Torrington Crier July 2022 by The Torrington Crier

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

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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

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

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!

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

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News From The Town & Community Hall

May Fair & Jubilee fter all the excitement of May Fair and the Jubilee celebrations, we want to say a big thank you to all the various volunteers and organisations particularly the Town Council and the Cavaliers - who put in so much hard work and effort to make both events such an amazing success. One of our Trustees, Rosie Purcell, who set up the Knit & Natter group said, “We always get so much support from the community, but everyone really pulled out all the stops to make the Platinum Jubilee project extra special. The response was amazing and truly heart-warming, with everybody coming together to knit and crochet enough colourful bunting to deck the whole town in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee”. Rosie would like to thank The Devon Community Foundation, who administered the ‘Let’s Create’ Jubilee grants program, which funded the purchase of wool and needles, everyone who knitted and crocheted the bunting, and the Town Traders who decked their shops with it all, producing an incredible display. In addition to the hundreds of yards of bunting, the ladies also knitted the royal family - complete with corgis! This was displayed in the Town Hall window, but if you missed it, please take a look at the

photos on our website. The Knit & Natter group meet every Wednesday from 10am-12pm - so why not pop along to meet all the lovely ladies. You could join in with their latest project, learn some new skills or perhaps share some of your own - plus there’s always cake and a cuppa! Are you involved in providing bridal services in North Devon? We are currently busy planning an autumn wedding fayre. We want to showcase the expertise and creativity available from local wedding suppliers: from florists, caterers and photographers to celebrants, cake makers, travel advisers and much more. If you would like to take part in the fayre, please contact our organiser Celia by email at admin@ greattorringtontownhall.org. If you are considering getting married later this year, or planning for a 2023 wedding, why not keep it local and use the Town Hall? This magnificent building is licensed for civil weddings, civil partnerships, or renewals of vows. We have our beautiful Oak Room for small ceremonies, the magnificent Great Hall for larger weddings - or you can have exclusive weekend use of the whole building for your wedding and reception. The choice is yours. Please visit our website www. greattorringtontownhall.org

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Torrington Community Awards Friday 25th November 2022 Many of you will remember the first Torrington Community Awards we held in 2019. We are pleased to announce the event is back again this year, so it’s time to think about who you want to nominate - that special someone who deserves recognition. Details of all the categories are on our website together with the nomination form (or you can collect a form from the Town Hall). Finally, a big thank you … We would like to extend our thanks to Torrington Rotary Club whose generosity enabled us to purchase a new printer after our old one suddenly decided to take early retirement! The Trustees really do appreciate all the help and support we receive both from organisations and individuals to keep our wonderful Town Hall operational. Town & Community Hall Committee

Thanks…

t was such a great event! The rain lashed down but I got into my very best frock and wore trainers underneath. There it was, the Town Hall was amazing! Kids came and were so polite, there were tables everywhere and stewards were clear and efficient. Thank you to the smiling folk at the bar, and for the wonderful entertainment and terrific magic tricks. I am very glad I now live in Torrington! So thanks to all that made it possible. Roz, Maria & Ron

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The Fannys for Ukraine

ell, what a night we had on May 28th! Sold out well in advance, we had the best audience ever for our Fannying Around antics. At times throughout rehearsals, it had been touch and go, with health scares, Covid, and a car accident for one Fanny, but we did it! Us old women (Glenda Barnett, Steph Easton, Carol Ryan, Jean Evans Loude, Jo Fallaize, Margaret Jewell, Jan Baker, and myself), reunited for one night only, to raise as much as we could for Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine. We were not disappointed, and the total so far stands at £1,971. 78, with a few extra pounds to come in (hopefully) from two donated art works currently on sale in Fork ‘n’ Feast café. We could not have pulled the evening off without a great deal of help and support so here are the people who were amazing. Leanne Freeman and staff for the bar. Suzy and the Castle Hill Hall committee for use of the hall, and beautiful gardens. Pippa Jenkins and Sarah Jenkinson for amazing props and décor of the hall. Nick Hallam, Colin Hutchings and Richard WB and The Plough, for lights. Sarah Montague and Lewis Holt for music. Carol Webber and Teresa Kritong for sorting the draw and the door. St Giles Village Hall. Daren Nudds and Mark Keeley for being our odd men! Everyone who so generously gave a draw prize. We thank you! Christine Keeley

Kent’s Bench Rock Stacks

rom the beginning of lockdown there appeared some wonderful stacks of small stones and stone pictures on either end of Kent’s bench, on Sliding Rock Path. Sometimes stone patterns appeared on the ground. It was very uplifting and mindful to sit by them. Someone would always sweep them off, but the replacements would be better than before. Whoever these artists are, do please keep it up, for the pleasure it gives to walkers and those who sit looking across the beautiful valley. Pat Stark

Dolton & Dowland Horticultural Society

t long last the 93rd Annual Show of the Dolton & Dowland Horticultural Society will take place, on Saturday 13th August 2022. Doors open to the public at 2.15pm with entry for adults £1 and children under 16 years free. After an unscheduled two-year break the organisers are hoping for a bumper number of exhibits: including vegetables; fruit; flowers; a range of handicrafts; photography and children’s classes. As might be expected, the Queen will be the focus of some entries. The afternoon is one of fun and games with plenty to try your hand at, including skittles, hoop-la and a treasure hunt. There will also be refreshments for sale. The presentation of prizes starts at 4.45pm.

Library News

ummer Reading Challenge. We look forward to welcoming all challengers from 9th July, visit summerreadingchallenge.org. uk for more information. The Secret Book Quest is Libraries Unlimited’s exciting new challenge, designed to get children (aged 5+) reading and visiting the library. On signing up, children receive a booklet full of puzzles, fun facts and activities. Within are 10 zones to travel, with code-stickers to collect along the way to completion of this 50-book challenge. There is no rush to complete the quest, children can take as long as they like. Baby Self-Weigh We are delighted to be able to offer this service after our regular Bounce & Rhyme sessions which run on Tuesday mornings at 10.30. Baby Weigh facilities are available from 11.15-4pm during term time. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. Lego Club The Lego is out on alternate Saturdays between 10.30am-12.30pm. Torrington Library Book Talk Thank you to everyone who engages with this page and shares their love of reading. Check the group out on our Facebook page @TorringtonLibraryDevon. Facebook @TorringtonLibraryDevon. Follow us on Facebook to find out the latest information about library events and information. We post on our page regularly, so it is a good place to find out what’s going on Please refer to our website: www.librariesunlimited.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services. For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk or via our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001. Illustrations by Julian Beresford and © The Reading Agency 2022 Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity 1170092 Librariesunlimited.org.uk

Friends of Huntshaw Bells Next Event

Sunday 17th July – A Walking Treasure Hunt ur next event in aid of the bells will be Sunday 17th July with a ‘Walking Treasure Hunt’, on a circular route of about four miles, starting and finishing at the church, around Huntshaw’s woods and fields, and culminating in a ‘beer and burger BBQ’. Sensible footwear advised, and for those less energetic there will be a short treasure hunt around the church/ village and then join us at the BBQ, which will be fired up and ready from about 3.30pm. The cost is a donation of £12 to include a beer, glass of wine, or soft drink etc. There will be about 20 clues on the route, which shouldn’t take more than two hours, and the highest score wins the prize. We suggest walkers gauge their departure time to allow for arriving at the BBQ for 3.30ish. Instruction sheets, with directions and clues, will be available in the church car park from 1pm. Halfway round, one of the clues will be in Honey Wood Orchard, where you’ll be able to get a guided tour of the cider making and purchase a bottle, but no loitering there too long as you’ll risk getting a cold burger! We will need to know numbers in advance, so please book with your choice of BBQ (meat/vegan/veggie etc) via email rsears2017@gmail.com.

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Parish Church News

If you want to see pictures of our last Torrington man has set himself an show or a list -ofto previous productions, extraordinary challenge walk 2,022 visitdays www.torringtonplayers.com – the equivalent of ton Players miles in 365 walking from North Devon to Sotisaari in Finnish is month! 'Hobson's Torrington Bloom haven't Lapland. booked your John Evans also aims to raiseIn £2,022 The dates, price for time, local childhood bereavement charity, Families Silver-Gilt Winners 2011 number are all on the alongTorrington in Grief (FiG), the way. in Bloom is delighted with front cover, or pop above2022, resultJohn andhas would not have Starting from 1stthe January into thewalked Plough in average beenofable to achieve for an 5.5 miles a day and person. has already completed it without help 877 the miles. Hisand virtual map shows he has just ‘entered’ The castDenmark has been of fitting localin daily walks around a busy work and family - not an support easy feat when working life. hard under traders, groups and the direction of Frank individuals, we to would “During lockdown I felt the need do something different and landed on this idea,” Allman, to bring you a to thank youtoall. says John. “I was like looking for a way get fitter and to support a local cause at the memorable evening A Families list of sponsors and same time. I chose in Grief because they do a massive amount of good packed with laughter. supporters is available work locally. Anything which helps us all to talk more openly about bereavement has Henry Hobson is on the noticeboard at to be a step in the right direction.” mpleby, who alongside the entrance to the council Along way John is both losing and gaining pounds! He has shed three stone s, finds time to the write offices/1646. and has raised £1,597 for the charity. The other day he even walked 26.2 otes on already our website This is Britain in Bloom’s definition of milesdaughter – the length what of a marathon. says level: “If you had told me six months ago that bson's eldest constitutesJohn silver-gilt I wasiscapable distance, I’d have out loud. But I’m loving it nsible one, Sara of walking ‘Very this Good’ (75-84% mark)laughed – a high and feel so much better for taking on the challenge – especially now the weather’s ger, 'bumptious' sisters standard entry, which meets virtually and Joimproved.” Wood. Neil all of the judging criteria and includes Emma Marston,sections Director of Families in Grief, says:high “We’re all so impressed by rs as Willie Mossop, of exceptionally commitment. To walk every day as best he has been doing, at all hours of the er Moore, John’s plays Albert, standards. Exemplifies practice in Vickie. Joyce nightRidgwell and day, is really tough. We and couldn’t be more grateful multiple areas demonstrates very that he chose to walk for orth and this will beinher Families Grief and h i gmake h p oat real e n t idiff a l erence f o r to c olocal n t i nfamilies u i n g who need our support.” with TP. Look out for John on his walksand around Bideford, Westward Ho!, Instow and all over development sustainable effort. members, butDevon veryand Dartmoor. The judges’ comments were positive North ony Bedinetz, Colin many areas, too: ‘Torrington in his online giving page: You can supportinJohn on his walking challenge by visiting Puttick and Esther Bloom has learned a lot during the last www.gofundme.com/walking-2022-miles-in-2022-for-families-in-grief tting Richard Pitt, who year and you have the potential to be a ng very Welsh in 'A War Horse 10very strong entry. 1646 centre s in Wales' to a very improves 2022 each11am year and is a valuable Sunday 18th September Farlane. asset to the views town. of Dartmoor, Dartington’s tunning run with cracking the race starts and ends in there could not be a (Crystal) grounds were awillvaluable the beautiful village of Iddesleigh and include some private land, 90% l the unsung heroes addition to the route. The flowerbed at will be run on the road. es. I wish I could list all S&G is a vast improvement. The Online entries via webscorer. For more information visit our Facebook page, War Horse 10. Raising money for DEC Ukraine and MIND.

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ur Summer Fete was held on June 18th in the church. It was good to see old friends again in the building. You are always welcome to our weekly Sunday sung communion service at 10am. The church is now open for private prayer and reflection from 9am-4pm, from Monday to Saturday. On July 2nd at 3pm there is an organ recital by Andrew Millington, former Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral, in aid of the restoration of the Fr Willis organ. He will be joined by members of the North Devon Choral Society. Entry is free and there will be a retiring collection. There is also a lunchtime organ recital on Saturday August 6th at 12.30pm, given by Ed Gaut, organ scholar at Keble College, Oxford.

Torrington Methodist Church

warm welcome from Torrington Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street. Sunday Worship 10.30am at Church. Evening Worship 6.30pm via Zoom email, sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request the link. Bacon Butty Coffee Mornings 1012am, on the third Saturday of each month. Our premises (various rooms, incl. wifi, projector) are available to hire, please see our website or phone Sheila 01805 622949. Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon.

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Commons News

ur Bioblitz event, which was held in May in conjunction with the Devon Wild Life Trust, was a resounding success. We started off with a team from the Devon Fly group who concentrated their efforts on Reid's Field, Furzebeam Wood, Shepherd's Ham and the adjacent bank of the river. They found lots to be excited about and their final list will take a while to compile. One of the team, Mike Ashworth, took some wonderful photographs which are being put onto our website. The next event was a very well attended bat walk. Each person was allocated their own electronic bat detector device to use. These pick up the sound the bats make when they are echo-locating and use the frequency to identify the species. At the start of the evening, it was stated that finding four species would be a good result. In the end we found eight different species! The same evening we put three moth traps out. These use a bright light to attract the moths (and Maybugs!) which fly into a chamber and are trapped until the next morning, when the traps are closed and the inhabitants can be identified. Forty-eight different species were spotted. The visitors to our stand the next morning were amazed by the colours and beautiful patterns on these lovely creatures before they were released back onto the Commons. Jenny, who is Devon’s great expert on such things, also led a butterfly walk in the afternoon – again a good number of species were found, including many small pearl bordered fritillaries – a rare species for which Torrington Commons is

particularly known. The official botanical recorder for Devon joined us, and we started the walk on the site of the Mayflower Bonfire where many interesting species, only seen after a fire, were pointed out – including sand spurrey. On the rest of the walk, we spotted about 180 species (the person recording had writer’s cramp at the end!). These included Twayblade orchids and Southern March orchids on Reid’s field. A group of enthusiastic families were taken on an insect hunt – they found plenty of interesting insects and an adder! The reptile hunters didn’t find any adders, but plenty of slow-worms. We took a large group down to Commons Lake stream to learn how to do kick sampling to find invertebrates. They found the larvae of many species, including mayflies and olive flies, as well as toadpoles and the welcome signs that otters had been there very recently. Over fifty people turned up in Taddiport to help look for signs of otters on the river Torridge. They were not disappointed. We found plenty of signs, as well as reports from people who have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these wonderful mammals. The main sign to look for is spraint. This is the technical term for otter poo. It is full of fish bones and fur from their prey, is deposited at a high point such as a big rock to act as territory marker and, I am reliably informed, smells of jasmine tea! Finally, a smaller group went to see how many different lichens they could find. These special organisms, a combination of plant and fungi are a

good indicator of the health of an area and the cleanliness of the air. We are awaiting the final lists being compiled, but we are so grateful to everyone who turned up – I hope they all had as much fun as I did! And a huge thank you is due to Jo Pullen from the Devon Wildlife Trust and her colleagues. I really hope we can do it all again. Mandy Harrison Chair GTCC

Abbeyﬁeld

veryone enjoyed the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday celebrations, especially the lunch on the Sunday when many of our neighbours from Villa Road and Glove Court joined us. It was dry enough to be out of doors for a drink, but we had to retreat inside to eat as it decided to rain at that point. The staff provided a wonderful spread and many of our guests brought food too! Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a memorable occasion. We are holding an open morning on July 22nd from 10am-12noon. You are very welcome to come to Glen Tor, Villa Road, to have a cup of tea or coffee and have a look around the house. We have a vacant room and this would be a great opportunity, if you or a loved one would like to find out more about Abbeyfield. (It would be appreciated for the benefit of our residents if you could carry out a lateral flow test before coming to the house). Alternatively, you can contact the House Manager on 01805 623605 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

Are You Ready to Get Mentally & Emotionally Balanced?

e have spent a lot of time over the past few years decluttering our homes and tidying up our gardens but how much time have we allowed ourselves to spend on decluttering our mind and body? How often do we really focus on our own mental well-being, clear the emotional clutter, negative thinking and stress? We have all struggled at some point during the pandemic, but a lot have not sought support as they don’t think their problem is serious enough. Please don’t suffer in silence if you are experiencing anxiety, loss of freedom, loneliness or fear of going out, reach out for support. Here are a few tips. 1. Make time for yourself Grab your diary and set aside an hour, an afternoon, a whole day or even the whole weekend and dedicate it for your ‘me’ time. Looking after your needs and upping your self-care is fundamental to having a clear and refreshed mind. Make a list of self-care ideas and schedule it in on a daily/weekly basis. Studies have shown that when you are specific about where and when you will do a new behaviour or habit, you are more likely to follow it through so that it becomes a part of your life. 2. Simplify things When we are trying to do too much, take on too much or spread ourselves thin, stress and overwhelm build up. If you feel there is too much to do, simplify wherever possible.Breaking down steps into manageable chunks helps to release the feel-good hormone, dopamine, as you accomplish each task. For your mental well-being you could ask yourself

“How do I feel right now?” Think about where you are now and what has changed for you or what you want to change. 3. Joy Take a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book “Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” where she gets you to look at items in your home and see if they continue to spark joy for you, if not, let them go. Try applying this to all aspects of your life not just your items in your home. Ask “What still sparks joy?”, “What could you let go of?” Where are there opportunities to add more joy into your life?” 4. Time to let it go If something is no longer working for you, it is time to let it go to improve your mental and emotional well-being. This helps to reduce the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline which is better for your heart, your weight, tension/aches and pains in your body and can help improve your sleep. Think about what you have been telling yourself these past few months. What inner dialogue has been going on for you mentally and emotionally? What is still working and what is holding you back? What has your inner critic been saying to you and see if you can turn it into your inner coach by asking “What would I say if I was talking to a friend right now?” If you need support in clearing the mental clutter please book a free 30-minute nurturing call calendly.com/sa manthahardwickcoach/30mindiscovery or email hello@samanthahardwick.com. You don’t have to do these changes alone.

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

Boom Tingz News

20% Off for Crier Readers! ello again Great People of Great Torrington! Max and Jackie Brown of Boom Tingz Burgers in Potacre Street may have only lived here for under a year, but have never felt so at home anywhere else! They love the friendly folks of Torrington and the surrounding villages and have become much a part of the life of the town already. Still sporting their 5-star food hygiene rating they have just released their new menu, with all burgers available in three sizes to suit all appetites! Never ones to sit still, they have already refurbished the shop with recycled pallets for a really trendy look. New fresh tiles in the kitchen too and the outside repainted! Alongside their regular offers of free milkshakes every Wednesday night and ‘buy one get one free’ on burgers on Sundays (T&Cs apply to both these offers) they are offering a special 20% off code for Crier readers to use during July when ordering online at www.boomtingzburgers.co.uk. This can be for collection or delivery and you can pre-order up to two weeks ahead! The code is CRIER20. Follow their Facebook page www. facebook.com/BoomTingzBurgerz for all their one-off offers and to see all T&Cs.

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Need Help with Your Garden?

pring is in full swing, and with summer on the way it’s time to be out in the garden, working away and relaxing when we can! Big ideas, small tasks and viceversa, our gardens, no matter the size, are wonderfully complex and evolving spaces. At times we find ourselves wanting to reach a higher level of knowledge; and at others we are completely daunted by our garden! Understanding the whole as well as the sum of its parts can often benefit from a trained eye. Novice or even experienced gardeners could all benefit from some professional help or advice occasionally. With influences as small as soil texture and as large as a single season, identifying the mini environments and micro climates isn’t always easy. The information and characteristics of your garden not only help with plant choices and growing, but are key for many aspirations such as; encouraging more wildlife and sustainability; understanding maintenance time and requirements; finding the perfect patio position or even being inspired by Chelsea to attempt that more designed look! With years of experience and RHS training, RJ Horticulture can provide

The Summer Solstice is on the Way

Why not take some time for yourself? n these days of growing uncertainty, with increasing pressures on our personal and economic wellbeing, growing environmental awareness, and concerns around global conflict and suffering, it is not surprising that many of us are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety. For many years now, peer reviewed scientific research has demonstrated the benefits of Mindful-Meditation training in terms of improved mental wellbeing and physical health. Learning a suite of simple, non-secular, and very powerful meditation practices, and incorporating a greater sense of mindfulness or presence into your daily life, could help you to become more resilient, alleviate stress and anxiety, and more able to move forward with a greater sense of equilibrium. Our weekly Tuesday evening drop-in sessions and eight-week on-line, and face to face Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme, explicitly addresses the negative thought patterns that can perpetuate stress and lead to anxiety and depression. Throughout, we explore the core mindfulness meditation practices, whilst cultivating new skillful ways of dealing with what goes on in our bodies, minds, and daily lives. I am a trained MBSR teacher with over 30 years of meditation practice, and I am committed to helping you find a gentle pathway to negotiate the stresses, anxieties, and expectations of this particularly challenging phase of our twenty first century life. For more information, follow the link in my advert and select ‘Courses’ or email me, James Murray, at info@gentlemind.uk , DM me @GentlemindMeditation, or phone 01769 302007/07866 545 978.

written overviews, in depth reports or goals. full surveys and detailed garden maps. Contact info@rjhorticulture to arrange Their services not only help identify key a free phone consultation or visit www. elements in the garden, but also highlight rjhorticulture.co.uk for more information. the garden’s potential, directly tailoring the information for you and your garden

From Your County Councillor…

am writing this article the week after the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and I would like to start by thanking and congratulating everyone in Torrington Rural who helped to organise or put on an event to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 70 years as Monarch. It was wonderful to see our communities being able to come together to celebrate this historic milestone: from Langtree’s Festival of Flowers and the Cavalier’s Fun Day in Great Torrington, to Roborough’s Vintage Afternoon Tea. I was lucky enough to take part in some of the celebrations myself – my only regret being that with 18 parishes I couldn’t get to all of them! Still, after two pandemic affected years, it was great to see our communities being able to come together in large numbers and celebrate. I hope you all had a wonderful Jubilee weekend. As ever, aside from the Jubilee weekend, it has been a busy month on the County Council. Since I joined the Cabinet on DCC a year ago, I have had an interesting twelve months working on a variety of projects which I hope in time are going to lead to a better quality of service provided by the County Council to its residents. Nonetheless, I don’t think Crier readers would appreciate it if I expounded in great detail the technical details of the new ICT System we are commissioning for both the Finance Team and for the Adult Social Care

Department! But one project I think readers will be interested in is that our Digital and Organisational Change Teams are starting work on a new project looking at the ‘customer experience’ for residents coming into contact with the Highways service. This will be looking at a wide range of issues: from how calls from residents are handled by the Customer Service Centre and the effectiveness of the ‘Report a Problem’ website, to streamlining and making more efficient the traffic order process - so that things like double yellow lines can get implemented more quickly. This will be a substantial piece of work and I’m not expecting to see any immediate changes in the next 12 months or so. It has long been my view that we can, and must, improve the ‘customer experience’ on Highways and as the Digital and Organisational Change Teams fall under my Cabinet remit, I have been pushing for more joint working to improve the Highways Service, and I am pleased we are now seeing these projects take place. As readers know, local highways matters are never far from my mind and, alongside the potholes, the issue of road safety has been a topic that has come up more and more often across the communities of Torrington Rural. Sometimes it has been dangerous parking and, where possible, I have worked with Highways to see whether double or single yellow lines can be introduced. I won’t list every scheme in detail but this year we will be looking at proposals in Great Torrington, Beaford,

Merton and High Bickington. Speeding traffic and pedestrian safety is also a major concern, and I am working with Highways to see what improvements we can make, whether it is improving enforcement on the A388 in Frithelstock, discouraging speeding in Langtree, improving warning signage in High Bickington, or installing a new ‘flashing speed sign’ in Dolton. So as you can see, it has been a busy time both here in Torrington Rural and at County Hall. There is a lot more I could write about but I hope to include them in the next article! As ever, I am here to help and if there are any DCC issues you’d like to raise with me you can contact me on Facebook on facebook. com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

July Diary Dates…

Saturday 2nd July 3pm Church of St Michael & All Angels, Great Torrington Organ Recital by Andrew Millington and North Devon Choral Society, in aid of the 'Father' Willis Organ Restoration Appeal. Saturday 16th July 7.30pm Christ Church, Braunton, North Devon Choral Society - Carmina Burana.

Torrington Baptist Church

ervices on Sunday mornings at 10.30am followed by refreshments. Everyone is welcome to join our friendly, growing fellowship, as we seek to glorify God in our worship.

Bideford District Photography Group

he group has had several evening trips which have been quite close to home: Fremington Quay, Westward Ho! and Torrington, these very pleasant evenings have yielded a number of excellent shots. Although in quite a small area there were many incidents of very similar images, illustrating the need for considerable creativity to produce something individualistic. Also, a number of potential new members have been able to come along to join in, and add to the enjoyment of the event. At the subsequent members’ evening we were able to view and enjoy the images with supportive advice on alternative crops and processing treatments and, of course, considerable friendly banter. A small group has been aboard photographing the historic “Steamship Freshspring” and will collaborate with the ship’s Trust to record ongoing renovation and the atmospheric below decks engine rooms and ships quarters. The very select gathering who attended the away day at Bowling Green Marsh and Topsham, were very privileged to watch and photograph a beautiful grey heron catching its lunch, (pictured, by Tim Sanders). Our next away day trip will be to Stover Country Park on the 25th June. Anyone wishing to come along is welcome, please come over and make yourself known to one of the members – lots of cameras will be a bit of a giveaway as to our identity. We really are a friendly bunch so do come and have a chat. For further information email Tim sanderst99@gmail.com or enquiries@ bidefordcameraclub.co.uk or see the website bidefordcameraclub.co.uk.

Exciting Times at Dartington Crystal

he first phase of a brand new Visitor Experience is due to open in Mid-July at Dartington Crystal’s popular tourist attraction in Great Torrington, the home to the UK’s last remaining factory scale crystal and glass manufacturer. This initiative will create a significantly enhanced experience when visiting the site with lots of new features for all to see and do. A creative team of in-house staff have been working tirelessly for the last six months to make something quite special, something that is both a leisure experience as well as being a lasting archive of some of the wonderful craftmanship of its North Devon’s glass makers. The new Visitor Experience houses an updated and upgraded Timeline Exhibition of Dartington Crystal’s products spanning over 50 years of history from 1967 to the present day. An Audio Visual Theatre provides details of the history and heritage of Dartington Crystal as well as giving an insight into the modern day factory. As well as being able to see glass making demonstrations in a newly installed studio furnace area, Master Engraver Nick Davey will be creating master pieces right before your eyes. Take part in the Creative Activities * – create a cast of your child’s hand forever in glass, as the perfect gift or souvenir. Children and adults can join in the fun together by painting glasses as a souvenir of their visit. Factory Experience * - View the heart of the factory on a Guided Tours. Expert tour guides will take you into the factory where you can experience the skills, quality and care that makes Dartington Crystal one of the world’s leading glass producers. Dartington Crystal is the place to be, not only offering a fantastic new visitor experience but also a great Shopping Destination. As well as first and second quality glassware the retail shop offers many other brands to create a complete gift and homewares assortment. Pavilion Café – enjoy a cup of freshly ground Devon Roasted Fair Trade coffee and something tempting from a great selection of freshly prepared light lunches, fabulous cakes and snacks made from locally sourced produce. Free Parking and Kids go FREE *Charges apply

Local Boy Playing Devon Rugby

t’s been a busy end to the 2021/22 rugby season for Frithelstock resident Ned Pettifer. Ned, a former GTS schoolboy, plays his club rugby for Bideford Colts in their back row. His head coach Dave Atkinson, a GTS staff member, recommended him for a Devon U17 county trial and Ned was duly selected! He represented Devon twice during May and June, first beating a combined Wiltshire and Dorset side playing home at Ivybridge RFC, then travelling away with the Devon side to Grasshoppers RFC, home of the Middlesex U17 team, who eventually beat the Devon boys in a game that swung in the second half. Ned is the second successive GTS school leaver in as many years to make the Devon squad - Tom Owen represented the county side in the previous season, Carl Owen – Tom’s father, also helped with coaching both the lads. Heath Pettifer

North Devon Choral Society Perform Carmina Burana

orth Devon Choral Society will be performing Carmina Burana at Christ Church, Braunton, 7.30pm on Saturday 16th July. Conducted by John Hobbs, we will be accompanied by Tom Bayliss and Lorraine Homewood. This lively work includes that favourite that everybody knows - 'O Fortuna', which never fails to delight the audience, and is huge fun to sing. See www.northdevonchoralsociety.org.uk for ticket details, or email janetsharpy@ gmail.com.

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

ecently I have been asked if the Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group (TREG) is still up and running. It is, very much so. It was decided at the end of last year that both groups, Torrington and Roscoff, would take a year off from exchange visits. The Torrington group has continued to meet and socialize in order to maintain our comradery and cohesion. Since last December, we have had a Christmas lunch at the Torrington Arms, two meetings, a bring and share supper in Taddiport Village Hall and two pétanque/boules/cream tea events in the garden of the Castle Hill Centre. Lined up this year, we will probably hold another pétanque/boules event, group BBQs, a quiz, Christmas lunch and a couple more meetings. Next year we are hopeful of a visit from our Roscoff friends and a visit to Roscoff. Our group held a taster pétanque session at the Castle Community Centre main garden, on Sunday 1st May. Despite the awful weather, we did manage to play for four hours. The session on Saturday 4th June included a cream tea and was well attended by 28 members and friends. A huge thank you to TREG Members, John and Anne Reed/family, who were kind enough to host a Roscoff student (Alice) for three months. Alice completed an internship at Great Torrington Bluecoats School as part of her degree and she was very grateful to the Reed family for their hospitality. We are always keen to welcome new

Great Torrington's Jigsaw Festival in Aid of The North Devon Hospice

ebbie and Robert Veale are avid jigsaw puzzlers known as 'Dissectologists' and after selling jigsaws to raise money for the Hospice during lockdown and raising over £2000, they came up with the idea of organising the Jigsaw Festival. A jigsaw festival is a place where you can go along and enjoy the made-up jigsaws that people have spent hours making. If you wish to buy a made up jigsaw puzzle, or a brand new one, you will be able to do so. One of our volunteers will take them to the sales desk for you, so you'll be able to continue looking around and enjoying the festival. We will then replace the jigsaw puzzle on display with another one that's been made up. This will hopefully keep the display fresh and new. This is a family event, with jigsaws for everyone to enjoy. It will take place on 19th and 20th August, at Torridge Vale Social Club, between 10am-4pm both days, to raise funds for The North Devon Hospice. Please note this is a cash only event. We do hope you will come and see the amazing amount of work our volunteers have put into making up jigsaw puzzles for this festival. They always look nicer once made-up, rather than the picture on the box. We currently have over 500 jigsaws that have been donated and made up. These have been checked and wrapped ready for transporting to the festival. There will be a vast range of puzzles on display from children's, to XXL piece puzzles and 3D puzzles. We currently have over 100 brand new jigsaw puzzles for sale. We have a cafe, an amazing raﬄe prize of a brand new jigsaw signed by the ever-popular and very talented Trevor Mitchell. This will be drawn at the end of the festival so everyone who enters the main raﬄe will have a chance of winning this, along with other prizes which will be drawn daily. There will be a tombola and we already have some amazing prizes from local companies, and others slightly further afield, that you can take away with you on the day. There will be jigsaw puzzles out that can be made up during the day, ‘guess how many puzzles pieces in the jar’, a silent auction for some items and a children's quiz. For further information please contact via the Facebook page: Great Torrington Jigsaw Festival or Facebook Group: North Devon Hospice Jigsaw Festival at Great Torrington. Email: torrijigfest@gmail.com; tel during shop hours (9.30am-4pm) 01805 624704. members and currently have over 31. Age is no barrier, we have members from 11 years and upwards; you don't have to be able to speak French and you don’t have to be in a position to host a

Roscoff family in your home. If you are interested in joining us, please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) 01805 625765.

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The Torrington Milk Factory

hese photos of the milk factory were taken in the mid-1980s by Tony Gist from a microlight. At that time the factory was in its heyday, one of the most modern milk processing plants in the country producing butter, milk-based desserts and skimmed milk powder. The tall drying tower had only recently been installed. The factory employed 230 production staff and 100 drivers. It is hard to believe that, in less than ten years, the factory would be closed for production and 134 people would lose their jobs. There had been a dairy here since 1874 when Robert Sandford, a local greengrocer and entrepreneur, founded the Torridge Vale Dairy on the site of the old Rolle Canal stores near Taddiport Bridge. For many years the dairy had been one of the town's major employers. When it closed, the milk was to be transported to creameries outside the area. An article in The Guardian said, ‘It doesn’t seem quite natural to have no dairy in the middle of all those dairy farms,’ and it certainly made no sense financially or environmentally. Over the years, various plans have been drawn up for the dairy site, some at great expense, but so far none of these plans has come to fruition and the derelict building continues to be an eyesore in the beautiful Torridge valley. Moira Brewer

Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

he Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow, and the funds raised are making a massive difference in helping us to look after the Commons. We have a unique resource here and every town in the country would love a space like this near them. Most of us are either a short walk or drive away, and once you are there you can enjoy nature at its best. Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons. As a Commons supporter you are also able to be a Town supporter, by using your membership card to get a discount or other benefit, when you shop at the participating businesses. Our rangers are out every day working to keep the Commons in the best condition possible. The gates are now open to enable parking on the OBG, so that you can stop for a picnic, burger or Hockings ice cream and the all-important toilets. This is a great time to explore the Tree Trail. You can buy a copy for £1 from the Post Office, Collectability, Whiskers Pet shop, Greedys Burger van or the Puffing Billy. The trail starts and finishes at the Old Bowling Green. It is a great walk and very educational. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1. Visit 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 2. Email vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you. You can also collect an application form from the Post Office. Some of the shops in town also have application forms. Andrew Giles, Vice Chair Great Torrington Commons Conservators

The Old Bowling Green

he Cavaliers’ Platinum Jubilee fun day was a great success on the OBG. We did a ‘Water, Wine or maybe Cider’ stall. This is where there are 100 bottle bags on the table, with a lucky dip for £1 a go, the bags contain either a bottle of water, wine or cider. On this occasion the losers got to choose a children’s book from our stall. We had hundreds of children’s books on sale for 50p each and they were very popular, especially as we were set up next to the play park. We also did a very good trade in soft drinks, it was quite a warm day and they went down very well. At 3pm the mayor Doug Smith was there to officially open the play park. Conservator Gerry Duffy, who raised the funds from grant providers, was there to welcome Doug. We have never seen the park so busy. Andrew Giles

Village Hall for Hire

ituated in the centre of Peters Marland four miles from Great Torrington, the Moore-Stevens Hall provides a lovely environment for smaller gatherings. It is suitable for community activities including fitness classes, children's parties, fundraising events, coffee mornings, meetings and training events. Capacity for 60 people seated; wifi, projector and large screen; separate kitchen equipped with crockery, cutlery and glassware. Disabled access and WC. Postcode: EX38 8QG. To book the hall please contact Mrs Pittman on 01805 601892. Hire cost from £7.50 per hour.

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GREAT TORRINGTON T Your Council, Working for YOU

From Your Mayor…

am pleased to say that at this year’s Annual Business meeting, I was re-elected as your Mayor for a second year. I was very honoured by the confidence councillors showed in me, and look forward to another even busier term of office now the Covid restrictions are easing. As a number of people have remarked, with only a single year in office it is difficult to come to terms with all that is involved in the role. The Town’s historic bowling club had beautiful weather for its open day, and I dropped in to find a good turnout already enjoying the event. Having never set foot on a green, I was reluctant to launch myself into a new sport, so I graciously left it to the experts to amaze us with their skills! Even in the summer months our cars are expert at gathering dust and grime, so the Fire Station carwash was high on my go-to list. Thanks to the crews who

polished up their skills on so many local cars, and I trust they raised plenty of funds for the Firefighter’s Charity. Mayor Making is the formal Civic Ceremony which makes public the Mayoral election results. Representatives of many local organisations attend, as well as Mayors from surrounding towns. I was graced by the presence of my niece Gill, who acted as my consort for the evening, and my son Gary with his partner Becks, along with my cousin David to complete my family’s representation. During the ceremony I was privileged to hand over two cheques for £750 to my Mayor’s Charity fund beneficiaries: North Devon Hospice and Tarka Valley Railway. The Mayor’s Good Citizen award was presented to Tobias Kennedy Matthews for his outstanding charitable services to the town, and The Howe Plate to a very deserving Shirley Bere for the various ways she serves our community at the Bickford Centre, the Foodbank and many other areas of community life. My Retiring Mayor’s Cadet was Jack Pledger, and I welcomed this Year’s Mayor’s cadet L/cpl Roy. A special award went to Chris Allen following his retirement from Torridge District Council and his tireless work in keeping our town clean and tidy. Two days later, Her Majesty’s Jubilee

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Proclamation was read by the Town Crier outside the Town Hall. Later that same day I was proud to declare the opening of the new Commons Conservators children’s play area at the Old Bowling Green. That day was also the 10th anniversary of the Boxing Club in the Social Club which I was delighted to visit briefly. Throughout the same day the Cavaliers showed us what they are made of, yet again, when they hosted their Jubilee Fun Day at the Old Bowling Green, which culminated with the Piper, Stuart Gisbey, and Bugler, our own Nick Megson proclaiming the extraordinary culmination of our Queen’s Reign by heralding the lighting of the Town Beacon and another amazing Firework Display. Special thanks to the Cavaliers for organising the Beacon and fireworks, as well as the whole fun day. Saturday’s events continued with a stirring lunchtime organ recital in St Michael’s, followed by the Torrington Roscoff Exchange Group’s petanque match and a lovely cream tea in Castle Gardens. Despite rain, the spirits weren’t dampened, and the afternoon was enjoyed by all. That evening our incomparable Silver Band’s concert in their hall was a resounding success, with the hall packed out. With Union Flags waving everywhere, the Jubilee theme

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TOWN COUNCIL NEWS got us all singing along, and the band did us proud as always. The street picnic on Sunday had been anticipated for ages, but the weather didn’t exactly play ball. Anticipating a wet day, the Town Hall came into its own, and was bulging at the seams with every available room pressed into service. Rob Pudner and his accomplice Chris the Magician delighted the audience who ranged from just weeks old right through to over 100! The Best Crown competition aged 4-7 was won by Thomas, with Immy coming second. Isabel won the 8-11 Category where the runner-up was Ellie-Mai. The ‘Special Category’ went to the very deserving Dolcie from Castle House Care Home! Huge thanks to all at the Town Hall for helping us make the day possible, and so special, at such short notice. Yet another jam-packed month of festivities to remember. After May Fair last month the events just seemed to go on right up to Jubilee, so I must thank everyone involved in making these possible, and particularly our Council Office staff who I am sure will be looking forward to a break. My wishes to you all. Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

Co-Option of Town Councillor

he Town Council has a vacancy for one Co-Opted Councillor to join us. This role will give you an opportunity to get involved with a number of exciting projects and interests within the community of Great Torrington. If you are passionate about the town, prepared to roll your sleeves up and get involved and have at least one of the qualifications below we would be excited to invite you to submit a written application outlining why you are interested in becoming a Town Councillor, and what you believe you can bring to the role for consideration. a) I am registered as a local government elector for the parish; or b) I have, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my cooption, occupied as owner or tenant, land or other premises in the parish; or c) My principal or only place of work during those twelve months has been in the parish; or d) I have during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my cooption resided in the parish or within three miles of it. Applications should be no more than one side of A4 paper. Our most recently appointed councillor, Cllr Dave Parish says; “I am proud to have been a Town councillor for seven months now and have immensely enjoyed the experience and learned much in the process. It has been a pleasure to work with a truly dedicated team who contribute to make Great Torrington a ‘Great’ place to live. There so much more we can do. Be part of the future, ‘Come and join us’. For further information please see the Town Council’s website www.greattorrintontowncouncil.gov.uk or give the Town Clerk, Karen Chapman a call on 01805 626135. Please forward applications to Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA or by email to admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk to be received no later than Thursday 30th July 2022 Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Town Council Awards 2021/22

his year the Town Council has given the Howe Plate Award to Shirley Bere, in recognition of the voluntary work she does with the Bickford Centre, the Foodbank and generally across the wider community. The Mayor’s Good Citizen Award for 2021/22, was given by Cllr Doug Smith to Tobias Kennedy Matthews, for the work he has done in support of the community of Great Torrington throughout Covid restrictions, as well as other times of the year, for example providing and delivering over 250 Christmas meals. An additional award was granted to Chris Allen, as he retired from his work at Torridge District Council, in recognition of his contribution over the past 20 years keeping the town clean and tidy. Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

huge thank you to all who helped over the four-day holiday period as we celebrated the Queen’s amazing achievement of serving her country for 70 years as our Monarch. Our Town Crier joined others nationally by reading a Proclamation in the Town Centre at the ordained time of 2pm on the 2nd June. On the same day, the Cavaliers excelled themselves again by hosting a Fun Day at the Old Bowling Green, which culminated with Stuart Gisbey piping Diu Regnare, with the bugle call, ‘Majesty’ played by Nick Megson immediately prior to the lighting of the Beacon, which was followed by fabulous fireworks! The weather was perfect and it was fabulous to see so many there. A huge thank you to the Cavaliers who arranged it all, including building the Beacon and also the Town Band, Stuart, Nick and all who took part in the Fun Day and evening activities. Thanks are also extended to the Commons Conservators for allowing all of this to take place on Common land. Sunday brought with it the Community Jubilee Picnic, but also inclement weather! On Saturday it was agreed to switch from the town centre to the Town Hall. What a lovely afternoon it turned out to be, with the Town Hall full of people of all ages in every room. As people picnicked so the Town Band played renditions of suitable Jubilee music. It truly was a great afternoon and we again extend thanks to everyone involved, from those who made paper flowers for the tables, to volunteers who helped set up and set down, and all who helped on the day. Special thanks to all at the Town Hall who pulled all the stops out to enable the switch of venue at short notice! A fabulous few community days, which demonstrates time and time again how great the community of Great Torrington really is!

Torrington in Bloom

e have received a good selection of entries from all age groups for our Platinum Jubilee best hanging basket, etc., competition and the judging date is 29th June. Keep your planters and baskets happy by watering regularly, particularly once the foliage has covered them. This is because water will just run off the leaves and not so much will soak into the soil. Even if it has rained, your planter may still need watering – poke your finger into the soil, if it feels damp then you should be all right, but if dry then it’s ready with that can! Another competition taking place on the 20th July is the South West in Bloom ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ judging. We have several entries again, Rack Park, the Secret Memorial Garden, the Castle Hill Community Garden (which used to be 1646), and the swimming pool bed in School Lane. The judge should see a number of improvements from last year, with all the renovation work completed. We would like to thank our volunteers who work really hard to keep everything looking attractive in and around the town. We also have some wonderful donors, who frequently offer us plants, or help with watering and also the assistance provided by the apprentices from RHS Rosemoor. Well done to the Common Conservators who once again were awarded 5 stars at the SW in Bloom Best Park awards; in the past Jon Wheatley the Chair of SW in Bloom has described the Common as ‘a very special place’ which, of course, it is! Cherry Hammon, Torrington in Bloom

Saving Water Means Saving Money

ost of us don’t know how much water we use each day. Our recent research shows that 46 per cent of people believe their household uses under 20 litres a day (roughly equivalent to taking a 2-minute shower) when the true figure is closer to 142 litres per person per day. This means an average family of four in the UK could use more than 500 litres each day. Saving water saves money, especially if you are on a water meter. Installing simple devices such as water-efficient taps and showers will save both water and energy by minimising the use of heated water. Around 18% of energy consumption in UK homes is spent heating water, and about 12% of a typical gas heated home’s heating bill is from the water for showers, baths and the hot water tap. So even if you don’t have a water meter, you could still be saving money on your energy bill. Such large financial savings can be particularly vital for households facing water and energy poverty. Use soap bars not shower gels When you’re scrubbing with soap, a foam or lather will appear. The most popular ingredient that causes this is Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS or referred to as suds). When the ingredient mixes with water and air, it lathers and creates the visual impression that it is ‘cleaning’. Although this is only marginally true, it’s more for show.

“So, how does a soap bar help me save water over shower gel?” Shower gels have more SLS ingredients in them; it’s why they froth into a spectacular foam and why most people feel that they clean better than a bar of soap. But here’s where you save water: the fewer suds on your body, the less time you spend washing them off – water saved! Plus, less water is used in making a bar

pandemic that encouraged us to wash our hands at every opportunity! Turning off the tap while you’re scrubbing your hands (and singing) is a great and easy way to save water, and we can all jump on board with it today. You clean vegetables. Put a small amount of water in your washing up bowl and scrub away! Use the waste water in the garden. Rinse your razor in the sink "Around 18% of energy Ladies, this one is for you as well! consumption in UK homes is spent Similar to washing your hands, a running heating water, and about 12% of a tap is a fast way to waste water. Whether typical gas heated home’s heating you’re shaving your beard or your legs, bill is from the water for showers, you will find yourself in need of rinsing your razor. Our water-saving tip – do baths and the hot water tap." this in the sink. Shaving your legs in the of soap compared to shower gels. Not to shower extends your time spent there, mention less plastic and packaging! and when they use 12 litres of water a Avoid pouring out water from your minute, it’s definitely something to avoid. drinking glass down the drain By putting a small pool of water in your Are you one of those people who pours sink, you can rinse your razor and avoid a glass of water to take up to bed only the dreaded ‘running tap’. to take a sip and tip it away the next Do less clothes washing morning? You are pouring up to 5 litres Recommended advice tells you to away each week. That’s nearly 250 litres wash your jeans every 3-10 wears (3 a year! for those working in manual jobs, 10 Use it to water your plants, rinse your for those at a desk). Sometimes it’s mouth after cleaning your teeth, to make to protect the longevity of your jeans, ice cubes. others, it’s to save water. Did you wear Don’t let the taps run! a T-shirt for the afternoon after working It can be said all over the house, we out in the morning? Do you really need probably think ‘I’m only letting it run for a to wash it, or can you wear it again couple of minutes I’m sure it won’t make tomorrow? Get as much wear out of an a difference’. item as you can and do fewer loads of Try turning the tap off when: washing – it’s a win-win situation for you, Washing your hands. electricity and water! It’s been estimated that, on average, Great Torrington Water Forum 47 litres are wasted every day when gtwaterforum@gmail.com washing hands – and that was before a

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

id you realize there are two levels of membership of OWBG, both free? Our Facebook group page is open to anyone with a genuine interest in any aspect of holistic living, a place for asking questions and sharing information. It could be recipes, ethical clothes, manufacturers that you've used and liked, useful nutritional reminders, related local events or businesses – there's no limit really. We just ask that your posts are genuinely to help others rather than simply to promote your own business. The second level of membership is actually subscribing to our newsletter with full contact details. This is also free, but in order to place an order with us, you must subscribe first as we'll need to contact you and you'll need to familiarize yourself and comply with the ordering system. In the run up to collection day we post on Facebook the latest details of goodies available in our internal market, so do check in with us there. Wellbeing Tip: Gluten and common misunderstandings Gluten intolerance has become almost mainstream, so I thought it might be helpful to revisit this subject. As you probably know, gluten is the elastic protein molecule in wheat, barley and rye that gives bread dough its stretchy quality when you knead it. It gives strength to the bread and helps it to rise, contributing to its structure and mouth feel. So why would a naturally occurring molecule cause allergies and digestive disharmony? Well, firstly gluten is a very difficult, sticky molecule for anyone to digest. Then there is the fact that grains have been bred with higher gluten content to satisfy tastes for softer, less gritty and rustic breads. The chromosomal makeup of these grains is now substantially different to traditional old varieties and this has occurred within a nanosecond in terms of evolution, so our bodies haven't had time to adapt and consequently have difficulty digesting these new varieties. There's also the question of frequency of consumption – in general we've lost touch with the wide variety of local seasonal foods that

humans are designed to eat, with bread, cereals and flour part of our diet every day, multiple times per day. This is how we sensitize ourselves to various foods. Additionally, glyphosate is now used on many crops, especially grains, simply to desiccate the grain, in other words, for commercial expediency. Guess what? Glyphosate poisoning symptoms are virtually indistinguishable from those of gluten sensitivity! Feel between a rock and a hard place? My recommendations: 1) Choose organic foods that will not have been sprayed with glyphosate or other toxins. They will also not have been genetically modified. 2) Substitute millet, rice, oats, quinoa, buckwheat (nothing to do with wheat), amaranth and polenta for wheat, barley rye spelt and kamut. Learning to use these grains can be fun and there's lots of guidance and recipes online. 3) Understand that it's a question of the degree to which you may be sensitive – most people will improve their digestion substantially by following the above, but some will need to go further, depending on the degree of their sensitivity eg coeliacs. 4) Oats don’t contain gluten, but do contain a rather similar molecule, avenin, that some people may react to. Oats marked 'gluten free' refer to the fact that they have been grown on ground that hasn't recently been used to grow glutencontaining crops and are processed in a facility free of gluten, obviating the risk of cross contamination. 5) Avoid repeating the same foods dayin-day-out – ideally repeat only after five days. Rotating foods is much more interesting and this simple action can have amazingly pleasing results. 5) Remember that a wide range of gluten free foods is available through OWBG and members have a wealth of helpful experience to share. Upcoming Grocery Final Order Dates: 14th July, 11th August 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

Little Torrington WI - Join Us

e followed up our April walk in the Meeth Nature Reserve with a walk following the Torrington Commons Tree Trail. An oak tree had succumbed to storm Eunice and had been blocking the path. We were lucky to choose the day that the chainsaws were out and the way was clear. We were also lucky with the weather and the views across the valleys were lovely. We spied a number of places where we shall be back to pick blackberries late summer. We helped the village celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in the village hall. Everyone was able to supplement their picnics with tea, coffee and cake provided by the WI. This month’s meeting will start with an illustrated Platinum Jubilee Quiz and will be followed by games geared to us getting to know each other better after two years of zooming. Next month we are hoping for fine weather, as Gwynn Paulett from Devon Dowsers will be introducing us to that amazing art. After a break in August we shall be back in September for a spot of archery. In the meantime additional events will be taking place: Ladies that Lunch who enjoyed a meal at East Yard Orchard Café will be lunching a usual; Book Club that read “The Conclave” by Robert Harris last month are reading “Cartes Postales from Greece” by Victoria Hislop this month, and our outing is to see the exhibition of Literature’s Young Rebels at the Burton Art Gallery. For more information do look at our Facebook page or contact me, Sally Ramsden, on 07896 502 052.

Torrington RFC

ith the celebrations marking Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee ending an eventful, very long, weekend, one wonders if there will ever be another like it. Certainly not in a lot of our lifetimes! Torrington RFC carries on in its indomitable style. The new league structure has been published, with an emphasis on’ ‘keeping it local’. Many of our opponents next season will involve less travelling to the far reaches of the South Hams and Plymouth, with only one visit to Plymouth and a trip to Sidmouth being the furthest we’ll travel. This was a major problem in recent seasons, as many couldn’t arrive in time for kick off leaving sides short on players. Combined with the spiralling cost of fuel this is a most satisfactory resolution. This is always a quiet news time for us as not much is actually happening. However, we will have had our AGM in late June when a new committee will have been formed. I suspect there will be few changes though. Watch this space for that announcement! On the field, our players will start training on the first Tuesday in July, 6.30pm-ish. Our veterans will be training on a Thursday evening again 6.30pmish. Our coaching team will again consist of Zerren Bell, who will be assisted by retiring (from playing) club stalwart Mike Wigley. We wish them great success for the future. Some warm up games are being arranged for later in August, including the popular over 30s v under 30s starting the process, with the season kicking off in mid-September. The league will only have 10 teams so there will be an early finish to the league season with cup and plate playoffs following on. More news on that when details are finalised. As always, new or returning players are more than welcome. Our clubhouse is available for hire. All enquiries TRFC1985@outlook.com Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Respect, Discipline & Enjoyment C’mon Torrie. Mark Waterson

Torrington RFC Youth Section

write to you all after a fully completed rugby season. It's been a while since we've been able to say that! It's been fantastic to see all the boys and girls out there enjoying the game and with such big smiles, win or lose. For them, this year has been about getting back out there and competing against other clubs and learning, week-in-week-out. The end of season even saw a Welsh touring side (Risca) come and visit and take on the U12s. It's fair to say our lads learnt a lesson in being competitive that night! However, we did what Torrie does best and put on a great evening for them with a good old BBQ and knees up. The following week we had our end of season awards night. The weather was kind enough so that we could have it outdoors for a change! Below are a list of all the award winners from all the age groups, nominated by their coaches and their peers. TRFC Youth Awards 2021-2022 Coaches’ Players of the Year U8 Henry Kite; U9 Harry Vickery; U10 Oscar Kite/Freddie McConachie; U12 Arlo Foster-Weir; U13 boys Charlie Bradley; U13 girls Maisie Simmons Players’ Player of the Year U8 Riley Drew; U9 Jake Pincombe; U10 Charlie Hoare; U12 Arlo/Leo Gilbert; U13 boys Cambell Lewis; U13 girls Inca Lawson/Poppy Gilbert Trainer of the Year U8 Jack Heal; U9 Jack Nicolls; U10 Ted Simmons; U12 Celyn Dougan; U13 boys Charlie Fuller; U13 girls Inca Lawson Most improved Player of the Year U8 Archie Allan; U9 Ashley Gaskin; U10 Nik Ollis; U12 Alfie Hooper/Ewan Johns; U13 boys Harry Pincombe; U13 girls Chloe Shanahan A huge thank you goes out to all the parents that have supported us throughout the year, come rain or shine. None of this could happen without the dedication of all the coaches, committee members and volunteers that have given up their time to provide a safe and enjoyable game for them to enjoy. Looking on to next season. We definitely want to see more players running out for us so if you have a child, grandchild, niece or nephew that fancies giving it a go, then please let us know. We also need more coaches and assistant coaches to help with the growth of all groups. Training is provided. Sometimes just an extra pair of eyes can make a huge difference. We return on Sunday 4th September from 10-11am at the rugby club. If you would like to get involved or have any queries, please call Youth Chairman Adrian Avery on 07780 665 378 or email agavery81@gmail.com.

Torrington Senior Citizens Group

hat a wonderful response to our AGM. There has been a healthy number of members indicating the wish to proceed with our trips. Thanks to all who came to make decisions and volunteer to help. Our membership is £6. Our first trip on Tuesday 21 June, along the Exe, is £15. Other events: Tuesday 19 July Dartmouth Tuesday 16 August Looe Tuesday 6 September St. Ives Tuesday15 November Plymouth These trips are £8 for members and £10 for guests. We are looking forward to good companionship and some sun! John Pitts, Secretary

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Torrington Rotary is Looking for New Members

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ust to give you a bit of a flavour of who we are and what we do, our club is based in Torrington and we have members from the town and from surrounding villages. The club was formed over 50 years ago and when Covid struck we continued to meet via Zoom, however last October we felt able to restart our fortnightly in-person meetings on a Tuesday evening at Torrington Golf Club. Some members still prefer not to meet inside, so we continue to Zoom our meetings to them. Our meetings are a good social occasion and we start with a meal, which is usually followed by a talk by someone asking for support, or a more general talk about something of local interest. Recently the club has been very active in raising funds to provide support in the Ukraine crisis, with much of the money going directly through Rotary’s international links to health care professionals working in Ukraine and the surrounding countries. Also, we are looking at ways in which we can support any refugees who come to live in the area. We also support many local charities; our latest project was to provide a defibrillator on the Tarka Trail at the cycle hire shop opposite the Puffing Billy. Last month we provided chairs to the Library, and special hampers full of treats have been presented to the two surgeries and the hospital in the town as a thank you for the magnificent work they have done throughout the pandemic. We have raised funds in a variety of ways from the generous and caring folk in the local community, for example though a pop-up shop, an annual charity golf competition, Ebay sales through our own Torrington Rotary Ebay sales account and through specific street collections. Most recently in support of the Ukraine crisis, but previously for organisations such as Rotary’s own associated charity, Shelterbox. Before the pandemic we supported local schools, supplying equipment and organising competitions such as Young Chef, Young Photographer and Young Musician. As we move away from the Covid restrictions we are now arranging with the schools to restart these competitions. So it’s not all about raising and spending money, members also donate their time and skills in supporting those organisations and individuals in need in the local community. Our club is made up of men and women who enjoy working and socialising together, so if you think you would like to join us, come along to one of our meetings to see if like what we do. We have no entry qualification, you just have to have a desire to help the community through the efforts of like-minded individuals and enjoy yourself whilst doing so. Contact David Large - Chair of Membership 01769 560556 or secretary@ torrington.rotary1175.org.

Great Torrington Bowling Club Charity Challenge

n Sunday 22nd May, Great Torrington Bowling Club held their annual Charity Challenge day after a two-year absence. We had 14 teams entered in this event, which is played as a triples competition, and all the people playing are non-bowlers. After the teams have registered we equip them with a set of bowls and give them some tuition on how to play the game. After some practise they play three matches, and the winner is the team with the highest points and shot difference. We would like to thank all the teams who played and all the club members who assisted in various tasks during the day. Congratulations to this year’s winners, the Applewood Rollers team of Dan Hoyle, Lucy Woolacott and Charlie Rowling. They were awarded £400 for their chosen charity, Parkinson’s UK. All the players were invited to attend our open day on Sunday the 29th of May starting at 12 noon, to try their skills. Fred Niven Vice-Chairman, on behalf of Great Torrington Bowling Club

Fleur’s Gardening Forum Extend the life of your Plants

hen I am selling plants, I often inform people to ‘dead-head’ their bedding in order to extend the life of the flowers. Frequently, I am met with a blank stare, so below is what dead-heading actually entails. Annual flowers germinate, flower and set seed in one growing season. As soon as they begin to set seed their flowering diminishes and disappears, because the plant has done its job and usually dies off quite rapidly thereafter. So, off we go and spend more money and this is almost entirely unnecessary. This is where dead-heading comes in. Quite simply, it means removing spent flowers before the seed sets or begins to form. By doing this, you can extend the life of your annuals by several weeks. The classic example of dead-heading is sweet peas; the more you pick the flowers the more will come. Once you stop doing this, the flower quality will deteriorate as seeds begin to form and the plant dies off. Make sure you remove any flower stems that have ‘gone over’, ie, their flowers have shrivelled and seed pods are forming. Pansies and violas should also have their blooms removed when they look as if they are closing up or you see a fat, green seed pod forming where the flower once was. Keep trimming back and give them a feed – a little bit of cossetting does no harm! Poppies, cornflowers, nigella (love-in-the-mist), salvia, mesembrianthemum can all be kept flowering for the season by careful dead-heading. Once summer begins to fade, you can let some of your flowers set seed and then harvest the same to sow next year, or allow them to seed themselves; they will germinate quite quickly and can be left in situ or thinned out and planted elsewhere in your garden. Many perennials and biennials also benefit from dead-heading. Wallflowers can be trimmed back and can have their life considerably lengthened by so doing. Dahlias can be awkward to dead-head, the simple way is to compare a bud to a seed head: the bud resembles a flat ‘bun’, whereas the seed has a pointed profile - trim these back to a side shoot. Foxgloves will sometimes flower longer if you remove the central spike before it runs to seed (or you could remove the individual seed heads). You often get sub-spikes afterwards that will look just as good but be smaller. Trimming roses back, either because you are cutting flowers for indoor displays or removing spent flowers, has the effect of light pruning – today’s modern roses will continue to flower well into autumn. However, many of the old-fashioned varieties and species do have only one main flowering time, so these are best left untrimmed until autumn. Some final advice: be bold and always trim back to a side-shoot. Fleur

The Ghost Train

There’s a very special smell and a special sound That conjures up a summer evening at a fairground, The nougat, the toffee apples, the roundabouts and swings The jungle ride, the hoopla, and other wondrous things. The shrieks from the waltzer as it rises and swoops The clinging to the helter-skelter as it tumbles and loops. The sparks from the dodgems, each one held by a bar, The fair boys collecting money as they alight on every car. The shrill horn that sounds when each ride is done Announcing it costs money if you still want to have your fun! And although I loved this excitement I returned time and time again Clutching a candyfloss or hot dog to ride the ghost train. I would be all bravado, be incredibly coy, If enticed into the darkness by some good looking boy; A wonderful excuse to cuddle up tight, To snuggle up to his shoulder when screeching with delight. Then suddenly a cobweb, in the blackness, unseen, Would brush past my face and I’d involuntarily scream. There were spiders that danced with their iridescent glow Why was it then, suddenly, the train seemed to go slow. Past luminous skeletons, headless corpses, ‘til round the last bend There came a fiendish, ghostly cackle as you came to the end! Reliving teenage romances, heart beating fast I can feel My stomach somersaults in remembrance… who needed a big wheel?! Stephanie Easton

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LOGS FOR SALE Tel: 07971533 235 From Your District Councillors…

ast month we had the Mayor’s Making Ceremony, where the previous year’s Mayor passes the role to the incoming Mayor. This year the outgoing and incoming Mayors were one and the same, as Cllr Doug Smith starts his second year as Mayor. He also handed out community awards and gave thanks to many deserving individuals and groups (you can read more about these in his article). The Mayor also announced the new Mayor’s Cadet, who is L/Cpl Roy, and we are sure she will be superb at the role. At the District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny meeting, we received a presentation from Natural Devon’s Harry Barton, CEO of Devon Wildlife Trust. The topic was extremely interesting, and can be viewed on YouTube for anyone who is interested in finding out about Devon’s Nature Recovery Network map and toolkit. At the end of the presentation, Councillors discussed with Harry the interests of the farming community, and he highlighted his concern over the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Harry said that we currently have a great opportunity which is being lost, that the proposed schemes are not fit for purpose and there needs to be more clarity and more ambition from central government. As a result of the meeting, the committee is sending a letter both to our MP and the Secretary of State for DEFRA on this matter. The Jubilee celebrations have now passed, but what great events we had! The Cavaliers held their Big Beacon Fun Day, which was entertaining for all the family with not only the bonfire and brilliant fireworks, but also live music, food, drink, and lots of it! On the Saturday Torrington Silver Band held their Platinum Jubilee Concert. It was an absolutely fantastic performance from the band, with many flag-waving favourites like Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory, and Sing (which was written for the Diamond Jubilee by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber). The evening was finished off with the official Jubilee Song, Sweet Caroline. On Sunday, while the weather looked threatening, it didn’t dampen any spirits in the Town Hall. Great Torrington Town Council and the Town Hall organised a Jubilee Picnic, which was quickly rearranged inside ahead of the rain. Over 220 people made it into the building and squeezed into every room; even the landing area between rooms had tables. Torrington Silver Band entertained once again, with Rob Pudner as Master of Ceremonies, alongside Chris James providing amusement and bemusement with his magic tricks. Face painting and games were on offer and fun was had by all. It was great seeing so many residents getting involved with these events, and we are grateful to everyone who made it happen. If you want to get in touch with us about anything, please do! Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, 07495 367 801; cllr.cottle-hunkin@torridge.gov.uk Cllr Chris Bright, 07936 325 909; councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk

1st Torrington Scout Group

he Scouts had lots of fun at their visit to 1st Woolsery Scout Group. Several games were played before they made s’mores and learnt a Canadian campfire song. The following week they went for a night hike, from Torrington to Bideford along the Tarka Trail. They had plenty of fun, I think the fact they had chips at the end topped it off. The following week our community officer from the local police station visited and plenty of questions were asked: “what do you do in the community?”; “what do you enjoy most about your job?” and even “do you like doughnuts?”. They had a good evening and all learnt something new which is most important. During half term they had to set themselves a personal challenge for a badge they are working on, so hopefully parents will have nice clean houses from all the cleaning and tidying they said they were doing. Coming up in this half of the term, we have geocaching, rock pooling and Woolsery Scouts are visiting us. The Beavers are meeting every other week and have had a sports day which was good fun. There were lots of classics such as the egg and spoon race and the sack race, but there were also a few tricky challenges including water. They all had lots of fun and got involved; Beavers is a great place to start your scouting journey. Coming up soon we have trail making, cress heads and a beach trip. If you would like to join or help please contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon Whitear on jordon.whitear@gmail.com.

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The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive an initial consultation with physiotherapist Paul Watson, value £45. 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 Caroline Marden. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 14th July and the solution and winner will be in the August/September issue.

I am the sole owner of Active Rehab Physio in South Street Torrington, a fully qualified, fully insured physiotherapist with many years of experience gained in areas of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and rehabilitation. I have worked in various settings that include the NHS, Military, voluntary (Namibia), private and corporate. My focus is to work with you, to return to the activities that you enjoy the most, be it walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. You might be wanting to gain more movement through your everyday pursuits where you find yourself restricted. Perhaps, you have had a hip, knee or shoulder replacement and have found that the waiting list to be seen by the NHS is months away. I can help you with a tailored individual program within a few days of your contacting me. I can advise on work related positions adopted by some that result in stress and strain through your musculoskeletal system, treat and help to correct the antagonistic causes. Initial consultations last a full hour and follow ups for thirty minutes. During the initial stage we discuss the problem, explore your medical history briefly, your movement ranges are assessed, tested and other tests carried out. Based on the findings, which are discussed with you, a program is devised, that addresses the problems found. Currently, I am open all day Tuesdays Thursdays and Saturday mornings. I am flexible and can accommodate to see people in an evening if they so wish. Please see my advertisement within the Crier. Paul Watson, Active Rehab Physio

Market Place Musings

or many, the four days of Jubilee Celebrations were a welcome break from daily routines; what an amazing selection of events took place in and around Great Torrington. Street parties, fun days, fireworks and such brought out the best in community spirit from all quarters. It has been noticeable over the recent months that this sense of belonging is almost at the top of most home hunters’ search criteria. During the celebrations I met some purchasers moving up here from south in the county, who could not believe that this spirit still existed, they had come here for the celebrations to see it for themselves, and went away suitably upbeat! In their summer report just issued, the Guild of Property Professionals, of which Webbers is a member, states the UK property market is full of mixed messages. UK house prices are up 9.8% March 2021 vs March 2022; property sales are down 12.1% April 2021 vs April 2022; mortgage approvals are down 14.5% from March 2021 vs March 2022; new private homes completions are down 8.6% Q2 2020 vs Q2 2021 and gross mortgage lending is down 23.1% March 2021 vs March 2022. In the rental sector average rents are up 9.5% April 2021 vs April 2022. Dataloft, ONS UK HPI analysis (March 2022) show house prices have risen the most in the East Midlands at 12.4%, followed by Wales at 11.7%, the South East at 11.7%, and the South West of England comes next, level pegging with the East of England at 10.9%. Interestingly London, which is always

Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society

he summer programme of guided walks along the Rolle Canal continues in July, with Staple Vale to Beam Aqueduct. Our July walk starts at 2:30pm on Sunday 10th July from the old Torrington railway station (Puffing Billy). We will see where the canal was supplanted by the railway complex in the 1870s and where the Tarka Valley Railway is now working to restore a length of demonstration track alongside the Tarka Trail. Continuing northwards we follow the canal tow-path from Torrington Commons around the bottom of Furzebeam Hill, on a steep embankment as far as the canal basin at Beam House. From here, by kind permission of PGL Adventure Holidays, we get to walk on the Beam Aqueduct across the Torridge valley and also have photo opportunities of the iconic aqueduct and the alleged birthplace of Tarka the Otter (two options depending whether you believe the book or the film!). New feature this year: on the way back along the Tarka Trail we will embark on a new section of the walk on private land, guided by the very knowledgeable land owner, where we will walk along the old canal bed back to Staple Vale noting many interesting features. There is some rough ground so walking shoes are recommended. In all it should be little more than two miles, taking a bit over two hours, and even if you've been there before and bought the tee-shirt, the chances are you'll learn a bit more of the local history. The walk is led by volunteers of the Rolle Canal Society, and a donation of £2 towards the society's costs in maintaining the paths and organising work parties will be appreciated. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 10th July at the Puffing Billy on the A386 about a mile north of Great Torrington postcode EX38 8JD. If you require any further information please contact the walk organiser Ian Harrison (halehillfarm@gmail.com). seen as the goose that lays the golden egg, comes in last with house price growth at 4.8%, being beaten by all regions including Scotland and Northern Ireland. The report shows over 433,000 UK homes have changed hands in the first four months of 2022, making this the third busiest start to the year since 2007. More than 1 in 25 properties have changed hands across Devon in the past year, with East Devon, Teignbridge and Torbay currently being the most active

followed by Torridge. However Dataloft, ONS UK HPI data shows Torridge leading the county current annual rate of price change at 20.8% ahead of North Devon, Teignbridge and Cornwall. Over the coming months it will be interesting to see what the squeeze on personal finances does to the property market, for now both the rental and sales sector are holding up well, but there are signs in the distance that a return to a calmer market is coming. Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director

Save Money Save Water in Your Garden

ater resources in the UK are under pressure from climate change and population growth. Gardeners should therefore use mains water as sparingly as they can. Even in dry districts, 24,000 litres could be collected from the roof each year. However, most water falls in winter, and would have to be stored for use in summer. Our mains tap water in the UK is of the highest quality, but plants don’t need perfectly clean water. As gardeners, we can help to avoid hosepipe bans in the future by using our water resources wisely. A significant amount of energy and treatment are used to provide safe water to our homes, so using stored rainwater or grey water in your garden also lowers your carbon emissions. Use water from the kitchen, the washing machine or baths, basins and showers (grey water) to water your garden. Household soaps and detergents are harmless to plants, but water containing bleaches, disinfectants, dishwasher salt and stronger cleaning products should not be used, as they can harm plants and even damage soil structure if used

long-term on soil. Time when you water your plants Water your plants early in the day or late at night when it’s cooler, so your plants will retain more moisture and won't need watering as much. Use a watering can A hose pipe can use enough water to fill 12 baths every hour! Garden sprinklers and hose pipes can use between 500 and 1000 litres of water an hour. Increase the height of your grass Yes, that’s right, for a healthy lawn try not to cut it. When a lawn is allowed to

"Our mains tap water in the UK is of the highest quality, but plants don’t need perfectly clean water." grow, the roots reach deeper into the soil to give them a stronger foundation. It helps the grass stand strong, but it

also means they end up reaching more nutrients lower down in the soil. Meaning that when that downpour happens and sinks into the earth, your lawn is still able to reach it days later, allowing it to thrive longer. If you’re one for cutting your grass weekly, reduce this and save energy as well as time. Add mulch If you’re an avid gardener then you may already be investing in compost for your soil, but what about mulch? Mulch transformed the look and the health of our gardens a long time ago. It’s the perfect tool for locking in that moisture and slowly releasing it into your flower’s beds. Combining this with your selfwatering device and a water butt and you’ll need to sell your hosepipe! Plant drought resistant plants Purchasing flowers, bushes and houseplants that drink less is a great way to save yourself some water. It means during the summer months you won’t have to get the watering can out of the shed quite so much. Less maintenance and less water – a perfect combination! Collect water from flower pots Put a ‘saucer’ under your plant pots to collect the water that drains through. See Royal Horticultural Society site www.rhs.org.uk for more information.

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june events at the plough Sizzling Live Events this Summer at The Plough!

ur July programme is jam-packed with live events – both indoor and outdoor! Grab your tickets, sunnies and a low-back seat and enjoy our Open Air Theatre Festival! The open air season continues to deliver world class performances at beautiful venues across North Devon, until the end of August. There are pre-show workshops for 6-11 years for some performances. We have outdoor live music from legendary duo Show of Hands at The Big Sheep! For the 2022 festival season Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are returning to the duo format that launched their stellar careers over thirty years ago. Audiences will be treated to the usual ‘Show of Hands’ classics like ‘Cousin Jack’, rousing festival anthems, instrumental virtuosity and stunning harmonies from two masters of their craft. A special night in the open air is assured, for all who book early. Supporting the duo will be North Devon Singer-Songwriter Jenna Witts. The Plough will also host a diverse range of live music, with powerful performances from Budapest Café Orchestra, Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa, The Medicaments and Joey The Lips (supported by The Bone Idols). Keep an eye on our website for our latest film programme. We are very grateful to the following local businesses for their support: Marsdens Devon Cottages, Viva Violins, A & J Opticians, Brewer Harding and Rowe, Kingsley School, Pearce Homes, Duffy's Home Hardware, Aram Guitars, Jamaica Press, David Wilson Partnership, Clovelly Estates, Bond Oxborough Phillips, Xanadu Top Quality Greengrocers, Smytham Manor Holiday Park, Torrington Dental Practice, Rangemoors, Pee Wee’s Personal Homecare, Witten Park Vets, Tamar Trading Building Supplies, Westcountry Maintenance Services Ltd, Steve Gladwin Family Butchers, Webbers, Dartington Crystal, Dafforn and Son, South West Bouncy Castles, JAG Signs, The Bazeley Partnership, Mike Wye Associates, Hippy Motors, Fine Floral Design and Marshford Organic Foods. See our Crier diary for dates, or check out our website at www. theploughartscentre.org.uk for more details, or contact our Box Office on 01805 624624. See you soon! Your Plough Arts Centre

Visual Arts at The Plough

n July at The Plough Arts Centre we have a mixed show called ‘Olla Podrida’ which is a name for a dish containing a variety of unexpected ingredients. This exhibition contains work by artists who are all great in their own right, but very different. So the idea of exhibiting them together - instead of creating a themed show or finding a group of artists with similarities - is about looking for the kinds of differences that might show these individuals in a different light. Bill Stewart was a finalist in this year’s Contemporary British Painting prize, while Joff Winterhart's graphic novels have garnered multiple awards and one – ‘Days of Bagnold Summer’ - was recently made into a movie. Madeline Rolt and Myrtle Glanville are recent graduates from Falmouth and Camberwell respectively. Madeline Rolt works across multiple media and was the driving force behind the show ‘The Chorus of Faff’, which was at the Plough earlier in the year, while Myrtle Glanville's huge tapestry filled the cafe wall in January. Zara Idelson studied at Glasgow and the Slade, and has exhibited widely including in Geneva, Lugano, Basel, Berlin, Lucerne and London.

Fri 1 July until Sat 30 July Exhibition, Olla Podrida FREE Fri 1 July 8pm Live Music The Budapest Café Orchestra £17.50/£8 Under 16yrs Sat 2 – Sun 3 July 10am Workshop Rush Hat 2 Day Workshop at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £120 Sat 2 July 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre Illyria: The Pirates of Penzance at Clovelly Court £16 £14 Supporters 8.15pm Live Music Rosa Rebecka £10/£8 Supporters Mon 4 July 5.30pm Networking The Creatives’ Lounge FREE BUT PLEASE BOOK Tues 5 & 12 July 2pm Workshop Getting to know your camera £8 /£6 Supporter (per session) Wed 6 & 13 July 7.30pm Workshop Getting to know your camera £8 /£6 Supporter (per session) Thurs 7 July 6pm Live Outdoor Theatre The Pantaloons: Much Ado About Nothing at Castle Hill Filleigh £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s 7.30pm Storytelling Workshop at The Plough@StAnne’s Barnstaple £2 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Bideford Town (starts/finishes Bideford Library) £12 Fri 8 July 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre The Pantaloons: Much Ado About Nothing at Tapeley Park £13 / £11 Supporters / £10 U18s 8pm Live Music Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa £12/£10 Supporter 8pm Live Music End Of The Road at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £10/£8 Supporters Sat 9 July 10am Workshop Painting with Nature at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £50

8pm Live Music The Medicaments £10/£8 SupportersSun 10 July 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre The Pantaloons: Much Ado About Nothing at Clovelly Court £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s Thurs 14 & Fri 15 July 7pm Live – Plough Youth Theatre (Seniors) The Hound of the Baskervilles /The Falcon’s Malteser £7/£5 Supporters Thurs 14 July 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, River & Prison at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Sat 15 July 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre Illyria: The Pirates of Penzance at The Lodge, Eggesford £16/£14 Supporters Sat 16 July Live Music Joey The Lips + The Bone Idols £15 Advance/£20 on the door/10 tickets keyworkers at £7.50 Tues 19 July 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre The HandleBards: The Importance of Being Earnest at Tapeley Park £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s Tues 19 & Wed 20 July 7pm Live – Plough Youth Theatre (Juniors) The Wind in the Willows £7/£5 Supporters Thurs 21 July 7pm Live Satellite Theatre NT Live: Prima Facie (with Jodie Comer) £15/£12 Supporter 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothels at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 22 July 8pm Live Comedy Sally-Anne Hayward: Ever So Nice all tickets £13.50 Sat 23 July 10am – Sun 24 July Workshop Stone Carving for Improvers 2 day workshop at ThePlough@StAnne’s £110 + £40 materials Sat 23 July

5pm Live Outdoor Theatre BoxTree Productions: The Three Musketeers at Castle Hill Filleigh £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s 3pm Drama Workshop Three Musketeers at Castle Hill Filleigh 6-11yrs, £5 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre Cygnet Theatre: Twelfth Night at Brushford Barton nr.Winkleigh £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s 7.30pm Live Outdoor Music Show of Hands + Jenna Witts at The Big Sheep £27.50/£22.50 Supporter & Concs Sun 24 July 5pm Live Outdoor Theatre BoxTree Productions: The Three Musketeers at Hartland Abbey £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s 3pm Drama Workshop The Three Musketeers at Hartland Abbey 6-11yrs, £5 Tues 26 July 10am Networking Barnstaple Jelly South West Co-Working at ThePlough@StAnne’s FREE Wed 27 July 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Torrington Town (starts/finishes at The Plough) £12 Thurs 28 July 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, Workhouse Tales at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 Fri 29 July 5.30pm Live Outdoor Theatre BoxTree Productions: The Three Musketeers at Castle Drogo (NT) £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre British Touring Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor at Blackberry Farm, Milton Damerel £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s Sat 30 July 7pm Live Outdoor Theatre British Touring Shakespeare: Dracula at Brushford Barton nr. Winkleigh £13/£11 Supporters/£10 U18s

Captain Eustace Gilbert Bowhay

ustace was the son of Albert and Edith (formerly Wood) Bowhay, who were from a prestigious Cornish family of the time. Albert’s profession in the 1891 census is recorded as “registered medical practitioner”, although in actual fact he was a surgeon. The family hailed from the Calstock area of Cornwall, sometimes listed as Gunnislake, which is within a stone’s throw. Eustace was born in 1890, two years after his elder brother, Reginald Claude, in 1888. The 1891 census shows that the household is made up with two servants. By 1901, although the family were still resident at Calstock, the two brothers were being educated away from home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent and attended the Skinner’s School in the town. The lads’ boarding was at 133 St Johns Road, Tonbridge, which they shared with nine other boarders and three schoolmasters. De Ruvingy’s Roll of Honour (1914 – 1918) provides us with some helpful information on Eustace’s life from here onward. It begins by noting that whilst at the school, Eustace held the rank of Corporal in the Cadet Corps. Eustace

"Mr Heale faced a charge of threatening behaviour via a letter sent to local gamekeeper, Mr Wivell. The case ended with a sobbing Mr Heale owning up to sending the letter and being spared a month’s hard labour by his employer standing him the required security." would continue his studies into his twenties. At the age of 20 we find him boarding at Woburn Place in London, although further details of his studies are unknown, although bearing in mind his later work, it is likely he studied law. Eustace was admitted in July 1912 and would return to the West country to practise as a solicitor based in Great Torrington. There are a number of references from newspaper records of the time of his appearances in court. An example of the relatively low level cases he dealt with would be acting as the prosecution against Mr Alfred Heale in February 1914. Mr Heale faced a charge of threatening behaviour via a letter sent to local gamekeeper, Mr Wivell. The case ended with a sobbing Mr Heale owning up to sending the letter and being spared a month’s hard labour by his employer standing him the required security. Whilst living in the town, he also held the positions of Clerk to the Borough Justices and Steward of the Town of

Alms Land. However, it would be his military positions that would help us understand his rise through the ranks. Having joined the 5th Territorial Battalion (Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry) as a 2nd Lieutenant, Eustace was later promoted to Lieutenant attached to the 6th Territorial Battalion (Devonshire Regiment) on 27th December 1913. As was common at the time, Eustace was mobilised in August 1914 with the 6th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. He was enlisted at the rank of Lieutenant but shortly after promoted to Captain in October of the same year. The unit was immediately stationed in India with the further intention of operating in the Mesopotamian theatre, which they left Lahore for on 28th December 1915. I will continue Eustace’s story in the next edition of The Crier. Michael Newcombe, michael. mnewcombe@gmail.com

A Parkinson’s Cafe opens in Torrington.

new social and support meeting has started up in Torrington. It has been set up especially for people with Parkinson’s, and any members of their family, friends or carers that they choose to bring with them, and is run by volunteers from the Northern Devon Branch of Parkinson’s UK. We aim to provide a space for chat and questions, to exchange ideas for coping with symptoms of the illness, and to find or offer support, encouragement, and friendship. The owner of Fork n’Feast ( previously 1646 cafe) off South Street car park has kindly agreed for us to meet there on the second Tuesday of the month at 10.30am. Do come and join us and you will find a warm welcome and lots of cake. Further details from Pamela Harrison 01805 804025.

On the 1 April 2022, two pupils, accompanied by Mrs Savage, represented Great Torrington School at the MFL Speaking Competition at Pilton Community College. The competition required pupils to stand up in front of a room full of judges, pupils and teachers and speak in a foreign language. It is a very brave thing to do, and all pupils performed well. Dominic Hussey (Year 8) spoke in German in the Near-Native category and Lucy Beer (Year 9) spoke in French in the NonNative category. Both spoke extremely well, and Dominic was a runner up. Thanks to Lucy’s excellent knowledge of geography and ﬂags, we also won the trivia quiz. We are very proud of them both!

e arrived at Pilton to be greeted by lots of friendly faces. Everyone was very welcoming and it was very exciting to be there with all of these very talented people. When they all started speaking it was very inspiring and interesting to hear what everyone had to say and how developed they all were. It was very scary standing up there but it felt good and I was very proud of myself for speaking. It was a very interesting experience and I would love to do it again. Well done to everyone who competed as it’s very nerve wracking to be up there but In Religion, Philosophy everyone tried their best and it was a great day! and Ethics, Year 9 have Lucy Beer, Year 9 been debating this complex

e arrived at Pilton Community college for the MFL language competition. When we met in reception we were welcomed by friendly competition. After a while we were led to the competition hall, we were given refreshments and got to know some of the other competitors. We were introduced to the day and the competition began; you could see the fright in people’s eyes but due to the high support from the other groups it helped a lot when I was up. I was so nervous it overtook me I went up to do the speech, the support was making the experience amazing. During the breaks we were entertained by music and live performances. When the awards ceremony arrives, everyone was nervous slowly the award for my category arrived they announced the runner ups my name was called I was excited I collected my award and sat back down. I continued supporting all the other winners. Everyone was so friendly, and it was mostly about the experience not the award. Dominic Hussey, Year 8

statement in relation to The Holocaust. ‘It would be better to focus on bad things happening in our world today than on an event from eighty years ago.’ Here is Ruby’s thoughtful response:

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ome people would agree with the statement that we should focus on what is happening in the world today because the past is the past. We cannot change it. For example, we cannot go back in time and create world peace before the wars, what has happened cannot be changed. Another reason is that by looking into the future the world can progress, making it a safer and healthier place to live. If we focus on climate issues, for example, we will have a greater chance to save the world. A final reason to agree is because the Holocaust happened over seventy five years ago and some would say that it is irrelevant to us today. However, many people would argue that it is important to understand our past in order to learn what our ancestors went through and where we came from. It can also help to shape the future if we learn from our mistakes and try not to repeat them again. Finally, those who died dreamed of a brighter future and should be remembered and honored. It is simple respect. I think that it is important to respect those who died in the Holocaust. Fate dealt them a terrible blow and they dreamt of a future that they could not have. Focusing on the future is important but not as important as knowing where we came from and what others had to go through. Despite everything, the survivors still dreamt of a future and many of them achieved amazing things. That is inspiring to me and should not be forgotten. Ruby Tucker, Year 9

Last month, we featured two amazing pieces of creative writing from Year 10 pupils in response to the brief ‘describe life as you imagine it in 200 years’ time’. I loved the structure of this one by Summer: This Could’ve Been The Future…

ilence… Streets were empty, devoid of life. This was the unwanted future. Crumbled Jagged roads filled with dust intertwined with each other to the point you wouldn’t know which was which. The air was musty and still yet ominously present as if someone was always looming over you and watching. The smell of polluted dusty air infiltrated the surroundings as all you would see is destruction and decay. This was 2222. The sky was still a soft blue yet almost tinted by the dust with elegant clouds swimming across. However, it would never be the same. Where you would have heard or seen children and adults walking and playing along the neatly arranged paths and alleys, there was now silence and pollution. Old parks were now abandoned, rusted and broken since there were no people to keep it up. You would still faintly hear the echoes of shouting and playing that would have taken stand there, however it would soon be drowned out by the overgrowing silence once again. Deep brown rust markings were lain about every street as if it were all an abstract art project. Rays of light often peered through crumbling cracks in nearby walls, waiting to feel and come into contact with people again. It was all barren. Shops lay tranquil but ruined as they were unwanted and unused, longing for a customer to arrive. Yet technology had already taken over old jobs, so they just sat empty of importance, longing for life.

If you were to take a peek into one of these distressed buildings or shops you would find it shrouded in decay and dust. Torn newspapers or magazines, flies swatting around dingy mouldy rotten food items all lain out in disarray along the dusty floor tiles. Empty shelves hung high on fading walls, rusty cash registers laying still and stiff upon old hollow wood, broken shattered windows allowing the slightest breeze to escape into the room lifting piles of dust along the floor. Flickering lights would hum as they couldn’t decide whether to be on or off. Suffocating foul stenches filled the room. An alternate future would have shown shades of emerald greens laid upon the outside ground like a soft blanket on the floor. The soft emerald blades would reflect the bright rays which would catch and brush against the people and other life with its warm touch. Rich blue shades and tones of light would be filling the sky as the sounds of tweets and whistles would also come from above where birds would be dancing in the sky. Voices of every kind would be filling the broken present silence. Shops being filled with people bustling to buy what was on sale in the gleaming windows filling any empty space in the shop with sunlight. Children playing in bright breezy parks, shouting and wailing with delight as the smell of fresh air would fill everyone’s lungs. This could have been the future, but it was not. Summer Pateman, Year 10

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reddie here – yes I am back! I missed last month as it was just so busy at the kennels I didn’t have a moment to get to the computer to give you all the news. It was really nice the other day when walking on the Common, four people stopped and asked if I was alright as they had missed me! May and June has seen the start of our dog shows, and a big thank you has to go out to all our volunteers who came and helped run the events which, as well as providing a great means of socialising all the dogs, helps raise much-needed funds. We have loads of events still to come and are desperate for more volunteers to help run them. Aunty Lynne gets lots of requests to come to the centre and help walk the dogs, but helping run the events is where help is really needed. So if you have any spare time please do email or message via our Facebook page and come and join our team – it is fun! Some of you may remember our event last year at Castle Hill House, everyone said how much they enjoyed it and we are so pleased to have been invited back by Lord and Lady Aran. The event is on 11th September 2022 and once again will incorporate a fun run around the grounds, so now is the time to start training. If anyone wants to make it a sponsored run then please email us.

depending on the season, m Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rolle Canal & Northern Saturday 13th TarkaDevon Valley Railway News flowering at the of the w Rev Stephen Hill 6.30pm Rev Ken Advice Surgery with The good weather on our working timeGeoffrey Waterways Society Guided Walk The start of the walk is4 Morgan for an appointment ring 01237 day programme has continued as spring moves new season's The The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter of Kiln,to on the Weare Giffard email tellgeoffrey@geoffreyco th into summer of visitors Sunday walks starts onand 26 the number Day Saintsafternoon meet @ Bideford College Halfpenny Bridge, at 2. website www.geoffreycox.co.uk May with visit to EX39 the railway site theincreased, the resulting Abbotsham Rd,aBideford, 3AR ofhas Coffee Morning in aidThe of Wemb distan Sunday 26th May. Inclined Plane at Ridd. This is boost the to in a at welcome shop a@ sales. Sunday Sacrament service 11.50amChurch Chulmleigh Town Hal over mile but with plenty place where the Rolle Since Canal my last report,cakes, almost £500 has 1pm produce, draw is prizes app and discuss likely Another thank you to Bideford Bike Show was'Hitchcock' raised up(12A) about3pm 43 feet Film @added The to funds.Major been We have a great Walker MCofCeremony couple hours. A@d who once again put on Plough a from spectacular the valley floorselection near Memorial 11am of merchandise in the new(see £2 to article) the Rol Weare Giffard to a level show at the end of May,Film raising 'Argo'over (15) 7pm @shop. The Plough Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4.30pm Society's funds Comedy 'Russell Kane' @The Devon Hall to re-sleeper in thebetween side of the valley £5000, which is being shared Doug 01805 622648 or Beryl 018 project the track appreciated an 8pm thatiscould 624294 four charities, one of which ours. be Lisamaintained behind the Puffing Billy has nowenable been the Societ all throughout the way inland to the Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30pm and her team work so hard volunteer work completed. The panels are all in placeHigh Bickington Cinema head weir 8th at Rosemoor. the year for many localMonday charities. promote and maintain all that remains is some final fettling. Historical Society & Talksseen 'Beam Music Coope Boyes & Simpson Many charities people AGM will have We are still hearing that many thePlough Rolle Canal. Brake van restoration It Future walk House & Quay' & John Oatway The continues. this site on previous walks but this year throughout the UK are struggling, as June, 28th July will be deal 16th of is a slow process and a great Torrington Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @ there been developments over the requests to take dogs in arehave ever August. further details i workitstill team is For working Methodist Church Sunday 14th the winter that will make wellremains. worth a The email: hassallc@ymail.com increasing, unfortunately many of the Film 'Wreck it Ralph' (PG) 2pm @ The but more volunteers are needed Torrington Methodist Church 1 repeat visit. The hard Heritage Lottery 01237 but you'llMrs pro dogs have issues, which means they Plough Peter425357, Whatton 6.30pm to bringproject this 60-year-old wagon back to funded ‘Life's Journey’ has Rev to leave a message. Film 'Argo' (15) 5pm @life. The Plough need training and cannot be homed produced a new pathway from the Sheriff Ch Film (12A) 8pm @ The Plough quickly. Here at K9Focus we'Lincoln' still have Church 10am Sun Ourbottom loco Progress hasMichael’s been able to Tarka Trail down to the of the St. Ignatius Sunday Club in upper ro our lovely Cagney and Lacey, who have Inclined Plane where two illustrated move a short distance following repair Tuesday 9th Film 'The Sessions' (15) 3pm & Our Hedgehogs Need You no issues at all, and have been with information boards have installed work.been We are now entering a phase Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough The Hedgehog Plough Awareness We us since Christmas. They are beautiful to describe the saltmarsh habitat by where some limited stock movement Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 8pm @ The way but why wait until then well-mannered ladies who areTorridge desperate the and the workings and is required to make better use of our Plough Monday help? As 15th spring is here to adopt a human – do check out our purpose of the Rolle Canal. Itspace. is now available Therefore, we to Singing for need Fun 7.30-8.30pm and hopefully the weather@ website at www.k9focus.co.uk, where possible to gain a far better site ready and Wednesday 10thmake vehicles and the Bickington improvesCommunity our spikyCentre friends of Said theMass lay-out there is a video of them. ItMichael's would beChurch this will be the and focus Mini ofwill our activities. Stunderstanding 8.30am Mover Dance Session for be up and about again. of the inclined plane boat lift 9.30-10.30am lovely to see them in their in workings Stforever James home Chapel @ Bickington Com A further reminder for your diary our It’s been an extremely tough than wasW.Ipreviously theHall case. for the summer. Torrington @ Methodist 7pm The Centre150 years gala weekend celebrating winter for them. Th upper basin of the canal at the top of Film 'I Wish' (PG) 8pm since @ Thethe Plough Hopefully we will enjoy some good original line was opened is

changeable and wet weath the inclineif has been cleared of scrub Tuesday 16th weather this month but remember planned for August 6th andmade 7th from has it difficult for many sufficiently enable the outline of its 'Hearing Thursday for You' Social group f you are hot, then us dogs are even to11th 10am-5pm. Many attractions and them to find food or hiberna banks to be clearly seen, and the way hard of hearing. Every 3rd Tues St Michael's Church Said Mass hotter! If we are fortunate enough to activities planned. over the past months so man the railway subsequently cutare through The Bickford Centre call 01271 10.30am in St followed by have a blistering July then please doJames Chapel weakClub and needBickington help. If you Please see our Facebook page the northern destroying the top of Youth High Com cellend, try the pavement test –Walsingham if it is too hot toin vicarage you had aOur resident weekly updates photos. Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm @ The the incline. This for canal basin now and Centre for 11+ @ 5-7pmhedgeh keep you hand on the pavement area last year don’t fo website has much information, Badminton Clubplease 7pm Juniors 8 Plough supportsfor anfive increasing population of historical seconds, then it is too hot for us! a bowl of water and some fo @involved Bickington Community Theatre Multi Storey: & and The how (a videos you Adults can get Early Purple OrchidBeauty and Twayblade Sending woofs and licks as2pm always and them, it inside a feed Cribbage pairs competition @T Beast @ The Plough asorchid) we are always forplacing new green flowered which,looking I will be back next month with more news Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The wwwtarkavalleyrailway.org. Arms 8pm volunteers, Film 'Cloud (15) 7pm @ T Plough note early start for long film Martin, Tarka and updates. Robert Valley Atlas' Railway Plough note early start for long f Freddie CRIER COPY DEADLINE for Wednesday Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist 17th ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon St Michael's Church Said Mass today pleaseWorks  Damp Surveys & Remedial ee James Chapel inFrSt

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Creating a Wildlife Pond

Rosemoor Live!

Join us for a fantastic line up of events this summer. BOOK NOW: rhs.org.uk/rosemoorlive The Fleetwood Mac Songbook - Sat 2 Jul GK Gospel Choir - Sun 3 Jul Jo Thompson - Wed 6 Jul Musical Bingo - Fri 8 Jul The South - Sat 9 Jul Devon Opera - Wed 27 Jul 3 Daft Monkeys & Wilderland - Fri 23 Sep Ceilidh Night - Sat 24 Sep Festival of Roses Sat 18 Jun – Sun 17 Jul Experience the colour and fragrance of thousands of roses in bloom. Summer Holidays: The Great Garden Adventure Sat 23 Jul – Sun 4 Sep Enjoy outdoor adventures for all the family. Vintage Weekend Sat 30 – Sun 31 Jul Join us for a celebration of all things vintage. For more information about events at RHS Garden Rosemoor, please visit our website: rhs.org.uk/gardens/ rosemoor/whats-on

reating a wildlife pond gives a new dimension to your garden; from a container pool to a lake, many creatures will benefit and you will have endless pleasure spotting the colonising wildlife. If you have small children, make a bog garden, container pool or a bubble fountain like the one we have in the model gardens at Rosemoor. Birds love to perch on the rock to drink and bathe in the bubbling water. If your children are older, then a small wildlife pond will provide an opportunity to learn about the plants and creatures that inhabit a watery environment and have fun at the same time. Make your pond as large as possible and don’t forget to make a shallow slope into the pond, to allow easy access to drink for creatures from bugs and bees to hedgehogs. It also provides an escape route in case of accidents. A small pond has to be carefully planted, as many water plants are quite thuggish and will soon take over, so you will need to do some research. Try to make the planting on one side of the pond quite dense as this will provide cover for your wildlife. Water plants thrive in different depths of water; some like to be in shallow water or mud at the margins such as marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), others prefer it a bit deeper at 5-15cm, for example irises, and others need to go still deeper at 30cm, including great water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica). Any water will attract wildlife, even our modern water garden; the Cool Garden attracts a myriad of wildlife including mayflies, damselflies, frogs and water beetles. Jo Thompson, the designer of this innovative garden, will be giving a talk on 6 July; see our website for details. A wildlife pond is easy to make, quick to establish and a wonderful addition to any garden. Take a look at our website for advice (rhs.org.uk/advice) on creating and planting a new pond and why not make it a summer project to be enjoyed by all ages? Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer Planting a pond ©RHS/Tim Sandall Pool in the Cool Garden ©RHS/Tim Sandall

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