Torrington Crier June 2022 by The Torrington Crier

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

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Torrington & District Community News & Events

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

Crier Deliveries

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

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

Disclaimer:

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

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Town Hall Thanks

ow May Fair is over, the Trustees of the Town Hall would like to thank the Town Council for giving us the honour of holding the ‘official’ part of the May Fair proceedings in our prestigious Grand Hall. Feedback given to Trustees, staff, and volunteers on duty was how impressed other Mayors and dignitaries from North Devon were, with our beautiful building, and what an appropriate place it was to hold this traditional ceremony. Thank you to all you lovely people who came to our pop-up bar in the Undercroft during the celebrations, which has helped us raise some money for the upkeep of our Town Hall. Our grateful thanks too for all the planning and hard work done by our staff Anne, Celia, and Nicky, to ensure everything went smoothly, not forgetting the very efficient ladies and helpers behind the bar, our volunteers, and our own Town Hall Trustees. Please try to support the events we put on to help us continue to make the Town Hall a place for all the community to enjoy. Finally- dates to remember: Platinum Jubilee Gala Dinner & Dance Friday 5th June, 7 for 7.30pm. Don’t miss out on this very special event sponsored by WMS and Marks & Spencer, entertainment by Big Al and the Wild Strawberries (see our front cover of the Crier).

The Sun Shone on May Fair

n Thursday 5th May 2022, the community of Great Torrington was brought together for a stunning May Fair day, after a long and challenging two-year wait due to the pandemic. The town was festooned with colourful bunting and the atmosphere was electric as patrons lined the town square. The months of preparation were evident throughout the stunning display of singing and dancing from the pupils of Bluecoat C of E Primary School, as well as the rousing music from the Torrington Silver Band. The Entourage, having felt the mounting anticipation of the occasion, did not disappoint as they entered a packed-out town square with grace and decorum, revealing this year’s theme of the Queen’s Coronation. They were led for the first time by the May Prince (Standard Bearer), a new role to the Entourage which was suggested last year by the Year 6 children of 2021, who did not get their May Fair moment in the traditional sense. Instead, they made their mark by putting ideas forward to the May Fair Committee including the role of a May Prince and improvements to the voting system for the May Queen and Crowner. A video of the children explaining this is available on the school website (www.bluecoat-learn.org/community/may-fair). Alex Williams was voted in as May Prince and he proudly carried the flag as he led May Queen - Cadie Hewitt, Crowner - Lola Pateman, Heralds - Quinlan Dymond and Regan Beer, and Attendants - Jessica Braund, Bella North, Dynasty Harris, Alanna Clifton, Honey Huxtable, Molly-Mae Coysh, Lola North and Isabelle Vennall. Alex commented “It was really nerve-wracking but as soon as I turned the corner into the square, I got into it. It was fun and exciting and something I’ll remember”. The flag was designed by Bluecoat pupils as part of the 2015 Parliament Flag Project. All the children did themselves, their families and the school proud. Bluecoat would like to thank them, their parents and carers for their support, all the staff that contributed in so many ways, the May Fair Committee for their planning and organising, and the Great Torrington community for such a warm reception. It really was a May Fair to remember.

For our senior citizens Don’t forget to book your ticket for Thursday 16th June 3pm. for our Senior Citizens ‘Right Royal Knees Up’. Enjoy a vintage afternoon tea and a sing-a-

long in good company. Tickets are just £5 from our website greattorringtontownhall.org/events or from Crafty Needles, or pop in and see us at the Town Hall.

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could be as simple as a£1.blue depending on the season, may well be £2(this Library News Torrington Methodist Church Devon 10.30am per child – under 1s £1 – siblings Rolle Canal & Northern Saturday 13th mushroom crate upside down flowering at the timeGeoffrey of the walk. Rev Stephen Hill 6.30pm Rev Ken is Price includes healthyturned snack & drink for he Secret Book Quest would you choose?’ Advice Surgery with Cox MP. 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The distance is little enjoying a free meal. Cat biscuits (not Sunday 26 the library.Plane at Ridd. This is the Check the group out on our Facebook have cracked on and got a lot done. Inclined Sunday Sacrament service at 11.50amMichael's Church Chulmleigh Town Hall to 9-11am over a@@TorringtonLibraryDevon mile but with plenty look at Stfish flavour)Church are anSaid idealMass food to put in On signing up, children receive a page The of the large shed has place where the Rolle Canal 1pm cakes,and produce, draw is prizes appreciated in Stexterior James discuss likely to take a 10.30am the feeding stationChapel but please never booklet full of puzzles, facts and In fond memory of Sybil Avery been finished off we have now was'Hitchcock' raised up(12A) about3pm 43fun feet Film @ The Major Walker MC Ceremony @ War Music Gaga: Rock Anthems @ The couple of hours. A donation of bread and milk as itand can8pm make them activities. Withinfloor are 10 zones to travel, Memorial Sybil11am worked at Torrington Library, Ploughfitted the work benches inside. The from the valley near Plough £2 (see to article) the Rolle Canal seriously ill. Weare Giffard to a Film 'Argo' (15) 7pm @ The Plough with code-stickers tolevel collect along up the wooden spiral staircase, our power sockets havethe been Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4.30pm details Society's funds will at be If lighting you findand a hedgehog out during Comedy 'Russell Kane' @ofDevon Hall in the of the valley the wayside to completion this 50-book old01805 site inappreciated the market hall. She was a Doug 622648 or Beryl 01805 installed by Paul of PWR Electrics, Friday 19th and helps day, wobbling and unsteady or you’re 8pm that could be maintained challenge. There is no rush to complete 624294 fantasticenable colleague work alongside, Michael's Church Saidthat Massvisits Bideford, who has done a8.30am grand job the toSociety to keep Stworried about one your all quest, the way inland can to the 'Great Expectations' 7.30pm @ St James Chapel the children take as long as Film she seemed to know everyone, installing anthe overhead power volunteer work going to in garden, place hedgehog in a line highto the Monday High Bickingtonwas Cinema headlike. weir 8th at Rosemoor. 'Zion Train' 8pm The Plough they Torrington her town! Sybil retired shed. Wewith just @ clad the inside promote and maintain features of Gig sided box aneed hotto water bottle Historical Society AGM & Talksseen 'Beam Music Coope Boyes & Simpson 8pm @ Many people will have Our Secret Book Quest prize draw the day before the library relocated to walls and then we can install our the Rolle Canal. Future walks this year wrapped in a towel and cover with thesmall House & Quay' & John Oatway Plough th this site on previous walks but this year The th th Saturday 20th winner our present site at Castle Hill in January June, 28 July and 18 will be 16 cloth that you used to pick it up with equipment to get started on our garden Torrington Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @over there have been developments Music Bob Fox 8pm @ The Plough August. For further details if required: then please ring any of the following Vinnie Daniel scooped 2000. I had the pleasure of working trugs, bird tables and bird boxes. Methodist Church 14th the winter that will make it well worth a Sunday email: hassallc@ymail.com or phone who will behas more than willing hard to give a prize in the latest(PG) 2pm @ The alongside her for six years10.30am and I will Dave been working on the Film 'Wreck it Ralph' Methodist Church repeat visit. The Heritage Lottery Torrington 21st 01237 425357, but you'll probably have Sunday advice orfor take totea one of the local vets. Libraries Unlimited draw always remember her Mrs with a smile. roof the room/conservatory, Plough Rev Peter Whatton 6.30pm Vivienne funded ‘Life's Journey’ project has St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass to leave a message.  British Hedgehog Preservation Film 'Argo' (15) 5pm @ The Plough for participants who her family. soSunday we nowClub have a niceroom warm and dry in upper produced a new pathway from the SheriffMy condolences to allChris Hassall Ignatius Film 'Lincoln' (12A) this 8pm @ The Plough Society 01584 890801 have completed Kate Greaves St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass place Methodist for tea andChurch conversation. Torrington 10.30 Still Tarka Trail down to the bottom of the Sunday Club in Challenge upper room  North Devon Hedgehog book challenge. Vinnie two illustrated Ignatius Summer Reading needs plumbing for a Rescue water supply, but Rev Ken Morgan 5pm Circuit Service @ Inclined Plane where Tuesday 9th Film 'The Sessions' (15) 3pm & 7pmCrier @ for Parkham Our Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!! 01271 816989 or 07964 522 359 was our first participant Watch out for next month’s we can wait for that for now. information boards have been installed Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough Theinformation Plough Anni Nicholls Hedgehog Awareness Week is on its Torridge from Bluecoat School and was entered on the launch of the Summer AtRamblers the time afternoon of writing walk this we are to describe the saltmarsh habitat by Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 8pm @ The way but why wait until then to 01237 451820  Torridge Hedgehog Rescue into the prize draw on completion ofand the Reading Challenge 2022. starting on the roof for the main brick the Torridge and the workings Plough Monday Film 'Les Miserables' (12A) 3pm @aThe help? As 15th spring is here (working withhope ND Hedgehog challenge. Facebook @TorringtonLibraryDevon purpose of the Rolle Canal. It is now building. We to have dry space Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm Plough Rescue) Angela Hodge andFollow hopefully theFacebook weather@toHigh possible toVinnie! gain a far better Bickington Well done, us on find out the soon to work our magic with wood, by Wednesday 10th Community Centre Film 'I Give it a 486 Year'509 (15) 7pm @ The improves our spikyabout friends 07884 understanding of Said theMass lay-out and Mini Self Weigh latest information library events fitting it out with our heavy equipment StBaby Michael's Church 8.30am Mover Dance Session for under 5's Plough will up and about look out for events in planethis boat lift 9.30-10.30am hopeof tothe beinclined able to offer service andbeinformation. We again. post on our page andPlease more workbenches. in workings StWe James Chapel @extremely Bickington Community It’s been an tough your area during Hedgehog than was previously theHall case. as soon as possible after our regular regularly, so it is a good place to find out Torrington W.I @ Methodist 7pm The Centre So with all of this thprogress we can Monday 22nd winter for them. The Awareness Week 5 to 11th May. upper basin of the canal at the top of Film 'I Wish' (PG) 8pm @ The Plough Bounce & Rhyme sessions which run on what’s going on. now see the light at the end of the Mini Mover Dance Session for under 5's changeable and wet weather the incline has been cleared ofduring scrub Tuesday 16th Tuesday mornings at 10.30am Please refer to our website: www. tunnel. Hopefully we can look forward 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington has made it difficult for many of sufficiently enable the outline of its 'Hearing PetstoAs Thursday for You' Social groupfor forup-to-date the term time. to11th librariesunlimited.org.uk Centre an Therapy opening day in the summer and a them to find food or hibernate properly Community banks to be clearly seen, and the way Pets As Therapy of hearing. on Every 3rd Tues 2pm @ St Michael's Church Saidon Mass Comedy Alistair McGowan Please keep an eye our Facebook hard information all our services. well-earned rest. is a8pm @ The over the past months so many are now the railway subsequently cut through The Bickford Centre call 01271 373236 national charity founded 10.30am Plough page. in St James Chapel followed by For assistance with any queries If anyone wants to come along to weakClub and High needBickington help. If you know that the northern destroying the top of Youth Community Walsingham cellend, in vicarage in 1983. It isPete unique in Trio Gallery Gig The Canter Lego Club please contact us by emailing torrington. either join or just have a chat please you had a resident Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm The now Centre the incline. This canal @ basin for 11+ @ 5-7pmhedgehog in your 8.18pm that it @ provides therapeutic The Plough The Lego is out on alternate Saturdays library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or via contact either Dave Davies 07759 area last year please don’t forget to put Plough supports an increasing population of Badminton Club 7pm Juniors 8pm visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing between 10.30am-12.30pm. our general telephone enquiries line a bowl of water and some food out for 783001 or Tony Warren 0775 8672441 Theatre Multi Storey: & The Early Purple OrchidBeauty and Twayblade (a Adults @ Bickington Community Centre and care23rd homes, special needs Tuesday Torrington Library Book Talk which, Cribbage 0345placing 155001. them, it inside a feeding station Youth or just turn up at the vicarage gardens pairs competition @ Torrington Beast 2pm @ The Plough green flowered orchid) schools a variety other venues Cluband for 11+ 5-7pmof@High had Atlas' an amazing comments Arms Libraries Unlimited is a registered Bickington FilmWe 'Cloud (15) 7pm517 @ The 8pm any Tuesday or Centre Thursday morning. Community Film 'Cloud1170092. Atlas' (15)Librariesunlimited.org. 7pm @ The Plough note early start for‘Iflong for a recent question youfilm could charity The Men's Shed Badminton Club 7pm Juniors 8pm recommend one book to the group whichPlough uk note early start for long film Adults @ High Bickington Community CRIER COPY DEADLINE for Centre

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St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Wednesday 24th ee eJames inFrSt stimates Chapel St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am & friendly ad Short Tennis vice HNC @ High Bickington in St James Chapel , NVQ and Institu Centre 4.30-5.30pmProviding for 5+ quality but WCommunity Short Tennis @ Highaffordable Bickington ood Prese te of rv ing & Legion 3rd Weds of every Royal British Damp -Pro Community Centre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ ofing accountancy and taxation services. month @ GT Conservative Club qualifi7pm Film 'Fire in the Blood' (PG) 8pm @ The ed Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, friendly group www.pgdaccountants.com Gallery Gig 'Judith Christie & Diane for parents & children aged 0-5 25th Hickford 623376 Calvert Contact 8.15pmColin @ The Plough C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 Tel: 01271 Thursday 268082 Mob: 07810 448 618 Services include: 9.30am-11am @ Atherington Pavilion St Michael's Church Said Mass Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: hickford208@aol.com every Wednesday term time. House sitting • Dog walking • Equine care • Emergency cover

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If you want see pictures of our 3rd last July 3-4.15pm for children who waittothe Saturday show a considering list of previousChurch productions, longest. Are or you of St Michael & All Angels, Great Torrington visit www.torringtonplayers.com adoption but not sure where to start? ton Players Organ recital by Andrew Millington Families for Children is holding an s month! 'Hobson's The 'Father' Willis organ, generally regarded as one of the finest in the South Torrington In Bloom information you the haven't booked yoursession to give West, has been installed in Church of St Michael & All Angels, Great Torrington, for opportunity more. The dates, time, priceto find outSilver-Gilt Winners over2011 30 years. Originally built in 1864, it still sounds superb, but there are a huge number are Whether all on the you are Torrington in a relationship, in Bloom is delighted number ofwith parts which are subject to wear and deterioration, and it is time now for a front cover, or LGBTQ+ pop single, or hadresult children thehave above and would have before the organ becomes unreliable. majornot overhaul into the ofPlough your owninwe would been love abletotospeak achieve Up to £40,000 will be needed, and to help raise funds, there will be a concert at person. to you! So come along it without andthe talkhelp to and the church at 3pm on Saturday 3rd July by Andrew Millington, who was Director of The castour has beenteam support of local Music at Exeter Cathedral from 1999 to 2015. As well as organ pieces, there will be friendly at this information working session hard under traders, and two choirs, and North Devon Choral Society will be performing Parry's 'I Was Glad' to find out more. Allgroups information the direction of Frank individuals, would and 'Sing' by David Willcocks. sessions are currently held viawe Zoom. Allman, to bring youplease a like to thank youforall. To book contact Families Further details and ticket information will shortly be available on the church and memorable evening A list of sponsors Children on 01364 645480 or email and NDCS websites. packed with laughter. supporters is available devon@familiesforchildren.org.uk or Henry Hobson is on the noticeboard alternatively you can book online at at Giffard Art Group mpleby, who alongside t h e e n t r a n c e t o t hWeare e coun cil www.familiesforchildren.org.uk e are back! After two years of lockdown we are ecstatic to invite the s, finds time to write offices/1646. The next meetings are scheduled for: general public back for our Summer Exhibition. This will take place otes on our website This is Britain in Bloom’s definition of Tuesday 7th June 4-6pm at Weare Giffard Village Hall on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June bson's eldest daughter what constitutes silver-gilt level: Friday July 10am-12 noon between 10am and 4pm each day. nsible one, is 8th Sara ‘Very Good’ (75-84% mark) – a high Thursday 11th August 6-8pm ger, 'bumptious' sisters Thisvirtually year our joint project is, famous artists: everyone in the group has submitted standard entry, which meets 8th September and Jo Thursday Wood. Neil small painting by their favourite artist, as well as a selection of their own original all of the6-8pm judging criteria a and includes rs as Willie Mossop, paintings. All our paintings are for sale at very reasonable prices, and this is your sections of exceptionally high r Moore, plays Albert, standards. Exemplifies best practice in chance to transform your living room with a piece of original art. Vickie. Joyce Ridgwell multiple areas and demonstrates very The icing on the cake, as usual with our exhibitions, is the delicious home-baked rth and this will be her h i g h p o t e n t i a l f o r refreshments; c o n t i n u i n g people have been known to visit just for them. Bash - and sustainableSoeffort. with TP. Barton Barn development please do join us, entry is free and there is ample parking. You will be members,Fundraising but very TheCharity judges’ comments were positive welcomed with open arms and smiles and we all need that. for ony Bedinetz, Colin in Bash many too: ‘Torrington in arton Barn Julyareas, 2nd 2022, Puttick and Esther Bloom learned 7pm-midnight at has Barton Farma lot during the last tting Richard Pitt, who year and you have to be a Weare Giffard, raising moneythe potential Torrington Methodist Church ng very Welsh in 'A very strong entry. 1646 centre for Devon Air Ambulance. Featuring warm welcome from Torrington Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill s in Wales' to a very improves each year and is a valuable top Queen tribute act ‘This Is Queen’. Street. arlane. asset to the town. Dartington’s Livenot music, all profits to the Every Sunday we have Morning Worship at 10.30am and Evening there could be abar, food, (Crystal) grounds were a valuable Air Ambulance. Raﬄ e in aid of Young at 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request the l the unsung heroes addition to the route. TheWorship flowerbed at £10 improvement. link. Our premises (various rooms, incl. wifi, projector) are available to hire, see s. I wish ILives couldVersus list all Cancer. S&G Tickets is a vast The each, available via our Facebook page website or phone Sheila 01805 622949. Blessings from us all, hope to meet you or text or call 07943 033 057. soon.

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Bluecoat Primary Supports Ukraine

Enterprise Day n Monday 4th April, the school community came together to raise funds to support the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The children made soaps, cereal bars, brownies, cakes and bracelets, which were all on sale, and they were also invited to wear a blue/yellow accessory for the day. We were thrilled with the response, and it was wonderful to have the buzz of this kind of event in school again. We have made a grand total of £540.40 which will help the charity support those most in need. Donation of Chromebooks There is also a huge international effort to give Ukrainian refugee children access to a curriculum that is as close to what they were familiar with at home in Ukraine. This effort led by UNESCO and countries like Belgium, Denmark, France, Lithuania, Slovakia and Spain are all providing support for displaced Ukrainians and trying to minimise the inevitable gap in their learning. Bluecoat have donated 10 Chromebooks to Little John’s House in Romania, a charity directed by Bluecoat teacher Mags Zaharia, who are supporting and hosting Ukrainian refugees in their Summer School and Day Centre buildings. Families are being offered a safe and warm place of shelter, as well as help with medical appointments and medicines etc. The donated Chromebooks are some of our older loan stock devices, which we would have been retiring soon, but will enable the children staying there to access the online digitised curriculum being offered by other European countries and continue with their education. The first two have already been very gratefully received by Angelina and Mika (pictured). If you would like to find out more about Little John’s House Refugee Support programme or donate to their efforts, please visit www.littlejohnshouse.co.uk/refugee-support

Torrington in Bloom

or those of you who have entered our special competition this year, don’t forget that judging day is on the 29th June. This still gives you a month to get those baskets, containers and window boxes looking bright and sunny. Remember that watering regularly is essential even if it has rained the night before. Window boxes, especially, tend to dry out very quickly, as they are overshadowed by house or window eaves, etc. I have seen many such planters looking neglected because they just don’t get sufficient water. Anyway, less of the nagging, and good luck all of you who have entered. Our members have been busy tidying up the flowerbed by S&G Carpets. We have a few gaps to fill but a number of us are busy growing plants from seed or cuttings. The flowerbed at Windy Corner will soon be ready to plant, so hopefully it won’t look tatty for much longer and the newly-prepared bed in Rack Park is going to be sown with dwarf sunflowers and borage, just to add some summer interest and, of course, both these plants are good for bees and other insects. The planters in the Town Square should also be filled with summer bedding soon and now we have had some welcome rain, much more can be achieved - filling gaps in some of the other areas around the town. Cherry Hammon Torrington in Bloom

Managing Stress and Building Resilience

ressure is a normal part of everyday life and can stimulate us into action and help us to achieve objectives, but if life pressures build up and are difficult to cope with, it can then turn into stress. Stress is a physical and emotional response that can have negative impacts on our motivation, performance, and relationships. Examples of this would be difficulty in making decisions or making poor decisions, feeling constantly tired, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. The physical response to stress is the release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol; this gives us a rush of energy to quickly respond to a situation the body perceives as a threat. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘flight or fight’ response and is a basic lifesaving mechanism. However, if we are feeling stressed often then there are constant higher levels of these hormones, causing health issues such as headaches, digestive problems and high blood pressure and can lead to longer term mental health problems. It can also affect how we respond to others, irritable, angry, inpatient, aggressive (fight), avoiding and withdrawing (flight). Stress is very individual and what makes one person stressed may be the opposite for someone else. Feeling overwhelmed may happen due to lots of small challenges or stresses or in response to a larger life challenge or situation. How we experience stress is also very individual, so one of the first steps to being able to manage pressure differently would be to get curious about our own triggers and responses. Try to identify some of the causes of your stress. * What does it feel like? * How do you respond to people around you when this is happening? * Are there practical things that you can change? * Are you expending time and energy on things that are out of your control? Emotional resilience is the ability

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Torrington Pannier Market

Market trading days are Fridays and Saturdays. There is a wide range of stalls selling everything from produce, free range eggs, jewellery, antiques and collectables, scarves and handbags, sweets, freeze dried sweets, fruit and vegetables, dog treats and Body Shop products to old maps and renovated prima stoves. We are also really pleased to have The Garden Box Vegan and Vegetarian food stall at our Friday markets, and live music at our Saturday markets from 11am. Torrington Pannier Market is under cover and we are lucky to have 12 independent shops selling a wealth of interesting goods. It is also home to The Market Café, serving a range of hot and cold food and drinks from 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday. There is a car park at the rear of the market and beautiful walks on Torrington Commons on our doorstep. Jubilee Celebrations – Art in Action! As part of Torrington’s Jubilee Celebrations, we will be holding a Maker’s Market – Art in Action! on Sunday 5th June from 10am till 2pm. Come along and see artists and makers at work, including painting and sculpture, wood carving, pottery, glass engraving, jewellery and polymer clay jewellery, pebble art and pet portraits. If you are interested in having a stall at any of our markets, please don’t hesitate to contact Jo on 07572 579 422 or Ange on 07852 450 270 or email us at greattorringtonmarket@gmail.com. For weekly updates, head to our Facebook page, Torrington Pannier Market. We look forward to seeing you very soon! to adapt and recover from stressful situations or difficulties, it is not something that we either have, or do not have, but levels of resilience can be very different for each of us; influenced by such things as age, gender, life experiences, role modelling etc. Some of these things we can’t change, but it is possible to develop resilience. Resilience cannot remove stress but can help deal with it in a way to improve the way you adapt or move on more quickly. Some steps might be: * Emotional awareness, recognising your triggers and feelings. * Learn to say no, rejecting unrealistic or

unacceptable demands from others. * Being resilient may strengthen your independence, but it is also about recognising how others can help. Be kind to yourself, accept your limitations and imperfections, ask for and accept support. * Explore and address life balances, take more breaks or mix pleasurable tasks with the harder ones. Please get in touch to see how I can help. Details on the ad at the top of this page. Marcelle Palmer

From Your County Councillor…

fter three very long years, it was great to see May Fair ‘as we know it’ back last month, and can I start by thanking and congratulating all involved in organising a successful event. The May Fair traditions are a special part of our heritage and after dealing with the pandemic for so long, it was good to see the town full again, with hundreds of people being able to enjoy the celebrations. Although Covid has not gone away, it really does feel like things are now more or less ‘back to normal’ and I hope very much it can now stay like that! However, while the threat of Covid may have receded, we are still dealing with the economic consequences of the pandemic and, with the return of inflation, the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for local people. While the County Council cannot provide all the solutions, as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund initiative, DCC has been awarded £5 million of Government funding to help residents who are struggling to afford to pay for their energy or water bills or buy food or other essential items. The first tranche of funding will be used to help support Devon residents who have prepayment or ‘pay-as-yougo’ meters to help pay rising energy bills. This will be targeted specifically at families with children and people of pensionable age who are struggling

financially. The County Council is working with the eight District Councils in Devon, including Torridge District Council, to develop schemes that will make the funding available for residents. Alongside this, DCC will continue to make free school meal holiday vouchers available for May half-term and summer holidays, to ensure children and young people who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals do not go hungry over the holidays. At the time of writing (11th May), work is still going on to finalise these initiatives, but I expect details to be available online on www.devon.gov.uk as soon as possible. Another issue facing us is that we still have a shortage of foster carers in Devon, in particular foster carers who can look after siblings. More children in care face growing up without their brothers or sisters unless more foster carers can be found. For any child, going into foster care can be incredibly hard to adjust to, but imagine having to go into foster care without your brothers and sisters around you? Children are much more likely to settle if they are kept with their siblings, especially if they are already close. For many people the past couple of years has been a time for reflection and fresh starts, and while I fully appreciate becoming a foster carer isn’t something that’s open to everyone, if you are interested why not pick up the phone and have an unformal chat with our Fostering Enquiry Team on 0345 155 1077 or email foster@devon.gov.uk You can

also go online on their website on www. fosteringindevon.org.uk Away from the ‘pan Devon’ issues, I continue to work on a number of local matters and issues – too many to write about for this edition! But one matter never far from my attention is the condition of our local highway network. The past month I’ve been on something of a crusade trying to report as many potholes as possible(!), having been out and about driving local rural roads in Langtree, Frithelstock, Buckland Filleigh, Dolton, Beaford, Ashreigney, Winkleigh and High Bickington. I cannot stress enough that it is a numbers game – the more potholes reported the more likely it is that a road will get resurfaced. So please, continue to report those potholes online on devon.cc/report-it or on the telephone – 0345 155 1004. As ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to contact me about you can contact me on Facebook on facebook. com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Cream Tea Thanks

Thank you to everyone who supported the afternoon tea in aid of the Royal British Legion Torrington branch held at Beaford Village Hall on the 24th April 2022. After expenses we gave them a total of £337.

War Horse 10

Sunday 18th September at Iddesleigh village, entries - see our Facebook page. Raising money for Ukraine Appeal and MIND.

Thank You Great Torrington!

Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee s I type this it is the Sunday after the carnival, and I am filled with happiness and pride that May Fair and all its traditions have returned (and some achy feet after a busy few days); all the hard work and dedication of the Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival committee had come into fruition, and the whole community was able to enjoy a brilliant few days. Of course, the committee cannot do everything, and we owe a great amount of thanks to the Town Council, The Cavaliers, Great Torrington Army Cadets, our volunteers and the wider community who all play a part in bringing everything together and making May Fair & Carnival a success. From me personally, I also owe a great amount of thanks to my close family and friends who are probably glad to read I will not be asking them if they want to buy a draw ticket, or if can they do me a little May Fair favour, for a few months at least, but these people make my role as Secretary run a whole lot easier so thank you. Over the coming weeks I will be sending thank you letters, and our treasurer will be calculating what money has been raised through the various channels, but I can confirm that the Carnival collection this year came to £2068.93 which is amazing, so thank you to everyone who donated. After June the committee will take a well-earned break for a few months and return ready and raring to go in September, with our AGM, where we would love to see some new faces so please keep a look out for the details in the coming months. Once again thank you to you all and if anyone needed reminding as to why we are Great Torrington, I think May Fair and all it brings is proof enough. When you read this, it will soon be time for the Jubilee celebrations, and I hope you all have a great few days celebrating. Tash Batty, Secretary

Rolle Canal Society Guided Walk

Sunday 19th June - Rosemoor - The Dark Weir, Canal Basin & Lime Kilns tarting from the end of the new extended car park at RHS Rosemoor Gardens near Great Torrington, this is an opportunity to walk beyond the public gardens, through attractive woodland to Darkham Weir on the River Torridge from where the waters to feed the Rolle Canal were taken. Then follow the mill leat to the recently cleared canal basin, effectively the terminus of the Rolle Canal. Here the old lime kilns can be seen as well as the foundations of a tucking mill. Length about 2.5 miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 19th June at the far end of the RHS Rosemoor car park. Walk Leader: Michael Elliott. Rosemoor operates a strict no dogs policy!

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations: Parking Request

n Sunday 5th June the community will be coming together to celebrate HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in the town centre for a Big Jubilee Community Picnic. High Street and Fore Street will be closed to traffic from 1pm until 6pm and it would be helpful if people could avoid parking along these two streets from early Sunday morning to allow the organisers to set out tables, chairs and children’s games in the street from 1pm. This will allow safe access for all during the event and avoid any disruption during the afternoon. Thank you! Big Jubilee Community Picnic Organisers

Torrington Silver Band Platinum Jubilee Concert

n Saturday 4th June, Torrington Silver Band is delighted to be hosting a concert to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We welcome you all to join us at Howe Concert Hall where we will be performing a repertoire of musical masterpieces to mark the occasion and celebrate the Queen’s incredible 70 years on the throne. As always there will be a raﬄe with some fantastic prizes, plus refreshments during the interval. Doors will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets will be available on the door at £5, under 16s free. Everyone Welcome!

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The Show Goes On…

t’s back, and it’s going to be better than ever! After a two-year Covid enforced absence, The North Devon Show goes full steam ahead on Wednesday 3rd August, with livestock classes now open for entry. Celebrating the region’s rural, agricultural and equestrian heritage, this year’s show also features a host of entertainment and activities, all geared at making it a special day out for all the family. Show Secretary Theresa Soanes said, “We’re all delighted that the show is back, and from the messages we’ve received it’s been really missed by the North Devon public. A number of visiting tourists enjoy the event too, and this year we’d like to make it as family friendly as possible, with extra entertainment laid on to accompany all the traditional events.”

Regular events include most of the usual livestock classes, plus pig and poultry displays and a horticultural show. This year a new ‘food village’ is set to replace the old food hall alongside a crafts and gifts marquee, trade stands, equestrian events, dog shows and all the usual main ring activities. A bumper side show of entertainment is planned including a music stage, circus, strongman Mighty Adrian Smith, a BMX display team, laser clay pigeon shooting, vintage cars and tractors, plus children’s fairground rides and much more. The venue remains the same, at Barton Farm, Umberleigh, but this year

an agreement between the show’s organisers and Stagecoach means that FREE bus travel is available for anyone purchasing an advance ticket. Buses will go from Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington and South Molton, plus a link from Umberleigh railway station too. It allows you to be dropped off right at the entrance, with priority access for all the buses, so no worrying about car queues. Advance tickets are available now from various outlets across the region - for details of where and how to purchase tickets see NorthDevonShow.com.

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Rolle Canal Rosemoor Site Update March - May 2022

t is sometimes difficult to point to major advances in the work we are doing at Rosemoor. There are a number of reasons for this: volunteer numbers fluctuate as (despite what people might believe!) we all have other lives outside the canal, there have been occasional difficulties in obtaining material and the weather, of course, can seriously hamper our work. However, we have been very fortunate to have had a predominantly dry spring and, with volunteer numbers holding up well, we have made substantial progress since the last report as a quick look at the photos will testify. We have continued to focus our efforts on repairs to the lime kiln and the ongoing excavation of the tucking mill. Work on the re-build of the lime kiln arch was interrupted for a few weeks as a result of problems with the scaffolding, but this has now resumed and we have succeeded in laying more stones over the wooden former. The work is slow as each stone has to be cut to size to precisely fill each gap. We now have just the central portion of the arch to complete, with the critical task of cutting and inserting the keystone ahead. Once this has been done, we can then continue to repair the wall above the arch itself. We have also been re-building the wall to the right of the arch and have laid a few more courses of stone here. In total, we have probably re-built at least 50% of the damaged wall. The extent of the repair is clearly visible in the recent photo taken from the towpath. Exciting progress has been made with the excavation of the tucking mill. This has been in no small part thanks to RHS Rosemoor, who in March kindly provided a mini-excavator and driver to remove much of the earth from the third chamber, and whose arboricultural

experts felled a number of trees growing on the site. Once this work had been done, we were able to expose more of the floor of the third chamber. It appears that this was originally cobbled, although the stones have been overlaid at a later date with concrete. The floor has also sunk considerably in the centre, possibly as a result of water from the canal leaching away the underlying material. Inevitably, our work was impeded by the presence of a massive tree stump which we nicknamed ‘The Beast’. This was one of the largest we have tackled anywhere on the canal, and took several weeks of back-breaking labour involving the severing of many roots before the monster finally surrendered. The effect has been transformative and has really opened up the third chamber and allowed us access to the rear wall of the room. This has been badly damaged by the roots of ‘The Beast’ and will need to be reconstructed. During the course of the excavations, we unearthed the remains of a cast iron hearth and grating, which we think would have been part of an old range. This leads us to believe

that this room may have been used as living accommodation for the mill owner and his family. We are now starting to re-build the foundations of some of the internal walls, which will give a much clearer indication of how the building would have originally looked. As we move into May, nature is once more starting to make her presence felt and plants are growing abundantly, particularly the ramsons (wild garlic) which look - and smell - very impressive, and have invaded almost every corner of the site. Soon, we will have to start the annual task of strimming and cutting back vegetation once again. Finally, it was good, at the end of April, to see the return of our resident robin who has been absent for a while – probably engaged in the important task of finding a mate. The lure of navvy banana loaf clearly proved too tempting! Would you like to join our team of volunteers? The work is interesting and varied and there are tasks to suit most ages and abilities. If you are interested, please contact our Chairman, Ian Harrison, tel: 01237 475707; e-mail: halehillfarm@gmail.com

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

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Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

he Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow, and the funds raised are making a massive difference in helping us to look after the Commons. Our rangers are out every day working to keep the Commons in the best condition possible. The gates are now open to enable parking on the OBG, so that you can stop for a picnic, burger or Hockings ice cream and the all-important toilets. This is a great time to explore the Tree Trail. You can buy a copy for £1 from the Post Office, Collectability, Whiskers Pet shop and the Puffing Billy. The trail starts and finishes at the Old Bowling Green. It is a great walk and very educational. Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1. Cut out or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the address on the form. You can pay by standing order or by sending a cheque for £24. Option 2. Visit the website www.torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque. Option 3. Email vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you. You can also collect an application form from the Post Office. Some of the shops in town also have application forms. Andrew Giles, Vice Chair Great Torrington Commons Conservators

Weare Giffard WI

1st June - Weare Giffard WI meeting at 2.30pm in Weare Giffard Village Hall. Illustrated talk by intrepid solo traveller Diana Goodacre entitled ‘Christmas in Oman’. Come along and find out more about this little-visited but fascinating country which contains the mysterious so called ‘Empty Quarter’ desert region. All welcome, especially ex-Torrington WI ladies!

OBG - The Old Bowling Green

he car boot sale season has started, these will continue until the last Sunday in September. On Sunday May the 8th we had a great day. It was the first day that we had our shop fully open. Hundreds of books were sold and many more were donated to us. I think we can officially say that it is the biggest book shop in Torrington. It is also the biggest DVD and CD shop in town. I have been to every street in Torrington collecting donations and many other people have delivered items to me. I have also been to all the local villages collecting. At the car boot you will also find a large range of plants and shrubs, vegetable plants, homemade chutneys and loads of second hand items looking for a new home. Better than it all going to a landfill site. The Men’s Shed will have their stall there. They are raising money to build their new location in the Vicarage Garden. The Conservators would still like more donations of Books, DVDs and CDs if you have them, please. You can contact me on 07956 366 390 or you can bring them along on Sunday mornings. Every penny is used to help us maintain the Commons. On June 2nd the Cavaliers' Platinum Jubilee Funday will be held on the OBG. This will include a beer tent, barbecue and loads of other things to enjoy your day on the Commons. At the end of the day they will light the Jubilee Beacon and have a massive firework display. Andrew Giles Vice Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators

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GREAT TORRINGTON T Your Council, Working for YOU

From Your Mayor…

ell, where do I

grateful to have their help. As we approached May Fair, I was very pleased to be joined by Cllr Keeley Allin start? and Jeanette Baker to judge the May The motorbike Fair Window Dressing Competition within rally to Land’s the town. Tanya’s Studio was a worthy End came winner, with the Town Hall’s Knit and through Taddiport Natter Group coming second, Hogwash in the early hours, Shop third and the Bickford Centre being and though I Highly Commended! Well done to all heard them, I shops and businesses that took part and couldn’t get up quickly enough to wish brightened up our town centre with bright them well! and fun window displays. I was pleased to be involved with Tarka Continuing with the May Fair theme; Valley Railway, when they opened their Alan and Michelle Jenkins who run the new shop and visitor centre on a lovely Fun Fair kindly asked me to officially sunny morning, as well as being involved open the event. They generously in the start of the next phase of their donated to both the May Fair and project. Carnival Committee, as well as to my Torrington Water Forum has been Mayor’s Charities fund, for which I running for some time now, and I was extend my very grateful thanks. I did visit honoured to be invited to attend a UN the open fair, and came away clutching a sponsored seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria. It big cuddly toy, but suspect the rules were was a privilege to represent our lovely eased a little in my favour? Come to my town and present to a group of local next charity fundraiser, and the toy could water specialists, who were fascinated be yours! by the pilot scheme which we are On the same evening, the May Fair running here in our town. rehearsal was a resounding success, The May Fair Committee was delighted and heralded the start of the festivities. to welcome a new group of volunteers The melodic tunes played by our to our April meeting, who were keen Silver Band brought back memories and to assist in various aspects of the day. shivers of anticipation to those crowded They quickly fitted in, and we were very into the square to watch the May Queen

and her entourage go through their paces. The Crowning of the Carnival Queen, Phoebe Young, took place afterwards, and I was delighted to have my granddaughter Mezli as my Consort to do the honours. The much anticipated and longawaited May Fair day dawned bright. The two dark years seemed to fade into insignificance. As we basked in the spring sun we were treated to superb singing, dynamic dancing, and perfect parading from the children of the Bluecoat’s School. They were all utterly amazing! A number of local mayors were invited and, as always, were bubbling with enthusiasm at our unique and amazing spectacle. The day was a huge success, with excited crowds packing the square for the festivities. In the evening, the Torridge Cup Football match at Vicarage Road saw Holsworthy triumph over Barnstaple in the final. Holsworthy’s Mayor, Cllr Helen Parker and her Consort Ian, were there to present the prizes and cup and it was a great end to a very exhausting day. My thanks go to Cllr Dave Parish and the club for their hospitality All the runners in the “Round the Tree Race” deserved the applause

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS they received, not only in the square at the start and finish, but right round the course. My sympathy went out to the horse in particular! The carnival was an absolute winner. The weather couldn’t have been better, and the entrants piled in. The atmosphere in the square was electric as the parade wound its way past us. All the comments I could hear in the crowd were so positive, and it was with a sigh of relief that we staggered off after the event knowing that we were back again with a vengeance. On Sunday the committee counted over £2000 worth of coins kindly put in our collection buckets, so despite all the financial hardship we are all facing, Great Torrington showed their appreciation as ever! Thank you. A massive thank you to the May Fair and Carnival Committee, the Bluecoat School and all of the local groups, and individuals who helped with arrangements and/or took part in the celebrations; and also, thank you to the community for coming together and supporting the events and showing it is very true that, “us be plaised to zee ‘ee” at May Fair! Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

Notice of Great Torrington Mayoral Introduction Ceremony

Notice is hereby given that: The inauguration of the Mayor of Great Torrington Town Council will be held at Great Torrington Community Hall on Tuesday 31st May 2022 at 7pm The meeting is open to members of the public who are most welcome. If you are intending to attend, please let the Town Council know by Tuesday 24th May 2022 so that we can make suitable arrangements for refreshments. Contact details are as follows; phone 01805 626135 or e-mail admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov. uk. Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

History Alive

Did you know that King Henry VIII’s grandmother lived in Great Torrington? ome along to History Alive on Saturday 10th September 2022 and find out much, much more about Great Torrington’s fascinating history which dates all the way back to the 8th century AD! The town will be buzzing with plenty of free, fun, educational and interactive activities including: living history re-enactments; a 1st World War recruitment drive; guides dressed in period costume; a costumed bowls competition; a talk by Peter Christie about the Great Cemetery Scandal; guided tours of the Rolle Canal and Tarka Valley Railway; displays and exhibitions; a costumed market day and an oral history project focussing on the town’s industrial history as a glove-making centre. There will be free entry to Dartington Crystal’s Visitor Centre and the Landmark Trust’s ‘Cawsey House’ on South Street. A free shuttle bus will be running between the town centre and RHS Rosemoor where the Wardour Garrison, a 17th century living history group will be stationed for the weekend. Come and join us on the 10th September and experience some of the fascinating history Great Torrington has to offer! Great Torrington Town Council

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

There will be a variety of commemorations and celebrations over the Platinum Jubilee long weekend for the community to come together to celebrate HM The Queen’s historic reign of 70 years! Thursday 2nd June 2022 Proclamation at 1pm The Town Crier will make a Proclamation at 1pm in the Town Centre and will be accompanied by four Pikemen all wearing 17th century period dress. Family Fun Afternoon at 2pm The Cavaliers will be hosting a Family Fun Afternoon at the Old Bowling Green from 2pm. During the afternoon and evening there will be a variety of activities for families including free kiddie fairground rides, bouncy castles, games and sports. There will be music from the Torrington Silver Band as well as various acoustic sessions and a DJ. On top of this there will be a beer tent and BBQ! It will be a fantastic family afternoon/evening which will culminate with a piper playing the nationally agreed tune of ‘Diu Regard’ at 9.09pm and the lighting of a beacon at 9.15pm followed by fireworks. Sunday 5th June 2022 Big Jubilee Community Picnic The Town Council and Town Hall are organising a community picnic in the town centre between 3-5pm for the community to come together to continue with celebrations to mark The Queen’s historic reign. Picnickers: bring your own food and drink to enjoy and we will provide the entertainment! We will have Rob Pudner and Friends, the Bluecoat School Choir and Torrington Silver Band: there will be magic tricks and circus skills at the tables, face painting and kids’ games as well as a ‘Best Crown’ competition (ages 4-7 and 8-11)! Please feel free to let your imaginations run wild when making your crown, but if you’re a bit stumped for ideas, we have a crown template and instructions on our website. The event is completely free to all so please join us for a right royal ‘knees-up’ to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! Big Jubilee Community Picnic Table Decorations If you’d like to help us decorate the tables for the picnic, we are looking for people to make paper flowers to go in jam jars: please see our website for links to some paper flower templates or give the Town Council a call and we can supply you with some instructions. Finished flowers in jam jars can be delivered to the Town Council no later than Wednesday 1st June 2022. Website: great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk Phone: 01805 626135

Blackberry Farm Shop

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Tales from the Archives Episode 3: Royalty

elcome to the third article in a series highlighting discoveries made in the Great Torrington archives. As the archivist, I am overseeing this work but, like all the museum Trustees, we are merely custodians for the town’s history. As we are in a Jubilee year, I have started to determine what is in the archive that relates to royalty and for now, make you aware in case you would like to know more. This is not a complete list but will give you a flavour of what is available. My personal favourite is a letter from the then Home Secretary (on headed Home Office notepaper), David Maxwell Fyfe, dated 18th June 1953. In this letter, he writes, “Sir, I have had the honour to lay before the Queen the Loyal and Dutiful Address of the Borough of Great Torrington on the occasion of her Majesty’s coronation, and I have it in command from the Queen to convey to you Her Majesty’s warm thanks for the expressions of loyalty and devotion which it contains.” It is a shame that the original Loyal and Dutiful Address cannot be found! The archive also contains a selection of individual newspapers relating to the coronation as well as a selection of colour magazines relating to the coronation and royal weddings over the years. Please feel free to contact the museum if you would like to find out more. The Archivist, Great Torrington Museum

Market Place Musings

ill interest rates dent the enthusiasm for property, is a question we often get asked when visiting property either for rent or for sale. In the midst of all the fun and frolics of the Great Torrington May Fair and Carnival, the Bank of England has raised the base rate to 1%, which is the highest it has been for 13 or so years. For many this might sound frightening, but for those of us long enough in the tooth to remember the 80/90s (that is 1980/1990s!) interest rates peaked at 15%. We are a long way off that and the projected rates are still low. The downward force of utility prices on income and the cost of living will certainly pay its part in steadying prices, but until demand drops then the market will remain buoyant for both rental and sales, as there is a singular lack of supply as pointed out in last month’s article. The coming months really show off Devon’s properties to their finest, and as spring turns into summer, the days lengthen, blue skies become more common and the gardens begin to fill with colour. Professional standard photography and video presentation plays a huge part in showing the colours off their best, and help in securing the best price possible, be it for rent or sale. A brochure does not need to be a set format, just because the software used to create them dictates it! What the eye sees and what the camera sees can be two very different things, and brochures need to reflect the attributes of the property. If it means the use of portrait photos instead of the traditional landscape ones, then so be it. More and more people are looking for a change in their style of living and look at property as an extension of this. As agents we need to reflect this shift and make sure we deliver. The last two years has certainly seen more use of Google street view or similar, and as is often the way it is not so up to date in our rural communities, so curb appeal is ever so important when bringing homes to the market. Curb appeal cuts across those looking to rent or to buy, and 76% of agents saying improving curb appeal can help the marketability of property. The same goes for rear gardens and with lighter evenings and warmer days we have time to do this, and hopefully sit back afterwards and enjoy what has been achieved! Adrian Hardwick Webbers Local Director, Great Torrington

Commons News

s we move into summer the long vegetation that supports so many of our bees, butterflies and other insects is particularly lush. Our aim on the Commons is to leave as much meadow land as we can to grow, flower and set seed before we mow it. We do have to mow at some point, later in the year, or we would lose our grassland to scrub – gorse and bramble. Natural grassland is as good a carbon sink as woodland, and we are fortunate to have some very good examples of biodiverse meadows in Reid’s Field, Clarke’s Meadow (aka Quiet Possession, aka The Dump Field) and Tanton’s Plain. The summer flowers, including a number of orchids, are always beautiful. The scent of the meadowsweet along the banks of Commons Lake is wonderful. The rare Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly may be spotted along with many others. One of the invertebrates that thrives in this long vegetation is the tick. These can carry Lyme disease. For this reason, we keep the edges of the paths mown. It is worth mentioning that dogs can also contract Lyme disease. Those with long ears who like to snuﬄe around are particularly prone. When you have been out with your dog check them over for ticks and if you find them remove them. Whiskers pet shop sells the little devices for doing this. If you would like to get involved with the Commons, as a volunteer, or as a member of the boards, please contact us. Mandy Harrison (chair@torringtoncommons.org)

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

Ring & Ride services operate in the following areas: Mondays from Westward Ho! and Northam Tuesdays from Torrington Wednesdays from Hartland Fridays from Bideford NEW: on Thursdays to Bickford Centre CONTACT JANICE BANKS on 01271 864258 19

Save Money Save Water

e have been pretty busy for the last few months, not only planning a display in the Town Hall, but talking to other groups in Europe, Africa and South America, in Zoom meetings, about setting up water forums and exchanging ideas on how and what to do. We have been invited to a meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, with their local water forum. Saving water is a global Issue. On 19th March we held our first face-to-face meeting in the Town Hall, supported by South West Water (SWW) and Mayor Doug Smith. Those that came would have seen picture storyboards covering: 1 Water Facts. Diagrams explaining the water cycle. 2 Local water supply/waste. Showing where our local water comes from and where the waste water goes to for treatment. 3 Water Meters. Water meters can save you money, changing to a water meter may benefit you if you don’t use much water. Households with meters generally use 12% less water than those without. You can use a calculator to help you work out how much you are likely to pay if you have a meter, on the Consumer Council for Water website at www. ccwater.org.uk. Can't practically have a meter fitted? If, for example, you live in flats with shared pipes, ask for an assessed charge which is based on likely usage. Don't worry if it isn't cheaper than your water bill, you can stick with that. 4 Water usage/water footprint. As population grows and the standard of living increases for many people, the water footprint tells us how much water is used each and every day in all our activities, such as for producing our food and to clothe us, and indicates the pressure we exert on our freshwater resources. 5 The cost of water. On average households pay over £400 a year for water and sewerage, as energy prices rise, so will this amount. According to the Energy Saving Trust, on average, 16% of a household’s energy bill is from

heating water for activities such as baths, showers, washing up and water-using electrical appliances. So saving water can save energy, which can help save money on your energy bills. Struggling to pay? If you're on a low income, have a medical condition or get certain benefits, you may be entitled to discounted or capped water bills. Contact South West Water or email gtwaterforum@gmail.com and we can send you information. Can you get a sewerage rebate? If your rain water drains into a soakaway in your garden rather going into the public sewer, you can claim a rebate for those charges, typically around £35/year. 6 Saving water in the home. On average people use 140l of water per day. Your grandparents used 20l! If a four person household replaces an inefficient shower head with a water efficient one, they could save around £70 a year off gas bills and around £115 a year off water bills (if they have a meter). A total saving of around £185 a year. Toilet flushing = approximately 23% of average household use. Approx. 13 litres per flush (old style cisterns) 7 Finding and solving water leaks. We often take home plumbing for granted. From a turn of the tap for water to a refreshing shower in the morning, having water in the home is amazing. However, it can bring issues, such as burst pipes or perhaps, more commonly, water leaks. Water leaks will often start so small that they are barely noticeable, but they can quickly become costly when it comes to your water bill and its repair. To save your money, it is essential to detect and be aware of the most common water leaks and how to fix them so that you can protect your home (and bank balance). You can significantly reduce water use by simply repairing leaks in fixtures (taps and showerheads), pipes, and toilets. If you would like information on finding the most common leaks and how to fix them email us at gtwaterforum@gmail.com. 8 The future. A look at what engineers and scientists are doing to solve the water crisis, it’s not all doom and gloom! Smart meters are being installed in

Torrington to help 9 Water pledge. Make a pledge to save water and enter a prize draw for a water butt and we also gave out water saving devices donated by SWW and local plumber Jamie Palmer. If you did not manage to visit us and would like a free water efficient shower head (not to be used on an electric shower), tap aerator, or have an old cistern that would benefit from a displacement device then email us at gtwaterforum@gmail.com. There may be a feeling that this winter was largely wet, windy and cold, but Met Office figures reveal a different picture. The first misperception to put right is how mild the weather was: it was the eighth warmest across the whole UK in records going back to 1884. It was also drier than usual. That may come as a big surprise after the downpours of February, which was the eighth wettest in the UK on record and left thousands of homes flooded. In contrast, January was the ninth driest in England on record since 1862. Over the whole winter, southern parts of England were especially dry, perhaps a cause for concern for water supplies later in the year when levels of aquifers, groundwater and rivers fall, so not wasting water is still very important. Remember saving water saves you money. Great Torrington Water Forum

Abbeyﬁeld

esidents have enjoyed sitting in the new summerhouse during the better weather and getting out into the community. The dining room has now been replastered and decorated and new curtains put up. Everyone is looking forward to the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend and we are planning to have a special lunch on Sunday 5th, out of doors if possible! Some hope to join in the town entertainment and celebrations. We have a vacant room and if you or a loved one would like to find out more about Abbeyfield, please contact the House Manager on 01805 623605.

Master Care

‘Professional carpet & upholstery cleaner’ Carpet, Upholstery, Leather & Rug Cleaning Pet Urine Odour Removal Treatment & Sanitisation Contact Colin on 07555 858 094 Email: colin.chemdry1@gmail.com Visit: www.chemdrymastercare.co.uk ‘A local company independently owned and operated’

Buckland Brewer Methodist Church Events

* 'Time Together' Toddler and Baby Group at 9.30am on Mondays at Buckland Brewer Methodist Chapel during term time. £1.50 per family - all are welcome * Community Coffee Morning at Buckland Brewer Methodist Chapel from 10am-12pm every Wednesday. All are invited, but especially those who have recently moved into the community and would like to meet others. Details for these events from Dave Watson - 01237 451437 or 07484 223 515 email:bucklanddave1953@ btinternet.com

Wildlife Wander in Jubilee Meadow

Saturday 11th June, 10am-1pm Meet at Dartington Crystal visitor car park. Join Jess Smallcombe from DBRC and Jo Pullin from DWT’s Conservation Communities Project for a wander in this beautiful wildflower meadow. We’ll be gathering as many wildlife records as we can in this 3-hour session. This event is open to everyone from wildlife experts to those who are just interested and would like to learn more. Please wear suitable clothing and boots for a walk on rough ground, and bring some refreshments for a mid-way tea break! There’s no need to book but it would be helpful for us to know numbers in advance if you plan to come. Please email Jo: jpullin@devonwildlifetrust.org

Torrington Together

orrington Together is like a verbal version of 'The Crier', the community news magazine. Voluntary organisations in the town and district are invited to speak about their organisations, what they do, upcoming events they are planning and to network with other like-minded groups. A good cross section of groups attends, including the Plough, the Cavaliers, Men's Shed, schools, sports clubs, Torrington in Bloom, and many others. Meetings are held twice a year at the Torridge Vale Social Club. It all began in 2005 after members of voluntary groups found that their events clashed with other happenings in the town, such as the summer and Christmas fayres. Community stalwarts Dr Harry Cramp and Dr Jean Tyler were the inspiration behind this initiative, and invited representatives from the Cavaliers, Community Development Trust and Town Council to join a steering group to discuss the format and way forward. The Town Mayor chairs the meeting and calls upon invited representatives to take the floor for about eight minutes each to outline the purpose, activities and needs of their particular organisation. Timings are strictly adhered to and questions are invited from the floor after each speech. Up to fifty representatives regularly attend and provide positive input and insight into their respective functions and missions. It is amazing just how much voluntary organised activity there is in and around Great Torrington that supports young and old, fit and infirm. When former Prime Minister, David Cameron, started promoting his 'Big Society' idea, it was suggested that he ought to visit this town where it was already in action, as it is in many towns and villages. After the main speakers have given their input, members enjoy some light refreshments and get the chance to network with other groups, including Town and District Councillors, to discuss updates on projects that need political will or muscle, such as the dairy site and the Globe refurbishment, for example. Following the brief refreshment break, the floor is once again thrown open to any other members who wish to speak to provide data on any issues of the day that affect our town and surrounding district. Meetings last approximately two hours and attendees always leave with a tremendously good feeling about the town they inhabit. Moira Brewer

Festival of Flowers at Langtree Church

June 3rd & 5th 2-5pm, free entry Cream teas available, at 6pm a celebration service of the Queen’s life.

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

ur internal market on collection day continues to expand its range, as in May we welcomed new member Derek Hunter, with his untreated, chemical free, local honey. Bees, as many of us now realize, are highly sensitive to chemicals and it's therefore very important that they are kept naturally. Unrefined, untreated honey is not subjected to pasteurization and therefore contains all of the amazing naturally occurring probiotic enzymes and proteins that are so beneficial for our immune system, not to mention that of the bees. Raw honey can be used to ferment garlic – a strange combination you may think, but is an extraordinarily powerful immune booster. Garlic fermented in honey is very simple to make, but needs to be allowed to develop slowly over several months, the longer the better. The flavour is delicious and the remaining honey can be added to various dressings and sauces, giving them a unique a depth of flavour too. Just one clove of honey-fermented garlic per day is a wonderful tonic. But I digress! Plants, flowers and vegetable seedlings are appearing again in the market, along with our wild fermented krauts, kimchi, cashew nut cheeses and other nut cheeses. There are handmade snacks too and a chance to stop for a cuppa of various kinds with other members. Wellbeing Tip: Carrageen Carrageen is a sea vegetable, otherwise known as Irish moss and has traditionally been used to heal urinary tract disorders, respiratory conditions and diarrhoea. I can testify that it's wonderful for clearing colds and coughs, of which there were plenty going around in the spring. Very importantly it should not be confused with carrageenan which is a synthetic, toxic food additive derived from carrageen. When we use the whole plant, we benefit from the complete balance of phytochemicals that it contains. Carrageenan is made by the food industry in an attempt to cash in on the plant's gelling properties, in a way that is patentable and therefore a cash cow. It's also used in pharmaceutical drugs, despite having a range of negative health effects. Natural carrageen has good levels of minerals, especially iodine and also a good supply of Vitamin A. It's used as a thickener in soups, stews and sauces as a nutritious and therapeutic alternative to potato, arrowroot or flour. It makes a softer gel than agar and can be used to make mousse-like puddings. When we had heavy colds I made a medicinal drink with it, and I have to say the results were truly amazing – coughing was drastically reduced after the first day and mucous cleared away much more quickly. I know this won't be particularly seasonal by the time you read this, but I thought it was worth sharing for future use, so here's the recipe. Carrageen Chest and Cough Tonic Ingredients: 10-20 g carrageen; 600ml water; 6 cloves; 1 lemon zest and juice; 1" grated ginger; 1" cinnamon stick; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp Manuka honey (or other organic raw honey if you don't have manuka); 2 tsp raw cider vinegar. Method - soak carrageen in warm water for 15 mins, drain and rinse well to remove any stray bits of shell, add carrageen to pot with the water, lemon, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. Simmer on a low heat for 30 mins. Strain, cool 15 mins, then add the honey and cider vinegar. Keep in the fridge for up to five days and take a little four times per day. We now keep carrageen and a wide range of other sea vegetables in OWBG stock so that it's available each month for members to buy at just £3.50 for 50g. Upcoming grocery final order dates: 9th June; 14th July How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website! What does membership cost? Free What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307/email mary@ marycrailwellbeing.co.uk.OWBG Website: owbg.jimdofree.com; Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group; Email: owbg@protonmail.com; Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing; www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

Tarka Valley Railway News

e have been fortunate in having an uninterrupted spell of fine and dry spring weather on our working days, which have enabled us to continue without breaks for rain. The project to re-sleeper the track behind the Puffing Billy should have been completed by the time you read this. Many old and rotten timbers needed replacing and tarmac had to be dug up, allowing access to the rails - a labour-intensive exercise but the team were up to the task. Brake van restoration continues. Behind the shiny painted facade there was much rotten wood, so timber deliveries were a frequent occurrence. The ducket had to be removed and placed in our workshop for restoration. Signal box site clearance is proving to be a major exercise, which has to be carried out slowly, as numerous artefacts have been uncovered - as well as a particularly recalcitrant tree trunk which took much hard work to remove. Our loco Progress continues to be worked on; the current issue seems to relate to the propshaft. We need a working loco at the north end of the site in order to move the carriage into the siding for restoration. Our new shop and visitor centre was officially opened by the mayor of Torrington on Easter Saturday; we hope to be able to open it every weekend now the holiday season is with us. Finally, a note for your diary - our gala weekend celebrating 150 years since the original line was opened is planned for August 6th and 7th from 10am-5pm. Many attractions and activities are planned. It should be a ‘grand day out’. Do visit our Facebook page for weekly updates and photos; please take a look when you can. Our website now has historical information, videos and how you can get involved as we are always looking for new volunteers. It is well worth checking it out: wwwtarkavalleyrailway.org. Robert Martin Tarka Valley Railway

1st Torrington Scout Group

couts started the term with a planning meeting; they had the help of our young leader to plan their term. In the same meeting they also planned their spring camp - right down to the food. Because of Bank Holiday the Scouts were set a personal challenge to do at home: to cook and clean up after a meal for their family. This will go toward their personal challenge badge, which is part of the Chief Scout Gold Award (the highest award in the Scout Section). The next week 1st Torrington went to 1st Woolsery Scout Group to have a camp fire and made some camp puddings. Scouts - Monday 7.30-9pm in different locations. As the first proper term begins for Beavers, we started off by designing and building robots out of recycled materials. We then took our first outing as a Beaver Colony down to Torrington Commons, where we went for a walk down to the river doing a scavenger hunt along the way. Beavers is every other week on a Tuesday 6-7.15pm Cubs have been very busy over the last month. They designed their very own treasure trails, with riddles for each other to work out. Everyone found the treasure, an Easter egg, the riddles took them all over town. This trail also counts towards their road safety badge. The Cubs took part in the town tidy, part of their community badge. The warm weather enabled a trip to Westward Ho! for some fun on the beach. After the success of last year, we returned to North Devon Surf School for a surfing session. We will next be heading to Torrington golf course to learn some golfing techniques. HELP WANTED – Leaders, Assistant Leaders & Committee members 1st Torrington Scout Group is looking for individuals to join our hall committee and/or become leaders or assistant

leaders. Committee members would help run the hall from bookings to fundraising events A Beaver leader would keep the group running for 6-8yrs and assistant leaders in Cubs 8-10yrs and Scouts 10-14yrs section would help run a varied program. If you wish to join or have any questions, please contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon Whitear for more details, email on Jordon.whitear@gmail.com.

Bank Holiday Lunchtime Organ Concert

David Read June 4th 12.30-1.15pm Retiring collection in aid of the organ restoration. A popular, light-hearted programme including Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Music for Royal Occasions, Carnival of the Animals, Blues Toccata and more!

From Your District Councillors…

irstly, we just want to say what an absolutely fantastic May Fair, round the tree, and carnival we had this year, and we hope everyone else enjoyed it too! Great Torrington really proved just how ‘Great’ it is in so many ways. The heritage, culture and community of our town is something to be envied by many, and this was pointed out in a speech by a visiting Mayor on May Fair day. Huge thanks to everyone involved in making it all happen. Wasn’t it just perfect and the sun even shone for us, which was the icing on the cake. After so long spent in lockdown it was so brilliant to see everything back to normal and everyone enjoying themselves! Although it was emotional thinking about how much we lost over the past few years, especially for our children who missed the previous two May Fairs. On 17th April the District Council is holding a housing strategy workshop for all councillors, where we will be finding out more about how we can deliver social housing, finding out about work already taken place on a TDC land assessment, and discussing potentially suitable sites for social housing in the district. At the External Overview and Scrutiny committee we heard from both the Environment Agency and Southwest Water who were responding to fears of increased sewage in our rivers and seas. They were telling us that the amount of monitoring has increased, and apparently it’s the monitoring that has increased, and not the overflows of sewage. In 2021 there were 1290 spills that discharged into the River Torridge. Cllr Brenton also brought up the point that local surfers are experiencing increased ‘surfers’ ear’ (ear infections) recently from the polluted water, but our speakers poopooed it (excuse the pun…). As mentioned in here a few months ago, the District Council has set up its own company ‘Active Torridge’, which has now taken over the running of our leisure facilities from 1610. We would like to apologise for the delay in reopening Torrington Pool, which has been out of our control and extremely frustrating for everyone (leaks in the pool which have been hard to detect), but we hope it will finally be open again by the time you read this! The good news is that we have a brand new boiler fitted, the whole facility has had a deep clean, and new flooring is going down in the entrance/reception area. All the changing facilities will be open and there’s also no need to pre-book. So once reopen we hope it will be a muchimproved service for everyone to enjoy! Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cllr.cottle-hunkin@torridge.gov.uk, 07495 367 801 Cllr Chris Bright, Councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909

Torrington & District Historical Society Coffee Morning

he Torrington & District Historical Society will be arranging a coffee morning on Saturday 10th September, from 10am until 12 noon at the Torrington Methodist Church Hall, as part of the History Alive Project. There will be an exhibition about gloving with artefacts on loan from the museum. We are interested in talking to anyone who has been involved in gloving, either personally or within the family, for our oral history project. If you have any reminiscences; heard, seen or experiences, this is just what is needed. We would love to hear anything about gloving, the people, the laughs, and the ups and downs. If you are unable to come on the day, we can arrange another date or venue. We are looking forward to hearing your stories. Please contact Pauline on 01805 623089 to find out more or to register your interest for the event.

Announcement

ean Searle age 99, formerly of Burwood Rd, Torrington, died on 24th April 2022 at Barnstaple hospital. She was cremated on 26th May in Bodmin.

The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a carvery for two at The Royal Hotel, Bideford. 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 Dustin Johns. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 9th June and the solution and winner will be in the July issue. When it comes to eating out in North Devon, you’ll ﬁnd the Brend Group at the heart of it. You’re bound to discover an unforgettable dining experience with us, no matter where you choose to dine. If you ﬁnd yourself in Bideford, you’ll discover The Royal Hotel, with a riverside setting, known for their Sunday carveries. Head to Barnstaple, where you’ll have the pick of the bunch: from award-winning dining at The Imperial and The Park, a sleek bar and stunning bistro with 62 The Bank, or head across town and discover something special at The Barnstaple Hotel. If you fancy heading to the coast, why not stop by the Beachside Grill, situated at Saunton Sands, where you can dine in or takeaway whilst taking in the spectacular coastal views. A dining experience with the Brend Group is paired with attentive service and mouth-watering dishes. What are you waiting for? Get in touch with your preferred restaurant to make a reservation.

Torrington RFC

nother season over and done with, and what a tumultuous season it was too! Many games cancelled for assorted reasons; lack of players through injury, illness (Covid) non-availability or that the opposition were in a similar state as us. But at the end of it we survived. Sadly other clubs didn’t fare as well. Let’s hope they can bounce back and be with us in the near future. We wish them well. Our last game of the season at home, as previously mentioned, was in danger of being a washout. Despite our pleas, opposition from other clubs just wasn’t going to be. Therefore, the players decide amongst themselves that it would be fun to play each other in an under 30s v over 30s game. Good numbers of all ages turned out, in what proved to be an excellent display of clubman-ship. Our head coach, Zerren Bell, who is also a qualified referee, was the man with the whistle as both sides faced each other. In an entertaining game the fun aspect shone through, with the result being a respectable 10-10 draw. Of course, this was followed with an end of season celebration in the clubhouse, where many exaggerated stories were told of the on-pitch heroics that few actually witnessed! Our long overdue presentation evening was held at the end of April. The fancy dress theme was, on this occasion, ‘hillbillies’. Everybody that attended put in a superb effort to dress up accordingly. Some didn’t need to look too far in their wardrobe to achieve the desired result! The clubhouse was packed with over 60 of the faithful in attendance. With an

excellent hog roast and live music by Landspeeder, a good time was had late into the night. The awards were handed out by our co-presidents Martin ‘Scitz’ Scoynes and Fred Farmer. Player of the Year: Henry Jones. Players’ Player of the Year: Aidy Guppy. Trainer of the Year: Harvey Hill. Most Improved Player of the Year: Toby Hookway. The Fred Farmer Award: Martin Scoynes and Martyn Hoare. Supporters’ Player of the Year: Martin Heal. Clubman of the Year: Clare Turner. Dick of the Year: Aidy Guppy. The ladies of the committee were presented with a generous bunch of flowers each, with our gratitude. A special mention must go also to Charlene Hoare, who has gone above and beyond expectations in donning many hats to keep a lot of admin in good order. Thank you, Char. So, looking forward to our AGM on Friday 10th June at Donnacroft. This will be the first ‘proper’ AGM since lockdown, where we can all assemble under the one roof for it. Currently we are looking for replacements for our outgoing Chairman, Phil Hearn, and a new Treasurer. Other committee members are, I believe, happy to remain in their current posts. Of course, these posts must be voted

in. So, if there is anyone who would like to help run the club, they are more than welcome to offer their services. Off the pitch much excitement was to be seen in the pouring of the foundations for the clubhouse and changing room extensions. Many cubic metres of concrete needed to be pumped to the back of the existing building. Old clubman Aaron Rundle was on hand to offer his services with AR Complete Concrete Pumping reducing the job to an easy task. Thanks Aaron. This is just the first of many phases of construction that we will be experiencing over a prolonged period as funds become available. To next season. Training will start in late July. Check out our Facebook page for details. We are always looking to recruit new or returning players of all ages. We now have a thriving veteran’s squad looking for gentle (ish) opposition. If you feel you can help out please get in touch at: TRFC1985@outlook.com Sportsmanship, Respect, Discipline, Teamwork & Enjoyment C’mon Torrie! Mark Waterson

NEW PHONE NUMBER! 01805 624141 FOR FAST, FRIENDLY, LOCAL SERVICE CALL ROB ON 01805 624141 OR 07717 313194 good foliage, which turns reddish in autumn. G. kashmiriana has very attractive, finely cut foliage and comes irstly, what is the main difference in either deep purple or white forms, and between Geraniums and G. renardii has palest lilac flowers with a Pelargoniums? Pelargoniums darker stripe and lobed, circular leaves. are not hardy in this country, Geranium phaeum, or although most are perennial; the ‘Mourning Widow’ they need to be kept frost geranium because of free during the winter and its very dark flowers, cuttings taken just in case. will grow in sun or part They are, therefore, best shade. Again, there are grown in containers or many cultivated forms and hanging baskets, although some have very attractive the zonal types make foliage. Flowers come in excellent bedding displays. shades of white, magenta, Bring your pelargoniums lilac and rose-pink. under cover before the first An excellent geranium frosts and you should be able to use for a shady spot and which, in mild them again the following year, even the winters, can maintain its bright green bedding types. foliage is G. nodosum. This plant has Geraniums are hardy perennials lilac-pink or white flowers. and will grow almost anywhere except There are pages of hardy geraniums waterlogged conditions, preferring listed in the RHS Plant Finder and other slightly alkaline to neutral soils. In this plant encyclopaedias, so it’s worth country, we have a number of native reading up about them. geraniums, some of which can be Propagation of hardy geraniums is invasive such as G. Robertianum or Herb simple; many are rhizomatus and so Robert, although an attractive little plant small pieces, preferably with some roots it does seed itself prolifically so is best and some green growth present, can be grown in the wilder area of your garden. removed from the main plant and potted G. pratense or the Meadow Cranesbill up. Others can simply be divided when has lovely blue flowers all summer long they get too big for their allotted position and there are many cultivated forms and others will seed themselves. You available. G. sylvaticum prefers a shady can also collect the seeds once they position, as its specie name implies (of have set and it’s best to sow them at woodland edges) - there is a lovely white once in good potting compost. They form. don’t really need any heat, so place them Many hardy geraniums make excellent in a cold greenhouse or ‘mini-house’ to ground cover, especially in sunnier over-winter – you do need to be patient, positions, G. cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ though. with small pinkish-white flowers and Hardy geraniums will flower for you

Fleur’s Gardening Forum Hardy Geraniums

from spring, right through summer and into autumn if the weather is kind. To keep them flowering, remove spent stems before they go to seed. You can also trim back the foliage if it becomes too lax, it won’t hurt the plant and there may be more flowers later in the season. Fleur

Bookworm II

Esther's Notebook - My ten year old life' is the first of a series of graphic novels by Riad Sattouf, translated from the French by Sam Taylor. Each depicts a year in the life of his friend's daughter Esther, who he chats to every week, observing her thoughts on school, her friends, her hopes, dreams and fears. In this one she is ten, living in the 17th arondissement of Paris, with her mum dad and very annoying older brother, Antoine. Her good friends are the two Eugenies and Cassandra, some rich, some poor, boys are the bane of her life, and her favourite smell is an i-phone box (she yearns for one). The self-contained stories on each page are spirited, hilarious at times, and occasionally poignant. They do not skate over reality, with a lot of swearing - as Esther says 'because, you know, that's how us young people talk', as well as revealing startling instances of playground racism, sexism, even incipient terrorism. Overall they give a huge insight into a modern city child's life. Moving, funny and entertaining, this book is, as quoted by l'Express', The portrait of an era, drawn with a smile. Bookworm II

june events at the plough

A World Premiere on Your Doorstep!

e very proudly announce that The Plough will be co-producing the World Premiere of Olivier Award-winning playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s new play, ‘Edie’s War’. Based on the diaries of local lass Edie Appleton, OBE, it tells her very personal story of caring for soldiers on the WW1 frontline, along with an elite group of fellow nurses. This moving masterpiece is happening right here in Great Torrington! Suitable for ages 11+. Our Open Air Theatre Festival is well underway! We have 45 world class performances, by 17 diverse theatre companies, at 13 beautiful venues across North Devon, until the end of August. There are pre-show workshops for 6-11 years for some performances. For all you film buffs, we have plenty of choice this month! Everyone’s favourite blue hedgehog will join us for Sonic The Hedgehog 2; you can catch a fascinating documentary in The Hermit of Treig; and enjoy great family entertainment with Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Beatles’ fans can ‘get back’ with their Rooftop Concert from 1969. The unexpectedly beautiful film The Quiet Girl and the astonishingly immersive Happening are well worth catching, as is acclaimed filmmaker Terence Davies’ incredibly moving Benediction. Are you a comedy lover? James Campbell is sure to entertain children over 6, their parents (and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words!). ‘Borderline’ sees Patrick Kielty return to his satirical roots with a personal take on borders, national identity and the future of the Union in a post Brexit landscape. One of comedy’s most exciting rising stars, Steve Bugeja, will be back after his hilarious support of Iain Stirling last November. Music lovers can enjoy an evening in the company of hit-maker Tony Christie, playing all his hits and more. Satish Kumar joins us for a very special evening: A Celebration of Poetry to celebrate the winning poets of our Plough Poetry Prize 2022, judged by none other than Roger McGough. See our Crier diary for dates, or check out our website at www. theploughartscentre.org.uk for more details, or contact our Box Office on 01805 624624. See you soon! Your Plough Arts Centre

Weds 1 June Until Sat 18 June Exhibition Up River by Lesley Kerman FREE Artist’s Wall Julie Lewis Carpenter FREE 2pm Film The Hermit of Treig (PG) Matinee 5pm Film Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG) £5 8pm Film The Hermit of Treig (PG) £7.50/£6.50 Supps Thurs 2nd June 2.30pm Live Comedy (6+yrs) James Campbell ‘The Funny Life Of…’ £10/£8 Supps 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, Rail & River at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2 Sat 4 June 10am Workshop with John Piper Wildlife in Watercolour at ThePlough@StAnne’s £50 including equipment & materials 2pm & 5pm Film Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG) all tickets £5 2pm & 5pm Film Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (cert tbc) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Mon 6 June 5.30pm The Creatives’ Lounge (networking for all creatives) FREE Tues 7 June 10-30am-12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 1.30pm-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 8pm Film Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (cert tbc) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Weds 8 June 1pm Film The Beatles ‘Get Back’ Rooftop Concert 1969 (12A) matinee £5 7pm Open Air Theatre, Hartland Abbey Sun & Moon Theatre present ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 under 18s 8pm Film The Quiet Girl (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Thurs 9 June 2pm Film The Quiet Girl (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters

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7pm Open Air Theatre, Castle Hill Gdns, Torrington Sun & Moon Theatre present ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 under 18s 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Undertaker’s Tales at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2 8pm Film Benediction (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Sup Fri 10 June 2pm Film - Socially distanced Benediction (12A) Matinee £5 8pm Live Comedy Patrick Kielty - Borderline + Support £22/£20 Concs & Supporters Sat 11 June 7pm Open Air Theatre, Lapford Mill nr. Crediton Sun & Moon Theatre ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 u18s 8pm Live Music Louise Parker Quartet @ ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12/£10 Supporters 8pm Live Music Tony Christie £30/£25 Supps Sun 12 June 7.30pm The Plough Poetry Prize 2022 – winners A Celebration of Poetry with Satish Kumar £10/£5 under 25s Tues 14 June 10-30am-12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 1.30pm-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 Weds 15 June 7.30pm Live Theatre/World Premiere Edie’s War (11+yrs) £15.50 / £12.50 Supporters & Key Workers/£8 Schools Thurs 16 June 10.30am & 7.30pm Live Theatre/World Premiere Edie’s War (11+yrs) £15.50/£12.50 Supporters & Key Workers/£8 Schools 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothel at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2

Fri 17 June 10.30am & 7.30pm Live Theatre/World Premiere Edie’s War (11+yrs) £15.50/£12.50 Supporters & Key Workers/£8 Schools Sat 18 June 2.30pm & 7.30pm Live Theatre/World Premiere Edie’s War (11+yrs) £15.50/£12.50 Supporters & Key Workers/£8 Schools 5.30pm Open Air Theatre, Castle Drogo (NT) Illyria present ‘Peter Pan’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 under 18s Sun 19 June 4.30pm & 7pm Film Happening (15) £7.50/£6.50 Supps Tues 21 June 10-30am-12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 1.30pm-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 8pm Film Vortex (15) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Weds 22 June 2pm Film Vortex (15) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters 8pm Film Between Two Worlds (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Thurs 23 June 2pm Film Between Two Worlds (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters 7pm Open Air Theatre, Tawstock Court, nr Barnstaple Hotbuckle Productions present ‘Great Expectations’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 under 18s 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town Centre at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 8pm Film Top Gun: Maverick (PG) £7.50/£6.50 Supps Fri 24 June 2pm Film Top Gun: Maverick (PG) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters 6pm Exhibition Preview Summer Show ‘Olla Podrida’. Exhibition until Sat 30 July FREE 7pm Open Air Theatre, Tapeley Park, Bideford The Rude Mechanicals present ‘Gods & Dogs’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 under 18s

8pm Film Jurassic World: Dominion (cert tbc) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Sat 25 June 8pm Live Comedy 14+yrs Steve Bugeja: Tried To Start His Own Nickname all tickets £13.50 Sun 26 June 3pm Open Air Theatre, RHS Rosemoor Hotbuckle Productions present ‘Great Expectations’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 u18s 4.30pm Film Jurassic World: Dominion (cert tbc) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters 2pm Film Top Gun: Maverick (PG) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Tues 28 June 10-30am-12.30pmPlough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 1.30pm-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 6.45pm Workshop with John Piper Introduction to Acrylics 6 week course at ThePlough@StAnne’s cost £160 7pm Open Air Theatre, Castle Hill Gdns Torrington Torrington Players present ‘ Cry Witch’ £9/£7 Supporter/£7 Children 8pm Film Top Gun: Maverick (PG) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Weds 29 June 7pm Open Air Theatre, Castle Hill Gdns Torrington Torrington Players present ‘Cry Witch’ £9/£7 Supporter/ £7 Children 8pm Film Jurassic World: Dominion (cert tbc) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Thurs 30 June 2pm Film Jurassic World: Dominion (cert tbc) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters 7pm Open Air Theatre, Blackberry Farm, Milton Damerel Heartbreak Productions present ‘ Much Ado About MURDER’ £13/£11 Supporter/£10 under 18s 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Bideford Town at Bideford Library £12 8pm Film Jurassic World: Dominion (cert tbc) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters

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Parish Church

he church was opened up for our ‘Celebration of Flowers’ for three days during May Fair. Although it was on a smaller scale than recent flower festivals, it was good to see beautiful arrangements in the building again. We made the decision to allow people the opportunity to choose their own way to celebrate, in flowers, our newly regained freedom to meet up and join in the festivities of May Fair in Great Torrington. Since the last celebrations in 2019, we have lost several flower arrangers and other helpers. Some have moved away, others have reluctantly decided through ill-health, age or lack of time that they can no longer help and sadly a number have passed away. We miss them all. Our Summer Fete is on June 18th and will be held either in the Vicarage garden or in the church. Look out for posters in the town and on Facebook for the final decision on the venue. We look forward to seeing you! By the time you read this we hope to have the church open again on a daily basis.

Torrington Senior Citizens Group

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

Citizen’s Advice – There to Help You…

e can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice Torridge, North, Mid & West Devon, we provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. Here is an example of the kind of questions we are being asked and the advice we give in response. “I am a single parent, with two young children. I am already struggling to stay on top of my household bills; my weekly food shop isn’t stretching as far anymore and now my energy bill is going up too. I don’t know how I’m going to afford all of these price rises. What can I do to stop my finances spiralling out of control?” This will resonate with many people – especially currently. Here is our response. Firstly, you are not alone in this and there’s support to help you. It’s worth checking if there are benefits you don’t know about that you’re eligible for, including support with your energy and living costs. On the Citizens Advice website there’s a benefits calculator, advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your income. There’s also emergency support that you may have access to, like food bank vouchers or fuel vouchers. You could contact your local council to see if they could offer support. If you’re struggling to stay on top of bills, it’s really important to understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool on its website to help with this. And if you’re already behind on bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has serious consequences. You should speak to the person or company you owe money to, to see if they can help you repay your bills sustainably. We know that times are incredibly tough but please remember, you don’t have to face this alone, do contact us to help you find a way forward. To contact Citizens Advice Torridge, North, Mid & West Devon:Call our free, local Adviceline on 0808 27 87 99 Email us on info@ruraldevoncab.org.uk Visit www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk click on ‘get advice’ for advice and webchat How about becoming a volunteer? Volunteering with us is interesting and rewarding. We provide full and comprehensive training so why not contact recruitment@ruraldevoncab.org.uk for more information?

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Prevent Crime in the Summertime…

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esidential burglary tends to increase during the warmer months as opportunists take advantage of residents leaving their windows and doors open to cope with the heat. We enjoy staying out longer in the evenings and leave our properties vacant as we enjoy our holidays away. We are very lucky to live in one of the safest counties in the UK, but we mustn’t get complacent. Burglars will go for an easy target: an open ground floor window, a door left ajar, a key under the plant pot and so on. Opportunists may even try their luck with occupants who are distracted elsewhere in the home. If you’re having a BBQ in the rear garden, or doing renovation work upstairs, lock your front door and shut the front windows. Get into the habit of doing a routine check around the property every time you leave the house, and every night when you go to bed. If you do it consistently and in the same order, that helps the routine to stick and you’ll be less likely to skip a step. Work from outside in: * Check your car, shed and any outbuildings are locked and bikes have been put away securely. * If you have outside lighting ensure it is working. * If you have an alarm make sure it is set. * Do a walk-through the ground floor checking the external doors and windows are locked and any blinds and curtains have been pulled. * Join a Neighbourhood Watch. * Burglary is a traumatising crime. One victim is one too many. Don’t let your home be an easy target. All HSBC branches are now safe spaces for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Crime Figures for the Barnstaple Sector for the 28 days prior to 4th May 2022 Burglary Dwelling 6 Burglary Non-Dwelling 14 Violence with Injury 42 Violence without injury 45 Robbery 2 Shoplifting 21 Other Theft 15 Criminal Damage 40 Public Order 24 Vehicle Offences 8

Thursday 9th June Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Great Torrington Library. Great Torrington Council Chamber, Castle Hill 2pm. Guest speaker Alex Kittow, CEO Libraries Unlimited .Everyone welcome. Tuesday 28th June torringtonwriters (formerly Torrington First Thursday Writers) will meet at 2pm in the Great Torrington Council Chamber, Castle Hill. If sunny in the Castle Hill Garden. We meet on the last Tuesday of every month. New writers always welcome. Contact: Stephanie Easton 01805 622688 for further information.

Carry On Choir & Appledore Singers Joint Charity Concert

joint concert, in aid of Admiral Dementia Nurses at North Devon District Hospital, will take place on Saturday June 18th, 7.30pm, (doors open at 7pm), at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, presented by two well-known local choirs: the Carry On Choir and Appledore Singers. Admiral Nurses specialise in providing life-changing support for families and individuals affected by all forms of dementia. The concert will comprise arrangements of well-known songs, both old and new, with each choir bringing its own, individual, performing style to the concert, but always with the emphasis on fun. So the audience can expect an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Entry at the door: £5 (u16s free), light refreshments are available. Contact: Andy Millar 07788 377 301.

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Year 10 have been working on creative writing this term and their ﬁrst extended assignment was a choice of one of these tasks: to ‘describe life as you imagine it in 200 years’ time’ or to write a story based on time travel. This led to a wide variety of wonderful responses and visions of the future. These two pupils particularly impressed me with their maturity and sophistication, drawing upon current societal issues to form their work and crafting powerful circular structures.

The Time Machine

lue light flickers across the metal giant. We stare between the machine and each other, the air tense. Nothing happens. A million control panels buzz and hum all at once. Nothing happens. Machines croak as though they have never done so before. Nothing happens. A ray of light blinds us all momentarily. And just like that, it’s complete. A second’s silence quickly erupts into celebration like never before in history. I cheer, scream, cry as if it were my first day on earth. The time machine casts an unwieldy shadow upon us. I dream of flying cars, talking robots and happy faces. I dream like no one has before. And now, I know who’s turn it is. Mine. I will be the first person to the future, and therefore, make history. I am purged by excitement, awaiting the new, glorious technology of the 26th century. I step inside the machine and, with the push of a button, revolutionise human civilisation. My body contorts in ways I never thought possible. And yet somehow, I am completely intact, free of pain. I return to the third dimension. The door opens slowly, dramatically, and I am distraught. I take a step; the floor crunches and crackles beneath my feet. Heat hits my face like no

temperature I’ve ever experienced before. I look around. The sun is glowing hot red, and the floor is a discoloured brown. There is not a square inch of moisture as far as the eye can see. The horizon is scattered with dirty factories, billowing a deep, thick smog. Dystopian nightmare. My eyes go dry and bloodshot, and my lips crack, causing me to wince. My nose fills with dry air. I struggle for breath. I can’t possibly turn back now, so I begin to the nearest factory I can see. Wheezing and gasping, I clutch to the red brick wall. It looms over me like a black cloud. I manage my way through the rusty metal doors, and am met with an unpleasant sight. Thousands of people so dull and so bland they may as well be faceless. Free will seems like a thing of the past. They push and shove past me like they have somewhere to be, almost as if I am not here. They clearly can’t waste so much as a second. I would sob, if my eyes had the moisture necessary to do so. I need to get out of here. I need to warn the others. I look upon the vast, dusty landscape, but nothing. Of course. It is much easier to spot a colossal, angular factory than a small metal box. The blood-red sun sets over the gloomy

horizon. I know I must get back before darkness settles down. I cannot survive another couple hours. My sore feet move before I do, and I begin marching. For what feels like weeks, I survey the barren landscape. My lungs struggle for air, and my legs struggle for motivation. But I do not stop. I cannot stop. My mouth dries, going crusty like an old sponge. But my eyes spot something. A rectangular silhouette roughly the size of a telephone box. I begin to sprint. My whole bodyweight falls upon the door of the time machine. I cry dry tears as I defeatedly swing open the door. The celebrating men, wrapped in worked lab coats, tensely await my testimony. But upon seeing my physical condition, they begin to quake. I scream, I cry, but I do not cheer, for there is nothing to celebrate. I am purged by dread, for the future of humanity is in shambles. The time machine casts an unwieldy shadow upon us. Nobody dares move an inch. Nothing happens. There isn’t so much as a hum or a buzz between us. Nothing happens. We stare between the machine and each other. Nothing happens. And just like that, nothing happens. Riley Bailey, Year 10

The Year 2222

corching sun beat down on us. The feeble leaves on scattered trees offered very little shade. My eyes fluttered open. Only a few plants clouded my vision of the vast sky; the rest were destroyed long ago. The only time I had seen this ‘forest’ was the night before and even in the pitch black it didn’t deserve that name anymore. Trees were scarce and animals few in numbers. Cracked mud was where we took camp. Looking around, those who were left stumbled blindly, searching for any food possible. What was once a beautiful palace of freedom, now reduced to a hotel for the scraps of lower society. The burning, gold orb had just awoken, signalling us to move on. 2222. Three years ago. Strangely, a year in angel numbers, but the angels were long gone. Humanity was deserted by any form of God. The Great War had finally ended, leaving smoke, destruction and blood as the beauties of earth. Natural and manmade wonders joined forces to plead for relief from the endless exhaustion. Exhaustion humans caused. Oil rigs dry to the last drop, like the faces of trained soldiers, cut off from emotion. The planet’s depression was healed but the lower society’s had just begun. Within days, great, terrible rockets were built. Noah’s ark – but for the cowards who

caused the mess. Only those who were rich enough were graced with a chance of survival. Metal saviours carried the selfish high society to another planet, abandoning the rapidly collapsing planet and the rest of humanity. Those viewed as scum by the ones who destroyed and deserted planet earth. Dragging my only belongings, these memories flooded my head. The ancient road ran its solid, grey, tired stretch; taunting our misery with its distance. Roots of aching sprouted in the soles of our feet, growing through our entire bodies and blossoming in our hearts. Weakly, we marched forward, faintly echoing the armies who followed our tracks years ago. My mind consumed by body. Flashing pictures of old friends, traitorous friends, fluttered around my head like an ancient projector. With no

landscape left to distract, we were all in the same sinking boat, drowning in the memories of the old world. Green is a wonderful colour. The oasis of sudden pigment threatened to blind the eyes of us confined to grey and brown for so long. Youthful, luscious, sweet green tumbled down from the tops of skyscrapers, tickling the pavements with leaves. The sight of the abandoned city filled our aching souls with hope. Hope. The only thing that fuelled the forgotten lower class to keep going. Reaching the city, the rescue point, was our last hope. Trees were rife and animals roamed like nothing we’d seen before. Even though it was nothing compared to years ago, we were infinitely glad to embrace the full life of abandoned structures. While manmade buildings crumbled and cracked, vines flowers and fruit sprouted through every slit. Even in the late afternoon sun, green clouded my vision of the vast sky. Finally, the ‘scum of the earth’ had experienced joy beyond the imagination of the cowardly. Hannah Bowen, Year 10

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01805 938502 07711 079 577 Bideford District Photography Group

e were formerly Bideford Camera Club but recently changed our name to better reflect the demographics and membership of the club; with, in fact, over 25 per cent of members coming from Torrington and environs. We accommodate photographers of all kinds: from those using high-end DSLRs and mirrorless marvels, to those who prefer the convenience and portability of their mobile phone. Members’ interests are even more wide-ranging: from family pets, flowers and people, to macro and magnificent land and seascapes, with a smattering of street photographers thrown in. We are now well into our summer programme and going on trips is well founded, as there is evidence of the first Bideford Camera Club outing in 1904. One member insists the first club was founded in 1902 and he is as old as Methuselah and was probably there – so I won't argue with him. Upcoming trips are: June 7 Torrington: meet Old Bowling Green 7pm June 14 Photo Discussion evening: Blue Lights Hall Appledore 7.30pm June 21 Braunton and Horsey Island: 7pm June 26 Stover Country Park: 10am Anyone wishing to come along is welcome, please come over and make yourself known to one of the members – lots of cameras will be a bit of a giveaway as to our identity. We really are a friendly bunch so do come and have a chat. If you need further encouragement give Tim a call on 07419 835 071 or sanderst99@gmail.com. For further information email enquiries@bidefordcameraclub.co.uk or see the website bidefordcameraclub.co.uk. Image: Dartington Crystal, Tim Sanders

Little Torrington WI: Join Us

e have come through a difficult year unscathed. At our annual meeting in May, we celebrated with cheese and wine. Lyn Wharton stepped down having been president for four years. In her address to the members she paid tribute to Linda Brown, who had done all the secretarial work, including setting up the Zoom meetings and, in particular, to Liz Wiseman who had been vice president throughout. Liz is also stepping down from the committee, but we are sure she will still be a very involved member. A new committee was formed with a healthy mix of experienced hands and rookies, to be led this year by Jen Hood. We were pleased to hear that Langtree and Frithelstock WIs are going strong. We need teams to play against at skittles, after all. We were saddened by the news from Torrington, but hope this will not endure. Should any erstwhile members of Torrington wish to join us pro temp, we would be delighted to welcome them. Visitors (try before you buy) are very welcome for no charge. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Little Torrington Village Hall. Have a look at our Facebook page to see some of the things that are going on. Or give me, Sally Ramsden, a ring on 07896 502 052.

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

étanque/boules. The taster pétanque session, held at the Castle Community Centre main garden on Sunday 1st May went ahead, despite the inclement weather. We enjoyed our picnics in the dry pavilion, and managed to play for about four hours in the somewhat wet and cool weather. The group is now planning to hold a similar event at the same location, on Saturday 4th June, commencing at midday and finishing at 4pm. We would like to combine this event with cream teas and it is open to everyone (members and non-members). The cost is £3 per adult to play, or £6 per adult to include a cream tea. For under 16s, the playing is free and the cream tea is £3.50. The boules will be provided by our group, so come along, play this fun game and enjoy a delicious cream tea. We would ask that you pay in cash and please register your interest by calling Nick Roberts so we can prepare for the amount of cream teas required. We are always keen to welcome new members and currently have over 31. Age is no barrier, as we have members ranging from 12 years and upwards; you don't have to be able to speak French and you don’t have to be in a position to host a Roscoff family in your home. If you are interested in joining us, please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) 01805 625765/07779 118 690. Nick Roberts

Torrington Baptist Church

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

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Rosemoor Live!

oin us for a fantastic line up of events this summer. Evenings of live music and dancing, inspiring afternoon talks and book signings, and a science extravaganza for the whole family. BOOK NOW: rhs.org.uk/rosemoorlive Showaddywaddy - Thu 30 Jun; The Fleetwood Mac Songbook - Sat 2 Jul; GK Gospel Choir - Sun 3 Jul; Jo Thompson Wed 6 Jul; Musical Bingo - Fri 8 Jul; The South - Sat 9 Jul; Devon Opera - Wed 27 Jul; 3 Daft Monkeys & Wilderland - Fri 23 Sep; Ceilidh Night - Sat 24 Sep May half term: The Power of Superbees 28 May-5 June RHS Garden Rosemoor is a hive of activity this half term. Learn how to encourage these fantastic pollinators into your garden and enjoy a garden trail, daily activities and giant performing bumble bees. Jubilee Weekend 2-5 June Enjoy the sounds of a brass band in the garden and Jubilee-themed treats in the restaurant. Festival of Roses 18 Jun-17 Jul Experience the colour and fragrance of thousands of roses in bloom. A breathtaking showcase of the beauty and diversity of this favourite flower. Rose Weekend and Craft Market 24–26 June Discover beautiful floral-themed crafts made by some of the best crafters in the West Country. For more information about events at RHS Garden Rosemoor, please visit our website: rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/ whats-on

Summer Containers

Growing plants in containers is an ideal way of creating a seasonal display to provide extra interest during the summer months when we spend much more time in the garden. They can be used to create a splash of colour, further enhance a planting scheme, used as a focal point or be strategically placed to hide an unsightly object. The beauty of containers is that they give instant effect; you can grow plants in a variety of soil conditions (blueberries, for instance, require free-draining acid soil), they are moveable, and even if you only have a small backyard you can still enjoy the pleasure of growing something. Container gardening is just like conventional gardening but on a smaller scale. You still have to consider the basic rules: • What soil conditions do the plants need? • If growing several different types of plant in a container, how vigorous are they? • Select plants for seasonal interest, and consider foliage and flower shapes, colours and textures, and habit of growth. • Is the container going to be placed in sun or shade? Remember that containers need regular watering. During the hot summer months, water at least once a day. To keep this manageable, plant up a small number of large containers, rather than a large number of small pots. When planting a mixture of plants for summer display choose no more than four subjects for each container. You can see this to great effect in each of our colour themed gardens. In the Cool Garden, we use Argyranthemum ‘Citronelle’ with lemon-yellow flowers, Centaurea ‘Silver Fountain’ with silver-blue leaves and mauve flowers for height and Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ to trail over the edges of the pot. In the Hot Garden, containers are planted with Fuchsia ‘Thalia’ AGM for height, Plectranthus for foliage colour and Lotus berthelottii AGM to trail over the sides. Whatever your gardening ability, a few pots or containers are always a fun addition to the garden, so why not give it a go and see what you can create this summer? Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer Image: ©RHS/Tim Sandal

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GREAT TORRINGTON SCHOOL OPEN EVENTS 2022 Great Torrington School are delighted to offer Year 5 pupils the opportunity to spend a day experiencing life at GTS. Our Year 5 Day is Friday 8th July 2022 Pupils will engage in a range of activities, culminating with an afternoon of sports where we welcome parents/carers to observe and meet with our staff

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