Torrington Crier June 2020

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June 2020 The Crier is produced 10 times a year on behalf of the community, by The Crier Community Interest Company.

5900 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district.

A Portrait of Torrington Artist's appeal to borrow back portraits of local characters from 20 years ago! Do you have one? See page 5 Pictured: Muriel Bond & Cathy Weeks

by Shan Miller

Win plants worth £30!

Win our prize crossword & get out gardening!

Take your pick from perennials, basket plants or vegetables from Tina Hodgson

Help Your Commons

Join the Great Torrington Commons ‘365 Supporters Group’

Coronavirus support updates Find the local businesses that can help YOU Grant funding advice Support for local groups Community thanks...

H J WARD AGRICULTURE LTD

Your local family run merchant for supplies of: Animal feed•Solid Fuel•Pet Food•Wild Bird Seed Peat & Compost•Horse Feed•Shavings Sand & Chippings•Cement Cash ‘n’ Carry & Local Deliveries Give us a call or come in and see us Dolton Beacon, Winkleigh•Telephone 01805 804274

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Read The Crier Online

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

Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?

Contact us...

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

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

Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All adverts are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please.

Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk Town Distribution: Matt Joy Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton

About The Crier...

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer:

The Crier does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, legality or reliability of any information, product or service represented within our publication or on our web site. The information provided is for informational, educational or entertainment purposes only.

Anyone using the information provided by The Crier, does so at their own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify The Crier from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.

The Crier does not endorse or recommend any product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to The Crier belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Crier or its team.

Website links from The Crier or its website are provided for convenience only. The Crier is not responsible for the content or availability of any external or 3rd party sites and does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information found on these sites.

All aspects of hard & soft landscaping undertaken CWB serve North and Mid-Devon and are proud to offer a quality service covering: All aspects of Brickwork, Patios, Fencing, Tree Work, Decking & Driveways, at reasonable prices Fully insured & we offer a free quotation & design service CWB undertake small and large projects to suit all budgets 2

Find us on Facebook CWB Landscaping

Call Christien NOW on 07756 649 514

If you would like to say thank you to anyone in our community, please email torrington.crier@gmail.com or message our Facebook page @torringtoncrier. If you don't have access to the internet, please call 01805 603152.

Thank You…

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’d like to thank the kind person who found my watch, which I had lost whilst walking on the Commons, and made sure it was safely returned to me. I was upset to find it had slipped off my wrist and so retraced my steps in an attempt to find it. However, I had no luck so posted details on Facebook.

I was overjoyed to receive a response; someone had found the watch and placed it on a bench near the bowling green. I hurried out early the following morning to find the watch exactly where described; miraculously it was still going after a night in the rain! I am so grateful to the person who found it, made sure it was returned to me and who wouldn’t accept a gift or reward. Instead I have made a donation to the Commons Conservators. Many thanks.

Kathryn

It’s the Simple Things that Mean the Most!

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s someone who likes to quietly share joy, she won’t be particularly happy with me for giving her a ‘Covid 19 heroine shout out’ – but I’ll take the rap!

Massive thanks to Jo Diamond, who has been sharing so much lockdown joy in our community. Jo has been baking and delivering cakes to lots of people in Torrington, dropping off little packages of scrumptious home-baked cakes to friends and strangers. The Tattersall family have been lucky recipients of Jo’s wonderful act of kindness, as have many others of our townsfolk.

Thanks Jo, you be a proper maid!

The Tattersalls

Incredible People

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huge thank you should go out to Mrs Yvonne Broadhurst for spending hour after hour making very large bags out of cloth on her sewing machine, which gave up after making 85 for the hospital. These are for staff to put their belongings in.

With her back and arm aching, ‘rest oh no!’, she then started shopping, collecting medicines, and doing some gardening work for elderly neighbours. Did I mention this lady is ONLY 80 years old!!

We are all very lucky to be living in Torrington, with such incredible people.

L. J. Gray

Grateful Thanks

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received a green paper from the post person; I telephoned one of the councillors in my area. She listened. She put me in touch with a lovely person who just rings once a week to chat.

I have just moved to the area, at Christmas 2019. I had only begun to make fresh friends. That green piece of paper that came via our post person was so brilliant. Thank you Torrington Council.

Thank you doctors and nurses and refuge collectors.

We are glad we moved, I mourned losing my garden, so many things about city life, but we are here now keeping safe.

Not exactly a poem just a smile and thanks to whichever God or gods we worship day by day.

Maria

Thank You For Helping Me

To the couple with children who saw me fall, called an ambulance and assisted in my rescue on the Commons at about 5.30pm on Tuesday 12th May. Thank you.

Trisha Martin

Ponies Need a Home in Torrington!

My horse & small pony need new accommodation due to present yard of 6yrs closing down Pasture not needed – rough paddock, scrub land, redundant cattle yard, woodland all suitable.

I am a friendly, experienced owner with CRB check/ references practising Natural Horsemanship.

Horses are unshod, well behaved, love sheep & other animals. Share them with suitable person/s considered Tel: 0797 687 7985 / 01805 624726 3

Torrington Library News

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e may be closed but library staff are working hard behind the scenes.

Follow us on our Facebook page #TorringtonLibraryDevon, for information of our online services and regular updates and activities run by us and other libraries.

We are maintaining our Saturday library activity clubs - Lego and craft - on alternate weeks, so check in for the weekly theme and join in, sharing creations on our page, this is a bit of family fun. Our Facebook page also has a Book Chat group so why not check it out.

Join the Digital Library You can join the library online by visiting Devonlibraries.org.uk.

Once you have completed the online joining form, you will be given a temporary library card number which will enable you to access our digital library immediately.

As, and when our libraries re-open, we will process all temporary memberships registered during the closure period and we will issue a library card to you.

If you already have a library card but require the PIN for your account you can click on the 'Forgot PIN' option to get a PIN reset sent to your registered email address.

The Devon Libraries Bunting Project One day this will all be over. When it is, we at Devon Libraries want to celebrate... and what community event would be complete without swathes of colourful bunting!?

So, we are asking our locked-down library friends to help us create bunting flags for the library.

Whilst the libraries have been closed to the public during the Coronavirus lockdown it has been easy enough for us to engage with some of our service users online. We are currently running book groups, Lego clubs and creative challenges via library social media accounts. We are also offering free e-books and audio books, online magazines and access to music, Ancestry Library Edition, Medici.TV and online reference resources for all library members via the Devon Libraries website.

Many people rely on libraries for social interaction. For many older and isolated customers we have been a friendly voice at the end of the telephone in recent weeks. Our staff have been in regularly contact with our most vulnerable customers providing information, support and calling for a friendly chat.

However, apart from phone calls to our customers, we are finding it difficult to interact with those who are not internet users. Our bunting project is a way of helping everyone feel a part of the community under lockdown and for us all to look forward to a brighter (bunting decorated) future.

How to make your bunting: We are asking contributors to make triangular flag bunting with dimensions of 5” across the top and 6” from the top to bottom. You can use any fabric, single or double layered, in any colour and sew, glue or staple depending on your level of skill!

Once the lockdown is lifted and we reopen you can deliver your bunting flags to your local library. If you are housebound just give your library a call and they will arrange for a volunteer to come and collect the flags from you.

Your local library in Devon is managed by Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries. The Bunting Project is just one of the activities in the wide Libraries Unlimited cultural offering.

For further information and full contact details for your local library please visit our web page https://www.devonlibraries.org.uk/ web/arena.

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Cavaliers Column Chapter 4

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hat a weird time we’re going through. Usually May Fair and Carnival is the busiest time of the year for The Cavaliers, and I’m sure we all feel a bit empty, albeit perhaps a bit more relaxed and certainly not struggling with hangovers and the after effects! We did miss the traditional Black Horse breakfast on May Fair morning, along with collecting the staging, helping with the chairs, doing the dance and entertaining the afternoon crowds. Bigger and better next time eh?

A number of Cavalier families did brighten their homes with bunting and gorse, and staged their own lockdown carnival events and this, coupled with flags and messages to commemorate VE day, did help the mood around the town.

And well done everyone who entered into the spirit.

Obviously The Mayflower has shown no progress since early March and the boys are itching to resume boat building duties. Once lockdown restrictions are lifted there will be an enormous amount of work to do, not only on the construction, but behind the scenes too. Steve Blake (project leader) has his hands full re-arranging so many things that were all scheduled and in place for this August, such as stewards, car parking, park and ride system, VIP invites and various method statements for the authorities to name just a few.

Nick Hallam (secretary) has also been busy with regard to PA systems, wide screen TV and publicity etc. with chairman, Mark Keely, doing his best to glue it all together. Difficult times!

Personally, I am quite pleased that the extra year will mean more time to play boats (boys with toys!) and the chance to meet and greet many more visitors to site which is always a joy.

Hopefully there will be some more positive news next time.

Lots more information can be found on our website www.torrington-cavaliers and we would welcome your feedback.

“All for one and one for all”.

Ace

News from the Town Hall

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lthough the Town Hall is closed, I’m still working from home, taking bookings, planning events, looking at funding opportunities etc. and can be contacted at any time on 07971 696 192. I’d particularly like to hear from you if there are any events/ workshops etc. you’d like to see at the Town Hall. We are already planning some more great Bingo sessions with our hosts, John Kelly and Sue Mills.

Torrington’s BIGGEST County Fair (date tbc post lockdown) Many thanks to those who’ve already responded to our call for volunteers, to help make this a wonderful community event. We now have offers of help for the horticultural show, dog show and barn dance. If you would like to get involved, or have any ideas you’d like to contribute, please email townandcommunityhall@gmail.com or ring me on 07971 696 192. We would love to hear any ideas you have, and also receive any more offers to help.

Pop-up Shops Thanks to all our Town Hall Titans for helping with our regular Pop-up Shops, and to the very generous donations of stock from people in town. All monies raised from these events go toward the upkeep and maintenance of our Hall, and we are grateful for all support. If you are having a lockdown clear out and have any items of quality clothing bric-a-brac etc. please let me know and I can arrange collection.

Town Hall Memories Exhibition We are hoping to stage an exhibition of Town Hall Memories, and would be enormously grateful if you have any old photos or stories you would like to share. We can photocopy your pictures and type up your stories.

May Fair This month, May Fair was still at the hearts of Torritonians, and no pandemic was going to get in the way of displaying how important the day is to the town.

Since the usual festivities had to be cancelled, many resourceful residents

Portrait of Torrington circa 1999

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he Plough Arts Centre is to host a retrospective exhibition of Shan Millers’ ‘A Portrait of Torrington’, from 11th September until 10th October (pending Covid-19 outcomes). Shan is asking for anyone who has one of the portraits to please get in touch, as she is looking to borrow back the portraits for the duration of the exhibition – everyone will get them back!

Can it really be 20 years since the (bald!), bold and beautiful eccentrics of Torrington were so expertly captured by the maverick paintbrush of Torrington’s own artist Shan? There were 24 portraits in total, hopefully most will come back to thrill and amuse as they did all those years ago!

A photographic archive of the private view will accompany the works, perhaps you’ll be in them?!

There will be a private opening held on Friday 11th September, all being well, and Shan hopes to see you all there!

If you have one of the portraits, please get in touch with Shan on 07934 688 964 or 01805 624384.

Tributes Paid to Harold Martin

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hung bunting and created fantastic maypole displays in their gardens and in windows; a real treat for passersby. Others used social media to share pictures of May Fairs gone by. The Torrington Silver Band created videos of them playing May Fair music (which was recorded individually from their homes).

There was even an online virtual May Fair! There was definitely still a buzz in the air.

Anne Tattersall

ributes have been paid to former Councillor, Harold Martin, who has sadly passed away.

Harold Martin represented the Two Rivers Ward as a District Councillor for four years, from 2011 to 2015 where he sat on the Council's Audit and Governance, Plans and Standards Committees. Harold was a current serving Parish Representative on Torridge's Standards Committee and was also vice Chair of Torrington Area Advisory Group, as well as a previous Mayor of Great Torrington.

Councillor Rosemary Lock - Two Rivers & Three Moors said: “Harold was an invaluable member of the plans committee and always contributed well at committee. More recently since the ward reorganisations I have seen him at Yarnscombe Parish Council meetings where again he was an active member.

He was a true gentleman and was always happy to help others.”

The flag at Riverbank House will be flying at half-mast out of respect.

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Ebberley Escapes B&B and Holiday Cottage

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Torrington RFC

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opefully, this brief bulletin finds you all

well?

As with so much currently, there is not too much to report. We are still waiting for the go ahead to start any form of rugby. Be it training or even just a squad meeting.

The committee continues to be in touch with each other through social media or Zoom video meetings.

The only thing of note to have taken place was a proposal to rejig our league. Last season there were 11 teams in the league, next season there will be 14 teams. The proposal was to either split the league into two smaller leagues of seven teams: a north and east - Ilfracombe to Exeter, and a south and west - Dartmouth to Plymouth, or play as one whole league of 14. After discussion with players, the committee and our incoming Head Coach, a vote was taken and it was decided we would prefer to play in the 14-team league.

This decision was relayed to our league secretary, and we discovered that the majority of clubs had also opted for the 14-team league.

It would seem, however, that due to the delayed start to next season there will not be enough time available to play all those matches. We await our fate.

Stay Alert: Control The Virus: Save Lives Respect Discipline Enjoyment Sportsmanship Teamwork.

C’mon Torrie!

Mark Waterson

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Tel: 01769 561119 Facebook/IG: @ebberleyescapes

Recommended Reads

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elcome to all 'bookworms' during this difficult time of self-isolation, or even just miserable weather. For the next few months we are going to use this column in the Crier to talk about books that I have read, and that you might like to read too.

The first author that I am going to introduce is Abir Mukherjee, a young man who grew up in Scotland but now lives in London.

Abir writes crime fiction and the book that I have just read is his first novel "A Rising Man".

The scene of this gripping detective story is Calcutta, India, the year 1919 at the time of the British Raj. Our hero is Captain Sam Wyndham, a dashing young policeman fresh off the boat from London, and his sergeant 'Surrender not' Banerjee, an altogether richer and better educated young Indian officer.

This ex-pat world of petty jealousies, boredom and violence is very well drawn giving an interesting and intelligent portrait of Imperial India. The victim, found stabbed in an alley, was a 'Sahib' an aide to the Lieutenant Governor, murdered in a city of a million Bengalis with nothing better to do than talk revolution. Our hero is having to learn that the British Army is not as honest and upright as they would like to portray themselves, and the year 1919 was the year of the Amritsar Massacre, so politics and crime combine... on top of all this Captain Wyndham has his own personal problems to contend with (I won't spoil the plot by telling you what they are).

This is an interesting author who has just released his fourth novel with this detective duo, and if you enjoy it as much as I did you may want to try another, I know I will.

I am sure you are all members of our wonderful local library, and if you can't find any of the books recommended on the shelves, they can be ordered for a small donation. As soon as we all get back to normal. All stay safe.

Bookworm

Torrington Community Foodbank There to Help

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he Torrington Community Foodbank would like to say a big thank-you to the people who have continued to support us, both with food donations and those who have donated money in lieu of goods, as they are self-isolating. It is, I am sure you will agree, a very difficult time and some of you may be struggling financially due to not being able to work. Please, if you are in that situation the Foodbank can help; you do not need to be referred, just come to the Baptist Church in New Street, we are open on Tuesday and Saturday, 10am -12noon we are there to help.

The Foodbank Team

Now open for pre arranged collections & deliveries

The Crier is delighted to be supporting our local businesses through Coronavirus, so many of them are going over and above to help our community at this difficult time. It has definitely shown just how important they all are.

As always, please Think Local wherever possible and support those who support you.

HJ Ward’s Agriculture Supplies

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J Ward Agriculture is a friendly family run local business based at Dolton Beacon, Winkleigh.

The business was originally started by Jim Ward in 1949 and is continued today by two of his sons, Martyn and Andrew.

It is still primarily an agriculturally based business and as such, has remained open and well stocked during the lockdown to enable them to provide essential supplies to all their customers.

Wards have welcomed the additional custom they have seen in recent times, and have done their best to assist customers obtaining their necessary supplies, whilst at all times adhering to government guidelines for the safety of their staff and customers.

Martyn and Andrew aim to offer an excellent personal service and competitive prices. Their many years’ experience as merchants has given them a wealth of knowledge which enables them to give you good advice when choosing from a wide range of pet food; wild bird seed; composts; solid fuel; sand, chippings and cement; horse feed and shavings and animal feed.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

01805 804274 hjward49@hotmail.co.uk

To Our Valued Customers

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n accordance with Government guidance, Tamar Trading Company temporarily closed all its branches at short notice on Tuesday 24th March 2020, in order to protect the safety and health of staff, customers and their families during the outbreak of Coronavirus.

We have been planning to ensure that, when the decision to re-open is taken, we could do so as safely and efficiently as possible whilst observing Government PHE guidelines, along with the necessary social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures, required to meet the new operating procedures we have put in place.

We are pleased to announce that we have now reopened our branches for trade, albeit on a limited basis initially. We shall be prioritising orders and deliveries for customers whose work is essential for public health and safety. Additionally, we shall look to support everyone in the construction industry who is able to continue working within the guidelines set out by PHE, through the provision of a prearranged collection service.

There are stringent new procedures in place which must be adhered to by customers, suppliers and staff at all times. Access to our branches is only available by prior arrangement, at the time allotted when an order is placed. Upon arrival, customers and suppliers will be directed to dedicated loading bays and will not be permitted to enter the shop or the stores areas. Yard staff and delivery drivers will reduce the handling of goods to a minimum, and everybody must adhere to the latest guidelines published by PHE. While these measures remain in place, customers will not be required to sign advice notes to acknowledge receipt of goods and we shall not be accepting payments in cash.

Please be aware that we shall be operating with fewer staff than normal, who will be working as hard as possible to provide the best possible service. Our usual branch contact telephone numbers should be used during normal working hours or we can be reached by email. Details are as follows:*Bodmin Branch t: 01208 264 700 e: bodmin@tamatrading.com *Holsworthy Branch t: 01409 253 555 e: holsworthy@tamatrading.com *Torrington Branch t: 01805 626 333 e: torrington@tamatrading.com *Holsworthy Head Office t: 01409 255 945 e: sales@tamatrading.com As a consequence of having suspended trading at short notice, certain stock lines may have limited availability, and a number of our suppliers have indicated extended lead times and shortages on some of our core product ranges. Please bear this in mind when placing orders.

We shall continue to post regular updates on our website (www.tamartrading. com) and via social media.

We apologise for any inconvenience these measures may cause and thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Tamar Trading Company Ltd

Now running virtual groups & open to new members.

For more info please contact Lisa 07515 256 965 7

Who Are You Now?

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ometimes it now seems difficult to distinguish between the days.

Weekends don’t seem to have the resonance they once had, and denied our routines we feel as if we are adrift.

A key worker, a frontline presence, a carer, care giver, rising to the challenges of each day. The frustration, heartbreak, fear and joy all rolling out before us as we move from one event to another, one life, a new beginning, one life, an inevitable fading, one life.

Spinning plates. Now a home-worker, now a teacher, now a consoling parent, now an attentive partner and now a cook, a cleaner a mediator.

But where am I in all this?

“Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance.” – Amit Ray New for June From the week beginning June 22nd I will be offering an online Mindfulness Meditation Course. The course will be a condensed form of the eight-week MBSR programme, but will take place over six, weekly one and a half hour sessions via Zoom. Depending on the level of interest there may be two sessions a week to accommodate NHS staff and care workers’ shift patterns.

NHS staff and care workers will be able to access the course at a substantial discount set to cover administration costs.

For more information about this new Mindful Meditation course please visit Gentlemind, and to access free guided meditations, inspirational poetry, prose, music and insights into the natural world, please visit me on Facebook https://fb.me/GentlemindMeditation Take care and stay safe.

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Keep Moving With Zoom Room Pilates

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hope you are all doing well and staying safe and happy during these challenging times. I have always tried to see a silver lining in every cloud, and whilst we are all making a small sacrifice by staying home our world is beginning to heal. I have seen so many happy stories of nature and animals flourishing alongside carbon emissions reducing, and our wonderful NHS and key workers are finally getting the recognition they so deserve.

On Monday 16th March I closed my business, but, spent the next four days getting my business online. It was no mean feat, but I am in awe of my wonderful clients who have taken the leap of faith with me in the ‘Zoom Room’, where we continue to take our live weekly classes in the safety and comfort of our own homes.

We have all learnt new skills; we are all staying socially connected and keeping a small part of our routine.

Online work has also opened up my world, and I am taking clients from as far away as America and Bahrain!

It also allows me, as a teacher, to develop my own movement and skills, by taking my own classes with my mentors and friends in London, without so much as putting the key in the car!

So yes, these are challenging times but triumph over adversity; look after each other and focus on what new opportunities you can find, even if it is helping a neighbour or reconnecting with old friends.

Most of all keep talking, stay safe, well and keep moving.

Louise Banfield, LB Movement

Slimming World Has Gone Virtual

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e at Slimming World know how important our weekly weigh-in is to our members, so for now Slimming World has gone virtual.

My Torrington members, and members from far and wide, can still access that gorgeous weekly support but now from the comfort of their own home.

My members are still able to experience the friendship and community spirit they find in their normal group each week, but now through the virtual service.

The new package uses video conferencing, and among other things we are supporting members to make healthier food choices, find new ways to keep active indoors, and keeping motivation high in these very challenging times.

With Slimming World there is never any need to go hungry, with the amount of free foods available there’s no calorie counting and very little weighing and measuring.

There is no depriving yourself of any foods and you can have treats daily without the guilt. You can still eat healthily in lockdown, and we will show you how.

Everyone is welcome, even new members, and we have members of all ages who love our virtual groups.

Slimming World is also recognising the huge sacrifice NHS frontline staff are making, so as a thankyou we are offering you this service for FREE! My virtual groups are run on a Thursday, at four different times to suit everyone.

So if you would love to have a chat, find out more and come out of lockdown fit and healthy with a cracking weight loss as well, then please do get in touch with me, I'd love to hear from you.

Lisa 07515 256 965 or 01805 938417

Coronavirus & Support For Businesses

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t the time of writing (12th May 2020) we are still in the middle of ‘lock-down’ albeit with businesses and their employees taking onboard the government guidance for going back to work. As I write, there has been an update to the Job Retention Scheme, detailing how the scheme will continue until the end of October albeit with some changes from August 2020.

These changes will enable workers to be brought back on a part-time basis and will require employers to make a contribution. More detailed guidance on these changes is to be released.

Businesses now have a host of schemes to access (many of which should now be taking effect) and there has been much guidance produced.

I would hope that businesses are managing to access these with professional support where required, but I do feel a couple of less known points are worthy of mention.

COVID-19: Extra Funds for Fixed Property Related Costs Many businesses have now received Council grants of £10,000 or £25,000 from the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund. However, many businesses have not been able to access these grants because they are not liable to business rates.

The government is to make up to £617m available to local authorities in England to support small businesses faced with ongoing fixed property-related costs during the coronavirus pandemic, when they may have been forced

to close or restrict their activity. The intended beneficiaries of the top up are those businesses that pay council tax, rather than business rates, and so have missed out on other support.

The government is asking local authorities to prioritise businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for small business rates relief, and bed and breakfast owners.

However, local authorities are free to make payments to other businesses based on local economic need.

So, if you have not received a grant payment from your local Council it may be worth enquiring about this fund.

Small Business Grants Fund – Business Not Yet Registered For Rates This is a practical example; where a new business expecting to do business this year had not yet registered for business rates on a new property; they were invited to register their property for rates and were advised that in a few months they should receive a £10,000 grant.

So, if you think you might qualify – it might well be worth speaking to your local Council rates department.

Access to Bank Loan Funding Since my last article, I am very pleased to report that the Business Bounce Back Loans have been introduced. These loans are on very favourable terms and I am pleased to say that many of my clients have accessed these loans very easily. With loans being available up to £50,000 (or 25% of turnover if lower)

these could provide much needed cash flow support to businesses affected by COVID-19.

As ever, do remember that by using this facility you are taking on extra debt and you must study the terms of the loan closely before deciding to apply.

Conditions do of course apply.

Future issues facing our businesses I do think that we are entering the most difficult phase of the fight against COVID-19 for businesses. Many of the considerations that businesses will have in mind are financial, but they must not forget their duties as employers, and the duty they owe to staff to provide them with a safe working environment.

Carrying out risk assessments and involving workers in the development of a safe working environment is essential, and the Government has released eight detailed guides covering different types of work. This guidance can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workingsafely-during-coronavirus-covid-19 I would suggest that the need to act on these guides is paramount, in order to safeguard your staff before they return to work. Effective documentation of these actions could be as important as the actions themselves.

Our advice continues to be proactive.

Please seek help if you have been affected, if you have any questions or need assistance. Contact Keith Berry on 01805 628122 or email keith.berry@ berrysaccountants.co.uk Keith Berry FCA (Berrys, Chartered Accountants)

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FREE SCRAP METAL COLLECTION Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Cookers, Microwaves, Car Batteries, Boilers, Alloys etc.

Collect from Torrington, Bideford, Barnstaple, Holsworthy & surrounding areas Contact James on 07714 819 415 Licensed Waste Carrier No: CBDU269392

From Your County Councillor…

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gain, I would like to start this article by thanking everyone in Torrington Rural for the part you are all playing to help beat the coronavirus. I know it has been a very worrying and frustrating time living in lockdown, but we will overcome this virus. Fortunately, at the time of writing, the number of coronavirus cases locally, and across Devon, remains low and there is large capacity within the NHS to cope with any spike in cases.

As we now start to come out of lockdown it is important that we stay alert and vigilant, and continue to follow the guidelines on social distancing.

While life won’t get back to ‘normal’ straight away, we equally cannot stay in lockdown forever, and I am confident the people of Torrington Rural will continue to adapt to whatever challenges we face in the coming weeks and months of this pandemic.

One challenge we do have is to make sure that all those who need any nonCovid19 medical assistance are able to go to their doctor, or go into hospital if necessary. There is strong anecdotal evidence locally and nationally that people are not seeking treatment for non-Covid19 conditions. While we cannot ignore the virus, I cannot stress enough that if you need medical help, please seek it and do not suffer in silence at home.

Alongside our NHS colleagues, Devon County Council’s staff continue to work around the clock to support our most vulnerable members of the community, and to keep the Council’s essential services going.

As I mentioned in my last article, DCC have launched the COVID-19 Prompt Action Fund to help organisations and communities impacted by the virus. I was pleased to see locally that both our Town and Rural Parishes have benefited from this fund, with Torrington Foodbank and

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Ashreigney Parish Council, to give two examples, receiving funding.

There is more information online about this grant here - https://www.devon. gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/ document/covid-19-prompt-action-fund/ DCC have also made £1 million of funding available to help Devon residents struggling with their finances as a result of the pandemic. The grant funding will help support people who need short-term emergency assistance to afford basic living essentials, and has been split proportionally across Devon’s eight district councils, with each one responsible for considering applications and administering grants in their area.

On social care, the County Council has also announced significant financial support for the social care sector, with

"DCC have now reopened our household recycling centres (including our local site at Deep Moor) for essential use only. The government has defined ‘essential use’ as waste that cannot be stored without causing a risk of injury, health or harm to the resident or other members of their household." £8 million of extra funding to support domiciliary care and residential care markets, along with a financial package to increase the pay of carers.

I know the supply of Personal Protection Equipment to those providing care services has been an ongoing challenge nationally and locally. DCC is using Millbrook, our independent community equipment provider, as an inhouse and out of hours service to supply PPE, if care providers cannot access it through their usual supply routes, and the National Disruption Service cannot help. DCC’s understanding, from its operational teams, is that although the provision of PPE has been a challenge at times, the arrangements above have meant that no social care provider in Devon has a been left without PPE supplies.

As restrictions begin to ease, DCC

have now reopened our household recycling centres (including our local site at Deep Moor) for essential use only. The government has defined ‘essential use’ as waste that ‘cannot be stored without causing a risk of injury, health or harm to the resident or other members of their household.’ If you have any queries about essential use before going to the recycling centre, please don’t hesitate to ask me.

To protect the public and staff, health protection measures will be in force at each centre, including a one-in oneout policy and the two-metre social distancing guidelines.

Finally, like many of you, while working from home has at times been challenging, it has been good to see how many of us have been able to adapt to these changes, including our Councils.

I’ve now participated in a series of Skype, Zoom and Teams meetings, and I think going forward this new method of working will allow Council Officials to be much more accessible to our Town and Parish Councils and our residents. Why have a two-hour round trip to Exeter, when a virtual meeting can be organised instead?

As ever, there is lots more work going on than I could report on, but I hope this has provided a useful summary of the main issues affecting us in Devon and Torrington Rural. I am still available to contact and if there is any County Council issue I can help with, please get in touch. You can ring me on 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon. gov.uk.

For ‘Value Everyone’ Day

Bless 'em all, bless 'em all, Everyone who has answered the call, Bless all the medics and the NHS The nurses and doctors who work under stress; 'Cos we need to give thanks to them all Every helper, no matter how small, And to those in the shops, who pull out all of the stops, Well done everyone, Bless you all!

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Can You Help K9 Focus Ensure its 10th Year isn't its Last?

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abulous Freddie here bringing you up to date with all the news from your local rescue. As you might imagine it has been, and continues to be, a very difficult time for the rescue as it has been for everyone.

The centre is run by volunteers (of which Aunty Lynne is one), all of whom give their time freely; however in order to minimise the risk to everyone the decision was taken nine weeks ago to close the centre, and all rehoming and volunteer help had to cease. The only exception to this was Aunty Lynne, who lives on site. However in order to minimise the risk of us dogs having no one to look after us in the event Aunty Lynne became ill (she is of a certain age you know!), it was decided to contract Bimbles, who generally look after the day care dogs, on a full time basis, so that there are two people to make sure we are safe, exercised and well cared for. Pat from Bimbles has moved into the centre, and will help for as long as the rescue continues to be in lockdown (or for as long as we can afford it) which means that should one or other become ill, there is still someone to look after us and feed us – very important to a Labrador you know!

The main risk that the rescue now faces is, of course, ongoing costs which currently run in excess of £3000 per month, including: contract payment of one person for seven days a week; vet bills; cleaning products; food; insurances etc. Our vet bill alone last month was in excess of £1,000 (poor Kevin had to have 19 teeth out) and we still currently have three sponsored dogs that suffer from epilepsy, whose medication costs in excess of £100 each per month. Like many good businesses the rescue did have a contingency fund, but having been closed now for nine weeks and

with a further month minimum to go, funds are being depleted at a rapid rate.

All our income streams have been taken away: i.e. doggy day care and rehoming, and unfortunately animal charities have been left out of any government grants that may be available. Lots of people have been asking Aunty Lynne if they can either foster or adopt some of us woofs; George, Mylo and Sparky would love a home of their own.

However, traveling to a rescue centre is not seen as an essential journey and no one from the rescue will be able to visit any dogs in a new home - so rehoming and/or fostering is not an option.

Our 10th year was supposed to be a great celebration year, and I know that lots of events had been planned – I even had a new ‘Freddie’ sponsor coat all ready to be made with plans to show it off at the seven dog shows; sadly now all cancelled. Our choir concert has also been cancelled, together with the making of a video which I am particularly sad about, as of course yours truly, Fabulous Freddie would have been the main star!

This all sounds doom and gloom but I am really worried about my home, and therefore I wanted to make a special appeal, as your local rescue really does need some help. We had some nice food donated by the lovely people at Forthglade, Pets at Home and Top & Tails, but it is now income that we need

in order to meet our ongoing costs. I have offered to eat two bonios a day less to try and help, and I am wondering if you could possibly dig deep and find a pound or two to ensure our future and that of our rescue – I really want to make sure that our 10th year is not our last year.

There are lots of ways you can donate: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Just Giving (details on our website at www.k9focus. co.uk or simply email lynne@k9focus. co.uk) or simply Text on your phone to DOGS01.

I will finish now as I am off to try the agility course which hasn’t seen the light of day since last summer, so I will just send you lots of licks as normal and ask you to keep safe.

Love Freddie PS our phones are not being monitored full time but please leave a message as Aunty Lynne will return calls – after she has walked and fed me of course!

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‘The Church is Closed, but the Voice of Prayer is Never Silent’

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his notice has been displayed on the Church gates and in the notice boards for the last two months.

Everyone can be reassured that the Church’s prayers are ongoing throughout the pandemic, keeping firmly in mind the people of Great Torrington, young and old, the businesses, trades and the great multitude of volunteers maintaining the health and well-being of the community.

Why does prayer matter? It matters because humanity is struggling to find a cure for this virus, and is grappling with insufficient resources to manage its ravaging effects: illness, death, bereavement, isolation, loneliness, poverty, anxiety, stress and strained relationships.

When we are at the limits of human endeavour we need greater help, and some would say, we need the guidance of God to see us through these difficult days. Her Majesty the Queen summed it up very well in her recent speech “We will succeed, and better days will come”. Her Christian faith is carrying her through this crisis.

My lockdown challenge is to find new ways of ‘being church’ – including livestreaming worship from The Vicarage. I am a complete novice with technology!

However, I am heartened by the number of people locally and further afield, France, Holland and even Nepal who are joining me virtually for Evening Prayer and Holy Communion services online. (www.stmichaelstorrington.org.uk www. facebook.com/GTparishchurch) We are all saddened to learn of the death of our dear friend and Churchwarden, Harold Martin, who was a pillar of the Parish Church and Town, as former Mayor and Councillor. He had a strong sense of Christian duty which led every aspect of his life. We send our deepest condolences to Joyce and their family. A Service of Thanksgiving for Harold’s life will be held in St. Michael’s in due course.

With every good wish.

Revd. Peter Bevan, Vicar

Abbeyfield News

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t the time of writing, the residents at Abbeyfield, Torrington are entering the eighth week of lockdown. I am pleased to report that all are fit and well and coping very well with the social isolation enforced on all older people.

On behalf of the house committee, I would like to thank the staff at Glen Tor for the way they have gone over and above to care for all the residents and help them to cope with the situation. With the house manager having to work from home, and all volunteers kept away from the house, it has been down to staff to look after and encourage our residents on a daily basis, whilst they have been unable to receive visitors or go out from the house themselves. They have done a wonderful job and helped the residents to celebrate VE Day with great British food and activities on May 8th. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated team, led and supported by a great House Manager!

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From Your District Councillors…

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ince the government’s announcement of the business support grant scheme, the officers at Torridge have been incredibly busy. They have delivered over £23 million to more than 2000 businesses in the area, ranking as one of the top councils in the country for their speed and efficiency in implementing the scheme. Depending on eligibility, this could have been a grant of either £10,000 or £25,000 for each business property. This support was welcomed by many local businesses that were forced to close, as well as businesses that had to continue with reduced productivity to keep to social distancing measures during this testing time.

We would like to say thank you to Great Torrington Town Council and its army of volunteers who continue to collect prescriptions, food and basics for those who need to be shielded.

We were deeply sorry to hear of the passing of former Mayor and Town and District councillor, Harold Martin.

He was a lovely man who did so much for the town and local area. We had a lot of respect for Harold and send our condolences to his family.

If you want to discuss any concerns or ideas within Torridge or Great Torrington, please get in touch with either: * Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin: Cllr.Cottle-Hunkin@Torridge.Gov.uk; 07495 367 801. * Chris Bright: Councillor.Bright@ Torridge.Gov.uk; 07936 325 909.

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Great Torrington Commons ‘365 far Supporters of them too but it would exceed my Group’

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he Great Torrington Commons * Free Tree Trail Commons map quota of words. call for emergencies Conservators are launching a pictures of our last Other exciting benefits will be If you want to see new initiative - ‘365 announced soon. show or aSupporters list of previous productions, Group’. The aim of thewww.torringtonplayers.com new scheme 365 Supporters Group members do visit on Players is to'Hobson's help to raise much needed funds not have to help with fundraising or month! the continued maintenance and maintenance of the Common, however if Torrington In Bloom aven't for booked your improvements of Torrington Common for they want to help it would be welcomed. he dates, time, price Silver-Gilt Winners 2011 the all benefit of the public.

There are currently vacant positions mber are on the Torrington in Bloom is delighted with Theornewpop scheme is due to be launched within the ‘Friends of the Common’ group ont cover, the above result and would not have 1st July 2020. and on the Board as a Conservator for o theonPlough in been able to achieve Many residents itofwithout Great Torrington use those with specific skills who live in Great erson. the help and he castthehas been every Commons day and appreciate Torrington, the Clerk can provide more support of local orking its hard under natural beauty traders, and the opportunity information on these. groups and e direction of Frank to escape back toindividuals, nature - especially in Applications to join the 365 Supporters we would lman, tothe bring a likeduring to thank you all. last you few months the Covid-19 Group can be made via the Treasurer: emorable evening A listdistancing of sponsors pandemic when social andand treasurer.conservators@gmail.com acked with laughter. supporters is available exercise near home have become If you would like to apply to be a enry priorities.

Hobson The is Conservators on the noticeboard at make Conservator or a Friend of the Common, pleby, who t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e c o u n c i lthe popular Hockings surealongside that the Act of please contact the Clerk for more finds time to write offices/1646.

Parliament Byelaws of Ice Cream and Greedy’s information: clerk@torringtoncommons. es on our website This is Britain in Bloom’s definition ofburger vans are familiar 1889 (updated 2010) org. on's eldest daughter which govern the what constitutes silver-gilt level: favourites. Torrington Golf sible one, is Sara ‘Very Good’ (75-84% mark) – a highClub has a long- standing common are adhered r, 'bumptious' sisters standard entry, which meets virtually The Sound Of Silence thereby ensuring permission to utilise part of and Joto,Wood.

Neil all of the judging criteria and includes (with apologies to Simon & that itMossop, continues to the Common. as Willie sections of exceptionally high Garfunkel) accessible The Conservators run Moore, be plays Albert, for all standards. Exemplifies best practice in and provides ckie. Joyce Ridgwell a highly multiple areas and demonstrates verycar boot sales on Sunday Hello Commons, my old friend, valued amenity. h and this will be her h i g h p o t e n t i a l f o r c o n t i n u i n gmornings from May to I’ve come to walk on you again, September, as well as a ith TP. Andrew Giles, development and sustainable effort.

In this time of such mad chaos Vicebut Chair to the The judges’ comments were positivevariety of other fundraising members, very When so many suffer loss, Conservators ny Bedinetz, Colin says, in many areas, too: ‘Torrington inevents through-out the Up here it’s so still, no noise penetrates I became Bloom a Puttick “before and Esther has learned a lot during the lastyear. These are very at all ng Richard Pitt, who I thought Conservator, year and you have the potential to be apopular and well-supported Just a thrush’s call g very the Welsh in 'A was very Common just there and it entry. looked 1646 by localcentre businesses. strong Disturbs the sound of silence. in Wales' a very aftertoitself, I wasn’timproves aware that there each year and isFundraising a valuable activities for the Common, lane. was a cost to keeping assetit alltoas the town. asDartington’s it is, how is the case for so many other Over slopes and tranquil glade ere could notI was! be a There (Crystal) grounds a valuable wrong are so many costswerecharities, have been halted this year All nature’s glories are displayed, the unsung heroes addition to the route. Thedue flowerbed at involved”. to the restrictions imposed by the As I look to the golden heath I wish I could list all known S&G toismany a vast improvement.

The Covid-19 directives. A Alan Mitchell, as ‘Big Government’s And the sparkling stream beneath, Al’ is the Conservators’ Head Ranger, necessary but painful measure.

Only the soft, sighing notes born aloft he and his ranger Jason Golder, along The new ‘365 Supporters Group’ by the gentle breeze with a number of volunteer assistant initiative seeks membership from people Fax: In the trees rangers, work to look after the 365 acres who love nature and value what the Disturbs the sound of silence. of common land and its 20 plus miles of Great01805 Torrington Common has to offer footpaths. Contractors are employed them, their families and their pets.

The leper fields – those “fingers” small, on an annual basis to cover the more Membership ers, Plumbers and Timber Merchants 626330 is £2 per month. If the Point to the past, remind us all, ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED specialist work and tasks that the member is a taxpayer then an extra It’s not sunshine all the way, REFITS UNDERTAKEN ate, Torrington EX38 Conservators do not7HP have the equipment 50p per month can be claimed from the There always comes a day, REPAIRS & RESTRETCHS for, such as the annual cutting of Reeds Inland Revenue in the form of Gift Aid. AndMEASURING the reckoning is now to fund the Field and Quiet Possession.

365 Supporters Group members will cost MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE The Conservators raise some income have access to: For what we’ve lost from the franchise agreements that * 365 Supporters Group members’ - 5.00pm / Saturday 8.00am - 12.00 Noon And pay the price with silence. are offered to businesses which have Facebook page 01805622967 or 07767024688 permission to operate on the Common, * Guided walks Stephanie Easton 4

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN C Your Council, Working for YOU From Your Mayor…

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don’t know what the state of the national situation will be like once this article reaches you all, but I hope you are all well and continuing to stay safe.

I would usually be reflecting on our May Fair celebrations, but this year had to be different. This did not mean that we let the event go by without joining together (albeit virtually!).

So many of you decorated your houses and shops and made the town shine in this moment of darkness: groups such as the Cavaliers, The Torrington Silver Band and even our team at Great Torrington Town Council released special videos, and I couldn’t be prouder of you all that we continued to celebrate our special day. This may not have been the May Fair we are all used to, but it will certainly go down in history and be remembered for bringing us all together at a very difficult time. I was extremely

pleased to hear our May Queen was crowned virtually by her family, and I sincerely hope Matilda and the rest of her entourage had a lovely day – I look forward to being able to catch up with you all at some point, as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our town continues to work hard in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and I again want to thank everyone who is playing their part in ensuring our community is safe and catered for. You are all showing how much ‘Great’ there is in Great Torrington!

Our members of staff at the Town Council have been continuing to work hard for us all. As well as co-ordinating the Coronavirus Task Force, they have been continuing with council business, and have worked hard to ensure we can all keep in contact and deal with matters via phone and video conferences. It certainly is a very different way of doing things, so I am grateful to them for being able to guide us all through it.

Similarly, our two technicians have been continuing to help wherever they can in

the absence of some of their usual work.

We also commemorated the 75th anniversary of VE day on the 8th May. It was very special to see so many displays by local houses and shops, and to again see that just because we have to be physically apart, it doesn’t mean we cannot show our appreciation to those who gave their lives for ours.

Special thanks to Nick Megson from Torrington Silver Band, for taking the time during his daily exercise to perform the Last Post at the Cemetery at 11am.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the team at the Crier, for continuing to put together the monthly edition for us all to enjoy, and for giving us the chance to be able to say thank you to those who are continuing to help others and work during this difficult time and to keep connected.

I hope you all continue to stay safe and stay well and please do not hesitate to get in contact if you need any help.

Keeley Allin – Mayor of Great Torrington cllr.allin@great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk; 07783 711 500

Great Torrington Town Council Coronavirus Taskforce Team

This Notice was prepared on 11.05.20 n last month’s Crier we reported on the new Town Council Coronavirus Taskforce Team, which was set up to support those members of our community who are self-isolating, and do not have family/friends or neighbours locally who can help them with everyday activities such as picking up prescriptions and essential shopping.

At the time of writing we are serving approx. 110 homes in a variety of ways, thanks to the huge number of volunteers who have selflessly come forward to help across our lovely community. Volunteers are delivering prescriptions and/or shopping and making friendly social phone calls. We seem to have settled

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into a rhythm now, although we do continue to have new clients requesting help.

Once matched with a home, the volunteer will stay with that home until the scheme is disbanded as and when appropriate. We have had a couple of challenging situations as one would expect, but thankfully all have been resolved.

We would again like to thank Matt Whittaker and Helyne Jennings for making additional visors and masks and also to Toni Alexander for offering to make more masks as and when needed.

The Town Council continues to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has

volunteered for this project. In addition, the Town Council would like to thank all of the other volunteers throughout the community who we know have been helping neighbours and friends; businesses that have stepped up to meet critical needs and to those businesses who had to close their doors to keep people safe as we can.

If any resident of Great Torrington is in need of any support with the activities mentioned and hasn’t already been in touch, please do not hesitate to call the Town Council on 01805 626135 or e-mail admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov. uk.

Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

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COUNCIL NEWS Town Council Business Update

This notice was prepared on 11th May 2020 ince the announcement of the last year, reports from the Mayor and the ‘lockdown’ in March in response Town Clerk can be found on our website to the coronavirus pandemic, the under: My Council/Council Meetings/ Council has had to rapidly adjust its day- Annual Parish Meeting. The meeting to-day business to ensure compliance is also an opportunity for the residents with the Government’s advice. of Great Torrington to give feedback As you already know, since mid-March and suggest new ideas to the Town the Council team has been working Council. We are still keen to hear your mainly on implementing and managing thoughts and would encourage anyone the Coronavirus Taskforce Team, to to still contact the Town Council, either help our community during lockdown, by phone or by e-mail (contact details and much of our usual business has below) and advise accordingly. been temporarily put on hold. However, May Fair: We hope you managed to in response to the release of new enjoy yourselves by celebrating May Fair legislation which now allows councils ‘virtually’ at home with members of your of all types to hold meetings ‘virtually’ household. The Council would like to we have continued to hold Planning put together a montage of your May Fair Committee meetings via telephone and 2020 photos/videos for our website, so video conference. If you wish to join one if you have any you’d like to share with of our Planning Committee meetings us, please send them to us by email. In to comment on a specific application, addition, you may have already heard please contact us using the details below that the Beaford Archive has re-opened by 2pm the day prior to the meeting, and for public contributions to document how we will provide you with details of how North Devon has experienced lockdown. you can join the meeting remotely. As If you’d like to submit some May Fair always, Planning Committee meeting photographs to be considered for agendas are published a week prior to inclusion in the Beaford Archive, please the meeting and can be found on our visit their website for more details: http:// website and the noticeboard outside the beaford.org.

Castle Hill office. We hope to expand Annual Business Meeting: The first the use of ‘virtual’ meeting technology agenda item at an Annual Business to other Council meetings in the coming Meeting is to elect a Chairman (Mayor). months, if the Government guidelines Councillors subsequently elect a Deputy continue to prohibit large face-to-face Chairman (Deputy Mayor) to serve for meetings. the following Mayoral year. Legislation Under normal circumstances, April and recently created allows for the current May would have been very busy months position to automatically stand for the in the Council’s calendar. Usually the forthcoming year and as such, Cllr Council would be preparing for and Keeley Allin and Cllr Doug Smith will conducting the Annual Parish Meeting, continue in their roles as Mayor and the May Fair Proclamation and lunch, Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming our Annual Business Meeting and Mayoral year. the Mayoral Introduction Ceremony.

Mayoral Introduction Ceremony: However, due to the lockdown, all of Each year we host the Mayoral these events have unfortunately been Introduction Ceremony where the cancelled. outgoing Mayor presents the Howe Annual Parish Meeting: For anyone Plate Award to a person or persons the who was hoping to join the Annual Parish Council feels has provided local public Meeting in early April to find out what service of the highest order. A number of your Council has been working on for the nominations have been received for this

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year’s award, and it is hoped that it can be issued later in the year if/when the Council is permitted to hold face-to-face meetings again. Similarly, the outgoing Mayor presents a ‘Good Citizens Award’ to a local person or persons who they feel has supported the community of Great Torrington in a significant way over the past year. Please watch this space for a future announcement of who has been awarded this honour. At this event the outgoing Mayor also issues cheques to their nominated charities for the year: we will be announcing the final totals for the Mayor’s two charities (Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club and 1st Torrington Scout Group) in next month’s Crier and will make sure both groups receive the money raised as soon as possible.

New charities will be picked for the Mayoral year 2020/2021, and we will advise these organisations accordingly and report in next month’s Crier.

Finally, given the updated guidance issued by the UK Government on Sunday 10th May, the Council has taken the decision to cancel the forthcoming Mayor’s Civic Service which was due to take place on Sunday 5th July 2020.

We will continue to keep you up-todate on how the Council is adapting to the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic as the situation evolves, but if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via email or telephone. Please note our telephone is usually only manned on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but you can leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact details: Telephone: 01805 626135; Email: admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk; Website: www.greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

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Coronavirus - Essential Local Suppliers & Useful Organisations Great Torrington Town Council Essential Suppliers in Great Torrington – as at 2/4/2020 Name of Business

Phone Number

Card Delivery orders? offered?

Cost to Deliver

01805 622900

Yes

Yes

N/A

01805 622496

Yes

Free

01805 622709

No giles.stacey@btconnect.com - checked daily Yes

Additional information Deliveries after 2pm. Click and collect service offered: orders taken over the phone and customer pays on collection (contactless card payment advised) with time slot to pick up.

Currently looking at a card system to take money for orders over the phone

Number 37 (Deli) Duffys Home Hardware Xanadu (Groceries) R&S Ware (Butcher) Whiskers Pet Shop

Yes

Free

Orders must be over £5

01805 622191

Yes

Yes

Free

Delivers within Great Torrington daily

01805 622859

Yes

Yes

Free

Yes No Yes

No No Yes

N/A N/A Free

Orders must be over £5 Now taking orders and payment over phone for customer collection. They will bring orders to the car if parked outside. New opening hours from 20 Mar 2020: 7am to 8pm.

Yes

Yes £1.99 Yes to vulnerable people in Torrington Free

Orders must be over £10

Orders must be over £4 and paid for on delivery

Spar (Groceries) 01805 624222 Co-op (Groceries) 01805 622267 Squires Electrical 01805 622185 John Patts (Green Grocer) Sandfords (Bakery) Green Lantern (Bakery) Lloyds Pharmacy Steve Gladwin (Butcher) Fanny’s Kitchen Fine Floral Designs (Florist)

01271 830088

01805 622189

Email

torrington@spargcl.co.uk

Orders can be placed via the website: johnpatts.co.uk/products

info@sandfordsbakery.co.uk - checked daily Yes

Now taking orders and payment over phone for customer collection. A time slot can be arranged from Rural or other areas for collection, can park outside of the shop for quick collection, cash can still be used in the shop.

01805 622178 01805 622174

No No

Yes No

Free N/A

01805 624565 01805 643053

Yes Yes

No Yes

N/A Yes

Home baked cakes/bakes, all dietary requests considered

01805 938946

Yes

Yes

Free

Free delivery within a 6-mile radius of Great Torrington

The Town Council has the contact details for many other shops and businesses in town so please contact us on 01805 626135 or via email: admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk if you would like us to share these with you. They are also published on our website: www.greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Environmental Matters

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n the past months the Town Council has agreed an Environment Policy and has also activated an Environment/Transport working group to look at various environmental issues (as well as transport) and challenges we currently face as a community, nation and world. At an Environment meeting in early March, (before the coronavirus lockdown) we considered matters in relation to our community maintenance programme and how the way we work could be reviewed, ensuring ongoing safety measures are in place, but also considering the impact we have on the biodiversity of the local area.

With regard to grass cutting, we are currently under contract to cut some of the grass verges for visibility purposes for Devon County Council, and these must be cut four times per year between April and the end of October. Historically, we have cut these areas more frequently than this. However, to allow ongoing growth and increased insect/wildlife activity Members suggested that going forward we experiment by cutting the minimum amount of four times per year. We will keep a close eye on these verges as our first priority must be to ensure clear visibility for road users is maintained for safety reasons.

Devon County Council has confirmed that they do not intend to do any other grass cutting this year (apart from verges via the Town Council). For a number of years, the Town Council has in fact cut some of these areas anyway. Two of the larger plots are the strip of grassland adjacent to Greenbank, on the left-hand side as you travel into Great Torrington from Barnstaple, and the strip of grass in front of Woodland Vale Nursing Home. Again, Members suggested we experiment here and cut the edges only, leaving the grass in the middle or to the side to grow. We also discussed the possibility of sowing meadow seed and/or bulb planting in these areas after consulting with local experts on such matters. We are mindful that this approach will not result in such a “tidy” picture, however, we hope that the “natural” will be appreciated for what it is and will improve the habitat for nature.

Members also suggested looking into reducing the use of leaf blowers and herbicides and undertake some tasks manually, such as weeding.

The intention was to use this year as a pilot for possible change going forward and were looking to encourage feedback from the community as we went through the year.

Members also agreed the following; * Consider environmentally friendly options when buying tools and machinery. * Continue to source as much equipment and supplies as we can locally. * Create a compost facility at the allotment site for use by the tenants. * Consider further opportunities to plant new trees, sow meadow seed and plant bulbs across the community. * Continue to consider various aspects in relation to the environment as an ongoing commitment.

A few weeks after this meeting, we found ourselves in lockdown. Since then, only necessary work has been undertaken, and many of the above plans have started to fall into place anyway as a result of the implementation of the Government’s social distancing guidelines.

However, we look forward to a time when we have moved away from this awful crisis and will endeavour to work to the above plans with a view to encouraging environmentally friendly practices. We continue to welcome feedback from our local community on these matters.

Local Funding for Non-profit Small Community Groups

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ost, if not all local non-profit voluntary community groups in Great Torrington have stopped meeting due to Covid-19 restrictions, and as a result of this may receive no weekly income. Some of these small groups may have ongoing fixed overheads, such as insurance, website fees etc. that still need to be paid. If they don't have a large enough financial buffer to meet these fixed costs, it could result in financial pressures resulting in, worst case scenario, a group disbanding.

The Town Council is keen to help such groups with these relatively small, but necessary, costs when there are inadequate reserves to help and has set aside a small pot of money for such situations.

If you are currently responsible for running a local community non-profit making group/club in Great Torrington, and find that you are struggling with financing ongoing fixed costs, you may be eligible for some assistance.

We must emphasise that the pot is a relatively small sum, to assist with small ongoing costs where reserves are not available.

If you wish to apply for funding; please phone or e-mail the Town Council for an application form and/or visit our website and download an application form.

The closing date for an application is Tuesday 16th June 2020 @ 12noon.

We hope to ensure payments are made within a couple of weeks of this date.

This funding stream does NOT replace the annual Precept and Commons Allotment grant schemes administered by the Town Council, which will open for applications in August/September.

Contact details: Phone 01805 626135 (Tues, Wed and Thur) Email: admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk Website: www.greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

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Mayflower Celebrations

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ichael Street was one of a group of people from Torrington who took part in celebrations in Plymouth in 1970 to mark the 350th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower to America. Michael is creating a dossier of his personal recollections of the Mayflower and May Fair celebrations of that year.

Plymouth City Council made a request for Devon towns to join in a parade during their Mayflower celebrations and it was decided by Torrington Town Council Entertainments Committee to send two floats: Carnival Queen and attendants, and a historical tableau involving the Parish Church.

Gush and Dent Ltd provided the float for the Carnival Queen, who was Dawn Williams that year. She had won the crown by selling £260 worth of tickets and, for her efforts, she received £65, a very acceptable prize for a schoolgirl in 1970.

Larry Alexander, local builder and artist, was one of those detailed to organise the other float on which he and some of his builder friends created a very impressive wooden replica of the Parish Church. Torrington architect, Stuart Smithson, had designed a graveyard on one side of the church, stained glass windows and other effects.

The men dressed in hired costumes as Cavaliers and Roundheads and Michael had a cannon (actually a crow scarer) which he kept letting off during the parade, terrifying both horses and spectators. (He also caused a woman in the crowd to faint when he ran a sword through his false leg!) That event was the beginning of the Torrington Cavaliers and was marked, as all subsequent events have been, by imagination, hard work, a swashbuckling spirit and enthusiastic drinking.

The Mayflower '70 celebrations in Plymouth comprised events spread over 24 weeks and was the most

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ambitious programme of its kind in the West Country. There was a gathering of civic dignitaries, with all their regalia, and a procession of Mayors of West Country towns in their robes of office.

The Lord Mayor presented a civic sword of honour, crafted for the occasion, to a Senator representing the Governor of Massachusetts. The Royal Navy headed a combined salute from the armed forces and there was a military march past.

A stagecoach of 'Pilgrims' from Lincoln arrived in Plymouth and they paraded in 1620 costume on the Hoe and later in the carnival procession. There was a re-enactment of the Pilgrims' departure by members of local Townswomen's Guilds and drama societies. Hundreds of Plymouth school pupils took part in dancing on the Hoe, and there were fireworks. Thousands turned out to watch the carnival parade which was over a mile long.

Michael and his wife, Jennifer, had a baby in April 1970. If it was a girl, they were planning to call her Mayflower but, as it turned out, they had a boy who was named Paul after one of the crew members of the ship.

Plymouth's official Mayflower 400 commemorations started in November 2019 and (pre-coronavirus) planned to showcase an exciting year-long programme of cultural and artistic events – 400 moments to mark 400 years since the sailing of the Mayflower in 1620 – ranging from dynamic community spectacles to large-scale festivals.

On the Old Bowling Green the Torrington Cavaliers are building their own full-size replica of the Mayflower (not a very large vessel for a 66 day voyage across the Atlantic!) which was to have been set alight at August Bank Holiday 2020 but has now been postponed to a later date.

Moira Brewer

Cavaliers’ Pumpkin Competition

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ou will be aware that the Mayflower Bonfire has been postponed, so the Cavaliers are running a Pumpkin Competition during the summer months. The pumpkins seeds have been tilled and the plants should be ready by the end of May or beginning of June. The cost of each plant is £5.

You can book your plant by phoning Dick on 01805 622573, or by contacting any Cavalier. You will have to leave your name and a contact number. When the plants are ready, and depending on the situation with the coronavirus, you will be informed how you can get your plant.

The weigh-in will be on Sunday 1st November 2020. More details will be in next month’s Crier and on the Cavaliers’ website.

So get digging prepare your site and order your pumpkin plant.

Dick Matthews

Vehicle Owners Granted Mot Exemption in Battle Against Coronavirus

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ehicle owners will be granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing, enabling them to continue to travel to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home, or shop for necessities.

All cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MOT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30th March. Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work.

Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.

People should stay at home and avoid travel. The only reasons people should leave their homes is set out in the government guidance.

Legislation was introduced on March 30th and came into immediate effect for 12 months, following a short consultation with key organisations.

Check with Wendy when classes restart, in the meantime stay as active as you can! Online classes available whilst classes 6-7.15pm closed, contact Wendy for details.

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Bert tried to turn over and get up but he was so big he couldn’t do it and ended up with his bottom stuck up in the ll was going well as he fought air and his knees sinking into the muddy his way through the hedgerow water looking like a huge mountain! and started scurrying off across He had no idea how long he had been the fields. He knew he had to zig zag just stuck there but he knew he was starting in case there was anyone following him to get cold and it was getting dark. Then or any big buzzards or hawks who might he heard someone shout his name and like to snatch him. Because he was such it sounded very familiar. It was his dear a chubby vole he knew he would be a old brother Tommy. He had never been very big and tasty meal for their families. so pleased to see him. Tommy tried to However he managed to get through the grab the back of his coat and pull him out fields and eventually he could see his but he just wouldn’t move. He seemed brother’s tall tree in the distance. Now all to be stuck in some mud and he was he had to do was cross the stream and just not coming out! Fortunately Timmy, he would be there.

Toby, and Tessy arrived and they could The stream was flowing quite fast see what was happening and wanted and high due to the amount of rain that to try and help… They loved their big had fallen over the last few weeks. He old cuddly Uncle Bert. They got to the remembered that Tommy had come edge of the water and tried with all their to visit him before and his friends had strength to help their daddy pull Bert out, helped him by building an incredible but he just wouldn’t budge. bridge made out of old wood that visitors Tommy scratched his head and thought to the commons had left behind. So he hard. He remembered he had gathered walked along the stream until he found up an old rope which someone had left the bridge. He looked at the water and behind one day. He told the children then at the bridge and decided that where he had hidden it and asked them Tommy was a clever brother as he knew to go and fetch it for him. The three little how to build things. Things that would Trumbles ran off to get it. It wasn’t long work. So very slowly he carefully lowered before they returned and Daddy was himself onto the bridge. He ignored the already up the tree above poor Bert swaying and the creaking and placed who was shaking and moaning. Daddy one paw in front of the other. He kept shouted down to his children and told going forward but then suddenly he them to try and throw the rope up to him. started rocking and tipped to one side.

So they rolled up the rope and Toby, who He then stretched out a paw and tried was the strongest Trumble, tried his best to grab an overhanging branch which to throw the rope up to Daddy but with snapped and with a crash and a clumsy no success. He tried again and again but flip and a flop he went straight through just couldn’t get it any higher than the the bridge ending up with a very big wet first branch. bottom!!

They sighed very loudly and all tried

The Trumbles of Torrington Commons Part 2

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very hard to come up with a way to get their Uncle Bert out of the water and mud. Just then they heard something familiar. They heard the sound of Trevor the tractor coming up the path, and who was in the driving seat? Who else but Big Barry the Ranger?

By Gerry Duffy - Part Three will be in the next issue of the Crier!

Commons Trumble Character Drawing Competition!

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he Commons Conservators have organised a drawing competition for children who are asked to take inspiration from the Trumbles story by Gerry Duffy, the first part of which features on this page and which will be continued in the June issue. Prizes will be awarded for the best pictures/ drawings overall with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and there will be a 4th prize for the best effort.

Entrants are asked to send in character drawings either on their own or in a scene from the story.

Please email entries to competitions@torringtoncommons.org by 15th August 2020.

We will feature winners in the October issue.

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National Cyber Security Centre Warns Public About Coronavirus Scams

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n a rare public statement, the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) has issued a warning over the threat of coronavirus-related scams.

The government agency, which is part of GCHQ, noted that there has been a sharp rise in cyber attacks that take advantage of the panic and uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

One of the biggest threats are phishing scams – malicious messages that appear to be from a trusted source.

These types of attack have reportedly risen by more than 600% since February, with many of them using coronavirus to trick people into handing over sensitive information or downloading an infected attachment.

What do these scams look like?

Phishing attacks can occur via email, text, instant messaging or over the phone. From the evidence we’ve seen, you should be particularly concerned about text messages that replicate the style of the nationwide message that UK residents received when the government announced its lockdown measures.

These messages follow the typical pattern of phishing, either inciting fear (such as by claiming you are being fined for breaching lockdown measures) or offering you a reward (such as a government payment to help residents cope through the pandemic).

Meanwhile, there have also been emails imitating the World Health Organization, which encourage people to download attachments supposedly

containing public safety information, and messages aimed at people who believe coronavirus is part of a government conspiracy.

Elsewhere, researchers have found instances of attackers spreading the Emotet banking Trojan by posing as a state welfare provider, and of fraudulent websites selling fake antiviral equipment.

One virus is enough Phishing is just one of many cyber security issues that individuals and organisations should be concerned about during the pandemic.

When you consider the uncertainty and anxiety that COVID-19 is causing,

the prospect of depleted workforces in the coming weeks through illness or furlough, and the fact that cyber criminals can continue to operate from the safety of their homes, cyber security should be a top priority.

We’ll continue to give regular updates and advice on our blog, but you can also find solutions to help you through these turbulent times by visiting our website.

Nobody knows what the full effect of the virus will be, but you have enough to worry about without the threat of a cyber attack or data breach.

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

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e've been super busy! To make sure that our members are able to source the nutritious unprocessed foods that build a strong immune system, we provided a monthly ordering service by slotting in an unscheduled order in April. This worked very well from a number of points of view, so we now plan to do the same in June. It may well be that we shall continue to do so in future.

Our March order was actually the largest ever, due to increased membership and active ordering.

Despite numerous complications, my partner and I managed to unload nearly 900kg in 244 boxes into our home, then check and sort it into individual orders over the next 12 hours without the help of our volunteers, due to lockdown.

Orders were collected from a table outside, with staggered time slots and a buddy scheme set up, so people in different areas could help each other out with collection.

"For those in need due to injury or vulnerability in Torrington, we delivered their orders on foot using a trolley."

For those in need due to injury or vulnerability in Torrington, we delivered their orders on foot using a trolley. None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our back office team.

Without their contribution, none of this would be possible, so a special thank you to Brian and Louise. Our buddy

scheme has meant that members further afield have been able to team up for collecting their orders, reducing travel and costs, plus getting to know each other better, albeit virtually.

Panic buying meant the wholesaler was initially obliged to close their order line for 10 days as they were completely overwhelmed. Flour, tinned beans, toilet roll, hand and household sanitizers and many other items were out of stock, but overall the situation has improved now. The exception is organic flour, as the major millers simply don't have the capacity to mill enough to meet the unprecedented demand.

It seems that many people think our service is a great idea, but somehow, for some unknown reason, they haven't got round to joining! Indeed recently we've had a number of people join following enquiries made over a year ago.

Wellbeing Reflections on Covid-19 To me it seems that Covid-19 is serving as a huge wake up call to us all. Lockdown and social distancing is bringing us all face-to-face with the ways we are responsible for undermining our own health and wellbeing. Lockdown is giving us time to consider who and what is really important to us, if we choose to do so.

Our bodies have astonishingly

powerful capacity for self-healing.

The overgrowth of bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, prions, amoeba and other micro-organisms requires a particular type of terrain to flourish acidic and unbalanced. We create this terrain in our bodies through inadequate and toxic diet and lifestyle, resulting in the chronic diseases and imbalances we now accept as the norm. It's as if we've lost the user manual for our bodies.

Our immune system is commonly seen as our first line of defence - it's not! Diet, lifestyle and our mental and emotional outlook are the building blocks of our immune system - weak or strong. We decide by our choices - which is what this group is all about - making good choices that support us and enable us to live a full, creative, happy and long life.

Next grocery final order date: 11th June/16th July Next body care final order date: 2nd July How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website!

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Mary

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The whisper of the morning breeze

Lockdown shall push us down But not until we are down to the ground That shall not stop us now As we have learnt from then to now The silent whisper of the morning breeze Brought back a memory that I had foreseen The screaming of the silent birds Brought a noise into the world After such a tragic event Seriously, you know what I meant All this time we were indoors Boring ourselves to the core The world was in our reach But the bars held us back from our beach The silence of the morning breeze Shall bring us its final pleas Aidan Pearce

The Lyrics of Lockdown

Torn

Every family has been torn from their friends and relatives.

It is a confusing time for everyone.

Families are losing members to this awful virus.

Children are trying hard to do their school work.

I am washing my hands until they are sore.

Trying to think of the positives.

A small sacrifice so we can be together again.

Our carbon footprint collectively has been reduced.

Less rushing.

More time to spend with my family, cook and do the things that I love.

Yet another day in lockdown We have to work through this together Yet another day, yet another game, Trying to improve my gaming skills, is the and we can stop this together.

Morgan Fuller aim, But I’m getting sick of playing, over and over again, Until Further Notice With all the problems about gaming, Coronavirus a new virus that affects your which is appertaining. lungs and airways.

On Friday 13th March 2020 the country is Yet another day, yet another song, put on lockdown.

I always play Spotify, to reduce boredom, Relationships with our friends and family Sometimes in my head, I sing along, will change.

Being locked in a building, this still feels Only leaving the house for food work. like freedom.

News headlines fill the television every day.

Yet another day, yet another cramp, Again we wash our hands.

With all these cramps, I need to start Virus, hundreds of people are dying. moving, It is week seven.

So, I decide to take long walks, Rain has come and it beats against my It’s something better which I should be window. improving.

Until further notice…

Stuart Cowan Stay home, stay safe, save lives.

Maddi Fuller

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In April GTS launched The Lyrics of Lockdown – a challenge which asked pupils to embrace the power of words to reflect their experiences of lockdown. I will be collating ALL entries when we return to school and publishing them in a book, in order to preserve our memories of this strange time. The entries are still flooding in at time of publication, but here are a few ‘appetizers’ which certainly showcase the writing talent of the GTS community.

Miss Dodwell

Lockdown

We didn’t ask to be a part of history Yet here we are Locked in, locked down My four walls bury me six feet deep My restless heart swimming Through a reverie of roses, tulips and lilies, Apple pies and bee stings and the smell Of fresh cut grass and dust after rain, Mountains crashing into the sky, A thousand songs of the summer breeze And the foam that lives on waves, A turquoise dream. But I can’t sleep.

My restless mind keeps thinking Of fevers, coughs and aching lungs.

And the time that’s stolen, frozen, melting Into the palm of my hand.

But I release it and quivering wings Flutter away, slowly but surely.

I breathe in the silence and it fills me Like a balloon.

Stretched out in the endless days Endless nights sprawling before me.

Has a month ever felt this long?

Condensed time.

Four walls of past, present, future, history Here we are.

Daniel Herbert

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n these uncertain and unprecedented times the Big History Project at Great Torrington School has shifted from looking back, to looking ‘now’, in the form of the Big Citizenship Project. The focus of the Project is to encourage our Year 7 pupils to stay connected with their families and the communities around them, whilst staying safe and staying at home.

One of the most successful tasks is writing a letter to the residents at Hatchmoor Nursing Home. With the excellent support of Jayne Hill, the matron at the nursing home, GTS pupils have been sending letters in huge numbers to residents, full of stories, jokes, pictures and well-wishes, and they have been getting some equally brilliant responses.

Dear Hatchmoor Nursing Home, Hello, my name is Aidan. I am a student at Great Torrington School in Year 7, aged 11. Today is my 1st day of home schooling, I think my mum is a bit bossier than the teachers though.

I know there are restrictions because of Coronavirus, to your life, but it is for your safety. This is because over 70’s are more vulnerable than people under 70. But like my mum says, there is always a silver lining in every cloud.

I hope you will be safe from Covid-19 and not catch it. I’m sure you will adapt to self-isolation and be able to get on with life as usual. Well, you are in a very good place to be during these weird times.

I would like to ask you two questions about how you are. 1: Are you happy about where you are? 2: Are you thanking all the people that are helping you in Hatchmoor Nursing Home? I hope you will be happy in the safest place you could be.

From, Aidan Dear Aidan Thank you for your letter to Matron and she has asked me to reply on behalf of the residents of the Nursing Home. I am pleased to read in your first paragraph that you think your mother is bossier than the teachers, this will help you to sprint ahead in future tests and exams compared to your contemporaries.

The virus has made a difference to the residents in many ways; to name a few we could not have visits from family or friends and necessary things like visits from the chiropodist and hairdresser caused problems for many, the doctor too was restricted on visits. Your mother sounds very wise saying that every cloud has a silver lining and perhaps these visiting restrictions will make us realise how lucky we are to have these facilities readily available.

I think I should tell you now that I am 91 years of age and the school has not yet been able to find a year I fit into!! I was an environmental health officer for over 50 years and was exposed to lots of diseases, both human and animal and here I am still interested in sport and lots of practical things. I have no fears for the future.

You ask two Questions (1) Am I happy here? Yes, I am but happiness is mostly inside us, I try to bring mine out every day so that I may share with the other residents. (2) My mother was possibly bossier than yours and I remember having many a slap for missing the please and thank yous! The staff here are so keen and clean and interested in us as people.

Thank you for your letter, if you want to follow anything up… here I am.

Sincerely, Ron Tudge

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The Bickford Centre Modernisation & Refurbishment

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he Bickford Centre was established in 1965 by the old Torrington Council, who recognised the need for a place where retired people could meet and sit in comfort, converse and enjoy a coffee, rather than sit in the old uncovered Pannier Market. It was named the Bickford Centre in memory of the late Dr Bickford, a local GP who had campaigned for many years for such a facility to be provided.

When the lease on the property expired in 1975 the Centre was due to close, but those that used the centre were loath to lose this meeting place. With that in mind the Torrington Rotary Club decided that it should be saved, and pledged to raise the money to buy the freehold of the property.

When the purchase was completed The Bickford Centre Trust was set up, and the Rotary Club gifted the freehold of the property to the Trust.

The Bickford Rest Centre, as it was then called, is a registered charity (number 90037) and is managed by Trustees and run completely by volunteers, and our Constitution states that we are open to everyone in Great Torrington and District over the age of sixty years.

Our three-story building in South Street comprises the Bickford Centre on the ground floor with two flats above, and the rental income from these subsidises the day-to-day running of the Centre.

The ground floor rooms occupied by the Centre are basically the same now as they were when the it was set up over fifty years ago, so in 2016 the Trustees decided that these rooms needed updating and the facilities bringing into the 21st Century. Our property in South Street is Grade 2 Listed, and this has proved to be quite a stumbling block, but at last after four years of perseverance we have received Listed Building consent for our plans.

The Project To make the Centre more accessible for the disabled; to build a new kitchen area at the back of the property with improved facilities; redevelopment of the middle room into a café area; construction of new toilet facilities with disabled access; install a new more flexible heating system; upgrade the fire protection and rewire the electrics; redecorate and buy new seating for the main room. We are now looking into avenues of grant aid and obtaining quotes from builders for this, but Covid 19 has put this on hold.

I would like to thank Alan Harris of AHA Architecture for all his help and perseverance with the plans and planning, and also the Town Lands Trust for their generous support.

Rick Smale, Trustee

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

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oving on from last month's article, we have postponed the visit by our Roscoff friends this year until August 2021. As with every social group, we have put on hold any plans for gatherings and fundraising until there is a definite indication of returning to normality. On behalf of our group, I wish everyone well and hope they remain safe.

As an aside to the current situation, I thought that the article below, submitted

by Jay Nicholson, would provide some interesting reading.

Mary, Queen of Scots In Roscoff town centre, near the harbour, you can find this plaque attached to an Ivy-covered wall: It translates roughly as: On the access ramp located at this beach, Mary Stewart stepped ashore in August 1548. So what’s the story?

Mary Stewart (Better known as 'Mary, Queen of Scots') was born on 8th December 1542. She was the daughter

"It translates roughly as: On the access ramp located at this beach, Mary Stewart stepped ashore in August 1548. So what’s the story?" of King John V of Scotland and a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England. Sadly, her father died shortly after her birth and Mary then became Queen and was crowned at nine months of age. A previous treaty between Scotland and England had included a marriage agreement between Mary and

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Email: isabelspetsitting@gmx.co.uk Visit: www.isabelspetsitting.co.uk

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

Edward, son of Henry VIII. But Scotland renounced this agreement, preferring an alliance with France and so Henry attacked Scotland. This is why on 15th August 1548 a five year old Mary was taken to France for safety. She was engaged to be married to Franรงois, the son of King Henry II of France. She spent her childhood in the French royal court and became a firm favourite of the French people. Mary and Franรงois were married on 24th April 1558 when she was 15 years old. The next year, King Henry VIII was fatally wounded during a jousting tournament. Franรงois II was crowned, at the age of fifteen, in July 1559 and thereby became not only King of France, but also King Consort of Scotland for the rest of his life, which was not very long as he died of an ear infection in December 1560. Upon his death, Mary returned to Scotland and spent the rest of her life embroiled in intrigue and plots which we all know ended badly for her when in 1587 she was executed for plotting against her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. We currently have over 40 members, ranging from 10 years and upwards; you don't have to be able to speak French.

We welcome new members, so please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) 01805 625765.

Nick Roberts, Chairman

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Private William Henry Slee

W

illiam Slee was born in the the Battle of Passchendaele.

Holsworthy parish in 1897.

The fighting at Passchendaele soon He was the son of Frederick became mired by mud and fell into a William, who was a farmer, and Elizabeth boggy stalemate. The conditions by the Ann Slee. end of October had become atrocious.

Within a few years at 1901, the family Any chance of a rapid advance in order had moved to 20 Castle Street, Great to overwhelm the enemy positions had Torrington. Frederick, who was born evaporated as the terrain between in the town, now has his occupation the opposing trenches was virtually recorded as an “auctioneer’s clerk”. impassable at any reasonable speed.

As well as Elizabeth, the household Despite this, these odds against them, is completed with William’s siblings, a further attack was ordered regardless Agnes, Frederick and Florence, as well of the conditions. On the 24th October as servant Lucy Harris. By 1905, William the 8th Devons moved into their new was enrolled in the Great Torrington positions close to the front ready for Council School the ‘off’ in the "I’ve had little success in finding out any early hours of for boys. more information about Private Slee, 26th October.

The final but would welcome any information any Even before the profession attributed to descendants may have. You’re welcome push came on father, Frederick, to contact me if you would like to add to that morning is in the 1911 there were his story." census where new obstacles; he is recorded as a “dairyman and German artillery fire had increased in cake merchant”, with his wife acting as ferocity and the rain started again in “assisting in the business”. Little has earnest. At zero hour, as predicted, the changed regards to the family’s location going was slow and this made perfect and they are still residing at 20 Castle targets for the machine guns in the Street. The children in the household, German pillboxes. Despite this, the 8th including William, and which also now Devons were able to make reasonable includes the youngest addition, Harold, progress. However, as the day wore on are all of school age. the relentless German opposition from At the outset of war William enlisted machine gun fire, bombardment and with the 8th Battalion of the Devonshire counter attack, aided by the slow going Regiment. Although enlisting in Exeter, terrain, depleted the ranks of the 8th his actual residence at the time is Devons. At 8pm the Devon, as well as recorded as Ilfracombe. We know that the rest of the beleaguered 20th Brigade, he had already seen action and had were relieved. Although the regiment been wounded in the summer of 1917. had seen much fighting over their time However, William would see far graver in France, this would be their toughest action as the 8th Battalion entered into task and greatest casualty toll. In all, 127

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were dead or missing with a further 131 missing.

Among the dead was William Slee.

His death was reported the following month after his family had been notified of the news. He was just 19 years of age. The North Devon reported that “He was a young fellow with the greatest of promise, and he was held in the highest esteem in Torrington and district". At the time of his death, his mother’s address is recorded as 39 Boston Road, Horfield, Bristol. William’s headstone can be found at the Hooge Crater Cemetery at West Vlaanderen, Belgium.

I’ve had little success in finding out any more information about Private Slee, but would welcome any information any descendants may have. You’re welcome to contact me if you would like to add to his story. As always, I’m particularly interested in any photos you may have: 07583 607 434.

Michael Newcombe

Weekly Events for Everyone at Under Loch & Quay Inn

‘Under Loch and Quay Inn’ has been set up by a mum of two in Torrington, to motivate us to keep up the good work protecting our NHS and saving lives. After the updated Government guidance suggesting that venues such as pubs and restaurants may not open until at least 1st July, folk from all edges of these great isles can rely on, Under Loch and Quay Inn, for weeks of fun in the meantime.

Jen Cooper encourages her friends and family to take part in

TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB Families Welcome

Cash Bingo on Mondays • Darts • Pool Skittles • Snooker • BT Sports & SKY Large function room for parties/weddings Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month Plus other entertainment Contact Sharon 01805 622543 #distantsocialising by re-creating ‘pubtastic’ family fun in the comfort of their own homes. She already has people attending from across the UK, and hopes to welcome more people to take part over the coming weeks.

Weekly themes and music from ‘resident DJ’ Silent Streets Collective can be enjoyed at ‘Getting Together, Miles Apart’ events every Saturday at 4pm. The events are not virtual or digital experiences, they are intended

to inspire good-humoured fun at home and to share that experience with loved ones through #distantsocialising.

You can 'attend' events within your household by taking inspiration from the weekly theme and tuning into the music available on the website. Or you can use social networking of your choice to connect with loved ones that you are currently isolated from and share your event together, miles apart.

Inspired by our dear comrade ‘The Pub’ and happening throughout the nation – this is the #distantsocialising event of the week!

More information at - www. underlochandquayinn.wordpress.com All enquiries to weareunderlochandquay@gmail.com

Meditation

M

A J Installations

TV, DVD, Video and Digital Installations Got equipment you can’t use properly?

We can offer a friendly step-by-step instruction service With over 25 years experience in the North Devon Area Phone Alistair McMillan

01805 804626 or 07977 810 088

editation is an ancient practice, one that is essential to our wellbeing enabling us to gain balance, calm and take back control of our ‘minds’.

Whatever your situation at the moment, whether you are currently in a position of being at home and have endless ‘time’ or if you are a key worker and trying to find the balance of navigating the new environment, meditation can be a great tool.

Often, in the western world, we view meditation as something to just ‘sit and do’ however the traditional yogic path is very supportive of our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual being.

Here is some helpful guidance for calming the anxiety or stress that we can feel, especially at the moment: * Preparation - take some moments throughout the day to be conscious of your surroundings, to be ‘mindful’ of what task you are doing, this is a starting point to reach a place of calm, and will help assist in meditation. * Breathe – start to be aware of your breath, are you shallow breathing (from your chest) or are you enjoying full breath (from your abdomen)? It’s essential that we are conscious of our lungs and breathing for optimum health. * Find an area that is quiet, without technology and where you will be undisturbed, (shoes off). * Do some gentle stretches or movement for 5 or 10 mins. * Relaxing techniques, such as lying down on the floor for 5 or 10 mins, arms face up and eyes closed will also help. * Sitting in meditation - this can be on

a firm cushion with knees supported or even on a chair. Your chosen meditation position must be comfortable and supported. * Make sure your spine is straight and your neck and head sit relaxed and comfortable on top, your arms and shoulders relaxed. * First take 2 or 3 deep breaths in through your nose, and out through your mouth, with your eyes closed. Then start to bring your breath back to your natural rhythm, not forced. * Relax and enjoy, simply focusing on your breath. * Mind – if you have thoughts, let them in, and see them dissolve and leave. * If you have a busy mind at this stage, then bring in a Mantra to help gain focus (because when saying a * * A good one to start with is said silently in your mind.

‘So Hum’ - SO (say on in breath) HUM (say on out breathe). Continue for as long as you feel you want to and return to natural breathing. ‘So hum’ means (I am that).

This is the basis of meditation.

If you have found this helpful and would like to be guided through this, I have video recording of the process and other techniques within my FREE meditation for all Facebook group. www.facebook.com/groups/ MeditationForEveryone/ this is a space for support and guidance for meditation for all levels – beginners, advanced and teachers. www.traceecullen.com.

Thank you, sending much support to you all and inner peace.

Tracee Cullen (Chi – Mind, Body and Spirit)

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Fine Floral Design is now closed to the public.

I am able to supply the following:* Funeral Flowers delivered to the undertaker * Vegetable, and flower plants to your door.

There will be an availability list sent out each week for you to order your plants at home, so look out on Facebook and share to your friends or email me at any time.

Tel: 01805 938946 Mob: 07533891380 • 27 South Street, Torrington, EX38 8AA Visit: www.tinahodgson.com Email: finefloraldesign@gmail.com

The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will win mixed bedding plants worth £30 from Tina Hodgson. Take your pick from perennial plants, basket plants or vegetables.

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 Melanie Mendus-Edwards. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 11th June and the solution and winner will be in the July issue.

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Throughout the lockdown I have been delivering vegetable, bedding and perennial plants to anyone in Torrington and the surrounding areas. Home-grown vegetables taste so good and we can all have a go. There are dwarf types that can grow in pots, or grow tomatoes or strawberries in a basket.

As we start to return back to our normal way of life, I would like to continue the plant delivery service. I will delivering bouquets and all the plants you desire - that is, when in season! If you’re not able to go out and about to nurseries, I can supply a comprehensive list for you to choose from; right from early spring through to late summer. I will also supply compost and summer flowering baskets.

All the produce is grown by very local producer, however the list is quite extensive - please feel free to call for a copy, if you don’t see it first on Facebook.

I am hoping to open the shop on 2nd June, with a brand new mobile friendly online shop too, so that I can trade whatever the situation.

Sadly, all the weddings booked for this summer have been moved to later in the year or next year. So if you are planning your wedding for next year, the places may well be filling up fast. Book your wedding flowers as soon as you are able, so not to be disappointed.

Telephone: 01805 938946/07533 891 380 or email finefloraldesign@gmail.com.

Fine Floral Design supply: Bouquets for all occasions, funeral flowers, wedding flowers, event arrangements, event prop hire and floral workshops.

New Town Website ‘OneGreatTorrington.uk’ is Launched

T

he Futures Group has been working to develop and build a new website for the town and locality: www.OneGreatTorrington.uk has now been launched and is ready to use.

We were awarded National Lottery Community funding for its development and to cover running costs for the first five years. Thanks to everyone who has contributed photographs, content and time for proof reading.

It aims to be a website for people who live in, work in and visit the town. We can use it to market our shops and traders; it will help people to find local clubs, societies and other community organisations, and when the coronavirus restrictions are (eventually!) lifted we will be in a better position to promote our town and surrounding areas, its history, heritage and sense of community.

If you have previously submitted a listing for your organisation, business, shop, trade, club, group, or society, it will now be there on the site. If you have your own website, we ask that you link back to OneGreatTorrington as it will help to raise your online profile. Register an account on the website so that you can update your own listing.

If you would like a listing on the new website, you can add it yourself at any time by visiting the site and registering for an account. Once you have logged in you can create your listing (note that it will be reviewed by us for approval). We have created a guidance video which will be help with this: https://rebrand.ly/OGTlisting If you have queries about any of this, please email us on gt.futuregroup@gmail. com or message us at www.fb.com/gtfuture.

Lastly, the website funding was conditional on continuing community involvement.

So we would be very pleased to hear from people who could give an hour or two a week to help with keeping the site up to date, identifying faults and helping to promote it. If you can use a laptop or iPad you will have sufficient skills to help with this. For further discussion, please contact gt.futuregroup@gmail.com.

Keeley Allen (Town Mayor) said – “Very pleased to hear that our new town website is now live and ready for its launch. We have so many wonderful things happening in our town and this will be a great opportunity to market ourselves and to be able to bring everything together through one main website. I hope this will make it easier for people from all over to access information about Great Torrington and to also encourage them to come and visit us too!”

Unused Community Equipment Collected

D

onated equipment, including commodes, walking frames, perching and shower stools, is being collected from households across the county following an appeal by Devon County Council for community equipment which is no longer being used.

The call went out recently to avoid potential shortages of such items, which are used by people to remain independent at home during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Millbrook Healthcare Ltd, which works with Devon County Council to provide community equipment, is collecting the donated items from households across the county to be re-used after testing and cleaning.

Devon County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres, where members of the public often leave unwanted items of equipment, have also helped.

Larger items of community equipment that are still highly sought after include, profiling beds, pressure relieving mattresses, mobile hoists and patient turners. To donate an item of community equipment that you are no longer needing, please telephone Millbrook Care to arrange a free collection, on 0330 124 4491.

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Fleur’s Gardening Forum

Make space for more green ardens have suddenly taken on a new role in our isolated lives, especially for those of you who wouldn’t normally see yourselves as keen gardeners. Even those of you who don’t have a garden at all, now appreciate the calming effect of houseplants, how they add a positive ambience to your home in a similar way to a garden. It’s my opinion that it’s the ‘greenness’ of plants that is relaxing to the eye, rather than the brightness of a floral display, and green is known to be a restful colour.

There are so many different shades of green – take a closer look at how they enhance the colour chart of your garden. There are the golden or limey-greens which contrast wonderfully with dark greens; variegated greens make a foil for the plain green or the darker, reddish foliage of some plants. Green also breaks up potential colour clashes, i.e., pink and orange, so you can have brightly coloured flowers from the opposite ends of the colour chart growing in proximity to each other, as long as there is a bit of green in between. For a different kind of adventure, get your children to count how many shades of green they can find in the garden or out on a walk! You will be surprised, I’m sure.

Indoors, green foliage plants are often those which prefer shade, because in their natural setting they usually grow under the tree canopy or in forest glades where the light is dappled. Such ‘tropical’ plants prefer to be mist-sprayed regularly to maintain humidity levels, and if you have a large display, a dish of gravel that is constantly moistened helps, too.

Succulents and cacti are different, being used to dry, desert conditions. How wonderful it must be to find a green oasis in the middle of a desert! These plants need a good soaking once in a while; most thrive on a certain amount of neglect. They don’t like waterlogged soil; make sure the compost you use to is really well drained, with lots of grit and cover the top of the soil around the plant with grit, too. These plants need very good light but not necessarily extremely hot sun. They can take colder conditions, as long as they are dry – the desert at night is often very cold!

Happy gardening everyone.

Fleur

G

30

Prisoner of War Poems

W

e are delighted to share a poem, one of two sent in by Sue Membery, which were written by her father, Cyril Gowing. Sue’s brother recently discovered their father’s handwritten diary, which he kept from day he was taken prisoner in 1940 until he arrived in a Prisoner of War Camp in Eastern Poland. The poems were also written during this time. There is a local connection to the story!

“Our father, Cyril Frederick William Gowing, was born in East London and, before the start of the War and conscription, he worked in London for the Cooperative Permanent Building Society (subsequently to become Nationwide). On his return from the War he was transferred from London to Great Torrington, where he was Manager of the Cooperative Permanent Building Society, in the building which now houses the Museum. He stayed for the first few days at the Black Horse and then lodged in Halsdon Terrace.

He met and married Rosemary Sandford - daughter of Thomas Sandford, a Director of the Torridge Vale Dairies, and they lived in Furze House, South Street where I was born. Two years later my brother, Carl, was born at The Old Smithy in Cinema Lane. Both houses still bear a wooden nameplate, both carved by Dad.” A Day’s Thought Looking back at England – now to us the promised land, We see that everything we wished was always there at hand – And it takes a lot of travel to make one realise that the things that really matter are not measured by their size.

“Do unto others as ye would they do to you” is a maxim which costs nothing, just the effort so to do, But how many make that effort now that things have gone awry when it is, in fact, the very time for every man to try.

Just stop and curb that hasty word – or action – it may be you’ll find it helps an awful lot the cause of harmony.

And all look forward to the day, which must come by and bye, When the phantom tall shop hoves in sight – and the star to steer her by Cyril W Gowing (1940)

Adam Woodhouse Windows Ltd trading as

AW Windows

Windows - Doors - Conservatories - Cladding Fascias, Soffits & Gutterings All aspects uPVC, wood, aluminium & glass

07968 472972 • 01769 560655

aw.windows@hotmail.co.uk • www.adamwoodhousewindows.co.uk

1st Torrington Scout Group

C

ovid-19 might have stopped the face-to-face scout meetings, but it definitely doesn't stop the Zoom meetings! Every week 1st Torrington Scouts have been having a great time with each other. They have been doing quizzes and scavenger hunts via Zoom. One week the scouts had an emoji quiz where they had to guess phrases, words or brands from emojis. Another week they had the challenge of learning Morse code and the phonetic alphabet for the communication badge. This will make them ready for the Zoom meeting where they will send each other messages in Morse code, the phonetic alphabet and have fun decoding them!

The scouts have also been taking part in UK Scout Humour's weekly challenges - making fake campfires, camping in their gardens or living rooms! This week they are all making a cake, just in time for scout Elle’s birthday!

The cubs are also completing badges and submitting their evidence in a virtual manner. A book reader badge with a

‘shelfie’ picture was first completed. Evidence of a list of books, some fiction and at least two non-fiction books were required, and the ‘shelfie’ picture as proof of their bookshelf.

Our cub Thomas even had his books sorted into a rainbow.

The next at home activity was making a paper aeroplane and explaining how they had made it.

Different types of badges have been put on the cub 'online scout manager for cubs to complete at their leisure'. Whilst on the break from in-hut activities, badges that were completed had to be posted. These included cubs that have been made into Sixers. Congratulations to Tyler, Farran and Alex.

We are still interested to hear if you would like to join or be a part of cubs or scouts. Though any hut meetings will be postponed until the lockdown is lifted.

If you have a son or daughter who may be interested in joining cubs aged 8-10 or scouts aged 10-14 or if you feel you may be interested in helping out in anyway please contact Jordon on email Jordon.whitear@gmail.com.

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Meet, chat and enjoy some company for the day

Heanton t Providing... s e W

• Purpose built hall • Freshly cooked meals • Local transport available • Over 60’s • Dementia Friendly • Wide range of daily activities

T: 01409 281 754 F: 01409 298 160 E: enquiries@westheanton.co.uk Visit: www.westheanton.co.uk West Heanton, Buckland Filleigh Beaworthy, EX21 5PJ

NEW Day Care Service

Residential Care, Sheltered Housing, Day Care & Domiciliary Care

Recruiting Now! Interested? Apply today.

Part time or full time jobs@westheanton.co.uk

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

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

“Thank you to all our valued customers past & present for their valued custom & support” Visit: www.countrylandscaping.co.uk Tel: 01237 452361 Mobile: 07932 457 921

We are closed un�l further no�ce, but we look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we can.

In the mean�me our Experience Vouchers are s�ll available to buy online, so if you’d like to treat someone to something to look forward to have a look at our website, or drop us an email or text.

Visit: tarkapo�ery.co.uk or call/text 07931 306 414 32