Torrington Crier February 2022 by The Torrington Crier

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February 2022 The Crier is produced 10 times a year on behalf of the community, by The Crier Community Interest Company. 5900 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district.

Read The Crier Online

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

Torrington & District Community News & Events

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

Crier Deliveries

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

Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?

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

Disclaimer:

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

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Good News from Torrington Men’s Shed Group

e have been very fortunate to have been offered a new site! We are going to relocate the Men's Shed from our existing premises in the Grills football building, which we have to vacate this year. The vicarage has allowed us to rent part of the large plot of land, which is not currently being used, where the old nursery used to be, next to the swimming pool. The site is totally overgrown and has a partially collapsed building, so this will be a blank canvas. Progress continues apace with the clearance on and around the old building. We are getting quotes for work on the new roof, have arranged with South West Water to turn their supply back on and also for the electricity to be switched on. We have acquired a small conservatory that we can fit onto the space where the old glazed structure was. We are at the start of a lot of work, and have to make applications for grant aid, but it's always good to see revival and renewal. We look forward to sharing the fruits of our labours and welcoming friends new and old to our new home; helping us with the immense task we have to get up and running as soon as possible.The kettle will be on. We are very excited and enthusiastic to have this opportunity to develop the Men's Shed in Torrington, so follow our Facebook page to see our progress. If you would like to help in any way, then please contact Dave Davies on 07759 783 001 or Colin Porter on 01805 624030.

The Battle of Torrington March – Join Us!

he Battle of Torrington was fought on the night of Monday February 16th 1646, during the days of the English Civil War between the King, Charles I and Parliament. With over 17,000 men at the battle, it was one of the biggest fought in the south west. The battle was re-enacted in 1996 by the Sealed Knot, as part of our 350 years celebrations, and every year since then we have held a torchlight march to commemorate it. This year, in conjunction with Great Torrington Cavaliers, members of the Sealed Knot, local historians, and members of the public will take part in the march, which will take place on Saturday 12th February. The day will start off at 11am with the Town Crier and armed guard announcing the event; this will be followed by the Town Crier telling the story of the battle under the Town Hall at 1pm. If you would like to join us, we ‘muster’ at 6.30pm at the back of Great Torrington School and will leave at 7pm. We will take the route the battle took, through the streets of Torrington to the square where, after a speech by the Mayor, the original letter, written by Fairfax, will be read to the assembled people. This will be followed by laying a wreath on the mass grave of prisoners in the churchyard and finally, a fireworks display in South Street car park. Everyone is invited to join in the march and torches can be purchased at the school gates. We are trying to give the march a shot in the arm this year, as bad weather and Covid has reduced numbers in recent years. Al Mitchell, Town Crier, ‘alias Tom Fairfax’ on the night!

Youth Genesis Torrington Youth Space Youth Club @ the Methodist Church Hall

Now Open New times: 6pm till 7.30pm for ages 11-13 cooking, crafts & games. 8pm till 9pm drop-in, ‘chill n chat’, C Card available, for ages 14-17. Our monthly skate sessions at The Plough Arts Centre have moved to Wednesday nights, starting Wednesday 23rd February, then 30th March and 27th April. 7pm till 9pm for ages 11-17, booking required for skate sessions, £3.50 members £4.50 non-member. New members welcome to all sessions, please bring a face covering, unless medically exempt. For more information email paula@youthgenesis.org.uk.

TORRINGTON ARMS Open daily from 11am

Wednesday Curry Night 6-9pm Sunday Roast 12-2pm Takeaways Available SKY SPORTS • BT SPORTS • RACING CHANNELS For bookings please contact: 01805 622280 or via 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

Town & Community Hall News

appy New Year everyone! It looks like the uncertainty of Covid is still here at the time of sending this copy to the Crier, but hopefully 2022 will be a much less challenging one and offer individuals, families and businesses in our community new hope for a better year ahead. Any Christmas or New Year proposals? Was the question popped over the festive season and did you say yes? If so, look no further than the Town Hall to celebrate your wedding day in style and grandeur. Our professional wedding team would love to hear from you. Give us a ring and we guarantee to create a truly memorable wedding day for you. New Year new opportunities When considering holding meetings, conferences, weddings, funerals, open days, training courses or birthday/ anniversary parties, baby showers etc. please think about hiring the Town Hall. On the hunt for young IT whizzes! Can you help an older person in your community get to know their smart phones and iPads? Some of the older generation (myself included) struggle with technology and we are looking for bright youngsters to come along to the Town Hall to offer one-to-one tuition. If you’re interested, then give Anne a ring on 07971 696 192, help bring generations together and make Torrington the smartest IT town in Devon! Torrington Community Awards Many of you will remember the wonderful Torrington Community Awards we held in November 2019, which were sponsored by many of our generous businesses. We are planning to run the awards again this year to celebrate all that is special about our town. We would like you to start thinking about the award categories and who you would like to nominate. Nomination forms will be available from the Town Hall and to download from our website from Tuesday 1st March. Children and young people under 16 * Young Carer of the Year * Kind Soul

FREE QUOTES Recovering, and full re-upholstery of antique, modern and automotive furniture.

* Sports Person of the Year * Best little Neighbour Adult * Good Neighbour * Charity Champion * Sports Person of the Year * Unsung Community Hero/ Heroine Community Carer Events Unfortunately, we have had to cancel some of our events due to Covid restrictions, but plan to resume a full programme of exciting events, including our discos for children, as soon as it’s safe to do; watch our social media posts and read the next edition of the Crier for updates. A letter from the Town Hall Trustees The Town Hall in Torrington is a jewel that transcends, not just because of its aesthetic structure but because of the community it reflects. Don’t mistake it for a civic building, this big, blousy Grand Dame of a building is for everyone, her arms are open wide, and she wants to be used! From children’s discos to pensioners’ lunches and every musical, theatrical and party in between. Our events team have plenty of ideas for the coming year to suit everyone, but its very survival is down to the loving support of our community. Any event you’d like to enjoy, please let us know. Why not make it your New Year’s Resolution to join us and be part of the growth of this fantastic venue, something that we can all be proud of. We are looking for volunteers for front of house to greet guests at the door and all areas of bar management and general support, whatever you have to offer. This is a fun opportunity and great for gaining experience and adding it to your CV! No previous experience or specific skills required; everyone has value. See below testimonials from some of our current volunteers. If you’re interested in getting involved, then ring Anne on 07971 696 192 for a chat. “I have enjoyed every event I’ve helped with; it doesn’t feel like work at all but

very much a social occasion. The events are varied, I only help when I want with no pressure to do more, learned some new skills, and have made some great friends.” Paula Langer “Since setting up Knit & Natter in June 2019, I have loved every minute of my time spent at the Town Hall. Our Knit and Natter group is now firmly established and we welcome new members to our little ‘family group.” “As a volunteer, when I am working at an event it feels more like I am attending a great social night out with a bunch of friends. I would highly recommend the Town Hall as a great place to volunteer and make new friends.” Rose Purcell “I have been volunteering at the Town Hall for a couple of years and really enjoy helping out in this fantastic community building. There are so many fabulous events for everyone in our community to enjoy and it’s been great seeing the building buzzing with local weddings, courses, workshops and events. If you have any spare time on your hands and would like to ensure we keep the Town Hall going for future generations to enjoy, I would urge you to get involved.” Jackie Blake For all Torrington Town & Community Hall enquiries: Email: townandcommunityhall@gmail. com; Tel: Anne 07971 696 192.

Praise for 'A Wife For All Reasons'!

Dear Editor I was delighted to read of the award given to the Torrington Players for their production 'A Wife For All Reasons'. Stephanie Easton's imaginative writing, creating stories for all of Henry Vlll's wives, was a tour de force! The acting was remarkable - the 'lives' were lifted from the page and brought to life - full of outrage, dignity, and heart rending emotion. We were thrilled to see it, and of course the setting in the Oak Room at the Town Hall was perfect. The production begs a wider audience; come on Radio 4's Front Row - where are you? Every congratulations. Fran Lovett, Torrington

Torrington Senior Citizens Group

e plan to hold a very important meeting in the life of our group, our AGM, on Wednesday 30th March 2022 at 2pm in the Methodist Church. New and established members are welcome. We need to know the will of our members concerning coach trips for this year. We shall consider the government position and how it affects coach hire. A short list of venues for trips will be available should we need to vote for our choices. We need to fill the roles of Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, as well as collectors. For further information, contact John Pitts 01805 439100; john. pitts@rocketmail.com.

Cavaliers Column Chapter 19

ere’s a diary date for you. work commitments and Saturday 12th February will the dreaded Covid, a see the torchlight procession number of groups were parading from the Hatchmoor Road unable to attend and school entrance, through the streets their donations were of Torrington, to the square where 200 posted to them shortly Royalist prisoners were killed following afterwards. It was quite an emotional the explosion in the church during event at times, particularly when The the Battle of Torrington. After Big Al’s Cavaliers rose as one to acknowledge proclamation, our the work done "The distribution of the Mayor’s address and by the groups in proceeds from the Mayflower attendance, with a a laying of a wreath at the grave of the round of applause Bonfire took place on 4th soldiers, we move and then, when the December at the Town to South Street car presentations were Hall, where almost 40 park for a spectacular over, the audience representatives of various firework display. reciprocated with groups and charities came to their own standing This annual event accept their cheques. " commemorating the ovation. A moist eye final major battle of moment! the English Civil War in 1646 brings The Cruella-themed kiddies’ together The Torrington Cavaliers, Christmas giveaway was great as members of The Sealed Knot Society, usual. Cavaliers entered into the spirit and our townsfolk, in a colourful by dressing as Dalmatians; Daz and spectacle with drums sounding, muskets Damian Witney’s brilliant replica of firing and civil war chants through our Cruella’s car, Damo Stacey’s bright and streets. colourful mural and all the boys who Please come and support this helped serve up the roasted chestnuts, traditional event and perhaps get the mince pies and Tatt’s mulled cyder children to make some flags to carry and made it a cracking morning. Father wave along the route. Christmas handed out over 300 goody Muster at the school at 6.30pm ready bags to the children, which went down to march off at 7pm. We would love to very well. This is traditionally the best see you and keep this tradition alive. day in The Cavaliers’ calendar and we The distribution of the proceeds from made sure we enjoyed ourselves, once the Mayflower Bonfire took place on everything was cleared away! 4th December at the Town Hall, where Please don’t forget the 12th Feb!! almost 40 representatives of various Until next time, ‘All for One and One groups and charities came to accept for All’. their cheques. Unfortunately, due to Ace

The Lateral Flow Test

(apologies to Simon and Garfunkel)

Lateral flow test my old friend, I’ve come to take you once again, And on this result depends If I can mix with my friends, For even though I might seem fit and well I cannot tell Without a lateral flow test. I want to live a normal life, Where the Covid virus is not rife, But until that day arrives I think of protecting lives, Even though it’s an extra effort I need to make For friendship’s sake, I must take a lateral flow test. I don’t need anyone to ask, I’ve had my jabs and wear my mask No one wants to self-isolate, So I’ve tried to play it straight I’ve heeded the National Health Service advice For who’d pay the price If I neglect my lateral flow test? Stephanie Easton

The Great Torrington & District Community Development Trust

elcome to the New Year! This year, the CDT has much to offer our community, thanks to the great work of our volunteer team and to financial support from a range of sources. Completed just by the end of the year, the Pavilion now has its paved floor, providing almost 500 sq.ft of covered dry area in the main garden of Castle Hill. Already, we have bookings for open air theatre, but it is available for many other uses. It can be booked as a one-off or for regular use, the same as the gardens and the hall in the Community Centre. The latter has had its foyer redecorated and is open for use 7-days-a-week and already has a number of bookings, but some weekday and weekend slots are still available. To book contact s_woolass@yahoo.com 07896 127 071 or via our website. The Physic Garden team is continuing to work there in order to have it ready for the spring, and more volunteers are welcome! Towards the end of last year the Secret Memorial Garden behind the Library, which is a quiet space in the middle of the town, had two afternoons dedicated as a silent space – Tuesday and Thursday. The Secret Garden is open daily for all. Looking forward, we have funding for the iron railings around the top of the Dungeon Steps. These will replace the temporary re-cycled pole fence and donated small trees have been planted to improve this area. Work on this is planned for February. The Cafe has re-opened with a new menu for 2022. The Work Hub, which had to close because of the present round of the pandemic, plans to re-open at the beginning of February. Looking into the future we will have our Open Day on Saturday 3rd September. Finally, the CDT is now 25 years old and has accumulated a lot of documents, presently filed away in store. We are looking for a volunteer to sort through these as our Archivist. At 25 we need to look forward as to how we may best serve our community as a Development Trust. There are a range of potential projects related to the environment and climate change that could benefit everyone. We need your ideas and support if these can happen, so please get in touch! Peter Hood (Chair), 01805 622433, hoodp@hoodp.plus.com

Torrington Library News

Bounce & Rhyme continues to be a very enjoyable event for parents/carers with young children; it is a FREE event (though as a charity, donations are welcomed). Tuesday mornings 10.3011am during term time. Little Fingers simple craft for preschoolers - 4th February & 4th March, 10.30-11am. Lego & Games Saturday Clubs Our clubs are back on Saturday mornings from 10.30am-12pm. Lego or a selection of games will be out on the tables, come and enjoy some family fun. The Secret Book Quest The Secret Book Quest is our exciting new challenge, designed to get children (aged 5+) reading and visiting the library. On signing up, children receive a booklet full of puzzles, fun facts and activities. Within are 10 zones to travel, with code-stickers to collect along the way to completion of this 50 book challenge. There is no rush to complete the quest, children can take as long as they like. One 2 One digital support If you have a tablet, laptop or smartphone you are struggling with (maybe a Christmas gift!), our volunteer Perry is able to offer support on Thursday mornings (by appointment). Please call on 01805 622107 to book. Walk & Talk in Torrington New walkers are welcomed to our

walking group for beginners. Walks start and finish at Torrington Library, Castle Hill. Join our friendly group for a short walk exploring routes around Torrington followed by a cuppa, if wished, at the cafe@1646. Please get in touch with us for further details 01805 622107. Booking is essential. Download the Devon Libraries App The app aims to help give you better, more seamless access to our library services. You can browse our catalogue of books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and digital newspapers. You can set reservations and check what events are happening in your local library as well as book a computer session before you arrive at the library. There are plenty of features on the app, and we are delighted to share it with you. The app is supported on both IOS and Android and will work across smartphones and tablets alike. Download now and get the most out of your library today! Follow us on our Facebook: #TorringtonLibraryDevon for information on our online services and regular updates and activities run by us and other libraries. Our Facebook page also offers the popular Book Talk group so why not check it out? Please refer to our website: www. devonlibraries.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services and how they are currently being delivered. For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington. library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or our general telephone enquiries line is 0345

155001. Your local library in Devon is managed by Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries.f

Bookworm

he ‘Man Who Died Twice’ is the second novel in the bestselling series by Richard Osman. According to the blurb in his acknowledgments, Penguin didn't allow him to call this book ‘The Following Thursday’, but I think it would have been a more satisfactory title. The four Thursday Murder Club members find themselves yet again involved in solving ruthless murders, finding stolen diamonds, and bringing violent mobsters to book, all from their cosy retirement village. It is not the rather over-the-top plots and counter-plots that make this book so compelling. It is the wisdom, the compassion, the wit, the deft wordplay, the unpredictable events. Anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers will not only be turning pages to find out what happens next, but will find themselves laughing out loud, nodding in agreement, and finally waiting impatiently for the characters to appear again when the next episode is published. Bookworm II

Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Available in Torrington New private ear wax removal clinic covering Torrington & North Devon No more waiting weeks, we can sometimes accomodate same week appointments & occasionally same day! Call 07367 116 468 or visit our website www.devon-ear-clinic.co.uk 4 Well Street Torrington EX38 8EP

2, Church Walk, Torrington, EX38 8HS 7

New offers from The New Inn!

Finding a Better Way Forward in 2022

reetings from the landlords at the Roborough pub – Tim and Nutcha - new locals to the village since… well February. We’ve had a frantic few months getting to know the pub, the neighbourhood, as well as many of our wonderful locals. If you’ve not visited The New Inn since we opened in April, here’s your invitation to drop by for a chat and to show you what we’ve been up to! We think of ourselves as more a family-run pub than ‘gastro’, and this shows in our decor, food, drink, prices and even the banter with guests! We love experimenting with ideas for our entertainment and menus; so although we look to source local where we can, suggestions are always welcome! We’ve also added some perks for regulars: like our ‘7th Heaven’ offer, making your 7th drink absolutely free which we reckon is a pretty good start. If you love your ales, we keep our beer well, and the range interesting! In the unlikely event you fancy something different, we regularly drum up fresh and professionally-made cocktails somewhat of a rarity round these parts! Then there’s some great food specials running through winter including:

onsciousness is often likened to a stream, shifting and changing smoothly as it passes over the terrain. Meditation is one deliberate means of changing the course of this stream, and in turn, altering how you perceive and respond to the world around you. As we cautiously negotiate our way into the New Year, juggling the demands and pressures around health, home, family and work, perhaps 2022 seems to have started off on the wrong foot? It is at these times, when we need to better nurture our mental health, that we often do exactly the opposite, becoming ever more frantically entangled in habitual actions and negative thought patterns. Mindful Meditation provides the tools needed to step back from intense negative emotions, identify them, accepting them instead of fighting them. This allows mindful thinkers to better regulate their emotions, leading to better coping and management of stress, anxiety and depression. It is OK to say: ‘I’m not OK’ I am offering small, informal group sessions in Bideford every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8.30pm or more formal longer Mindful Meditation courses both online and in person. Online courses can be flexible and times negotiable to suit your individual circumstances. A trained practitioner with over 30 years of meditation practice, I am committed to helping you find a way to negotiate the pressures and expectations of these difficult times. For more information, follow the link in my advert or email me, James Murray, at info@gentlemind.uk, DM me @GentlemindMeditation, or phone 01769 302007/07866 545 978. “Burger Me” (Wednesdays) beef, chicken, vegetarian and vegan options with fun and fresh toppings “Big Meat Up” (Thursdays) 10-16oz steaks, hand cut and cooked to order “Fish Frydays” golden-battered goujons of haddock with our double-fried chips. By the way, these all include a free drink*!

There are definitely enough excuses to visit, so please join us one Sunday for a roast, a jamming session, one of our quiz nights, theme parties - or just a proper glass of something refreshing by our open fire. We can’t wait to meet you! Nutcha & Tim

Bespoke Garden & Land Services Daniel Jokic

Qualified Horticulturist

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

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

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

Torridge Online Counselling

orridge Online Counselling is a new service, created by me Marcelle Palmer, with the aim of removing some of the barriers encountered when looking for support with emotional issues. I am a professional person-centred therapist, a Relate Certified couples’ counsellor and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). As a registered member of BACP I am committed and bound to work under their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am also a Registered Nurse. I have a wide range of counselling experience with individuals and couples, in a range of settings such as private practice, GP surgeries, Relate centre and other charitable counselling organisations. For the past ten years I have been hospice based, specialising in grief, bereavement and loss, supporting patients, family members and the general public around these and other issues. In the last year I have been working solely online and realised how beneficial this can be for clients. • Providing accessibility • Removing the need to travel • Being comfortable in your own home or in a private work area • Putting you in control on how you receive emotional support. • No receptionist or waiting room to negotiate Online counselling may not be suitable for everyone, but Torridge Online Counselling can offer an alternative to traditional face-to face counselling. I am offering professional counselling for adults via confidential Zoom sessions or telephone sessions. Please see my website for further information: www.tocnow.co.uk. You can contact me via email: contact@tocnow.co.uk or call 01805 603100 to arrange an appointment.

Spring Wellness Day

Sunday 13th March s we head into spring, come and enjoy a day of rest and replenishment with Helen from Elska Yoga and Samantha Hardwick, in the beautiful hall and grounds of Torrington Castle Community Centre, on Sunday 13th March from 10am-4pm. Our self-care is so important but seems to be one of the things we let slip when we are busy, so prioritise yourself and come and enjoy learning some new techniques incorporating yoga, meditation, massage, mindful walking and Emotional Freedom Technique. Move your body through yoga whilst allowing your nervous system to come out of stress mode, and allow the mind to slow down as we guide you through some meditations. See and feel yourself cocooned in blankets, slowly and gently releasing all the stress and anxiety you may be holding in your body, to restore peace and calm and recharge your energy. Gift yourself some timeout from the busy pace of life and enjoy six hours of slowing down, movement, learning, fun and replenishment. A workbook is included so you can take your new knowledge and self-care home with you. To book your special place head to www.samanthahardwick.com. If you would like to know more, then please contact Samantha on 07974 682525 or Helen on 07870 998 839.

From Your County Councillor…

lthough this is the February edition of The Crier, this is my first article for 2022 and may I start by wishing all readers a ‘Happy New Year’. I sincerely hope that this year will at last bring a substantial return to normality and that we do not have our lives dominated by Covid-19 once again. I also look forward to the time when I don’t have to write about this wretched virus! But I have striven throughout the pandemic to provide readers with clear and factual information about what has been happening with Covid in Devon, and I hope this and the previous updates have been useful. Since my last article we have, of course, seen the emergence of yet another new variant of Covid – this time ‘Omicron’. At the time of writing (12th January) it would appear the side effects of this new variant are milder when compared with previous mutations. It is though more transmissible, however the early indications are that in Devon it has not had a massive impact on hospitalisations. Crucially, our spike in

infections locally is two to three weeks behind London and the North of England, and this has given us more time to get people their booster jabs. The rollout of the booster jab appears to have gone well in Devon, and I was pleased that Devon County Council’s Community Testing Teams were able to work with the NHS to deliver two walk-in vaccination clinics in Torrington, at the Town Hall over December. I know this was particularly important for people who were unable to travel to the vaccine sites at Barnstaple or Westward Ho! DCC reported back to me that 370 people had been vaccinated at the 10th December clinic, so it was clear that there was both a demand for this service, and that the clinic had been a success too. I hope that if further clinics are needed in the future, we can roll out this service in Torrington again. Looking ahead we know that, although mild, this new variant is very transmissible. It is likely we will see some very high infection numbers in Devon but again, while I would urge caution, I would also urge people not to panic. So far, we have not seen any massive increase in hospitalisations and if this trend continues we should be able to get through the winter without the need to impose any further restrictions. While, Covid aside, it was ‘relatively’ quiet over the Christmas period, DCC did provide support for families over the school holiday period for children on Free School Meals. The County Council doubled the value of the supermarket vouchers for families from £15 a week to £30 a week for the Christmas holidays.

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

Ring & Ride services operate in the following areas: Mondays from Westward Ho! and Northam Tuesdays from Torrington Wednesdays from Hartland Fridays from Bideford NEW: on Thursdays to Bickford Centre CONTACT JANICE BANKS on 01271 864258 10

Overall families will have received a £60 voucher per child for the two weeks. We know that Christmas brings many additional financial pressures, so I hope that this measure helped to ease some of that burden. Lastly, going into the New Year the main piece of work is setting the forthcoming County Council Budget. I will discuss this more in next month’s article when the figures have been finalised, but we are looking to increase the budgets for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services. Once again can I wish all readers a healthy and prosperous 2022. As ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to contact me about you can contact me on Facebook facebook.com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew. saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Barton Barn Bash 2022

Fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance We are holding a Queen tribute night on July 2nd 2022 at Barton Farm in Weare Giffard, with top tribute act ‘This is Queen’. There will be parking, a fully stocked bar, food and lots of dancing, tickets are £10 each, all profits go to the charity. Tickets are available from Barton Farm, G4 Gym Bideford, via the Facebook page ‘Barton Barn Bash 2022’ or call or text 07943 033 057.

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Tales from the Archives Episode 1 Torrington Petty Crime, Victorian Style!

elcome to the first article in what is, hopefully, going to be a series highlighting discoveries made in the Great Torrington Museum (your museum!) archives. The museum has a large and, at present, not completely sorted archive including an estimated 100,000 photographs. The aim is for this large resource to eventually be completely digitised and made freely available on the internet. As the archivist, I am overseeing this work

"There are some surnames in this book that I recognise and some of you will, too." but, like all of the museum Trustees, we are merely custodians for the town’s history. One of my earliest interesting discoveries was the Great Torrington Quarter Sessions book of recorded convictions for the years 1839–47. Quarter sessions could be likened to a present-day magistrate’s court and were held, as the name implies, four times a year. There are some surnames in this book that I recognise and some of you will, too. Some of you may even share the surname and have these convicted persons as ancestors! Here are some examples to illustrate the general type of conviction. Michaelmas (September) Session 1839 Lewis Davey fined 4 shillings for “… fishing in a private stream that he did not have rights to…”

Thomas Hocking fined £1 with 17/6 costs for “…trespass in pursuit of game on land owned by the Honourable Lord Ashburton…”. Michaelmas (September) Session 1842 Mr Petherick and Emanuel Rockey fined £2 with 15s costs because they “…twice with dogs went in pursuit of game…”. Interestingly in this case an extra condition was added: “…1 pound of the said sum to the overseers of the poor of the said parish of Great Torrington…”. ‘Overseers’ would have included the Town Beadle - so take note, Andy Griffiths! Epiphany (January) Session 1845 John Morrish fined £1 5/6 and also 14/6 costs for “…trespass on the lands of Lord Clinton near Frithelstock with a dog and a ferret for the purpose of killing or taking rabbits…”. It’s clear from these records that there was a great deal of poaching going on around this time. What is also very interesting, from a cursory examination of the convictions (listed here and others), is that heavier fines were given for offences against Lord Clinton and Lord Ashburton and that fines in this case were NOT partially directed for relief of the poor of the town! Watch out for the next instalment! The Archivist, Great Torrington Museum

Torrington and District Historical Society

re you interested in history and want to find out more from experts who are passionate about their subject? Our first meeting of 2022 had one such expert, Emily Wapshott, who spoke to the group about Margaret Beaufort and medieval Torrington. Emily presented lots of information about Margaret’s life and her interest in education, her difficult start in life, the amount of wealth she had in her own right and the power that she wielded during her lifetime. She died in 1509, just five days after the coronation of her grandson Henry VIII. Emily has also done the research for the brilliant Great Torrington Heritage trail leaflet, available from the council office, museum and other town venues. The Historical Society offers a wide ranging mix of subjects and welcomes visitors. We meet on the second Monday of the month. Coming up soon: Monday 14th Feb – David Judd ‘Who do you think you are?’ David can trace his family back to Medieval times, he will also be offering tips on tracing your own family history. Monday 14th Feb – Sue Mills ‘Torrington Creamery’. You don’t have to speak to many people in Torrington without finding someone who worked at the dairy. Sue has lots of inside stories to share! We meet at the Methodist Church Hall, Mill Street at 7pm for 7.30pm. Cost £2 for visitors. For more details contact Pauline on 01805 623089, pallen@ btinternet.com. Find us on Facebook.

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Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

Commons News...

s we start another new year we have a number of new challenges for the Commons team. It has become apparent that the Waterloo Monument on Castle Hill is suffering from cracking and deformation. As a listed structure we have to be very careful about the way the necessary repairs and maintenance are carried out. We have been working with local historian, Emily Wapshott and The Waterloo Association, who have provided a grant enabling us to get an initial survey carried out by a historical surveyor. This will be taking place at the end of January after which we will have more idea of how to look after this muchloved landmark. We are planning to transform the unit on the Old Bowling Green, formerly used as the HQ for the Cavaliers’ Mayflower project, into an information centre for the Commons. Watch for progress on this as the year moves on!

ecember and January have seen a huge amount of new members joining the Commons 365 Supporters group. There are also many of you renewing for another year. Each and every one of you is very welcome and much appreciated. Please consider applying if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving and protecting the Commons. The Commons is a great place for a short or long walk and the Tree Trail is very popular. It is a circular route of around 4 kilometres in length and as you walk the trail you will see a numbered post next to each specimen; here are 55 different native trees to identify. Each Commons 365 Supporter gets a copy of our Tree Trail map, which shows you a picture of their leaves and fruit, if applicable. You can also buy the maps for £1 in the Post Office, Collectability, Puffing Billy, Whiskers Pet Shop and the Tourist Information Centre. The Conservators are volunteers and we are looking for people to join our board. Please get in touch if you would like more information on becoming a Conservator. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month, or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1: cut out or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the address on the form. You can pay by Standing Order or by sending a cheque for £24. Option 2: visit the website www.torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or Standing Order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque. Option 3: you can email vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you. Andrew Giles The winter storms and wet soil have resulted in a number of trees coming down. These are being dealt with as quickly as possible. It’s very useful when people report such events on our Facebook page. The world seems dark and muddy at the moment, but there are signs of better days to come. There are snowdrops down by the river and hazel catkins starting to open. Also, the deliciously

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scented Winter Heliotrope can be found in some spots! Please continue to enjoy walking the Commons and remember that spring and happier days will be here soon! Look out for Andy Giles’s article on our 365 Supporters’ Club and join up if you haven’t already! Mandy Harrison Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators

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

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GREAT TORRINGTON T Your Council, Working for YOU

From Your Mayor…

ooking back since my last update in December… Remembrance Sunday’s weather was kind to us, and a large number of people attended and joined the Parade and Service at the War Memorial. It was a relief to be able to pay our respects in the traditional manner, in person. It’s always a delight when a new shop opens in the town, and I was most pleased to cut the ribbon for the Purple Penguin jewellery shop and continue to wish them well in their enterprise. I was honoured to be asked to be the President of the Bickford Centre at their Annual Business Meeting. There are lots of changes in the pipeline for the premises, and I look forward to popping in for a regular cuppa to keep up with the latest developments. I was thrilled to be invited to the Torrington Rugby Club’s President Day lunch, hosted in their clubhouse, which was inevitably followed by a beer or two.

A match against South Molton followed, and after a fantastic tussle, we finished as runners up! This did not dampen the experience of the event and I am grateful for the invitation to such a memorable day The First Torrington Together meeting for over 18 months was held in the Town Hall at the end of November and was very well attended and a great success! Everyone I spoke to said how much the evenings had been missed, and how much they are looking forward to getting back to regular events again. The Cavaliers’ Bonfire Award Presentation, where the bulk of the funds raised by our Cavaliers were distributed, took place in early December. A remarkable achievement all round by the Cavaliers. It was fascinating and humbling to see how many people are working tirelessly for the community, most of whom are volunteers! It was also exciting to be together in person. Later the same day, North Devon Choral Society performed Handel’s Messiah in St Michael’s to a very appreciative audience. The Great Torrington Water Forum held a ‘Reduce water poverty’ seminar via Zoom, during which we discussed a

community forum event due to be held on the 19th March 2022 at the Town Hall. We are also exploring opportunities to visit both Great Torrington School and the Bluecoat Primary School to speak to pupils about the Water Forum and how they can be part of this initiative. Progress with the Globe Hotel is steady, and the newly appointed Globe Directors are in talks with architects and interior design consultants; we are determined to maintain the feel of Great Torrington in the refurbishment. The May Fair Committee continues to prepare for this coming year’s event. We are working our way through the ‘to do list’, and would ask anyone who can help in any way to join us in this huge undertaking. We need help with a number of activities, for example, on May Fair day, help with stewarding without whom, the event could not go ahead. Please contact me if you are able to help safeguard the future of this traditional event. I hope that we will soon start to move forward from Covid-19 times and would like to offer my warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to you all! Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Great Torrington Craft, Food and Drink Fair

Saturday 5th March 2022 e are excited to announce that as a ‘Welcome Back Fund’ initiative we will be working with South West Events Management who will facilitate a fabulous event on Saturday 5th March 2022! Torrington Town Hall and the Pannier Market will jointly host the Craft, Food and Drink Fair which will run from 10am-4pm. This event will see Torrington Town Hall and Pannier Market Hall filled with local traders’ food, drink and crafts offerings from around Great Torrington and surrounds. There will be a vast array of goods: everything from cheese to knitwear and jewellery to plants. There will be spaces for over 50 traders at the event. There will be a bar open, serving local drinks and mulled wine. Local shops and traders at the market will be invited to offer special discounts or treats to the shoppers for the event. Shops will be asked to take part and display a clue/treasure in their shop/window, encouraging shoppers to visit all shops taking part to complete their clue sheets, with prizes for the families who collect the most clues. If anybody would like to book a space or find out more about the event please contact Lucy - lucyloweevents@outlook.com or 07518 066 723. All in all, a great day with something for everyone. Pop the date in your diary and come along and buy some local goodies!

12 Days of Christmas Window Spotting Competition Winner

e are pleased to announce that the winner of the inaugural ‘12 Days of Christmas’ competition is Maggie Mc Nicholas! Maggie was presented with her prize by Cllr Cloak along with Rose Purcell from the Knit and Natter Group. A big well done for all who took part this year and we look forward to running it again for Christmas 2022! Huge thanks also to the Knit and Natter group for all of their hard work as they knitted all 78 festive creations. They all looked beautiful as they adorned the various shop windows throughout the town.

Commons Allotment Charity Grants and Precept Grants 2022/2023 Budget

he Town Council has allocated its Commons Allotment Grant Funding (£5,825.00) as well as Precept Grant Funding (£25,000.00) for 2022/23. A full list can be viewed on the Town Council’s website. As per last year, Members decided to keep a small pot of reserve grant funding to be made available during the period 1st April 2022 – 31st March 2023 for ad-hoc urgent requests for funding. At the January Town Council Meeting Members agreed a budget for 2022/23. The precept arrangements reflect an increase of 1.22% on the Town Council element of your council tax bill in respect of 1st April 2022 – 31st March 2023. The increase of 1.22% equates to an increase of £1.03 per annum for a Band A property and £1.19 per annum for a Band B property compared to last year. (Town Council element of increase only). Full details of increases for all Bands will be available on the Council’s website in due course. Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS GTTC’s New Councillor Thank you

he Town Council would like to thank all involved in the Christmas arrangements. The Cavaliers for erecting the Christmas lights and tree at the end of November and dismantling in January, as well as assisting with the ‘Light Switch On’ on the 28th November. The ‘Light Switch On’ event was very well attended despite the cold and windy weather. It was lovely to hear the community singing carols in the Square, accompanied by our fabulous Town Band and supported by Ploughcappella. It was also very special to have the children from the Bluecoat School parade with their lanterns; and then, the switch on revealing dazzling lights for all to enjoy! All topped off with a hot drink hosted by the Town Hall, and mince pies provided by the Chamber of Trade. It was a lovely community event, arranged and supported by community and the Town Council would like to thank all those involved, and the community for its support.

he Town Council is very pleased to announce that Dave Parish was voted onto the Town Council at the December Council meeting. Cllr Parish is well known throughout the community of Great Torrington, having lived here for over 50 years; He has been involved with local football in various guises since 1980, as well as working in various positions within the Royal Mail. Cllr Parish said, “As a proud, lifelong Torritonian, I am looking forward to the opportunity to give something back to the town and its people”. The Town Council is very happy to welcome Cllr Parish and looks forward to working together in the future.

The Bickford Centre Update

e thought you might like an update about the fund-raising for our modernisation programme. Considering the pandemic, many of our users seem happy and safe to come in for a chat and a cuppa. We are really pleased to see them. We have had two very successful fund-raising events, raising in the region of £700. We are grateful to all the shops and traders who kindly donated raffle prizes, especially in these hard times. The Town Lands Charity and the Cavaliers have been very generous to us, and we now have a thermometer in the window showing how the fund-raising is going. We are making applications to national grant givers and to smaller local businesses and already have about a quarter of the funds needed. We are really looking forward to making a start on our improvements to the Centre; aiming to provide a modernised venue with more space to move around and better ventilation. Our first project is an automatic door entry. We will be able to do this without closing the Centre and this will help people with mobility problems. Do come in and give us a try we are a friendly bunch! For further information please contact our Secretary Cathrine Simmons 01805 622409.

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1st Torrington Scout Group

ust before Christmas the Cubs and Scouts went to the Queen’s Theatre to watch Cinderella. It was great fun! For the remainder of winter 2021, the Scouts tracked their food footprint by discussing how far some items can travel before landing of their plates. Emergency first aid was also a practical subject learnt. Unfortunately, the Christmas camp in the Scout Hut was cancelled due to Covid. Hopefully a new camp will be arranged in the spring. For the Cubs’ winter term, they completed a two-hour night hike around Torrington to earn their hiking badge, well done to those who took part. The pack also held a forum and discussed many different issues and received their pottery creations from a few weeks before, hopefully the pottery made it home safely. We look forward to a new term with plenty of adventures. Help Wanted – Leaders, Assistant Leaders & Committee Members 1st Torrington Scout Group is looking for individuals to join our hall committee and/or become Leaders or Assistant Leaders. Committee Members would help run the hall, from bookings to fundraising events etc. A Beaver Leader would restart our group for 6-8yrs and Assistant Leaders in Cubs 8-10yrs and Scouts 10-14yrs section would help run a varied program. If you wish to join or have any questions, please contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon Whitear for more details, via email on Jordon.whitear@gmail.com.

Free Energy Efficiency Improvements

ow-income residents across Torridge can benefit from free energy efficiency improvements worth up to £10,000, thanks to receiving a share of a government funded programme, led by West of England Combined Authority, working with E.ON and Happy Energy Solutions. Under the Green Homes Grants Scheme, owner occupiers will benefit from energy efficiency installations up to the value of £10,000, with nothing for them to pay towards the costs of works. Tenants of rented properties can also access grants of up to £5,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, but the landlord will be expected to contribute at least one third towards the cost of works. Who is eligible? To be eligible for the grants the residents of the property must have a low income (receive benefits or have the household income below £30,000 per annum) and the EPC for the property must be rated D, E, F or G. If there is no EPC for your property, you can still apply and it doesn’t matter who your energy supplier is. What do I do if I think I qualify? If you’re struggling to keep your home warm and think you might be eligible for some help, you can submit an application at the following website www.heatdevon.co.uk How long is the scheme running for? The scheme is expected to run until March 2022, but will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. What will happen if I do qualify? If you qualify, Happy Energy Solutions will survey your home to assess which energy efficiency measures could be installed. The options will then be discussed with you for a final decision to be reached. Case Study. 78 year old Mr K was the first to benefit from the scheme. In receipt of Pension Credits and with health problems made worse by the cold, he lived in a well-insulated bungalow, but the only form of heating was electric panel heaters that were very expensive to run. Mr K’s energy bills were £126 per month, despite only heating one room in his home. Paying his energy bills had become unaffordable. Happy Energy Solutions, managers of HEAT Project, arranged for the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump central heating system and Solar PV, all of which were covered by the grants! The heat pump was grant funded under the Government’s Green Homes Grants Local Authority Delivery programme and the Solar PV was funded with a grant through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). The EPC rating of the property has now improved from an F to a B to reflect the significant reduction in the household energy bills. Mr K’s energy bills have reduced by an estimated £472 per year and a total of 3.1 tonnes of CO2 have been saved each year. There are a number of ways for people to get further information by following one of the following links: Telephone: Text 07520 660500 to request more information Website: www.heatdevon.co.uk Email: hello@heatdevon.co.uk

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was recently sent a photo of Thomas Bidgway from Great Torrington, who fought and died in WWI; I thought I’d share this as well as his story. Thomas Bidgway was born in Great Torrington in 1885. The 1891 census reveals the family were resident at New Street, Great Torrington, but there is evidence to show they had lived further afield. Thomas’ father, Robert, was also born in the town, although his mother, Louisa, has her birth place listed as Sandwich, Kent. 1891 is also the year that Thomas started school at Great published Torrington Council School Roll Torrington Council School for boys. of Honour, which means it would have The 1901 census provides further information on the expanding family. Their been some time prior to July 1915. His latest enrolment had him posted with the address is now confirmed as 142 New Devonshire Regiment again, but this time Street, Great Torrington. Thomas now with the 8th Battalion. aged 16, working as a “carter at tanyard”. "The battle proved costly for the His Service Number 8th Devons. During operations would be: 14709 He had two sisters. and he held the rank they lost a total of 619 soldiers In 1902, aged 17 years, Thomas and a further 19 officers. This is of Corporal and an enlistment place of enlisted in the army particularly staggering, bearing Great Torrington. with the Devonshire in mind the average strength of a It is known that he Regiment, 4th Battalion and being battalion at the time was between entered France on 650 and 750 men in total. " August 12th 1915. issued the Service Amongst the Number: 4277. His fighting that Thomas saw, was the Battle exact attestation day is recorded as of Loos between September and October October 21st 1902. There is no further 1915. The battle proved costly for the information of his years of service or 8th Devons. During operations they lost where he was stationed. a total of 619 soldiers and a further 19 Three years later in 1905, Thomas officers. This is particularly staggering, was married to Mary Banbury Mitchell bearing in mind the average strength from Langtree. They can later be found of a battalion at the time was between living together in Langtree Parish in the 650 and 750 men in total. Included in 1911 census information; the address is the casualties of the first day of fighting listed as “Stibb Cross, Langtree”. By this time the couple have two children, Albert was Corporal Bidgway, who was killed in action. He was aged 30. Due to the scale and Frederick born in 1906 and 1910. of the casualties his grave is unmarked Thomas would have left the forces by but he is remembered at the Loos this time and his occupation is now set as a road contractor. There is evidence to Memorial where over 20,000 soldiers have no known grave. As well as the show that the family had moved on from Great Torrington war memorial, his name Stibb Cross between this time and the onset of the war, where they are noted as is also listed on the tablet at Langtree, which was erected “in loving memory living at “Skinnersland”, Bondleigh. At the outset of the Great War, Thomas of the brave men below who made the supreme sacrifice”. would be called into action once again. Michael Newcombe Although we are unsure of his exact michael.mnewcombe@gmail.com enlistment date, he does appear on the

Torrington in Bloom

n the 13th December 2021, we held our AGM at the café at 1646 – many thanks to them for allowing us to use the premises during the evening. At the meeting we decided again not to enter the main part of the SW in Bloom competition in 2022, but to continue concentrating our efforts on our community gardens, which did extremely well in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ competition last year (see December Crier for details). Our Chair, Barry Cubitt, thanked all those who had worked so hard during the last year, in awkward circumstances, yet still managed to create displays that were of interest all year round. The committee also welcomed several new members, including Peter Simms, Paul Ballard, Barbara Hall, Jenny Wallis and Elaine. We also welcomed Richard Wilson as our contact/liaison officer from RHS Rosemoor. Members also re-elected Barry Cubitt to act as Chair, with Dave Squire as Vice-chair. Our Treasurer, Paul Watson, also agreed to continue in his post, and special thanks was given to his work obtaining grants from various charities and organisations, so that we managed to stay in the black. Pat Stark agreed to continue her excellent work as Secretary. Other members also agreed to continue: Cherry Hammon, Sue Mills, Margaret Brown, Keeley Allin, Val Knight, Jo Sampson and Sue Davis. All in all, we now have quite a dynamic forward thinking team, to carry on with keeping our pretty little town colourful and interesting to everyone who lives, works or visits. After our meeting, we enjoyed a lovely finger buffet, prepared by Ann Bacon and Pat Stark, together with a glass or two of wine. Many thanks to Ann and Pat for their efforts. Cherry Hammon, Torrington in Bloom

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

ur New Year's resolutions often relate to looking after ourselves better, by actually doing more of the things that we know would be really good for us - if only we could make them a routine part of our life! We may start off well, but commonly find it harder to keep going by the time February comes. At OWBG we provide that routine for you to slot into as required, along with the benefits of being part of a group of like-minded people with knowledge and experience to share. This is the iceberg below the water – regular wholefood ordering is only the tip above the water. Since moving our delivery/collection day to the Torrington Rugby Club, we have been gradually concentrating collection time slots into a couple of hours, which means members have the opportunity to chat, exchange ideas and support each other. The process has been gradual, but the next step is to hand delivery day to a regular team of volunteers led by Ellen Perrin, a member of the core group with 10 years’ experience of managing a wholefood shop. This will enable me to spend more time answering members’ questions, helping newbies to get started and giving support. Our market of handmade goods within the group is expanding too, ranging from lacto-fermented vegetables to organic herbal tinctures, super snacks, lava oil-diffusing bracelets and essential oils. We hope to expand this further, with a cafe offering drinks, snacks and even possibly light lunches, if there are enough eager participants and volunteers. If you're curious about any of this and

would like to chat in person, feel free to pop in on delivery day (dates on our website), between 12-1pm. We're here to help. Wellbeing Tip: Fermented foods are a bit of a mystery to many – after all, why would you want to eat them, and aren't they disgusting anyway? Well some may be surprised to learn that cheese, olives and yoghurt are all common fermented foods. It's the fermentation process that produces the uniquely and unusually delicious flavours, as well as enhanced nutrition. How can that be? The microorganisms live off sugars in the food ingredients and in the process produce new additional nutrients, delivering us a delicious food that is easy to digest, highly nutritious and full of gut friendly micro-organisms. Almost any food can be safely fermented, if one follows traditional time honoured techniques. It's important to appreciate the difference between pasteurised and raw fermented food. Pasteurised means that the food has been heated to a temperature that kills all the live micro-organisms, producing a food that is tasty and nutritionally enhanced, but entirely bereft of the microbiome enhancing micro-organisms that support gut health, immunity and much more. This is done as fermented foods continue to ferment and need to be refrigerated, meaning they aren't a standard product that suits mass commercial production. However raw/live ferments are becoming more available now, but as a premium product kept in the chiller. If you are new to live fermented foods, the best way to start

is by having small amounts and building the quantity up gradually, in order to avoid digestive disturbances as your gut begins to rebalance itself. Even if you don't particularly like the flavour, it's absolutely worth persevering for the long-term health benefits. You'll also find that after a little while you'll start to really enjoy them! It takes three months for our microbiome to adjust and rebalance, so perseverance is required. Our gut microbes have a big effect on appetite and the particular foods that we gravitate towards, so a healthy microbiome actually helps us to desire healthy foods rather than unhealthy ones. Fermented foods range from naturally fizzy drinks, cheeses (vegan and otherwise) kombucha and kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi, sourdough bread, pickles and chutneys and even meat, fish and other animal products too – so something for everyone. Upcoming Grocery Final Order Dates: 10th Feb, 10th March How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website! What does membership cost? Free What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307, email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG Website:owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group Email: owbg@protonmail.com Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

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Restoration of the Middle Wharf Wall at Sea Lock on Lord Rolle’s Canal

owards the end of November 2021, thanks to grant-funding from the Association of Industrial Archaeology (AIA), I bought 2000k of grit-sand, 125kg of hydraulic lime, 125kg of ordinary cement and approximately 2000kg of good facing stone, to replenish my rapidly diminishing stockpile of materials required for the rebuilding of the middle section of the wharf wall on the Sea Lock basin of Lord Rolle’s Canal. It doesn’t go far! All that cement has been consumed, along with most of the lime and the good stone. All will need restocking as soon as possible. The good news is that great progress has been made on the reconstruction of the wall and is plain to see. This is especially pleasing, when taking into account the small group of volunteers involved, rarely more than five including myself, and the limited amount of time actually spent on site by us. The gabion baskets (steel-mesh wire baskets universally employed to consolidate retaining walls and embankments) have been filled with broken stone and the poorly repaired breaches, following the laying of heavy duty power lines, under the wall back in the1960s, are rapidly disappearing under the new build. The contractor employed to clear some of the silt build-up in the basin with his tracked excavator, has done a marvellous job so far, but will be required again later on, as and when the scaffolding needs to be extended, and a

little ‘tidying up’ is still to be done. As always, the weather has not always been kind to the restoration process, and there is a considerable amount of water flowing through the basin and draining off the hillside at this time which, of course, all contributes to hampering work. More coping ‘stones’ have been cast and set in place on top of the wall, as the rebuild works its way along. Unfortunately, a considerable amount of demolition of old, loose masonry still has to be undertaken in order to get down to a stable base upon which to rebuild. However, somewhat surprisingly everything is going as planned, although progress at times may seem to be slow. Due to the thickness of the wall, a great deal of time and materials are consumed in filling the void between the front and rear faces of the wall. I have been very fortunate to recently have been joined by two new volunteers, who are proving to be very competent with the skills required for this type of project. One of them is especially good at stone-wall building! Hopefully, now we are past the shortest day and once materials are restocked, we can continue with a vengeance! More volunteers are always welcome, so if you would like to be involved, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01237 477705 or email me at: adrian@ therollecanal.co.uk. It’s not all hard work and we get a great deal of pleasure in the success that we are achieving, and generally have a good laugh! Adrian Wills - Project Manager

Tarka Valley Railway News

Happy New Year to all our readers. 2022 is a momentous year for us as it marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the original line. We are planning a special gala weekend on 6/7 August to celebrate. However, much work will be required in the lead up. Over the past few weeks we have almost completed the renovation of the box van, which is already in use as a much-needed workshop. Rolling stock movements are planned to locate the carriage and brake van to the siding area, in order to facilitate their refurbishment in readiness for the “big weekend”. Our two locos have received a great deal of fettling and should now be ready to move the rolling stock, we are definitely moving in the right direction. In other news, we are now planning for Phase 2 to take us to the river bridge and track safety training, based on national rail industry track safety standards, is back underway after a short break. As usual our Facebook page has weekly updates and photos; please take a look when you can. Our website has now been updated containing historical information, videos and how you can get involved. It is worthwhile checking it out. Robert Martin, Tarka Valley Railway

Property Market Musings…

t is goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 in the property market. Having started in estate agency at the tender age of 17 (I admit to being somewhat older now!) I have never had a year like 2021. From the moment the market opened up in January, there were expectations as to what might happen due to the two key stamp duty holiday dates. The industry thought it was prepared, but mixed with Covid, it certainly threw up challenges which had to be overcome, as Covid did for all businesses and personal lives. The rush to buy and rent meant the market continued right through the year, and in all my years of working in this enjoyable business, I have never had a December year end like 2021 turned out to be. In the week running up to the festive break, we were still listing for both sales and rent, viewings were taking place and deals being done. Some of the web portals saw extraordinary spikes on Boxing Day, with Rightmove, for example, saying that enquiries from buyers were up 23 per cent between Boxing Day and New Year, compared to the same period in 2020. For the cynics, many will reflect that this spike will be the result of window shoppers having being lucky enough to receive new electronic browsing devices for Christmas. Others will have realised their present home is either too large, as relatives and friends no longer visit as they used to, or indeed others will have worked out they need to upsize, to allow for the onslaught of relatives and friends descending upon them for Christmas and the New Year! So will this passion for property continue into 2022? Well if the first few days of this year are anything to go by, then certainly there is no abating the appetite. According to the Guild of Property Professionals’ regional report, the South West saw an overall increase in house prices, with Torridge coming in second in percentage terms being beaten by West Devon. Looking at the country as a whole, they reflect that Scotland showed the biggest increase at 16.9%.

The Old Glove Factory, Whites Lane Co., 'from whence they are dispersed to Part One the markets of the civilised world.'

he large building in Whites Lane is a Grade II listed Victorian former glove factory built in 1884. It is constructed from local creamcoloured Marland brick with a slate roof. From the top floor there are views to the coast in one direction and Dartmoor in the other. Clues to its former use can be seen in the pair of stone hands at the top of each column flanking the entrance doors and the designs, in stone relief, of a cutting press above the door on the left and a pair of crossed gauntlets on the right, as well as the sign on the door 'VAUGHAN TAPSCOTT GLOVES LTD'. The factory was built by William Vaughan, a wealthy and influential glove maker, when his business outgrew its original premises in New Street. He was a staunch Methodist and believed that people worked better in pleasant surroundings and he had the factory built in the style of a grand chapel – 'a chapel to industry' – with an impressive decorated frontage. His philosophy was successful, for his workers were soon producing 36,000 pairs of gloves a week and his factory was considered to be one of the most efficient in the country. In 'Industries of North Devon' written in the 1880s, the author tells us that Vaughan employed some 600-700 workers (machine hands, cutters, 'punchers', 'pointers', 'toppers', boxers, box-makers and outdoor hands) whose employment 'heightened the prosperity and the happiness of the community in and about' Torrington. These gloves were packed in huge wooden cases and forwarded by rail to the London warehouse of Messrs Ormes, Upsdale &

The result of all this activity is causing a property shortage, both in sales and rentals, with reports now showing an average of only 2.2 months stock available in the UK, when back in 2019 there was 4 months, according to Twenty CI. This is certainly being reflected here in North Devon. So is 2022 a good year to make the allimportant home change?

Gloves had been made in Torrington since the 16th century, with up to three-quarters of the town's population involved in the industry. Gloving was carried out in various premises throughout the town and much of the work was done by outworkers within a radius of 30 miles. By 1850 thirteen glovers were listed in White's Gazetteer including Thomas Vaughan, William's father and founder of Vaughan & Co. It was at about this time the trade organised itself into factories. Harold Vincent took over the running of the factory in 1912. There was a boom in glove making during the First World War but by the early 1920s Harold Vincent was lamenting the 'serious menace' of competition from foreign glove makers. However, things picked up during the 1920s and from then until the mid-1950s it was something of a peak period. There had been a great revival of fashion gloves in the 1920s and a demand for pure silk linings for airmen's gloves during the Second World War. Harold's son, Michael, took over the factory in 1954. New, more streamlined machinery was introduced in the 1950s and five women with their miniature sewing machines were able to do the work that previously required many machinists to carry out. At the end of the 1950s gloving started to decline again, because of competition from Asia, and Vaughan's were unable to compete. The factory became really depressed and in 1989 there were fewer than twelve people working there. Moira Brewer All the signs are there to say yes, with interest rates still low and the forecast to remain such. Seek sound advice from a professional estate agent and let them guide you as to the best way to promote your home, secure the best buyer or tenant to suit your needs. Adrian Hardwick, Local Director Webbers Property Services

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Fleur’s Gardening Forum - Flowers for February

own here in South-West England, February is the first month of spring because the weather is usually, but not always, milder than in other parts of the country and we, therefore, have more choice of plants in flower. Early flowering shrubs are a must and I recommend at least one of these because the blooms are sweetly scented and are attractive to early bumble bees. Daphne bholua, ‘Jacqueline Postill’, is a favourite, preferring a fairly sheltered site away from cold easterly winds, and some light shade during summer. Hamamelis mollis (witch hazel) and Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) prefer neutral to acid soil in semi-shade. Viburnam bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is another favourite and is happy in most soils that do not dry out. The shrubby honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima, flowers very early and has pretty creamy white flowers on bare stems. But the real stars of the February garden are those that grow close to the ground to provide spots of colour, as if some invisible hand has spilt paint upon the earth. Hardy cyclamen are typical of these, with their wonderfully varied foliage which ranges from green to silver, often patterned, or heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves and then, suddenly, you will notice little flowers peeping out, in shades of pink to white and deeper purple-reds. They grow happily at the base of trees and will, over time, seed and spread out. Pulmonaria also has interesting foliage, from the common native lungwort to variations of it, some with much larger

spots, others with silvery foliage and the leaf shape also varies from species to species. The flowers are very attractive to early bees and are mostly pink and red shades, interspersed with blue - ‘Blue Ensign’ is particularly good as is the white cultivar, ‘Sissinghurst White’. To keep them tidy, remove old leaves regularly. Epimediums make excellent ground cover with evergreen foliage which is held on thin stems and the plant spreads via little stolons. The hardy cultivars should have their older foliage removed towards the end of January so that the flowers are better exposed. The new foliage is often a good shade of bronzeygreen. Then we have Hellebores, which now come in many different shades, through reds and pinks, to almost black, some spotted and new shades of light yellow/ greens. There are also double forms. New cultivars have upward facing flowers so you can more easily enjoy the blooms. Remove old foliage as the flower stems appear and if you don’t want them to seed everywhere, remove the seed heads, too. One can’t talk about February flowers without mentioning the snowdrop, the

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common species, Galanthus nivalis, is the best for naturalising. Once you have established a decent-sized clump, you can dig them up whilst they are in leaf (‘in the green’), divide the clump and replant elsewhere. Try specie crocus, with smaller flowers but more per corm, C. tommasinianus is excellent for naturalising. All crocus need a sunny position for the best display of flowers. Narcissus hardly need mentioning, except to say that no spring garden should be without some! Don’t forget heathers which provide good ground cover and flower colours which are rarer in winter, such as rich royal purples, mauves, pink and white. Some have good foliage from deep green to silver-grey and again, are very attractive to bees. Trim the foliage back after flowering to maintain a neat shape. Fleur

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The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a voucher for a bamboo back, neck and shoulder massage 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 Gerry Duffy. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 10th February and the solution and winner will be in the March issue.

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was opened on 1st August 2010, since which time hundreds of dogs, together with the odd cat, horse, chicken and even a pig, have been rescued and rehomed by us. The rescue has also helped locals with vet fees, so that they are able to keep their animals rather than have to surrender them, and many youngsters enjoyed undertaking work experience with us. We would like anyone who has been involved with the rescue in any way – adopting a dog, rehoming a dog when in need, boarded/ trained your dog, volunteered, attended an event – in fact any interaction with the rescue, to please email lynne@k9focus. co.uk with details, photos etc. We want YOU to be part of our history. That’s about all from me for this month. Love and licks Freddie

reddie calling in with a warm welcome for 2022. The festive season is probably long forgotten, but everyone at K9focus would like to thank you for the presents and donations we received, enabling all us dogs in kennels to have a very special Christmas. Some of you will know that I wasn’t very well just before Christmas and had to have an operation on my paw, followed two weeks ago by a second procedure on my other paw – so I really have been in the wars. Lots of people sent me cards and messages, which was really nice, especially as I had to wear this awful boot and was not allowed to run around much – so boring for a normally fit and healthy dog like myself! I am now on the mend though, although not looking quite as trim as I usually do! Life at the rescue has been rather quiet I must say, as we are still not having volunteers on site, and for once there are few rescue dogs coming in, although we did meet the very handsome Rokko, a young cockapoo, who was very quickly rehomed. Aunty Lynne thinks this will be changing soon, as usually February and March are very busy months. We are making the most of a quieter period by cleaning and painting the rescue kennels and, of course, we still have all our regular day care visitors. I missed them over the festive period, so it is really nice to see them back and enjoying themselves in the paddock. We still have vacancies for day care – at £15 per dog per day, it is a bargain and all the income goes straight to the rescue to help more dogs that need homes and/or vet treatment. February is, of course, the month of love and so watch our Facebook Page for the Valentine Doggy Auction. No, we are not auctioning dogs, but we will be auctioning some very nice dog

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accessories and treats – so don’t forget to visit and show your dog some love! We are now starting to think about dog shows, looking forward to the summer season - we will be announcing dates and venues in next month’s Crier. A sneak provisional date is 25th September at Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh, where we will be organising a fun run in conjunction with the dog show. We were so lucky with the weather last year, with so many people attending. It certainly was one of the best shows we have had and a hard act to follow, so come along and help this year’s show be just a good, if not better. The organisers of this year’s Bideford Bike Show, on Sunday 29th May, have decided to make K9focus one of their beneficiaries! The Bideford Bikers have been great supporters of the rescue over the years and we are immensely grateful to them for choosing our charity once again! We had so many things planned for our 10th Anniversary year which sadly never came to fruition due to the various lockdowns etc., but as we are now well into our 12th year we have decided to create a ‘Memory Book’. The rescue

e were looking forward to a sociable Christmas meeting, but with Omicron we were back to zooming. Nevertheless, neat footwork by some members enabled us all to make a striking Christmas decoration at home. We zoomed too in January, with Toni Alexander giving us a fascinating insight into the costume department at the Royal Opera House. Shoes are her first love, and she showed us some magnificent creations, but whether comfort was high on the agenda was uncertain, probably not. We were delighted to hear that our yarn bombing creations from last June have been restyled by one of our members, and found new homes at Castle Hill. On the back of this we have also decided to help RHS Rosemoor with their attempt to beat the Guinness Book of Records for the longest chain of pompoms. (Watch this space…) Join us: Visit our Facebook page to see what we do. Our secretary, Linda, can be reached on 01805 603442 and the national NFWI website will provide more background. Sally Ramsden

From Your District Councillors…

e hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and were able to spend some time together with the people you love. As councillors we had several meetings in December, including a three hour online visioning workshop, together with North Devon Council, in relation to an updated Local Plan. It was one of the most interesting workshops we’ve been a part of and there was a lot of consensus among councillors, with a big focus on the climate, the economy, education and housing. December’s Full Council heard an important notice of motion from Bideford councillor and Chair of the council, Doug Bushby. He highlighted the extreme pressures on our emergency services currently, and proposed that as a council we write to South Western Ambulance Service, the MP for Torridge and West Devon and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to express our concerns on the delay in response times from 999 calls, and the potential impact this has on the health and wellbeing of our residents. This received unanimous support. At the External O&S committee we heard from Community Engagement Officer Adrian Avery, who gave us an update on the Play Strategy. He advised us of progress being made in terms of improving our play areas. Adrian and other TDC officers meet every two months to specifically discuss the play areas and make improvements where needed. It was encouraging to hear that our play spaces are finally being

prioritised and equipment is actually being replaced, rather than simply removed as they had been in the past. He also updated us on the community group for Victoria Park play area in Bideford. A project initiation document is now prepared to hopefully secure funding for new equipment in Victoria Park, alongside other sources of funding, including a significant amount granted by the Bideford Bridge Trust. As ward members we have had some online meetings with planning officers, regarding different planning applications in Great Torrington. In particular we raised concerns with the design of the houses adjacent to South St car park. In terms of the old meat factory application, we were told that a footway is now being suggested along School Lane instead of Jubilee Wood, which is good news, but there is still concern over the design of the development and its sustainability. Unfortunately, there is not much to feed back in terms of the creamery

site as they are still trying to agree on the phasing of the demolition with the applicant. The Council’s new leisure trading company ‘Active Torridge’ has now appointed its new operations manager, and visits have been made to all three sites with a view of what needs to be done. A plan is being put in place to revamp the sites as much as possible for when we take over from 1610 in the coming months. Unfortunately, Torrington Pool has suffered issues with the boiler and a leak of the pool. We are unsure when these problems will be resolved, but the parts have been ordered and they are working as quickly as possible to return the facility to working order. As always, please get in touch if you have any issues or ideas you’d like to raise with us, and we will do our best to help you. Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cllr.cottlehunkin@torridge.gov.uk, 07495 367 801 Cllr Chris Bright, Councillor.bright@ torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909

Torrington Methodist Church A warm welcome! Every Sunday Morning Worship at 10.30am. Every Sunday Evening Worship at 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request the link. Our friendly and appetising ‘Bacon Buttie’ coffee mornings will recommence in March! Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon. EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street.

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Fabulous February Entertainment at The Plough!

e’ve been busy creating a varied programme of events to make sure everyone is entertained this month! Are you ready for a Groove Disco Party? Dance Party Kids is a one hour kids’ disco, bringing together the best mix of pop concert visuals, Just Dance video game and Tik Tok dance crazes that children love to dance to with friends. Featuring neon light-up bracelets, a bubble machine, disco ball and lights, huge helium balloons, as well as dance videos on screen to guide the dances and get everyone moving. Dance Party Kids is perfect for kids' parties and get-togethers with friends. Grown-ups can join in, sit and watch or relax in the café, whilst the kids burn off their dance energy in the theatre! We have an amazing line up of cinematic fun for everyone! To keep the whole family happy, we have the critically acclaimed, joyful animation Encanto from Walt Disney Studios, and for those who prefer a little more action, Torn and No Time to Die will certainly keep you on the edge of your seats! If Sci-Fi is more your thing, look no further than the fantastical Matrix Resurrections. Amulet could be just the ticket if you like things a little more quirky and dark? And of course, things wouldn't be right without a blockbuster, and that's where the jubilant West Side Story comes in. Cooking up a storm of a performance is Stephen Graham in the UK production Boiling Point and if you've always loved an Italian – The Godfather is celebrating its 50th year (it's an offer you can't refuse). Theatre lovers need look no further

as we have two performances from the incredible Voloz Collective, with The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much; think Chaplin meets Hitchcock meets Spaghetti Western in a fastpaced whodunnit – raucously funny and endlessly inventive, and this is suitable for ages 8+. If you are a fan of Nina Simone, then the hugely acclaimed, sell-out tour of Black is The Colour of My Voice returns to The Plough. Young, local talent will be taking to the stage with a Plough The Future Gallery Gig. Henry Normal – The Escape Plan promises to be an evening of laughter from the man referred to as ‘the Alan Bennett of poetry’ and Choice Grenfell – A Tribute to Joyce Grenfell – will be delighting audiences. We have some great music in our Gallery this month with The Back Kitchen Boys and The Claywoods. Ricky Knight returns to our main stage and is joined by Mark Presland and we have The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra entertaining us with their unique, joyous sounds. The one and only Toyah will be joining us for an evening of music and stories from her colourful past - hurry as only a few seats remain! We also have a live (socially distanced) screening of the National Theatre's production of The Book Of Dust - La Belle Sauvage. As always we have our exciting, ongoing workshops (please visit our website for details). Our Plough Arts Café & Bar continues to serve delicious food – we thoroughly recommend a visit so you can taste for yourselves! Pop in for a cuppa, a cake – or choose from a range of light

lunches. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am until 2.30pm, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are available. We look forward to seeing you soon! For all February listings see the diary opposite! BOX OFFICE: 01805 624624 VISIT: www.theploughartscentre.org. uk

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Around Great Torrington serving nearby villages New Thursday Service! ur minibus is now taking bookings for a new Thursday service picking up from your doorstep, dropping in Torrington Town at the Bickford Centre, then picking up from there also. We will pick you up from your home around 9.30am and then pick you up from the Bickford Centre at around 1pm to drop you home again. £5 per passenger, please call us to book a seat on the numbers below. Mission Statement We help local people to lead more independent lives and improve their health and well-being by providing transport at affordable rates in easyaccess and wheel-chair compatible minibuses. Tel: 01271 864882, mobile: 07709 551 294, email: ilfracombecta@gmail.com

FEBRUARY Events Thurs AT 10THE PLOUGH Until 12 Feb 10am: 4pm Paul Seed and 7.30pm Walk: Haunted Irene Jones (Gallery) & Myrtle Glanville (Artists Wall) Free Tues 1 10.30am-12.30pm Workshop: Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs with their carers £3.50 Tues 1 1.30-2.30pm Workshop: Motion Dance for adults with additional needs with their carers. £3.50 Tues 1 8pm Film: Matrix Resurrections (15) socially distanced screening £7/£6 Thurs 3 7.30pm Walk: Haunted History Tour - Barnstaple Workhouse Tales at ThePlough@StAnne’s £12 Thurs 3 8pm Film: Matrix Resurrections (15) s distanced screening £7 supps £6 Fri 4 1.30pm Live Theatre: Voloz Collective: The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much School Matinee £7 Fri 4 8pm Live Theatre: Voloz Collective: The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much £13.50/supps £11.50/10 x tickets keyworkers £6.75 Sat 5 & 6 Feb 10am Workshop: Stone Carving 2 day workshop £110 Sat 5 Feb 8pm Film: Matrix Resurrections (15) s distanced screening £7/supps £6 Sat 5 8.15pm Live Music: The Back Kitchen Boys Gallery Gig £8/£5 supps & keyworkers Tues 8 10.30am-12.30pm Workshop: Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs with their carers £3.50 Tues 8 1.30-2.30pm Workshop: Motion Dance for adults with additional needs with their carers £3.50 Tues 8 8pm Film: West Side Story (12A) s distanced screening £7/supps £6 Wed 9 1pm Film: West Side Story (12A) s distanced screening matinee all £4.50 Wed 9 8pm Film: Torn (Cert TBC) £7/ supps £6 Thurs 10 Feb 2pm Film: Torn (Cert TBC) Matinee all seats £4.50

distanced screening matinee all £4.50 Sat 19 8pm Live Music: The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra £13.50/ supps £11.50 History Tour - Barnstaple Rail & River at Sun 20 2pm-3pm Family Fun: Dance ThePlough@StAnne’s £12 Party Kids Disco - Infants £5 Thurs 10 8pm Film: Amulet (15) s Sun 20 3.15-4.15pm Family Fun: Dance distanced screening £7/supps £6 Party Kids Disco - Juniors £5 Thurs 10 8pm 9.30pm: Open Mouth Sun 20 4.30-5.30pm Family Fun: Dance Poetry Night donations only Party Kids 11-13yrs £5 Fri 11 2pm Film: Boiling Point (15) Sun 20 7pm Film: No Time To Die (12A) socially distanced matinee all £4.50 Fri 11 8pm Film: Amulet (15) s distanced Live, s distanced screening £7/ supps £6 Mon 21 10am-4pm Play in a Day: screening £7/ supps £6 Egyptian Enchantment A Lottie Lipton Fri 11 8.15pm Live Music: The Adventure ThePlough@StAnne’s £2.50 Claywoods Gallery Gig all Tickets £6.50 Tues 22 2pm & 5pm Film: Encanto (PG) Sat 12 10am-4pm Workshop: Book s distanced screening matinee all £4.50 Binding Workshop at ThePlough@ Tues 22 8pm Film: West Side Story 12A StAnne’s £50 s distanced screening £7/supps £6 Sat 12 Feb 8pm Live Music: Ricky Wed 23 2pm Film: Encanto (PG) s Knight + Marl Presland £12/ supps & distanced screening matinee all £4.50 keyworkers £10 Wed 23 7.30-9.30pm Youth Theatre: Tues 15 10.30am-12.30pm Workshop: Plough The Future Gallery Gig. All Plough Prism Drama for adults with proceeds to support our work with young additional needs with their carers £3.50 Tues 15 1.30-2.30pm Workshop: Motion people. £5/supps £3 Thurs 24 7.30pm: Walk Barnstaple Dance for adults with additional needs Bygone Brothel Tour at ThePlough@ with their carers £3.50 Tues 15 Feb 8pm Film: Boiling Point (15) StAnne’s £12 Thurs 24 8pm Live Event: Toyah – £7/ supps £6 Acoustica / Electronica Up Close and Wed 16 1.15pm & 8pm Live Theatre: Personal £25/supps £20/10 tickets for Black is the Colour of my Voice (12+) keyworkers at £12.50 £15/ supps £13/£12 adult groups/£8 Fri 25 2pm Film:The Godfather (15) s schools & college groups/11th ticket free distanced screening matinee all £4.50 Thurs 17 7pm NT LIVE: The Book of Fri 25 8pm Live Event: Henry Normal Dust (12A) s distanced screening £15/ The Escape Plan at ThePlough@ supps £13 Thurs 17 7.30pm Walk: Haunted History StAnne’s £15/£12 supps + ABF Friends Sat 26 8pm Live Theatre: Choice Tour Bideford Town, Bideford Library £12 Grenfell – A Tribute to Joyce Grenfell Fri 18 8pm Film: No Time To Die (12A) £15/ supps £12/groups/10 x tickets at s distanced screening £7/supps £6 £7.50 for keyworkers Sat 19 6pm Exhibition (preview): The Sun 27 3pm Film: The Godfather (15) Chorus of Faff. 10am-4pm until Sat 22 50th anniversary s distanced screening Mar thereafter. Free Sat 19 10am-4pm Workshop: First Signs matinee all seats £4.50 Sun 27 7pm Film: The Godfather (15) of Spring in Watercolour at ThePlough@ 50th anniversary s distanced screening StAnne’s £50 £7/ supps £6 Sat 19 2pm Film: Encanto (PG) s

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16 in even earlier times: to the Roman

earned millions of dollars in royalties Enrico Caruso festival of retail Flora, sales goddess of fruit and th from the of the resulting (25 February Year 10 1873 have –been flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth th 78rpm In Italy in 1902-1903, he Last year’s National Poetry Day fell ondiscs. 7 is particularly relevant to us today, to write a perAugust 1921) 2ndasked cut five batches of records for the October 2021. As always, GTS celebrated breathing new life into the winter of our suasive review about a Part 2 G r a m o p h o n e a nd Typewriter the day a or poetry where community. What a with great therecompetition, are for no fair shame festival Company. He was later heard from Moreover, thelive spirit of pupils were invited to a poem on thein keeping with digital mastered recordings ofwrite Caruso. their GCSE English assessment. the stage ofchildren the Metropolitan Opera rejuvenation, are the focal point theme of ‘Choice’ . One cannot imagine how wonderful his Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder voice of onewas. such fair we should treasure.

Here are 25-year the fantastic winners Caruso’s career, stretching up: from 1895 to 1920, included 863

Sending Out a Mayday appearances at the New York For Our Spring Metropolitan OperaFair before he died of

Tainted lives we allow Torrington’s to anCan infection at the age of 48.tradition His fame dwindle? Choices, has lasted to the present day, despite What picture comes and into promotional your mind we all make them, the limited marketing when you think of Torrington’s some good, avenues available to him. May He Fair? was, For many some bad,it is thea image nonetheless, clientof the of maypole, Edward laughter and sunshine; it would be Bernays the latter’s but in war,during the choices weretenure scarce,as a difficult to imagine Torrington without it. presstripped, agent in the USA. Publicity in guilt Yet today, our historic tradition is Caruso’s time relied newspapers, sentenced to Itdeath, under threat. is easy on to allow particularly wire services, they didn't even know. the pressures of modern life tomagazines, photography andour the cultural telephone. slowly strangle Caruso’s biographers, heritage. In this fast age ofPierre Key, The dotted lines, Bruno and Stanley high-tech gadgetry, mass Jackson the blackZirato ink, attribute fame not instant only to his voice media and this is thehis moment... andmoment musicianship, also to apulled keen gratification, there is but little time the their lives had been business sense andmatters: an embrace of left for what really from the tips of their fingers. community Today, more then in commerciallife. sound recordings, than ever, it Many is essential to its infancy. well-known opera The emerald green battlefield,alive. Our keep ourofhistoric celebration singers Caruso’s time rejected the the rubyofred blood, week annual festivity andfosters phonograph (gramophone) their writhing eyes... friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voices have been lost as a result, the white writhing eyes, link with our past.including We cannot let this Patti, die. other singers Adelina As you thedragged cobbled streets of our their liveswalk being from Francesco Tamagno andaway Nellie Melba ancient town, breathe antiquity. once The them, exploited theyounew technology May Fair links present-day Torrington their serenaded bythe the success devil's of they souls became aware of with the past, transporting us to a bygone demonic Caruso’s laughter recording sessions. era – when life was simpler. obscene cancer, Carusoasmade more that 260 extant Torrington has hosted the annual May tainted hearts, recordings in America for the Victor Fair since 1554. However, many Talking Machine Company, (laterorigins RCA an emotional celebrations inroller-coaster, England have their Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he

House in theMuch first public radio of the festivities. against Mr Gove’s broadcast in 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s schools are andInrunners the next you about closed to issue allow I will full tell community some of his operatic participation. What roles. could be more Until then good listening appealing than watching the crowning of the May Queen? The procession of boys Bob Dymond and girls in brightly coloured costumes slowly wereRibbons draggedrippling, home, would their melt ghosts any heart. W.I. all thisskipping wasTorrington an and oblivious choice, skirts the band blasting: the Our Annual Meeting will take place manipulated, maypole is ceremoniously woven. th November. We are will onJust Wednesday 9 believing it was an honour. as the colours on the maypole beFair electing new intertwined, so the May breaksadown Unfortunately, President and as it appeals it worked... social barriers committee the to everyone. Choirs,for dance following year, groups and majorettes all Now peace has been found. taking a alook back take to the stage: feast for A once tortured valley... all ears. we Local have the eyesat and now silent. dignitaries are and happily experienced in the last year then The sound ofpelted death... in the of stocks and getting a sneak preview speakers has beenfor silenced. subjected to and duckings. booked 2012. Cups prizesThe will But lie in these valleys, has awho lavish be memories awardedMayor for those didlunch, best to in dark, many are invited. The our optional which monthly competitions, and town crier be bellows as tea he torturing, there will, of course, time for memories. and a natter.proudly marches the streets of Being his predecessors The Torrington rather nifty and at getting through Silver Bandwas pulsates like soldiers, the beating Everything lost for the the business side of things, we will also heart of the community. family, manage a bit of time to welcome Bob The grand finale of the May Fair week Brewer, who will us the friends, is the carnival, a give spectacle of low-down light and on the Cavaliers. this was all because of that choice, sound. Fanciful floats journey through the We whilst start at the lined Methodist ittown started withthe that7pm quickinscribble, streets are with Church Hall, and prospective members on that page, cheering children. In the packed town areagreement. veryyou welcome visit for Any square, have notochoice but free. to mingle an new members paying their subs this and make new friends. A signature. month, 14 months theee!’ price of ‘Uz get be plaised to for zee The Scarlett Nott Year 9 (KS3 second place) 12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome

th Devonian dialect is strung across the November there will be a On the 16 square – Torrington is known as a lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, friendly town and this is no better the Associated Country Women of the displayed than at the May Fair. In this era World, of which the WI nationally is a of social isolation, the May Fair provides member. widely known, the One Last Not Stanley the medicine of friendship, inclusion and ACWW has representatives from many Two frozen hands clutched an icebound support. The fair encourages community nationalities; working relief for of rifle, life as the young and oldtowards join together poverty andfeet sickness, promoting health Two rotting trudge through the common good. What bettertoxic way is and advancing education. It’s down-tothere to bring neighbours together? mud. earth approach offers mutual support People come cuts from far and wide to The atmosphere with cold and the practical to Fair. women and enjoy delightshelp of May They also contention, communities across theanticipation. world. The fair bring theirwith money with them! Saturated anxious replenishes coffers of the and townthe – To find outthe about the ACWW providing welcome boost to the local Women's a Institutes nationwide, visit An orchestra of artillery concludes economy – such a help fire in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk the anticipation, Businesses use about the carnival as W.I. an Any queries Torrington Men panic seeking opportunity to with advertise their wares. ring scramble President, Joyce Ridgwell on uncertain sanctuary. Charities also benefit: collection tins are 01805 623588. The shells and flickering soonhoots full to of overflowing. Yet it is often argued that historic celgunnery Great Torrington ebrations arelike archaic and darts. anachronistic. Litter the air poisoned Town Hall Projectfestivities On the contrary, Torrington’s By thethe time this reportIn appears in revitalise old traditions. the current Iron fireworks explode into shrapnel, climate of you apathy, and The Crier, will laziness have noticed Engulfing thethe night in a dance of nickel indifference, May Fair scaffolding has been put lifts our spirits arrows. and transforms Torrington into a vibrant up to facilitate the repair The trench quakes from community. Despite the continual of the roof and make therelentless impact, development of modern building water-tight fortechnology and Uncertain sanctuary is confirmed increasing time spent at computer the winter. It will be screens, last year’s record-breaking illusive. enclosed in waterproof turnout shows there is the still aworking place forarea live sheeting to protect entertainment. Givendisturbingly the choice of Artillery fire becomes and to minimise any risk to the internal playing a video game or participating in stagnant, fabric. At the same time, a series of the buzz of the fair, I know which I would Fallen men decorate photoelectric panels the will graveyard be installed, to choose… trench, reduce running-costs, perhaps Today, the new enemy ofand a large-scale provide an income for the project by The air itches with blood and death. town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As selling surplus power to thebehis National One last Stanley stands tasting huge crowds gather, it could argued Grid.there demise; comrades’ that is a danger of an accident. this work being carried with theisis ridiculous rules ItNowadays, isAlthough cold, I feel noall more, heaven out by the Townlands payment and regulations it is Trust, a struggle to drawing closer? will Finley be taken from Year funds set aside for organise anything. In 9this age of Morrison (KS3 winner) countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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What If…

What if… We make choices every day, Each one changing our future. Choices shape how our life turns out, They change the world. So, what if we went back and changed one choice? How different would our lives be. If you could go back, Would you roll the die? Choices, choices, choices. You made one by reading this, What would happen if you didn’t? What happens now when you do? A vast expanse of infinite realities, One may have the other choice, So, I’ll ask again, What if… you could change one thing. That one thing that can change your life. Would you do it? Oli Duckworth Year 10 (KS4 second place)

Regrets

Regret has six letters, So does choice In my head there’s a brutal little voice after every regrettable choice nagging… You've really done it now haven't you? You messed up big time. And all you can do now is sit there, and watch it all unfold. All of this just because YOU decided. to open your mouth.

The Boy in the Red Bandana Testimony for Welles Crowther 1977-2001 Silence. A distant rumble. An explosion of smoke burnt my eyesScarring my lungs as it ripped into my throat. Walls caving in on themselves Fire alarms squawking and water torrents flooding my hair, Jet black ashes and demonized flames met me A whirlpool of screams drew closer, I stood staring into each of their soulless eyes. I was snapped into reality as groaning girders and clanking footsteps rattled my ears. 93. Heading down the never-ending deathgrey stairs. 92. My legs weeping as the heat scorched them. 91. 90. Dictating commands meet us. Yellow hat and fluorescent uniform encircle my spinning mind, I turn around determinedSweat pounds off my head soaking into If only you could turn back time, but it doesn’t work that way –does it So all you can do now is... Own it. Let it eat you up inside, clasp your lungs, only to release you in torment.

my cherished bandana I stumble back up the mountainous stairs- pondering on my choice 91. 92. 93. More hollow faces meet me as I grab their disformed raw fleshly hands. Ordering commands with my strangled voice I carry on. 94. Bodies lay entwined across the floor like ivy on a tree. I haul the bodies over my aching shoulders as ghostly whispers mourn for help I head back down. 93. 92. Suddenly, glass shatters into my face I feel weightless. Falling in a tumbled maze of twisted burning rubble I knew I had chosen good, I felt peace as I welcomed, Death. Eighteen in exchange for my own. Oscar Lewis Year 11 (KS4 joint winner)

How didn’t you see this coming? Don’t say something you’re going to regret. ... Next time just keep your mouth shut. Leah Roy Year 11 (KS4 joint winner)

I mean, the answer was right there stupid.

Do You Feel Safe on the Streets of Torridge?

treetSafe is an online tool that has been introduced as part of the Government’s response to tackling violence against women and girls. It allows members of the public to anonymously pinpoint on a map, any location where they do not feel safe. These reports are seen and analysed by statutory agencies who have the power to make improvements. Residents from the Devon and Cornwall policing area have made over 900 reports since the tool’s launch, making it the second most engaged population after the Metropolitan Policing area. However, most of these reports originate from our cities and we have only seen approximately 70 reports coming from North and West Devon. We do live in one of the safest areas of the country, but we know that no town or village is perfect. Please share your perception of where you live and work. Do you avoid walking or cycling in certain areas at certain times? Perhaps you plan your run to avoid poorly lit areas or maybe you walk a particular route with your children to avoid an area where anti-social behaviour happens frequently? If you’re changing your routes to feel safer, we want to know where, when and why. Please report your concerns by visiting www.police. uk/streetsafe. Anyone can use this tool. It isn’t just for women. Use it yourself and then ask others do to the same: the young people in your life and our older people too. We want to hear from everyone. Devon & Cornwall Police works with

a range of partners so that help is available for anyone who has been the victim of recent sexual violence or assault, who has experienced it in the past, or who is supporting or knows someone who has been assaulted, such as the Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Everyone who needs this service will be treated with kindness, care and respect no matter what the circumstances of the sexual assault are. The advice line (0300 303 4626) is staffed 24/7 with experienced crisis workers for members of the public to discuss their options following sexual assault and rape. For further information about SARC services, such as those for children, or to make a non-urgent referral please go to www.sarchelp.co.uk More information about rape and sexual assault can be found on our website www.devoncornwall.police.uk/advice/threat-assaultabuse/rape-sexual-assault/ In an emergency always call 999. National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999 Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626 Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service 03458 121212 Victim Care Unit 01392 475900 Safer Futures - Domestic Abuse Support, Cornwall 0300 777 4777 The Women’s Centre Cornwall 01208 77099

RHS Rosemoor Events

Celebration of Snowdrops 1-13 February 2022 Join us for RHS Garden Rosemoor’s 'Celebration of Snowdrops', when we celebrate these early harbingers of spring. There will be free guided walks through the garden discovering not only snowdrops but early spring-flowering bulbs. Families can follow our snowdrop trail to find the best displays of these beautiful flowers in the garden. It is the perfect time to visit the garden, for both expert galanthophiles and visitors who simply appreciate these shy but stunning early-spring flowers. February Half Term: Under Your Feet 21-25 February 2022 Find out all the stuff you never knew about the world under your feet. Marvel at the mind-boggling root systems of trees; learn about soil and the creepycrawly creatures that make it their home. Get creative and make a mole mask, visit the worm hotel and get your hands dirty with a spot of radish planting! Join our Under Your Feet Superheroes from Exmoor Zoo for a fun, interactive mini-beast experience. For more information on all events please visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ rosemoor/whats-on

All aspects of hard & soft landscaping undertaken CWB serve North and Mid-Devon and are proud to offer a quality service covering: All aspects of Brickwork, Patios, Fencing, Tree Work, Decking & Driveways, Gravel Resin Bound driveways laid, at reasonable prices Fully insured & we offer a free quotation & design service CWB undertake small and large projects to suit all budgets Find us on Facebook CWB Landscaping

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Heavenly Hellebores

he exquisite flowers of the genus Helleborus are a welcome sight when they start to emerge in the depths of winter. The elegant nodding blooms can be in shades of slate grey, near black, deep purple and plum, through to rich red and pinks to yellow, white and green. The inner surface of each petal-like sepal may be marked with veins, or dotted or blotched with pink, red or purple. Despite names such as ‘Christmas rose’ (Helleborus niger), and ‘Lenten rose’ (H. x hybridus), hellebores are not related to roses. H.orientalis and its colourful hybrids, H. x hybridus, are excellent for bringing early colour to shady herbaceous borders between deciduous shrubs and under trees. The long flowering period lasts well into spring and the sepals do not fall as petals would, but remain on the plant, sometimes for many months. Divide H. x hybridus in early autumn or grow new plants from seed (they often seed themselves in the border) however, seedlings are likely to differ from the parent. Plant the crowns of newly divided plants just beneath the soil but they may be slow to establish, taking a couple of years to flower well. If growth is poor, it could be due to drying out or waterlogged soil, rather than a lack of nutrients. Spread a generous layer of mulch every autumn and cut back the old leaves when buds start to emerge to prevent the flowers from hiding amongst the foliage. The flowers are a source of nectar for early bumblebees and look fabulous with other plants for pollinators, such as snowdrops, winter aconites, Crocus, Muscari, daffodils and Trillium. We have plenty of inspiration for planting

combinations here at Rosemoor, and our Plant Centre has a huge choice in stock, but beware, they can become addictive, and there is always room for one more! Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer Image: ©RHS/Joanna Kossak

Approved Dealers for Clearview, Westfire, Fireline, TermaTech & Heta Stoves

Mark Broadhead Ltd Kenwyn Stove & Chimney Co. 6 Cornmarket Street, Torrington www.kenwyn-stoves.co.uk

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Supply and installation of Wood, Gas & Electric Stoves & Fires throughout Devon & Cornwall The Showroom

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