Torrington Crier March 2020

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

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

Power The Plough!

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s many of you are already aware The Plough is facing major financial difficulties which, if not addressed urgently, could lead to their closure in the foreseeable future. * The Plough Arts Centre has thrived for 45 years but is now threatened with closure. * The Plough was hit by a dramatic rise in costs and funding reductions in 2019. * A range of measures has already been implemented to try and stabilise finances. * An appeal is being launched to raise urgent funds to ensure The Plough survives.

To find out how you can help to save our much-loved arts centre, see the article on page 5!

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Read The Crier Online

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

Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?

Torrington &...District Community News & Events Contact us Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.

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

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

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

About The Crier...

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer:

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

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

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

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

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May Fair 2020

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n just a couple months, May Fair will be upon us and we are sure that you, like us, are getting excited about this: wondering what the theme for the May Fair costumes will be, worrying whether the weather will be okay, or looking forward to our friends and family returning to Great Torrington from across the globe to join in with our celebrations. It is the biggest and best time of the Great Torrington year, I’m sure you’ll all agree.

Perhaps you are already planning what your Carnival entry will be or wondering what exciting entertainment The Town Square will offer this year.

For many, May Fair starts months before the day. The May Fair and Carnival Committee start work on the 199 tasks that need to be actioned. The Town Council prepares for the Proclamation Ceremony/Parade and post May Fair event in the Plough. The Bluecoat CofE Primary School start practising their Maypole dancing and elect the May Queen, attendants and heralds, as well as practising their singing for the pre-May Fair service in the Square. The GTS Carnival Queen is chosen, the Town Band start practising and, of course, we must not forget the Cavaliers, who put up the bunting and “Us be plaised to zee ‘ee” banner, so familiar to locals and visitors to the town; we’re also sure they’ll be planning some form of entertainment for our enjoyment. This is just a handful of the plethora of people who are involved.

Great Torrington’s May Fair celebration takes a lot of hard work and commitment from all involved. If anyone would like to help with the following tasks during the celebrations, please get in touch with the May Fair Secretary rach@rayjay5.co.uk or message us on Facebook: * Moving the heavy ticket booth from the Town Hall across the road at 9.30am and back again at 12.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout April to enable draw tickets to be sold * Practical matters for and during the Wednesday evening practice session * Stewarding on May Fair day * Putting chairs away on May Fair afternoon * Stewarding at the Carnival IMPORTANT INFORMATION * May Fair: For health and safety purposes, can wheelchair users assemble early in The Square on May Fair day please. Volunteers are needed to put away chairs after the May Fair celebrations from 4.30-5pm. * Carnival: Entry forms can be found at Xanadu, the Great Torrington Town Council website, the May Fair Facebook page, and from Pauline-baker3@hotmail.co.uk.

Absolutely NO THROWING OF COINS at the Carnival floats and walkers, and NO ALCOHOL. Remember that from 6pm on Saturday 4th May, there will be disruption on the roads around Great Torrington until the end of the Carnival at 8pm.

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Voluntary position to start as soon as possible Essential: must be registered as a Torrington resident on the Electoral Roll; must be eligible for a Charity Trustee position.

The role of a Trustee is a responsible and extremely rewarding one. Our trustees play an essential role in maintaining the Commons and come from all walks of life.

Each brings a mixture of skills and experience to the role. We are particularly looking for new trustees with a background in fundraising, human resources management or legal skills. Joining the Board of Trustees is an opportunity to use your existing professional and intellectual skills in a new setting, please do not be put off from applying if these aren’t your skills areas. Many people do not realise that the everyday skills from their personal and professional life can add huge value to the work of the Conservators.

If you are interested and would like to discuss this further or ask for an application form please email: clerk@ torringtoncommons.org.

Great Torrington Future Group

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he new town website www. onegreattorrington.uk is nearly built, but we need your business/trade/organisation/club/society details to promote you - leave your details at https://s.surveyplanet.com/ a1NLceVq, email your logo and photos to gt.futuregroup@gmail.com, and leave the rest to us...

buy books from our charity bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their

through the village, a brightly-lit floats, inclu

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Power The Plough!

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s some of you are already

Enrico Caruso (25thFebruary Year 10 1873 have –been to write August 1921)a per2ndasked

suasive review about a Part 2 What a great there are for no fair shame or festival Roger Carter digital mastered recordingsassessment. of Caruso. their GCSE English is with great sadness the we report Onet cannot imagine how wonderful his Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder the death of a stalwart member of the voice was. of one such fair we should treasure.

Crier team.

Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching Roger Carter, died included in January863 from 1895 to who 1920, Sending Outinvolved a Mayday aged 92, was with New the appearances at the York For Our Spring Fair production of The Crier for many, many Metropolitan Opera before he died of we allow Torrington’s to years until heat‘retired’; was one anCan infection the ageit of 48.tradition Hisoffame dwindle? the activities hasmany lastedcommunity to the present day,Roger despite What picture comesthe into your mind the limited marketing and promotional volunteered for within town. As when you think of Torrington’s avenues available to involved him. May HeinFair? was, a small team everyone For many it is thea image of the maypole, nonetheless, client of Edward producing The Crier is important, every laughter and sunshine; it would be Bernays duringand theevery latter’s tenure as a role significant volunteer difficult to imagine Torrington without it. press agent in the USA. Publicity in valuable to each edition of our local Yet today, our historic tradition is Caruso’s time relied on newspapers, newsletter. under threat. It is easy to allow particularly wire services, magazines, We send our to to Joan and the pressures of thoughts modern life photography and the telephone. slowly family. strangle our cultural Caruso’s biographers, Key, heritage.

In this fast ageCrier ofPierre Kate Greaves & The Committee.

Bruno Zirato and Stanley high-tech gadgetry, mass Jackson attributeTorrington his and fame not instant only to his voice media Great and musicianship, gratification, there is but little also time to a keen Historical Society business sense andmatters: an embrace of left for what really n April we have arecordings, short AGM then and in community life.

Today, more commercial sound than ever, it Many is its infancy. then a talk by essential our well-known youngto local opera keep ourofhistoric celebration alive.

Our singers Caruso’s timeAlways rejected the historian Henry Cox. a treat! th week of annual festivity fosters phonograph (gramophone) their That is on Monday 20 Apriland (we are friendship, a although sense of itbelonging and a voices have been lost asEaster!). a result, but still meeting is Subs link withsingers our past.including We cannot let this Patti, die. other Adelina £12 are due then, so it’s a good time to As you walk the cobbled of our Francesco and streets Nellie Melba join, buttown, youTamagno can still come as a visitor. ancient younew breathe antiquity.

The exploited the technology once WeFair then links start our summer visits which May present-day Torrington they became aware the success include Stoford Manorof(members only)of with the past, transporting us to a bygone Caruso’s recording sessions. the –War Horse Museum, Barnstaple era when life was simpler.

Caruso made more that 260 extant Torrington hosted the annual May Museum andhas Huntshaw Church. recordings in 1554.

America for the Victor Fair since However, many We meet at 7pm at the venue. More Talking Machine Company, their (laterorigins RCA celebrations England details from in me Sue onhave 018058 624291.

Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he

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th in even millions earlier through times: to the Roman Devonian dialect is strung across the aware local November there will be a On the 16 earned of dollars inmedia royalties festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and square – Torrington is known as a our own Facebook lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, from thechannels, retail sales of the resulting flowers.

This tradition, friendly town and this is no better page and website, wesymbolizing are1902-1903, facing rebirth the Associated Country Women of the 78rpm discs.

In Italy in he is particularly relevant to us today, displayed than at the May Fair. In this era majorfive financial difficulties which,for if not World, of which the WI nationally is a cut batches of records the breathing new life into the winter of our of social isolation, the May Fair provides addressed urgently, could lead to our member. widely known, the G r a m o p h o n e a n d T y p e w r i t e r community. the medicineNot of friendship, inclusion and ACWW has representatives from many Company.

He was later heard live from closure in the foreseeable future.

Moreover, in keeping with the spirit of support. The fair encourages community nationalities; working relief for of theDespite stage the ofchildren the Metropolitan highest audience rejuvenation, are the focalOpera point life as the young and oldtowards join together poverty and sickness, promoting health House theyear first public radio figures inin its 45 history, with of the festivities.

Much against Mr Gove’s the common good. What better way is and advancing education.

It’s down-tobroadcast in 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s schools are there to bring neighbours together? a thriving arts and community earth approach offersfarmutual support In the next issue you about closed to excellent allow I will full tell community People come from and wide to programme, customer and the practical to Fair. women and some of his operatic participation.

What roles. could be and more enjoy delightshelp of May They also feedback and audiences for films communities acrosswith the them! world. The fair Until then good listening appealing than watching the by crowning bring their money live events that have grown 55% of the May Queen? The procession of boys replenishes the coffers of the and townthe – To find out about the ACWW Bob Dymond over the past five years, it is the lack and girls in brightly coloured costumes providing a Institutes welcome boost to the local Women's nationwide, visit of core funding which has caused this would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, economy – such a help thin difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk Torrington W.I. majorskipping shortfall in our charity metuse on the Januaryasandan skirts and thefinances. Trustees band blasting: the of the Businesses the29carnival Any queries about Torrington W.I. Our to Annual Meeting will take place in an voted implement a range of measures attempt totostabilise the finances, maypole is ceremoniously woven. opportunity advertise their wares. th ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on We will on Wednesday 9 November. including a reduction in the opening times and staff hours.

Additional actions Just as the colours on maypole are Charities also benefit: urgent collection tins are are 01805 623588. be electing a new planned to reduce costs further and to increase income, core funding and intertwined, so the May Fair breaks down soonearned full to overflowing.

President and social barriers as it appeals Yet it is often argued that historic celvoluntary donations.

Torrington committee the to everyone.

Choirs,for dance ebrations Great are archaic and anachronistic.

In a nutshell: following year, Town Hall Project groups and majorettes all On the contrary, Torrington’s festivities * The Plough Arts Centre has thrived for 45 years but is now threatened with taking a alook back By the time this report appears in take to the stage: feast for revitalise the old traditions.

In the current closure. all ears. we Local have the eyesat and climate of you apathy, and The Crier, will laziness have noticed * The Plough was hit by a dramatic rise in costs and funding reductions in 2019. are and happily indifference, the been May Fair experienceddignitaries in the last year then scaffolding has put lifts our spirits * A range of pelted measures already been to tryTorrington and stabilise finances. in has the of stocks and implemented and getting a sneak preview speakers up totransforms facilitate the repair into a vibrant *booked An appeal is being launched to raise urgent funds to ensure The Plough survives. subjected to and duckings. community. for 2012.

Cups prizesThe will of the roof andDespite make thethe continual *beThe Plough delivers a diverse range of arts activities all across north Devon.

Mayor has a lavish lunch, to development of modern technology and awarded for those who did best in building water-tight for We have set up a “Power the Plough” crowdfunder campaign on our website which, which many are invited.

The increasing time spent at computer our optional monthly competitions, and the winter. It will be town crier raised bellows as£6,500 he from screens, last year’s record-breaking as I write, already over our friends and supporters. there will, has of course, be time for tea enclosed in waterproof proudly marches streetsis where turnout there is the still aworking place forarea live If you able to help in any the way, here youshows can www. and a are natter. sheeting to donate, protect of his predecessors and The Torrington entertainment.

Given the choice of crowdfunder.co.uk/power-the-plough.

Being rather nifty at getting through and to minimise any risk to the internal Silver Band pulsates like the beatingof fundraising playing aevents video game or patrons participating in We are hoping to organise a variety with our and the business side of things, we will also fabric. At the same time, a series of heart of the community. the buzz of the fair, I know which I would artists in the near to future.

We will be organizing a high value will fundraising manage a bitvery of time welcome Bob photoelectric panels be installed, to The grand finale ofth the May Fair week choose… auction on Friday 6 March at 8:30pm during the Jethro comedy event.

You will Brewer, who will give us the low-down reduce running-costs, perhaps is the carnival, a spectacle of light and Today, the new enemy ofand a large-scale on the Cavaliers. also be able to bid online if you aren’t able to attend.

Please see our website for provide an income for the project by sound. Fanciful floats journey through the town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As We whilst start the at 7pm in are the lined Methodist sellingcrowds surplus power to thebeNational details. town streets with huge gather, it could argued Church Hall, prospective members Grid.

We are alsoand looking for donations of ‘high that end’there auction raffle prizes cheering children.

In the packed town is lots, a danger of an accident. are welcome tochoice Any Although this all work being carried etc. very to raise fundsnoso ifvisit youfor arefree. to help Nowadays, please do contact myself (julie@ square, you have but toable mingle with theisridiculous rules new members paying theirorsubs this(richard@theploughartscentre.org.uk) out by the Townlands payment and make new friends. and regulations it is Trust, a struggle theploughartscentre.org.uk) Richard as to month, 14 months priceThe of will be taken from funds set aside ‘Uzasget be plaised to for zeetheee!’ organise anything.

In this age for of soon possible.

12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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Torrington Library News

March Events * Little Fingers – pre-schooler craft Friday 20th 10.30 - 11am. A special event for the under fives and their carers – simple crafting to share. * Bounce & Rhyme – songs and stories for babies & pre schoolers. Tuesday mornings term time 10.30 - 11am on during term time. This is turning into a lively event – there is plenty of space for more little ones and their grown ups. * Fairtrade Fortnight – make book marks on Saturday morning 7th March Lego and or games Clubs running on other Saturday mornings.

ELITE Computer training – Fridays 20th & 27th March 1.15 - 3.45pm We are running a 3rd FREE basic computer course. This session if offered by ELITE to promote digital literacy in our digital age. If you have no experience, or feel you need a basic refresher this is for you. Accessing our digital world is becoming harder to avoid so come and enjoy a taster session to get you started. * Watch out for upcoming details of our Introduction to Signing session on 17th April.

Follow us on Facebook #TorringtonLibraryDevon Contact us: Torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk. 01805 622107 during opening hours or email on torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk Did you know all Devon and Torbay Libraries are run by Libraries Unlimited, a charity and not by Devon County Council? Donations are always welcomed and appreciated to help us continue to run our service, to help us thrive not strive.

End of The Torrington Music, Arts and Heritage Festival

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adly, the Festival Committee has decided that we shall not be holding another festival this year. We have tried to build the festival over the last two years, but we did not have the audiences we hoped, for the majority of events. We also do not want to compete with the Mayflower celebrations later this year. We have enjoyed the events and we were very pleased that we have so much local talent to call upon. We wish to thank everyone who participated or gave their time or donated funds. The small surplus remaining will be given to the Plough at their time of need, and some will be held back to pay for some heritage activities such as the survey of the mound in Barley Grove car park.

Cathrine Simmons on 01805 622409 or cathrinesimmons@hotmail.co.uk.

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Carnival Queen 2020

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uesday 14th January 2020 saw the annual Carnival Queen interviews held at Great Torrington School, with an outstanding 12 candidates to be interviewed by the Mayor (Miss Keeley Allin) and three committee members (Ann Ayre, Rachel Ayre, and Jenny Batty). All four on the interview panel had a vast knowledge of the area and were passionate about May Fair, which will be held on Thursday 7th May 2020, with other events including the Round the Tree race on Friday 8th May and the Carnival on Saturday 9th May, where the Queen will be crowned.

All candidates interviewed extremely well, making this a challenge for the committee who deliberated for some time over the decision. In the end, congratulations went to Charlie Butt who will be crowned Queen, along with her two attendants, Mia Lewis and Libby Brown.

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Cavaliers’ Column Chapter 1

May Fair 2020 Entourage Announcement

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he girls who wished to be considered for the role of May Queen all acted with maturity and grace as children in Chapters 2 and 3

cast their vote. The initial count revealed the final four and they visited each class where a final vote was cast.

Mayor Keeley Allin, accompanied by Councillor Sue Mills, visited the school in order to carry out the final vote count and also draw the names for Heralds and Attendants.

We are delighted to announce this year’s Entourage as follows: May Queen Matilda Vallely; Crowner Freya Bond; Heralds Leo Treml and Eashan Nijjar; Attendants Esme Rollins and Isabelle Ward, Jade Schofield and Lexus Laughton, Bexleigh Weeks and Daisy Tucker, Lissie Hooper and Evie Healey.

We look forward to preparations getting underway for another wonderful May Fair community day.

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he boys have been busy on the Mayflower Bonfire and great progress has been made, particularly on the bowsprit, Plymouth Steps and the quayside.

The project leaders are confident that we are on track to complete the main structure, whilst efforts are being made to enhance the build with the finer details. There is still a lot of work to do and new ‘recruits’ Ed Bluebeard and Adam Kirby have been invaluable for the progress made. That said we would welcome new blood to help out – hammerers, painters and humpers and heavers to join in the fun.

Young George Jeffery rarely misses a Saturday, and apart from supplying regular do-nuts and cakes, makes sure that we all on our toes and goes from builder to builder to make sure they’re all doing their bit. Wobetides anyone who is late on-site Saturday mornings!

It is always nice to meet and greet visitors to the site while we are working and to explain what we are all about, however there does seem to be an invisible line across the top of Bowling Green that many onlookers seem reluctant to cross.

Please do come down and have a chat and don’t be shy.

Away from the bonfire, The Cavaliers are recovering from their input into the 1646 Torchlight Procession and planning our contribution towards May Fair and Carnival and of course the Queen Tribute Act at Rosemoor coming up in May. It’s never quiet being a Cavalier!

Finally this month don’t forget your early bird discounted bonfire tickets available from Duffy’s Home Hardware in the square, or on-line via our website www. torrington-cavaliers.co.uk.

More next time.

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Bluecoat Big Soup Event

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reat Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary School hosted a Big Soup Event on Tuesday 4th February in the school café. Parents, grandparents, children, staff and members of the community gathered to find out more about the Bluecoat Garden Project whilst enjoying a hearty cup of soup and bread.

Displays showed much of what has been going on, including how the children have been having great fun learning all about the garden, exploring the importance of worms to the soil by making mini compost makers and a wormery.

Lavender from the school grounds had been gathered and made into lavender bags and seeds were on sale in packets the children made themselves in order to fundraise for the garden.

The Big Soup event successfully attracted people keen to support the project with practical help, on committees, and with donations. The school now plans to take the project forward with a weed and tidy event during half term to clear the beds ready for the spring sowing season.

A committee is to meet to discuss how the garden redevelopment should progress and address the issue of fundraising for the build.

We are keen to welcome anyone who was unable to attend the meeting but still feels they may have something to offer the school with the project. Please contact Sarah Pester on 01805 622333 who will be happy to take your contact details. As the project evolves, we look forward to keeping you informed about the progress with the garden project.

Finally, we would like to thank Nick and Mary Lovering for donating bread from Sandford’s Bakery and to Giles and Alan Stacey for donating vegetables for the soup – without the food the event would not have been so successful! A big thank you too to Jacob Lucas who helped to sell the lavender bags, nasturtium and pumpkin seeds. Money raised will go towards the beds. Finally, thanks also to Trish Robertson, Irene Corby and Ray Garland who served the soup, washed up and supported the event with muscle and enthusiasm!

We look forward to working in partnership with the school community to further develop our outdoor environment.

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New Tennis & Netball Court for Roborough

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he new court is part of an ambitious sports and recreational project which includes a playground and woodland.

The court, paths and fencing cost nearly £44,000 of which £10,000 was provided by Torridge District Council as a Community Grant.

Torridge District Councillor Rosemary Lock said: “The residents of Roborough, and the hard working volunteers of the Roborough Community Property Assoc. Ltd. can be so proud of what they have achieved - it has taken a long 14 years to materialise but what an end result. Included in the development of Newcombes Farm are five open market houses and three barn conversions, but of greater importance are the four affordable houses which are owned and controlled by the Parish for local people. Then moving to the other end of the village is a new car park, opposite the busy and well-used village hall, and a new tennis/netball court for all to enjoy. These facilities will continue to enable the village of Roborough to be the thriving and active village that it has become over the years. I am proud to have played a small part in this project.”

The Community Development Trust

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ome folk may have noticed that the Cafe @1646 is now called the Castle Hill Cafe. Don’t worry it still offers great refreshments in the same lovely setting. Torrington is famed for its numerous volunteers supporting a wide range of activities, none more so that those who give their time to work in the gardens at Castle Hill. The 1646 Physic Garden, Secret Memorial Garden and Castle Hill Garden all rely on volunteers and what a great job they are doing.

The CDT got a grant to restore the 1646 Physic Garden and its ‘Linhay’, and 16 turned out to clear the beds ready to start replanting them as they were when first recreated 22 years ago.

The main garden looks great, now mown with the new roller mower (thanks to a generous donation) and is ready – well almost - for the spring. Finally it has been decided that the Secret Garden should become a quiet garden, with silent times, in support of a new mental health initiative.

We are working with two town projects, for which we have funds: the new Town website and the Heritage Trail. We are also looking at working with Torrington 100 - linking to the Quiet Garden - and are planning for an archaeological survey of the Castle site adjacent to the bowling green and Barley Grove Car Park.

If you want to volunteer, remember there are always opportunities with the CDT, not just in the gardens, the Tourist Information Centre and the coffee shop but in other ways too. We welcome your input, not just as volunteers, but with ideas for developing our role. It’s 20 plus years on since the CDT was first formed by local volunteers! Just leave your contact details at the coffee shop or the TIC and help us be the Great Torrington and District Community Development Trust serving you.

Great Torrington Fairtrade Group

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airtrade Fortnight 2020 runs from 24th February to 8th March.

The Fortnight focus this year is cocoa and the group has created a display in the Children’s section in Torrington Library featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar, information on how cocoa is turned into chocolate and an explanation of the Adinkra symbols from Ghana, found on Fairtrade Divine chocolate wrappers. Pop in to see the display and to find out about the symbols and their meanings.

On Saturday 7th March 10.30am12pm (World Book Day), we will be running free bookmark making sessions for children (and adults!) You can decorate Hungry Caterpillar bookmarks with stickers featuring Fairtrade produce, or make your own bookmark using the Adinkra symbols as design ideas. We look forward to seeing you.

Tarka Valley Railway News

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he weather so far this year has been mainly wet and windy for our working days, and activities have been severely curtailed as a result. Nevertheless, track geometry has been checked and more jacking and packing has taken place. During dry interludes, paint has been applied to the tank wagon and the frame of the brake van. Blockhouse repairs have continued with fitting of the door and roof repairs. Electrical work continues on Torrington Cavalier with new brushes now on order. The leak in the carriage roof has had a temporary fix; better weather is needed to affect a permanent repair.

By the time you read this ‘the dig’ will have hopefully been completed: a big task covering the main line and the first 30 feet of the siding. The work is in preparation for the delivery and installation of the pointwork which is planned for late next month. Weekly updates and photos can be found on our Facebook page.

Our website www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk is currently being updated and more information will be available as soon as possible.

Rob Martin, Tarka Valley Railway

Library Volunteers Needed

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orrington Library is looking for a couple of stock management volunteers to work weekly on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings for a couple of hours to shelve books etc, shelf check requests, assist with regular stock tasks and to keep the library shelves tidy and inviting.

If you are interested in please call in for a chat and/or application form.

Kate Greaves, Library Supervisor

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9

Farming Films Inspire Communities to Think Local

H

ealth and wellbeing for people, communities and the environment are big discussion topics today.

Buying local, when it comes to food, has a positive impact on the local economy and environment and in turn benefits the wellbeing of not only the producers but consumers too.

A collection of north Devon farming films, under the title ‘Down on the Farm’, gives a unique insight into the working lives of farmers in north Devon. These six ‘up close and personal’ stories reveal the physical and emotional investment our farming neighbours make to bring food to our plates. As well as recording a snapshot of farming today, the films encourage viewers to think about the positive effects of buying local and contemplate the future of farming in our region.

All small scale farmers; raising sheep or cattle or growing organic vegetables, the films’ contributors share emotive real life stories of individuals, couples and families passionately connected to the land and landscape of north Devon.

Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of community film makers North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) and project manager of Down on the Farm believes that the films will have far reaching impact “We are seeing something really special here.

We believe by getting to know local farmers through these intensely personal films, audiences are starting to value the connection between food, environment and community. Aside from this, the stories are really engaging and it is inspiring to see topics such as women in farming, for example in Michael Balsdon’s film The Women of Reed Farm where he features his mother and sisters’ work at lambing season on the family farm. In contrast to Linda Mason’s film Lifelong Farmers, where Rose and Freddy Manning ponder the past, present and future of farming, we meet Liv and Henry at Down Farm in Winkleigh and find out what inspired them to become new entrant farmers producing organic vegetables with a focus on building and sustaining community ties.”

Rural arts organisation Beaford have partnered with NDMI to share the Down on the Farm films with audiences around North Devon in the coming months.

Between February and May there are screening events at Parracombe, Georgeham, Marwood, Buckland Brewer, Berrynarbour and East Buckland. Details of the events will be available on the Beaford website and tickets can be bought from Beaford or directly from the community venues.

The films are also available to watch online at www.northdevonmovingimage.org. uk and can be made available for community groups to show at their own screening events.

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Great Torrington Golf Club Open Day

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t’s time to celebrate! Great Torrington Golf Club was founded 125 years ago this year and that means we are celebrating our Quasquicentennia!

Our celebrations start with a spring Open Day on Sunday 5th April for anyone wanting to try out the course or just come up and have a look around. The fun starts at 12pm and goes on until 4pm with food and drink available at the Clubhouse. Our friendly Pro will be on hand to answer any questions about golf and tell you about our Adult Golf Academy for beginners and those wanting to get back into the game.

The last week of July brings our ‘Festival of Golf’ which includes visiting players from all over Devon and dignitaries from both ‘EnglandGolf’ and ‘DevonGolf’ along with celebrities to present the prizes on the Saturday.

More about that later in the year.

Our members include men and women, boys and girls of all ages so all are welcome. Golf is great for keeping fit, relieving stress and meeting others so whether you want to play competitive golf or golf just for fun there is a space for you at Great Torrington Golf Club.

To get more details about any of the about call Trish or Tony on 01805 622229 or just turn up on the day. We look forward to meeting you.

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How Long Has There Been a Community Hospital in Torrington?

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he idea of a hospital in Torrington 5th August 1908 by Lady Gertrude Rolle. was first suggested by William Despite the fact that neither William Vaughan, owner of the glove Vaughan, William Glubb nor Mark Rolle factory in Whites Lane, and a fund lived to see their vision of a hospital, a was set up in 1887 for this purpose. plaque commemorates the opening and By 1897 this fund had increased, with the three men who brought it to reality. donations from the Hon. Mark Rolle and There were three wards – men, other subscribers in the town, to £500 women, accidents – each containing 15s 7d and a three beds and “Records of the time show the hospital hospital was a cot, as well dealing with cases such as ‘mitral established in as an operating incompetence’ (heart valve problem), January 1898 at room, surgery, crushed fingers, injuries from a gunpowder 181 New Street consulting room explosion, and the amputation of a big toe” and matron’s (opposite Lidl supermarket). Vaughan lent the house, apartment. Records of the time show rent free, for three years. Subscribers the hospital dealing with cases such would be able to nominate a patient for as ‘mitral incompetence’ (heart valve a month for one guinea (£1.05). A pair problem), crushed fingers, injuries of white double doors to the right of the from a gunpowder explosion, and the front door used to lead into a Marland amputation of a big toe. In 1939 four brick walled space that had been the wards were added for the use of paying mortuary but this has been turned into a patients, the cost of building being very small separate property. provided by a gift of £1,000 from retired In 1903 a declaration of trust was GP, Dr Mark Jackson, whose family made and four trustees appointed, the had lived in Torrington for many years. trust property then consisting of furniture These wards later became a maternity in the house in New Street, a credit ward. During the two world wars many balance at the bank of £73 13s 6d, and wounded and convalescent soldiers were the residuary estate of another Torrington treated at the cottage hospital. benefactor, William Frederick Glubb, who On 3rd August 2008 the hospital celebrated a centenary of serving died in 1901. the community. To mark the special In February 1907 a piece of land at anniversary Lord and Lady Clinton Goose Green was given by Mark Rolle unveiled a commemorative stone and on which to build a hospital ‘for the a fête was held in the grounds of the benefit of poor persons suffering from accidents or non-infectious disease who hospital, organised by staff and members of the League of Friends. cannot be properly attended to in their It came as a bitter blow to the people own home’. On this land the trustees of Torrington when, in 2013, the New were authorised by the Board of Charity Commissioners to build a hospital which Devon Clinical Commissioning Group cost £1,300 and was officially opened on and the Northern Devon Healthcare

NHS Trust jointly implemented a ‘test of change’ which involved ‘temporary’ suspension of the hospital’s inpatient beds to be replaced by ‘an enhanced model of community care’ in people’s own homes. Despite campaigns by local people and a parish poll voting to re-open the hospital beds, they have remained closed and people are no longer able to receive in-patient care or to recuperate in Torrington’s hospital after treatment at the North Devon District Hospital.

The community hospital continues to hold many different out-patient clinics which include gynaecology, ultrasound, antenatal and postnatal clinics, breast clinic, chiropody, rheumatology, consultants’ clinics, audiology and physiotherapy.

Moira Brewer

Interested in Joining a Reading Group?

W

e have received a number of enquiries recently about reading group availability locally. At present all the groups we support are full.

If you would like to join a new group please enquire at the library and leave your contact details or email Torrington. library@librariesunlimited.org.uk, or call 01805 622107 during opening hours.

Devon Libraries has a range of resources to support reading groups including a group library card and nearly 600 book sets to choose from.

Kate Greaves, Torrington Library

11

Ebberley Escapes

Dog Training Classes at Taddiport Village Hall

B&B and Holiday Cottage

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Lieutenant Arthur Ernest Lillington Rudd

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rthur Rudd was born and baptised in Great Torrington in 1889 to Bertice and Lucy Rudd, both of whom were also Torringtonians by birth. Details of their early life are difficult to report on as there are no records from the 1891 census or school records. However, the 1901 census does provide us with some information. At this time, Arthur is 11 years of age. The family make their living from the gloving trade with both parents having their occupations related to this trade; Bertie as a “glove cutter silk” and Lucy as a “glove manufacturer”. The family’s address is listed as 10 New Street, Great Torrington.

There is also information available to suggest the family is affluent. As well as the family members listed in the property in the 1901 census, there are also two servants in the household. The second piece of information is from a press cutting relating to a bicycle accident in the town. Although not directly related to the Rudd family, the article mentions that the victim of the collision was rushed to the North Devon Infirmary by a motor car “kindly lent by Mrs Rudd, of New Street, Torrington”. This commodity would have been rare at the time and only available to the ‘better off’. The final piece of information would be from Arthur’s education.

Records show that Arthur Rudd was educated at the prestigious boarding

12

school, Cranleigh School, in Surrey.

Arthur appears on the school’s Roll of Honour and his mother is listed amongst the donors for the Cranleigh School War Memorial Fund on 4th December 1920.

It noted that she pledged thirteen pounds.

Details of Arthur’s life between his schooling and when he enlisted are limited. We know that he held a Master’s Certificate in the Merchant Service prior to the war. We also know that he enlisted early in the hostilities as his name appears on the town’s Roll of Honour, published in the North Devon Journal. At this point he held the position of ‘SubLieutenant’.

In May 1917, Lt. Rudd was serving on the HMT Bracklyn. In peace time the 303 ton ship was owned by the Brooklyn Fishing Co. in Fleetwood.

However, at the outset of the war the ship was requisitioned and modified into a minesweeper.

Trawlers were widely used in both world wars as they were perfect for naval operations due to their robustness.

Moreover, they could be simply transformed for minesweeping duties.

Reports show that the Bracklyn hit and was sunk by a mine that had been laid

by German submarine UC 1 on 11th May 1917 off the Norfolk coast east of Yarmouth. 11 crew members, including Lt. Rudd perished.

Arthur’s death was reported in the

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North Devon Journal on 17th May 1917.

He was described as “a high-minded gentleman, and his passing is deeply lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaintances”. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission note that Lt. Rudd had been awarded the Order of St Anne, which is a Russian medal awarded for distinguished service in the military. At the time of his death, his next of kin, his mother, was still living at Palmer House, New Street; Arthur never married and has no direct family line. As well as being remembered on the Great Torrington war memorial, Arthur Rudd is also remembered on the Chatham Naval memorial in Kent.

Michael Newcombe

‘Wine & Wisdom’ Quiz Night

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oborough Village Hall is very pleased to be hosting a ‘Wine & Wisdom’ Quiz Night on Saturday 18th April from 7.30pm. A maximum of six people per team, £5 per person, payable on the night.

Refreshments include a bottle of wine per team, and extra bottles of wine can be purchased during the evening.

Prize for the winners and the best team name.

If you are unable to raise a team of six people, we can fit you in to make a team up on the night.

To book a place or your team’s place, please email or phone Clare Hynam before Thursday 9th April.

Tel 01805 603306 or email david. hynam@sky.com.

Mozart Requiem - 4th April

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orth Devon Choral Society’s Spring Concert will be on Saturday, 4th April, 7.30pm at Church of St Michael & All Angels, Great Torrington, featuring Mozart’s Requiem and Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass.

Partly composed on his deathbed, Mozart’s Requiem had to be completed by others, but this is one of the most powerful, awe-inspiring works a choir will ever get to sing.

Full of beauty and grace, Haydn’s Mass was commissioned by Prince Esterhazy II to celebrate the name-day of his wife, Empress Maria Hermenegild.

Conducted by John Hobbs, soloists will be Ellie Chapman, Rebecca Smith, Nick Hawker and Peter Clarke, accompanied by the famous Father Willis organ.

Tickets are £15, free to students, and available from Torrington Jewellers, or call Janet on 01805 628262, or at the door on the night.

Berry Castle Needs You!

C

an you spare a morning, once a week, for a local project which helps the community?

Would you like to help preserve a local historical site? Can you pull up small saplings, use a strimmer or clip back rampant brambles? Then you are the person we are looking for!

Give it a try, by coming along to one of our maintenance sessions at Berry Castle, Huntshaw.

For more information, email us at berrycastle1@outlook.com. To find out more about what we do, visit www.berrycastlehuntshaw.com.

A Wife For All Reasons

“Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.” This is the popular way of remembering the six wives of Henry VIII. But with three Catherines, two Annes and a Jane, which was which and in what order did they come?

“A Wife for all Reasons” is a series of six monologues, one for each of this famous monarch’s wives, and a cast of six local actors will bring each to life for you and untangle this mystery in one evening!

The performances of “A Wife for all Reasons” will be staged in the Oak Room of the Town Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday 24th and 25th March at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 to include a glass of wine or soft drink and are available from Torrington Jewellers.

The production is part of the Torrington Players Fortieth Anniversary celebrations.

Pictured: Sara Pruce as Catherine Parr

Fleur’s Best Trees Sorbus aria (Whitebeam)

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he Whitebeam is one of our most attractive native trees, standing out from other trees because of the pale foliage. You often see them used as ‘street trees’ in urban landscapes. They are a member of the Sorbus genus of trees and there are a number of cultivars available that are ideal for the slightly larger garden. Most prefer an alkaline soil but can be grown in most reasonably fertile conditions.

One cultivar in particular is Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’, a most attractive tree which can reach a height of 35ft (11 metres) and spread of 25ft, although obviously, you can keep it pruned to a more suitable size for your garden. The growth rate is moderate, taking approximately 20-30 years to reach its full height if left unpruned.

The leaves are creamy white when they first appear in spring, becoming greygreen as they mature and the undersides are paler and felty. White flowers are produced from late spring into early summer. The effect of the greyish foliage and clusters of white flowers can be almost ‘ghostly’ in the evening light.

Whitebeam trees can be pleached, ie, trained into a fan shape to make an attractive walkway, or over a pergola (see a fine example to the side of the foliage/ plantsman’s garden at RHS Rosemoor, which I believe is S. thibetica). This particular variety has enormous leaves with pale furry undersides.

Try growing Sorbus aria in a group with dark leaved trees such as Cercis Canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ or Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’.

Fleur

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13

GREAT TORRINGTON TO Your Council, Working for YOU From Your Mayor…

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arch, already?!

Where is this year going? My diary is definitely filling up now and I’m looking forward to a busy few months ahead.

I don’t know about you, but once Christmas and New Year are over, I always begin to think of the next big occasion… May Fair! On 14th January Anne Ayre, Rachel Ayre and Jenny Batty, from the May Fair Committee, and I visited Great Torrington School to conduct interviews for this year’s Carnival Queen.

All of the candidates interviewed brilliantly, which made the decision very hard, so congratulations to Charlie Butt and her attendants Mia Lewis and Libby Brown on being selected. I am also pleased to report on a very successful May Fair meeting in February, with lots of new members coming along to volunteer for various roles – thank you all. I knew Great Torrington would pull together for our favourite time of the year!

One of my main aims for this year was to try and help increase footfall in our town, so I was pleased to be invited along to a workshop by the Institute

of Place Management (IPM) on 30th January. Many people from across the community attended and we discussed various ideas that would possibly be beneficial to the town and community. It was great to hear from different people; it really highlighted once again how everyone really does want the best for Great Torrington. Thank you to Chris Fuller from Torridge District Council for arranging a great evening. We look forward to the findings and report from the IPM. Throughout the year I have been fundraising for my two charities and, on 31st January, I held a traditional Burns

Dinner on 7th February - another fantastic evening that really showcased the talent that Bideford has to offer.

I am thoroughly enjoying reading all of your ‘local buys’ on Facebook and the evidential growing passion for supporting our local businesses. I’d love to hear from shoppers and traders alike about how my ‘Mayor’s Challenge’ has impacted you, as well as any ideas for taking this initiative to the next stage.

Please get in touch with any ideas!

It is not long now (2 months) until I jump out of an airplane! All in aid of raising funds for my charities. My Just Giving page is live online, but I do also have sponsor forms available if anyone “I’d love to hear from shoppers would prefer to donate that way. All funds and traders alike about how my raised will be split equally between the st ‘Mayor’s Challenge’ has impacted 1 Torrington Scouts and The Torrington you, as well as any ideas for taking Police Amateur Boxing Club.

The Town Council has been delighted this initiative to the next stage.” to welcome Kerry Jeffery as our new Part-time Administrative Assistant.

Night Supper at Torrington Golf Club.

The appointment is a reflection of the It was a fantastic evening and a lovely increasing workload in the office as we opportunity for fellowship as well as engage in more local projects and we are raising funds. The event was attended delighted to welcome Kerry on board. by representatives from a number of As always, if you’d like me to attend organisations in the town as well as from any events, please get in contact with local authorities across Devon. Thank the Town Council Offices – I’d love to you to everyone who attended in support support you! of my chosen charities. Similarly, I Keeley Allin – Mayor of Great Torrington attended the Mayor of Bideford’s Civic

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OWN COUNCIL NEWS GTTC Environment and Transport Working Group

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he Working Group which consists of councillors and a number of volunteers from across the community met on 23rd January to look at the list of priority actions in relation to environmental and transport issues compiled at previous meetings. Actions were allocated to members of the group in relation to the below matters to be reported back to the next working group in April and subsequently Environment Committee as appropriate. * Survey local eating and drinking outlets in relation to environmentally friendly activity * Compile a list of ‘quick wins’ environmentally. * Data collection. * Attend the Barnstaple Transport Group Meeting. * Liaise with Torrington 100 * Research local transport options Further updates will be reported in the Crier in due course

Jubilee Wood

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he Town Council is pleased to report that on the 25th February, Great Torrington Secondary School will be spending part of the day at Jubilee Wood planting approximately 60 trees. The Bluecoat School will undertake a similar planting project of approximately 60 trees working in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre in the summer. We will report on this activity in next month’s Crier.

Annual Town Meeting

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otice is hereby given that Great Torrington Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 9th April 2020 at 7pm in the Town Hall, Great Torrington.

The Mayor of Great Torrington will submit a report on the Town Council’s activities during 2019/20. Consideration will be given to any matters raised by Registered Electors who reside within the parish of Great Torrington.

We would be very pleased to see members of the community at this meeting and would value your thoughts regarding priorities for the Council going forward.

Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

Castle Hill Opening Hours Library Book Renewals

01805 622107 0845 155 1001

Tues 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri & Sat 10am-1pm

Castle Hill Cafe & Garden

01805 626146

Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri & Sat 9-2.30pm, Wed 10-2.30pm.

Tourist Information

01805 626140

Mon/Tues/Thurs 10am-4pm, Wed Frid & Sat 10am-1pm

Torrington Town Council

01805 626135

Tues/Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm answerphone available

Citizen’s Advice Bureau

03444 111 444

Tues 9.30am-12.30pm drop in

Community Development Trust

01805 626100

Tues/Wed/Thurs morning

Genesis

01805 626110

Tues/Wed/Thurs morning

Heritage Museum & Archive

Sue Scrutton 01805 622391 or Val Morris 01805 622306

15

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Dementia Friendly Community Working Group Update

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ust as a reminder, our group is made up of representatives from the following organisations: Great Torrington Town Councillors and Officers, Friends of the Library, the Memory Café, Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers, TorrAGE, TTVS, Torrington Community Hospital, Castle House Care Home and Hatchmoor Nursing Home.

Since the group last gave an update in The Crier, we have been busy with the following activities: Dementia Friendly Window Stickers: I expect you will have seen that a number of businesses across town are proudly displaying their new Dementia Friendly window stickers. These are businesses that have staff who have become ‘Dementia Friends’ and have pledged to take actions within their business to become more dementia friendly. If your business would like to join in with this initiative, please contact Charlotte Kirby at the Town Council (details below) to book yourselves on a Dementia Awareness Session.

Information Pack: The group has finalised and started distributing this pack which contains information about local resources for people living with dementia and their carers. The feedback about the pack so far has been very positive.

Twiddle Muffs: In last month’s Crier you will have seen a request for wool and other embellishments to help with the latest Town Hall Knit & Natter project to knit Twiddle Muffs for the local care homes and people living with dementia. Thank you to everyone who has donated items for this project! The group has been storming ahead with this activity and has already produced a number of beautiful muffs which you may have seen displayed in the windows of the Town Hall recently.

Dementia Action Week: This will take place between 11th and 17th May 2020. The group is putting together a programme of events to take place in the town for people living with dementia, their families and carers and also to raise awareness about dementia amongst the wider community. Look out for more details about Dementia Action Week in future editions of The Crier.

Dementia Awareness Sessions: We have another session planned for Wednesday 26th February 2020 at 6pm in the Conservative Club on South Street.

If you would like to come along to learn more about dementia, please contact Charlotte Kirby, Assistant Town Clerk on 01805 626135 or via email: admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk to book your place.

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Town Council Award

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ach year the Town Council gives an award to the person or persons whom it feels has provided local public service of the highest order. Such service can be of many years’ duration or something extraordinary that was for a short time.

The essence is that the time given is voluntary and the people benefiting are within the parish of Great Torrington.

The Town Council therefore invites you to submit nominations for consideration. Nominations should be accompanied by a written explanation as to why you believe the person or persons should be considered, what they have done, how long for and who has benefited. Please limit explanations to no more than one side of A4 paper.

Please send your nominations to the Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA or by email to admin@great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk, to be received no later than Thursday 19th March 2020.

Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

Rosemoor Events

29th February & 1st March Spring Antiques & Collectors Fair Our Spring Antiques & Collectables Fair, featuring some of the best antiques experts in the South West takes place inside The Garden Room.

14th & 15th March RHS Rosemoor Spring Flower Festival Sponsored by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management Focusing on Camellias, early Magnolias and Rhododendrons, in addition to the RHS Early Camellia Show the festival will also include classes for ornamental shrubs and a Rosemoor Daffodil and RHS Hyacinth competition too. Come and view the exquisite displays of top quality blooms from competitors all over the South West and beyond. Saturday 11.30am (after judging) – 4pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

21st March The South West Alpine Garden Society Show This National South West Show is organised by the Exeter group of the Alpine Garden Society. It is combined with an excellent plant sale with nurseries attending from all over the south west of England and offering a wide range of good and often unusual plants for sale. Some nurseries are alpine specialists but others will have bulbs, woodlanders and herbaceous perennials so a good mix for the plant enthusiast. Saturday, 11am (after judging) to 4pm.

21st March – 18th April The Secret Garden Family Garden Trail Celebrate the launch of the new film

The Secret Garden starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters (in cinemas Spring 2020), by visiting our exciting garden trail experience and many other family activities. The trail takes visitors on a journey through the garden solving clues to discover our very own ‘Secret Garden’ – a place which visitors have not seen before. Available daily, 10am – 5pm. (Easter Holiday drop in family activities. Drop in Workshops 30th March – 9th April, Monday – Friday.

24th March Spring Community FREE Day. Book free tickets online Take this opportunity to visit Rosemoor’s inspirational 65-acre garden for free today. Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Garden in the springtime as golden drifts of daffodils and spring bulbs carpet the meadows.

Discover the advantages of becoming a member of the RHS and find out what exciting events are planned for the year.

Already a member? Then why not bring your friends or relatives and share with them the benefits of RHS membership for the day. Get to know your RHS and meet some of our Horticultural Apprentices, Students and Volunteers and find out how they make a difference to the RHS, Britain’s leading gardening charity. 10am – 5pm

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28th & 29th March Wool & Yarn Fest The Wool & Yarn Fest returns helping to celebrate the diversity of more woolly inspirations from a new themed Yarn Bombing trail of ‘The Secret Garden’ to traders, demonstrators, workshops and spring lambs and alpacas. 10am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday.

Little Torrington Victory Hall

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he year started with the successful New Year lunch for 50, followed by the Little Torrington Players’ ‘Not So Little Red Riding Hood’ panto. This was performed over three nights, two of which were to capacity audiences and the other to 70 – the maximum we can take with the stage up is 100!

As always it presented an unusual twist to the traditional story, with Red Riding Hood and her mother evicted from their council flat and seeking Granny’s financial aid! The wolf was a bright spark keen on word games, but maybe no so clever after all, but it was the woodman, axe and boots included, who gains most by marrying Granny in the end! If you would like to be part of next year’s panto, just contact Jen Hood 01805 622433.

Looking forward we are planning a VE day community supper with home grown entertainment on May 1st - 40s dress ‘de rigour’. Watch this space.

Meanwhile don’t miss the Church Big Breakfast on 21st March 9.30am12.30pm. Tickets from Shirley James 01805 625776 or Sonia McVinnie 01805 601900.

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17

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Pledge for Nature

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t’s time to act! Pledge for Nature is a new campaign, launched early in 2020, that aims to support and encourage communities in northern Devon to help nature to flourish again.

The project invites individuals, schools, landowners, and businesses to join seasonal activities to tackle priority issues for nature’s recovery, with the ambition of securing more space and wilder areas in farmland, gardens, and greenspaces.

“Activities will include creating flower and insect-rich habitats, planting new woodlands and making our rivers, hedges, gardens, and green spaces better for nature, the local economy, and for combating climate change,” explains Project Coordinator Bryony Paul.

More information about Pledge for Nature, Seasonal Activities and how to create your pledge can found at www.biosphere.org.uk/pledgefornature. You can also visit the Pledge Map to see what other people are doing in your area for nature.

Pledge for Nature is being coordinated by the North Devon Biosphere, a cross sector partnership that is working to protect North Devon’s unique natural environment. It is financially supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Mardens Devon Cottages, Devon County Council and a successful Crowdfunder.

Everyone taking part is invited to help spread the word about Pledge for Nature by sharing pictures of completed pledges using the hashtag #PledgeforNature via: Twitter:@PledgeforNature; Facebook: Pledge for Nature; Instagram: NorthDevonBiosphere.

The global climate and ecological emergency may seem daunting, but by working together as a community we can make a real difference.

Lloyds Bank Digital KnowHow Workshop

Wednesday 25th March 2020 9-12.30pm - Barnstaple Library his FREE workshop by Spin & Sway in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group, BIPC Devon, Libraries Unlimited, ND Council and Heart of South West Digital Skills Partnership, is a great introduction for small organisations and businesses to social media advertising and campaigns. Learn tips and tricks from industry leaders on how to grow your audience using Facebook and Instagram advertising. For more information please contact alisonledson@ halifax.co.uk or to book: https://bit.ly/2GQtBb6.

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Get Together Friends Dates for March

* Sunday 8th - Beetle Drive at the Bickford Centre 2- 4pm. No charge but remember your bring and share tea.

Space limited so please book. * Tuesday 10th - Lunch will be at the Puffing Billy 12.45 for 1pm. Cost £7.50.

Contact Marcia or Val for menu choices, booking and payment. * Monday 23rd - The film at the Plough will be Emma, start time 2pm. Cost £3.50 to include a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake. Make sure you book early.

Thank you to The Royal Exchange for hosting our lunch in February it was an excellent meal. Special mention to the Chef for the roast beef which was excellent, it was nice to see so many empty plates. Congratulations to Graham and Penny and all their staff.

Also a big thank you for donating the raffle prizes to our draw.

Marcia and Val can normally be contacted at the Bickford Centre on South Street, on Wednesday mornings between 10am and Noon. The Club phone number is now Marcia’s mobile number 07881 875 846.

Torrington Memory Cafe

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rom April to September the Memory Cafe will be open twice a month on the second and fourth Thursdays. April meetings are on the 9th and 23rd. The Cafe operates on a drop in basis so just turn up and you will get a warm welcome from our dedicated team of volunteers. Check out our website for further information and useful links on greattorringtonmemorycafe.weebly.org. uk.

Beaford Village News

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1st Torrington Scouts

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anuary saw a creative start with the Scouts making the Canadian flag with pasta and learning about Canada. Recycling posters were made the following week to share among family and friends. The third week was the start of the scientist badge. Week 4 was pioneering on a miniature scale with bamboo canes and elastic bands. Week 5 saw part 2 of Warhammer creations ready to play the game. The final week before the half term break the scouts visited the St. Michael’s church to learn about different religions.

Cubs were welcomed back with a good old-fashioned game of beetle drive! The cubs had to plan this term and picked on subjects that were fun and creative. The following three weeks saw the planning, creation and then playing of their team or solo inventions. To celebrate the Hindu festival Makar Sankranti, kites were created to honour the harvest festival which is dedicated to the deity Surya.

Green cross code was the first subject Beavers tackled. Water safety was the following week, fun and games were had with some getting a little wet. Week 3 saw communication being the subject and the beavers completed this in various ways. Bring

he village hall of beautiful Beaford is the essential hub of our Community.

It boasts stunning views over Dartmoor, with a large open space that is currently undergoing exciting changes to protect the environment and wildlife for future generations.

Hundreds of spring bulbs have been planted for the enjoyment of everyone. In March we will be planting many trees and shrubs to attract wildlife and to add to this tranquil, natural open space. Our stone-walled gardens are to be themed and improved in the future with a sensory garden & memorial garden.

We already have limited picnic tables, but we aim to increase these.

Car parking is free. We are drawing up plans for additional spaces including designated disabled bays.

All these exciting changes can only happen with finance, and therefore during the year we host special events including a K9 dog show, regular monthly markets, motor bike show, quiz nights, firework night, ferret racing, family bar-b-ques and our special Xmas market where local Alpacas visit. Come along and visit or go to our website beafordvillagehall.co.uk for more information. We also take bookings for weddings, parties, training days etc.

Beaford welcomes you! a parent night saw many parents come and stay for a fun evening learning traditional scouting skills, which included putting up a tent, cooking mini pancakes by tea light and learning how to apply bandages and complete some different knots. The fifth week was a party night to celebrate beavers and the following Friday a sleepover in the scout hall. Sadly, this will be the last beaver event from the 1st Torrington group as no leader has been found.

The group would like to thank all who have helped run this section of the group over the years.

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

Teachers Rock® Youth Choir

New satellite choir launching in Great Torrington oin Teachers Rock® founder Debbie Kent and Teachers Rock® Associate John Bangham on Friday 6th March, 2020 for the launch of our newest Teachers Rock® Youth Satellite Choir. All outreach workshops will take place at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Great Torrington from 4-45-5-45pm.

There will also be an opportunity to participate in our transformational music festival ‘Stadium Soundz’ hosted at National Trust Killerton on Saturday 4th July, 2020. Email us at: enquiries@ teachersrock.co.uk to register your interest, attendance and for further information.

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

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What’s On in Great Torrington?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

St Giles, Little Torrington all services at 11.15am

CHILDREN’S CLUBS, TODDLER GROUPS & PRE-SCHOOLS

1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Rugby Club every Mon term time 6.30-8pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 623212 torringtondistrictguiding@talktalk.net 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Rugbyclub every Wed term time 6.30-8pm Mary Davis torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net Beaford Guides at Beaford Village Hall Tuesdays term time only 7.15pm till 8.45pm Bridget Wade 07830 797 050 or email BeafordGuides@outlook.com. Beaford Rainbows at Beaford Village Hall on Tuesdays 4.15 till 5.15pm contact Leanne 07842344302 or rainbows@girlguidingbeaford.co.uk.

Beaford Brownies meet at Beaford Village Hall on Tuesdays 5.30pm till 7pm contact Bridget Wade on 07830 797 050 or email beafordbrownies@outlook.com 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 1st.torrington. guides@gmail.com 1st High Bickington Rainbows High Bickington Community Centre every Tue 5-6pm Sue Birch torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net. 1st High Bickington Brownies High Bickington Com Centre Fridays 5.30-7pm Angie Galliver Highbickingtonbrownies@aol.com SCOUTS IN TORRINGTON - Scout Hall, Gas Lane. Contact for all groups is Kirsty Pells on 07887 557 574 or email kirsty. pells@btinternet.com. 1st Torrington Beaver Scouts (age 6-8) meet during term time on Tuesdays 6-7:30pm; 1st Torrington Cub Scouts (age 8-10) meet during term time on

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

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

Little Otters Pre School at The Clinton School, Merton & Dolton School Torrington Youth Space is free every Friday night 7-9pm through the term time, for additional info contact Paula on 07940089077, or Paula Genesis on on facebook or instagram.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn Bellringing 7.30pm each Monday, contact Clive Ward 0771207 8885, monk2364@icloud.com Art on Friday meets every second and fourth Friday at The Plough Arts Centre 10.30am-2.30pm. New members always welcome. Contact Hazel 01805 623757.

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

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

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

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

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

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Diary To place an entry in the diary, please email torrington.crier@gmail.com, or write your entry in the diary on the Library counter.

Diary entries are not created from articles received, if you submit an article about an event and would also like it featured in the diary section, please submit in diary format.

March 2020 Sunday 1st

Friday 6th

Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12 noon – 1.45pm at the Baptist church. £3.50. All are welcome.

Plough Comedy: Jethro 7:30pm Bideford Town Haunted History Tour 7:30pm contact The Plough

Saturday 7th

Foodbank every Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill Breakfast rolls, coffee and cake 10am to noon, meat raffle, 1st prize £25, 2nd prize £15, takeaway available. In aid of Weare Giffard Village hall refurb/rebuild.

Plough Film: Waves 8pm Plough Music: Jacob & Drinkwater at Plough@AtAnne’s 8pm; Sam Dowden 8:15pm

Sunday 8th Plough Storytelling Circle 2:30pm – Plough Films:The Lighthouse 3pm; 5:30pm Plough Films: Ordinary Love 3pm; 1917 Midnight Traveller 5:30pm; The Gentlemen 7:30pm 5pm; The Gentlemen 7:30pm Tuesday 3rd

Monday 9th

Wednesday 4th

Tuesday 10th

Foodbank every Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church and Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill Plough Workshop: Introduction to Watercolours at Plough@StAnne’s Plough Comedy: Simon Evans 8pm Devon Sensory Outreach Bickford Centre 11-3pm Plough Films: 1917 5:30pm; Midnight Traveller 8pm

Thursday 5th

Bingo Burrington Parish Hall. Eyes Down 7.30pm for Church Funds Plough Films: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood 5:30pm Plough Music: Paul Cowley + Special Guest Jim Crawford 8:15pm Plough Films: Ordinary Love 8pm

Torrington branch of the Labour Party meets at the Plough, 7-9pm in the gallery. All members welcome.

History Group talk on Thatching - 7pm for 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Rooms Little Torrington WI at Victory Hall, 7.30pm ‘Life of an Author’ Diane Janes 01805 603052 Plough Film: Waves 8pm Plough Workshop: Aromatherapy Workshop for Menopause & Perimenopause at Plough@StAnne’s 6:30pm Plough Workshop: Introduction to Watercolours at Plough@StAnne’s 6:45pm

Wednesday 11th

Plough Films: The Lighthouse 5:30pm;

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote 8pm

Thursday 12th

Plough Comedy Theatre: Last of the Summer Wine with Julian Dutton 8pm

COPY DEADLINE FOR APRIL CRIER 12 NOON

Friday 13th

Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12 noon – 1.45pm at St Michael’s Parish Church £3.50. All are welcome.

Bingo Umberleigh Village Hall doors open 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm. Prize Bingo and raffle, tea and coffee included.

Raising funds to repair Atherington Churchyard wall.

Plough Music: Buddy Holly and the Cricketers 8pm

Saturday 14th

Beaford Village Hall Market 10.30am to 12.30am tasty breakfast baps, coffee and cake and a chance to buy from a range of stalls. Car washing £5. New stall holders welcome, please ring 01805 603199 or 01805 603046 for details Plough Talk: A Walk Back in Time at Plough@StAnne’s 11:30am Plough Music: Billy Mitch & Bob Fox 8pm Plough Theatre: ‘Title and Deed’ a play

by Will Eno at Plough@StAnne’s 8pm

Sunday 15th

Plough Film: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood 7pm Plough Music: Greg Hancock & Alex Seel & Maaike Siergerist – A Gallery Gig 7:30pm

Monday 16th

PYT Seniors Shows ‘Crusaders’ 2:30pm

Tuesday 17th

Plough Workshop: Introduction to Watercolours at Plough@StAnne’s 6:45pm

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Torridge House Cottages, Little Torrington 07807 698 224 • www.torridgehouse.co.uk

Oil, LPG and Natural Gas Heating, Domestic dwellings & caravans Landlords, Servicing & Commissioning All Plumbing work—Calor Gas Stockists (delivery available) 116 New Street (via Stoneman’s Lane), Torrington Tel & Fax 01805 623293 Oftec Reg.

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Plough Film: PYT Seniors Show ‘Crusaders’ 7:30pm

Wednesday 18th

Plough Comedy: Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps – Travel and Comedy In The Danger Zone 8pm

Thursday 19th

Plough Talk: Haunted History Tour: Prisons, The River Taw and out edges of the town at Plough@StAnne’s 7:30pm Plough Music: Steve Harley Acoustic Band 8pm

Friday 20th

Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12 noon – 1.45pm at the Methodist Church (hosted

by The Holy Family) £3.50. All are welcome.

Plough Films: Just Mercy 5pm; The Rhythm Section 8pm Plough Music: Geoffrey Lakeman at Plough@StAnne’s 8pm

Saturday 21st

Plough Film: Emma 8pm

Sunday 22nd

Plough Films: Emma 3pm; Just Mercy 7pm

Tuesday 24th

Plough Workshops: Introduction to Watercolours at Plough@StAnne’s 6:45pm & 7-9.30pm Plough Film: Emma 8pm

Wednesday 25th

Plough Talk: Westward Ho! Haunted History Tour 7:30pm Plough Film: The Man Who Killed Don Quixote 8pm

Thursday 26th

Plough Talk: Instow Haunted History Tour 7:30pm Plough Music: Hazel O Connor 8pm BINGO St Giles in the Wood Parish Hall last Thursday in the month. Eyes down 7.30. Great prizes

Friday 27th

Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12 noon – 1.45pm at the Methodist Church (top of Mill St) £3.50. All are welcome.

Crazy Quiz Night Beaford Village Hall 7.30pm. £2 per person, pasties and bar, crisps/nibbles.

Plough Music: Ninebarrow 8pm Abbeyfield Coffee Morning at Glen Tor, Villa Road EX38 8DZ from 10.30 – 12 noon. All are welcome!

Saturday 28th

Plough Film: The Lighthouse 8pm Jumble Sale at Beaford Village Hall 2pm. In aid of The Autumn Show and Beaford Church.

Sunday 29th

Plough Films: The Rhythm Section 3pm; Portrait of a Lady on Fire 7pm

Monday 30th

Plough Films: Sonic The Hedgehog 11am; The Runaways 3pm; Dolittle 7pm

Tuesday 31st

Plough Films: Sonic The Hedgehog 2:30pm; The Call of the Wild 5pm; Portrait of a Lady on Fire 8pm Plough Workshop: Introduction to Watercolours at Plough@StAnne’s 6:45pm

Great Torrington Plant Swap

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date for your diary, Plant Swap Saturday 16th May 10am-12pm in the 1646 garden off South Street car park.

Bring along your surplus plants in pots, or bare rooted. Swap the plants for tokens and use the tokens to ‘buy’ some great plants. Free Entry.

There will also be plants on sale.

Run for the Torrington Community by Torrington Labour Party.

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Not Just Travel

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F

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abulous Freddie calling in with an Sadly we still have Rudi our update on the rescue. deaf boy, who As always it has been a busy few weeks as preparations get underway has the brightest blue eyes – he for our exciting 10th Anniversary events. is very stunning We have dog shows scheduled in for but can be quite most months, going all the way through naughty and so to September – lots of opportunity for he will be staying your pooches to show their talents off. with us a little longer until he learns some Do check out our website for all the manners! dates and classes (www.k9focus.co.uk) As you know – we now have a “We are particularly looking for we have been dedicated events calendar so you can people who would be happy to help struggling at the keep up to date. us at some of our fundraising events centre coping with all the mud, Sadly, one of our and collection days.” but our fantastic events planned for this month has had to be cancelled – The volunteers excelled themselves and on Wedding Fayre. We hadn’t realised that two separate weekends last month came to the centre and spread 360 70ltr bags the date was also Mothering Sunday, and so it proved difficult to get stalls and of play bark into our exercise compound.

It has made an amazing difference and therefore this has been postponed now all us dogs can now once again enjoy until next year. some outside activity whatever the Is it too early to mention Christmas? weather. It is great for hiding things and Hiding my head in shame! However I using our noses to find the treats that are have to mention that our famous end hidden there for us! Did you know that of year ball is back on the agenda and using our noses and making us work for a date has been set for Friday, 27th our treats and toys is as tiring as a long November and the theme this year is walk?! ‘black & white’. As always this is bound Talking of volunteers we are always to be a popular event and tickets sell on the lookout for extra hands to help very quickly, so if you are organising a company event or just fancy a great night us keep the rescue going. We are particularly looking for people who out then details and ticket bookings can would be happy to help us at some of be found on our website. our fundraising events and collection New dogs have been arriving at days. We also need anyone who loves the centre and we have welcomed a gardening, as we do require some help lovely German Shepherd with beautiful maintaining the grounds at the centre: colouring, almost fox like, and so I think no payment I am afraid but lots of coffee, Aunty Lynne is going to call her Foxy. bacon sandwiches and of course cuddles She was a little timid when she arrived and very scared, but she is turning into a with us woofs. If you are able to help cheeky madam and I am quite taken with then please do email Aunty Lynne at her! However she is a little aloof so I will lynne@k9focus.co.uk Right, think I have covered everything have to be on my best behaviour to bring except saying a big thank you to all our her round. We also had in a little Fox supporters and of course our unsung Terrier X called Badger who was very sweet, but he didn’t stay very long and is heroes – our volunteers.

Woofs and licks as always, Freddie now happily settled into his new home.

can’t quite believe that it’s coming up to two years since I launched my independent travel agency in Torrington, so I wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you for the unwavering support I’ve had from the local community.

Over the last two years, in addition to getting married in our beautiful Town Hall, I have arranged trips from WestonSuper-Mare to Western Australia.

Cruises around Asia and Road trips across the USA. Family holidays to the Mediterranean and honeymoons to exotic locations. Bucket list trips to see the Northern lights and Broadway shows in New York City… and yes, I am the one responsible for sending the lovely Steve Gladwin away to Thailand!

It has been a challenging time in travel over the last six months or so, with the sad demise of Thomas Cook and now the Coronavirus outbreak, but arranging your holidays through a travel consultant such as me ensures that everything is covered and protected. If your trip needs to be changed, I take care of all that stress for you. I was delighted to be able to support clients who had booked directly with Thomas Cook, who had nobody to talk to when they ceased trading, and assisted them in getting their money back.

I work from home in Torrington rather than having a shop as this means I can be in contact with my customers during the evenings and weekends or as they need me. I do love to meet up with people though, and will happily meet you in a local café or come to your home for a chat to discuss your plans. My contact details are on my advertisement placed in this issue. I am fully ABTA bonded, and all the trips I arrange are ATOL protected (or the equivalent for non-flight holidays). I can usually price match and sometimes beat offers that you may have seen online too!

Thank you once again for your support and I look forward to helping the fab folk of Torrington with all your future travel plans.

Gillian Farr, Not Just Travel

Hastings Baths & Beyond Website Launch

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fter months of hard work, family run local company Hastings Baths & Beyond is delighted to officially announce the launch of our website. You can now find us on hastingsbathsandbeyond.co.uk.

Our goal is to provide potential customers with examples of our workmanship and share general bathroom tips with links to customer testimonials and a before and after photo gallery.

Hastings Baths & Beyond’s aim is to bring customers’ bathrooms to life without straining their budgets, taking out the stress and high costs of regular bathroom furniture shopping by being able to pass on trade discounts to its customers!

We hope you find the website helpful, and for any questions, suggestions, feedback or comments we would love to hear from you at: andy@hbandb.co.uk.

Thank you and please contact us for a free no obligation quote!

Tel: 01805 603909 or 0788 4115 217

All Shines - Time to Clean Off Winter Grime!

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ith spring finally on its way, now is the best time to clean all the winter grime from the outside of your home and get it back to looking its best. At All Shine we do more than just window cleaning. We use the latest soft wash system which, unlike traditional pressure washing system, it uses a chemical solution to remove biofilms on exterior surfaces.

This gentle method is used to clean cladding, K-rend, render, block paved driveways, decking, tarmac, wet pour play grounds, fences and patios. In fact almost all exterior surfaces you can think of. We can also unblock your gutters of all the debris and leaves that have built up over the autumn and winter, remove the moss and lichen that has started to grow on your roof and get the sofit and fascia looking like new again. Solar panels need a regular clean to ensure they catch every last bit of the glorious Devon sun and don’t forget the conservatory too! If you would like a free quotation please give Josh a call on 01805 938502 or 07711 079 577.

GT Construction - From the Ground Up

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nusually for a builder, my working life started out running vegetarian restaurants. It was a little while before I discovered the skills of the building trade and only became aware of my aptitude and enjoyment for it, when I started renovating my own properties.

The passion for restoration developed and it wasn’t long before I was in the thick of learning my craft amongst beautiful old arts and crafts houses in Wales.

Since that point 17 years ago, I have worked on many projects. Full renovations, restorations, extensions and landscaping being what I enjoy most. I love restoring the life back to a derelict building or feature, just as much as I love creating a brand-new centrepiece wall or fireplace that looks as though it has always been there.

Hardworking and efficient, I work quickly and efficiently to fix fence panels, guttering or rotting fascias. For bigger projects, I consult with clients, listening to requirements and discuss creative variations to produce outstanding results.

Transforming old patios into wonderful outdoor spaces, creating garden rooms or redesigning kitchens and bathrooms.

For more information or any quotes please contact me on 07366 379 113 or tophamgavin@gmail.com.

Is it Time to Slow Down & Take a Breath?

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n this frantic world how often do you jump from event to event, just trying to keep everything going? But in the rush to accomplish all those necessary tasks, do you find yourself losing connection with the present moment and sadly, missing out on what you’re doing and how you’re feeling, perhaps even losing sight of who you really are?

Being mindful makes it easier to savour the pleasures in life as they occur, and creates a greater capacity to deal with adverse events. Many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future, or regrets over the past, and are better able to form deep connections with others.

This course, ideal for those who wish to learn to meditate, those who are seeking to reduce the effects of stress or address the negative thought patterns that can lead to anxiety and depression, comprises of eight twohour sessions spread over eight weeks.

Welcome spring with zero pressure to do anything other than remain open to the possibility of your potential, receptive to change and ready to show compassion to yourself for your shortcomings.

Remember what Albert Einstein said: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

A trained practitioner with over 30 years of meditation practice, registered and listed with the UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training Organisations, I am committed to helping individuals find a way to negotiate the pressures and expectations of this frantic twenty first century life.

The next course in April will be held at The River Rooms in Bideford, so please visit www.gentlemind.uk for more information. Alternatively, email me, James Murray, at info@gentlemind. uk or phone 01769 302007 or 07866 545 978.

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From Your County Councillor…

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s we head into spring there is a lot to report back on from the County Council this month. First, like many of you, I am deeply concerned about the news regarding The Plough Arts Centre. It goes without saying how much of an asset The Plough is for Torrington and the surrounding area.

Indeed, I would go further and say that it is an asset for the whole of Devon.

When news came out about the Crowdfunding appeal I alerted the Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Roger Croad, and DCC Officers have now got in touch with The Plough. The County Council does have its own ‘Crowdfund’ platform and there is a possibility that this could be used to support The Plough with some top up funds, subject to further discussions.

Nevertheless, I am hopeful that The Plough will reach its target and some funds from DCC’s platform can also be used.

If you would like to donate the link to the Crowdfunder can be found here - www.crowdfunder.co.uk/power-theplough.

Turning to DCC, the main work over the last month has been setting the Council’s Budget for the forthcoming financial year. At the time of writing it is still subject to approval at Full Council, although I am not anticipating any major changes.

Currently, the proposals are to increase the overall revenue budget from £498 million to £541 million. Of the three principle services, Adult Care and Health sees a £23.7m increase (10%), Children’s Services £11.5m (8.5%) and Highways £2.8m (5%) increase. An extra £1 million will also go into the Highways Drainage Budget. There is also positive news for Devon’s schools with the next financial year seeing an increase in Schools Funding of £47.7m, with a total gross budget for school funding of £603 million. This funding is explicitly ring-fenced for schools and is managed by them, it does not form part of DCC’s overall budget.

With the County Council increasing its budget this will mean that DCC’s

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share of the council tax precept will increase by 3.99%, with 2% allocated specifically for Adult Social Care. I know that council tax increases are not welcomed, but with a growing demand on our services and with an ageing population, spending on social services is only likely to increase over the next few years rather than decrease. Small and moderate increases in the precept will help to fund these demands on our services.

I do appreciate though that people can sometimes feel that their council tax increases, but the quality of service does not! All I can say though is that I do fight hard to ensure our part of Devon gets its fair share and I will continue to do so.

More locally the condition of our highway network continues to be a favourite subject in my email inbox.

During February there has been a backlog of pothole repairs, though I have been told more gangs have been deployed to address this. Despite the bad weather, I was pleased that the Council have been able to carry out some substantial repair works on some of our more rural roads, in Dolton, St Giles in the Wood and Kingscott.

However, I know there is still more to do and I will continue to lobby for repair schemes for our rural road network.

Alongside this, maintaining the main road network is also a priority and I am hopeful there will be patching and resurfacing schemes in the next financial year for the A386 in Little Torrington at the Gribble Inn and the B3227 in Langtree.

As I said at the start of this article it has been a busy month, from budget meetings to attending workshops on Town Centre regeneration in Torrington, and discussing potential cycle route links between the Tarka Trail and the town.

However, if I write about everything I will run out of room! But if you would like to find out more, or have a County Council matter you are concerned about, you can ring me on 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Allsorts Children’s Club Becomes a Teenager!

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llsorts Children’s Club will reach the ripe old age of 13 on Friday 6th March.

We will celebrate by having a big Birthday Breakfast on Saturday 7th March from 9-11am at Great Torrington Bluecoat C. of E. School Café. If you have been a previous member of Allsorts, you and your family are very welcome to join us for breakfast that morning.

For catering purposes please phone or text Karen on 07890 132 081 to let us know beforehand if you will be attending.

We feel very blessed to have had so many children come along to the group over the years, with many going on to our older group, Allsorts Plus. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in any way over the years. Special mention has to be made of the great team of helpers who come along faithfully week by week.

We would also like to thank those at the Bluecoat School who have very kindly allowed us to use their hall and facilities throughout this time.

The Allsorts Team

Abbeyfield Coffee Morning

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e hope to see you all at our Spring Coffee Morning on Friday 27th March from 10.30am -12noon. As well as coffee and cake there will be a raffle, stalls and other fund raisers for our residents’ comforts fund, which helps us to get out and about to different places during the year, with our volunteers.

Hopefully spring is just around the corner so that we can get out into our lovely garden soon and enjoy some warmer, sunnier weather!

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

From Your District Councillors…

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the need for investment he Burwood Public Inquiry took place

by TDC. We are hoping to at the end of work with Sport England and explore any available January over a number of grants. days, and there were some At the same O&S excellent statements of objection from members meeting we heard from of the public. The decision Sean Mackney, the new principal of Petroc College. is now in the hands of the He told us that last year government inspector and Petroc was voted the we are expecting to hear the result by 24th March. best college in the whole There was recently a planning country! He also told us how they are working with the University of Bolton, application to put two houses on the car park at the entrance of Morton Drive. The which now enables people to train and get a degree as a registered nurse Town Council plans committee objected to the application, and Cllr Cottle-Hunkin without leaving North Devon. He told called it in to TDC plans committee. us that climate change/sustainability is Thankfully the application has now been also on the college tutorial as part of the curriculum across all occupations. withdrawn. The car park is desperately needed; the traffic and parking is already Sean talked about the importance of our local environment chaotic there “We will work together and fight for and the potential without needing the council and other funding bodies to to create a to make it any support The Plough...” worse. The car ‘sustainability academy’ with a park was also part degree offer to attract people from other of a 106 agreement when the Morton parts of the country. Sean is leading a Drive development was passed. new board ‘Northern Devon Futures’ 1610 Leisure attended January’s External O&S meeting. We’ve largely to develop a confident and long-term seen improvements to the running of the future vision, together with different pool in Torrington; for example the new organisations and partners. It sounds very exciting and together they can take filter installed means no more grit at the bottom of the pool, the pool temperatures this to central government and give them an agenda they should be getting are warmer, and a new inflatable has behind. been purchased for ‘fun and floats’.

There’s now a new manager for the area, A few days after The Plough’s Marci Baxter, and the assistant manager announcement of financial difficulties, for Torrington pool is Hannah Newell.

Cllr Cottle-Hunkin arranged a meeting The committee discussed the age of the with The Plough’s Director, chair and treasurer, TDC senior officers and the pool and showers/changing rooms and

Leader. At the time of writing, The Plough was on the agenda for discussion at a C&R meeting on 17th February and they were invited to speak in public contributions. Many councillors from across the district have expressed their support and have wanted to donate money from their councillor grants, but unfortunately are unable to do so as these grants are only for capital projects not core costs/shortfall which has been very frustrating. We will work together and fight for the council and other funding bodies to support The Plough; it is such an important asset to the whole area that we cannot afford to lose.

As always, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help.

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin: cllr.cottlehunkin@torridge.gov.uk; 07495 367 801 Chris Bright: councillor.bright@torridge. gov.uk; 07936 325 909

A Night of Live Boxing!

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orrington Police Amateur Boxing Club is holding their Home Show on the evening of Saturday 7th March at GTS Sports Hall, doors open 7pm. There will be a licensed bar, an amazing raffle, and hot and cold refreshments available.

It’s always a great night guaranteed!

Our dedicated boxers and coaches are working hard in preparation, so please come along and bring your friends for a great night of skill and entertainment and cheer on our local boxers.

Castle Hill Café & Gardens Delicious organic soups, locally made bread and cakes All meat supplied by RS Wares. Free range eggs.

DOGS ON LEADS WELCOME IN THE FOYER ADJACENT TO THE CAFÉ & IN THE GARDEN. FREE WIFI. Winter opening: 1st Oct-31st March, Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat 9am-2.30pm, Wed 10am-2.30pm. Closed on Sundays.

Summer opening: 1st April- 30th Sept, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am-4pm Wed 10am-2.30pm & Sat 9am-3pm. Closed on Sundays.

Breakfast served until 1pm all days and other meals until 2pm

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

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The Castle Community Centre Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Now available for hire!

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

Fleur’s Gardening Forum - Sowing Seeds

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A multifunctional room with garden, based at Castle Hill, Torrington Ideal for private parties & group meetings.

• Adjacent to public car park • Self contained kitchen facilities available • Wifi available • Catering by Castle Hill Café • Regular bookings welcomed • Competitive rates For booking rates and details contact Penny Podmore 01805 626140 or 07766 711 124. Email: info@great-torrington.com, or call into the Tourist Information Centre at Castle Hill.

Open Mon, Tue, Thu, 10am to 4pm; Wed, Fri & Sat 10am to 1pm

eed sowing is by far the cheapest way of growing plants for your garden. Apart from a few particular hybrid cultivars where you get perhaps only six seeds to a packet costing £5, you should get plenty of quality seedlings germinating. Okay, you do need to invest in purchasing seed trays, pots and compost which may offset some of the savings, but apart from the compost, the other items should last for several years, so it does work out more cost effective in the long-term. Another advantage is that you often have more choice of varieties to sow.

Once you have purchased your seeds, if you can’t sow them straight away, store them in a cool, dry, dark place (a drawer in the spare bedroom is ideal!).

Make sure to choose the right compost – the bag should state that it’s suitable for seed sowing. Don’t use your own home-made compost because it is likely to contain microbes that are detrimental to seed germination/growth. Choose the best compost you can afford, John Innes is excellent but is expensive and heavy, peat-free is ideal but do ensure you buy a good make (again, could be expensive) but cheaper peatfree composts sometimes contain residual weed killer and other undesirable matter.

Different seeds need different germination conditions: some need stratification (a period of cold) before they germinate, others need light so should be sown on to the surface of your compost. Others need heat to aid germination. Some seeds may need scarification if they have a hard outer casing (roughing up the surface) and some need soaking in warm water for several hours, ie, parsley and morning glory.

Follow the instructions on the seed packet!

Personally, I always water the compost first before I sow any seeds, using tap water because rainwater can contain bacteria/fungal spores – use warm water if your compost is very cold to the touch. Break up any lumps and remove anything really solid, mix it well and leave for about 20 minutes. You can add vermiculite or perlite, or sharp horticultural sand at this stage but it’s not entirely necessary. You shouldn’t add any fertilisers as seeds and young seedlings don’t need it.

Fill your seed tray with compost and scrape off any excess, knocking the tray once or twice to ‘settle’ the compost down into all corners, and make sure it’s level.

Sprinkle seed thinly over the compost and cover lightly with more compost. Press down gently to ensure the seeds are in contact with the soil. You should not need to water again until you spot signs of germination, which can take anything from a week to a month on average (some seeds take much longer). Large seeds, such as beans, need sowing more deeply (one knuckle depth, roughly) and use pots rather than trays.

Once your seeds have germinated, water them well but not too frequently.

Transplant into pots, trays or modules once the seedlings are displaying their second, true leaves and are growing strongly.

Fleur

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Rotary Megadraw is Back for 2020

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he Rotary Club of Torrington is offering voluntary organizations in the Torrington area the opportunity to take part in Megadraw 2020.This is a North Devon draw, with major prizes, which will be drawn next November.

By selling Megadraw tickets, you can raise funds for your own organization.

All the funds raised by the sale of Megadraw tickets are kept by your own organization, for its own purposes to use immediately. The Rotary Club of Torrington simply provides the tickets and the paperwork. The Barnstaple Link Rotary Club has the tickets printed, has obtained the licence, arranged the prizes, and will organize a spectacular draw night in Barnstaple in November.

There is no catch. EVERY £1 YOU TAKE YOU KEEP. All that is asked is that you register the receipt of tickets provided, return the counterfoils of sold tickets and return unsold tickets.

Megadraw is organized by Rotary Clubs in North Devon as a service to voluntary organizations in the local community. If you are a leader, secretary or treasurer of a local organization and are interested in this opportunity, then contact Rick Smale (Torrington Rotary Club) on 01805 622419 or by email ricksmale20@ btinternet.com. He will be pleased to provide you with more details and arrange for the handing over of Megadraw tickets.

Please Support North Devon Hospice & Big Breakfast 2020!

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lease come along and support your nearest Big Breakfast at: Langtree Parish Hall on Sunday 15th March 9am- 12.15pm, £7.50 donation for delicious Big Breakfast. £3 for children up to 12 years. Enjoy a great breakfast in lovely surroundings.

Everyone welcome.

Black Horse Hotel, Torrington on Saturday 28th March 9am- 12 noon.

Delicious Big Breakfast £6.50p donation including tea/coffee, toast. Vegetarian option too, please pop in, phone 01805 622121 or everyone welcome on the day!

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

torringtonwriters

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or their first meeting of 2020, in January, members of torringtonwriters had been asked to bring with them a short piece to read that they had enjoyed writing – either at some time in the past, or more recently.

We like to keep our meetings light-hearted and the six members of the group who attended wrote on as diverse subjects as “The Man Who Wasn’t There” taking Hughes Mearns’ famous poem as a starting point; a memoir of a hectic life which has ended happily in Torrington and a piece which began “Nothing will ever feel so good as when …”, the story of a scam to stitch up a surgeon which badly backfired following a car accident.

Three poems were brought to the group – one on the loss of a favourite dog, a special poem for January - whose writer is planning to write a verse for each month of the year - and a very individual piece entitled “The Miracle” a poem invoking much-needed rain for the parched prairie written from the perspective of a Red Indian squaw in the style of “Hiawatha.”

The group then spent ten minutes “free writing,” developing stories or poems relating to a china mug, decorated with seashore fish and birds which had been brought in, and this proved an interesting and engaging topic. The subject therefore for the February meeting to be held on the 25th at the venue and time set out below, is “the mug” (or any other drinking vessel.)

The March meeting will be held on Tuesday 24th March above the Library in the Castle Hill Centre at 2.30pm and you are invited to bring your written thought on the theme “Now, why did I say that?”

If you would like any further information then please contact Stephanie Easton (01805 622688) or visit our website torringtonwriters.co.uk. We meet on the last Tuesday of every month and always welcome new members to the group.

Town Hall Events

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ob Club for Torrington and surrounding parishes, every Monday 10am to 1pm for those who need help to find a job or advice about a career change.

Join us every Monday for a cuppa and chat. Expert advice provided.

Knit and Natter, every Wednesday 10am to 12 noon - everyone welcome Festival of Female Voices 5th to 8th March - see article elsewhere Torrington Silver Band & Town Hall joint fundraising event, Saturday 21st March 3pm. Cream tea and entertainment with the Silver Band A Wife for All Reasons - 23rd to 26th March Easter Food & Craft Fair Saturday 11th April. We still have a few stands available for our Easter Food & Craft Fair, ring or email Anne on 07971 696 192 or torringtontownandcommunityhall@gmail.com for a booking pack.

Torrington Garden Society Spring Flower Show and Coffee Morning Saturday 4th April, 10am to 12.20pm, everyone welcome.

Instant Images Embroidery

TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB

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

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

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

Families Welcome

Contact Sharon 01805 622543

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Year 8 English classes have been working on creative writing: both literary non-fiction in the form of autobiography, and fictional short stories, with a focus on crafting subtle but powerful ideas.

Our first writer this month is Elle, who has used font to show a dual narrative story to great effect.

shoulders meet as I make room for him to lie.

We exchange a glance- his auburn eyes smiling at me in return. I go back to looking at the mesmerizing abyss. It always surprises me how beautiful nothingness is. No worries or cares.

We lie together. Like every day since birth and whisper to each other about the things we see in the sky. Clouds of blues and pinks pass by- waving over the trees in the horizon- as if to say goodbye. We lie like this for hours- in Self-Discovery each other’s comfort- I feel safe around This is our story. Cinderella and her. I don’t know what I would do without Sleeping Beauty had theirs- but this is her- and you don’t either. We sit up and ours. Best friends since we can remembertogether though thick and thin- highs and lows. allow our eyes adjust to the scenery around us.

The trees full of life and still springing lively But there is one catch. in the summers heat. Each tree has its own We can’t feel emotions. Not the anger features- kind of like humans I guess- having and rage inside you that you can’t get personalities and things that make them rid of, or the purple of regret that covers individuals. A wheezing noise brings me to your face like a mask. I can’t even feel attention. the sour green that convenes on your tongue A tight feeling in my chest has lingered when you are jealous of another being. The all day but the inhaler hasn’t helped. dreaded, everlasting blue- the one that leaves Suddenly- it gets worse without warning the deepest scar. The deep, dark blue that and awakens me from my thoughts like fills your heart like air in a balloon and then a slap in the face. I can’t breathe. I gasp deflates in a split second. We used to- but for air- inhaling what feels like nothing. we both lost them the same way- our He’s an asthmatic. Signaling to his bag, I families leaving. We are outcasts. Sent reach for it and pull out his inhaler- but in the away by our families who think we are rush I fling it away. It spins rapidly in the air nothing more than dirt. We only have each and lands in a pile of newly cut grass. I flash other now. a glimpse of him- he’s passing out. His face I stare at the baby blue sky, lying down. My long, wavy hair spread across my pulpy picnic turning pink and purple. A tear rolls down my cheek. I cradle him in my arms and all blanket, confined within the boundaries of my emotions flood me at once. Fear, sadness, grass around it. My baggy hoodie engulfs my concern and…. Love… body making it near-to-impossible to see my I wake up in a hospital bed and am figure (I like it that way). My grass-covered startled by the array of cards along the shoes drag across the dry plain- picking end of the bed. I suddenly remember. I up unwanted dirt and grime. I slump remember the clear, summers day that myself down to the soft, black picnic blanket. My gentle fingers steady myself we were together. Any normal day but I- and… and her…. crying? I spring from as I make my way down. Our bristle

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the sheets, tightly grasping at the edge, ripping it off my legs.

I make my daily trip to the hospital to see him- just picturing him- his blank expression against the white of the sheets. Its all my fault.

If I called the ambulance quicker- the blues and reds arrived just in time to save him but not quite quick enough to stop him slipping into a long, endless sleep (a coma). It’s been 2 long, grueling months- I hope he wakes up soon- I can’t go without him anymore. I ready myself to see him there again- in that state.

One long, deep breath in- and I’m ready.

I reach for the familiar, glistening door handle but before I get there- it opens. I stumble towards the door and use the handle as a crutch- opening the glazed wooden door. There she is. I can’t believe it- I swoop him in my embrace- letting myself cry and tell him I’m sorry. Until right nowthis very moment- where I’m holding her, I have never felt love- this is what it feels like. At this point- there was not one part of me that belonged anywhere else. I was in the moment. With him.

Elle Harvey Year 8

To celebrate the coming of spring, we have Eleanor’s lovely ‘colours’ piece: a piece which she wrote at the end of her time in Yr 8 last year.

Wild Colours

I sat upon my fiery, chestnut mare galloping wildly across the dusty green moorland - all my red hot anger burned out. Bumble bee yellow flowers blossomed in the cool, March breeze.

The marigold, yellow sun scorched brightly upon my horse and I as we galloped on and on and on. As I steered Argo to the left, a crystal, blue river came into view and (without hesitation) my brave pony leapt over it, landing on the tea green grass. She powered on my brown hair following behind us in the wind.

Suddenly, Argo skidded to an unexpected halt. Her dark, orange ears flickered at something in the hazy distance and I felt her quiver with a wave of unease. Beneath the endless cape of saphire sky, stood a herd of moorland ponies. There were twelve of them: a couple were a golden dun shade; four were a raven black; one was a flea- bitten grey; two were like Argo, a magnificent chestnut; and the others were a rich, caramel, their coats shining in the sunlight. The ponies stood, grazing the grass as we watched behind a gorse bush full of sunset flowers.

Then, a deafening whinny interrupted the cacophony of silence. A huge, ebony black stallion thundered up to his herd, a white blaze spread across his forehead.

He threw his head up proudly and stood

Our third writer has crafted a powerful piece of autobiography, brilliantly focused on just one small moment of time and memory.

Inside Grandfather’s office

When someone you know passes on or moves away from you, we all usually feel that part of us is missing. But I don’t think I felt like that as such when my dad’s father died. In his late years (and when I knew him), he never really felt like a close relative – he didn’t have much to do with me, yet when he did he was always talking about his childhood and he never made much sense.

It was some time after he passed away that Granny said it was time to clear out his old office. I only remember going in there once when I was about four. It was dark, but I cannot recall anything else. I am not even sure when anyone last went in there. I had no clue what to expect.

We knocked on the front door and Granny let us in. She seemed somewhat relieved to see us. I think she was as intrigued to see what was in that room as I was.

As me, Mum, Dad and Granny were standing outside the office door, I suddenly had a short flashback to some weeks before, when me and Mum both somehow knew, that Grandfather (in hospital) was dying. For me, it was like in the Star Wars movies when Jedi sense certain movements in the force. That night we drove to the hospital but we were five minutes too late.

The time had come.

Dad flung open the door and a soft breeze of untouched air hit us. We all knew about his obsession with collections, but this was unreal. At least 18 metal detectors, 15 walking sticks and an uncountable number of badges and stamps all scattered across the dark anything-but-an-office room. But then we opened the cupboard. A glass case of medals hung before us along with a gazillion army hats and we then also counted at least 40 wrist watches in a small old box. There were other endless bits and bobs (too many to describe) and then, after I came out, I looked at his armchair empty, where he always sat – and I felt a sudden pang of loss.

My grandfather was really gone.

H.R.Booth, Year 8 up on his hind legs, thrashing his shiny black hooves in the air, to warn us away from his family. Once he had landed he trotted elegantly up towards us and stopped dead. He threw his head up, rolled his eyes and snorted, trying to scare us off. I felt Argo tremble with nerves and begin to back away, but I

scratched her withers to reassure her and she didn’t bolt away. The stallion looked at Argo, looked at me and turned, leading his wild herd into the deep, crimson sunset.

Eleanor Burgess Year 9

31

The Crier Prize Crossword

The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a £35 voucher for Tamar Trading Building Supplies. Please send completed crossword with contact details, to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner of last issue’s prize is Jane Moore. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 12th March and the solution and winner will be in the April issue.

Tamar Trading Building Supplies is a well-established local builders merchant as well as a Kitchen and Bathroom design specialist.

We have three branches located in Torrington, Holsworthy and Bodmin.

Coming soon will be our new branch in Bideford where we look forward to meeting new and existing customers.

Our company motto is ‘Talk to Tamar’ safe in the knowledge that when you do you will find a vast range of stock at your fingertips at each of our branches all available for immediate collection or prompt free delivery within a 25 mile radius of the branch.

Talk to Tamar today!

32

A Festival of Female Voices

Thursday 5th March to Sunday 8th March (International Women’s Day) Great Torrington Town Hall Festival of Female Voices, which Jackie Juno, multiple Slam Winning opens on Thursday 5th March, Poet. The Oak Room 2pm to 4pm £20.

Fun Dance Workshop with Rita Farmer culminating on International Women’s Day (8th March) will be the The Great Hall 2.30pm to 4.30pm £10. first festival of its kind in Devon, giving Outspoken! - Open Mic evening with women throughout the county an Jackie Juno (The Great Hall) 7.30pm £8. * Sunday 8th March opportunity to get involved in a creative festival which aims to help them find their International Woman’s Day This is a Fundraising Event for North own unique voice.

The Festival will include a well-being Devon Against Domestic Abuse.

The impact of domestic abuse can day, poetry and dance workshops, feel like a poison that has infected every inspirational talks and an open aspect of your life, health and wellmic evening, and will culminate on being. Devon has a domestic abuse International Women’s Day with three commissioned service who can be women sharing their personal stories about how they have overcome contacted on 0345 155 1074. adversity. They will be joined by Lesley Two women share their personal stories of courage to inspire you – The Pearse talking about her latest book, Great Hall 4pm to 6pm.

You’ll Never See Me Again, and why Debra Simmons - Relationship Hell to she is inspired to give women a voice Relationship Heaven. through the strong heroines who overcome adversity. This event will be a Just over 12 years ago Debra found fundraising event in aid of North Devon herself in the women’s refuge in North Devon having escaped an abusive Against Domestic Abuse. relationship with two of her children.

See below for full programme and She now runs her own business, alongbooking information side her niece Bec. Debra will share * Thursday 5th March: Women’s WellBeing Day with a Healthy Lunch, with what she has learned about happy Lou Banfield. The Great Hall Long Room, healthy relationships through insightful Oak Room and Undercroft -10am to 4pm conversations.

Sarah Brown – Overcoming Trials and £25 (including lunch). * Friday 6th March: Wild Wisdom, Adversity As a young person Sarah grew up on Women Writing their Way Home a farm, loving the outdoors and nature. creative writing workshop for women, * Saturday 7th March: Dare To Be You Her passion was to ride and train horses, Workshop by Judith Kingdon, Founder with the ambition to be a professional of Star Shapers. The Great Hall 9.30am rider along-side a career as a lawyer. to 1.30pm £20.

Sarah then experienced a serious of Finding Your Voice Workshop with extreme and life changing health issues

A

Initial consultation with Meg Palmer, Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

which brought these professions to an abrupt end.

Sarah is now the managing director of Horwood Coombe Forest School, a CIC based in North Devon. This Forest School has worked with a number of children at risk of exclusion, or who have been excluded and are facing their own life challenges. Through her own life changing experiences she has inspired them to remain in education as well as progress and develop their own lives.

Interval with wine and cheese, included in ticket price.

An audience with International bestselling author, Lesley Pearse The Great Hall 7pm Lesley Pearse is one of the top five bestselling female fiction authors in the UK. Lesley’s own life is a rich source of material for her books; whether she is writing about the pain of first love, the unwanted abused child, adoption, rejection, fear, poverty and revenge, she knows about it first-hand.

Anne Tattersall will chat to Lesley about what inspires her and her latest book, You’ll Never See Me Again.

Ticket for Lesley Pearse and guests Debra Simmons and Sarah Brown which includes wine and cheese at the interval £20.

(All profits will go towards supporting the work of North Devon Against Domestic Abuse) For further information, contact Anne Tattersall on 0797 1696192 To book tickets log on to http://preview. tinyurlLcom/vvjs2c

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‘A Host of Golden Daffodils’

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his year marks the 250th anniversary of William Wordsworth’s birth. He is probably best remembered for his joyous

poem, ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’ about ‘A host of golden daffodils’ that he came across when walking in the Lake District. Here at the RHS we felt it appropriate to celebrate this spring flowering beauty, so we are putting on a display to explore daffodil related topics during March and April and a specially devised spring trail featuring daffodils in the garden.

At Rosemoor we love to naturalise species Narcissus in our meadows. N. bulbocodium AGM, N. cyclamineus AGM and N. obvallaris AGM are particularly suited for this purpose and once established will multiply themselves with abandon. Our wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) always puts on a good show on the banks of the stream.

At the other extreme, the miniature cultivars are perfect for containers. N. ‘Tête-à-tête’, N. 'Jack Snipe' AGM and N. 'Peeping Tom' AGM are all suitable candidates for this purpose. We make good use of containers planted with spring flowers, including daffodils, in the

depending on the season, Torrington Methodist Church Devon 10.30am Rolle Canal & Northern 13th LOVE Devon Helps Brings Communities TogetherSaturday flowering at the time of the

I

Rev Stephen Hill a6.30pm Rev t may be cold outside, but there’s warmGuided glowKen spreading acrossSurgery with Geoffre Waterways Society Walk outAdvice The start of the Morgan for an appointment ring walk 01237i the whole of Devon. From coast to countryside, villages and towns to new season's programme The The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter of Kiln, on the Weare Giffa email to tellgeoffrey@geoffrey th cities, LOVE Devon is bringing communities together themselves Sunday afternoon walks starts on to 26support Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Halfpenny Bridge, at website www.geoffreycox.co.u May with visit to the site th and each other and to Abbotsham celebrate everything that is good andthe glorious about living Rd,aBideford, EX39 3AR of Coffee Morning in aidThe of Wem May. dis Sunday 26 Inclined Plane at Ridd.

This is the and working in this partSunday of the Sacrament world. service at 11.50amChurch Chulmleigh Town over a@mile but with plenH place where the Rolle Canal Together LOVE Devon was established

by Devon Communities which is discuss 1pm cakes, produce, draw is prizes a and likely was'Hitchcock' raised up(12A) about3pm 43 feet Film @ The was set up The independent charity with Walker thecouple intention approaching its 60th birthday.

Major MCofCeremony hours. A from thethemselves, valley floor and LOVE Devon was near Memorial 11am of helping communitiesPlough to help established as £2 (see to article) the R Weare Giffard to a level Film 'Argo' (15) 7pm @ The Ploughfunds to support Taddiport Dance 2-4.30p a way of raising awareness and raising much-needed theTea charity.

Society's fund Comedy 'Russell Kane' @ Devon in the are side of the valley 01805 622648 or Beryl 0a The charity’s key objectives more important thanHall ever – to Doug ensure Devon’s appreciated 8pm thatsupport could be maintained 624294 enable the Soc communities are given the they need to address the issues that affect all the way inland to the Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30 volunteer work them; to help them become more resourceful and resilient and to build places that Monday High Bickington Cinema head weir 8th at Rosemoor. promote and maintai are healthier, more vibrant and inclusive with improved well-being.

Historical & Talksseen 'Beam Music Coope Boyes & Simpso Many Society people AGM will have thePlough Rolle Canal.

Future wa LOVE Devon is unashamedly proud of itsOatway people ath House & Quay' & John The there’s this site on previous walks butand thisplaces year and June, 28th Ju will be 16 whole raft of enterprises.

Projects include Village Halls Service which keeps Torrington Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @over there have been the developments August.Saving For further details the buildings at the heart of winter any Church community beating, and the aBigSunday Energy Methodist 14th the that will make it well worth email: hassallc@ymail.com 'Wreck it Ralph' (PG) 2pm @ The Network which tacklesFilm the issue of fuel poverty that is worse in rural areas where Methodist Churc repeat visit. The Heritage Lottery Torrington 01237 you'llMr p Peter425357, Whattonbut 6.30pm there is limited accessPlough tofunded the mains gas Journey’ network. project has Rev ‘Life's to leave a message.

Film 'Argo' (15) 5pm @ The Plough Sheriffaffordable There are important challenges Devonthe including produced facing a neweveryone pathwayin from C Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough St. Michael’s housing, entrepreneurship, rural isolation loneliness, andChurch 10am S Tarka Trail down and to the bottom ofthe theenvironment Ignatius Sunday Club in upper Inclined Plane where two illustrated sustainability. But for every challenge, LOVE Devon has a creative way of Tuesday 9th Film Sessions' (15) 3pm Our'The Hedgehogs Need Yo information boards have been installed approaching it.

Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough The Hedgehog Plough Awareness W to describe the habitat access by If you love Devon, get involved!

Join in saltmarsh with help and advice Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 8pmfundraising, @ The way but why wait until th the Torridge and the workings and or simply spread the word. Go to Facebook (www.facebook.com/lovedevon2016/), Plough Monday help? As 15th spring is here purpose of the Rolle Canal. It is Twitter (@LoveDevon) or Instagram (@Loving_Devon) or now the website www.

Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm and hopefully the weathe possible to gain a far better devoncommunities.org.uk.

Wednesday 10th Bickington Community Centre improves our spiky friend of Said theMass lay-out and Mini Mover Dance Session Stunderstanding Michael's Church 8.30am will be up and about agafo of the inclined plane boat lift 9.30-10.30am @ Bickington in workings St James Chapel C Cottage Garden and placed about the pulmonarias.

It’s been an extremely tou than wasW.Ipreviously theHall case.

Torrington @ Methodist 7pm The Centre Stone Garden.

We have recently become custodians winter for them.

T upper basin of 8pm the canal the top of Film 'I Wish' (PG) @ TheatPlough changeable and wet wea You will also find a whole range of the of a collection of daffodils bred at the the incline has been cleared of scrub Tuesday 16th hasHorticulture made it difficult for ma smaller cultivars growing under treesto11th and Rosewarne sufficiently enable the outlineExperimental of its 'Hearing Thursday for You' Social grou them to findthe food or hibern shrubs in the borders atStRosemoor.

In Station based at Camborne, from banks to be clearly seen, and the way hard of hearing.

Every 3rd Tue Michael's Church Said Mass over the past months so m the Winter Garden, we 10.30am have 1960s followed until closed inThe 1989.

We have the wonderful railway subsequently cut itthrough Bickford Centre call 0127 in St James Chapel by weak and need help. If yo displays of N. ‘Jack Snipe’ AGM, N. planted them in the Learning Centre the northern destroying the top of Youth Club High Bickington C Walsingham cellend, in vicarage you a resident Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm Thehave the incline.

This gardens canal @ basin nowtaken ‘February Gold’ AGM, N. ‘February and on had the11+ task Centre for @to5-7pmhedge area last year don’t Clubplease 7pm Juniors Plough supports an increasing population of Badminton Silver’, and N. ‘Trena’ AGM amongst nurture them for future generations. a bowl of water and some Adults @ Bickington Commun Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Purple (a trees with winter interest Early bark such asOrchid and Twayblade Sheila Dearing Garden Technical them, placing it inside a fe pairsOfficer competition @ Beast 2pm and @ The Ploughorchid) green flowered which, Cribbage silver birches, acers and Prunus Services Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The Arms 8pm amongst other spring flowering plants Image credit: Jason Ingram Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ Plough note early start for long film such as hellebores, snowdrops and Plough note early start for long

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St Michael's Church Said Ma ee eJames inFrSt Chapel stim friendly ad ates & Short Tennis vice HNC @ High Bicking , NVQ and Institu Centre 4.30-5.30p WCommunity ood Prese te of rv in g & Legion 3rd We Royal British Damp -Pro ofing month @ GT Conservativa qualifi7pm ed Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, frie Gallery Gig 'Judith Christie & Diane for parents & children aged 0-5 Hickford 623376 Calvert Contact 8.15pmColin @ The Plough C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 9.30am-11am @ Atherington P Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: hickford208@aol.com every Wednesday term time.

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10

Torrington RFC

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ur year started well with a narrow away victory over Ilfracombe 14-15. Despite ‘Combe missing two penalty kicks in the last five minutes It continued when New Cross visited Donnacroft with a 12-5 win. However the game was marred by a serious injury to loosehead prop Toby Lee, in the 68th minute. The Devon Air Ambulance attended as well as First Responders and the road ambulance to treat Toby, as well as our own physio on the day, Abi Mandeville. Having fractured his ankle in three places and dislocating it as well, it was a nasty injury to have suffered to say the least!

In true rugby style collections took place and the generous sum of around £500 was donated to ease his financial worries. Our opposition on the day also had a whip round and donated a crate of ale to help numb the pain! I’m sure Toby wouldn’t mind me thanking all those who so generously donated. Hopefully his recovery will be well underway by the time this hits your doormats.

Hoping to continue this winning streak we visited Old Plymouthian and Mannamedians. A resounding 38-0 score line burst that particular bubble!

Old Techs from Plymouth came visiting at the end of January. We came away from that one with a bloodied nose in most senses of the word losing 12-29.

A much delayed Devon Junior Cup fixture heralded February. League leaders Withycombe visited a blustery Donnacroft and a very early try from the visitors caught us out. However we quickly rallied with a successful penalty

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

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e had a very enjoyable, but productive AGM for the Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group on 2nd February.

As a newcomer to this group, it is lovely to see how welcoming and friendly they are to new members. There are plenty of social events during the year, so if anyone wants to join, please do contact us on the number below. (There is no requirement to speak French).

Apart from having fun, the emphasis is on fundraising, as this year we have two very important events which will raise the profile of Torrington and hopefully bring new trade to our lovely town.

The people from our twinning town, Roscoff, are coming to visit us over the August Bank Holiday weekend and we hope to show them a good time, as well as the town and The Torrington Commons. We are treating them to the unique Bonfire 2020 event. How fantastic to be able to share such a fabulous experience.

Thank you to The Cavaliers for putting this massive event together and giving us something amazing to offer our guests.

Local businesses, can you help?

In October we are hosting the Devon Twinning Circle AGM which will put strain on the Group’s funds, but it is a golden opportunity to spread the word about Torrington within the county of Devon. If any local businesses would like to contribute food, drink or raffle prizes and in return be able to advertise their business on the day and encourage visitors to go to their shops, please do contact us via the email below.

The next social event is a Canadian Buffet when we all get to try each others’ food, washed down of course with a little alcohol, seulement un petit peu bien sûr !

Sue Harrison For further information, or if you are interested in joining us, please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) 01805 625765.

kick from Skipper Tom Gooch. A tightly contested game in very windy conditions proved a good game for Torrie. Scores were traded back and forth with a try by hooker Ben Sawyer, converted by Gooch. A further try and conversion by Gooch kept us in touch, until a charged down kick gave Withycombe another try, despite valiant efforts from the whole team.

We are always looking for new or returning players. If you fancy joining

one of the most sociable clubs around feel free to come and see us. Training sessions are Wednesdays from 6.30ish.

For your social occasions, receptions, conferences etc., our clubhouse facilities might be suitable so please contact us at TRFC1985@outlook.com.

Respect, Discipline,Teamwork, Sportsmanship and Enjoyment.

C’mon Torrie!

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35

Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

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ight from the beginning I always hoped other wellbeing professionals would appreciate the value of the service the Buying Group provides, join OWBG themselves and network it to their clients. So we’re particularly delighted to welcome Marie Mock Therapies & Nutrition (see her FB page). Marie is in Barnstaple and has lost no time in ordering herself and enthusiastically networking the Buying Group to clients, family and friends.

As a result membership in the Barnstaple area has swelled, so we’re currently arranging a get together in Barnstaple to answer questions and generally help new members to get started, and, of course, share delicious food! Torrington and surrounds is also well subscribed, with a smaller but growing membership in Bideford, also in the Winkleigh/ Holsworthy/Okehampton/Crediton areas and a seed group in Bude. Knowing that there are other members in your area can be very useful when it comes to collecting your order. Busy? Team up with others in your area and take turns at collecting. This sort of cooperation also makes OWBG practical for people further afield, so we can help more people to help themselves to better health and wellbeing.

Wellbeing Tip: Ringing the Changes with Plenty of Variety It’s tempting to keep eating the same foods for breakfast every day. But breakfast sets us up for the day - we literally break our fast from the previous day - ideally 12-16 hrs from our last meal.

If we keep repeating the same foods day in, day out, we end up sensitizing our bodies to them. Counter-intuitively, we crave the foods we’re intolerant to, because like ‘hair of the dog’, eating them again staves off the food ‘hangover’ until eventually we simply feel under par all the time, if we persist with the repetitive habit.

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Grains and pseudo grains make a wholesome highly nutritious breakfast.

By using different combinations with a variety of condiments or toppings, we can really give ourselves a head start for the day.

Condiments are a good way of enhancing both the taste and nutrition of your breakfast.

If we want to feel more vital, we have to eat more vital foods. Whole grains have much more life than flakes, give a more interesting texture and are actually more satisfying. Long slow cooking makes food creamy, mellow and strengthening and is especially suitable in winter, carrying heat deep into the body. Pressure cooking enhances this, saving time and fuel. A good stainless steel pressure cooker is a wise investment and will give a lifetime of service.

Oat Groats & Raw Buckwheat Groats for two hungry people: 0.75 cup oats and 0.25 cup buckwheat soaked overnight in 3 cups water, then cooked as is, in the morning. I think this is my favourite - slightly chewy and creamy at the same time.

Millet +Teff: proportions and method as above, millet being the main ingredient. Teff is a very tiny seed and is a staple in Ethiopia. High in protein, rustic flavour and texture, can be used on its own of course for a dense earthy porridge.

Brown Rice: 1 cup short grain to 3 cups water, method as above.

Wonderfully creamy. You can experiment with adding other grains too!

Barley Rice: 0.75 cup rice to 0.25 cup barley, method as above. Lovely nutty chewy texture from the barley grains without being too dense.

Millet & Amaranth: proportions and method as above. Amaranth is the lesser ingredient. It gives a delicious flavour and stickiness and is high in protein.

Polenta & Amaranth: a lighter porridge best suited to milder weather.

Method and proportions as before.

Quinoa: light, nutty, high protein, quick cooking with no need to soak or pressure cook. A good one for when you really are short of time. Choose either lightly cooked for a fluffy texture or with more water for a porridge: Fluffy: 1 cup quinoa to 1.25 - 1.5 cups water Porridge: 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water If we keep doing the same thing, we keep getting the same thing! Simple but true. More well being tips and recipes in our mini newsletters! To receive these, subscribe from our website, details below.

Next grocery final order date: 19th March/14th May Next body care final order date: 2nd April/2nd July How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website!

What does membership cost? Free What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307 / email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG Website: owbg.jimdofree.com/.

Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group. Twitter: Follow us @owbg1 or #owbg Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing. www.marycrailwellbeing. co.uk.

Wishing you very well Mary

Meet People & Be Useful!

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he Great Torrington Community Development Trust is looking for active retirees to help with their various activities and services at Castle Hill. We particularly need people with experience of retail or marketing who can spare two or three hours a week on a flexible basis. For further information, please contact Phil on 01805 628219 or email philtop@ hotmail.co.uk.

Parish Church News

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here is lots going on in St. Michael’s Parish Church in March, and we look forward to giving everyone a very warm welcome.

Among the events happening, we are delighted to have the Year 4 children of Bluecoat School visit for their Easter Experience Day: around 60 are coming to learn more about the Easter Story through interactive workshops and music.

The weekend of 6-8th March is the Diocese of Exeter JOY 2020 festival weekend in North Devon. Bishop Robert, Bishop Nick and Bishop Jackie will be hosting many of the events and are looking forward to meeting us. Anyone can attend the events, which include a workshop, school visits, art and craft exhibition at Rosemoor, a Big Sing at the Big Sheep, a beach clean and a JOY 2020 Worship Service at Rosemoor on Sunday 8th March at 3pm. Please do get in touch if you’d like more details.

On Friday 13th March, St. Michael’s is hosting the Christian Aid Lent Lunch which all the churches in the town participate in. Lunch is £3.50 served from 12-1.45pm.

All the profits go towards the valuable work of Christian Aid around the world, helping those less fortunate than ourselves. No need to book – just turn up.

On Friday evenings, starting 6th March, we are excited to welcome Debbie Kent and the Teachers Rock Choir for a new venture starting in Great Torrington – see the Teachers Rock website for details.

By popular request, Choral Evensong service will be held on Sunday 15th March at 4pm. Unfortunately, we can’t persuade the Exeter Cathedral Choir to join us this time, but if anyone would like to come along and join the choir for this Evensong service, please do get in touch.

Mothering Sunday (Mother’s Day) on March 22nd brings a special Family Service, with flowers, at 10am. A very warm welcome awaits all the family. The service lasts just an hour, and coffee is served afterwards.

Finally, on Sunday 29th 11.15am we have our Annual Parochial Church Meeting of Parishioners to discuss the events of the past year, and look at our plans for the next year.

Please get in touch if you would like more details, or want information about Church events, hiring the Church, christenings, weddings or blessings.

Revd. Peter Bevan, Vicar. (01805 622166) fr.peter@stmichaelstorrington.org.uk.

Do You Need a Little Extra Help?

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or some parents and carers there comes a time when you need a little extra help. Family life can be challenging and forever changing, and it’s nice to know what’s out there to offer support when you need it the most. Perhaps there is a new baby on the way, maybe your child is transitioning through their development and demonstrating behaviours you don’t know how to support. A family breakdown or house move may be having an impact on your child, or you may just like some advice on how best to support your child into a positive routine.

The Children’s Centres in Torridge (Bideford, Torrington and Holsworthy) can offer advice and help with all these areas. We can offer tailored one to one support for your family in the home, or invite you to one of our groups where you can meet other parents and discuss these matters together.

If you feel that you could benefit from a little extra support from the Children’s Centre you can talk to someone who you are already working with, such as a midwife or health visitor, who may be able to refer you to access our services if you meet one of our referral criteria.

You can also take a look at our Facebook Page ‘Torridge Children’s Centre’, give us a call on 03300 415 494 or drop us an email at TorridgeCC@actionforchildren. org.uk and someone can advise you on how best to access our support.

Royal British Legion Needs Your Help

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s almost all World War II Veterans have passed on, and it is getting the same way with National Service personnel, the Legion is getting very short of members in Torrington. I feel it would be a great shame if the Torrington Branch, being one of the founder members of the Legion, should close, as have Bideford and Appledore. Therefore, at a recent meeting with the County Chairman I stuck my neck out and insisted we could carry on as a full branch and not as a County assisted branch.

I am aware that there are ex-service personnel in Torrington, so I would ask them to come and join us. But, one does not have to be ex-service in order to join the Royal British Legion. I would, therefore, request that the people of Torrington back me up and come forward to keep the branch and the Poppy Appeal going in Torrington and District, especially when you think that for an area such as ours we can collect in excess of £9,000, as we did last year.

If you are interested please contact me on: 01805 622300 or 07968 645 010 or email siddrummajor@yahoo.co.uk.

Sidney F C Adams, Chairman Torrington Royal British Legion

Christian Aid Lent Lunches

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he next Lent Lunch will be held on Friday 6th March at the Baptist Church between 12 noon and 1.45pm with a choice of homemade soup, rolls butter, cheese, chutney, and a cup of tea or coffee for £3.50.

These lunches are hosted by the Baptist, Holy Family, Church of England and Methodist Churches. Please see the diary for the dates and venues of the next four lunches. All are welcome, so please come along and help support the work of Christian Aid. Torrington Christian Aid Committee

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Great Torrington Heritage Museum

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Part of the shifting nature of exhibitions hese are exciting times for means that we won’t be able to show Torrington’s everything all the time, whether for Museum! space, programming or conservation We’ve been busy over reasons, so you’ll have to keep coming the winter thinking back to see what’s new, of course. We’ve about how we can a long way to go yet so please bear with make what we do us, because this isn’t an easy job and even better and looking at new ways we’re only a small band of dedicated of presenting our collections: you’ll see them refreshed and redisplayed for 2020 volunteers - there are no paid staff here at all. Just six of us have been in over as we concentrate our efforts on being the winter - but we’re getting there and a museum OF Torrington rather than we hope you’ll enjoy the results of our simply a museum IN Torrington. What efforts. this means is that everything we show In other news we’re going to begin has a real connection to our fantastic assessing our collections very carefully. town and its people. Why? Because We have a lot telling their stories “We have a lot of objects that don’t of objects that and bringing them to life is why we’re belong in a museum, or are duplicated don’t belong in a many, many times over so we’re museum, or are here and we’re going to really having serious, informed discussions duplicated many, focus our attention about whether they should actually many times over so we’re having on precisely that. be here, or might be better used serious, informed We’ll be working elsewhere.” discussions throughout the about whether year on new they should actually be here, or might exhibitions to reflect the town in all its different guises, some permanent, some be better used elsewhere. This is a laborious, long-term process and every temporary but all of them sure to be of single object we hold will be considered interest. Beginning with having opened sensitively, and treated with due respect, the reception area especially for the as we research and investigate their 1646 March on February 14th, we open properly for the season on April 1st (yes, history and provenances. We are, after we’d noticed the date, too). This is a little all, working toward full accreditation as a earlier than previous years because we museum and the Museums’ Association, want to be available to both locals and the national governing body, has very visitors alike during the Easter holidays, strict rules that we have to abide by, and the run-up to May Fair. We’ll also be which is why we’re taking advice from using our collections to mark VE Day in a some very experienced museum very special way - so listen out for more professionals. We’ll keep you posted as news on that (Home) front... this huge project progresses over the

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next few years.

Speaking of looking at our collections, we’ve been doing some conservation work, too, and the Town weights and measures, beautiful pieces of brass in an extraordinary range of sizes, are looking wonderful after a course of treatment.

They’re objects that our own Thomas Fowler would have recognised and we hope he’d be proud of the way they look now. You, however, will have to come and see for yourself!

Finally we must mention that Torrington Museum is entirely volunteer-run and we simply can’t do it without help from our community. We need people to help present a friendly face in reception, as room guides, helping with cataloguing, admin and conservation work as well as all the other things that go on behind the scenes. We’re a small but passionate group but we need many more people to join our team; this is an exciting time for Torrington Museum and you could be a part of it. Just drop an email to torrington. museum@hotmail.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.

See you on April 1st!

World Day of Prayer 2020

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his years’ service will be on Friday 6th March when we will be following material prepared by the women of Zimbabwe on the theme ‘Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk’.

We shall be holding our service at Torrington Baptist Church at 2pm and it will be led by members of the Roman Catholic Church. All are welcome.

Please join us to hear more about life in Zimbabwe today.

Torrington Work Club

Helping You to Reduce Your Water Bills e are delighted to announce that Emma Phillips from South West Water will be with us at Torrington Work & Community Club on 9th March 2020, between 10am-1pm.

Emma has helped many people to get reduced water rates and those who have water bill debt. She is friendly and helpful and manages the process very smoothly, taking all the stress out of the process.

On offer is the WaterSure tariff, which may help by putting a limit on your charges.

You’ll need to apply and meet all of the following conditions to qualify for this tariff: * You are on a meter (or an assessed charge if a meter cannot be fitted). * You or someone in your house receives benefits or tax credits. * You have three or more children under 19 years old living in the house and you’re receiving child benefit, or you or someone living in your house has a certain medical condition that means you have to use extra water.

Also offered is a WaterCare tariff which may help by offering a reduction on your charges. The WaterCare tariff has been designed to help you if you have a very low income. You can get a reduction on your water and sewerage charges, if you meet these conditions: * You are on a meter or on assessed charges and; * You or someone in your house receives one of the following means tested benefits: Housing benefit; Income support; Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance; Income based Employment and Support Allowance; Pension Credit (guaranteed element); Universal Credit (housing element or standard allowance element).

In addition to the above, your ‘equivalised’ weekly income, after housing costs, must be less than £295. Equivalised income is actual money income which is adjusted to reflect the size of a household. For example, an income of £200 is worth more to a single person than it would be to a family with three children. We’ll work out your equivalised income based on the details you supply.

There are three bands of reductions: 50% reduction if the weekly equivalised income is less than £170 25% reduction if the weekly equivalised income is less than £235 15% reduction if the weekly equivalised income is less than £295 Bring along your supporting documents have a cup of tea and Emma will help you save a lot of money!

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Torrington Garden Society

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n Saturday 4th April we shall be holding a Spring Flower Show along with a Coffee Morning in the Undercroft of the Town Hall. The Show is to celebrate the wonderful flowers that mark the end of Winter. It costs nothing to enter and is open to all. There will be prizes and cake!

Classes 1. Daffodil/Narcissi - three of the same kind. 2. Daffodil/Narcissi - five mixed 3. Bunch of flowers from your garden. 4. Tulip – one any variety 5. Tulip – three of one kind. 6. Tulips - five mixed 7. Flowering pot plant max pot size two litre. 8. Foliage pot plant max two litre 9. Cactus/succulent max two litre. 10. Spring bulbs (any) in pot max two litre All exhibits, other than pot plants, should be in water in a suitable container to display the blooms to the best advantage. No marks will be given for the container itself.

Please phone your entries to 07896 502 052 by 6pm on Thursday 2nd April. Set up 9-9.30am on Saturday 4th April. Judging starts promptly at 9.30am on Saturday 4th April. We shall be open for coffee and cake from 10am-12.30pm. Come along and enjoy!

Sally Ramsden 01805 623152

A Cream Tea with Torrington Silver Band

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orrington Silver Band is very excited to be hosting a joint event with our friends at the fabulous Great Torrington Town and Community Hall. On Saturday 21st March come and join us at this tremendous venue for ‘A Cream Tea with Torrington Silver Band’. Doors will open at 2:30pm, with the concert starting at 3pm. We have an incredible repertoire of musical masterpieces to suit all ages and tastes planned and, as always, there will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes plus a delicious Cream Tea laid on by the invaluable Town Hall Titans. Tickets are available from Crafty Needles and from Anne Tattersall at the Town Hall, £8 per adult and £5 per child. Everyone welcome!

Throughout 2019 the Drum Corp took on a project to raise money to improve the band’s percussion section and drums. The project was led by Junior Committee member, Emily Cooper, and she was helped along the way by her fellow Corp members. She spent many hours writing letters and emails asking for donations and searching out potential grant opportunities. The band would like to say a very big thank you to the following for supporting the project and making a donation: Great Torrington Cavaliers £250; County Cllr Andrew Saywell £300; District Cllr Chris Bright £250; District Cllr Cheryl CottleHunkin £250; Devon County Councils “Making the Connection” Grant £300; Cooper family’s fundraising efforts £230; Charman family donation £50; Jane £40 and our Christmas Bingo raised an additional £167 to go towards the project. We were also delighted to secure an award of £1038 from Postcode Community Trust, a grantgiving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our total raised was an incredible £2875.

On behalf of the band we would like to say thank you to everyone that provided funding in one way or another and well done to all the junior members who worked hard to support the project.

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