Torrington Crier July 2021 by The Torrington Crier

FREE

July 2021 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.

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

Unit 5 Red Post, Bude EX23 9NW 01288 381852 carl@cblstoves.co.uk • www.cblstoves.co.uk

Read The Crier Online

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

Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?

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

Crier Deliveries Back to Normal

We are now back to our usual Crier deliveries: door-to-door in Torrington and by our volunteer network in the rural community. If you got used to receiving a copy via Royal Mail and would like to volunteer to collect copies from Torrington Library and deliver in your community then please email torrington.crier@gmail.com or call 01805 603152. We are also very grateful to Lidl in Torrington for allowing us to leave copies on their packing bench for shoppers to pick up. They will be there for collection from the last week of each month.

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

Disclaimer:

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

Instant Images Embroidery We work closely with our customers to offer quality embroidered and printed garments. *Please order school uniform by 10th August 2021* 46 South Street, Torrington Tel: 01805 938002 instantimages.devon@btinternet.com www.instantimagesembroidery.co.uk

Bespoke Garden Services Daniel Jokic Qualified Horticulturist

Regular Maintenance • Garden Design Lawn Mowing • Clearance Hedge Cutting/Tree Pruning T: 07964 055 224 E: danjokic@hotmail.com

Torrington Museum: Exciting News & a Call to Arms!

t’s been a time of change at Torrington Museum during our closure over the pandemic, but we can now confirm we have some very exciting news for you: we’re opening soon! Because there are still so many uncertainties, we can’t confirm a date yet but we hope it’ll be towards the end of July, in time for the school holidays. Rest assured that when we make the official announcement you won’t be able to miss it. It’s been all go behind the scenes in the meantime and we’ve completely revamped the place, as you might have seen in our teasers on social media: with new interpretation, a fresh, modern look for the 21st century and, along with that, completely new displays to reflect the people and stories that tell the history of our fantastic town. We’ve taken the opportunity of being closed to effectively relaunch from scratch and we’re sure you’ll be delighted at what you see when you come to visit. You’ll have had a taste of what’s happening if you’ve visited our fundraising bookshop every Saturday from 10-2. Speaking of visitors, we’re now ready to put the call out for volunteers so, if you’re a friendly, outgoing person who enjoys engaging with people and can spare a few hours on a regular basis, then we’d love to talk to you about opportunities here as a Room Guide.

You don’t need to be an expert on history or even Torrington: we’ll make sure all the information you need is available and you’ll be trained in how to make a visitor’s day informative and memorable. All you need is an open mind, a friendly

"It’s been all go behind the scenes in the meantime and we’ve completely revamped the place, as you might have seen in our teasers on social media: with new interpretation, a fresh, modern look for the 21st century and, along with that, completely new displays to reflect the people and stories that tell the history of our fantastic town." smile and the ability to use email on a regular basis, as that’s how we do all our communications. Whether you volunteered here in the past or if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time, we’re taking a ‘day 1’ approach as the museum is so different now. We’re asking anyone who’s interested to email us in confidence at enquiries@torringtonmuseum.org.uk for an information pack. We’ll agree a date for you to come in for a chat with a couple of our trustees and take it from there… we’re excited to meet you! We’d just like to pay tribute to the

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

amazing support from our wonderful town and its people over the past eighteen months of closure. Book donations, including those from the estate of the late Sue Scrutton, have raised around £2000 so far, which has made a huge difference, as has the generosity of Torrington Town Council and Cllr Margaret Brown at TDC. The ongoing support of district councillors Chris Bright and Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Torrington Commons Conservators and the CDT have been invaluable, and we’d also like to particularly thank Ant Grills for his practical help with a serious structural issue. Finally, you may have seen recently that our former Chair, Val Morris and her husband, Peter were awarded the Howe Plate this year by Great Torrington Town Council. The new team are delighted for them and it’s well-deserved in recognition of the many years of service they’ve given the Museum and the town. Without the firm foundations they built, including keeping the museum going when it was homeless and in storage, much of our town’s culture and history would have been lost forever. Their legacy is enormous and we’re proud to be taking up the baton from them for the next generation. Dave Gibbons, Chair of Trustees

Torrington Commons Charity Car Boot Sales

he car boot sales have been very busy during May and into June and will continue every Sunday until the end of September. Hockings ice cream van and Greedy’s refreshments van will be there as usual. Some Sundays we will have live music to promote local musicians. Please check our Facebook page for details. Cars cost £7 and vans £12. The gates open at 7am to set up and the sale will start at 8am. If you are fundraising for a charity we can offer a different rate. All proceeds will be used to maintain, improve and protect the Commons. The Torrington Commons Conservators are volunteers and run the Commons as a charity. They are responsible for raising funds to look after the Commons, on behalf of the Great Torrington residents and all those who enjoy the 365 acres of countryside. To book a pitch you will need to email me at vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or telephone or text 07956 366 390. This is being done so that we don’t get too many sellers and can space the cars out to aid social distancing. We will have a stall at the sales selling books, dvds, cds and other bits as space allows. We have been accepting donations of books, dvds and cds and are still looking for more donations, please get in touch if you can help. You can bring your donations to me on a Sunday morning if you wish. Please come along to the car boot sales and pick up a bargain. Andrew Giles Vice Chair

Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

orrington Commons 365 Supporters membership is growing daily and May was our best month so far for new members, would like to say thank you all for joining. June marks one year since the project was launched and it has been a great success. This month The Torrington Refill Shop and The Sweet Spot both joined the list of partners that will offer a discount to the 365 Supporters. The Torrington Refill Shop offers a huge range of items that are designed to save on packaging and reuse existing containers to save waste. The Sweet Spot is a shop and café and since they opened, they have been able to put tables and chairs outside so that you can enjoy a cake and a drink. The 365 Supporters card can be used to get a discount or other benefit from the 39 different partners participating in our shop local campaign. We would like to invite more shops and businesses to join the scheme, the offer you make is entirely up to you and you can change it whenever you want to. We have had great feedback from the shops to say that the existing 365 Supporters have been using their cards. Please ask instore about their current offer before you start shopping. The aims of the project are to increase the trade in Torrington and raise funds to maintain, improve and protect the Commons. Hopefully, more and more people will apply to be a Commons 365 Supporter and go shopping in Great Torrington. The Conservators are volunteers and

we are a registered charity. Our car boot sales started in May so please come and visit our stand to ask us about our work. To make it as easy as possible to join the 365 Supporters we have been able to print an application form in this edition so that you can cut it out and post to me. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1. Cut out or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the address on the form. You can pay by Standing Order or by sending a cheque for £24. Option 2 visit the website www. torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or Standing Order annually or monthly. You can also print an Application form to post in with a cheque. Option 3. You can email me at vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text me on 07956 366390 and I will get an application form to you. You can also collect an application form from the Post Office or the Tourist Information Office. Some of the shops in town also have spare application forms. Andrew Giles

Participants

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

Torrington Library News The Summer Reading Challenge 2021

his year’s Summer Reading Challenge is about to launch – come along and sign up from

updates and activities run by us and other libraries. Our Facebook page also offers the

For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington. library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001. Stay safe. Kate G, Kate C, Becky & Michelle Your local library in Devon is managed by Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries.

Art on Friday at The Plough

Saturday 10th of July! New Walking Group for Torrington Our new walking group for beginners will launch on Thursday 1st July. Walk and Talk in Torrington will start and finish at Torrington Library, Castle Hill. It will be a friendly walk exploring routes around Torrington, approximately 30 minutes in length, followed by a cuppa if wanted at the newly reopened cafe. A great way to make new friends and appreciate the beautiful area all around us. All welcome. Please get in touch with us for further details 01805 622107. Booking is essential. Follow us on our Facebook: #TorringtonLibraryDevon for information on our online services and regular

popular Book Talk group so why not check it out? We are open for browsing in a Covid secure way and we still offer a Choose & Collect service alongside, for anyone who would prefer books to go! Going to print we have extended our opening hours to: Tuesday and Thursday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm and Friday and Saturday 10am-1pm. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone back and hope this extension of hours will offer more opportunity for visiting. Please refer to our website: www. devonlibraries.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services and how they are currently being delivered.

rt on Friday at The Plough is scheduled to start up again on Friday, 25th June, meeting in the Gallery at The Plough Arts Centre at 10.30am ‘til 2pm. We get together approx., every second and fourth Friday in the month for painting; occasional workshops and painting outside, etc. This year’s Exhibition is due as below:Art on Friday Artists’ Wall Exhibition: Monday 22nd June - Saturday 17th July, 2021 at The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington (Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm). While you lunch, brunch or have afternoon tea enjoy the view from your table. This is an opportunity to buy an original piece of art at an affordable price New members are always welcome to join us. Contact: Hazel Montgomerie 01805 623757.

TORRINGTON ARMS Open daily from 11am FREE QUOTES Recovering, and full re-upholstery of antique, modern and automotive furniture.

Wednesday Curry Night *6-9pm* Takeaway available Sunday Roast *12-2pm* Takeaway available For bookings please contact: 01805 622280 or via Facebook

Tarka Valley Railway News

fter the excitement of last month’s news of rolling stock movement, the more mundane but equally important work across the site resumed, despite some inclement weather on our working day. The siding rails have been installed and we now have to raise the track to get the height right for the Coal Dock. Much fettling will be required. The end of May and early into June brought fine weather and plenty of visitors; so much needed cash has been raised by our sales team. Work has continued on the tank wagon to prepare it for sign writing, and restoration has at last started on the clay wagon. Much timber will need replacing. The ongoing brake van project is proceeding-painting and wood replacement continues; Torrington Cavalier has been serviced and work on a hydraulic pump carried out. Further excavation efforts on the signal box site have revealed more interesting artefacts. Our shop in the carriage is now open every Thursday and at weekends, subject to volunteer availability so do pop in to peruse our stock. As usual our Facebook page has weekly updates and photos, please take a look when you can. Robert Martin Tarka Valley Railway

Need Help Turning Your Inner Critic into Your Inner Coach?

hat is your inner critic? It is the internal dialogue that tells you: * You are not enough * You don’t know enough * You are not smart enough * You are not pretty enough * You are lazy – you never finish things Right now that nit-picking voice could be stronger than ever and can come out with some very hurtful things but the job of the inner critic is to keep us safe. Protecting us from shame, criticism, failure and feelings you want to avoid. By getting in before others with the criticism it gives you a chance to adjust your behaviour and learn from your mistakes. The problem is if we only listen to our inner critic it can stop us from taking action leading to procrastination, holding ourselves back and staying small. The trick is to know how to listen and turn them into helpful strategies for growth – allow it to become your inner coach. There tends to be three things that can exacerbate our inner critic – you may have experienced any or all of these lately: * Carrying around lots of emotion – if we are sad, grieving, angry or afraid our inner critic often takes * Limiting beliefs – like “nothing I ever do is good enough” or “I can’t trust anyone to do it right”. Your inner critic may want to protect you from perceived risk and this then makes things like accepting mistakes, asking for help, or handling criticism from others challenging. * You may be tired from juggling more than usual; when we are depleted our inner critic often takes over. Have you found yourself saying “I’m just terrible at this, I’m hopeless, there’s no point?” Imagine being able to turn down the volume and tap into your inner coach to improve your self-worth, create empowered beliefs, and live a life of joy. If your inner critic is consuming and overwhelming you and stopping you from living life fully, then now is the time to take action. Book a free 20-minute nurturing call with me https://samanthahardwick9223.setmore.com/samanthahardwick

The Box in the Loft

nowing we had to be relentless in uncovering the truth – in the last eight months clarity revealed an astonishing link, and like the sun, you can shut it out for a while, but it isn't going away. Something positive is the result - raising awareness and funds through sales of ‘The Box in the Loft’ which can genuinely make a difference to the south west medical fraternity - in memory of Bill Tanton and others who have lost their lives. A simple revelation and breakthrough came via an insertion placed in local newspaper and picked up by a British born American journalist and notable author, who had worked at the Bristol News, and was now living 3000 miles from New York, but still communicating with John Patrick Tanton (Bill's brother). Always aware of safety, Sue asked this American journalist to post these revelations with the proof and good to word - just four days later that confirmation was received and is now retained securely. ‘The Box in the Loft’ is now being launched in August with book signing scheduled throughout the south west. all Royalties to medical training, research and support. Thanks go to the American journalist, friends, neighbours, Jonathan Dimbleby and Professor Cooper and medical teams. Suzy Tanton

The Box in The Loft

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

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

Devon Ear Clinic

Torrington Refill Store

ike and I have always been passionate about reducing waste and avoiding products that are harmful to our environment and our planet. Mike is a Microbiologist at NDDH and I worked for 23 years with adults with complex needs, the elderly and those with dementia, so we are both naturally caring people. Last year I decided that as my 60th birthday was fast approaching I wanted to think about retirement. We had visited a few Zero Waste Refill Stores over the years and fell in love with the concept. The idea of retirement didn’t really appeal so when the opportunity to take on the shop in Torrington arose, we grabbed it with both hands. We took the keys on April 1st and with a lot of help from family and friends, opened on May 11th this year. We decided not to go totally ‘organic’ as this is often synonymous with ‘expensive’ but to offer high quality loose dried foods, oils & vinegars and a range of environmentally friendly and sustainable household products at an affordable price; to appeal to all people in Torrington and the surrounding areas, and encourage a new way of shopping, with our environment in mind. It’s worth remembering that every plastic item we buy ends up in landfill or our oceans, meaning that more have to be produced causing even more pollution! Let’s all try to do our bit to protect our planet for ourselves and the generations to come. Thank you. Bruce & Mike

JAMES WASTE COLLECTION Very good rates please call and ask for a free quote. Scrap metal can be collected with waste

Collect from Torrington, Bideford, Barnstaple, & surrounding areas

Contact James on 07714 819 415 Licensed Waste Carrier No: CBDU269392

t the Devon Ear Clinic we specialise in ear wax removal and ear care using Microsuction. This is the NHS recommended and preferred way to safely remove wax build up. Lee Curran is our ear wax removal specialist, who has over 15 years’ experience working in the audiology sector. Having worked with the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers and ear care specialists Lee can provide expert advice and care. The safest and easiest way to remove ear wax build up causing ear blockages is by using a method called Microsuction. Lee will remove the wax build up by using this very powerful and extremely safe method which hoovers up the wax, leaving you able to hear better. Rather than using the old traditional method of using water irrigation, which can cause other problems, Microsuction is safer and easier. However, on occasion water irrigation may be necessary but only in certain circumstances. Lee can inspect and with his expertise advise on the best way to remove any ear wax blockage. As with all cases of ear wax it is advisable to oil the ears prior to booking an appointment. The oil will combine with your natural wax residue and will help to facilitate the extraction. The Devon Ear Clinic is located at number 4 Well Street, Torrington opposite the laundrette. See the advert on this page for more information.

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

From Your County Councillor…

s we slowly ease out of lockdown restrictions I would again like to pay tribute to the people and businesses of Torrington Rural, along with the local NHS, for helping to keep our Covid infection rates at record lows. At the time of writing (June 10th), infection rates in Devon and Torridge remain well below the national average and we have not seen the surge in infection cases that other parts of the County have, with the so called ‘Indian variant’. Let’s make sure we keep it that way – have your first or second vaccine dose when you are offered it and continue to follow the basic ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ guidelines, until such time it is deemed safe not to have them anymore. Hopefully that time will be very soon, but until then let’s keep up our efforts and keep the virus at bay. With the Elections now behind us I’ve been pleased to be able to get back to work at County Hall (albeit mostly from my virtual office still). I will have a new role in this Council, having been asked by the Leader, Cllr John Hart, to join his Cabinet and take on the Portfolio dealing with the County Council’s Workforce and ICT services. It is a big step up to be asked to take

on this role, but I am looking forward to the challenge. One of the reasons why I accepted it is that I also want to use my new position to promote the causes and issues of Torrington Rural directly to the County Council’s leadership. My new role is, naturally, a more internally focused one, so I cannot I’m afraid guarantee extensive infrastructure improvements, for example, overnight. But I will lobby hard for Torrington Rural within the Cabinet and will continue to be a strong advocate for our area. It is only though having the privilege of being Torrington Rural’s County Councillor that I have the opportunity of being able to serve in the County Council’s cabinet – so my work

"Please remember though to keep reporting potholes – I cannot stress enough that it is a numbers game and the more potholes that get reported in Torrington Rural, the more likely it is we can secure funding for more local resurfacing works!" supporting local residents will remain my number one priority, as it has done during the last four years. Following the election, I have already had meetings with the local Highways Team to discuss the many issues affecting our local roads, particularly our rural roads. I was pleased to see extensive resurfacing works in Ashriegney recently completed, and similar works on the road from Dowland towards Winkleigh will start soon as

Blackberry Farm Shop

* Open 7 days a week, & s�ll producing our home cooked food * Please order in advance & use our fully contactless collec�on or delivery service. * Product range: now includes general groceries, household items, toiletries beer, wines & spirits. * Delivery service now reaches out to those who are isolated or wan�ng to stay at home. For full details & a stock list: Call 01409 261440 • Email: lizzy@lizzyslarder.co.uk or Visit our Facebook page Blackberry Farm Shop Stay Safe everyone. Lizzy’s Larder, Blackberry Farm Shop, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, EX22 7NP

well. Please remember though to keep reporting potholes – I cannot stress enough that it is a numbers game and the more potholes that get reported in Torrington Rural, the more likely it is we can secure funding for more local resurfacing works! You can report highways defects online at devon.cc/ report-it or by phoning 0345 155 1004. The recovery of our local economy is a top priority and I will be meeting the Head of Economic Regeneration at Torridge District Council later this month to discuss how DCC and Torridge can work closer together. We do have a number of local projects, such as the new Work Hub and The Globe project, where progress is being made, but if there is an opportunity for new funding bids that will benefit Torrington and the wider area, then I’d like to see both Councils working together to bid for them. Finally, supporting our social care services remains a critical priority. In my new role I hope to play a part working with Council colleagues to address some of the workforce challenges we face and ensuring our residents get the care and support they need, whenever it is needed. It will be a busy four years, but as ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to talk to me about you can contact me on Facebook facebook.com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew. saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Initial consultation with Meg Palmer, Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

Commons News

his month I would like to share the overview of last year’s activity. I write this report one year into the Covid-19 pandemic. We are not able to hold our fifth public AGM, and our formal AGM this year will be held via video conference again. Last year I was able to report that we had raised the funds to make major improvements to the playpark at the Old Bowling Green. Over the course of this year the works have been carried out, though we hope to have some more funds coming from the Cavalier’s bonfire on 28th August to add to the equipment already in place. The new playpark has certainly become very popular already! Our finances have taken a great hit this year, due to the lockdowns. Though our new 365 Supporter’s Club has really taken off and we are very grateful to the traders and people of Torrington (and

"Our finances have taken a great hit this year, due to the lockdowns. Though our new 365 Supporter’s Club has really taken off and we are very grateful to the traders and people of Torrington (and beyond) for getting behind this initiative..." beyond) for getting behind this initiative, and to our Vice Chair, Andrew Giles, for his enthusiasm and hours of work on it. In addition to the 365 Club, Andrew has been tirelessly collecting books, cds and dvds to sell. We now have our own stall at the car boot sale, which happens every Sunday morning on the Old Bowling Green (weather permitting). We ask people to contact Andrew to book a pitch as sellers, or to just turn up to bag a bargain or have a chat as buyers (see his article elsewhere in the Crier or find the contact details on our Facebook

page or website). We have installed two new bridges; one at the bottom of Jubilee Woods to replace the broken railway sleeper bridge and one at the bottom of Alexander Path, to supplement the little concrete bridge which regularly floods. The river and waterways remain healthy. We have further improved the access to the canal path along the river which was impassable in the winter, but is now a safe, dry path. We have also made additional steps to the bottom of some of the flights of anglers’ steps, as the ground around them had settled. A number of trees have had to be removed due to them becoming unsafe. Ash dieback has certainly taken hold and we continue to monitor and log the trees and take action as is necessary. We never remove healthy trees with no reason. The litter situation remains good over the majority of the Commons, chiefly down to the efforts of the Friends of the Commons, a great band of volunteers who strive to keep the Commons litter free and have kept going throughout lockdowns, though the social side of the Friends has to be curtailed. There are some areas where anti-social behaviour has led to an unacceptable level of litter, and we are looking into ways to deal with

this. We have a vibrant and active board of members with many different skills, though we are sad to have lost two valued members at this end of year, and we hope to have some new applications in the pipeline. We continue to have an excellent set of staff and volunteers, both working on the Commons, and in administrative roles, who all go over and above their expected duties and to whom we are very grateful. We were sad to say goodbye to our treasurer of many years, and wish her well in her new venture, but are now very happy to welcome her replacement, who has already shown herself to be a valued and highly competent part of the Commons team. We are continuing to keep a close eye on abutting planning applications; at least one major one will certainly have an impact on the Commons. We have been in communication with the land owner, our overriding aim being to minimise disruption to the land and public rights of way we control. Yet again, little has changed in this area in the last year. Mandy Harrison (Chair GTTC) www.torringtoncommons.org www.facebook.com/TorringtonCommons

hat! banner me

thick

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

• 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 Master Care

‘Professional carpet & upholstery cleaner’ Carpet, Upholstery, Leather & Rug Cleaning Can helpOdour withRemoval a variety of health issues Pet Urine Treatment & Sanitisation Contact Colin on 07555 858 094

Email:Stcolin.chemdry1@gmail.com The Well Clinic, Torrington, on Fridays Visit: www.chemdrymastercare.co.uk

local company independentlyLynne owned and operated’ With ‘Aregistered practitioner Parkyn MBAcC

Notable Buildings in Torrington

Part Seven orch House, number 83 New Street, dates from around 1700 but has been altered over the years. It was possibly built originally onto two existing cottages which were on either side of the main house. It is a two storey house of an early Georgian style with a seven-bay front with the early 18th century type of flush-frame sash windows with glazing bars. One ground floor window on the left is a splayed bay with altered glazing. The front is of dark red brick and there is a Tuscan porch which has been filled in. This was done by Mr Marshall, who lived in the house, probably before the First World War or at the end of the 19th century. He owned Marshall's Yard, further down the street on the other side, and he had narrow windows built into the sides of the porch so he could check on the times of the comings and goings of the horses and carriages in and out of his yard. The roof beams of the house are tree trunks and there is an extensive attic. In the 1820s Porch House was lived in by a Mr Francis Kingdon, Attorney, and in following years a Surgeon, Mr Richard L. Hole, lived there with his daughter, Ann. Members of the Darch family rented a flat at the top of the house in the early 1920s, which must have been reached by an outside staircase somewhere round at the back. Americans were billeted in Porch House during the Second World War and, after they had gone, it was found they had burnt all the wood in the house

07795 073966 for appointments or enquiries

because, with its exceptionally high windows and ceilings, it was very cold inside. The Darch family of builders owned the property from 1938 until 1965 and, after the war, they worked on the building and paid their employees' wages in the front room. The house was divided into two in 1946 and the smaller half was rented to a policeman known as 'Trigger.' Strangely, a door connected one of the upstairs rooms of the main house with a room in the neighbouring house where one of the Darch family had a bedroom. A local man who lived in Porch House, when he was newly married, with his wife's parents who were connected to

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

01805622967 or 07767024688 12

the Darches, said it was his job to dust the chandelier in the back room and the ceiling was so high he had to stand on a chair on the table to be able to reach it. He also remembers that the bath was 7ft long (about 2.10m) and he could float in it. In October 1965 the house was sold by Lewis Stanley Darch to Terence and Mary Clarke, who sold it three years later to William John Williams. He sold it in 1980 to Anthony and Patricia Hurley. In 1984 the house was sold to Nick Chapman, a potter, and his wife, Charmian Harris, a jeweller, who lived and worked there until early 2020. Moira Brewer

Dying for a Cuppa?

any people find that talking or even thinking about death or dying is very difficult and it remains an avoided subject. Death Matters in North Devon will be holding another relaxed and informal Great Torrington Death Café at the Town Hall on Wednesday 30th June, from 7pm to 9pm, where we invite people to come together to talk about death in a comfortable, safe environment with no agenda; sitting in small groups with a drink and cake if you wish, sharing personal experiences as we feel drawn to. We will explore and discuss what death and dying means for us, as well as what we may need to consider if we or someone we know is dying. Far from being morbid, these events are open and supportive and often filled with humour! Everyone welcome! For more information see our page on Facebook – Death Matters in North Devon or ring Nixie James-Scott on 07974 119 428 or Paula Langer on 07793 241 555.

GREAT TORRINGTON T except temptation! On the 26th in the Town Hall, the ur May Council Planning Committee convened Fair was the first face-to-face meeting to be held sorely for over a year. It was good to see what missed again this people really looked like in the flesh year, especially by once more! During the lockdown Zoom the young people has been an absolute godsend for who were hoping to those of us who needed to continue with play a central part meetings while observing lockdown, but I in the festivities. do hope this easing of rules is the sign of Now things are things to come. slowly opening up As reported in last month’s Crier, once more, we must be cautious and Val and Peter Morris have dedicated not think this awful scourge has finally a vast amount of work over many disappeared. On 6th May however, we years to the continued existence of our still managed to stage our traditional Town Museum. In recognition of these reading of the Proclamation from the unstinting efforts, and being proposed steps of the Town Hall. Our Town Crier shook the buildings with his dulcet tones, for the award by a member of the community, the Town Council voted the Town Clerk read the Proclamation that they be awarded the Howe Plate and after our outgoing Mayor, Cllr Allin, for service to the community this year. exhorted us to continue with our post It was lovely to meet with them both in Covid rejuvenation and support local the gardens of Castle Hill to present shops and businesses. Finally, one of the plate and the certificate on behalf our Macebearers Tim Cloke delivered of the Town and Council. Val and Peter a most poignant speech recalling our were both surprised and delighted, and illustrious heritage. were grateful for the recognition. As if The following week I had the privilege joining in the celebration, the sun made of declaring the new Refill Shop open. a special guest appearance which made We have yet another gem in our midst, it the perfect opportunity to sit in the and I encourage everyone to pop in to see what great things Bruce and Michael beautiful garden and sample the delights now on offer from ‘The Fork ’n Feast’. have in store. Every day there are new Now seems to be the appropriate time lines to tempt us, and I’m certainly to remember our wonderful local shops becoming a regular. I can resist anything,

From Your Mayor…

that were able to remain open throughout these past months. They were absolute stalwarts… Our local champions. Our best way of thanking them is to continue to ‘shop local’ and even more than most of us already do. Great Torrington has a well-deserved and envied reputation for the variety and diversity of choice available to shoppers, and wouldn’t it be a huge lost opportunity if we didn’t build on this as a key part of our Town’s recovery and revitalisation? Town Tidy is now a well-established movement thanks largely to Councillor Allin and many other determined town folk. It will continue to enhance our streets but why, oh why do people insist on hanging dog poo bags in trees and bushes when we are already providing and emptying proper disposal points? This habit is absolutely disgusting and must be discouraged. Please. After the heartache of May Fair, we are looking forward to some late summer street events. It’s a bit early to know what form they will be taking, but I know there are plots and plans afoot. Who knows, so watch this space, and remember we have ‘The Mayflower’ bonfire to cheer to at the end of August. Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington Cllr.smith@great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk 07970 636 199

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Your Council, Working for YOU

Great Torrington Town Council Awards 2020/2021

he Town Council is pleased to share photos of socially distanced presentation of awards over the past month. Cllr Allin, the outgoing Mayor, presenting her Mayoral Good Citizen’s Award to Angela Fleming and Andy Bloodworth and Cllr Smith, the incoming Mayor, presenting Val and Peter Morris with the Howe Plate Award.

Marketing Working Group

uring the April Marketing Working Group meeting a member suggested it might be helpful to have a list of the opening times of shops and businesses around the Town Centre. The Town Council agreed to write to local businesses and compile a list of opening times for publication on the “onegreattorrington” website. If you have not yet provided this information and would like your business details to be shown on the website please contact One Great Torrington via the website – www.onegreattorrington.uk or alternatively, pass the information to the Town Council and we can update this information for you. If you are a local resident who does not have access to the website and would like a copy of the information collated to-date, please contact the Town Council on 01805 626135 and we will send you a copy of this information.

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

Lance Corporal Charles Copp

harles Copp was born in Ilfracombe in 1889. His father, Thomas Copp, who was originally from Roborough, was a ‘coach proprietor’; their mother, Edith, was born in Bideford. His brother, Ernest, also fought and died in the Great War working in the Merchant Navy (you can read more about his life at www. greattorringtonremembers.co.uk). The 1901 census has the family living at 109 High Street, Ilfracombe. The family also includes his two other brothers, Thomas, whose occupation is listed as a ‘coach office clerk’, presumably in the family business, and Arthur, who is of school age. The household also comprises of Florence Hunt, a visitor from London, and Maude Ley, who is a domestic servant. By 1911 the brothers’ lives had taken different directions. Charles remained in North Devon and moved to Great Torrington. His address is listed as ‘Moortown Farm’, Great Torrington. At this point, his occupation is as a smallholder and foreman on the farm. His father, Thomas, is also resident, although his mother isn’t on this list and she remains living in Ilfracombe. However, I should point out that this is no reflection of their marital situation as later paperwork still has them at the same address. The household is made up of two servants; Annie Louise Gould is a domestic, aged 15 and Thomas Hill, who is 21, is a horseman on the farm. Charles enlisted with the 1/6th Devons in Barnstaple in August 1914 at the outbreak of the war. He held the serial number 2221 and the rank of Lance Corporal. On 9th October 1914, under the orders of the wider Devon and Cornwall Brigade, they set sail for India; they landed in Karachi on 11th November. The plan was for them to be based in Lahore and engaged in internal security operations, which would effectively be non-combat duties. However, records show a number of officers volunteered for assignments that would see combat and were subsequently attached to other regiments. In Charles’ case, he was

long and strained supply lines needed to facilitate such an advance. The situation would also be made tricky by the Turks’ withdrawal from Kut to strong defensive positions in the ancient ruins of Ctesiphion; these consisted of two heavily fortified lines of deep trenches astride of the Tigris and occupied by some 18,000 troops, many of whom had already experienced combat. In contrast, the allied forces amounted to around 11,000 troops. The attack commenced on the 22nd November 1915 with a night assault. There were a few mishaps in the early fighting, like troops getting lost in the dark hours, but otherwise the AngloIndian forces were able to overrun the first of the enemy trench lines on the first night. The following night saw a counteroffensive by the Turks in an attempt to retake the lost ground. Although they were not successful the casualties were attached to the 2nd Dorsetshire huge with 40% of servicemen being Battalion. killed or injured, this equated At the outbreak of war, the to around 4,500 men. At 2nd Dorsets were already this point, and knowing stationed in Poona, India there were no chance of and the early intention reinforcements, whilst they was for them being sent were far more likely for the to serve in the East African Turks, the British forces campaign. However, the opted to retreat back to Kut. threat of Turkey entering the The Turks advanced hot on war and the ongoing work to the the heels of the British retreat; this German financed railroad to Baghdad saw them besiege the city of Kut. altered these plans and led to the Reports show that Charles was killed battalion heading for the Mesopotamia in engagements following the Battle of theatre, or Iraq as it is known today. Ctesiphion and the withdrawal to Kut. Although seeing a number of early These reports tell that he was injured in victories in the field, the Battalion’s the fighting in early December and died early engagements cost them dearly of his wounds on December 12th 1915. and saw them lose around a quarter of Both brothers are remembered on the their fighting strength, hence the need Great Torrington war memorial, as well to dragoon troops from other battalions. as the Ilfracombe memorial. Charles has At this point, the 2nd Dorsets were no known grave but his name is listed on under the 6th Poona Division, which was the Amara War Cemetery in Iraq. mostly made up of Indian troops. Sadly, in my research, I have been During the Battle of Ctesiphion, British unable to trace any descendants despite forces had captured the city of Kut in ‘Copp’ being an established Torrington eastern Iraq on the River Tigris and name. Of course, I am keen to hear from there was a will to push deeper toward any to learn more about their lives. Baghdad, particularly bearing in mind the Please contact Michael Newcombe earlier successes in the region. The main michael.mnewcombe@gmail.com. tactical disadvantage to this would be the

Sole Solu�ons Mobile Foot Clinic Quality treatments in your own home

Callus • Corns • Athletes Foot • Cracked Heels Fungal Infec�on • Ingrowing Toenails Diabe�c Footcare • Toenail Trimming/Filing Thickening nail reduc�on Darren Avery (S.A.C. DIP FHPT/FHPP RFHP) H: 01805 624664 M: 07891 614 320 Covid rules followed

Torrington in Bloom Visit by South West in Bloom Judge

e are going to be visited by a judge from the South West

in Bloom wing of the RHS Britain in Bloom organisation on the 21st July from about 10am. The judge will be assessing particular projects, only as part of the It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme, therefore the whole town will not be under scrutiny, just parts of it. Those parts include Rack Park, the Secret Memorial Garden, the on-going restoration project at the 1646 café gardens, and the flowerbed by S&G Carpets. At this moment in time, I am not sure whether there are any other areas nominated. Members of Torrington in Bloom and helpers who are devoting their time maintaining and renovating the above

"The judge will be assessing particular projects, only as part of the It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme, therefore the whole town will not be under scrutiny, just parts of it." areas deserve recognition for the work they continue to undertake, throughout the year, abiding by the rules of the Covid pandemic dictat. They have all achieved a considerable amount and now are looking forward to being visited and recognised by South West in Bloom This visit by a judge is to be quite informal and nothing like the stressful times we have undergone in the past! There are plenty of areas around Torrington that could do with some titivation by keen gardeners, so if you would like to assist and take on a small project, please get in touch. Areas that

Eight stone-built holidays cottages • Pretty countryside open gardens setting• Comfortably priced • 1-5 bedrooms • Spacious indoors & out • Somewhere for everyone to enjoy. couples, families, family celebrations • Outdoor summer pool, small animal farm, games room, playroom, fast wi-fi. Torridge House Cottages, Little Torrington 07807 698 224 • www.torridgehouse.co.uk

Fleur’s Gardening Forum Create a Balcony Garden

ockdown has had a profound effect on people with regard to a greener landscape and this has been especially noticeable on those of us who live in flats with a balcony. Even the Chelsea Flower Show this year has a category for the design of a balcony garden. So, what are the criteria for growing plants in such an environment – here are some useful tips which, by the way, would be similar for very small patios or frontages. Firstly, you must consider the weight load of the balcony; a couple of large terracotta pots filled and planted might be fine but it is probably better to use lightweight materials for your containers – there are plenty to choose from. Also, consider the weight of the compost, especially if you are growing something permanent because you will need a heavier growing medium such as John Innes No. 3. Otherwise, most other composts are light and ideal for this situation. Secondly, consider the aspect of your balcony because this will influence what to grow. Is it largely shady, or very hot and sunny all day? How exposed is it to strong winds, etc? Thirdly, you must ensure that water run-off isn’t going to spill down onto the balcony below yours! The best way to avoid this is to stand pots in drip trays. Lastly, you may need to check that you are actually allowed to display plants on a balcony, your management company should advise. Practically all plants will grow quite happily in a container, so the choice is influenced by your situation. For example, if your balcony is very hot and sunny you could try growing cacti and succulents and create a desert feature – there is so much choice of plants. Conversely, for a shady balcony, try ferns, hostas (possibly slug free at altitude!), bamboos, Streptocarpus, the New Guinea Impatiens, and Hellebores for winter interest, all would do well. How about growing herbs, fruit or vegetables? Although these plants usually prefer a sunny, light aspect, they do tolerate light shade. Alpine gardening is gaining in popularity, so a couple of troughs filled with very free-draining, sandy compost and some lightweight rocks (tufa is good) and you can have a beautiful little display of colour all year round. Try Bonsai – this is quite easy to achieve. You could spend a fortune on readymade specimens but why not collect some seed yourself, or a sapling or two from a garden or nursery (not from the wild) and purchase a good book about Bonsai and you could achieve a miniature forest quite quickly! Fleur

could do with a helping hand are the planter on the corner of Gas Lane, the planter by the Hatchmoor roundabout, and Windy Corner. All these planters and the flowerbeds at the entrance to the South Street car park are planted and maintained by Torrington in Bloom and not the District or County Council. The Town Council handymen are helping us by cutting grass and general

maintenance, and many of the plants have been donated. If you want to pop along and chat to members, Wednesday mornings are best, either at 1646 or the Secret Memorial Garden. Cherry Hammon Tel: 01805 625788

Dafforn & Son

&n Dafforn r o ff a D & Son Roger P. Byrom

Independent Family Owned Funeral Directors Torrington

eriD larenuF tn01805 Independent edne622263 pednI Funeral Directors 6 New Street, Torrington

24 Hour personal service 7 days a week Funeral plans & monumental masonry

i Freddie here, with the latest news from K9focus. Apologies are needed first of all as I was quite lazy last month and missed the deadline to send in my update – it has just been so busy here at the kennels. June has been an absolute joyous month as I can tell you the good news that Poppy has now gone to her new home after being in kennels for over 500 days! She will be missed, but I have to say the kennels are a lot quieter without her!! Rex and Pixie also adopted a human this month and so it has been good news all round. Poor Woody, our Staffy X JRT, is still waiting to find his perfect home and he is now such a good boy, although he still doesn’t like me at all or, for that matter, most dogs which is probably why people are passing him by. However he is a very friendly boy to all humans and loves nothing more than a big cuddle and his tennis ball. If you have room in your home, with no other animals, then this is the boy for you and in return he will enrich your life with lots of love. Sadly work at the rescue never stops and as soon as one woof finds a home there is always another waiting to take

his/her place. This time it was Diesel who arrived – a 7 month old German Shepherd Dog. I am told that Diesel is a very handsome boy (not as handsome as me obviously) but he is quite demanding, and just as we were enjoying the peace and quiet with Poppy gone he arrives! He is very underweight at the moment but Aunty Lynne is feeding him up and the lucky boy is getting three meals a day. I would like that too, but I am told that I am just the right weight so no extras for me sadly. The really exciting news is that at the time of writing I can confirm that we have our first dog show on 10th July 2021 at Stowford Park. Obviously, by the time this goes to print things could have changed due to lockdown rules so please do keep checking our Facebook page for any updates or give Aunty Lynne a call to check on 07971 461 806. This has always been a fabulous day and, once again, not only will there be 15 fun classes but also ‘Have a Go’ agility, stalls and refreshments. June saw our 999 Challenge, where people were asked to join in – ‘lose 9lbs, walk 9km and find 9 sponsors’ – or alternatively create their own challenge. This was really successful and pledges have been received totalling £750, which will all go to funding Pixie’s spaying costs and Rex’s neutering, together with their vaccinations, and so a big thank you to everyone that took part. If you have any ideas for further challenges, perhaps in August when the children are off school, then please put them forward to us by emailing lynne@k9focus.co.uk. Bookings at our daycare and boarding facility are gradually increasing, but it still leaves a

Wednesday morning & evening 1646 Community Hall, South Street Car Park Call/Text Lisa on 07515 256 965 18

big gap in the income needed to continue to run the rescue centre and so, in the words of a well-known company – Every Little Helps! Dare I mention warm sunny days, hot cars and hot pavements – need I say more? Well actually yes I do as on my way to the vet for my annual jab I saw lots of dogs being walked in the middle of the day and I felt for them, as the five second rule – put your hand on the

pavement for five seconds and if it feels hot to you then it is certainly too hot for us. Right I am off to play with my friends Toby and Stewie and then catch up on some beauty sleep in the shade. Take care and I will be back next month with all the latest news and gossip and, hopefully, news that Woody has finally found a home. Woofs & licks Freddie

Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

s I write, we're looking forward to our first delivery/collection day at Torrington Rugby Club in June. No doubt it'll involve adjusting our working practices somewhat, but more space will allow us much more flexibility and to make the occasion more sociable too. We're gradually expanding our website too, so you'll be able to see exactly how OWBG works before subscribing and to use it as a resource thereafter. There's helpful information on how to make wise ordering decisions (how to access the catalogue and find your way about it, most economical buys, best before dates, substitutes for out of stocks, sharing and more) and also ‘Exactly How To Order’, a step by step guide. To join us, just go to Membership in the main menu, complete a simple form and you'll receive a welcome email with all the details you need to get started. You'll also find ordering dates for the rest of the year too. Look out for expanded and new information going up about our additional suppliers soon – the list is growing! Wellbeing Tip: With the ever expanding list of different types of plant milks available, I'm often asked which are the best. Well, in my view there are two main criteria here, health and environmental impact – and of course the two go hand in hand. What we do to the Earth comes back to us – if our activities disrupt nature's balance, we reap ill health and disease; if our activities are in balance with nature, we reap health and wellbeing. So in choosing a milk, we must consider both the bodily and environmental effects. Firstly it must be

said that 80% of humans are unable to properly digest dairy milk (it's designed for calves not humans) and is therefore a major underlying cause of ill health; and secondly plant milks are undoubtedly environmentally superior to dairy. But having said that, some plant milks are environmentally more sound than others. So here's what to pay attention to when selecting a plant milk: 1) Must be organic 2) No added sugar or additives 3) Preferably made with spring water (otherwise it'll be tap water) 4) FairTrade 5) Recyclable packaging – Tetra Pak is preferable to plastic bottles. Plant milks are now made from beans (eg soya chickpea pea), grains (eg brown rice and oats), nuts and seeds eg almond, cashew, brazil, hazelnut, hemp, coconut, tigernut. Bear in mind that whilst soya and other beans are highly nutritious, they're also extremely indigestible unless soaked and fermented and or cooked using the traditional methods perfected and passed on through the centuries. Fermenting ensures that it is partially pre-digested and traditional preparation uses heat, time, pressure and includes sea vegetables to further enhance digestibility, nutrition and taste. In a commercial operation this sort of care is highly unlikely, unless the manufacturer is a small dedicated specialist company. Grain milks don't have the above drawbacks and actually oat milk is excellent from both the health and environmental impact points of view. Making your own oat milk is super easy and super low in cost. We make our own and find it perfectly adequate in porridge,

muesli, cooking, baking and desserts. We tend to use brown rice milk in hot and cold drinks. Finally we have the nut milks that we all love. Choose brands that are activated (ie the nuts/seeds are soaked and rinsed to remove phytic acid which inhibits germination and therefore digestion). If you must have almond, look for brands containing European sourced almonds – Californian almonds are not only food mile heavy, but also consume vast amounts of water: 130l water to produce just one glass of almond milk! The heavy use of commercial bees is also yet another stress. Coconut milk is very popular, but if you care at all, make sure it's Fairtrade as coconut farmers are extremely poor and the worldwide rise in demand is putting even more pressure on them. Hazelnut milk is a good choice from both points of view, as is hemp. All the above mentioned types of milks are available through OWBG and sharing of cases is popular so it's easy to mix and match and try something new. Next grocery final order date: 15th 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 Email: owbg@protonmail.com Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

Pet, Home & Garden Supplies

Unit 2 Winkleigh The Old Airfield (Next to Jones’s Cafe) From 1st July: Open

Tuesday - Saturday 9am-5pm • Sunday 10am-4pm Closed Mondays Wild Bird Foods • Peanuts • Treats • Fat Balls • Dog Foods • Cat Foods Treats • Litters & Bedding For the Home... Toiletries • Cookware • Bin Liners Cleaning Products • Plastic Ware & Stationery For the Garden... Compost • Wood Chip • Top Soil • Seeds • Planters Fence Care • Hose Fittings • Plant Foods & Pest Control Paints • DIY • Brushes & Rollers • Mops/Buckets • Coal & Solid Fuel We look forward to seeing you, Stay Safe.

Tel 01837 680084

The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a £10 voucher for Pet, Home & Garden Supplies. 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 Kayleigh Haydock. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 8th July and the solution and winner will be in the August/September issue.

Pet, Home & Garden Supplies was opened in the old D & S building on Winkleigh Airfield in July 2020 during the Covid pandemic, by the original owners of D & S Stephen and Shirley. After leasing out the business after 28 years in the trade, sadly the owners of the lease failed in their endeavours and the unit became empty. The building is now split into three separate units incorporating Jones’s Cafe, Pet Home & Garden and East Devon Care Sales, all offering great service. PHG offers home essentials from: cleaning products; house wares; plastic storage and DIY along with pet supplies and accessories and garden supplies offering seeds, compost and pesticides, including rodent products, to name but a few. The business will be run by new management Teresa and Dave from the beginning of July, regular faces for those who visit Hatherleigh Market. If you have not visited PHG then please do, or give us a call to see how we can help with all your needs. For full details please see our advert at the top of the page.

Four New Work Hubs in Devon

our new work hubs are being established across Devon, one of them in Great Torrington, with new funding announced for Devon County Council’s award-winning scheme. The County Council has successfully bid for £640,000 from the Heart of the South West LEP to provide new workspace in some of the local economies hardest hit during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The expansion of the work hub network will provide an additional 570 square metres of coworking and office space in the county. Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “Our network of work hubs is already extremely successful in providing start-up firms and small businesses with a location to be able to put down roots and grow, and we're pleased to receive this vital support from the LEP's Getting Building Fund to help expand this network. Devon's work hubs can play an important role in supporting local communities and stimulating the local economy as we look towards a strong recovery from the pandemic." Councillor Andrew Saywell, Devon County Councillor for Torrington Rural, said: “I am delighted we have secured funding for a new work hub at Great Torrington. It is great that we are now seeing these hubs becoming available in more rural market towns areas like Torrington and these facilities will help a great deal in rebuilding our local economy as we recover from the pandemic. With more people working from home likely even after normality returns, these facilities will be an asset to local businesses, workers and entrepreneurs and will help to attract high quality jobs and businesses to our rural areas.” Work hubs provide flexible-term, value for money office space, equipped with modern facilities. They are ideal for small businesses that may have started from home but are looking to grow into larger accommodation. The Devon Work Hubs project received the Federation of Small Businesses award for ‘Best provision of small business offices for upscale and growing businesses’ in 2018. For more information and guidance, and to download an application form, please visit the Devon Work Hubs website.

The Door of Hope

ou may have noticed, over the past couple of years, a little room on South Street with a notice board outside, which usually quotes a Bible verse. Several people have asked what the purpose of the room is, so here is a brief explanation. It is simply a quiet room where a few Christians from various local churches gather in small groups to pray for the needs of the town, the country and the wider world. Christians believe that Jesus offers hope to the world and prayer is a door into the presence of God Himself. It’s a place where anyone can come to be still and quiet before God, where we can talk with Him, as though talking with a friend. Those who pray there would be more than happy to pray with you, or for you, anytime the room is open. Please feel free to pop in. If you’d rather not come in person, but have something you’d like us to pray about, why not post a letter addressed to ‘Door of Hope’ through the main front entrance of Heywood House or give Kathy Luck a ring on 07702 589 799. Prayer really does change things! “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” (Alfred Lord Tennyson).

1st Torrington Scout Group

Futures Group News

t is a year since the new town website OneGreatTorrington.uk was launched, and members of the Futures Group and helpers have been adding, changing and primping the site on a regular basis, to keep it as fully up to date as possible. However, we still need a number of local businesses to add their information and help complete the website ‘offer’ for the community and our visitors. If you have not completed a listing about your business, trade, charity, activity or event, please do so for FREE and register as soon as possible! Go to www.onegreattorrington.uk and register or sign in. Keeping the information within the website current helps everyone – the community and visitors, to find you, and enjoy the town and all that is on offer. We are working with the Town Council to collect shop opening hours so that listings display these and can be updated easily. Perhaps you will be interested to know that the website has had an inordinate number of ‘visits’ since its launch – far more than any previous online ‘town’ website, and has garnered considerable praise for its comprehensive nature. Interestingly, those organisations without their own website are getting the most visits to their listings and clicks from search engines than any others - what are you waiting for?! Alongside the new website, the Heritage Trail, funded and realised by the Futures Group, has been up and running, and available free, to all who

wish to explore the history and heritage surrounding us in this wonderful town. The free brochures/pamphlets are available across the town in various shops and outlets, and if they are running short, the Tourist Information Centre has the supplies. If you have premises that could help distribute them, feel free to collect a bundle from them. The complementary website sits at www.onegreattorrington.uk/heritagetrail, and is an extraordinarily well stocked and comprehensive resource, with teaching resources and links to county and national archives alongside the relevant information concerning the ‘stops’ on the trail. The sign ‘boards’ that are proposed and mentioned within the brochure are now put back – due to covid issues – and we plan to temporarily place pavement stickers at the appropriate stops on the trail. The boards will follow as and when we are able to fund and confirm their placement. The Town Council has also produced the updated ‘Civil War’ Trail, and Town Centre Guide, to complement the Heritage Trail, and these all help provide an alluring view of the vibrancy of the town currently. If you would like to help with the Futures Group with its plans and ideas please e-mail gt.futuregroup@gmail. com.

ubs had a great time playing Monopoly around town. Different places were worth different points and all teams found their way around and back to the meeting point! The following week the Cubs went back to the hut to make pizzas and many were invested, congratulations Cubs! Badges were handed out that had been earned over the past months. The Scouts have been carrying on with their DIY badge by doing a round robin of everyday home situations. At the first meeting they learned how to change a plug, rehang a door, adjust a cistern and learnt how to turn off the mains water into the hut. The following week we completed some scouting essentials, where the scouts learnt how to iron their neckers and then how to re-roll them neatly. In that meeting we also covered our Scout Law and Pomise as well as map symbols. Another skill we taught them was how to roll our flag and then lower it correctly, without letting it touch the ground out of respect. After our half term we are going to Great Potheridge House, just outside of Torrington, to do some climbing, working towards our climbing badge. Beaver Leaders Wanted We are looking to reopen our Beaver Colony. If you or anyone you know would be interested in running or helping run an exciting programme for 6-8yrs please contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon. If you have a son or daughter who may be interested in joining Cubs aged 8-10 or Scouts aged 10-14, please contact Jordon GSL on email Jordon.whitear@ gmail.com.

Why Advertise in The Crier?

FREE Online business directory entry FREE Clickable adverts to your website in the online Crier FREE colour cover advert with 5 large adverts booked Your special offers promoted FREE on our Facebook page Affordable rates and FREE design of your advert Call Esther on 01805 01805 601964 Email torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com

From Your District Councillors…

would like to start by saying a big thank you everyone who voted for me in the recent Devon County Council elections, although I came second, it was gratifying to have so much support, and I really thank you for that. Over the past couple of months, the Local Plan has been at the forefront of our concerns at Torridge District Council. As you may be aware, last year the government inspector agreed with a developer that Torridge’s Local Plan no longer had a five year land supply. The inspector overruled Torridge’s refusal and granted the application. This has since been used as leverage for other developers to support their applications. In light of this, Torridge has been working with North Devon Council on creating a new Local Plan. We’ve been having member-led discussion sessions and also numerous Local Plan training courses. It is definitely not something which can be done quickly, but it is incredibly important. With so many

differing opinions, it’s not easy to have an all-encompassing policy. However, there was clear support for affordable and social housing, better designed environments for developments, changing building materials to reduce plastics and including renewable energy sources. Work is continuing. At the AGM, we reaffirmed our support for the Leader Ken James, and the Deputy Leader Claire Hodson. We had

going to be a challenge. Our pre-Covid setup was to sit elbow to elbow in Bideford Town Hall. We have had steady progress towards designs for the Work Hub project and I am really keen to see this realised, as I believe a work hub is an essential space: both for the self-employed, and the increased number of locals who are finding the ‘work from home’ setting is sometimes distracting We awarded grant money recently: to Castle Hill Community Garden for "With so many differing opinions, hand rails to allow the garden to open to it’s not easy to have an allthe public safely; to Youth Genesis for encompassing policy. However, musical instruments; to the Heritage Trail there was clear support for team to fund the information boards; and affordable and social housing to the Bluecoat School to fund support better designed environments for work regarding mental and emotional developments, changing building wellbeing. And finally, Cllr Cottle-Hunkin would materials to reduce plastics and like to let you know that they welcomed including renewable energy baby Grace Jennifer to her family sources." recently, Theo is enjoying being a big brother. If you have any issues in your area, a change of Chair to Doug Bushby, and returned our Vice Chair Peter Christie. please get in touch with us. Our next meeting is going to be in Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin 07495 367 801 person: trying to put 36 councillors plus Cllr.cottle-hunkin@torridge.gov.uk numerous officers and public contributors Cllr Chris Bright 07936 325 909 in one room with social distancing is Councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk

A J Installations Alistair McMillan

Free local delivery when you spend over £25!

specialising in

Aerial, Satellite and TV Installations Got equipment you can’t use properly? We offer a friendly step-by-step instruction service With over 35 years’ experience in the North Devon area

Phone Ali on 01805 804626 or 0797 781 00 88

Hold a Fundraising Event for Your Charity

Exmoor Ramble

e are aware that many local charities have suffered financially during the pandemic and now need to raise vital funds to help stay afloat. Why not consider using the Undercroft at YOUR Town & Community Hall? It’s ideally situated in the centre of the town and, with the influx of tourists, there is no better time to raise some funds. Charity fundraising events in the Undercroft have been very successful in the past, and the Town Hall Pop up Shops raised over £700 towards the upkeep of the building during May. If you would like to pop in and have a look at the space or want more information, just contact Anne Tattersall. ‘Tis the Season for Weddings! We were delighted to hold our first post-lockdown weddings during June - both of which were a great success. The happy couples - Emma and Will and Aisha and Connor tied the knot in our beautiful Grade II Listed building - and enjoyed their receptions in the Great Hall. If you are interested in holding your wedding at the Town Hall and would like a tour of the rooms we have available please contact Anne. Street Deals – Torrington’s BIGGEST Table Top Sale – Saturday 28th August 8am to late! Many thanks to all the ‘Torrington Troops’ who came forward to deliver Street Deal flyers throughout the Town. By now you should have received your booking forms to register to take part in Street Deals. Remember all forms and the £5 registration fee should be returned to the Town Hall no later than Monday 5th July. The registration fee will go towards the design, print and distribution of a publicity map showing locals and tourists all the participating streets involved in this exciting new event. This is a great opportunity for you to have a proper clear out and earn a bit of extra cash. Things in the Town Hall & Community Hall Pipeline We are planning a very exciting calendar of events, so watch this space for more details and keep your diary free for our Wild West Country Evening on Saturday 7th August. For any information about events or the Town Hall contact: Anne Tattersall on: 0797 1696 192 or email townandcommunityhall@gmail.com.

van Huxtable started the Exmoor Ramble 30 years ago, an idea born from the loss of a sister to leukaemia many years ago at the tender age of nine. A loss only six months after the loss of their father in a farming accident. So 30 years ago the Ramble began, raising funds initially for CLIC, moving to many other charities over the years, in particular The North Devon Hospice. Forward 30 years the circle is completed, Ivan was terminally ill and sadly passed away in May this year. The hospice returned the care by supporting him. Despite the illness and chemo, Ivan not only organised the 29th ramble last year but he also walked it over several days and raised thousands of pounds himself, with a total of over £14k for 2020. This was despite the lockdown and a severe storm on the weekend of the walk. 400 walkers registered last year in support of Ivan, on yet another scenic, wildlife-filled walk with views of stags rutting amongst the highlights. So we, his family, friends, the Hospice and McMillan ask you to sign up and join us for the 30th Ramble, on some of Ivan's favourite parts of Exmoor, to raise funds for the charities he supported who also supported him. This year there will be two routes of 6 miles or 14 miles, based around Hawkridge. To sign up please visit www. northdevonhospice.org.uk/support-us/ events/exmoor-ramble/

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 24

Further details from: Janice Banks on 01271 864258

Home Computer Tuition & Services

Services include: House sitting • Dog walking • Equine care • Emergency cover Contact Isabel on: Tel: 07989 995935 Email: isabelspetsitting@gmx.co.uk Visit: www.isabelspetsitting.co.uk

Save Money Save Water: Fix leaks

o save you money, it is essential to detect and be aware of the most common water leaks and how to fix them so that you can protect your home (and bank balance). Check your water usage regularly so you can see any sudden increases that you can’t account for (having visitors, for example, or watering the garden more in hot weather), which

could be a sign of a leak. You can significantly reduce water use by simply repairing leaks in fixtures (taps and showerheads), pipes, and toilets. Taps: A leaky tap wastes gallons of water in a short period of time Noticing a drop in water pressure when you’re filling the bath or taking a shower can be a sign of a leak. You can check by turning off all your fixtures then turning one back on. If the pressure is higher than it was, it’s probably a leak Toilets: Because of how much we use them, it isn’t unusual for a toilet to start leaking. Why don’t you check to see if yours has a leak. * Wait for 30 minutes after flushing and then wipe the back of the pan dry with toilet paper. * Place a new, dry sheet of toilet paper on the back of the pan. Leave it there for up to three hours without using the toilet (it might be best to do this overnight). * If the paper is wet or torn, you know you’ve got a leak losing up to 1500 litres per month at a cost of nearly £100 per year! Showerheads: Much like toilets, we use showers on a regular, if not daily, basis. This means the parts start to wear

Tuition: Computing, Emailing, Web Browsing, Spreadsheets, Word-processing, Printing, Photo Processing Servicing: Virus Removal, WIFI & Printer set-up, Problem Solving & much more! Tuition - not currently available. Servicing - £30 per hour OAP Discount 10%

Gareth Alexander Tel: 01237 475183 • 07816 521665

Cavaliers Column Chapter 14

s I write this latest chapter, plans are under way to hold a scarecrow competition for display around the town and in private gardens. Details have to be firmed up but, by the time this issue is released, there will be posters all around town giving all the information needed to enter. Entry forms will be held at Xanadu and Duffy’s Home Hardware and further information will be on our social media as soon as details are agreed. We hope to see all the scarecrows through July and August and it has been suggested that they could be on a nautical theme, so that on the night of the Mayflower Bonfire they can be placed on the ship as crew members! There has been an infestation of rats on board. It’s nothing to worry about though as they have been lovingly made by our friends from the Knit and Natter group in town. The rats are an assortment of shapes, colours and sizes and are placed in small nooks and crannies around the ship. Adds to the fun! Thatchers Toby Rose and brother Billy have completed the work on the lychgate and other roofs and it is looking very authentic and in keeping with the time. Great job guys – thanks! Andy Morris has been concentrating on the masts and rigging for the ship and, once completed, they will be lifted in place towards mid/end of July. Our Facebook page will have details and a timeline later and it will be exciting to watch once the work is complete, and the cranes are on site to haul them into their positions; along with the church steeple which Biffo, Neil Batty and Adam Pike have been working on to finish. Other work continues at pace with ships lanterns, lighting, finer details to the quayside, painting and all manner of other jobs on the go at the same time. Come down on Saturday mornings for a closer look and a chat with those involved. We’d love to see you. To close, and apologies for banging on about it, but please be reminded that this spectacle is a ticket only event, book yours online or from Mark Duffy. “All for One and One for All” Ace down and you are likely to find leaks. Appliances: Through everyday use, appliances can shift slightly from their original position, which can loosen valves and pipes and lead to leaks. Check them regularly to make sure all the attachments are secure. You might be able to fix it yourself;

changing a washer out is relatively straightforward, for example, and saves you money rather than calling a plumber. If you can’t then check the Crier pages for your local plumber. Great Torrington Water Forum

Oakwell

01805

Kitchens Ltd 622614

Qua

Little Torrington WI

uth Butler from the WI Barnstaple Bloomers joined us for our June Zoom meeting. She outlined the reasons why she had become involved in the campaign to increase the number of stem cell donors to combat various blood cancers. Ruth’s husband’s stem cells had to be matched to a donor in Germany, there being no matches in the UK. She explained how she sought the help of the whole national organisation of the WI in 2019 to help spread the word. Her resolution was due to be discussed at the June 2020 Annual Meeting at the Albert Hall but of course this was cancelled due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, the campaign was still picked up nationally and an action pack is now available to all WIs. If you are 55 years or under and would like to know more, go to the DKMS web site. The matching process involves a simple cheek swab and, should you find yourself being actively involved with a donation, it is very similar to the blood donation process that so many are used to. For those treated in this way it can be a life saver. It certainly has been for Ruth’s husband. Our July meetings are going to be outside as we hedge our bets on the end of restrictions. On Monday 5th July we are meeting

www.oakwellkitchens.co.uk

The River Torridge from Source to Sea

An Artistic Journey was atjourney Hatherleigh Communit he River Torridge from Mayor’s Source to Diary Sea is a meditative artistic into the to see many of their river and its surroundings, capturing during the changing seasons residents Another hectic month the hasriver passed. Community Awards. This is s with art and Helen craft. and I have represented the the awards we have in To Town at many civic And then the rain came whichtrickling recognise people wh events, including Up till May, the river had been subtly showing her moods, lightly over the made a difference to church services for the clay and stones and surging in places, with sunlight glistening on the water and their town It was lovely to at last welco Chairs NorthShe Devon birds weaving from bank to bank, fishing forofflies. is still and gentle in places, be involved with, the Indu District Council and but there are echoes of another mood all along the riverbank where the river has Father Lawrence MacLean. W District left wood and detritus languishing onTorridge sandy and stony banks, and more he and hissticks familyand will be very Council. leaves hanging down above me in the trees. our town, and the Church Fe We enjoyed a trip to Bideford to On 1st May I walked from Black Torrington Bridge to Sheepwash Bridge. was opportun Vicarage was aIt good watch their Regatta and on 10th a stunning spring day, beech leaves cascading down over ages-old hedges and all to meet them. September watched the spectacular the scent of coconutBideford and wild Massed garlic filling the air. the river meandered along,and Town The Co-op Pipes and As Drums, I caught my first glimpse of trout fry swimming in pools and shallow water, and at arranged a Harvest Festiva with visiting bands coming from all over Sheepwash, I was treated other and hidingon in Market the UK.to a display of dippers chasing eachPannier the roots of trees. the 11th September. Barnstaple Fair is always a wellThis was first And then the rain came. It was nearly rain, interspersed withthe a few supported day, witha month all theof “Chain one and I bright mornings and Gang” afternoons. howtothe river changed. This organised rage of water out inAnd force celebrate the think it will become flowing at full tilt, uprooting and digging silt, a was coffee-coloured mess of a traditiontrees of the Fair. The up weather regular event kind as its weway walked around branches and twigs forcing through thetown, land. whilst At the end of May, I re-on the Torrington calendar. the and declaration of the Now opening of the visited Black Torrington Sheepwash. the river flows relentlessly, fast Finally, wemaking tried to attend Fair was read. Immediately after the and ferocious, barging through the bridge arches, swamping its banks and Macmillan coffee mornings as partbranches of the proceedings had islands of trees. Theformal low-slung dancing on the river as she pushes past. and in fact ended up going weher dashed down to Newquay. Here is the Torridge finished, becoming namesake, flushing out the silt, stones and river This is a wonderful charity an It was time for Helen to put on a ‘posh wood and depositing them in the sea at Westward Ho! surprising that it’s so well su frock’ receptionand celebrating the hasn’t It’s a week since the rainfor hasa stopped, the river still returned to her After all those coffees we we West Bloom’ more peaceful self. ‘South Here and thereinthe banks competition. are recovering, Soap but the river isshop still to see Le Kitchen We still had to wait until the following swift and gushing over rocks. A reminder of her May-time perilous persona. Richard Phillips who celebra day to hear the results, and were proud Shiva King years of business on 30th Se and delighted when it was announced Congratulations to you both. that the Torrington in Bloom team had I look to hearing fro up for a picnic lunch and the Gilt (last areyear yarnbombing in forward the village. won using a Silver it was a bench you have an event or anniver silver). the committee, opportunity to celebrate NHS Thank Day, you to Whatever next! traders individuals who work it being the anniversary of theand NHS. Should yousowish want to jointoustell youme canabout – just 01805 625662, hard to enhance our surroundings in On Tuesday 13th July we are trying always drop in on a meeting and visit or our our s Pauline at the Council Great Torrington. We will soon have our hand at archery. It could be a Facebook page. During any given monthoffices o 626135. the opportunity of meeting the have judges dangerous moment to visit Little we also book club, and a coffee Councillor Richard R to find out how we can do even better Torrington! Saturday 24th July will be morning. So do contact our secretary Tow – our next challenge is GOLD!! the first of our celebrations as our WI Linda on 01805 603442 for more details. Our last out-of-town engagement has been in existence since 1946. We Sally Ramsden

Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman

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

Dom

STEGGLES TREE SERVICES • Interior and exterior painting TREE REMOVAL AND PRUNING, INCLUDING HEDGES • Paper hanging No job too or too small NO•OBLIGATION - FREEbig QUOTATION NO JOB TOO SMALL - FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED

For a friendly reliable service from a local tradesman ring: TEL: 01805 622868 - MOB: 454361 T: 01805 625238 M:07876 07814 147 603 EMAIL: davestegg@hotmail.co.uk

Ask fo

Local, fri CRB Che

2, Church Walk, Torrington, EX38 8HS

Recommended Reads

“

Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens has been in ‘The Sunday Times’ bestsellers’ list for the last eight months at least, so I thought that I ought to read it and report to my fellow bookworms. A surprisingly good story set in the marshes surrounding Barkley Cove in North Carolina, it is in effect the life story of Kya Clark - referred to by the locals as the ‘Marsh Girl’. It begins in 1952, when her mother walks out on the seven year old and her brother, leaving them with their drunken father. Her brother leaves the shack in which they live a couple of years later, leaving Kya at age 9 to fend for herself. This is a story with many diverse strands, a bit of a slow starter but the story develops taking in all the flora and fauna of the marshes. Kya, now a teenager, falls in love with the right boy who spends time teaching her to read and sail, but then he leaves to go to college - according to Kya, another person who deserts her. She is now eighteen and falls for Chase Andrews, a popular and handsome local boy whose mother would not want the ‘marsh girl’ in the family and does all she can to see to that. When Chase is found dead, Kya is arrested for murder. The population of Barkley Cove has

Hallelujah! Okehampton Sings Again!

Open Evening Okehampton Choral Society Monday September 13th 2021, 7.15pm., Fairplace United Church, Okehampton [Pandemic regulations permitting] elebrate the new freedom to sing with us at Okehampton Choral Society. We will do some popular pieces and extracts from Handel’s ‘Messiah’. Open to all, whether or not you are a member of the Choral Society, no charge. If possible please bring a copy of ‘Messiah’ with you. Just come and make some music with us – it’s been a long year! On the 20th September normal practice sessions will resume so if you enjoy a good sing, like having fun and making music with friendly enthusiastic people, give us a try. We sing and rehearse on Monday evenings at Fairplace Church Okehampton from 7:15 to 9pm. We perform a wide variety of choral works in our local community and would welcome any voice, young or old. There are no auditions so why not come along and decide if you would like to join us. For more information please contact Jenny on 01837 840282 or enquiries@ okechoralsociety.org.uk.

always shunned Kya, even though she has become a well-known local author, writing books and painting pictures of the birds and other animals of the region. So when they get a chance to demonstrate their bullying and small mindedness, they do just that. Her life in the marsh is portrayed vividly: its treatment of racial and social divisions in the 50s and 60s and the result of these divisions is shocking, and the end result nail biting. “At once a murder mystery, a coming of age narrative and a celebration of nature,” said The New York Times Book Review, and I would definitely recommend this book to my discerning readers (says Bookworm). Bookworm

Conservation Communities Project

he Conservation Communities project is working in 11 parishes: Great Torrington, Little Torrington, Merton, Huish, Meeth, St. Giles in the Wood, Beaford, Dolton, Dowland, Iddesleigh and Hatherleigh to encourage local people to submit their wildlife sightings to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (www.dbrc. org.uk). Are you within the Project area? Borrow one of our trail cameras to find out what wildlife lives in your garden. To book a camera contact Jo by email: conservationcommunities@ devonwildlifetrust.org. Phone: 07721 757 173.

All Shines Window & Exterior Cleaning Windows • Gutters & Soffits • Blocked Gutters • Conservatories • Solar Panels Exterior Works: K-Rend Cleaning Specialist • Algae/Lichen • Exterior Painting • Patios/ Driveway • Roof de-moss • Soft Wash

01805 938502 07711 079 577

Shakespeare was a mastermind when it came to making up great insults! Whilst studying Act 1 Scene 7 in Macbeth, our pupils have been having fun playing around with some of Shakespeare’s finest slurs! In the scene, Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to kill the king – the pupils’ task was to write a song in the voice of Lady Macbeth, using as many insults as they could. Poor Macbeth! Why, thou whey-face, dost thou proceed no further in this business? Why thou pantaloon, thou spongy old mag wag, dost thou dismiss all our already existing plans? Why thou pantaloon, thou spongy old mag wag, dost thou not desire to act in thine own valour? To kill Duncan would be quite an act, I’m sure! Then the whole of Scotland would bow, right before you! To kill king Duncan would be unprecedented feat! Whence You could grow to be the best king in the whole of time!! Why thou pantaloon, thou spongy old mag wag, dost thou fail to see the power in which this carries? Why thou pantaloon, thou spongy old mag wag, dost thou desire to adhere to Duncan’s plans? To kill the kill the Scottish king would be purely beneficial! But to back out now you would be cowardly and stupid! You puke stocking basilisk. I am but sick when I look upon thee, thou qualling illnatured maggot, with thou onion faced foot!! Ah, my Macbeth. I do love thee, despite thine tickle brain and doble-dealing self, you’re pretty! But I could not love a female, and thy tendency to back out oft, is somewhat shrimpy and feminine despite your nether regions… Why thou pantaloon, thou spongy old mag wag, dost thou cease to kill the current monarch of Scotland? Why thou pantaloon? Thou spongy old mag wag, art thou afeard of being caught in the act? To kill king Duncan would be a truly great decision! Destroying that mountebank will appear to be superstition. To kill king Duncan would be a real piece of cake! His spongy officers after a swinish sleep shall bear the gilt of death at their hands for the rest of their life. Peter Nott, Year 7

Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth, Thou will kill King Duncan if thou art a man, Where is the courage that thou so had before? Thou will kill King Duncan if thou art a man. Thou ruttish, hell-hated lout, Promise-breaker, I am sick when I do look on thee, Thou wee man. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth, Thou will kill King Duncan if thou art a man, Where is the courage that thou so had before? Thou will kill King Duncan if thou art a man. Is this how a true man would act? Thou are cowish, lither and women tired, Do you want to live with regret hanging over thou for the rest of thy life? Knowing that you could of become king but didn’t pursue it. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth, Thou will kill King Duncan if thou art a man, Where is the courage that thou so had before? Thou will kill King Duncan if thou art a man. Mya Heal, Year 9

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, ye art a coward, Yeah, thee hath't been overpowered, Yeah, thee did get yond whey-face visage, Yeah, is't 'cause thou art going downwards? Nay, 't is because ye art afraid! Yeah, thee did doth cometh to me declaring Thee wast going to be’est king. I did suggest killing him, Thee did doth sayeth aye, next morn thou art second guessing, Thee bethink thou art impressing him? Nay, thee aren't he thinkest ye art did scare, second in position, This isn't going well for the Spanish inquisition. Art thee very much did scare of the shoulder-clappers? Aye, ye art, because thou art just a gagebreaker, Ye art acting like an ill-nurtured pigeon. But, thou art telling me to receiveth back into the kitchen. Thee rump-did feed cow, if 't be true thee don't doth anon 't, someone wilt findeth out. We censure on the guards, thee knoweth what to doth! Nay! Wast thee malt-worm at which hour thee wast hopeful? Wast thee malt-worm at which hour thee did doth cometh to me declaring, Mistress Macbeth, how wilt I be king? At which hour thee did doth bethink about doing 't thee wast a sir? Anon thou art a coward acting like a wench. At which hour thee doth 't, thee wilt be’est a sir, But for anon, thee aren't one, Not until thee killeth yond monarch! Poppy Heard, Year 9

Recently we have been sharing some of the fantastic creative writing our Year 10 and 11 pupils have been working on in English. To finish, here is a short story written by Beth Wood, based on a picture prompt of the sea. She fell. She did not fight it for what exactly would she be fighting for? Instead, she let the waves carry her away, to where exactly she couldn't be sure. To her up was down and left was right. Her senses were hushed as if they knew that to her silence was an orchestra, darkness was a symphony and to feel nothing was her final concerto. From the sky, needles of rain launched down, begging her to feel, begging her to open her eyes. The waves pushed for and back, gravity pulled her down, but something, for some undecipherable reason kept pulling her up. Completely unaware of the havoc reigning around her she drifted into her thoughts and the many things she didn't seem to understand. Past, present, future. Birth, life and death. Hearing, seeing and feeling. And this was it. Her final crescendo and she felt nothing... heard nothing... saw nothing. It was just black. Jet black. Crow black. Death black. While she remained lifeless and limp the waves continued to pounce forcefully upon the razor edges of the rockface, pushing her into them. Crimson blood gushed from her back, staining the ghastly grey of the ocean a diluted maroon. It was as though she had finally become part of something, but even that something was not able to fully accept her. Violently she gasped! The pressure of the water flowing inside her lungs caused her to flail, desperately trying to grab something. The salt pierced her raw back and it felt like the flesh was being peeled from her bones piece by little piece. Descending from the clouds she saw what looked like a hand, so in a final attempt at life – after realizing even death could not accept her – the girl reached for it. With the hand appeared a face, one which was familiar but unwelcome. No longer was she just fighting the waves crashing against her, she started to fight a storm of malicious words and spiteful glares. They coiled around her, immobilized her and then took away the little air she had left. The hand was no longer her final chance at survival, it was a cannonball bound to her limbs pulling her down further and further until she lost the will to fight it. She fell. But even now she didn’t fight it. Even now she knew what exactly she had to fight for. Instead, she let the waves carry her away. Her senses were numbed as if they knew that silence would ease the pain, darkness would ease the suffering and feeling nothing would be mercy. Beth Wood, Year 10

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

Torrington RFC

opefully we will soon be out of restrictions of any kind and back to some semblance of normal, enjoying the summer weather. In keeping with the family nature of the club, a BBQ/social afternoon was spent by players, coaching staff and other club members at Donnacroft. This was just to get ourselves reacquainted after such a long time of not being able to socialise. A good time was had and friendships old and new were reignited and established. Our fixtures have been posted with only a few weekends left vacant. Training will recommence in early July on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and any new or returning players are more than welcome to join us. Our first home game will be on 11th September against Exeter Athletic. Kick off should be 3pm. We look forward to welcoming everybody back to Donnacroft to enjoy the hospitality we offer. The games then come thick and fast. But more on these nearer the time. A Legends team for older players is also being talked about at this stage, but primarily this will consist of old friends throwing a ball about between socialising! We will have held our AGM in late June. There will be a few changes of personnel on the committee, but most positions will be retained by the present incumbents. This, I think, reflects a steady and happy ship as we strive forward with a common goal of being a club for all. The Clubhouse improvement scheme is moving slowly forward, with plans and proposals being submitted to the relevant departments. These of course take time to process. The long-term aim is to provide bigger and better facilities for both players and supporters, especially our younger players, as these are our future. Big thanks should go out to Zac Sawyer of New Road Garage, for maintaining our minibus. After a period of inactivity there were several jobs that

required his skills, which were performed excellently. We are always appreciative of volunteers stepping forward. Be it on match days helping in the clubhouse, serving food or drinks, behind the scenes on various committee roles or if you think you can just help. We will always be thankful of help and we are a family friendly club with no delusions of grandeur. What you see is what you get. An old cliché but one that rings true with us. We can always be contacted through our email TRFC1985@outlook.com. C’mon Torrie! Respect, Discipline, Sportsmanship, Teamwork & Enjoyment Mark Waterson

Torrington RFC Junior Section

o, another season has come and gone. It’s obviously been a very frustrating year but let’s hope the next one will play out longer than the month or so we managed this year. Despite the frustrations, most of the regular players returned in April along with a few new players which has been great to see. The U7 and U8 taggies, along with U9-11s even managed to squeeze in a match against North Tawton, which will boost their confidence no end going into the summer break. We didn’t feel it suitable to hold the annual end of season awards as so little rugby was played, but with the beautiful weather we managed a celebratory end of season BBQ for the players and parents. The players even got the opportunity to water bomb the coaches! The summer months will allow the boys and girls to go and try other sports and enjoy some (hopefully!) nice weather before returning on the first weekend in September. There will be a few social events throughout the summer to try and keep the momentum going. Hopefully the weather will be kind enough for a beach

day! As always, I’d like to thanks the volunteers for giving up their time every Sunday morning to give these children the opportunity to play and learn the best sport in the world! All the coaches work hard week in week out to provide a safe and enjoyable environment, and all the other volunteers make sure that everything is in place to keep them safe. So thank you all! We are always on the lookout for more players and coaches, so please get in touch if you know of either that would like to get involved and join our friendly set up. Contact details are below. Have a great summer everyone. I look forward to reporting back again in September! Adrian Avery (Youth Section Chairman) agavery81@gmail.com/07780 665 378

Plough Visual Arts

p until Saturday 17th we will be showing the work of Bill Stewart in the main gallery and paintings by members of the Art on Friday group downstairs. However, on Saturday 24th July we have two new exhibitions, both running up until 21st August. We are open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. In the main gallery we have Mahali O'Hare. An award winner at last year’s Exeter Contemporary show, Mahali O'Hare was also the recipient of The Rootstein Hopkins Artists award - presenting a solo exhibition at Spike Island. She will be showing work that relates to her childhood in Bude. Her pictures of solitary vases containing and coated with memories of landscapes and childhood hideaways are set against a void. Downstairs we have drawings by Jacob Lane who draws in front of nature everyday - which feeds his work as a painter.

Property Market Place Musings

he easing of lockdown has seen the town beginning to fill up with people of all ages enjoying the delights of what we have to offer: from established shops and traders to newly opened ones and yet there are more to come. This is positive news for the heartbeat of the town and long may this heartbeat remain steady after the turbulent times of recent months. So, what of the housing market? At the moment shortage is the name of the game, there being no shortage of buyers or people looking to rent, but a total shortage of property available, with many people working on the premise that they won’t bring their home to the market until they find one to buy. Whilst admirable in many ways it is starving the market and driving up prices for both sale and rental properties. We recently released a 3 bedroom home to rent, for up to 12 months, and within hours we had no viewing slots left available. People were offering way above the rental figure to try and secure it, and some were even prepared not to view, just ‘I will take it as there is little else around’. This furore is also being fuelled by some landlords taking the decision to sell their portfolio to cash in on the strong sales market. Interestingly though, new landlords are appearing, wishing to capitalise on the strong rental market - so there is an almost seesaw effect going on from week to week and month to month. Certainly, with interest rates as low as they are, for both savers and borrowers, many are turning back to bricks and mortar to invest. First time buyers are not being left out of the market, with new interest rates appearing almost weekly and the Government Help to Buy Scheme should help many get onto the property ladder. Although aimed at new homes, at least within North Devon there are new developments to look at. Torrington will soon have some well-designed, energy efficient and well specified 2 and 3 bed homes to offer, all with car spaces. Under the scheme a 5% deposit is required with a possible top up loan from the Government of up to 20%. The idea being that the higher deposit should open the doors to even better mortgage rates. Add to the mix the Government backed 95% mortgage scheme and the market is very much open for business. So, will the market continue for the rest of the year? With two key Stamp Duty changes coming, certainly some of those who want to make the most of the ‘holiday’ may not make the deadline at the end of June. Will they continue having sensibly built into their calculations the switch over or will they try and renegotiate? With the number of buyers waiting in the wings it will take a brave buyer to try and negotiate! Stuart Law CEO of Assetz Group is on record saying they expect prices to continue upwards “because changes in lifestyle preferences driven by the pandemic are likely to remain relevant long after economic support ends. People are looking for more spacious homes, further from city centres and closer to green spaces where they can continue the hybrid way of life that they have become accustomed to over the last year. However, there is a clear lack of appropriate housing stock in the right locations to meet these specific needs. Strength of demand is reigniting the housebuilding sector, while confidence is growing on the back of proposed planning reforms, particularly amongst the SME housebuilding community which is uniquely placed to harness its local knowledge to build the housing stock required in the locations where it is most needed.” Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director

Ode to the Ash Tree Poetry Project (OATPP)

ourage Copse Creatives CIC (CCC), based in the Taw Valley, who set up this project, invites all members of the community to get involved - you, your family, friends and neighbours are asked to write poems about Ash Trees. Your poems can be anything to do with Ash, including the impact Ash Die-back will have on our countryside. South Molton Community Primary pupils and Eastleigh Care Home residents are amongst many who have submitted their poems, but there is still time for you to join in with this significant creative writing project. Submissions deadline is 11th July. Full details of the project and how to submit your work are on: bit.ly/ AshPoems Long-listed poems will be published in a book released in September. The 20 shortlisted poems will be transformed into beautiful films by Creative Producer, Katy Lee from CCC & Jessica Pearson, Shimnix Films, music by David Smale. The films will be used to create an interactive poetry map. What better way to reconnect with Nature as we come out of Lockdown? Poetry Workshop for adults @ Courage Copse Woodland: Sunday 11th July ‘Ash Poems’ 10am -3pm £25. Booking is essential for the workshop, taking place in a beautiful woodland setting in North Devon’s Taw Valley. For details contact: office@couragecopse. co.uk OATPP is funded by Arts Council, England and part of Arts Destination South Molton’s Deep Roots Festival programme.

torringtonwriters

ollowing a break of 18 months torringtonwriters are meeting again on the last Tuesday afternoon of the month. If you have developed a love for writing over the lockdown periods, or if perhaps it has always been a hobby you have enjoyed, we would be delighted for you to join us. Equally if you are someone who feels that now is the right time for you to commit something to paper through a story, a poem, a book or as an on-line blog, then you are also welcome to join our group. For further details contact Stephanie Easton on 01805 622688.

That Holiday Feeling

Will lockdown really be over On June the twenty first? Will mask wearing still be compulsory Or will the decision be reversed? Can we expose our extremities That have not seen the light? Tree trunk thighs and bingo wings Displayed, all lily white? Garments freed from wardrobes That no longer fit around the waist, Those recently acquired “muffin tops” Might not be in the best of taste. But what I’m really dreading And might cause me some alarm, Will be all the decorations Which will appear up many an arm. Do I want to see all these tattoos On such picturesque display? Also those obscene “builder’s bums” Should never see the light of day. But I’ve bought myself a sun hat And factor fifty sun cream too And if I’m brave enough to risk it Then maybe so are you! Stef Easton

Torrington Youth Space

orrington Youth Space Team have been out and about on streetbase/ detached work since last year, when sadly like so many other agencies we had to close our sessions due to Covid. As youth workers are now classed as essential services for young people, we continued through lockdown to be there for our young people. We have made in excess of 80 street based contacts within this time, and all young people we have come across have been welcoming. We have, this term, been running sessions at the bottom of South Street car park, on Fridays at 6pm, where you may have seen us practicing dancing, music sessions, and ball games all Covid safely. We have had a few off-site trips with small groups enjoying horse-riding, and we carried out a beach clean at Instow, in line with Environmental Awareness Week and the Clean-up Devon campaign. We have lots of exciting plans coming up, and activities that will take us into the first week of the summer holidays. Our age range is 11 to 17. Young people can find out more by following us on Instagram # Youthgenesistorrington or for further information email paula@youthgenesis.org.uk.

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

Get Ready for Summer with our Garden Furniture and Accessories

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

Great Torrington and District Staycation Rosemoor Style ith advice Community Development Trust against Call to Members travel

f you are a member of the Trust, please can you contact us to confirm that you wish to continue as a member. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that you do not wish to continue to be involved and will remove your name from our membership list. Reply by email to: philtop@hotmail. co.uk Reply by surface mail to: Great Torrington and District Community Development Trust, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington, Devon EX38 8AA. Thank-you.

The Bickford Centre is Open

URRAH The Bickford Centre is now open from 10am – 12pm each day for the time being, at 23 South Street. Come and join us and meet up with your friends. There is a cuppa and a biscuit available for a £1. We are also looking for more volunteers to help with the coffee mornings. You just have to serve the tea or coffee, collect the money and wash up. You can come with a friend if you like, it is very sociable. If you are interested call Shirley Beer on 622887 for more information. In Torrington, there is really no chance of being lonely; you are most welcome for a friendly chat and a cup of tea or coffee. Do pop in to see us.

to far and distant lands likely to remain in force for some time, you can get your fix of warmer climes with a visit to Rosemoor. Although Lady Anne’s Garden is a frost pocket, we manage to grow a range of tender to half-hardy plants from foreign parts. As the name suggests, the Exotic Garden is filled with plants with a tropical look. Musa basjoo (banana), Hedychium (ginger lily) and Canna survive Rosemoor’s winters, but tender plants such as Ensete and Dahlia imperialis need to be lifted and kept just above 0°C. Shrubs with exotic looking flowers such as Hibiscus and Fuchsia are tougher than they look and summer flowering bulbs including Crinum and Lilium put on most of their growth later in the spring thus avoiding frost. Although you might not realise it, you probably have some plants that come from the Mediterranean climatic zones in your garden, including herbs such as rosemary, sage and lavender. Terracotta pots placed in our Mediterranean Garden are filled with favourites such as pelargoniums to enhance the holiday feel. With the heat of the sun, this garden fills with the aromas of a Spanish hillside. The Croquet lawn bank is planted with those species found in the southern hemisphere that will cope with our generally cool, wet climate. The resulting mix of species such as Agapanthus, Kniphofia, Dahlia, Lobelia and Gladiolus produce a stimulating summer display to transport you to South Africa, South America or the antipodes. Many of our garden plants come from parts of the world we love to visit on holiday. Group them together in a sunny sheltered spot, wait for the summer to arrive, pour out your favourite tipple, fill a bowl with ice cream and you can have a foreign holiday in your own back garden without the all stresses of travel. Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer Image: Mediterranean Garden ©RHS/Neil Hepworth

RHS Garden Rosemoor Summer Events

rom Rose Festival to outdoor theatre to the Garden Flower Show, the events give the chance to enjoy the warmer weather and the long summer evenings in the setting of a beautiful garden. Rose Festival, RHS Garden Rosemoor - until 18 July Celebrate England’s iconic flower in the largest rose gardens in the Southwest. Follow the rose trail through the garden to discover over 200 varieties. 2 & 16 July: Late Evenings, RHS Garden Rosemoor Enjoy the garden after hours with live acoustic music to enhance the evening sights and sounds. 3 July - 5 September: Summer Holidays: Alice in Wonderland Rediscover Alice in Wonderland this summer with illustrator Chris Riddell, and celebrate 150 years of The Macmillan Alice. Adventure through the gardens, encountering topsy-turvy installations along the way. 10 July: Family Outdoor Theatre: Robin Hood*, RHS Garden Rosemoor The Three Inch Fools are bringing a calamitous new production of Robin Hood into the garden with Rosemoor’s very own woodland as the backdrop. 24 July: Family Outdoor Theatre: Alice in Wonderland A fantastical, family musical retelling of the classic tale by Boxtree Productions, featuring original songs, puppets and innovative story-telling.

31 July - 1 August: Vintage Festival Including the largest Vintage & Classic Vehicle Rally ever held at Rosemoor, lindy-hop dancers, a Vintage and Up-cycled Fair and 1940s re-enactors and military displays. Pull-up a deck-chair with our classic Punch and Judy man, or enjoy the music of a bygone era – 1940s dress code is encouraged! For full listings, please visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ whats-on-at-rhs-gardens. Pre-booking is required to visit the garden, including for events, and people are advised to check the RHS website for the latest information as events may be subject to short-notice change or cancellation.

WE CARE, BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT YOU QUALITY LOCAL PERSONAL HOME CARE TO ENABLE YOU TO LIVE YOUR LIFE THE WAY YOU WANT IN YOUR OWN HOME.

TALK TO US ABOUT THE DIRECT PAYMENT SCHEME, THE EASY WAY FOR YOU TO DECIDE WHO PROVIDES YOUR CARE. PERSONAL CARE, HOME HELP & DOMESTIC SERVICES. INDIVIDUAL, TAILORMADE CARE PLANS. FULLY TRAINED AND ENHANCED DBS CHECKED STAFF. TORRINGTON BASED OFFICES AND MANAGERS 3 WELL STREET, GREAT TORRINGTON, EX38 8EP REGULATED BY THE CARE QUALITY COMMISSION peeweespersonalhomecare@btconnect.com

01805 628066 PHIL OR HAYLEY 07442 507593

PROFESSIONAL DEBT RECOVERY FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES Call: Mark Holmes on 07767 888000 (7 days) Email: mh@gisbylegal.com Visit: gisbylegal.com Based in Torrington Registered with the Security Industry Authority & the Information Commissioner’s Office: Z2955597

NEW PHONE NUMBER! 01805 624141 FOR FAST, FRIENDLY, LOCAL SERVICE CALL ROB ON 01805 624141 OR 07717 313194

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

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

• Experienced fully qualified installers • All quality stoves supplied • Cast iron inserts and fire surrounds • Chimney lining specialists

Showroom open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm Saturday 9am to 12pm

TEL: 01805 623521

We are a family run business, established in 1980, with a reputation for quality workmanship and customer service second to none.