Torrington Crier February 2020

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February 2020 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.

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

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

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

Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 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: Toptown, Barnstaple

About The Crier...

The Crier is produced 10 times a year by The Crier Community Interest Company, a social enterprise, and aims to support the local community and local businesses, by providing a publication in which news, events and information can be shared throughout Great Torrington and the rural district.

Production costs are covered by advertising income. We would also like to thank Great Torrington Town Council for their support.

We would be very grateful if you could please ensure you inform any advertiser of where you saw their advert.

•Supporting over 300 local businesses •One website to fit any size screen •Very easy to edit - you have complete control

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

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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.

The Battle of Torrington Anniversary March Saturday 15th February

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ome and join in the annual anniversary of this key date in Great Torrington’s history.

The programme: * 11am - The Town Crier, with escort, will officially announce the anniversary. * 11am - 3pm - a ‘living history’ display in the grounds of Castle Hill. This will include weapons demonstrations, musket shot casting, and the barber surgeon, 17th Century games to play, a guided walk about the physic garden, open hearth cookery and a display of original artefacts. * 6.30pm - form up at the Great Torrington School with the Cavaliers and lighting of torches. * 7pm - depart via Well Street to the Town Centre. * 7.45pm - proclamation in the Town Square, followed by memorial prayers outside the Church. * 8.15pm - fireworks in South Street Car Park.

Torrington townsfolk are invited to dress appropriately for the occasion, and costume may be borrowed for the nominal price to cover cleaning/repair from the Castle Hill Centre, between 10am-12pm Saturday morning 8th February, returning between 10am12pm Saturday 22nd February.

For any queries please contact Peter Hood 01805 622433.

Commons News

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s we enter a new year we are busy getting tree work done before the birds start nesting. There are still a number of dead elms that need removing, and we will be doing some hedge-laying on the hedge around Collingham’s Orchard by the cemetery.

We will be thinning out some of the sycamore saplings growing in the old canal bed to let the light into to the bluebells in spring. Thank you to everyone who helps out by letting us know when things need attention on the Commons.

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported our recent book sale in the Town Hall under-croft, and ask you to look out for our collection boxes on the counters of some of the local shops and drop in any loose change you can spare. We are very grateful to the shopkeepers who have kindly allowed us some of their counter space. We are also grateful to have been allocated an annual grant from the Great Torrington Commons Allotment Society.

It is with great sadness that we note the passing away of Michael Collingham, who was the Chair of the Great Torrington Commons Conservators for many years.

Michael loved the Commons and devoted many years of his life to caring for them.

Many of our much-loved features such as the Tree Trail and Collingham’s Orchard were established by him and we will strive to maintain them as he would have wanted.

Mandy Harrison (Chair GTCC)

Pop up Shop Great Torrington Town Hall

29th February 9.30am to 3pm ome along and grab a bargain – gifts and quality clothing.

Do you have any unwanted Christmas gifts or quality clothing you would like to donate to help with the running costs of the Town Hall? Please drop them into the Town Hall or ring Anne Tattersall on 0797 1696192, who will be happy to come and collect?

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Great Torrington Town & Lands Charity 202801 Reminder Distribution Vouchers 2019 Distribution vouchers need to be spent before 1st March 2020.

25 South Street, Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8AA T: 01805 623517 E: admin@townlands.org.uk www.torringtontownlands.org

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Drain clearing Drain clearing CCTV surveys CCTV surveys Repairs/Relining Repairs/Relining Septic Tank Septic Tankand and Treatment plant Treatment plantinstallation installation Tel: 07794 586039 or 01271 440251

Nigel Stark

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e, as a family, are deeply moved by the tributes paid to Nigel, both in the November Crier and at the recent Torrington Together meeting. At home the cards, letters and personal visits have been such a comfort. Nigel loved this town and was very proud to be of service to it.

It was heart-warming to see so many people at his Celebration of Life service on 13th November at St Michael and All Angels Church, and afterwards at the Town and Community Hall. We feel blessed by the support and thoughtfulness of this wonderful community. Thanks to your generosity, donations in his memory of £675 will be shared between Torrington RBL Poppy Appeal, Torrington Silver Band and Torrington in Bloom.

Pat, Michael, Matthew, Tilly and all the family

Boxing Club Thanks…

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n behalf of the Boxing Club I would like to express our sincere thanks to all those involved in organising the recent Torrington Community Awards evening at our fantastic new Town Hall.

Thank you to all the sponsors whose support helped shape the event and make it a memorable evening.

There is so much good to celebrate about our town, and was great to see so many worthy people and community groups nominated for their hard work.

Thanks once again and well done to all.

Shaun Kenneally Chairman Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club

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What Happened in our Town 374 Years Ago…

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n 1646 the last major Royalist Army was assembling at Great Torrington, ready to march east to meet the King at Oxford. But Sir Thomas Fairfax, Lord General, commanding parliamentary armies with his Lieutenant General of Horse, Oliver Cromwell, marched from Exeter to intercept them. In the afternoon of February 16th advance forces of both sides clashed at Stevenstone House and from there it escalated, as successive groups of Royalists withdrew back towards the town and Fairfax increased the pressure. Ultimately, following fierce fighting after nightfall, Hopton’s forces were forced back out of the town.

Whilst Fairfax and Cromwell were organising their next move and consolidating their hold on the town, the captured store of gunpowder in the Church blew up, destroying it and killing the Royalist prisoners and their guards inside. Stones and debris rained down on the square narrowly missing both commanders but causing injury to many. Hopton and his men withdrew piecemeal over Taddiport and Rothern bridges, and retreated towards Truro, where on 14th March he formally surrendered to Parliament. Effectively ending the Civil War and leading to Charles I’s surrender, imprisonment and his execution on 30th January 1649. There followed the Protectorate of Cromwell – a form of republic, which in turn ended in 1660 with the restoration of what ultimately, became our present form of constitutional monarchy, and parliamentary government.

Read all about it in ‘The Forgotten Battle’ by John Wardman. (Note.George Monk, who lived at Potheridge, was the key player in the Restoration).

A Wife For All Reasons

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here is a saying that history repeats itself and although Tudor times are unlikely to return, the same cannot be said for the six wives of Henry VIII, when the Torrington Players present ‘A Wife for all Reasons’ once more for a twonight run in the Oak Room of the Town Hall, on Tuesday 24th and 25th March at 7.30pm. The cast remains the same as October last year.

History is also in the making too, for the Torrington Players are celebrating their forty year anniversary this year, and four of the original members who were associated with the first ever production – ‘Mad About Men’ in 1980 are also responsible for the staging of ‘A Wife for all Reasons’. Nonetheless writer Stephanie Easton says that seldom have the Players performed a work in Torrington that has not been staged at the Plough Arts Centre, but was reminded that both the panelling and the fireplace in the Oak Room came from the old Plough Inn, ‘a reminder’, says Stephanie, ‘how history and tradition are intertwined’.

Tickets for ‘A Wife for all Reasons’ are available from Torrington Jewellers priced at £10 to include a glass of wine or soft drink.

Community Christmas Lunch Thanks!

In Memorium

Michael Collingham 10th April 1936 to 11th December 2019 Michael was Chairman of Great Torrington Commons Conservators for over ten years until his retirement in 2014.

Torrington Common With body buffeted by winter wind He walks pathways bleak, forbidding, wild, Or strolls sometimes in a summer haze Of mellow grass and leafy trees.

He is Eternity, he first found this place This luscious, unspoilt open space.

How many ages shaped this hillside bare?

Brought running stream and shaded lake?

Formed woodland old and spring flowers new?

Tamed wild creatures and birds unknown?

Its verdant slopes, its tranquil glade All in nature’s keeping now displayed.

For it was here when earth was born, This place created in our universe, But where humankind has multiplied This peaceful haven remains preserved And on it through his enduring span Walks the ubiquitous common man.

Great Torrington Commons Conservators

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have lived in Torrington for 32 years and time after time I have been overwhelmed by the collective generosity and spirit of the people of our town. This year’s Christmas Day lunch, however, was one of the most humbling events I have ever been involved with.

When Stephen and Paul from the Lion’s Coffee House offered to cook a Christmas Day lunch at the Town Hall for people who would otherwise be on their own, I took their suggestion to my Trustees who enthusiastically agreed that it would be a lovely thing to do.

After putting out a post on Facebook and writing to the Crier asking for helpers, I was inundated with support. It’s impossible to mention and credit everyone involved, but I would like to say particular thanks to the following people who went the extra mile.

Stephen and Paul at the Lion’s for such a superb lunch; Carolyn Walker from Birchill Cottages, Langtree who provided us with everything we needed to transform the Great Hall into a five-star hotel setting; Clifford and Marion for co-ordinating the transport service for all our guests; Torrington Rotary and Chamber of Trade for supplying such thoughtful gifts, and to everyone who donated a gift for the goodie bag and Richard, our resident Santa for distributing the pressies; Irene Timms for sketching a beautiful image of Torrington Commons and turning it into individual Christmas cards for all the guests; Charlie Metherell and Yvonne Hooper for their giant turkey; Sandfords Bakery for supplying all our bread and rolls; Number 37 for their pate; Ware’s Butchers for their pigs in blankets; Kim Stone from Kistography for the fabulous photography; Town Traders for discounted goods; everyone who donated money and gifts.

This was a massive community team effort and would not have being possible without the help of so many wonderful volunteers who did everything from meeting and greeting, serving guests, clearing down and dealing with the enormous amount of washing up. For me, this is what Christmas is all about so grateful thanks to each and every one of you who contributed to the success of Torrington’s Community Christmas Day Lunch, and huge apologies if I’ve missed anyone on the thank you list.

Have a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Anne Tattersall, Business Development Manager Great Torrington Town and Community Hall

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The Big Valentine Dance Party

Great Torrington Town & Community Hall Friday 14th February 7.30pm ig out your glad rags and prepare yourself for a sensational night of foottapping love tunes that will have you up and dancing to some of the best loved songs of our time. Music from the past can stir powerful emotions and transport us back in time, so come along to The Town Hall and let the legendary Golden Coast BIG Band entertain you with a host of dancing tunes that will include jazz, swing, jive and rock.

The Golden Coast Big Band’s last visit to the Town Hall was for GI night in November, to celebrate the Town’s Poppy Project. It was hailed a massive success and tickets to the event sold out almost as soon as they went on sale.

Roger Davies, the winner of this year’s Torrington Legacy Award said the BIG Band evening was one of the best nights out that he has ever had, in all his years living in Torrington, “I’m delighted that the Golden Coast Band are making another appearance because they were sensational and from the moment they struck up the first chord, they had everyone on their feet dancing. The atmosphere was electric and one of the loveliest things about the event was that you didn’t need a partner to dance with, couples danced together but single people danced happily with each other also”.

Limited Tickets for the BIG Valentine Party, which include a ‘Loved up Buffet’ and ‘Love Potion’ on arrival are £15 available from Crafty Needles in Torrington Pannier Market, Torrington Town Hall or call Anne Tattersall on 07971 696 192.

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Easter Food & Craft Fair

Saturday 11th April 9.30am to 3pm e are calling on local people who would like to book a stand at our inaugural Easter Food & Craft Fair on Saturday 11th April.

Stands will cost £10 for a 6ft trestle table and priority will be given to those who produce their own food or make their own crafts. For more information and a booking pack please email Anne Tattersall at townandcommunityhall@ gmail.com.

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Torrington Job Club & Community Hub

Every Monday 10am to 1pm * Are you unemployed and need some support to get you back in the workplace? * Want to learn some IT skills that will help you make you more employable? * Need information on what is available in Town?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, please pop into our friendly and informal Job Club and Community Hub at the Town Hall a warm welcome awaits you!

(For more Town Hall events please see the diary pages)

Getting Married or Considering a Civil Partnership in 2020/21?

Why not keep it local and use the Town Hall? ew legal regulations came into force on 31/12/2019, which now mean that opposite sex partners are able to form a civil partnership.

The Great Torrington Town Hall is licensed for Civil Weddings, Civil Partnerships and Renewal of Vows for up to 125 guests in our Great Hall, or 65 guests in the historic Oak Room - the choice is yours.

We offer exclusive use of the building for the ceremony only, or why not use the caterer of your choice to prepare a wedding breakfast in our fully appointed commercial kitchen, and then finish with an evening celebration with your friends and family. We have our own drinks and music licence and can provide all the white ware, glasses, cutlery and table linen you need.

Visit our website www.greattorringtontownhall.org and take a look at the wonderful pictures and stunning setting you could enjoy. To discuss your personal requirements and view our Grade 2 listed Town Hall Contact Anne Tattersall on 07971 696 192.

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RELAX AND GET MORE FLEXIBLE... ...on Thursdays HATHA YOGA CLASS 10-11.30am or CHAIR YOGA - for the not so mobile 12.30 to 1.30pm Both at Castle Community Centre, South Street, Torrington Ruth Chambers Yoga, Reiki & Meditation Teacher 6

01805 93812 or 07789 020 668 Email: ruthchambers@gmail.com

Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman

• Interior and exterior painting • Paper hanging • No job too big or too small

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

Dry Seasoned, Ready-to-Burn logs Now available!

Do come down and see us at Victoria Sawmills, Merton EX20 3EG, 01805 603429 www.torridgegates.co.uk

Torrington Scout Group

New Beavers Leader Needed – Can You Help? ll the groups have been busy in the lead up to Christmas and are now looking forward to a new term in 2020.

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Unfortunately, the Beavers section will have to close in February if a new leader is not found. A leader would be required to attend weekly meetings, on Tuesdays 6-7.30pm. A leader would plan and carry out a program with their leadership team. Outside the weekly meeting there are planning meetings and camps.

Full training is provided by the Scout Association. If you are interested please contact Jordon email jordon.whitear@ gmail.com or call 07402 327 185.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts all completed different craft activities in December: making gift tags, Christmas cards, Christmas wreaths and bath bombs to sell at Great Torrington craft fair. This was to help raise funds for future events. The group also had a trip to the panto at the Queen’s Theatre, everyone who attended had great fun and one of the Cubs was lucky enough picked to go up on stage with Muddles, a character in the panto.

Torrington Scout Group

For a friendly reliable service from a local tradesman ring:

T: 01805 625238 M: 07814 147 603

Tarka Valley Railway News

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he New Year is an opportunity to look forward but first of all, I would like to summarise our achievements in what was a remarkable 2019 for the railway.

The crossing area was tarmacked, track panels laid and the crossing gates installed. Work finally began on painting the carriage, the brake van had new roof canvas and windows fitted and our two locos have received much mechanical attention culminating in the first start up for Torrington Cavalier. The signal box site has been cleared and the blockhouse is being refurbished. Large ash trees were removed and the cutting sides have been trimmed back. The carriage front of house team also had a busy sales season. All this work is undertaken by our group of twenty volunteers working one day a week.

We will be just as busy in 2020; the point has been ordered and will be installed before the main holiday season. We will then be able to complete the main line as far as the bridge.

Finally, a big thank you for those who completed our recent questionnaire. The vast majority of responses were positive believing that the railway is a real benefit to the local area and that work should continue on the line to Bideford.

Weekly updates and photos can be found on our Facebook page or visit our website www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk for more information.

Rob Martin, Tarka Valley Railway

Great Torrington Town Council Dementia Awareness Sessions

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reat Torrington has now been recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society as a town ‘working towards becoming Dementia Friendly’. To help improve awareness of dementia and memory loss within the community, the Great Torrington Dementia Friendly Community Working Group is continuing to offer regular Dementia Awareness Sessions which are open to all.

Come along to our next session to discover how an increased understanding of dementia and better-informed acts of consideration can make a huge difference to those amongst us living with dementia.

Wed 29th Jan 2020 - 2pm Great Torrington Town Council Offices, Castle Hill Wed 26th Feb 2020 - 6pm Conservative Club, South Street Booking in advance required: please contact the Town Council on 01805 626135 or admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk to book a place.

A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported.

Castle Hill Café

Delicious organic soups, locally made bread and cakes All meat supplied by RS Wares. Free range eggs.

DOGS ON LEADS WELCOME IN THE FOYER ADJACENT TO THE CAFÉ & IN THE GARDEN. FREE WIFI. October until April open Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 9-2.30pm & Wed 10-2.30pm Breakfast served until 1pm all days and other meals until 2pm

Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626146 Email: 1646@great-torrington.com

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Lady Anne Berry, Creator of Rosemoor

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n 11th December last year a service was held in the parish church to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Lady Anne Berry. Her son, Anthony Palmer, spoke about her life, her grandson read the lesson, and four grand-daughters paid tribute to her.

In the world of horticulture, only a few people have managed to create a garden of international renown but Lady Anne Berry played an active part in making two. In the UK she is known as the founder of Rosemoor, the RHS’s garden in Devon, and in New Zealand she’s admired for her role in nurturing the beautiful grounds of Hackfalls Arboretum on North Island.

Anne was born in Wolterton Hall in Norfolk to Robert Walpole, the fifth (and last) Earl of Orford, and his wife, Emily.

Anne inherited Rosemoor, a salmon fishing lodge, on her father’s death in 1931, and continued to live there with her mother until 1939 when she married Eric Palmer, a colonel in the territorial army, and moved away to follow him on various postings. During the Second World War she leased Rosemoor to the Red Cross to house evacuees, but in 1945 returned with her family to run the estate as a dairy farm. Her passion in those days was horses.

In 1959, while recuperating from measles in Spain, Anne met the plant collector and gardener, Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram, an authority on Japanese flowering cherries. He suggested that she take up plant collecting and start a garden of her own at Rosemoor. Her extensive travels

allowed her to see plants in their natural habitats and she became skilled at propagating material collected during these trips, and from the cuttings and seeds made available to her by fellow enthusiasts. Rosemoor was transformed from a neat but boring Victorian set piece to a garden that blended into the Devon landscape and offered a plethora of choice plants to admire.

In 1988 Lady Anne decided to donate her house at Rosemoor, plus its eight acre garden and a further 32 acres of pasture, to the RHS. It wasn’t an easy decision but by now she was nearly 70 (her husband had died in 1980) and she felt that, by handing over her beloved garden, it would at least continue to be maintained to the highest standards.

Within a year of transferring ownership, Anne was in New Zealand when she met Bob Berry, a tree specialist, whom she had first met in 1977. Both were now widowed and he proposed to her. She accepted and embarked on her new life on North Island with gusto, extending the arboretum at Bob’s property of Hackfalls, to 3,000 rare trees and and shrubs over 120 acres.

In 2006, when Bob was 90 and Anne was 87, the couple finally moved away from Hackfalls to live at the Kiri Te Kanawa retirement village in Gisborne

Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street, Torrington Thursday 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm & 7.30pm Contact Lisa 07515 256 965

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where Anne carried on with more modest horticultural interests. She kept in close touch with Rosemoor via email. Bob died in 2018 and Anne died in September 2019 aged 99. She is survived by two sons from her first marriage, John and Anthony.

Rosemoor will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year with a variety of events.

Moira Brewer

North Devon Hospice Big Breakfast 2020!

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lease come along and support your nearest Big Breakfast at the Clinton Hall, Merton on Saturday 29th February 9am-11.30am.

Come and enjoy a delicious Big Breakfast for £6.50.Vegetarian option too, everyone welcome on the day.

You can be sure of a warm welcome so please support our generous Big Breakfast organisers if you can. The money raised through Big Breakfast, which is generously sponsored by Phillip Dennis Foodservice, will help North Devon Hospice care for local people who are suffering from the impact of cancer and other lifelimiting illnesses. All hospice services are provided completely free of charge, but it costs over £5 million each year to care in this way. For other Big Breakfasts in North Devon and Cornwall borders, please visit our Big Breakfast page on www. northdevonhospice.org.uk.

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Berry Castle New Year News!

Interested in history? Why not join us? ew Year always brings about a time of reflection. Whether it’s evaluating what changes we need to make in our lives, or setting goals for the coming year.

The Friends of Berry Castle have been doing just that. With our AGM coming up on Sunday 9th February, 2pm, at the Cranford Inn, we’ve reflected on the past year. 2019 has certainly seen FOB grow, as a group, becoming more involved in wider projects.

Last April, we were asked by Historic England and the National Trust, to carry out site surveys on Lundy Island. We undertook the huge task of recording the condition of many of the scheduled monument sites, on the island, and then created reports for each one. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end!

However, it gave us a good insight into the processes and strategies needed for monitoring sites.

One of the highlights of the year was our summer dig, at the lost well of St Petrock. What we considered to be a small-scale project, became much larger than expected, attracting not only local interest, but from as far as North Wales and France! Being an unusual site, we raised more questions than answers, but we hope to continue digging, this spring and see what can be unearthed, deeper down. (The report can be found on our research page at www. berrycastlehuntshaw.com.) The intention is, once the excavation has been completed, to have the well restored, before June, in time for St Petrock’s Day. FOB has also presented walks and

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Get Together Friends

talks, during the summer and autumn.

One of the delights in presenting these are the responses we get afterwards, as people visit sites for themselves. One of our objectives is to engage communities in their local history, which, from the emails we get, is certainly inspiring people to explore.

But let’s not forget the origins of the group – Berry Castle, in Huntshaw Woods. Preserving this Iron Age hilltop enclosure was the reason FOB was formed. The site has been maintained through the hard work of a dedicated few, who cut, pull and strim the everpresent brambles, saplings and grass.

Without them, there would be no site for the community to enjoy. However, we always need more volunteers, as it’s a large site for only six people to manage.

If you can spare a couple of hours, once a week, (from March) you’re guaranteed a warm welcome by our friendly volunteers. Watch out for our posters, which will be around town, in the spring, or contact us directly at berrycastle1@ outlook.com for more information about how you can get involved with the Friends of Berry Castle.

Whether you have an interest in History, want to maintain a local ancient site, or you are looking for an opportunity to socialise, FOB could be the ideal group for you. We are always open to new ideas, so why not join us at our AGM (Sunday 9th February, 2pm, at the Cranford Inn) and be part of our plans for 2020?

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elated New Year greetings to all our members.

Dates for February * Sunday 2nd - Beetle Drive at the Bickford Centre in South Street. No admission charge, but remember your bring and share tea. Spaces are limited, so you must reserve your seat. * Monday 3rd – The film at the Plough will be ‘Little Women’, 2pm. Entrance £3.50 to include a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake. * Tuesday 11th – Lunch will be at the Royal Exchange, 12.45 for 1pm. Cost £7.50. Contact Marcia or Val for menu choices, booking and payment.

Please remember that diner numbers and menu choices have to be communicated to host seven days in advance of our monthly lunches.

Your co-operation in booking early is appreciated. We will try to sit friends together whenever possible.

Thank you to The Puffing Billy for hosting our Christmas lunch in December, an excellent meal.

Also thank you to the Black Horse for catering for our lunch in January.

Many thanks to the management and staff at both establishments for looking after us so well.

There is no joining fee for Get Together Friends, but we must have all your contact details on file. Marcia and Val can be contacted at the Bickford Centre on South Street, on Wednesday mornings between 10am and noon. The Club phone number is Marcia’s mobile number 07881 875 846.

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FREE QUOTES Loose covers, recovering, and full re-upholstery of antique, modern and automotive furniture.

Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

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t the time of writing, our last order in November was the highest value ever, well over £2000 worth, with members stocking up for Christmas and buying special treats and gifts such as boxed chocolates and enjoying wholesale prices.

Easter chocolates are now available in our supplier’s catalogue – so why not give healthy chocolate rather than the other sort! If you have questions or would like recommendations, you are very welcome to join our Facebook page and post there.

WellBeing Tip: In the short dark days of winter it’s tempting to comfort ourselves with stodgy and sweet foods. But I wonder how many people realize that it’s these very foods that are mucous forming and therefore reduce our immunity? So instead, let’s look at sustaining, warming and delicious alternative ways of satisfying ourselves in winter. Soups and stews are very easy to prepare and easily digestible as the ingredients are all cooked together gently and for a longer time. Using a stainless steel pressure cooker is excellent too, as the food becomes very energetically sustaining and all the nutrients are retained, cooking times are reduced and we save energy and money. Beans, split peas and lentils provide perfect protein.

The larger beans give a lovely creamy texture to the finished soup or stew, whereas lentils and split peas give a more rustic quality. Beans should always be soaked for at least 8 hours, preferably with a small piece of sea vegetable, which will make them easy to digest (gas

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reducing) and giving the dish a beautiful mellow rich flavour. Beans marry well with root vegetables, onions, tamari and herbs. Tinned beans are useful as a standby but I don’t recommend them for regular use as most tinned goods contain toxic BPA in the linings. Look for BPA free tins. But of course vegetable soups can be deeply satisfying! Here’s one of my favourites from Rose Elliot’s book ‘The Kitchen Pharmacy’: Hearty Beetroot Soup Rose says ‘This is good for digestive or liver/gall bladder problems when there is stagnation of energy, shown as tiredness, coldness, and depression. May help other stagnant conditions as well. Very healing to the digestive system and beetroot is an excellent blood tonic.’

Serves 3-4 very filling, I serve it with flour free buckwheat bread, made from whole buckwheat grain – very popular with our volunteers who help us sort the group orders! Buckwheat is a great source of protein and very suitable for the winter as it originates from Siberia.

Ingredients: - remember organic ingredients will have more flavour, more nutrients and more life force!

1 tbsp olive or coconut oil (I use mild coconut oil with no strong coconut taste) 1 onion peeled and sliced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2 carrots, scrubbed and chopped 225g/ 8oz beetroot peeled and diced 225g / 8oz cabbage, roughly chopped 225g / 8oz potato or Jerusalem artichoke for those sensitive to nightshades

Sea salt Heat the oil in a large saucepan.

Add all the vegetables. Stir, cover with a tight lid and cook gently in own juices for 10 mins.

Add 600ml/1pt water or saved vegetable cooking water. Bring to the boil, simmer for 20 – 30 mins or until all veggies are tender. Remove a ladleful from the pan, blend the remaining soup and then add back the saved ladleful. Season with salt, or I like to use a little Umeboshi (Red) Plum Seasoning which has a wonderful salty tangy flavour like no other. Serve with a swirl of yoghurt and a sprinkle of finely chopped rocket or parsley from the garden.

More wellbeing tips and recipes in our mini newsletters! To receive these, subscribe from our website, details below.

Next Grocery Order Dates: 19th March /14th May Next Body Care Final Order Date: 2nd April/2nd July 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 Twitter: Follow us @owbg1 or #owbg Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

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this meeting will put Great Torrington n behalf of our group, I would on the map, with like to wish everyone a Happy representatives and Healthy New Year. attending from We have a very busy year ahead of all over Devon us, with the regular group ‘Bring and and the Somerset Share Supper’, taking place sometime in the next couple of months, our Annual border. We will be hosting the General Meeting on the 1st February, fundraisers throughout the year (quiz, meeting at the treasure hunt, boules competition, plus Castle Hill Centre other ideas from the group). and will be providing a three-course We are also being blessed with a lunch for approximately 60 people. visit to Great Torrington by our friends Included in the formalities, there will from Roscoff during the Mayflower be a talk/presentation by Big Al on the Bonfire weekend. We plan to hold a history of Great Torrington and what we social reception for our guests at the have to offer right now.

Castle Hill Centre on Friday 28th August, Congratulations to one of our followed the next “Our group has volunteered to host this members, day by a BBQ year’s DTC AGM, which will take place Sylvia Riddell, before heading on Saturday 17th October. While up for a and some of off to watch challenge, we feel that this meeting will her friends from the Mayflower put Great Torrington on the map, with Frithelstock Bonfire and representatives attending from all over Stone, who Firework Display. organised Devon and the Somerset border.”

Sunday we a wonderful have been invited by Fr. Peter Bevan to ‘Echoes of Elvis’ fund raiser in the attend a church service with a French Village Hall for North Devon Hospice slant, followed by a Civic Reception in and raised a fantastic £1610.60; well The Town Hall. We are expecting that done Sylvia. our guests will return to Roscoff on the We currently have over 40 members.

Bank Holiday Monday.

Age is no barrier, as we have members Devon Twinning Circle (DTC) Annual ranging from 10 years and upwards; General Meeting (AGM) some speak French and some don’t. We Most of the Twinning Associations in welcome new members, so if you are Devon, including the Torrington-Roscoff interested in joining us, please contact: Exchange Group, fall under the umbrella Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 of the DTC. Our group has volunteered 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) to host this year’s DTC AGM, which will 01805 625765. take place on Saturday 17th October.

Nick Roberts, Chairman.

While up for a challenge, we feel that

Busy Christmas for Torrington Silver Band!

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n Saturday 21st December Torrington Silver Band hosted their annual Christmas Concert.

The evening was extremely well supported by the community and was enjoyed by all. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with John Kelly who was celebrating his birthday that day. John is a longstanding band supporter, always willing to lend a hand at our events. To mark his special day the band played his favourite piece, Highland Cathedral.

Christmas was, as always, an extremely busy time for us but we thoroughly enjoyed bringing Christmas Carols to the local community. One of our highlights was certainly a visit to Castle House Care Home, we were very glad of the warm reception and mince pies that awaited us after a chilly morning playing in the square. The residents and staff were fantastic, making lots of lovely Christmas Carol suggestions.

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We are looking forward to another year of bringing music to Great Torrington.

Torrington Silver Band

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Little Torrington Victory Hall Gets a Brand New Kitchen!

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he Christmas dinner/dance at the Little Torrington Victory Hall at the beginning of December was, once again, a great success!

It was far more than just an annual Christmas celebration, as it saw the completion of the kitchen update project.

Thanks to funding from Grantscape, and Torridge District Council, and hard work in fundraising and in practical work by the volunteer hall committee and helpers, we have shiny new kitchen.

We have replaced the old kitchen, originally put in 32 years ago, with a ‘state of the art’ stainless steel one that meets 21st century standards.

As we wanted to support local businesses and needed to get best value, we chose ALCO of High Bullen, who created the made-to-measure units and fitted them. The new flooring was put in by Terrys Flooring of Bideford, and the reinstallation of the water heating system was undertaken by Ron Sussex and Sons of Great Torrington.

Finally it was the hard work of the volunteer hall team led by the Chair, Tony Harper, that saw the old kitchen emptied and stripped out, and the final connecting up and return of the contents!

Now we can look forward to a successful and shiny New Year!

Contact details: Project details: Peter Hood 01805 622433 hoodp@hoodp.plus.com Hall Booking: Rose Peard 01805 625194

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Working with Medecins Sans Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders

Talk by Mary-Flowa Houldsworth hildren’s author Michael Morpurgo’s new book tells the story of Omar, an Afghan boy who escapes his war-torn country to seek safety in Europe.

Barnstaple Library is delighted to be displaying a sand sculpture of Omar in the foyer. The sculpture, commissioned by publishers Harper Collins, was previously on display in the church of St Martin-in-the Fields, Trafalgar Square.

For the duration of Omar’s stay we will be hosting a programme of events to highlight the plight of refugees. The first event on Thursday 13th February at 3.30pm, will be a talk by Mary-Flowa Houldsworth (Flowa), a nurse/midwife with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

MSF has been working in Afghanistan since 1980, treating patients injured during the conflict, offering maternal and child healthcare and responding to natural disasters.

Flowa worked in the Kunduz region of Afghanistan as an MSF nurse and midwife and will present her experience and the stories she heard of those who had been forced to flee their homes and become refugees.

Alongside the talk Flowa will have set up an example of a small area of a refugee camp, including a tent.

Flowa will be giving an additional talk on Thursday 27th February at 2pm (please note there will not be a refugee camp set up at this talk).

Tickets for the talks are £3 and include refreshments. Advance booking is essential. Call 01271 318780.

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The Arts Society North Devon

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ur next meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th February 2020 at The Durrant House Hotel Northam, when our lecturer will be Ms Linda Smith. The meeting will begin at 2pm and the lecture is entitled ‘James Gillray. A Caterpillar on the green leaf of Reputation’.

James Gillray may well be the greatest political cartoonist who ever lived. Most of his work was published between 1792 and 1810, and we can get a glimpse of the riotous society in which he lived and see how the political personalities of his time were viewed by this master of disrespect.

Linda is a very experienced Art Historian from Birbeck College, London, and specialises in British Art since 1550, as well as twentieth century art. She lectures in venues ranging from Universities to Cruise Liners and also acts as a guide at Tate Modern, Tate Britain and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

We welcome visitors at a cost of £5, or why not join our friendly society and enjoy all our lectures for the year.

For further information please contact Joan or Terry Rowland 01769 581241.

Torrington Community Hospital Hub League of Friends

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he Torrington Community Hospital League of Friends is a committee of 10 under the chairmanship of Anne Ayre. Our aim is to provide equipment for our Torrington Hospital clinics.

At our AGM held on 3rd December 2019, we agreed to purchase three new Nuyork Standard Motor Lift-Tilt recliners for the day treatment unit at a cost of £2652. Our day treatment unit provides

“Over a six month period, this is an approximate total of 6760-8060 patients seen by these staff.” transfusions; infusions and PICC care to patients who would otherwise had to attend the Seamoor Unit at the NDDH. We also agreed to purchase a Schwinn 57OU upright cycle at a cost of £399 for the physiotherapy department.

From January to August 2018, 5,339 patients were seen in clinics at our hospital, and from January to September 2019 7,057 were seen, a total of 12,396.

As you can see, it is quite an increase over the two periods, I do not have the attendee numbers for the months inbetween. These patients would have had to the NDDH if it were not for these clinics. As well as this the district nurses at Torrington Hospital have made approximately 200-400 visits a week, and the therapy staff have 60-70 visits/ appointments a week: including balance classes. Over a six month period, this is an approximate total of 6760-8060 patients seen by these staff.

Save Your Broken Possessions this Christmas for UK’s LargestEver Repair Café

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evon’s residents are being urged to hang on to their broken possessions over the Christmas holidays so they can be fixed at what promises will be the largest repair café ever held.

The Big Fix 2020 will be held on Saturday February 15th, and will see up to 109 repair cafes across the UK being held simultaneously.

The national event is being coordinated by Devon County Council and follows the success of The Big Fix last year, when volunteers broke the record for the number of items repaired at a single repair café.

Both events are examples of Devon County Council’s commitment in ensuring that Devon becomes a net-zero county.

Repair Cafes are community events where skilled volunteer fixers donate their time once a month to help members of their local community and fix broken household objects.

Everything from sewing, electrical items, furniture repairs and mechanical issues can be covered for a small donation towards the costs of the Repair Café.

These are often items which people may not be able to afford to get fixed or not sure how to do it themselves and are brought back to life and saved from the bin.

Repair Cafes also have a second, equally valuable role as meeting places where anybody can sit down and have a chat.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Waste said: “Climate concerns are causing more people to look at the way they live and ask what can I do to help the environment?

“One way is to recycle more, reuse more and repair more. Extending the life of a hairdryer, repairing a garment or upcycling a sofa is something everybody can do to help the environment. And it saves you money.

“Buying new every time something breaks or gets old simply isn’t sustainable.”

For more information visit the Recycle Devon website.

It has recently come to our notice that there have been numerous missed clinic appointments at our hospital. In October 2019 there were 30 missed appointments; November 2019 – 41 and in December 2019 – 38, making a total of 109 appointments missed. Each one at a cost of £160, making a total of £17,440.

Please try not to miss any appointments, just call your clinician so that someone

else may be seen.

We would be very grateful to receive any donations for the League of Friends to provide further equipment for the clinics in our hospital. We have a box in the entrance hall of the hospital, or send any donations to me, John Kelly, Secretary of the League at 5 Goose Green, Torrington, EX38 7BP. Thank you, John Kelly

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GREAT TORRINGTON T Your Council, Working for YOU From Your Mayor

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ith Christmas behind us, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year – I hope you all had a lovely festive period and are now settling into 2020.

Looking back over 2019, I had a very busy Christmas season with our light switch on starting it all off. Our wonderful town came together, as we always do, and the atmosphere was fantastic – a big thank you to everyone who came out, and to those who made the evening possible. Our beautiful new lights topped it off perfectly, and I must also say a huge thank you to our Cavaliers for putting the display together.

Our annual Big Sing service was a huge success and it was lovely to see so many of you, again our community spirit shone through! Many thanks to the Methodist Church and everyone who supported the evening - I think everyone appreciated and enjoyed your hard work.

I was impressed and encouraged by the number of festive community events, which included Torrington Silver Band’s brilliant Christmas Concert and the mesmerizing Petrockstowe Christmas Tree Festival. The talent shown by our community is fantastic and so varied; we

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really are very lucky.

In early December Will and I were invited to start the Children’s Hospice South West’s ‘Santa on the Run’ event, hosted by Rosemoor Gardens and with proceeds going to the Children’s Hospice. We joined hundreds of Santas in the Garden Room before heading outside to the start line; it was a surreal but fantastic atmosphere. Well done to the CHSW team for holding such a brilliant event, and also to everyone who took part to raise vital funds for an important cause.

Christmas Day soon arrived, and Will and I both visited Hatchmoor Nursing Home, Woodland Vale and Abbeyfield, as well as popping into the Town Hall community lunch. We both enjoyed seeing so many different people on each visit and wanted to thank all the brilliant staff that made sure their residents had a very special Christmas. The community Christmas lunch was fantastic and the love, care and attention to detail in every aspect was beautiful. I want to say thank you to everyone that gave their time to help. You made so many people very happy and should all be extremely proud!

On 30th December Will and I joined a very special celebration – Marjorie Tombs’ 100th birthday tea party at Woodland Vale, where I made a presentation from the Town Council and was also honoured to be asked to

present her with a card from Her Majesty the Queen. It was heart-warming to see so many people come and celebrate Marjorie’s special day with her, and was demonstrative of the impact she has had throughout her 100 years.

It was lovely to see that Father Christmas saw my Mayor’s Challenge and managed to buy lots of presents in Great Torrington! I was pleased to both receive and give lots of gifts from around the town and was delighted to hear that shopping local became more important to people over the festive period. My challenge continues and, with January usually being a bit quieter, can I please encourage you to support our local shops; we’ve got so much to offer and I know you will be pleasantly surprised at what you can find. Also, please pass the message on to friends and family and anyone you can think of who might enjoy a unique shopping experience with so many independent shops, and don’t forget to let everyone know what you find.

I am looking forward to a busy few months ahead and working with my fellow councillors on a variety of different projects.

As always, if you would like me to attend any event, please contact the Town Council Offices.

Keeley Allin Mayor of Great Torrington

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Message of Thanks

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e hope you all had a happy Christmas! You will have noticed that the town centre was adorned with new Christmas lights and centre piece for the festive celebrations of 2019! These were partially funding by the Town Council, but we are also very grateful to the County and District Councillors, who allocated some funding from their respective grants provision.

We would also like to thank the Cavaliers who took charge of checking the new lights as well as erecting them, along with the Christmas tree. These tasks all take a huge amount of effort and the Town Council is sincerely grateful for the help of the Cavaliers in this matter. We would join with the many other comments which affirmed how lovely the lights and the tree looked this year.

Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

Commons Allotment Charity Grants & Precept Grants 2020/21 & 20/21 Budget

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he Town Council has allocated its Commons Allotment Grant Funding (£4,750) as well as Precept Grant Funding (£23,550) for 2020/21. A full list can be viewed on the Town Council’s website.

For the first time this year, members decided to keep a small pot of reserve grant funding to be made available during the period 1st April 2020 – 31st March 2021 for ad-hoc urgent requests for funding.

At the January Town Council meeting members agreed a budget for 2020/21.

The precept arrangements reflect an increase of 3.54% on the Town Council element of your council tax bill in respect of 1st April 2020 – 31st March 2021.

This equates to an increase of £2.83 per annum for a Band A property and

Which Council Does What?

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t the start of this New Year, we thought it might be helpful to give a reminder regarding which tier of Council is responsible for main services within the community of Great Torrington. We hope you find the below information helpful.

Devon County Council is responsible for the following services; Education and schools, highways including potholes, tourism signs, gritting, social services, child protection, libraries, recycling centres, waste management, and trading standards. Your local County Councillor is Andrew Saywell.

Torridge District Council is responsible for the following services; Rubbish collection and recycling, council tax administration and collection, housing, planning applications, car parks, electoral services, sport and leisure, housing benefit and council tax support, business rates administration and collection, environmental protection, economic development, street cleaning, fly tipping and licensing. Local District Councillors are Cllrs Chris Bright, Margaret Brown, and Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin. All of these District Councillors are also Town Councillors.

Great Torrington Town Council (GTTC) GTTC is responsible for grass and hedge cutting, town maintenance, including benches, bus shelters, and the town clock. Acting as consultees for planning matters, maintenance of GTTC owned parks (Trafalgar Drive, Greenbank and Jubilee Close), and facilitating and participating in working groups for the benefit of the community, (for example, dementia friendly community working group), receiving applications and awarding grants to local organisations, lobbying where appropriate, managing allotments, providing Christmas lights and bunting, events organising, footpaths and verge maintenance under contract, providing snow and road wardens and statutory issues in relation to administration and finance of a Town Council.

GTTC endeavours to work with the above authorities, voluntary groups and individuals where possible when the outcome is of benefit to the community of Great Torrington. Examples of these collaborations over the past 12 months include working with Devon County Council on a pilot project ‘doing what matters’ and a project to improve signage. Working with Torridge District Council on a future high street funding application and ongoing commitment to elements of this bid. Working with local volunteers from the community at Jubilee Wood, and the Chamber of Trade during the town centre road closure in the autumn. The list goes on, but members are keen to be involved in local matters which do actually, ‘make a difference’ to the town in one way or another.

The Mayor also represents the town and attends a large number of events throughout the year and endeavours to keep good relations with our local neighbours, as well as serve those within the community as and when possible.

A list of Town Councillors is held on the Town Council’s website along with contact details. There is also a list in the Notice Board at GTTC offices, Castle Hill.

£3.31 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 Remembers Every Man Private Charles Bennett

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harles Bennett was born 12th December 1891 in Great Torrington. His father, also called Charles, and mother Eliza, were both born in the town. They would have six children in total and Charles would be the youngest. The first we see of Charles is from his school record where he enrols at the Great Torrington Blue Coat School in 1899.

The 1901 Census provides some clearer information, and we get more of an insight into the family’s lifestyle. The address is ‘Week Cottage, 95, Great Torrington’. His father’s occupation is noted as a farm labourer, his older sister, Lucy, works as a ‘household domestic’, while his two younger sisters, Lizzie and Gertrude are now employed as ‘shirt collar makers’. Charles, who appears on a census for the first time, and his older brother Bertie, are both of school age at 9 and 11 years of age.

As we get to 1911 Charles is the only child left at the family home. Like his father Charles now works as a farm labourer, although the census does go further and includes the ‘horseman’ duty.

At some point between the latter part of 1911 and 1916 Charles emigrated to Canada. The first evidence we have of this are his attestation papers from his enlistment in Canada. Charles’ address is listed as 155 Perth Avenue. The question of ‘Are you married’ is answered ‘No’. His medical revealed that he was 5ft 10ins, had blue eyes, brown hair and was considered ‘fit’. These details were taken and signed for on February 11th

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1916. His subsequent Will was signed on September 13th 1916, with his mother being the benefactor. His Regimental Number was 679023 and at the time he was serving with the 169th Battalion.

We can see that the Battalion left Canadian shores on October 17th 1916 and arrived in England eleven days later on October 28th 1916. They sailed on the SS Metagama, used for troop transport during the First World War. We also know that in the last quarter of 1916, Charles was married to Elizabeth Jane Copp from St Giles in the Wood, near Great Torrington. Her address, as it was in the 1911 Census, is listed as High Bullen Lodge, St Giles in the Wood, where the Copp family resided. The couple were married in Barnstaple.

After initially being stationed at Bramshott Camp, he was transferred to the 116th Battalion, with a date of December 31st 1916. On the same day the 116th were moved to Witley Camp near Aldershot as a preparation for the move to France, and by February 11th 1917 they had reached French shores.

During the following months the 116th Battalion’s battle honours would show involvement in a number of key campaigns. These would include the Battle of Arras, Vimy Ridge, Battle of Hill 70 and the Battle of Passchendaele.

However, August 29th 1917 is the date recorded where Charles would receive shrapnel wounds to the chest, arm and leg. Despite the murderous conditions of the previously mentioned battles, the manner in which he receives his injuries seems unfortunate in contrast.

The 116th Battalion’s War Diary records the day’s duties as: ‘Battalion supplied working parties, laying cable, trench digging, and carrying parties. Weather rainy.

Casualties: one other rank wounded’.

The wounded soldier refers to Private Bennett. Following the injury, he was moved to a Casualty Clearing Station.

Charles would die of his wounds two weeks later on September 12th 1917.

Charles is buried at the Noeux-LesMines Communal Cemetery Extension in France. His headstone bears the inscription ‘He fought the fight and he kept the faith and he won the victor’s crown’. His records show that his next of kin included his parents, Mr. C. and Mrs. Eliza Bennett, of Great Torrington, Devon; and wife, Elizabeth Jane Bennett, of The Lodge, High Bullen, Great Torrington, Devon. Charles’ name also appears in the Canadian First World War Book of Remembrance, which lies in the Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.

Michael Newcombe

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Snowdrop Heaven

“Snowdrop flowers are described as having tepals rather than petals.” display. We also love to plant with the colourful stems of Cornus or Salix.

Snowdrops like a cool moist spring and drier summer dormancy, but should never be allowed to dry out completely.

Every three or four years, as the plants start to die back in spring, lift and divide overcrowded clumps. This allows you to check the health of the bulbs and discard any that are unhealthy. Separate the bulbs carefully and re-plant straight away. Over the years you can build up quite sizeable colonies.

Snowdrop flowers are described as having tepals rather than petals.

For further information or details please

Tel: 01805

624568 / 07983 174499

www.devonwadoryu.co.uk

Men’s Rugby Ramble

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nowdrops are sometimes called the ‘Heralds of Spring’ and the beauty of these plants is that they can be appreciated from the simplest display, to bold swathes in woodland gardens and borders. They have many common names: ‘Candlemas Bells’ and ‘Fair Maids of February’ being just two.

The scientific name for the snowdrop is Galanthus, which comes from the Greek gala meaning milk and anthos meaning flower – Milkflower.

Snowdrops can be mixed with other winter and early spring flowering plants such as winter aconites and hellebores for an extra decorative

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The flowers consist of three white outer tepals, occasionally with a green marking, e.g. G.plicatus ‘Trym’ and three smaller inner tepals, with green markings on the tips. Both Galanthus nivalis and Galanthus plicatus have such markings.

Galanthus elwesii has another green marking at the top of the inner tepal.

Sometimes this can merge to make them look entirely green. Snowdrops that have yellow markings instead of green are rather exciting and special, for example Galanthus plicatus ‘Wendy’s Gold’ AGM. Rosemoor Snowdrop Weekend is on 1st and 2nd February, but if you have missed it, there are still plenty flowering, so get out there and look at the snowdrop in more detail, and you will see they don’t all look the same!

Sam Peard, Rosemoor Plant Centre Team Leader Image: RHS/Sheila Dearing

et the boys onside and sign up for our brand new event for 2020!

This is your chance to make a real difference to support local men who are going through the toughest of times and need the care of North Devon Hospice.

Our ‘Men’s Rugby Ramble’ is a 5-mile circular walk from Barnstaple Rugby Club. You will kick off with a delicious hot pasty at the start before walking to our English Rose Bar where you can enjoy a refreshing pint courtesy of St Austell Brewery. Onwards to our Irish Shamrock bar where you will be met with a pint of Guinness before you touchdown at the Rugby Club once mo re.

Back at the club you will finish with another celebratory pint of beer and a choice of hot buffet, including curry, before watching the Six Nations England v Ireland game on the big screen! You will also receive a branded beanie to wear during the walk to show your solidarity for local men being cared for by North Devon Hospice.

Sign up today at www. northdevonhospice.org.uk.

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Thanks for Christmas Day

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hat a demonstration of keeping Torrington’s incredible community spirit alive at the Town Hall on Christmas Day; truly Torrington at its compassionate best!

The conviviality started in the Undercroft with a warm reception, a welcome drink and the playing of carols by members of our superb Silver Band.

The beautiful decoration of the dining room was comparable to a 5* hotel.

What pride is taken in this magnificent civic building. The foresight and fortitude of Dr Harry Cramp and the team responsible for its refurbishment have provided a return to glory of one of our

“Great Torrington and Great Torringtonians at their best.” best architectural legacies.

Stephen and Paul at Lion’s Coffee House and the Potacre Sweet Shop, deserve our deepest appreciation and respect for all the hard work and professional dedication to providing the delicious, well presented and seemingly unending Christmas lunch.

None of this would have been possible

Rosemoor Events

Snowdrop Weekend 1 & 2 February oin us for RHS Garden Rosemoor’s

Snowdrop Weekend when we celebrate these early harbingers of spring. There will be specialist nurseries (Elworthy Cottage Plants, Triffids Nursery, Millwood Plants and Desirable Plants) in the Lecture Hall, free guided walks covering not only snowdrops but early spring-flowering bulbs at Rosemoor too, plus a free, illustrated talk each day on ‘Snowdrops in Context’ by Dr Julian Sutton of Desirable Plants, in the Small Garden Room. This is the perfect event for both expert galanthophiles and visitors who simply appreciate these shy but stunning early spring flowers.

There will also be handmade snowdrop and horticultural-themed craft items made from fine birch wood and pressed Somerset paper on sale from Natty Deco in the Lecture Hall too.

Live Events To kick the year off in style we have two fabulous live music events inside the Garden Room. On 15th February ‘Elton John Unleashed’ (a tribute act) and on 16th February ‘Glenn Miller Spectacular & Big Band Greats’ (tribute band). Bar and delicious pre-performance dinners also available.

Half term family fun ‘Whatever the Weather’- 15th – 23rd February Bring your wellies, grab a jacket and join us for fun family activities inside and out, whatever the weather - including a garden trail and drop-in family craft workshops.

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without the wonderful generosity of the local charities, businesses and individual donations that supported the day. More so without the assistance in setting up, serving food, clearing and cleaning up and the transport of people needing a lift to and from the event. This by the small army of willing, cheerful volunteers mobilised and directed by Anne Tattersall and Richard Rumbold and the team.

We had a welcome visit and address from the mayor, Keeley Allin, hard working as ever and having already visited our residential care and nursing homes.

The only sad note was Richard

Rumbold, chair of the Town & Community Hall who missed Santa’s visit yet again!

Friendly companionship, fellowship and excellent food and good cheer shared, and a goody bag, vouchers and Christmas card accompanied the festive throng on their homeward journey.

Many, many thanks to all the people who made this special Christmas event the success it has proven to be.

Great Torrington and Great Torringtonians at their best.

Andy Griffiths, Great Torrington Town Beadle

CHURCH STREET STORES DOLTON EX19 8QE Tel: 01805 804205

Open Monday to Saturday 6.30am - 8.00pm Sunday 8.00am - 7.00pm Convenience Store & Post Office

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www.churchststores.co.uk for our latest offers 2

Merton 01805 603924.

Personally Supervised

by Andrew & Janice Gist www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk Excellent home-made food served every day 12-2pm/6-9pm Great selection of01805 wines, 622364 real ales, ciders Open fire and snug rooms

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Covering North Devon & surrounding areas

Fitting/replacing doors, replacing locks, laminate flooring, odd jobs, DIY, garden work etc.

Call Gary for a free estimate 07340 846 513 Visit: www.dragonstoothcarpentryhandymanservices.co.uk

Great Torrington School Presents Back to the 80’s!

F

rom the era that brought the world the Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes the ‘totally awesome’ musical ‘Back to the 80’s’. In the style of movies such as ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ and ‘The Karate Kid’, ‘Back to the 80’s’ is a nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the decade.

Back to the 80’s tells the story of the senior class of William Ocean High School, as remembered through the eyes of now thirty-something Corey Palmer.

Seventeen-year-old Corey is madly in love with his next-door neighbour, Tiffany Houston, one of the coolest girls in the school, but she is too busy mooning over Michael Feldman, the hottest guy around. Michael and his friends are athletic and good looking — the kind of guys that Corey and his two best friends dream of being. However, while they may not be the coolest guys in school, they are still one up on Feargal McFerrin, III, whose best friend is his computer and who believes the crazy notion that one day, CDs will replace cassette tapes.

Throw in a Star Wars dream sequence, high-energy dance routines, the obligatory 80s party scene, copious amounts of blue eyeshadow, twenty cans of hairspray, as well as some of the most popular songs ever written.

Date and time: 24th, 25th, and 26th March 2020, 6pm.

Venue: Great Torrington School Cavalier Studio Theatre Tickets £5 per person To book call 01805 623531 ext. 229 from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday or call into our Reception from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (except holidays).

Working Towards a Dementia Friendly Town Making Twiddle Muffs & Neck Warmers

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ne of the next projects the Knit and Natter Group will be working on is to make Twiddle Muffs and Neck Warmers for people living with dementia.

The Twiddle Muffs are knitted hand muffs with items attached to keep dementia patients’ restless hands active, busy and warm, and contain strands of textured ribbons, beads, buttons attached both inside and outside.

If you aren’t a knitter but still want to support the cause, we would welcome donations of wool, buttons, beads, ribbons, zips, pompoms or anything else that could be used to enhance the muffs safely.

If you would like to make a donation of materials, please drop them off at the Great Torrington Town Council Offices at Castle Hill Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm or the Great Torrington Town & Community Hall, 10am to 12noon every Wednesday morning.

Thank you on behalf of the Great Torrington Dementia Friendly Community Working Group.

Torrington Library News

Really Wild Learning Half term event Friday 21st February e will be running two one-hour sessions so as many children as possible get close to the animals.

Session times: 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm.

Booking essential for a specified time slot, £3 per child.

This event is supported by our Friends of Great Torrington Library.

Little Fingers – pre-schooler craft Friday 28th 10.30-11am A special event for the under fives and their carers – simple crafting to share.

Bounce & Rhyme – songs and stories for babies & pre-schoolers.

Tuesday mornings term time 10.3011am on 4th,11th & 25th February Congratulations to Penny Maisey for winning the ‘Christmas Surprise 2019’ at Torrington Library. Borrowers took away a number of mystery books wrapped up for Christmas, one of which contained a £10 book token. The winning book was ‘The Garden of Lost and Found’ by Harriet Evans. Penny really enjoyed the book and is looking forward to spending her voucher!

Facebook: #TorringtonLibraryDevon.

Contact us: Torrington.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk. 01805 622107 during opening hours or email on torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org. uk.

Devon and Torbay Libraries are run by Libraries Unlimited, a charity. Donations are always welcomed and appreciated to help us continue to run our service.

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What’s On in Great Torrington?

At a loose end? Need to find a new hobby or activity? There should be something here for you! If you run a sports club or community activity in Great Torrington or the surrounding area, or the exisiting information we have needs amending, please send details in to: torrington.crier@gmail.com. Monthly diary events are on the following page, making it easier to find what’s on!

SUPPORT & FRIENDSHIP GROUPS FOODBANK Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church and Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill Singing for health, for older people, those with dementia and their carers. 10.30am-12pm, Torrington Community Hospital. £1.50 donation per session. For details call 01805 622666.

(First & third Wed of the month) Men’s Shed: Football Club, School Lane 9am-12.30pm.

Come and see us in action, every Tuesday & Thursday.

Contact Colin on 01805 624030 Memory Cafe 10.30am -12.30pm, Methodist Church at the top of Mill Street. Every second Thursday Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com or find us on Facebook.

U.S. Social Group. Get out and meet new friends. We meet every Monday at 8pm @ the Panniers in Barnstaple (Weatherspoons). The age range is 40 plus. Varied interests including skittles, dancing, meals out etc. Mixed social group for people on their own.

‘Hearing Loss Support Group’ Social group via our bus at Bideford Pill Car Park, (opposite the Burton Art Gallery), every

first Thursday of the month between 2 and 4pm. Call 01271 373236 Torrington Friendship Club for town residents - over 65.

Weekly social event, every Thursday, Methodist Church Hall 2-4pm. Contact Margaret Woodman 01805 622096 Anxiety Support Group every Friday 11am-12.30pm at Lincontro Coffee Shop, South St, Torrington, all welcome.

Facebook – Great Torrington & Surrounding Areas Anxiety Support Group Get Together Friends of Torrington (GTFOT) monthly meal, film, Beetle Drive for over 60s. Contact Marcia 07881 875 846 or drop into the Bickford Centre for coffee and a chat on Wednesday mornings.

Headway North Devon day centre each Tuesday for people with an acquired brain injury, at the Salvation Army Church, Oakleigh Road, Barnstaple, EX32 8JT. 07971 174 960 or email headwaynorthdevon@hotmail.co.uk for further information.

Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly coffee morning every 1st Thurs of the month from 10am @ Alwington Village Hall, nr Fairy Cross on A39 road out of Bideford. (look for sign on left to Woodtown). Julie Jones 01237 478128.

HEALTH, SPORT & FITNESS (ADULTS & CHILDREN) Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training above TVSC, Mondays 6.15pm boxers; Tuesdays 6.30pm Recreational boxers (fitness); Wednesdays 6.30pm carded boxers only; Thursdays 6.30pm Recreational boxers (fitness), Fridays 6.15pm boxers; Saturdays 9.30-11am Junior BoxFit (6 to 10 year olds) Running club every Monday & Wednesday at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm every Wednesday Wendy’s Fitness for Life classes every Thursday at the Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 Slimming World Join us at Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street.

Tuesdays 5:30 & 7:30pm. Thursdays 9.30am,11.30am & 5.30pm. Lisa 07515 256 965 Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am @ Libbaton Golf Club Fitness with Friends: Castle Community Centre Torrington, gentle exercise class, every Monday weekly in term time, 2 -3.30pm, £3.50 donation, 01805 622666 Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm juniors, adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 01769 561387 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon & Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre.

Short Mat bowling in the Clubhouse. Torrington Bowling Club on Monay and Friday evenings from 6pm. All welcome.

Contact John Pitts for more information 01805 439100 visit www.greattorringtonbowlingclub.co.uk Hatha Yoga Thursdays 10-11.30am, Castle Community Centre, South Street, Torrington, 01805 93812 or 07789 020

REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES

Gt Torrington Parish Church Services: Thursdays 10.30am Said Mass, Coffee morning 11am-12.30pm; Fridays 8.30am Said Mass; Sundays Parish Church Eucharist 10am & Sunday Club Encounter. Modern worship, exploring faith, meeting with others. Encounter God. Great coffee and cakes.7pm High Bickington Community Centre. Every second Sunday.

Catholic Church of the Holy Family Mass every Sun 9.15am Torrington Methodist Church, services at 10.30am & 6.30pm every Sunday, please see diary for any changes. Visit:

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668. Email: ruthchambers@gmail.com Pilates in Yarnscombe on Mondays & Tuesdays, contact: Sue 07896 326 024 email sue.spiritunleashed@gmail.com Function Fitness classes 01805 622719: Mondays: X-fit 7am, Spin 9.30am, Total Balance 10.30am, Spin 5.30pm, Pump 45 6.30pm, Hiit circuits 7.30pm Tuesdays: Pump 9.30am, Spin 6pm, Legs, Bums, Tums 7pm Wednesdays: X-fit 7am, Spin 9.30am, Youth Inductions 3.45pm, Boxfit 6pm, Ergo rowing circuit 7pm Thursdays: Pump 9.30am, Barre Concept 5.30pm, Spin 6.30pm, Pump 45 7.30pm Fridays: X-fit 7am, Spin 9.30am, Kettlebells & bars 10.30am, Spin 6pm, Pole Fitness 7pm Saturdays: Spin 8am, Pump 9am, Barre Concept 10.15am Sundays: Sunday Circuit 8am, Spin/core/stretch 9am Pilates with Lou Banfield ‘LB Movement’ @ Function Fitness: Mondays 12.15pm & 1.30pm, Tuesdays 6pm & 7pm, Wednesdays 1.30pm, 5.45pm & 6.45pm, Fridays 10.30am Authentic Wado-Ryu Karate-Do “Ken Shu Kan”, Function Fitness. Classes for beginners Mondays 7-7.45pm (12yrs+) Thursdays 6-6.45pm (6-11yrs) & 7-7.45pm (12yrs+) Saturdays 1.30-2.15pm (12yrs+), www.devonwadoryu.co.uk Beaford Short Mat Bowling Club meet every Monday @ The Village Hall 2-5pm. Beginners welcome. Contact John Spilstead for more information 01805 603394.

Walking for Health every Tuesday, run by Torridge Walk & Talk, contact Steve 01237 421528 torringtonmethodistchurch.weebly.com Grosvenor Church Torrington, The Plough10.30am, with an exciting children’s programme. Every Sunday. Tim 07798 670 754.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bradford Village Hall, Holemoor, Bradford, Holsworthy, EX22 7AB. Sunday Sacrament service 10-11am Torrington Baptist Church, services every Sunday at 10.30am.

St Giles, Little Torrington all services at 11.15am

CHILDREN’S CLUBS, TODDLER GROUPS & PRE-SCHOOLS 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Rugby Club every Mon term time 6.30-8pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 623212 torringtondistrictguiding@talktalk.net 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Rugbyclub every Wed term time 6.30-8pm Mary Davis torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net Beaford Guides at Beaford Village Hall Tuesdays term time only 7.15pm till 8.45pm Bridget Wade 07830 797 050 or email BeafordGuides@outlook.com Beaford Rainbows at Beaford Village Hall on Tuesdays 4.15 till 5.15pm contact Leanne 07842344302 or rainbows@ girlguidingbeaford.co.uk Beaford Brownies meet at Beaford Village Hall on Tuesdays 5.30pm till 7pm contact Bridget Wade on 07830 797 050 or email beafordbrownies@outlook.com 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 1st.torrington. guides@gmail.com 1st High Bickington Rainbows High Bickington Community Centre every Tue 5-6pm Sue Birch torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net 1st High Bickington Brownies High Bickington Com Centre Fridays 5.30-7pm Angie Galliver Highbickingtonbrownies@ aol.com SCOUTS IN TORRINGTON - Scout Hall, Gas Lane. Contact for all groups is Kirsty Pells on 07887 557 574 or email kirsty. pells@btinternet.com. 1st Torrington Beaver Scouts (age

6-8) meet during term time on Tuesdays 6-7:30pm; 1st Torrington Cub Scouts (age 8-10) meet during term time on Mondays 6-7:30pm. 1st Torrington Scouts (age 10-14) meet during term time on Monday 7:30-9pm.

Youth Club for 11+ Wednesday (term time only) 6 - 8pm @ High Bickington Community Centre ALLSORTS Children’s Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 6.30-8pm. School years 1-6. Morag 01805 625510 ALLSORTS Plus Youth Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 8-9.15pm. School years 6 and upwards. Morag on 01805 625510 Little Otters Baby & Toddler Group, every Friday, 9am11.30am, at The Clinton Hall, Merton Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Church every Thurs term time 9.30am -11.30am £1.50 per family. Jill 01805 624387 Toddler Group 9.30-11am every Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am-3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact - 07870 509 674 Little Otters Baby and Toddler Group, every Friday (term time) 9-11.30am The Clinton School, Merton 01805 804315 Mondays at Dolton Village Hall 9-11.30am 01805 804315.

Little Otters Pre School at The Clinton School, Merton & Dolton School Grow Curious Toddlers, every Friday 9:15am. Grow Curious Babies, every Friday 11:15am, both at Torrington Children’s Centre to book visit grow.org.uk or call 01271 371961.

LEISURE, HOBBIES & ENTERTAINMENT (ADULTS & CHILDREN) Plough Workshops: every Monday: Yoga 6:30-8pm; Folk Orchestra 7-9pm; every Tuesday: Yoga 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30-7:30pm; Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm; every Thursday: French Conversation with Sylvie Guers 6-7pm; Sapta Dance 11am-12:30pm; Tai Chi 2.15-3.15pm. every second Thursday Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm; every Friday: Sarah Anne Westcott School of Dance 4-7.15pm; Art on Friday, twice per month 10.30am-2pm; every Saturday: Plough Youth Theatre 9:45am-5:15pm; first Sunday of the month: Plough Story Telling Circle 2.30-5.30pm Bideford Camera Club meets on Tuesdays, 7:30pm, at Bideford Methodist Hall, 60 High Street, Bideford. Phone: 01237 421391, email: enqs@bidefordcameraclub.co.uk.

Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4pm Doug 01805 622648 Beryl 01805 624294 all welcome (every second Saturday) Tai Chi 12.30pm every Thursday, Torrington Community Hospital. Ageing Well on 01805 622666. £2.50 donation Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm Tarka Pottery Adult Pottery Thursdays term time:10-12 noon, 1.30-3.30pm and 7-9pm 07931 306 414. Tuesdays term time: 10-12 noon and 7-9pm t: 07931 306 414 Papercrafts & scrapbooking club every Thursday 10am to 12:30, The Owl Barn Studio, EX22 7LW, £2 bring your own project or try something new, 07853 319 250 or owlbarnstudio@btinternet.com English Folk Dancing 8pm every Fri @ Northam Village Hall with Bideford Ceilidh Club. Info John 01237 476632 Writers Poets & Listeners every first Thursday 7.30pm Conservative Club Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meet every Thursday from 9am-3pm at Torrington Station (the Puffing Billy), unless weather is appalling. Variety of tasks. 07881 905 260.

Bingo at St Giles Parish Hall, eyes down at 7.30pm, last Thursday of the month Torrington Craft Group, every Monday 1-4pm Methodist Church Hall £10 per month or £3.50 per session including refreshments, Jeanne Singleton 07800 523 444 Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon

Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm £1.50 inc tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Probus Club meets at the Black Horse, High Street, Torrington, 10am. Every fourth Thursday.

Torrington Rotary Club meet Tuesdays at Torrington Golf Club (6pm for 6:30pm) - Sec Rick Smale on 01805 622419.

Prospective members, & members from other Rotary Clubs most welcome.

Learn Bellringing for free: Most Mondays 7.30pm at Monkleigh Church and Wednesday, 7.30pm at Torrington Church, Clive Ward 0771078 885 or monk2364@icloud.com Art on Friday meets every second and fourth Friday at The Plough Arts Centre 10.30am-2.30pm. New members always welcome. Contact Hazel 01805 623757.

Great Torrington WI second Wednesday of each month excluding June (outing) & August (picnic). 7pm at the Methodist Rooms. Visitors & new members welcome.

Phoenix Line Dancing Club. Beginner/improver line dance classes at Weare Gifford Village Hall Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm.

All ages and abilities welcome. Ian 07833 720 050 or Marilyn 07825 278 405.

Dance & Tea with Mazzy B, afternoon tea, then an hour’s fun introduction to line dancing. Fridays 2-4pm Northam Community Centre 07825 278 405 Bideford Folk Dance Club 7.30pm Wednesdays in term time at Northam Hall. Further details from Chris on 01237 423554 Torridge Ramblers walk footpaths in the Torridge area with additional walks further afield. For details of the programme contact 01805 625485 or 01237 429080 Gypsy Q Line Dancers meet every Wednesday evening 7.30-9.30, Owl Barn Studio, EX22 7LW. Beginners welcome, 07853 319250 or owlbarnstudio@btinternet.com Torrington & District History Group meets second Monday of the month Sept-April, 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Rooms. Refreshments from 7pm. Interesting and varied talks, see diary for details. Outdoor visits in summer months. Details Sue 01805 624291.

Board Game Club – join in fun, strategic games such as Risk, Evolution and Axis and Allies. All welcome to bring their own games too. Every Sunday at the Globe Inn, Beaford. 8pm

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countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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• Adult Bikes • Child Buggies • Child Bikes • Services •Tandems • Repairs • Disabled Tag-alongs • Wee-Hoo

A Roborough Diamond Jubilee Club has been formed to raise funds for

the future position of Christmas tree, th

ACUPUNCTURE Can help with a variety of health issues The Well St Clinic, Torrington, on Fridays With registered practitioner Lynne Parkyn MBAcC

Diary

07795 073966 for appointments or enquiries and cake and a chance to buy from a

Schoolroom. Every Mon in February £1.50 per family, for all toddlers and babies with their parents, carers or grandparents from Buckland To place an entry in the diary, Brewer & surrounding area. Dave please email torrington.crier@ bucklanddave1953@btinternet.com or gmail.com, or write your entry in the diary 0748 422 3515. on the Library counter.

Tuesday 4th Diary entries are not created from articles received, if you submit an article Foodbank everyTuesday 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church and Saturday about an event and would also like 10am-12noon at Castle Hill it feature in the diary section, please Plough Film: Star Wars: The Rise of submit in diary format.

Skywalker (12A) 7pm The Plough Arts Centre

February 2020

Wednesday 5th

Devon Sensory Outreach Bickford Centre 11-3pm Saturday 1st Foodbank every Saturday 10am-12noon Knit & Natter Great Torrington Town Hall 10am to 12 noon. Everyone welcome! at Castle Hill Breakfast rolls, coffee and cake 10am Plough Film: The Cave (15) 7pm Coffee Morning 9.30am-12noon at to noon, meat raffle, 1st prize £25, 2nd Buckland Brewer Methodist Church prize £15, takeaway available. In aid of Weare Giffard Village hall refurb/rebuild. Schoolroom . All welcome to join us with refreshments & conversation. Dave on Plough Talk: Daytime Haunted History bucklanddave1953@btinternet.com or Tour at ThePlough@StAnne’s 11:30am Plough Talk: The Photographs of James 0748 422 3515 Ravilious: A Talk by Robin Ravilious Thursday 6th Plough Music: Miranda Sykes 8pm Plough Talk: Tawstock Court Haunted ThePlough@TheGeorge, South Molton History Tales 7:30pm Little Torrington Pantomime ‘Not so Plough Film: Little Women (U) 7pm The Little Red Riding Hood’, 7 for 7.30pm, Plough Arts Centre tickets £5 Bob Harrod 07918 865 777 or Plough Music: Philip Henry at Peter/Jen Hood 01805 622433 ThePlough@StAnne’s 8pm

Sunday 2nd

Plough Films: Cats (PG) 3pm The Plough Arts Centre; Little Women (U) 7pm The Plough Arts Centre

Monday 3rd

Plough Workshop: Wildlife in Watercolour 7pm ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple Time Together’ Toddler Group Buckland Brewer Methodist Church

Friday 7th

Sunday 9th

Plough Films: Little Women (U) 3pm; Cats (PG) 7pm

Monday 10th

Plough Workshop: Wildlife in Watercolour 7pm ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple Torrington History Group Methodist Church Rooms talk by Peter Christie 7 for 7.30pm.

Tuesday 11th

Make your very own spring flower necklace using acrylic flower beads at Great Torrington Town Hall 6-8.30pm.

Further information and booking phone: 01237 472462 or email learndevonbideford@devon.gov.uk Plough Film: Jojo Rabbit (12A) 7pm

Wednesday 12th

Great Torrington WI Methodist Rooms 7pm Chair Based Yoga with Ruth Chambers Knit & Natter 10am to 12 noon. Great Torrington Town Hall. Everyone welcome!

Plough Film: The Cave (15) 7pm

Thursday 13th Torridge Business Investment Grant Information - Great Torrington Town Hall Plough Talk: Bygone Brothel Walking Tour of Barnstaple 7:30pm ThePlough@ for further information StAnne’s, Barnstaple Phone 01237 428880 email Chris.

Fuller@torridge.gov.uk COPY DEADLINE FOR MARCH Plough Music: Gadarene + support 8pm Saturday 8th

CRIER 12 NOON

Beaford Village Hall Market 10.30am to 12.30am tasty breakfast baps, coffee

STUART STACEY CARPET & VINYL FITTER ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED REFITS UNDERTAKEN REPAIRS & RESTRETCHS MEASURING MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

01805622967 or 07767024688 22

range of stalls. Car washing £5. New stall holders welcome, please ring 01805 603199 or 01805 603046 for details.

Plough Workshop: Sax Workshop with Snake Davis 6pm Plough Music: Snake Davis Band 8:30pm

Friday 14th

The BIG Valentine Dance Party Great Torrington Town Hall 7.30pm. An evening

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

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

Fridays Bideford

Further details from: Shirley Davies 07776 414740

of Swing, Jazz, Rock and Jive with Valentine Supper and Pre-dance love potion. Tickets are limited and available from the Town Hall or Crafty Needles (Pannier Market) Plough Music: An Evening of Johnny Cash & June Carter music with Roseanna Ball and Ian Holleran 8:30pm

Saturday 15th

Plough Poetry/Spoken Word: Lovestruck 7pm ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple Plough Music: Genesis Legacy 8pm

Sunday 16th

Plough Films: Jojo Rabbit (12A) 3pm; 1917 (15) 7pm

Monday 17th

Plough Workshops: Visual Arts Ink in Nature 10am ; Drama Ground Based Circus Skills (8-16 Years) 11am-12 noon; Wildlife in Watercolour 7pm ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple Plough Films: Spies in Disguise (PG) 4pm; Cats 7pm

Tuesday 18th

Plough Workshop: Visual Arts Wild Dyes 10am Plough Films: Spies in Disguise (PG) 4:30pm; 1917 (15) 7pm

Wednesday 19th

Plough Workshops: Visual Arts Ear Harp Workshop 10am; Theseus and the Minotaur - Play In A Day (8-12 years) 10am ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple Plough Films: Spies in Disguise 4:30pm; Hadwin’s Judgement 7pm Coffee Morning 9.30am-12noon at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church Schoolroom . All welcome to join us with refreshments & conversation. Dave on bucklanddave1953@btinternet.com or 0748 422 3515

Thursday 20th

Wise Old Owls Great Torrington Town Hall 2-4pm. This FREE workshop will be a fun and interesting thing to attend this half term with your children. Come along and make a fabric owl. Further information & booking phone: 01237 472462 or email learndevonbideford@ devon.gov.uk Plough Workshop: Drama Theseus & The Minotaur - Play In A Day (8-12 Years) 10am-4pm Plough NTLive: Cyrano De Bergerac 7pm Plough Talk: Haunted History Tour 7:30pm The Plough Cafe

Friday 21st

Plough Film: The Personal History of David Copperfield 10am Plough Comedy: Josie Long 8pm

Plough Music: A Retro Musical Soiree in the Gallery 8:15pm

Friday 28th

Plough Film: A Hidden Life (12A) 7pm Plough Music: Tree Top Troubadour 8:15pm Gallery Gig

Saturday 29th

Plough Workshop: Visual Arts Creative Landscaping course 10am-1pm Plough Music: Electro Psy Fest 6:30pm ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple Plough Theatre: ‘Dead Good’ 8pm The Plough Arts Centre Quiz in aid of Torrington Foodbank Taddiport Village Hall 7.30pm, teams of up to 6, £4 per head, inc nibbles, byo refreshments. Bookings 01805 622594.

Saturday 22nd

Plough Workshop: Making Silver Jewellery with Precious Metal Clay at ThePlough@StAnne’s 10am Barnstaple Plough Film: The Personal History of David Copperfield (12A) 7pm Plough Music: Rosa Rebecka with The Rebel Clefs 8:15pm Gallery Gig

Sunday 23rd

Plough Films: The Personal History of David Copperfield (12A) 3pm; 1917 (15) 7pm

Tuesday 25th

Plough Film: A Hidden Life 7pm

Wednesday 26th

Plough Film: I Vitelloni (PG) 5pm Plough Film: The Personal History of David Copperfield (12A) 7pm

Thursday 27th

Plough Film: I Vitelloni (PG) 7:30pm Plough Talk: Haunted History Tour 7:30pm ThePlough@TheGeorge, South Molton

Instant Images Embroidery We work closely with our customers to offer quality embroidered and printed garments.

46 South Street, Torrington Tel: 01805 938002 instantimages.devon@btinternet.com www.instantimagesembroidery.co.uk

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HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR FUNERAL? Formal or Party Atmosphere? Cremation or Burial?

All very important questions but the most important is who will Pay? Did you know that pre-paid funerals are cheaper than the average funeral service and include everything.

At FUNERALS BY DESIGN we allow you to chose the type of funeral you want, noting all your wishes for the service with the funeral dealt with by one of your local Funeral Directors.

We can explain how you can pay and plan your funeral today.

Your wishes will be carried out, with no worries for your family.

Contact your local Pre-Paid Funeral Advisor today 01579 383892 or 07805 450 565 email: funeralsbyd@gmail.com

The Recipe

Yes, It is Possible, Light, Smile.

These simple words are basic ingredients for the everyday life.

If you feel like slipping down to the dark side, or if you are there already feeling sad and lonely, grab these words with determination.

Repeat them silently as long as you wish, they can do magic.

Give it a go, it won’t harm you anyway.

Be patient for results, don’t give up too soon, it takes time to brighten a cold dark space.

If, after a while, you feel brave enough for the icing on the cake, why not add a shy little half smile at the end.

Just from time to time, please don’t overdo!

I can reassure you: fake smiles work as good as real ones at the beginning of the practice, and as you keep going, they will naturally transform themselves into real ones.

I wish you a joyful heart.

May we all walk in beauty.

Valeria

Torrington Let’s Talk Tuesdays 12-2pm at Castle Hill Are you living with a mental health issue?

Do you experience emotional distress?

Are you suffering with depression, anxiety or loneliness?

Let’s Talk is a safe supportive group environment professionally Facilitated by qualified counsellors working with Clarity If you are interested please contact Clarity on 01271 267474.

Garden Needs Landscaping?

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WB Landscaping has over 12 years of experience in developing beautiful gardens for many customers. They have undertaken work in the areas of: driveways, fencing, brickwork, soft landscaping, patios, garden features such as slate wall water features, fire pits, planting of trees to create a wildlife area plus other landscaping related projects. CWB also offer a garden design service where your thoughts can come to life, we include this design if appropriate before we commence our program of work with you.

CWB have worked on small jobs of two to three days in duration, up to a nine month complete re-landscape of gardens, driveways and plenty of brickwork for a large country house. We are fully insured and offer a no charge, no obligation quotation service. If you would like to have an informal chat about how CWB could make your outside space a better place to live, work and play in, please contact Christien on 07756 649 514, of find us on Facebook CWB Landscaping!

Fleur’s Best Trees Cercis Siliquastrum

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his is a very attractive ornamental tree but which has a rather gruesome myth attached to it, in that its common name is the ‘Judas Tree’ (Judas Iscariot allegedly hanged himself from one having betrayed Jesus Christ to the Romans for thirty pieces of silver). Don’t let this story put you off planting this tree in your garden – it’s best given its own ‘spot’ to show it off at its best.

The flowers of the Judas Tree resemble those of other members of the pea family, being a lovely dark pinky/purple colour and appearing in May, sometimes just before the leaves appear and sometimes simultaneously. The flowers actually emerge directly from the trunk and main branches, as well as on twigs rather than from leaf nodes or stems. The seed pods are also quite colourful, ripening to a purplish/brown colour. The leaves are circular/heart-shaped, set alternately along the branches and bluish-green when young.

Cercis siliquastrum is native to the Mediterranean, found in dry, rocky areas and grows well on chalky soils in Northern Europe. However, it can be grown in UK gardens, but requires a bit of shelter from cold winds and also needs free-draining, alkaline soil. The height of a mature tree can be 10 metres (30ft), but it is quite slender with a light canopy so will not completely overshadow other plants in your garden. More often than not, in this country, you will find it growing as a multistemmed shrub.

Fleur

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Tarka Pottery is Celebrating 10 Years

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ur interactive clay studio in Little Torrington is celebrating 10 years of teaching, making and getting creative with competitions and special offers ongoing throughout all of 2020.

We want to thank all our customers, regular potters and everyone who’s supported us the last 10 years, with an exciting year full of competitions to win fantastic experiences at our pottery studio. Prizes include free pottery sessions, pottery painting and other surprises.

If you would like to win something a bit different this year, head over to tarkapottery.co.uk or look us up on Facebook or Instagram to find out how to enter.

Good luck!

Would you like to throw a pot on the wheel, print a baby’s footprint on a tile, or bring a group along for a pottery get-together? Jax, Lynne and George are always happy to welcome new and regular creatives who’d like to get involved in making in the pottery studio.

We run term time adult day and evening classes for anyone seeking a new hobby, and did you know we run a variety of beginner friendly workshops for families or adult groups, and special one-off experiences, perfect for anyone celebrating their own special occasion or who just wants to have a go at a clay activity.

We run a variety of enjoyable workshops for families or adult groups, adult day and evening classes for anyone seeking a new hobby, and special one-off experiences, perfect for anyone celebrating their own special occasion or who just wants to have a go at a clay activity.

The Great Pottery Throwdown is back on More4 offering up wonderful challenges – it has certainly inspired our team and you may feel inspiration strike as well!

Pottery can be relaxing and therapeutic or it can be exciting and push the boundaries of what you thought you could do. Everyone is welcome and if you don’t see the activity you’re looking for then get in touch and see if we can tailor an experience to you and your group. The team at the studio are super friendly and happy to adapt our workshops to suit all abilities and needs.

Find out more about our latest competition to celebrate 10 years of Tarka Pottery at tarkapottery.co.uk.

Hastings Baths & Beyond

Your local, reliable bathroom fitter e believe no bathroom is too small to create the perfect bathing experience.

Here at Hastings Baths & Beyond our aim is to provide you with a high quality, stress-free service from start to finish.

We cater to your needs; offering advice and assistance in creating your own dream bathroom.

We offer a wide range of trades to complete your bathroom without the hassle of a third-party tradesman resulting in a faster, cheaper and more reliable service. We specialise in bathroom installations, renovations and refurbishments and offer real value attention to detail and a professional finish. We love nothing more than the satisfaction of a job well done; transforming tired old bathrooms into a welcoming space, suitable for you and your family.

The thought of changing any room in your house can be daunting, but we understand that your home is important to you and we respect that. We try our best not to disrupt you and your family during installation, ensuring that we leave everything clean and tidy.

We are now taking bookings; please contact us for a free no-obligation appointment. What’s more we are local and based in Roborough, Winkleigh.

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Email: andy@hbandb.co.uk, or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ hbandb.co.uk.

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Lizzy’s Larder

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

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

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

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

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

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From Your County Councillor…

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or this first edition of The Crier in 2020 I would like to wish all readers a happy and successful 2020. I hope that the 2020s will be a decade of prosperity for Torrington and our rural communities.

I commented in my last article that we lived in ‘interesting times’ and it looks as though our times will get even more interesting in the coming months! With the newly elected House of Commons likely to last for a full Parliamentary term we can now, I hope, start addressing the many issues currently affecting Local Government.

A priority for the coming decade will be to continue to campaign for a fairer funding formula from national government, which takes into account the rurality of councils like Devon County Council and Torridge District. While I believe we have made good progress on tackling local issues, there is still more to do and if funding for rural councils is levelled up, then I believe that Torrington Rural will stand to benefit.

I also want this new decade to see renewed efforts to secure funding for Great Torrington’s town centre from the ‘Future Towns/High Streets Fund’.

I previously lobbied Torridge District Council to look at this funding opportunity for Torrington and I hope as more funding becomes available we will be able to draw up plans to rejuvenate our local economy and increase footfall in the town centre.

February is perhaps the most important

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month of the Local Government calendar, as Devon County Council will be setting its budget for the forthcoming financial year. At the time of writing it is unfortunately too early to discuss in detail what proposals will be coming through, as they have yet to be published!

However, following a short delay because of the General Election, DCC has now received its financial settlement from Central Government. This settlement was in line with expectations so I am not, at the time of writing, expecting there to be a harsh budget.

Key priorities for me are to ensure our funding for Children’s Services and Adult Social Care are both suitable and sustainable for the challenges we face.

Additionally, continuing the investment in our local highway network is also a priority. As part of the pilot project Highways are working on, many of the road and drainage schemes you’ll see taking place next year will be in part due to the feedback from local parishes. I am hopeful that we will continue to see some much needed drainage issues resolved and more repairs to our rural road network.

As well as working on budgets, this month also sees Devon County Council launching an improved health and care workers on-street parking permit scheme. Permit holders will now be allowed to park on roads with single and double yellow lines for up to an hour if no other parking is available (and that they

are not causing an obstruction).

This proposal has been developed

by DCC with colleagues from the care services and the NHS and I think is a welcome development that will benefit not just the staff, but also patients and those being cared for.

As ever, while February will be a busy month, if there are any County Council matters you are concerned about, you can ring me on 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Torrington Memory Cafe

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he Memory Cafe started its 2020 meeting with a sing along.

At the February meeting we have a session of chair exercise.

The Memory Cafe is somewhere to come if you have a memory issue or support someone who has.

You will find support and information and an opportunity to make new friends.

The people who attend are from all walks of life and varying ages.

Some people may have a diagnosis of dementia whilst others may have worries about their memory. It also provides peer support for those people who support others with memory issues.

The March meeting will be held on Thursday 12th March from 10.30am till 12.30pm at the Methodist Church meeting room.

Check out our website for further information and useful links on www. greattorringtonmemortcafe.weebly.org You can contact me Pauline Page on 01805 625969.

From Your District Councillors…

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e’d both like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and hope you all had a lovely

Christmas.

At November’s Community and Resources meeting, members discussed a proposed redesign of the taxi rank in Bideford. The proposal is to use a strip of the Quay car park: the logistics surrounding this are complex, however a 1-year trial will be conducted.

The Police Licence Officer for Torridge and North Devon also spoke to the committee: he is new to this role and has already seen some success since he started. One such success has been a pub-watch scheme introduced in Braunton.

Unfortunately there has been an increase in fly tipping on the Commons and surrounding areas, especially since Christmas. Cllr Bright is working with the Commons Conservators and TDC to investigate this and take appropriate action. TDC are seeing some success in catching the perpetrators, who can be fined up to £2000. If you see any evidence of fly tipping please report it to us or directly to TDC ASAP. Cllr Bright is working with Cllr Saywell on establishing a suitable cycle route between the Tarka Trail and Torrington town centre. A meeting is being held on 14th January 2020 to discuss this further: if anyone has any ideas they are welcome to contact Cllr Bright and join future meetings.

Many of you will have noticed that the old climbing frames have been removed from Calf St Play Area. A winning design has been chosen for the new play area and we are looking forward to it being installed in March. Children from both GTS and Bluecoats schools were consulted: with both groups of children overwhelmingly picking the same design.

Therefore the design the children wanted has been selected, despite councillors having a preference for a different one! It was felt it was important that the children have ownership of the new park and hope they will take more care of it, if they are the ones who have helped to choose it. Calf Street Park Action group is keen to see the new equipment in place after having worked so hard fundraising for it over the past couple of years.

Representatives from 1610 leisure will be attending January’s external Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Cllr CottleHunkin has received largely positive feedback recently from local residents, indicating there have been some improvements, for example: the pool is warmer than before, the pool is cleaner, the hairdryer now works and a new big inflatable has been purchased for fun hour! However, some issues remain and Cllr Cottle-Hunkin is looking forward to hearing from 1610 representatives at the next meeting.

In mid-November a joint meeting with North Devon Council took place

where we heard from North Devon Plus. One topic which really stood out during the meeting was the focus on the North Devon Biosphere: it has been highlighted as the most important opportunity in the South West peninsula.

We were told how it can be used to help tackle big challenges through ‘carbon capture’ e.g. planting trees, and intertidal grasses such as kelp. There are only six biospheres in the country, and as a result North Devon Biosphere will have priority access to national and international funding. We were also updated on the Leader 5 programme and how it has helped to deliver £4.7m towards local investment. Business support programmes initiated by North Devon Plus have supported 322 small to medium sized enterprises since July 2017, and the Exmoor Hill Farming Network has given support to the agricultural community. The future focus will be on trying to encourage young people stay in North Devon.

On January 28th 10am at Northam Town Council, a public enquiry will begin after the developers appealed TDC’s decision to refuse the planning application for 181 houses off of Burwood Lane. Members of the public are welcome to attend and can speak at the discretion of the government planning inspector.

As always please do contact us if you have any issues and we will endeavour to help where we can.

Councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909 Cllr.cottle-hunkin@torridge.gov.uk, 07495 367 801

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Fleur’s Gardening Forum

Grow something different from seed for 2020 here are many vegetables shaped, with a slightly acidic/citrusy available for gardeners to grow flavour. You can eat them raw, or from seed that you rarely see chopped into salads, or you can pickle in the shops, yet which are tasty and them (use a white wine vinegar, because nutritious. Here are a few: malt vinegar would overwhelm the Chard: this is a very versatile, delicate flavour). Another ‘plus’ is that perennial vegetable bees seem to love the which looks good insignificant flowers. in the herbaceous Salsify: an border as well as the interesting and vegetable plot, so is different root great value for money. vegetable, with a The leaves cook down delicate flavour like spinach, stems (sometimes called the can be chopped in Vegetable Oyster in salads, or stir-fries, or regards to the taste). lightly steamed, and if Seeds are quite large you buy a variety called ‘Bright Lights’ (resembling Cosmos) and are easy to (sometimes known as Rainbow Chard), sow directly into the earth in spring. you get a selection of coloured stems.

Salsify roots tend to grow into a clawThe seeds can be sown directly into soil like formation and the foliage is grassy in late spring, harvest once stems are (young shoots can also be steamed about 30cms tall. and eaten like asparagus, apparently, Cucamelon: this is a ‘fashionable’ but I have only eaten the roots). The roots, when scraped, should be placed immediately into cold water and lemon juice to stop them going brown. Steam or boil lightly and serve with butter.

Celtuce: is a type of lettuce and young leaves can be used in salads. The central stems should be left to grow on (as if bolting) and can be eaten raw or cooked like celery. Celtuce has a very high vitamin content. Sow seeds as you would normal lettuce, the stems are vegetable and needs to be able to ready to harvest when about 30cm tall scramble through netting, either in a (12 inches). cold greenhouse or cold frame. Grown Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): not outside, they need a warm, sunny a hardy vegetable but similar to the position. The fruits are tiny, melonornamental ‘Chinese Lanterns’ (don’t

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confuse the two!), they can be grown from seed indoors and planted outside once the last frosts are over, or grown under glass. The little fruits in their paper ‘lanterns’ should only be eaten when they are fully ripe, orange, berries. They are rather tangy to taste but a bit different.

Okra: this is not a hardy plant and needs a long, warm summer to achieve best results. Unless you have a very sheltered, south facing garden, Okra should be grown under glass. The fruits are used widely as a thickener in Caribbean, Indian, Southern US cookery, and also as a side dish. Okra has a glutinous quality and a pleasant flavour pods should be picked young.

Edamame (Soya Bean): ‘Edamame’ being the name given to a Japanese dish of fermented beans. Sow seeds in April under glass or directly into the earth from end April – end June. Treat as for other beans, water well during dry spells, etc. The beans can be eaten steamed or stir-fried, or stored and dried. Never eat them raw as they can cause severe stomach problems!

Just a few ideas for consideration as you browse through the seed catalogues this year!

Fleur

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Abbeyfield News

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Hi everyone, Fabulous Freddie here, ell February always seems to be quite a miserable month after the excitement of Christmas and New Year, but here at the rescue we are really excited as we enter our 10th Anniversary year. We have lots of things planned for 2020; namely our 10/10/10 campaign which will start in March –ten events for ten years to raise £10,000. An ambitious project but an exciting one which will see six local dogs shows, a choir concert, sponsored dog walk, and a 10th Anniversary Ball. The eagle eyed of you will have also spotted details of our Wedding Fayre, which is a new event for us and for some reason all the lady volunteers are very excited about it – personally I can’t understand what all the fuss is about! So if you have a few hours to spare, we would love some help at the various events and the best part, of course, is that I will be attending them all (perhaps with the exception of the Wedding Fayre and Ball!).

More good news to start the year. My friends at the kennels, Chase and Toby all found new homes and are settling in well – so the best possible Christmas for them. However, as always, as soon as their kennels were empty new arrivals started coming in. One of the saddest was a little collie cross called Rudy who is only 10 months old and deaf, although he is proving to be amazing at understanding hand signals – it certainly doesn’t stop him sniffing out the treats in the play area!

I hate to mention the weather but the rescue is really struggling as everywhere at the centre is covered in mud, and so we are hoping for some dry weather to try and get our play area surface weather proof, which is also the reason Aunty Lynne is trying to raise funds. Fingers crossed as us dogs are missing our activity area.

Thankfully, due to all our supporters we have piles and piles of blankets and towels which are helping to keep us clean, dry and snug, and we also had an amazing amount of food and treats at Christmas, which of course I had to inspect and being, the longest resident,had the first choice.

So a BIG thank you from everyone at K9focus – amazing support.

Right a busy time for us so I am off to help Aunty Lynne, but do keep an eye on our Facebook Page and Website at www.k9focus.co.uk.

Licks and woofs Freddie

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esidents enjoyed all the activities of Christmas and New Year, both in the house and in the town. A group of us went to the pantomime in Barnstaple.

We are looking forward to another year of stimulating talks and visits, and hope that you will visit us when we have coffee mornings and ‘open house’ events at Glen Tor. Our Spring Coffee Morning is on Friday 27th March at 10.30am. Please put the date in your diary.

If you would like to find out more about what Abbeyfield could offer you or a loved one, please give our house manager a call on 01805 623605 to arrange a visit. You can be sure of a warm welcome.

Christian Aid Lent Lunches

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he first Lent Lunch will be held on Friday 28th February in the Methodist Church (top of Mill St) between 12 noon and 1.45pm with a choice of homemade soup, rolls, butter, cheese, chutney, and a cup of tea or coffee for £3.50. Please see the Crier diary or posters for the venues for the next five lunches. These lunches are hosted by the Baptist, Holy Family, Church of England and Methodist Churches. All are welcome, so please come along and help support the work of Christian Aid. Torrington Christian Aid Committee

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Year 11 continue to enjoy their ‘writing into the weekend’ sessions on a Friday afternoon where they get to hone their skills as writers. Their creative writing is coming on leaps and bounds. Here is a piece from Ellie which shows how hard she has been working on crafting subtle but powerful narratives: Pots and paintbrushes

She grabbed her blue, yellow and red stained paint pot. Yesterday she had been painting a wild flower which she had spotted at the very back of her strangely enormous garden. She wanted to paint today as well, mainly because the sun was waving down at her village, and when its beams of light struck the dewy rooftops the water droplets chimed and glistened. She began waving her paintbrushes around an innocent pure blank canvas. She was surrounded by her most loved place to be, an enticing emerald environment. Water. When she was there it was like her paintbrushes came alive, everywhere she glanced she saw something new to paint. It was like she wasn’t in her body anymore, but a highly developed artist had taken over the movements of her paintbrushes. She had no control over it.

The water was dead still. There was no movement at all apart from an occasional passing sea gull which painted his reflection in the mirroring water. Her paintbrushes began. Long brush strokes took place along the bottom of the canvas, involving marbled mixtures of blueberry blues and sherbet whites. These two colours blended together effortlessly, allowing the canvas to come alive a little.

An unexpected robin landed upon the beams of the rusted wooden pier she was analysing the environment from. She let her legs droop down below her, making her feet very nearly touch the peaceful water. She didn’t let them touch the water because she didn’t want to disturb the silent world under the surface of the water.

She began searching further into the details of the views ahead of her, taking in every image and detail she possible could. She took a darker avocado green and deepened her unfinished painting.

Her mind was focussed on the darker, more powerful colours, and her paintbrushes took over again. She enjoyed painting this specific river image because she could become focussed and at ease. The life surrounding her made this happen because it was only her and the water, enjoying each other’s company. No one else interfered with that.

The water pot was a blended spiral mixture of various shades of green and blue.

It matched perfectly with the waters colour.

She snapped out of her afternoon daze and returned to the daily school gossip in the unsteady and disturbed classroom.

Ellie James, Year 11

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In October, Callum Duhig had the amazing opportunity to visit our sponsor school in Uganda with the charity Edukid. In this account he relays his experiences of this once in a lifetime trip: In October half-term from Saturday to Sunday, I and 16 others went to Uganda on a charity trip on behalf of a charity supported by the school, Edukid. I think it’s fair to say that the experience changed my life and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done and will be hard to challenge.

On the Sunday we had an early get up for breakfast as we were meeting the drivers and started our journey North by driving to Murchison Falls for a river safari on the Nile. We saw Hippos, crocodiles and also a giraffe and an elephant on the river bank. Despite the jet lag it was a great way to begin the trip.

To begin the Monday we had another early start as we were going to another safari but on land this time. This was one of the highlights of my trip as the one thing I wanted to see on the safari was lions however I was told it would be unlikely to see them as they hide in the tall grass when they sense movement.

Despite what I was told, we managed to see a pack of them, they walked within metres of our vans and it was just amazing. We also got to see more elephants and giraffes along the hunt for lions.

Apart from the numerous knocks on the head from potholes, it was unreal.

In the afternoon we arrived at Kirombe School to an insane welcome, I felt like a celebrity. There were dances, songs, never-ending speeches and ‘interesting’ food to say the least. This was followed by the part which I was most excited by.

The famous England Vs Uganda football match. Unfortunately for me I wasn’t feeling great as a result from trying to be polite and trying all of the food they offered so I couldn’t play my best game resulting in a substitution request and feeling a bit rough for a while. The game ended in a 2-1 win to the Ugandans who played barefoot however the English were named the best team they’ve ever played against.

On Tuesday morning we returned to Kirombe and I, along with a biology teacher from Bideford College and some sixth formers, conducted a range of science experiments. The kids loved them and it was amazing to see how hyped they could get over some simple science experiments. Afterwards, my family got the chance to meet the boy we sponsor, Julius. When my brother and dad went last time he was very serious but this time he was smiling all of the time as we handed him our box of things we bought for him, from toys to toothpaste. It was then time to go and we said our goodbyes to Kirombe School. We then drove to two students homes in two groups, my group went to the home of a mother, her young daughter and toddler son. They were living in a leaking mud hut with little room and bare materials for cooking, washing and sleeping. The daughter also

seemed like she had a type of autism which added to everyone’s dying need to help them out and make change.

The next day we visited another school called Koch Goma, there were more speeches, dances and songs and I managed to play it safe with the food by only eating rice. We got a tour of the school and then I got the chance to redeem myself in another match of football. We lost 5-0 I think as I began to stop keeping score but aside from a few dodgy decisions made by a Koch Goma student referee it was a great experience especially when the thunder and lightning begun, it added to the tension of having around 200 kids watching you play. I’m hoping I redeemed myself with an average game but that’s up to the others to decide. We then made our way to a market where we got the opportunity to get tailor made clothes so majority of the lads got wack shirts. It was too good an opportunity to miss.

On Thursday, we came back to Koch Goma and did more science experiments and I met the kid GTS sponsor, Brian.

He was such a chill guy and we played football for the next hour with a group of other lads from the school. We then rounded off our visit to Koch Goma and headed to Christine’s house, a home where girls who have been raped can go to bring up their babies safely. This was the lowest point of my trip as there were girls who had been abused when they were as young as 11 and were now bringing up twins. It really was sad and I don’t think it will leave any of us for the rest of our lives.

To pick ourselves back up from the emotionally straining day on Thursday, we revisited the homes which we went to on Tuesday. We had bought them a variety of things ranging from school supplies to clothes for the family. We also

agreed to pay their rent for a while and buy them a new tarpaulin for the roof to stop the leaks. They were so grateful and this is when Jack, Alice and Tom decided they wanted to sponsor Diplo, the young boy, to go to school when he is old enough as they made a real connection with him and couldn’t let him miss out on school. After we left the family we visited the tailoring project which was where under-privileged people went to learn a trade like sewing so they could make money. We then went back to the market for a wander round where I picked up a couple of Uganda football shirts and others did too. To round off the day, we went to Darwinton’s, who ran the trip from Uganda along with my dad from England, to try all sorts of fruits and say goodbye to him, his wife and Ronald. Ronald was the up there with the nicest guys I’ve ever met, he had a dying passion for Liverpool (everyone has their faults) and he played sixth division Ugandan football along with working for another charity out in Uganda who Edukid work with.

On our final day in Uganda we had a long drive back to Entebbe where we found out England had beaten the All Blacks and Exeter had destroyed Plymouth and when we arrived got to have a swim in the hotel pool we’d be hanging out around. They had some diving boards which kept the students entertained for ages. We then got ready for our evening flight home and arrived back in Heathrow on Sunday morning.

To round up the trip it was unreal and I’m hoping to go back in a couple of years and take some mates with me. To anyone who’s thinking of going I would massively recommend it, if you get a chance don’t hang about on it and just go, you won’t regret it.

Callum Duhig Year 10

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The Crier Prize Crossword

The winner of this month’s crossword will receive £10 Gift Voucher for Torrington Jewellers. 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 Sheila Kenneally. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 13th February and the solution and winner will be in the March issue.

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Torrington Jewellers It has been nearly two years since we opened our doors in the former Lloyds Bank building, at the top of the square, and we would like to say thank you to everyone for their continued support. We have been trading in Torrington for 28 years and have seen many changes, but this last Christmas period the town appeared to be extremely well supported by local people who deserve all our praise and thanks.

We stock a wide variety of gold and silver jewellery, watches, clocks and many interesting gifts and are willing and able to order specific items for individual customers. We work with a number of expert goldsmiths and setters to undertake jewellery repairs - re-sizing rings, replacing lost stones, mending broken chains and clasps - and also take in items for engraving and even shoe repairs. We replace watch batteries and straps while you wait to keep you all on time!

Please visit us to find that special gift this Valentine’s Day or just come in to browse for a future occasion.

This month we are giving a £10 gift voucher for the winner of the crossword.

Torrington RFC

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appy New Year to you all. I hope you all had a good time over the Christmas break.

Our 1st XV started their year very well indeed with a tight win away over our local rivals Ilfracombe. Ilfracombe 14 Torrington 15. Combe having missed two penalties in the last five minutes! A cracking start to the year and hopefully a portent of things to come.

Back to games in November: our trip to Withycombe was a bit of a one sided affair, with Withycombe coming out well on top with a strong 86 to 7 thrashing. At least we got on the scoresheet!

Totnes visited late in November and in a game that very much seesawed in the scoring stakes, the game finished in a 31-31 draw. An unusually high score for a draw.

Our trip to Buckfastleigh was a new experience for me personally, having never visited before. A brisk afternoon breeze on top of Dartmoor was refreshing to say the least! Despite that, an often scrappy game led to Buckfastleigh coming out well on top 28-0.

Unfortunately our home game against Dartmouth succumbed to the weather and had to be called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

A long overdue 1st round Devon Junior Clubs Cup game against Exeter Saracens was eventually arranged for 21st December. Sarries couldn’t make the fixture due to injuries and a

severely depleted squad, which meant we were gifted the round and now face Withycombe at home in the 2nd round.

The annual Dave Hickman Memorial game between Torrington and Bideford veterans was played on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year, as is traditional. Bideford came determined to avenge a series of wins by Torrington with a strong squad of some 25 players.

In moves akin to American Football, substitutions were made en-masse

by Bideford, in an effort to ensure everybody got some game time.

Avenge they did and in a good natured game Bideford came out well on top 29-0.

It was good to see Dave’s mother attending the game, sadly Mr Hickman was not well enough to attend. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back again.

Onward to this year and we look forward to consolidating our mid-table position in the league and hopefully moving up a notch or two in the process.

Help Needed We are currently looking for a willing person to help run the admin side of the 1st team. Tasks would involve liaising with the 1st team Coach and Captain and Fixtures Secretary (me) in most aspects of the off-field activities, thereby ensuring the squad can concentrate on rugby.

This would also involve attending most games both home and away. If you feel you have those skills please contact

either our Chairman, Ollie Webb 07961 535 518 or Club Captain, Tom Gooch 07837 843 257, or email TRFC1985 @ outlook.com, for further information.

As always we welcome new, returning or current players. Training happens on Wednesday evenings 6.30pm onwards.

The Clubhouse is available for hire for your meetings parties and other events.

Email us on TRFC1985@outlook.com for your booking requirements.

You are more than welcome to come along on a Saturday afternoon to support your town’s rugby team. Kick offs are 2.30pm until summer time is upon us.

Check out our Facebook page for details.

Respect, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship, Teamwork & Discipline C’mon Torrie!!!

Mark Waterson

Table Top Sale at Castle Hill Café

Saturday April 11th 2020 able top sale to be held at Castle Hill Café (formerly known as 1646). Sellers can set up from 8.30am onwards, the sale starts at 9.30am and finishes at 1pm.

All tables are £5 to hire and the proceeds from this will be given to a nominated charity.

Enquiries: contact Jenny 01805 626146 or come into the Café to book your table.

Weather permitting, the sale will be held in the Castle Hill Gardens.

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TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB Families Welcome

Cash Bingo on Mondays • Darts • Pool Skittles • Snooker • BT Sports & SKY Large function room for parties/weddings Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month Plus other entertainment Contact Sharon 01805 622543 33

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

NEW! Key cutting service now including coded and uncoded car keys Uncoded £15 • Chipped & coded form £30-£60 10% off on production of this ad

Ultra Gentle Hatha & Mini Sound Bath Mon, Taddiport Village Hall, 9.45-10.45am Weds, Moore Stevens Hall, Peters Marland, 9.45-10.45am Thurs, Clinton Hall, Merton Village, 10.30-11.30am Fri, Langtree Parish Hall, 9.15-10.15am, Leader Room NEW Beginner Hatha Yoga Mon, Castle Hill Community Centre, Torrington, 6-7pm NEW Yin Yoga & Meditation Weds, Castle Hill Community Centre, Torrington, 6.30-7.45pm NEW NEW Monthly Meditation & Mindfulness Class First Saturday of the month, Castle Hill Community Centre, Torrington, 10.30-11.45am

Price: £7 per drop-in 1 hour class, or £8.50 for 75 mins Yin & Meditation classes.

Bring: Yoga/exercise mat, towel/blanket for support, pillows for Yin, water bottle.

For more info, contact: Arwen: Tel: 07488 430 566 www.santoshahealing.co.uk

£35K Torridge Council Grant helps Great Torrington Community Group Realise New Play Park Plans

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community group set up with the help of Great Torrington Ward Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin have been given £35K from Torridge District Council to redevelop the play park at Calf Street, Great Torrington.

The group has now raised over £100K in total towards the funding of equipment to refurbish and modernise this popular local play area, which is the main and largest in Great Torrington.

With the tendering process now complete, the new equipment will be installed by Sutcliffe Play (South West) Ltd towards the beginning of March, to a final design picked by children from Great Torrington and Bluecoats Schools.

The chosen design includes a fenced toddler area, various fitness equipment, a wheelchair accessible roundabout, various swings and a ‘mission stealth’ climbing structure. The Council funding has been boosted by £25K from Coastal Recycling’s Community Grant Fund, £25K from Central Governments Pocket Parks Scheme, £10K from Local Development Schemes (S106), £2.3K from DCC “Doing What Matters” grant, £1.5K from The Gibbons Family Trust, and £1K each from Lord Clinton’s Charitable Trust and Torrington Cavaliers.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin said: “I really want to commend the core

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committee group which includes Danielle North, Sarah Copp, Kim Childs, Gemma Sampson, Cat Nelson, and Nicola Ashelford for all their hard work over the past couple of years in raising the money needed. Without their commitment and dedication, we would not be seeing such an amazing transformation of the park.

We are also really grateful for all

of the generous donations, which as well as the headline figures included smaller amounts from local charitable trusts, councillor grants, clubs running fundraiser events, as well as the many cake stalls, raffles, tombola’s and even Bingo organised by the group and its wider supporters and volunteers. It has been a fantastic community effort.

Memorable milestones for me were when many parents and children went to speak at Council Committee meetings.

Libby Childs was only 7 years old when she spoke, the youngest ever recorded speaker at a TDC meeting.”

Country Landscaping is a family company covering Torrington and all of the North Devon area. We specialise in hard & soft landscaping with an emphasis towards more natural design including paving, stonework, turfing, planting schemes and natural ponds.

Patios, Pathways, Raised Beds, Low Maintenance Gardens, Fencing.

Visit: www.countrylandscaping.co.uk Tel: 01237 452361 Mobile: 07932 457 921

Holocaust Memorial Day

27th January 2020 olocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is the international day on 27th January to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. 27th January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable and we cannot be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.

“Don’t be content in your life just to do no wrong, be prepared every day to try and do some good.”

- Sir Nicholas Winton, who rescued 669 children from Nazi-occupied Europe.

Holocaust Memorial Day Service Torrington Methodist Church Sunday 26th January 2020 at 6.30pm.

This will be an evening of reflection or poetry and story.

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CHULMLEIGH COLLEGE Every day is an Open Day. Contact us to arrange a personal tour.

Join us to see how we can help YOUR child achieve ‘Nothing But Their Best’ Our results are amongst the ‘BEST IN THE SOUTH WEST’ Transport is available from Torrington, Beaford & Dolton t: 01769 580215 e: admin@chulmleigh.devon.sch.uk 36