. For example, Sarcoccoca has small, glossy leaves and highly fragrant flowers around Christmas time. Mahonias tick all the boxes with interesting leaves and sprays of bright yellow flowers which are often highly perfumed. Ilex aquifolium 'Handsworth New Silver' AGM is an attractive purple stemmed alternative to our native common holly. It has deep green leaves with a creamy white margin and the added bonus of red berries.

Lights can add another dimension to the winter garden and this year we have an extended route for Glow, with many exciting new lights and features. Use of sculpture is another way of introducing interest to a garden and our sculpture trail is better than ever, with pieces ranging from £20 upwards. For more information on Rosemoor winter events visit rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

Sheila Dearing, Garden Technical Services Officer

Image Colourful Cornus and Salix stems RHS/Clive Nichols

Tarka Valley Railway News

Winter is rapidly approaching and despite a bout of wet and windy weather, our intrepid volunteers carried on regardless.

The principal work has involved covering a large portion of the main line with road planings, as recent visitors would have noticed and questioned. All I can say at this stage is that the reason for this is an operational necessity, albeit not permanent. It represents a major step forward in our project and all will be revealed soon, so watch this space.

Despite the considerable efforts this work entailed, we still found time to continue work restoring the brake van: concentrating on the main line side, the newly acquired ballast hopper and our locos, as well as general site tidying and maintenance - not forgetting further clearance of the signal box site.

As before, weekly news, photos and full details of our activities can be found on our Facebook page plus our website (www.tarkavalleyrailway. co.uk) and we are now on Instagram as tarkavalleyrailway, so do check us out.

Robert Martin, Tarka Valley Railway