Torrington Crier March 2022

FREE

March 2022 The Crier is produced 10 times a year on behalf of the community, by The Crier Community Interest Company.

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

GREAT TORRINGTON MAY FAIR & CARNIVAL COMMITTEE

WE NEED YOU! PLEASE SEE THE ARTICLE ON PAGE 5

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Anthony Evans

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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.

Torrington & District Community News & Events

Contact us...

Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 (please note that this is a home number not an office) E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.

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

Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 (please note that this is a home number not an office) E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All adverts are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please.

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

Crier Deliveries

If you live in a village which would like the Crier delivered and you can volunteer to collect copies from the Library, and either drop them at a central village location or deliver door-to-door, then please get in touch!

We are also very grateful to Lidl in Torrington for allowing us to leave copies on their packing bench for shoppers to pick up. They will be there for collection from the last week of each month.

Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?

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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Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman

• Interior and exterior painting • Paper hanging • No job too big or too small For a friendly reliable service from a local tradesman ring:

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What is a Jigsaw Festival?

Have you got any jigsaws to donate? t's a place where people can come along and look at jigsaws that are fully made and on display. All of the jigsaws on display will be available to buy at sensible prices. As soon as a puzzle is removed to purchase, it will be replaced with another, so the display will be changing throughout the festival.

We will be looking for people to donate complete, good condition, jigsaw puzzles to our festival, whether on cardboard and made up, or in a box for others to make up. These can now be taken in to the North Devon Hospice Shop in Torrington, Monday – Saturday 9.30am-4pm.

Dates for the first Great Torrington Jigsaw Festival, with all proceeds going to the North Devon Hospice, are Friday 19th and Saturday 20th August 2022 10am4pm and will be at the Torridge Vale Social Club, South Street, Torrington, Devon EX38 8AB, so please save this date in your diaries.

Teas, coffees and light refreshments will be available.

Email address is torrijigfest@gmail.com or you can call in the shop to speak to Debbie or Jemima about the event.

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The Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity

New Trustees he Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity was delighted to recently welcome Linda Kimber and Helen Hallam as new trustees. They have already brought a lot of expertise and support to the Trust and we are very much looking forward to getting to know them further during the coming months. Linda and Helen both live in Great Torrington and are probably known to many of you already.

Voucher Distribution December 2021 – Update During our annual voucher distribution in December 2021, we issued £19,125 worth of vouchers to eligible applicants and donated £600 to the Food Bank.

We have received some lovely thank you letters, cards and messages from recipients of these vouchers which are really heart-warming to receive thank you.

It was unfortunate not to be able to hold our usual face-to-face Distribution Day again for a second year as we really do miss the opportunity to meet everyone, but fingers crossed we can do so this coming December.

Please don't forget that your vouchers need to be spent before 1st April 2022 and the traders need to submit their accounts before 1st May for reimbursement.

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Torrington Senior Citizens Group AGM

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TVSC Bingo

oach trips together, travelling freely to chosen places and teas or ice creams in the sun. No longer a dream, but normality could be ours this summer and we have received positive feedback about our plans.

We are holding our AGM on Wednesday 30th March 2022 at 2pm in the Methodist Church, new and established members are welcome to attend. Please come and share your views with us. A short list of venues for trips will be available to vote for our choices. We need to fill the roles of Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, as well as collectors. For further information contact John Pitts 01805 439100, john.pitts@rocketmail.com.

Bingo at Torridge Vale Social Club will return on Monday, 7th March after almost two years. Players have to be over 18 to play, there will be cash prizes and a weekly raffle. Dabbers and pens available.

We will be pleased to see old and new friends at the Club Bingo.

Doors open 6.30pm and eyes down 7.30pm.

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Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee NEEDS YOU!

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ay Fair Day means so many different things to all of us in the community and for many different reasons. I always go back to the memories of when

I was little and my mum would present my sister and I with our new outfits (sometimes matching of course) for the day. There would then be the obligatory photo outside the front door before we made our way to the square to enjoy the traditional events.

These memories are something that I hope will stay with me forever and I would like to think that the younger generations within the community will go on to have their own memories of May Fair and all the traditions that come with it.

The truth of the matter, and the reason behind me reaching out to you, is that unless people come forward and either join the committee, or offer up help on the day with stewarding, removal of maypoles or putting away of chairs, there will be no May Fair or memories for future generations.

I sometimes think that, being a part of a great community like ours, it is easy to think someone else or another organisation will pick up the pieces, such as the Cavaliers or the Town Council, and May Fair will always continue. That’s not the case and we need people to come forward and make a difference. For example, if 20 people all gave up one hour each during the course of May Fair day, that’s 20 extra pairs of hands that could make all the difference; not to just one day but for the future of our beloved traditions too.

If you’ve read this and feel you would like to make a difference, please do contact me on the email address below and I can provide you with more details of what help we need and when.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Tash Batty, Secretary Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee, tash.batty@gmail.com

Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee

Important information The fair will be arriving in Torrington on Sunday 1st May 2022 and departing a week later. It would really help the drivers of the lorries if cars etc. are not parked on Castle Street and the lower part of South Street (outside of the old Newmarket inn) and the way is clear for the vehicles during this time. Thank you.

May Fair Day 5th May 2022 * For health & 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 * Everyone attending and participating is encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety in relation to COVID-19 and adhere to any Government restrictions in place at the time Carnival 7th May 2022 Entry forms can be found at: * Xanadu South Street Torrington * Great Torrington Town Council website - great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk * May Fair Facebook page * Pauline Baker – 07790 549 982 or 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 7th May, there will be disruption on the roads around town until 8pm.

Everyone attending and participating is encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety in relation to COVID-19 and adhere to any Government restrictions in place at the time.

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Torrington in Bloom

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ou may have noticed that Torrington in Bloom has been renovating further areas in Rack Park and at Windy Corner over the past few weeks.

Permission was granted for us to begin sorting out the badly overgrown area at the side of the property at the rear of Windy Corner and, with the help of our lovely Town Council handymen, Colin and Andy, a great deal of rubbish has been removed. This has revealed quite a large area, which gets more sun than previously thought (probably because it was such a dull, dark corner before). We are already planning what kind of shrubs and perennials to plant.

The shrubbery to the right of the semi-circle in Rack Park (as you look down from the top path) is also being renovated, although we hope we can save the beautiful viburnum, which I believe is ‘Bodnant’. It would be nice if the winter flowers could be at ‘sniff level’!

This work is being undertaken with the help of the apprentices from RHS Rosemoor, as part of their curriculum, to give them experience of working in the public domain.

Not only that, but Torridge District Council has started to repair the semicircular wall, replacing some sleepers and they should be putting ‘caps’ on the top of the sleepers to protect them further. This is excellent news, since

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Torrington Rotary Club News

Senior RYLA applications open now! he Senior Rotary Youth Leadership Award (for those aged 18-30) is taking place this July. It’s a week-long residential course on Dartmoor, delivered by professionals, to develop confident, positive leadership and team-building skills and so increase employment prospects. The Eden Project and Imerys are just two of the larger organisations who are involved. Applications are open now for one place which Torrington Rotary is funding - see our website www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1069 or email Linda Facey ian.facey@hotmail.com for details. Other places may be available for those individuals or companies wishing to pay the £725 course fee.

Applications close 15th March.

Meanwhile our Rotary Youth team, unfortunately, has had to reduce our activity over the past two years due to COVID, with many of the youth competitions cancelled due to lock-downs. However, the alliance with Great Torrington School is still strong and we have managed to provide some limited support. Since last summer, a Rotarian has been helping as a volunteer Learning Support Assistant, bringing on certain pupils who have fallen behind due to the COVID distractions.

We have added further books to the Library and are about to re-launch the Young Chef competition.

Rotary also hopes to promote our Young Photographer competition in the wider community shortly – watch out for more details - plus further competitions in 2022/3, including the Youth Leadership Award for 16-18 year olds.

If you’d like more information about Rotary and our Torrington club, or you’d like to come along to one of our dinners at Torrington Golf Club, please contact us - new members of all age groups are welcome and you don’t have to reside in Torrington. Likewise, if you know of a local need that we might help with, please let us know.

Email secretary@torrington.rotary1175.org.

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these sleepers have been decaying very quickly recently.

I made an error in last month’s article, in that I incorrectly ‘volunteered’ some of our TIB helpers to join our committee one can but try! Barbara Hall and Jenny Wallis are now full committee members but the others are lovely helpers and Richard Wilson from RHS Rosemoor is an honorary member.

Further, since 2022 celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, TIB is considering holding a one-off competition for the best front of house display of window boxes, hanging baskets and/or containers. The April Crier should have further details and an entry form.

Cherry Hammon Torrington in Bloom

Considering Adoption?

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e need adoptive families for children who wait the longest. Are you considering adoption but not sure where to start?

Families for Children is holding an information session to give you the opportunity to find out more.

Whether you are in a relationship, single, LGBTQ+ or have had children of your own we would love to speak to you! So come along and talk to our friendly team at this information session to find out more. All information sessions are currently held via Zoom.

To book please contact Families for Children on 01364 645480 or email devon@familiesforchildren.org.uk or alternatively you can book online at www.familiesforchildren.org.uk The next meetings are scheduled for: Monday 7th March 5-7pm Tuesday 5th April 6-8pm Saturday 7th May 10am-12 noon Tuesday 7th June 4-6pm Friday 8th July 10am-12 noon Thursday 11th August 6-8pm Thursday 8th September 6-8pm

Torrington Silver Band

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n Saturday 26th March, Torrington Silver Band would love to welcome you to Howe Concert Hall for our Spring Concert. We will be performing a repertoire of musical masterpieces to suit all ages and tastes!

As always there will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes, plus refreshments during the interval. Doors will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets will be available on the door at £5, under 16's free. Everyone welcome!

Library News

The Secret Book Quest The Secret Book Quest is our exciting new challenge, designed to get children (aged 5+) reading and visiting the library.

On signing up, children receive a booklet full of puzzles, fun facts and activities. Within are 10 zones to travel, with code-stickers to collect along the way to completion of this 50-book challenge. There is no rush to complete the quest, children can take as long as they like.

Bounce and Rhyme continues to be a very enjoyable event for parents/carers with young children, it is a FREE event (though as a charity, donations are welcomed). Come along and join in with action songs, make new friends whilst the children play with the toys. Tuesday mornings 10.30-11am during term time.

Little Fingers simple craft. Join Becky for simple and fun craft activities, especially for pre-school age children, 4th March, 10.30-11am.

One 2 One IT support If you have a tablet, laptop or smartphone you are struggling with, our volunteer Perry will be back to offer support on Thursday mornings (by appointment only).

Please pop by the library or call on 01805 622107 to book.

Devon Home Library Service Our Home Library Service delivers books to people unable to get to the library because of health, mobility or caring responsibilities.

Dedicated volunteers can choose and deliver books to your home, including large print and audiobooks, free of charge. With so much choice, there is bound to be something to fit your interests. Whether you are an avid reader or simply like to browse the occasional books we can help.

To receive the service or become a Home Library volunteer: Ask at the library, send us an email or call 0345 155 1001.

We also offer a ‘Good Neighbours’ membership for friends, neighbours and family wishing to choose and deliver books to people not able to get to the library.

The Good Neighbours membership has various benefits, ensuring library services are available to all - for more details contact your local library.

Please refer to our website: www.devonlibraries.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services. For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or via our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001.

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F

abulous Freddie here with all the latest news from the kennels.

February was a busy month for the rescue, as it is the month when all the planning starts for the various fundraising events for the year.

After so long of not being able to organise anything, it has been exciting to think of events for the rest of the year – all of which will soon be announced on our Facebook page and website so do keep an eye out. If anyone has any ideas for fundraising or would like to volunteer to work with our fundraising team, then do email lynne@k9focus.co.uk, we can’t pay but we do promise lots of fun and of course cuddles and licks from yours truly!

Talking about fundraising events, our Valentine Dog Show at South Molton in February was a great success and from the feedback we have had, a good time was had by both humans and canines alike. As I write this, the final count has not been made, but I know attendance was good with people being so generous, for which we are very grateful.

Without these events being supported it would be impossible to keep the rescue going.

February saw the arrival of Barney the Beagle, who was sadly being returned after being adopted several years ago.

for rehoming, but sadly many of them have a few behavioural issues – mostly around fear aggression when meeting other dogs. A lot of this we believe is down to lack of socialisation, probably during the various lockdown periods.

The rescue will work with these dogs to enable them to eventually be rehomed, Barney is 7 years old and a friendly lad but it does mean that they are with us who appears to like everyone, but who for longer than normal and, of course, has put on a few extra pounds during reduces the amount of dogs that we lockdown and is now on a diet. He is can help as our numbers are limited looking to adopt a human who will be by both space and funds. Local family able to dog shows, such as the one we ran in give him February, are a great way of socialising his forever your dog and getting them used to other home. I people being around. Also, the dayam so sad care that we are running at the kennels when I see provides much-needed socialisation and, the dogs at only £15 for a whole day, (Mondayreturned to Friday only) it is a bargain. the rescue, I hope, by the time you read this, that as I know the work on refurbishing the kennels and from building new fencing will be completed, my own as it has been very busy with workmen experience on site – very hard for a dog to rest! The it is hard to get used to living in a kennel kennels have been blocked inside and after a nice warm couch – however nice repainted to make cleaning easier. Aunty the kennels are. At the rescue, our Lynne has also organised for 6’6” fencing volunteers will work hard with you to find to be erected around the property, to the right four legged friend to share your keep us all private and safe. In addition life so that we can be your companion she has also planted 100 conifer trees – for life, but do think carefully before great for all us woofs to sniff and – well taking one of the rescue dogs into your do what we dogs do around trees! home. We are a lifetime commitment I will be back in April with more news and although we know we can bring you from the kennels and, hopefully, a list of a lot of love and companionship, we also events for your diary. In the meantime bring you our furry coats to mess up your have a great month and let’s hope it is a house, mud to clean after a walk in the kind month weather wise; as the daffodils rain and I shouldn’t mention the fun we poke their heads out of the ground have rolling in fox poo! remember they are poisonous to dogs.

Over the last month the rescue has Licks and woofs Freddie been asked to take in quite a few dogs

Services include: House sitting • Dog walking • Equine care • Emergency cover Contact Isabel on: Tel: 07989 995935 8

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

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Please help our local businesses and 'Think Local' whenever possible.

Think Local editorial is free for advertisers! Please contact Esther Williams on 01805 601964 for more information.

Hair We Are

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im Gardiner is now at the local salon, Hair We Are, in South Street, Torrington alongside owner Liz Curtis and stylists Becky and Marie. From March she will be offering all aspects of hairdressing, including the NEW non-chemical organic hair straightening service that keeps hair super shiny, hydrated and straight for up to 4/6 months, which is ideal for bleached, coloured, dry, frizzy or unruly hair. Late night appointments are available.

Beauty treatments are also going to be available from the salon from April!

Treatments on offer include waxing, manicures, pedicures, shellac nails, facials, eyelash tinting and eye lash lifting and tinting to really open up the eyes.

Our new Facebook page will soon be up and running too! Please come in and treat yourself! To book call my mobile 07773 565 378 or Facebook message Kim White. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Kim@HairWeAre

What Does Self-Care Mean to You?

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ll too often we don’t take enough time for ourselves and feel guilty if we do, but if we don’t our stress levels rise and we can even burnout. We often put our own needs last, but this has a negative effect on our mental and physical well-being.

Self-love, or self-care is a state of appreciation for oneself. It means having a high regard for our own well-being and happiness, taking care of our own needs and not sacrificing our well-being to please others. It can mean something different to each person because we all have many different ways to take care of ourselves.

What does self-care mean to you?

It could mean prioritising yourself and your well-being, giving yourself a break

from self-judgement, setting healthy boundaries, creating positive lifestyle habits or manifesting your goals.

Incorporating small but significant acts of self-love and shifts in mind-set into your daily life, slowly over time, can become a key way to practice selfcare and can help to keep your body and mind nourished with energy and happiness. It helps us create micromoments of calm, which lead us to feel more positive. Choose things that you can fit in your schedule: it could be five minutes, half an hour, an hour or even a whole day. Start taking the time for start noticing the difference.

There are a lot of demands on our time nowadays especially with technology, but it is even more important now

Torrington Pannier Market

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orrington market is back! Friday and Saturday markets will start again from Friday 11th March onwards. There will be a wide range of market stalls alongside independent shops, amazing views from Castle Hill, walks and good food. Specialist markets to be announced.

The market traders have an interesting range of goods for sale, everything from antiques and collectables, food and produce to gifts, cards and handmade crafts. If you’re looking for something unusual, pay us a visit, browse the stalls and shops and stay for a coffee and cake. The Market Café is open from 9am to 3pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.

For more details see our Facebook page, Torrington Pannier Market Events Page. If there are any traders interested in booking a stall, please call either Jo or Ange on 07572 579 422 or 07852 450 270, email us greattorringtonmarket@gmail.com or pop into our shop, ‘A Place for Everything’, in the Pannier Market. than ever to build in some time for our individual self-care to set boundaries and prevent burnout. If you need help with ideas for self-care head over to my website www.samanthahardwick.com/ freeresources and download my free 8 Self-Care Tips Guide, or book a free discovery session with me to see how I can support you in reducing your stress levels - helping you lead a more peaceful and joyful life https://calendly.com/ samanthahardwickcoach.

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JAMES WASTE COLLECTION Very good rates please call and ask for a free quote.

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Contact James on 07714 819 415 Licensed Waste Carrier No: CBDU269392 Wood who had to bear the brunt of the traffic using ‘unofficial’ diversion routes.

February has been a busy month at would like DCC, setting the Budget for the next to start financial year. Final proposals are due for this article approval at Full Council in February and, by thanking while the overall picture is an increase everybody in the Budget – with the revenue budget for their increasing from £580 million last year patience and to £629 million this year – it has been forbearance one of the most financially challenging during the budgets the Authority has had to set for sudden many, many years. closure of the We are projected to see an A386 near unprecedented demand on our Adult Town Mills and Children’s Services as we come following the out of the pandemic. 76% of DCC’s landslide. revenue budget is now spent on these Thankfully the two services, yet according to our Chief closure lasted Executive, that funding ultimately goes to little more around just 3% of Devon’s population. than a week Of course, we will continue to protect and I would and look after those in need – the elderly, like to thank the DCC engineers and the young, and the vulnerable. But to contractors who worked hard to stabilise set a balanced budget this year, DCC the rock face and get the road rewill be taking nearly £30 million out of opened. Many of you, I know, were able its reserves. You can only use reserves to follow my updates on Facebook but for once, and it is safe to say that repeating those unaware, the landslide saw over this exercise over the next four years 1000 tons of rock and debris fall onto would soon see our reserves depleted. the road and destabilise the remaining Funding for Adult Social Care and rock face. It was the destabilisation and Children’s Services are increasing the subsequent works to steady the rock by £29.6 million and £17.1 million face which caused the closure – had respectively, and part of these increases it been a simple clean up job the road will be used to improve funding to probably would have been kept open! community and voluntary groups who Nonetheless, at the time of writing can help support DCC. This will, in (9th February) the road is open again turn, allow the services to deliver more now under traffic lights and hopefully targeted and specialised support, any future disruption will be kept to a something which again is needed as minimum. Can I also thank, in particular, more and more people in our care are residents in Taddiport and St Giles in the likely to have more complex needs than

From Your County Councillor…

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Dafforn & Son

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

Independent Family Owned Funeral Directors Torrington

even a decade ago. We also need to pilot different ways of working so that we can deliver these services more effectively.

My mailbox is typically dominated by highways issues, but it is because we have to provide these services for the old, the young and the vulnerable, that the funding for highways is so tight.

Nonetheless, I remain an optimist and while this has been a tight budget to set, I am hopeful that future years will be easier. As you may have seen on the local news, the Government recently announced that Devon had been shortlisted alongside nine other county areas for a devolution deal.

From the feedback we’ve had so far, ministers and civil servants have been impressed with how in Devon we have adopted the ‘Team Devon’ approach.

County, unitaries, districts and town and parishes have all worked together to get us through the pandemic. We want this approach to continue and while the details of a devolution deal will need to be negotiated with the Government, if we are successful, I would hope that it will entail additional funding and investment coming into Devon and Torrington Rural.

As ever, alongside all of this I have been busy working on a variety of local issues in Torrington and the villages, but to put it all down will make this article far too long! I hope to write about them in the next edition.

But until then if there are any DCC issues you’d like to discuss, please contact me on Facebook facebook.com/ cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

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

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Free Arts Day for Carers & Those They Care For!

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orrington 100 is putting on a free day for unpaid carers and the Enrico Caruso people th they care for, 10:30-4pm (25 February 1873 –been Year have on Friday 25th March10 at The Plough Arts nd asked to write a perAugust 1921) 2 Centre. suasiveand review about a Part 2 be a friendly It will informal event, What atogreat there are for no fair shame or in fun festival a chance participate creative digital mastered recordings ofwith Caruso. their GCSE assessment. workshops, meetEnglish and connect other One cannot imagine how wonderful his carers speak in confidence to local Here isand Charlotte’s timely reminder voice was. organisations andwe agencies offer of one such fair should that treasure.

Caruso’s 25-year career, It’s stretching helpful advice and activities. also from 1895 toto find 1920, an opportunity out included about and 863 Sending Out a Mayday appearances at the‘Telling NewTales’ York take part in our Torridge For Our Spring Metropolitan OperaFair before he died of project; a celebration of our collective to we allow Torrington’s anCan infection at the age of 48.tradition His fame social history, recording and sharing dwindle? has lasted to the present day, despite local people’s memories, songs What picture comes and into yourand mind the limited marketing promotional stories to be collated into a heartwarming when you think of Torrington’s May Fair? avenues available to him. He was, For many it with is thea image of the publication artwork at this nonetheless, clientcreated of maypole, Edward laughter and sunshine; it would be event.

Bernays during the latter’s tenure as a difficult to be imagine Torrington without it.

We will offering free refreshments press agent in the USA. Publicity in Yet today, the our day, historic tradition throughout for carers and is those Caruso’s time relied newspapers, under threat.

It is easy on to allow they care for,wire and services, a tasty andmagazines, affordable particularly the pressures of modern life to lunch menu isand available at The Plough photography the cultural telephone. slowly strangle our Cafe.

Caruso’s biographers, heritage.

In this fast age ofPierre Key, Bruno andbeStanley ComeZirato along and inspired, drop high-tech gadgetry, mass Jackson attribute his and fame not instant only to his voice in for a couple of hours or stay for the media and musicianship, gratification, little also time to a keen whole event.there is but business sense andwelcomed! an embrace of left forwill what really matters: You be warmly community life.

Today, commercial sound recordings, We are very grateful tomore Great then in than ever, it is essential to its infancy.

Many well-known Torrington’s Cavaliers who made aopera grant keep ourofhistoric celebration alive. Our singers Caruso’s time rejected the to T100 that has helped make this event week of annual festivity andfosters phonograph (gramophone) their possible.

Also to Arts Council England friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voices been lost asthat a result, who arehave funding activities link with our past.including We cannot let link this arts die. other singers Adelina Patti, and helping T100 to create As wellbeing, you walk the cobbled of our Francesco Tamagno and streets Nellie Melba a positive case study that might unlock ancient town, you breathe antiquity.

The exploited the new technology once more Fair fundslinks in thepresent-day future.

May Torrington they became aware of the success of with the past, transporting to aany bygone Register your interest orusask Caruso’s recording sessions. era – whenby lifecalling was simpler. questions Torrington 100’s Caruso made more that 260 extant Torrington has hosted the annual May Community Developer Martin Rawle on recordings in 1554.

America for the Victor Fair since However, many 07939 154 436 or email him on martin@ Talking Machine Company, (laterorigins RCA celebrations in England have their ttvs.org.uk.

Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he

through the village, a brightly-lit floats, inclu

General Garden Maintenance Garden Fencing Mobile: 07775 096657 Hedge Laying Call David Lock Stone Walling R.PITTS on 01805 603 541 Pergolas Mobile 07854 816 066 Patio Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

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in even millions earlier times: to the Roman earned of dollars in royalties festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and from the retail sales of the resulting flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth 78rpm discs. In Italy in 1902-1903, he is particularly relevant to us today, cut five batches of records for the breathing new life into the winter of our Gramophone and Typewriter community.

Drop in Workshops Company. laterwith heard from Moreover,He in was keeping thelive spirit of Morning: Creatives: Opera the stageColourful ofchildren the Metropolitan rejuvenation, are the focal point 10.30am-12.30pm for carers.

House in theMuch first public radio of the festivities. against MrUsing Gove’s colour, reliefinprint, stencils and collage broadcast 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s schools are join Hunter from ‘Proseprints’ to InRose the next issue I will you about closed to allow full tell community some ofyour his operatic explore role as aroles. carer, participation.

What could using be words more Until then good listening appealing than watching the crowning of and images to capture emotions to the May of boys Bobartwork Dymond create a Queen? colourfulThe andprocession playful that and girls and in brightly coloured costumes is special meaningful to you. would melt any heart.

Ribbons www.facebook.com/proseprintsart Torrington W.I. rippling, skirts skipping and the band blasting: the 10.30am-12.30pm for those who place are Our Annual Meeting will take maypole is ceremoniously woven. th cared for.

Join Bridget Cordory in a November.

We will onJust Wednesday 9 as the colours on the maypole fun are exploration using marbling and beFair electing new intertwined, of socolour the May breaksadown President and watercolour paints createas vibrant and social to barriers it appeals committee for thea colourful patterns, shapes and images, to everyone.

Choirs, dance following year, time to sharegroups your thoughts and stories. and majorettes all taking a alook back take to the stage: feast for www.artsmajic.co.uk at and allall we have the eyes ears.

Afternoon: Fabric fun for agesLocal and dignitaries are happily experienced in the last year and then abilities pelted in the stocks and getting a sneak of speakers 1.30-3.30pm joinpreview Rose and Bridget to subjected to and duckings.

The booked for 2012.

Cups prizes will explore printing on fabric to create your Mayor has awho lavish lunch, to be awarded for those did own personalised cotton toteinvited. bagbest and in which many are our optional monthly competitions, The and contribute to town a CARE banner to raise crier bellows as tea he there will, of course, be time for awareness ofproudly the importance marches of thecarers. streets and a natter. be using block fabric ofWe his will predecessors The Torrington Being rather nifty and at getting through Silver Bandfabric pulsates like pens the beating techniques, inks and andalso the business side of things, we will hearttransfer of the community. heat paper printing manage a bit of time to welcome Bob The grand finale of the May Fair week Telling Tales Brewer, who will us the low-down is the carnival, a give spectacle light and Philip Robinson from ‘All isofMended’ on the Cavaliers. sound. Fanciful floats journey through the willWe be chatting individuals, start the at with 7pm in are the lined Methodist town whilst streets with listening to tales, recording memories Church Hall, and prospective members cheering children. In the packed town and local songs and are gathering veryyou welcome tochoice visit for free.

Any square, have nostories, but to mingle poems. www.allismended.co.uk newmake members paying their subs this and new friends.

Help at Hand month, get months priceThe of ‘Uz be 14 plaised to for zeetheee!’

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How about that!of banner Mayor’s welcome thick Talk with a range agenciesinabout

what help you can receive as a carer -Devonian financial advice, home life support, th dialect is strung across the November there will be a On the 16 counselling, peer support, groups to square – Torrington is known as a lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, friendlyAgencies town and this is better attend. attending will no include the Associated Country Women of the displayed than at the May Fair.

In this era Devon Navigate, World,Carers, of which the WITorrington nationallyTown is a of social isolation, the May Fair provides Hall, TorrAge, local memory cafes and member. widely known, the the medicineNot of friendship, inclusion and others.

ACWW has representatives from many support. The fair encourages community nationalities; working relief for of life as the young and oldtowards join together poverty and sickness, promoting health Great Torrington Water the common good. What better way is and advancing education.

It’s down-tothere to bring neighbours together?

Weekend 2022offersfarmutual earth approach support People come from and wide to and practical help to Fair. women and enjoy the of May They also 19th & delights 20th March communities acrosswith theWater world. The fair bring their money them! reat Torrington replenishes coffers of the townthe – To findForum outthe about the ACWW is organising a and providing a Institutes welcome boost to the local Women'sweekend nationwide, visit of events to coincide economy – such a help in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk with World Water Day March.as an Businesses use about the this carnival Any queries Torrington W.I. Come and visit the Town Hall undercroft opportunity to advertise their wares. ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on on Saturday between 10amtins andare Charities also19th, benefit: collection 01805 623588.

2pm, andtofind out about where our soon full overflowing.

Yet comes it is often argued that historic celwater from, the impact of climate Great Torrington ebrationson are and anachronistic. change ourarchaic water supply, and Town Hall Project On the contrary, Torrington’s festivities how to make water savings at home Bybeyond. thethe time reportInto appears in revitalise old this traditions. the current and Make a pledge make climate of you apathy, laziness and The Crier, will have noticed one water-saving action and enter a indifference, the been May Fair scaffolding has put lifts our spirits prize draw to winTorrington a water butt. The and up totransforms facilitate the repair into a vibrant museum will be hosting an exhibition community. of the roof andDespite make thethe continual on the historyofof modern water around Greatand development technology building water-tight for Torrrington. increasing time spent at computer the winter. It will be On Sunday 20th, there will be an screens, last year’s record-breaking enclosed in waterproof turnout there is still aworking place forarea live event atshows the featuring short sheeting to Plough protect the entertainment.

Givenas we the turn choice of films and discussion our and to minimise any risk to the internal playing a towards video game or participating in thoughts the future and how fabric. At the same time, a series of the buzz of the fair, I know which I would we can safeguard a water supply for all, photoelectric panels will be installed, to choose… and keep running-costs, our watercourses clean and reduce and perhaps Today, the new enemy of a large-scale healthy. provide an is income the Safety’. project As by town event ‘Healthforand Further details will be selling surplus power to thebeNational huge crowds gather, it could argued Grid.thereoniswww.facebook.com/ released that a danger of an accident.

Although with this all work being carried GreatTorringtonWaterForum Nowadays, theisridiculous rules out by the Trust, payment and regulations it to is gtwaterforum@ a struggle to Email yourTownlands interest will be taken from funds set aside organise anything.

In this age for of gmail.com. countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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Devon Wildlife Trust Talks

Reversing Species Declines in Devon Clinton Hall, Merton An evening talk with Sam Bridgewater of Clinton Devon Estates, Wednesday 9th March, 7pm.

Why are species in Devon in decline? How can this be reversed? Find out at this talk with Dr Sam Bridgewater. Devon is recognised as being amongst the most species and habitat-rich counties in England. Nevertheless, with the exception of a few notable exceptions, our wildlife is declining and the ecological health of Devon is poor. Drawing from the experiences of Clinton Devon Estates, who manage 10,000 ha of the Devon countryside, this talk will cover the reasons why species continue to be in decline and will outline how they can be reversed.

Dr. Sam Bridgewater joined Clinton Devon Estates in 2012. Formerly a researcher at the Natural History Museum and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Sam has responsibility for ensuring that the protection of wildlife and natural habitats are embedded into all aspects of Estate decision-making. Sam is responsible for the development of the Estate’s environmental strategy and natural capital accounting. He has published over 20 academic research papers, two books and numerous book chapters. To help us manage numbers we are encouraging pre-booking please email: jpullin@devonwildlifetrust.org.

Mammals of Devon – Dolton Village Hall A talk by Eleanor Knott from DBRC, Wednesday 23rd March, 7.30pm Eleanor has worked with Devon Biodiversity Records Centre for many years.

One of her areas of expertise is Devon’s Mammals and she has headed projects such as the Otter Spotters Programme. This illustrated talk will provide an insight to Devon's terrestrial mammals and what we know about their distribution. Eleanor will also be demonstrating ways in which we can record these mammals and evidence of their presence using tracks and signs.

There’s no need to book for this talk, please arrive in time for a 7.30pm start Dolton Village Hall (South Street, Dolton, Winkleigh, EX19 8QS)

World Day of Prayer 2022

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022 is a special year, as the service has been prepared by the women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland on the theme ‘I know the plans I have for you.’ It has been both challenging and rewarding to write about the three countries: our landscape, people and culture all shaped by our history.

On Friday 4th March the local service will be held at Torrington Methodist Church at 2.30pm. All are welcome. Please join us as we become part of a worldwide prayer movement reaching 170 global countries and celebrate our diversity and the contribution made to our countries by the many groups and individuals who have made this their home.

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Fairtrade Fortnight 2022

Heads up for Fairtrade in Great Torrington!

As the economic squeeze hits us all, it is in the shopping basket where we feel the ‘pinch’. But we can continue to support Fairtrade producers and make a choice to make a difference in a very unequal world. The Co-op does a wide range of products: bananas, tea, coffee, roses and chocolate, and will be having a special Fairtrade event instore on Tuesday 8th March. Lidl too are increasing their range all the time, especially in the chocolate aisle!

Fair trade refers to a general movement, with many organisations having the shared aim of alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development by ensuring a fair and transparent supply chain. ‘Fairtrade’ on the other hand, specifically refers to the certifying and labelling organisation, Fairtrade International. Both protect workers’ rights and preserve the environment.

Consumers are increasingly interested in where and how their goods are produced and there is a massive and exciting movement toward selling and buying ethically made products.

Torrington’s retailers and artisans like April Doubleday are enabling us, as consumers, to buy products that reflect our values.

For the children, there are Fairtrade activities in Torrington library Saturday 5th March, 10am-12. Look out for the Handa’s Surprise display and learn all about Fairtrade.

Great Torrington Fairtrade Group

Events at the Town & Community Hall

S

pring has arrived and we are springing right into action with some very exciting events - so get out your diaries and make sure you don’t miss out. The good news is you can now book tickets to all our events by going to the event’s page on our website greattorrington-townhall.org/events or pop into Crafty Needles in the Pannier Market Discos: for children aged 5-11. Hip hip hooray children’s discos are back.

Thanks to Tanya Tillier and Leo Beck for sponsoring our February disco. The next discos will be: Saturday 26th March 10.30am to 12.30pm, thanks to sponsor Paul Hutchings.

Saturday 30th April 10.30am to 12.30pm, thanks to sponsor Torrington Rotary Club.

All tickets should be booked online greattorrington-townhall.org/events SPECIAL May Fair Carnival discos on Saturday 7th May 10am to 12.30pm for 5-11 years; 2-4pm for 11-16 years. 8pm til late for adults. Tickets £3 children, adults £7. All tickets should be booked on-line greattorrington-townhall.org/ events If you would like to sponsor any of the above discos or future discos for £100, please contact Anne on 07971 696 192.

Wednesday 2nd March A Proper Devon Cash Bingo 2pm: Eyes down – mark your books! Starting at 2pm on Wednesday 2nd March we will be running the first of our fortnightly cash bingo sessions. Fancy chancing your luck with our mystery Devonshire caller? If so, come along and enjoy an afternoon

of fun with your friends on Wednesday 2nd, 16th or 30th March or Wednesday 6th or 20th April at 2pm. Be lucky!

Digital Skills: Free workshops every Tuesday: it has been great to see so many local people taking advantage of our FREE digital skill courses which are held every Tuesday at the Town Hall. These FREE courses are funded and run by LearnDevon. So, if you want to learn new computer skills or improve the skills you already have, please ring 01237 472 462 for more information.

Knit & Natter: Our Knit and Natter group meet from 10am to 12 noon every Wednesday. The ladies are currently getting ready for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee so look out for another fabulous knitting display at the Town Hall. We are also inviting people in the Town and surrounding parishes to help us knit some jubilee bunting so we can decorate the town and streets of Torrington with red, white and blue bunting. A pattern for bunting will be available from the Town Hall and on our website for anyone who wants to get involved. We can even teach you to knit so all you boys and girls and men who’ve never had a go, now’s your time to learn. Contact Rose Purcell on 01805 625491.

The Town Hall comes full circle on Saturday 19th March: We are delighted to be hosting a Golden Wedding celebration in our Great Hall to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Pam

and Dave Petherbridge.

Pam and Dave had the last wedding ceremony in the Town Hall on Saturday 18th March 1972 so it is such a wonderful honour for the Town Hall to host this very special event.

Congratulations!

Saturday 9th April Easter flower workshop with Ann Ayre and Elaine Weeks: Get creative with flowers this Easter. Using flowers from the hedgerows, your garden or flowers you love you will leave our workshop with a truly beautiful creation. The Trustees of the Town Hall are enormously grateful to Ann and Elaine for hosting this Town Hall fundraising event. Tickets £12.50 booked online greattorrington-townhall. org/events Saturday 2nd April Pop-up Shop 9am-1pm: Pop in and grab a pre-loved bargain.

Friday 15th & Saturday 16th April Fonda Cox will be appearing for two nights and booking is essential Tickets £15 - greattorrington-townhall.org/events.

Fonda Cox will take you on a journey of laughter, fun and music. She’ll have you in stitches with hilarious stories, and her cutting wit. Hecklers beware; Fonda will have an instant comeback! Booking is essential.

There are lots of ways in which you can support your Town Hall – come and volunteer, go online to make a donation or buy a raffle ticket for our big Easter hamper.

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could be as simple as a£1.blue depending on the season, may well be £2(this The Glove Factory, Whites Saturday Lane Torrington Methodist Church Devon 10.30am per child – under 1s £1 – siblings RolleOld Canal & Northern 13th mushroom upside down flowering at thewith timeGeoffrey of the walk.

Rev Stephen Hill 6.30pm Rev Ken Price includes crate healthyturned snack & drink for Part Two Advice Surgery Cox MP. Waterways Society Guided Walk with a 10cm x 10cm hole cut inMinistry one of of The start of the walk at fingers Annery Morgan he three surviving glove factoriesfor into the children & hot drinkpolice for adults an appointment ring 01237iswith 459001 or the hands of gloves power industry, and new season's programme The The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter of Leach 01769 685.were theDefence. short sides and560 aitems weight onmade top) for Kiln, Weare road email to on tellgeoffrey@geoffreycox or via by Rebecca inafternoon Torrington werestarts Vaughan's, while thethe thumb was Giffard cut separately.

Fashion Sunday walks on 26th Day Saints meet @ Bideford College which should stop any local cats Halfpenny Bridge, at 2.30pm on website www.geoffreycox.co.uk Tapscott's Sudbury's.

On the first floor was the making room, high street stores, such as the House of May with visitand to EX39 the site Abbotsham Rd,aBideford, 3AR of the Coffee 18th Morning in aidshapes of Wembworthy May. The distance is little Thursday free meal. biscuits (not Sunday 26thfabric Tapscott's in NewatStreet closed and where the were trimmed upenjoying Fraser,a John Lewis,Cat Oasis, Accessorize Inclined Plane Ridd.

This is the Sunday Sacrament service at 11.50amStfish Michael's Church Said Mass Church @mile Chulmleigh Town Hall to 9-11am over a but with plenty look at flavour) are an ideal food to put amalgamated in 1989 and made tidy to be made up into gloves, and Harrods. In the 1920s nearly in all place where with the Vaughan's Rolle Canal 1pm cakes,and produce, draw is prizes appreciated in St James discuss likely to take a 10.30am the feeding stationChapel but please never and Michael Vincent decided to sell Vaughan's production was fashion, in was raised up about 43 feet Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 3pm @ The Major Walker MCofCeremony War @ The couple hours. A@donation of Music breadGaga: and Rock milk Anthems as it can8pm make them the factory to Bennett Safetywear, the 1980s it was nearly all industrial, from the valley floor near Plough Memorial 11am £2 (see to article) the Rolle Canal Plough seriously ill.

Weare to a Film 'Argo'Giffard (15) 7pm @level The Plough of Crosby in Lancashire.

Their great and find by 2002 it was about fifty/fifty.

Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4.30pm Society's funds details will be If you a hedgehog out during the Comedy 'Russell Kane' @ Devon in thewas side of the valley asset that they were very Hall good Vaughan Tapscott, owned

by Bennett Doug 01805 appreciated 622648 or Beryl 01805 Friday 19th and helps day, wobbling and unsteady or you’re 8pm that couldthings be maintained 624294 at selling and the company Safetywear, continued operation Michael's Church Saidthat Massin 8.30am enable the Society to keep Stworried about one visits your all the inland Roger to theDavey, Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30pm @ St James Chapel was builtway up again. until place September 2002 when volunteer work going to in garden, the hedgehog in athey highwere Monday 8th High Bickington Cinema headhad weirworked at Rosemoor.

Gig 'Zion Train' 8pm @ The Plough who at Vaughan's since bought by Sudbury's and the Whites promote and maintain features of sided box with a hot water bottle Historical Society AGM & Talksseen 'Beam Music Coope Boyes & Simpson 8pm @ peoplebecame will have theMany mid-1950s, factory Lane in factory closed for good. the Rolle Canal.

Future walks this year wrapped a towel and cover withSudbury's, the House & Quay' & John Oatway Plough th this site on previous walks but this year The th th Saturday 20th manager and within six or seven the last remaining glove factory in June, 28 July and 18 will be 16 cloth that you used to pick it up with Torrington Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @over there the have been ofdevelopments Music Bob Fox 8pm @ The Plough August.

For further details if required: then please ring any of the following years number workers had Torrington, had left its premises behind Methodist Church 14th the winter that will make it well worth a Sunday email: hassallc@ymail.com or phone who will be more than willing to give increased toRalph' well over fifty.

Vaughan's in around 1980 and moved Film 'Wreck it (PG) 2pm @ The Methodist Church 10.30am repeat visit. The Heritage Lottery Torrington 21stto one of the local vets.

01237 you'llMrs probably have Sunday advice Glove factories played an up or to take Greenbank in the 1990s but it, too, Plough Peter425357, Whattonbut 6.30pm Vivienne funded ‘Life's Journey’ project has Rev St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass to leave a message.  British Hedgehog Preservation Film 'Argo' (15) @ The Plough important role in providing closed in 2006.

Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room produced a 5pm new pathway from the Sheriff ChrisMass Hassall Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ in The Plough Society 01584 890801 St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung employment for women the town Moira Brewer Torrington Methodist Church 10.30 Tarka Trail down to the bottom of the Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room  North Devon Hedgehog Rescue and local district, both working in Rev Ken Morgan 5pm Circuit Service @ Inclined Plane where two illustrated Tuesday 9th Film 'The Sessions' (15) 3pm & 7pm @ Our Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!!

01271 816989 or 07964 522 359 the factories and in their own homes as some by hand on a sewing machine, Parkham information boards have been installed Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough Theothers Ploughautomatically AnniRamblers Nicholls afternoon walk Hedgehog Awareness Week is on its Torridge outworkers.

Davey said girls who using a jig, a kind to describe Roger the saltmarsh habitat by St GilesHedgehog in The Wood Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 8pm @ The way but why wait until then to 01237 451820  Torridge Rescue worked as glove makers in the early of press with glove-shaped patterns the Torridge and the workings and Plough Monday 15th Film 'Les Miserables' (12A) 3pm @ The help?

As spring is here (working with ND Hedgehog Parish Council days could more Canal. than in Itservice through which a machine would sew the purpose of earn the Rolle is now Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High PloughQueen and hopefully the weather Rescue) Angela Hodge Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee possible to gain a far better or agriculture, which were their only gloves.

Then they were turned inside out Wednesday 10th Bickington Community Film 'I Give it a 486 Year'509 (15) 7pm @ The improves our spikyCentre friends 07884 understanding theMass lay-out and Mini options, butofinSaid more recent years toMover take downstairs to theforfinishing Stother Michael's Church 8.30am Dance Session under 5'sroomPloughCelebrations will be up and about again.

Please look out forElizabeth’s events in workings of thebehind inclinedinplane boat lift 9.30-10.30am o start Queen wages fell comparison on the groundBickington floor. Here each glove was intheir St James Chapel Community It’s been an@extremely tough your area during Hedgehog than was previously the case.

The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations with workers Glass put on an iron model hand in front of a Monday 22nd Torrington W.I at @ Dartington Methodist Hall 7pmand Centre th winter for them.

The to 11 May.Council Awareness Week 5ththe upper basin of 8pm the canal atPlough the of in St Giles, Parish Film 'I Wish' (PG) @ The other employers in the town.

He top felt they mirror and was checked for any holes, Mini Mover Dance Session for under 5's changeable and wet weather the incline has been cleared of scrub has purchased a Copper Beech to Tuesday 16th deserved more pay for what was, after in which case it would be marked with a 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington has made it difficult for many of sufficiently to11th enable thea child, outlineRoger of its 'Hearing Petscommemorate As Therapy Thursday for to You' Social group for gloves the the event. all, very skilful work. As red spot be repaired.

The were Community Centre them to find food or hibernate properly banks beChurch clearly seen, and the wayandhard Pets A As Therapy isceremony a8pm @ The of hearing.

2pmoff@to the Comedy Stused Michael's Mass Alistair McGowan tree-planting was totocollect workSaid from outworkers packed into Every boxes3rd tosoTues bemany sent over the past months are now the railway subsequently cut through national charity founded The Bickford Centre call 01271 373236 10.30am in St James Chapel followed by Ploughundertaken on the 3rd January, take it home at 4pm every day for 1/6 customer. weakClub and High needBickington help. If you know that the northern destroying the top of Youth Community Walsingham cellend, in vicarage in 1983.

It isPete unique in Trio Gallery Gig The Canter presided over by the Chairman (7½p) a week. latera years, the company diversified youInhad resident Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm The now Centre the incline.

This canal @ basin for 11+ @ 5-7pmhedgehog in your 8.18pm that itCllr provides therapeutic @ The Plough Lorna Herniman, with Parish The top floor of the building was where into hats, scarves, bags, jumpers, area last year please don’t forget to put Plough supports an increasing population of Badminton Club 7pm Juniors 8pm visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing Councillors in attendance. The tree, patterns were produced the laying and balaclavas bothfor atrousers bowl of water and someusing food out @ Bickington Community Centre Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Early Purple Orchid and and Twayblade (a Adults and care23rd homes, special needs Tuesday along with tree guard, is positioned on of fabric cutting out of gloveswhich, was Cribbage man-made natural fabrics.

There Youth them, placing it inside a feeding station pairs and competition @ Torrington Beast 2pmand @ The Plough green flowered orchid) schools a variety other venues Cluband for 11+ 5-7pmof@High the Community RecreationCentre Field. done.

SilkAtlas' was lined up in was a large customer base for their Film 'Cloud (15) 7pm @rows The of twenty,Arms 8pm Bickington A toast commemorate 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The the HealthBadminton Plough note earlyfor start for longthe filmlinings of Film in preparation making industrial products, including Club was 7pm made Juniorsto8pm note early start for long the film nuclear Adults @ theHigh historic event.Community horse riding gloves and fabric was cut Plough Service, electronic firms, Bickington CRIER COPY DEADLINE for Centre

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TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

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

ur members’ market for handmade foods is growing and, as I write in February, we're looking forward to collection day even more than usual, with the advent of 'Choco-Lou' raw organic chocolate bars, bombs and rosettes! Lovingly made without refined sugar, gluten or dairy, I can vouch for their quality and deliciousness, having been in the happy position of taster and food critic. No criticism from me, just a big smile and plenty of praise! Our members’ market enables us to enjoy different dishes and other handmade items without compromising on quality, as they're made by people we know who share our values and concerns. If we have particular preferences or sensitivities, we can easily ask the provider to make the necessary adjustments for us. You can find more details on our Facebook page.

Wellbeing Tip: The Blessed Seed – known as 'the remedy for everything except death'. This may sound like an extravagant claim, but when one looks into the increasingly vast body of scientific research into black seed and its properties, one begins to understand why. Blessed Seed is black seed - the very tiny seed of Nigella sativa and is confusingly also sometimes incorrectly referred to as ‘black cumin seed/black onion seed/black sesame’, all of which are entirely different seeds and nothing to do with Nigella sativa. Black seed is often used in Indian cookery, sprinkled into naan bread for instance and is very delicious. The oil from the seed can be found cold pressed and is an excellent source of omega 3 essential fatty acids, and of course, carries the wonderfully aromatic peppery flavour. There are an enormous amount of health benefits linked to it too. Black seed is traditionally used in Indian, Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, but I find the seeds excellent as a condiment, sprinkled over rice or other grain and in bread. The seeds are most digestible when gently toasted and ground; just make a batch to keep in a jar or cruet in a reasonably cool place, no need to refrigerate. Black seed oil concentrates the flavour and health benefits and can be drizzled over food and used in sauces and dressings for that lovely slightly smokey, pungent flavour. How and where to buy? For integrity, I recommend organic seed and organic cold pressed oil. Yes, you guessed it, black seed and black seed oil are both available from OWBG. The oil comes in a small 100ml shaker bottle, just perfect for you first foray into experimenting with the Blessed Seed.

Upcoming Grocery Final Order Dates: 10th March, 14th April 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 623307, email:mary@ marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG Website: owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group Email: owbg@protonmail.com Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing. www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

We Need Friends

(inspired by Max Bygrave’s “You Needs Hands”) We need friends along life’s tangled pathway, We need friends to turn to every day, And when things start getting tough and we think we’ve had enough, We need friends to blow the clouds away.

But when we have a treat or celebration It’s our friends we’ll want to have around, And when we have good news to share, we’ll be glad that they are there But it’s our friends who’ll keep our feet upon the ground!

So as our lives turn their everlasting circle And we think of all our pals, both old and new, We should never fail to send that promised email to a friend After all it’s the very least that we can do.

Stef Easton

April Concerts at St Michael & All Angels Church

* Saturday 9th 7.30pm North Devon Choral Society presents Verdi’s Requiem, conducted by John Hobbs at St Michael & All Angels, Great Torrington (contact Janet Sharp 01805 628262). * Saturday 23rd 7.30pm Winkleigh Singers Spring Concert, featuring organist Peter King at St Michael’s, Great Torrington; tickets available from early March (Contact Liz Smith 01363 83515).

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GREAT TORRINGTON T Your Council, Working for YOU

From Your Mayor…

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was pleased to join The Tarka Valley Railway team when they met with John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council and Cllr Andrew Saywell (DCC), Doug Bushby Chair of Torridge District Council and District Councillors Bright and Cottle-Hunkin. It’s also the 150th anniversary this year of the line, and the group are hoping to extend their lease to something more realistic Some of the directors of the Globe Hotel project, of which I am one, were filmed outside it for some publicity requirements. Hopefully this filming will help promote all that is going on at the Globe, which continues to gather pace.

Like everyone else I found the closure of New Road, due to the recent landslide, to be incredibly troublesome. I am conscious it had a wide impact on the town and surrounding areas as it is one of our main entry points. Fortunately, Devon County Council engineers did an amazing job and cleared it enough for one-way traffic in far less time than we had at first feared; our thanks go out to them.

One of our former mayors, and a

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Freeman of the Town, Harry Cramp, celebrated his 90th birthday on 19th January. It was the perfect excuse to drop in to see him with a card and some local choccies. We spent a lovely time chatting about his life and travels, and I know many of you remember him as your GP as well as your mayor. I wish him health and happiness, and look forward to our next catch up.

Our PCSOs are heading up a piece of work with the young people of town in relation to a possible rain shelter.

We are determined that youngsters are represented at our meetings; it’s their wishes and needs we are trying to address. We had two GTS pupils attend our last meeting, and we hope to see them again, and any others who’d like to have their voices heard.

Talking of voice, The Voice FM interviewed me about how the town coped with the pandemic in such a successful way, and I took the opportunity to thank everyone whose efforts contained the spread of the disease so effectively. I mentioned how volunteers were found right from the start of lockdown, and what an amazing job they all did. I also had the chance to promote the town and specifically the craft, food and drink fair on the 5th March. It would be great to see lots of

people enjoying this event.

Sadly, I had to cancel the Burns Supper we were organising due to concerns around Covid at the time.

However I have two more events coming up: Friday March 18th there will be a Quiz Night at the Torrington Arms, and on Friday April 1st Big Al has kindly offered to perform at a Thai Evening at the Torridge Inn. I’d be really grateful for lots of support at these events, either by attending, or offering some raffle prizes. Any donations, no matter how small you can afford, would be very much appreciated – all funds raised will go towards my two charities this year, the North Devon Hospice and Tarka Valley Railway.

Her Majesty celebrated 70 years on the throne this month, and plans are under way to join the entire nation at the beginning of June to celebrate the Queen’s unique milestone.

We are all very excited to say that the May Fair arrangements are proceeding apace, but another reminder; if you can help us in any way, we’d love to hear from you.

As we look forward to spring, we also look forward to an exciting year ahead of celebrations and community activity!

Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Craft, Food and Drink Fair

Saturday 5th March 2022 he Town Council is excited to report that the Craft, Food and Drink Fair has already gone beyond expectations, as two other venues have been added to accommodate the number of local traders wanting to attend.

The event has been commissioned to South West Event Management to organise, as part of a ‘Welcome Back Fund’ initiative. This event will see Torrington Town Hall, Pannier Market, Castle Hill Community Centre and the Plough Arts Centre filled with a huge variety and eclectic mix of local traders’ craft, food and drink offerings from around Great Torrington and surrounding area. These stalls will complement the vast selection of independent shops with their own unique and beautiful treasures.

As a taster, there will be offerings of watercolours, knitwear, cakes, fudge, burgers, Indian cuisine, vegan offerings, stained glass, bath bombs, handmade soap, handmade babies clothing, stamp art, bird boxes, bags, handmade jewellery, cider, real ales, spirits, and cheeses with spaces for 50 traders!

The Facebook event page is titled 'Welcome Back to Great Torrington', if you search for the page and like it, you will be able to keep up to date with what is happening with the event and which businesses will be attending.

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Co-Option of Town Councillor

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ollowing the resignation of Cllr Insull, we currently have a vacancy for one Co-Opted Councillor to join the other Council Members of Great Torrington Town Council.

This role will give you an opportunity to get involved with a number of exciting projects and interests within the community of Great Torrington. If you are passionate about the town, prepared to roll your sleeves up and get involved and have at least one of the qualifications below, we would invite you to submit a written application outlining why you are interested in becoming a Town Councillor and what you believe you can bring to the role for consideration. a) I am registered as a local government elector for the parish; or b) I have, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my cooption, occupied as owner or tenant, land or other premises in the parish; or c) My principal or only place of work during those twelve months has been in the parish; or d) I have during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my cooption resided in the parish or within 3 miles of it.

Applications should be no more than one side of A4 paper.

For further information please see the Town Council’s website www.greattorrintontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Please forward applications to Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA or by email to admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk to be received no later than Thursday 31st March 2022.

Karen Chapman, Town Clerk There will be a bar open, serving local drinks and mulled wine. Local shops and traders have been invited to offer special discounts/treats to shoppers on the day. Shops have also been invited to take part in a ‘display a clue/treasure’ in their shop/window, which we hope will encourage shoppers to visit all shops taking part to complete their clue sheets, with prizes for winning families.

We hope this will be a great day with something for everyone and encourage all local people, as well as visitors, to pop into the town on the 5th March and pick up some local goodies.

For more information, please contact Lucy on 07518066623 or email lucyloweevents@outlook.com

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Working Together for Community Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

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n the 2nd June 2022, we will celebrate another unique milestone in our history, Her Majesty the Queen’s 70th year as our Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth, her Platinum Jubilee.

It is a feat no previous British monarch has achieved.

With a view to celebrating this occasion, the Town Council formed a working group with a few other community groups, which met for the first time in December 2021. Since then, the group has met again and as a result we have formed a programme of events which align with national guidance and also have our own Great Torrington ‘stamp’ on them.

On Thursday 2nd June, we will join the nation as our Town Crier reads the national proclamation at 1pm in the town centre. Later that afternoon, the Cavaliers will host a family fun event on the Old Bowling Green, which will culminate with another nationally encouraged event of a piper playing ‘Diu Regnare’ at 9.09pm and the lighting of a beacon at 9.15pm. This will all be followed by a firework display!

On Sunday the 5th June the Town Council, in conjunction with the Town and Community Hall, will facilitate a community picnic in the town centre, which will also include some children’s entertainment and local music. We hope for a great family fun afternoon celebrating the Jubilee.

We have also consulted with the Commons Conservators in relation to planting a commemorative tree at an appropriate location on Castle Hill.

There will be more information to follow, but for now, please mark these couple of dates in your diaries, 2nd and 5th June, to join in with the community celebrations and events as set out above.

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he Town Council is pleased to announce that as part of a collaborative project, we have been able to continue the lease of three existing defibrillators; namely the ones at the Museum, Methodist Church and Old Bowling Green, for a further four years. In addition to these three, we have also managed to secure reinstatement of the machine at the Fire Station and installation of a new additional machine near the Tarka Trail, at Torrington Cycle Hire.

This whole exercise has been a fantastic opportunity to work collaboratively across the community.

The Town Council, Cavaliers, Great Torrington Town and Lands, District Councillors, Cllr Bright, Cllr Brown and Cllr Cottle-Hunkin, along with our County Councillor, Cllr Saywell, have contributed to the funding needed for the extension of the lease of three defibrillators. In addition Devon, Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sponsored the re-instatement of the defibrillator on the wall of the Fire Station and Rotary Torrington sponsored the installation of a new defibrillator by the Tarka Trail at Torrington Cycle Hire.

We are currently in the process of liaising with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to arrange a joint training session hosted by the Methodist Church, in relation to use of a defibrillator as well as how to do CPR. It’s been a wonderful example of community working together to ensure ongoing availability and provision of these potentially life-saving devices.

Free Tote Bags & Bird Nesting Boxes

Craft, Food & Drink Fair 5th March 2021 s a Welcome Back Fund initiative, the Town Council has designed and purchased a large number of Great Torrington promotional cotton tote bags to be given away free at the craft, food and drink fair on the 5th March. In addition, as part of the council’s commitment to its environment policy, we are also giving away a number of free bird nesting boxes for your gardens. We are really pleased that some of these boxes will be provided by our own ‘Men’s Shedders’.

Chair of the Environment Committee, Cllr Gill Clayton said, “There are two very easy yet important things we can do to help the environment: let our green areas grow wild and put up a nest box. We hope that a free box will encourage the latter”.

We have a stall in the Pannier Market on the 5th March. Come along, grab a bag and a bird box – first come, first served!

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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 12 noon on Wednesday 23rd March 2022.

Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

1st Torrington Scout Group

Annual Town Meeting Thursday 14th April 2022

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otice is hereby given that Great Torrington Annual Parish Meeting will be held at the Great Torrington Town Hall on Thursday 14th April 2021 at 7pm.

The Mayor of Great Torrington will submit a report on the Town Council’s activities during 2021/22. 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)

Motion

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llr Cottle-Hunkin proposed the below Motion at the February Council meeting. The meeting voted unanimously in favour.

“Throughout the Covid pandemic over the past two years, the local community of Great Torrington has pulled together brilliantly, and the Town Council would like to thank everyone for looking after one another so well and adhering to restrictions.

We empathise with local concern and anger and would like to express our disappointment over National Leadership at this time”.

Please see the district councillor’s report for further information regarding this matter.

Torrington and District Historical Society

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he Historical Society meets on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall in Mill Street. Our members have a wide variety of interests and, following on from the enthusiasm of one of our members David Judd, several of us are starting to think about starting or restarting research into our own family history. The planning has also started for some visits during the summer months.

During the winter we have an eclectic mix of speakers and 2022 has got off to a strong start. On March 14th we are pleased to be welcoming Mike Teare, who will be talking about the ‘Way of the Wharves’ project based at East the Water in Bideford. This is an educational and research project set up to preserve and pass on the history of Bideford and particularly East the Water which has a long history as a major trading port.

We look forward to welcoming Mike and any visitors who may be interested in finding out more about the project or about the historical society. Interested? Give Pauline a ring on 01805 623089. Find us on Facebook.

Maggi Rogers

K. Sheppard

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07813 257 471

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t the start of the New Year the Scouts planned their own program for the term, focusing on badges to work towards. We then welcomed past and present Scouts for a group presentation evening. We had the pleasure to hand out one Chief Scout Silver Award (highest award in Cubs), two Chief Scout Gold Awards (highest award in Scouts) and many others; this was a celebration of achievements for everyone. The following week we had fun playing team games and wrote our new Code of Conduct. This was written by the Scouts themselves, who raised some very sensible points. We also learnt about basic navigation, to put into practice in the following weeks.

Cubs have been learning about the solar system: they cut holes in a piece of paper to make constellations, and then shone their torches through to see the constellation on the wall. They also learnt about birds as part of the great British Bird watch. Next they are working towards their chef badge and have planned a party with a two-course meal and games, which parents/families have been invited to. All for Valentine ’s Day. Help wanted: leaders, assistant leaders & committee members 1st Torrington Scout Group is looking for committee members and/or leaders or assistant leaders. A Beaver leader would restart our group for 6-8yrs and assistant leaders in Cubs 8-10yrs and Scouts 10-14yrs section would help run a varied program. If you wish to join or have any questions, please contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon Whitear for more details Jordon.whitear@gmail.com.

TORRINGTON ARMS Open daily from 11am

Wednesday Curry Night 6-9pm Sunday Roast 12-2pm Takeaways Available SKY SPORTS • BT SPORTS • RACING CHANNELS For bookings please contact: 01805 622280 or via Facebook

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Torrington RFC

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Torrington Methodist Church News

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orrington Methodist Church has two important days in March.

On Wednesday 23rd March the Church will host the Presbyteral Synod of the Plymouth and Exeter District of the Methodist Church. This means that all the ministers in the District will be visiting Torrington for our annual meeting where we confer together. We look forward to welcoming friends from around Devon and also part of Somerset. I know that they will enjoy visiting our town.

On Sunday 27th March the President of the Methodist Conference, Revd

elcome to a blowy wet and blustery February. Hopefully by the time you read this March will be a little less wintry.

Only two games were played in January, the first against league high-flyers New Cross. In an alwayscompetitive fixture, New Cross came away victorious in a closely-fought game, despite the score line. As has happened before, Torrington dominated in the middle of the pitch with good rucking and mauling, but quick movement of the ball out to the wings by the opposition proved costly. With tries being scored, despite our best efforts New Cross came out winners 5-45 on this occasion.

Next up were Old Plymouthians and Mannamedians. In a well-contested game, OPMs came out on top 3-21.

At the time of going to print, our next two games in February are both away, having had a rest weekend on the first of the month. Hopefully our injury list will have diminished to give us a fair squad to take down to Plymouth to take on Old Technicians. For the next game we forfeited home advantage by cancelling the first fixture due to lack of players against Plymouth Arguam, this means we have to travel to Plymouth on consecutive weekends to play.

Salcombe visit Donnacroft on 5th

March, followed by a trip down the road to our old foe South Molton on the 12th.

We then travel again to Plymouth on the 26th to play Tamar Saracens.

Off the pitch, on a game day, an ‘old players’ lunch was arranged for all the old and bold who have played for Torrington at some stage. A very refreshed bunch of ex-players enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch, followed by a lot of hot air being spouted about ‘the old days’. Reminiscing went on long into the evening, but they probably can’t remember it! Obviously, an event to be repeated next season.

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, our regular coach Zerren Bell has had to step aside for, hopefully, only a short while. In the interim, club stalwart Adrian Avery has stepped in to replace Zerren, on a temporary basis.

Our appreciation and good wishes to them both for their sterling efforts.

If you can help out the club, either on or off the pitch, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We can be found at: TRFC1985@ outlook.com.

Alternatively, for players, training, for now, is on Thursday evenings 6.30pm onwards at Donnacroft.

Teamwork, Discipline, Sportsmanship, Enjoyment & Respect Mark Waterson

Sonia Hicks, will be preaching at Torrington Methodist Church at 10.30am.

We are blessed to have Sonia with us during her year of office.

It has been many years since the

President of Conference has been in this area. We are looking forward to hosting her; and we invite you to join us for this special service.

Rob Blackhall

Blackberry Farm Shop

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For full details & a stock list: Call 01409 261440 • Email: lizzy@lizzyslarder.co.uk or Visit our Facebook page Blackberry Farm Shop Stay Safe everyone. Lizzy’s Larder, Blackberry Farm Shop, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, EX22 7NP

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

The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a £20 voucher for Duffy's Home Hardware. 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 Jenny Naylor. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 10th March and the solution and winner will be in the April issue.

Duffys Home Hardware is an independent hardware business, owned and run by Mark and Liz Duffy and their team of local and helpful staff.

Mark has over 40 years' experience in the hardware trade, having previously managed a store in Hertfordshire for 25 years before buying the business in 2014. As a member of the Home Hardware buying group, which has over 400 members, we distribute seven seasonal promotional brochures by Royal Mail and have access to 1000s of products at competitive prices, which we can order if not in stock. You can check stock availability on our website Duffyshomehardware.co.uk. We also cut house keys, with prices starting from £3 for a cylinder key, car keys £15 unchipped, £30-£60 chipped.

We stock a wide range of products, including greetings cards from prints of Liz Duffy's artwork. Her original paintings are for sale in ‘A Place For Everything’ in the Pannier Market. We hire the Rug Doctor carpet cleaner and stock a wide range of other cleaning products. We offer a local delivery service, which is free when you spend over £25 and ideal for heavier and bulkier items such as compost, kindling and logs. We are also a Calor gas and camping Gaz dealer.

Our stamp collect loyalty card is very popular; we issue a stamp for every £10 spent and when you have collected 10 stamps you get a £10 voucher to spend in store. We look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to our shop, which is open Mon-Fri 9am 5pm.

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Bespoke Garden & Land Services Daniel Jokic

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

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

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ince my last article, November 2021, I think the mood and general optimism regarding socializing has somewhat changed, for the better I might add. After a most uncertain 2021 and not long before Christmas, many of the group got together for a Christmas lunch at the Torrington Arms; the event was very well presented and provided for by Annie and her staff and we all enjoyed a good catch up in preparation for better times ahead.

We held our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Torrington Arms on the 5th February. Along with the normal formalities of an AGM, we were keen to plan events for the year ahead. Sadly, the group will not be exchanging with Roscoff this year; I think our friends in Roscoff have endured many more restrictions and illnesses than us, and also the travel situation is not at a point in time where definite plans can be made. Both us and our friends in Roscoff need 2022 to make up for lost time with family/friends and regain our social confidence in familiar surroundings. We still plan to have reciprocal visits next year.

If all goes to plan and the weather is kind to us, then the following programme of events will take place: Winter Buffet Canadian (bring and share) for group members at Taddiport Village Hall this March.

Pétanque/boules. Our group has decided to hold a taster pétanque session at the Castle Community Centre main garden on Sunday 24th April, commencing at midday and probably finishing around 4pm, subject to weather of course. Our aim is to hold a monthly pétanque event, starting sometime in the summer and this taster session is to gather interest and of course have fun. The above pétanque events are open to everyone (members and non-members) and all we ask is that each person contributes £5 on the day. The boules will be provided by our group, so come along, bring a picnic and enjoy this fun game. Keep your eye on the Torrington-Roscoff Group Facebook page for updates nearer the time.

Quiz: We are planning a Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group Quiz, to be held in the early autumn. In the past, these quizzes have been very popular. More details will follow in The Crier and on Facebook nearer the time. There will also be posters around the town advertising the event.

Along with the above events, we plan to have a couple of group BBQs and we hope to participate in town and local village events; probably a very busy year, considering all the holidays people are trying to fit in.

We are always keen to welcome new members and currently have over 31. Age is no barrier, as we have members ranging from 11 years and upwards; you don't have to be able to speak French and you don’t have to be in a position to host a Roscoff family in your home. If you are interested in joining us, please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) 01805 625765.

Charlotte Brontë: A Life by Claire Harman

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his month I have been completely absorbed in Claire Harman's biography – ‘Charlotte Brontë - A Life’. I have reread Jane Eyre over and over again at various times in my life, and like a lot of people, I knew the bare bones of how it came to be written, but this biography gives an intimate and complex insight into the drama and tragedy of Charlotte's life.

She and her four sisters and brother lost their mother at a very early age, and were raised by their strict and remote father on the remote Yorkshire moors. Sent away with her sisters to a brutal boarding school, the two elder girls died. The four remaining siblings took comfort in fantasy worlds and secret writing. We see Charlotte's developing fiery intellect, her extreme emotions and fierce determination.

It is clear that Claire Harman has undertaken a lot of scrupulous research, but there is nothing dry about her writing, the Brontë's daily lives, their traumas and frustrations, become vivid and all-absorbing. But what I most enjoyed is the way she relates the novels to life experiences. Charlotte lived the life and poured it into her writing.

Available from the shelves of Torrington Library (once I have returned it), this highly readable book will be fascinating not only to Brontë aficionados, but anyone interested in life itself.

Bookworm II

Wednesdays 9am, 10:30am, 5:30pm & 7pm 1646 Community Hall, South Street Car Park Call/Text Lisa on 07515 256 965 24

From Your District Councillors…

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t January’s External Overview and Scrutiny committee meeting we had a really informative presentation from the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice.

Over the past 6 months they’ve helped 1400 people with over 3000 issues, giving an income lift of £818,000 to families across Torridge.

It’s now a 90% digital service, with many users accessing them via phone, webchat, email and Facebook messenger. Facebook and phone goes straight to local staff and the quickest access route at the moment is via Facebook messenger via the local page: “Torridge North Mid and West Devon CA”.

They still have some face-to-face appointments for the most vulnerable, but are selling their premises in Bideford to put it back into the charity and enable them to become more flexible. Torridge are offering the use of the meeting room at the new Castle Hill Work Hub in Torrington if needed. Citizens Advice is currently helping around 50% of people who need their help. They are suffering from a lack of funding and resources.

They had 150 volunteers pre-pandemic, but now only have 70.

There is a projected 60% increase of people needing debt support over the next two years. They are finding more people having higher levels of debt.

For example, some people were taking up assistance from Covid support, and now the reality has hit and they have problems with maxed out credit cards etc.

Citizens Advice are working closely with officers at TDC, making sure people know what’s available to them operationally; bridging the gaps and understanding where the vulnerability is to make sure fewer people are falling through the gaps.

The committee discussed the huge value that Citizens Advice offers our residents and we suggested increasing the grant from TDC to £50,000, given

the huge need for support both now and in the future. The committee voted in favour and a report will be prepared before a decision can be made.

Torridge’s new leisure company ‘Active Torridge’ is progressing rapidly, in readiness for the transition from 1610 at the beginning of April. We are holding a Recruitment Fair at the end of February, and if anyone is interested in shaping the future of sport and leisure in Torridge please email activetorridgehr@torridge. gov.uk. There are still operational issues with Torrington Pool, but the good news is that TDC is purchasing a new boiler instead of repairing the old one, as the parts were taking too long to arrive and the boiler was coming to end of life anyway.

At our full council meeting we heard from One Northern Devon and their High Flow - whole system approach - a team around the person. The aim is to address and stop particular issues- dealing with trauma from abuse for example. A case worker takes people to where they need to go because they often won’t take themselves. It is consent-led, no-one can be made to go on it, but they’ve actually not had anyone refuse. The High Flow worker is Katie Simpson and she is doing a great job, helping to turn lives around.

The motion from Cllr Brenton received unanimous support, asking for answers surrounding sewage discharge into the River Torridge, bathing water qualities and shellfish qualities. External O&S will be receiving a presentation from the Environment Agency and Southwest Water at the end of April when we hope these questions will be answered.

Work is also progressing to investigate the feasibility of the council becoming a direct housing provider. TDC received a £25,000 grant from the LGA’s Housing Advisors Programme and the council is match-funding this grant with a further £25,000 to establish a resource pot to help deliver this project.

Renovations to Great Torrington’s

Pannier Market façade (Market House) is currently on the list of capital projects going forward at the full council budget special. Extensive reports have taken place and planning permission has been submitted by TDC for this work.

However, in the budget report, the Chief Executive, Leader and Finance officer scored the pannier market below the threshold needed for approval. But we are hoping that councillors will overturn this scoring and recommend approval.

We are the planning authority, yet we are allowing this hugely important building to stand in a state of disrepair; we have stated the economy as a priority in our strategic vision; this grade II* listed building in the heart of our town centre needs to be restored to its former glory asap.

Torridge’s Council tax is expected to go up by 2.9% this year, but because inflation is so high, and TDC’s government grant is so low, that is still a real term reduction of 1% income for the council this year. TDC is speaking to our MP, questioning whether the government’s funding calculation is actually correct, given that TDC is being given 1.1% but other similar councils are getting around 7.5%.

At Great Torrington Town Council’s most recent full council meeting, councillors voted unanimously for the notice motion from Cllr Cottle-Hunkin, which can be read in the Town Council news, page 21 in this issue.

The response from councillors was both heart-warming and heart-breaking.

There was no debate as such as all were in favour, but various councillors put forward their praise for the whole community. Others related to the sadness felt by so many, telling us how they were unable to see or say their final goodbyes to loved ones. It was definitely the most emotional meeting we have ever attended, and it felt that everyone could relate to what we wanted to say collectively to the community.

Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cllr.cottlehunkin@torridge.gov.uk, 07495 367 801 Cllr Chris Bright, Councillor.bright@ torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909

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Tarka Valley Railway News

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ince we returned to work, the weather hasn’t been particularly kind to us but we have persevered with the tasks in hand and by the time this goes to press, the access ramp to our new shop should be completed. Fortunately, the sun shone when we welcomed the leader of Devon County Council and local councillors to TVR for a site tour. Their feedback was very positive.

The brake van has been relocated to the siding area so that the carriage and wagon team can begin a proper restoration in view of the fact that much timber needs replacing. The group has been wrestling with the facing point lock and with the delivery of the baseplate, it should now be fully in place.

More work has continued on our two locos - hydraulic issues and braking problems need to be addressed on Torrington Cavalier and Progress respectively. Mend one thing and another problem arises!

The poor weather has meant few visitors so sales have been poor.

However, with half term imminent, we hope that this will mean a steady upturn in revenue especially when the new shop is open to the public.

Our Facebook page has weekly updates and photos; do please take a look when you can. In addition, our website has been updated and now contains historical information, videos and how you can get involved. It is well worth checking it out.

Robert Martin Tarka Valley Railway

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The New Plough Programme has Arrived!

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here is a real buzz in the air at The Plough Arts Centre right now! Our March to August printed programme is full of exciting events, community projects, films, workshops, tours, exhibitions and a world premiere! Why not pop in and pick one up?

Our Plough Arts Café has been re-branded to reflect the hard work, dedication and absolutely delicious food of ‘Charlie’, and will now be known as ‘Charlies@ ThePlough’. Charlie will continue to serve hot and cold beverages, homemade bakes and light lunches on Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-2.30pm, as well as occasional themed evening meals, and meal deals.

If you have a little one aged between three and five years old, we have a new weekly workshop; ‘Play Story Plus’, encompassing play story drama fun with added arts and craft activities. For those aged eight and above, we welcome back ‘The Handlebards’, with their unique, highly entertaining take on Macbeth. Perfect family fun!

Are you a keen quizzer? The Big Plough Fundraising Quiz will host tables of up to six. A short auction will also take place, with lots including a Golden Open Air Theatre Ticket, an Irene Jones painting, a Golden Film Ticket, and House of Commons champagne signed by the PM… If you fancy an evening filled with raucous laughter, we welcome multi-award winning musical comedy duo ‘Flo & Joan’. We also welcome back ‘The Comedy Store’ which showcases the brightest names in comedy today – visit our website for the announcement of this month’s acts. Only a few tickets remain for Plough regular Mark Steel, best known for his critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steel’s in Town.

Film buffs can enjoy ‘The Godfather’, ‘The Electrical Life Of Louis Wain’, ‘Belfast’, ‘The Humans’, ‘Death on the Nile’, ‘The Sanctity of Space’, ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’, ‘Parallel Mothers’ and ‘Nightmare Alley’ this month. We also have a live streaming of The Bolshoi Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’ (captured live in February 2020) for dance fans.

The Plough programme would never be complete without live music – and do we have some music! Andy Fairweather Low + The Low Riders, Blair Dunlop + support Ellie Gowers, Peggy Seeger & Callum McCall and The Rheingans Sisters will all grace our auditorium with their own brand of music, and we also have some wonderfully intimate Gallery Gigs this month (please check our website for full details).

See our Crier diary for dates, check out our website at www.theploughartscentre. org.uk for more details, or contact our Box Office on 01805 624624.

See you soon!

Your Plough Arts Centre

March Events ATThurs THE PLOUGH Tues 1 – Sat 26 Exhibition The Chorus 10 March of Faff Tues 1 10-30am–12.30pm Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 per session 1.30– 2.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs & their carers. £3.50 per session 2.30–4pm Workshop Yoga with Eve Brooks (For Info call 01805 623789) 7pm Film The Godfather (15). A socially distanced screening. £7/£6 Supporters Weds 2 10am-12pm Workshop Play Story Plus starts, new weekly workshop during term time. For 3-5 yrs. £60/£50 Supporters 1pm & 8pm Live Theatre The HandleBards ‘MacBeth’ age advisory: 8yrs+ £12 /£10 Supporters £8 per person for families/£8 schools Thurs 3 March 7.30-9.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@ StAnne’s £2 to include refreshments 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town Centre at ThePlough@ StAnne’s £12 1pm & 8pm Live Theatre The HandleBards ‘MacBeth’ age advisory: 8yrs+ £12 /£10 Supporters £8 per person for families/£8 schools Fri 4 7pm Quiz & Auction The Big Plough Fundraising Quiz (& auction) £6 pp Sat 5 March 10am-5pm Workshop Posy Basket Weaving Workshop at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple. Tutor: Jane Welsh £60 all materials and tools supplied.

1.30pm Workshop Lego Club for 5-15yrs Contact Nick: 01805 623505 or email katherine@oscaw.com 5pm Film The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) £7/£6 Supporters 8pm Film Belfast (PG) £7/£6 Supporters 8.15pm Live Music Dave Clinch - The Rocky Road from Dublin (Gallery Gig) £6 Sun 6 March 10am-5pm Workshop Zarzo Basket Weaving Workshop at ThePlough@ StAnne’s Tutor: Jane Welsh £60 all materials and tools supplied.

3pm Live Streaming The Bolshoi Ballet Swan Lake (Captured live in February 2020) £12/£10 Supporters 7pm Film The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) £7/£6 Supporters Tues 8 March 10-30am-12.30pm Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 per session 1.30-2.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs & their carers. £3.50 per session 2.30–4pm Workshop Yoga with Eve Brooks (01805 623789) 8pm Film Belfast (PG) £7/£6 Supporters Wed 9 March 1pm Community Film 'How We Coped With Covid' all tickets £5 inc tea/cake 8pm Film The Humans (15) £7/£6 Supps

5pm Film The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) £7/£6 Supporters 7.30-9.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@ StAnne’s £2 to include refreshments 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, River & Prison at ThePlough@StAnne’s £12 8pm Film Belfast (PG) £7/£6 Supporters Fri 11 March 8pm Live Music Andy Fairweather Low + The Low Riders £30/£25 Supporters Sat 12 March 1.30pm Workshop Lego Club for 5-15yrs Nick: 01805 623505 or email katherine@ oscaw.com 7pm–1am Devon Sessions presents Party at The Plough Volume 2 £15 Sun 13 March 3pm Film Death on the Nile (12A) £4.50 7pm Film Death on the Nile (12A) £7/£6 Supporters Tues 15 10-30am – 12.30pm Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 per session 1.30-2.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 per session 2.30-4pm Workshop Yoga with Eve Brooks (01805 623789) 8pm Film Death on the Nile (12A) £7/£6 Supporters Wed 16 5pm Film Death on the Nile (12A) £7/£6 Supporters 8pm Film The Sanctity Of Space (cert tbc) £7/£6 Supporters Thurs 17 5pm Film Death on the Nile (12A) £7/£6 Supporters 7.30-9.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@ StAnne’s £2 to include refreshments 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, Workhouse Tales at ThePlough@StAnne’s £12 8pm Film Death on the Nile (12A) £7/£6 Supporters Fri 18 8pm Live Music Blair Dunlop + support Ellie Gowers £16/£14 Supporters Sat 19 10am-4pm Workshop Illumination Calligraphy Workshop at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, tutor Jo Turner £45 all equipment provided 10.30am-4.30pm Workshop Japanese Woodcut Printmaking Workshop Celtic Knots ThePlough@StAnne’s tutor: Rosie Burns £50 all materials and tools supplied.

1.30pm Workshop Lego Club for 5-15yrs Nick: 01805 623505 or email katherine@ oscaw.com 8pm Live Comedy Flo & Joan £17.50 Sun 20 2-4pm Film & Discussion Great Torrington Water Forum £8 (inc tea & cake) 7pm Film The Eyes of Tammy Faye (12A) £7/£6 Supporters

Tues 22 10-30am-12.30pm Workshop Plough Prism Drama for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50 per session 1.30-2.30pm Workshop Motion Dance for adults with additional needs with support of their carers. £3.50 per session 2.30-4pm Workshop Yoga with Eve Brooks (01805 623789) 8pm Film The Eyes of Tammy Faye (12A) £7/£6 Supporters Weds 23 5pm Film The Eyes of Tammy Faye (12A) £7/£6 Supporters 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Torrington The Plough Arts Centre £12 8pm Film The Eyes of Tammy Faye (12A) £7/£6 Supporters Thurs 24 5pm Film Parallel Mothers (15) £7/£6 Supporters 7.30-9.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@ StAnne’s £2 to include refreshments 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town Rail & River at ThePlough@StAnne’s £12 7.30-9.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@ StAnne’s £2 to include refreshments 8pm Film The Eyes of Tammy Faye (12A) £7/£6 Supporters 8.15pm Live Music Geoff Lakeman & Rob Murch (Gallery Gig) £12/£10 Supporters Fri 25 10.30am-4pm Carer’s Event CARE: A Carers' Art and Resource Event Free 8pm Live Comedy The Comedy Store Great Torrington £16.50 full price/groups of 4+ £14.25 Sat 26 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm Workshop Plant Support Willow Weaving Workshop at ThePlough@StAnne’s, tutor Jane Welsh £38 all materials & tools supplied.

Until 9 April 10.30am-3.30pm Workshop Introduction to Watercolours (3 week course) ThePlough@StAnne’s tutor: John Piper £120 all equipment provided.

1.30pm Workshop Lego Club for 5-15yrs Nick: 01805 623505 or email katherine@ oscaw.com 8pm Live Music Peggy Seeger and Callum McCall £20/£18 Supporters Sun 27 7pm Film Nightmare Alley £7/£6 Supps Tues 29 11am Live Theatre The Jungle Book

by Rudyard Kipling, by Plough Prism & Motion Dance £7/£5 Supporters 2.30-4pm Workshop Yoga with Eve Brooks (01805 623789) 8pm Film Nightmare Alley £7/£6 Supps Thurs 31 5pm Film Nightmare Alley £7/£6 Supps 7.30-9.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@ StAnne’s £2 to include refreshments 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Bideford Town at Bideford Library £12 8pm Film Nightmare Alley £7/£6 Supporters

27

In Science, Year 8s have been studying the Earth’s structure and climate, looking at how the atmosphere has changed from when the Earth was first created to recent changes in the climate. Their final task was to answer this fascinating question: ‘Are humans responsible for climate change?’

How are humans responsible for climate change?

Climate change - the increase of global temperatures - is a big problem right now. Currently the average temperature is increasing and we are to blame.

Human activity, in recent decades, has caused greenhouse gas emissions to rise exponentially. These greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation (heat), from the sun, in the atmosphere. This causes temperatures to rise and horrible consequences follow.

The 2 main human activities fuelling climate change are burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Fossil fuels are the remnants of ancient animals that died many hundreds of millennia ago. They ate plants that contained CO2 in them and then died, leaving the CO2 trapped.

The animals were then buried in the soil.

Then, after millions of years of the soil putting pressure on what little remained, all that was left were pockets of oil, coal or gas. We then mined them and discovered there was a lot of energy trapped inside and wanted to release it for our own uses. We did this through

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How are humans responsible for climate change?

Climate change is a phrase that is used everywhere. What is it though?

The definition of climate change is change in global weather patterns that could be caused by excess levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The main factor of climate change is greenhouse gases, one of which is carbon dioxide.

Everyone who is on earth leaves a carbon footprint — this is inevitable. The size of it, however, can be controlled by reducing the use of many contributing factors of climate change.

The reason carbon dioxide is such a large cause of climate change is because as energy from the sun heats the earth, it can become trapped due to excessive amounts of greenhouse gases which absorb infrared radiation. This in turn can cause higher temperatures and risings sea levels. But what produces CO2 in the first place?

This can be put to many factors but the main are fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a natural, unsustainable resource, which when burned produce carbon dioxide.

Since humans are so reliant on it, increasingly more is burned. Another factor is deforestation since every minute 36 football fields of trees are cut down, this means there are less absorbents of carbon dioxide, so more is left in the air to repeat the cycle. Although not obvious there are many ways to reduce carbon use and deforestation: Reduce: If you are unsure whether something is necessary then try to avoid buying it therefore there is less waste.

Reuse: Try not to waste clothing, furniture, and energy and instead pass stuff on or sell it to give it another life.

Recycle: Rather than just throwing something away, try to make sure it goes somewhere to be recycled.

Fergus Lewis Year 8

burning it but an unfortunate outcome of that was that all the greenhouse gases trapped inside were released to pollute and heat up our world.

The second way we are contributing to Climate Change is via deforestation.

We are cutting down acres and acres of forest every minute, in which the trees could be photosynthesising.

Photosynthesis is the process plants do to convert sunlight into glucose. To do so that ‘inhale’ CO2 and release oxygen.

This is the only reason that there’s any oxygen left on this planet at all.

Now how will this affect our environment? To begin with, higher temperatures lead to the poles being

unable to continue sustaining ice and all the animals that rely on the ice. This ice will melt and the water released into the oceans will rise sea levels significantly flooding islands and coastal cities.

Deforestation is also seriously damaging the habitats of thousands of forestdwelling creatures.

Finally, what can we do about it?

Firstly, we could start using electric vehicles and eco-friendly electricity to combat the burning of fossil fuels. We can also try to replant all the trees we cut down so that forest ecosystems aren’t damaged, and trees can continue to produce oxygen for us.

Joshua Owen Year 8

NEW PHONE NUMBER! 01805 624141 FOR FAST, FRIENDLY, LOCAL SERVICE CALL ROB ON 01805 624141 OR 07717 313194 How are humans responsible for climate change?

Year 9 have been focusing on writing to describe, after studying the topic of WW1 poetry and prose. This piece is inspired by a film clip.

1917

As we came into view of the farm, we could see a plume of smoke on the horizon twisting up into the blank slate grey sky. “Cherry blossom,” my comrade said, knocking me out of my trance.

As we came down the hill, the smoke disappeared behind a ridge and I surveyed my near surroundings. There was a high wall in front of us, half crumbled with age or perhaps bullets.

Peeking through the hole in the wall was indeed cherry blossom. My comrade was walking amongst the trees which, as I got closer, I could see were all cut down and lying on their sides looking sad and limp.

We continued through the short stumps and felled branches and then an old

Climate change is the change in our weather over a prolonged period of time and is responsible for global warming. The sun releases infrared radiation and some of it gets absorbed into Earth or some gets reflected into space, however, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere absorbs some energy into its bonds and it then gets reflected to Earth, heating it up. Normally this wouldbe good for us in the UK with freezing weather, but with the rising carbon levels the Earth is heating up too fast and too much.

When plants and animals die, they slowly decomposeand sink underground, with millions of years and moreand moresedimentary layers building up, causing them to be pushed under immense heat and pressure, the remains turn into fossil fuels.

When these fossil fuels, such as coal, are burnt, they release the carbon dioxide that was trapped in them. Coal and oil are used to produce almost everything you see, The carbon cycle gets affected by the increasing rates of deforestation. Trees photosynthesise, which means they take in carbon dioxide to produce oxygen, which helps decrease and stabilize the amount of carbon in our atmosphere.

When trees are cut down, the levels of carbon grow because there are less trees photosynthesizing.

Climate change causes all kinds of problems, for example extreme weather. The warming of certain areas is causing wildfires, in Australia 2019-2020, there were roaring fires in some parts of the country. This caused the destruction of habitats, homes, crops, and some endangered species. Another problem is the ice caps melting. This will cause a loss of habitat and sea levels to rise. Also, some species cannot survive where they usually could, causing endangered species.

What can you do about it? Everyonecan do their part in reducing carbon dioxide levels, using renewable energy such as solar power reduces the amount of coal and oil being burnt, producing carbon. Using public transport or walking, riding a bike etc. Reduces the amount of people driving singular cars, therefore produces less carbon dioxide.

Isla Hammersley Year 8

house came into view just past the outer wall of the slaughtered cherry orchard.

It looked abandoned and old, but we couldn't be sure of that.

We approached the house with caution, silently pacing across the dry crusty ground. When we reached the house, we stared into the gloom through a smashed window. It loomed over us, daring us to go inside.

“You take the inside, I'll take the outside,” my companion whispered,

and before I could say anything, he had gone round the corner of the house and disappeared from view.

I could hear the distant buzz of planes fighting.

Inside, everything was as sad and abandoned as it was outside; a layer of dust and rubble covered every surface.

I could see the grey smoke over the horizon through the smashed window frame, merging with the slate grey sky.

Sidney Hill Year 9

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Garden & Landscape All garden & landscape work undertaken, large & small, by experienced & qualified landscaper & designer, plus

LOGS FOR SALE Tel: 07971533 235 Fleur’s Gardening Forum Crop Rotation

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rop rotation was once carried out by farmers and gardeners over many generations: whereby what you grew and where and which land to leave ‘fallow’ for a year was an important way of conserving the nutrients in the soil, particularly when the only way to fertilise said land was to use animal dung or home-made compost. Nowadays, a great deal of land, both here in the UK and in many parts of the world, have only one crop grown in it year on year (mono-cropping). This is leading to problems of soil erosion, degradation and ultimately infertility, i.e., the inability of a soil to sustain any kind of strong healthy growth without the addition of considerable amounts of artificial fertilisers. How this can be overcome would be through reverting to crop rotation, but this more sustainable way of growing the plants that we need to eat or utilise, could possibly mean more land being cultivated in order to grow the mixture of crops necessary to create such a system.

Crop rotation is a simple idea which roughly follows a routine whereby you grow plants from the same genus or species together in one bed, another in a different bed and so on. Then, the following year, you move everything around, thus: You circulate the crops from bed to bed over a four year cycle, so that bed one at

the end of the fourth year returns to legume growing.

Legumes ‘capture’ nitrogen in the soil, so the following year’s crop should be brassicas, because leafy crops thrive in nitrogen rich soil. Root crops do not like nitrogen rich soil, so follow on from brassicas. Lastly, alliums need less nitrogen and more potassium. The only bed that should not be manured is that in which you will be growing root crops, because they don’t like richly manured soil (the roots tend to split or divide), but some fertiliser will be necessary, such as foliar feeds, during the growing season.

Crop rotation can also alleviate the need to use insecticides on a large scale, because you are moving the crops around and pests that affect one crop, hopefully, will not thrive so readily had you grown the same crop in the same place year on year. This system also has the same benefit of controlling most diseases.

Such a plan can be adapted to suit much smaller gardens and raised beds in greenhouses, although you probably won’t want to grow all the crops listed in the diagram! Container growing negates the need for crop rotation because you refresh the compost regularly anyway.

Fleur

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Private William Thorne

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illiam Thorne was born in Great Torrington on 18th April 1878. His mother is recorded as being Mary Ann Thorne who, in the 1881 census, was 37 years old and her noted occupation as being a ‘gloveress’.

William, who is 3 at this time, has a sister who is also called Mary; she is aged 5 years. The 1881 census has them living with William’s aunt, Sarah Thorne, aged 44, in her property at New Street.

Sarah’s daughter, Elizabeth, 24, is also resident. Both mother and daughter are also listed as working in the gloving industry. I have not been able to find any record of William’s father.

William enrolled into the Great Torrington Council School (for boys) in 1885. A newspaper cutting remarked that he did well at school and that for some time he taught in the school as a monitor.

It was common practice at the turn of the century to put the most able students in charge as monitors, to help teach the other students. These monitors would be expected to attend school earlier so they could be taught to make up for lost time.

On leaving school William took up an apprenticeship with a local printing business in the town, owned by Mr TJ Dyer. Once this position had run its course, William moved to London where he worked as an ‘improver’. However, he would return to Great Torrington again as the manager of Mr Dyer’s printing business.

At the time of the 1911 census William is living in Great Torrington in New Street. He is married to Lily, formerly Hearn, who was born in Barnstaple in 1880. They were married in May 1908.

They would have one child, Winifred, born in 1915. The family had moved to the St Thomas area of Exeter by this time.

William enlisted in Exeter in 1916, with the Royal Irish Rifles, and was assigned to 9th Battalion. His service number was 44896. The 9th Battalion

was the West Belfast unit formed from volunteers in Belfast in September 1914.

The unit landed at Boulogne in France in October 1915. Both the 8th and 9th Battalions suffered significant casualties at the Battle of Albert in 1916, and it took them the rest of that year to rebuild, William would have been part of that restrengthening.

Following the period of rebuilding, the Royal Irish Rifles, under the wider command of 36th Ulster Division, would be thrown into action again in 1917.

The Battle of Langemarck was one of ten smaller battles that made up the Flanders Offensive in 1917.

The Third of the Ypres battles is more commonly known as the Battle of Passchendaele. Unlike the previous two battles in 1914 and 1915, which were launched by the Germans, Passchendaele was instigated by the British and was intended to be the Allied forces’ breakthrough in Flanders.

The first attack was launched on the 31 July 1917, following a two week precursor barrage that saw some 4.5 million shells fired. Other than the fact that the well-entrenched and fortified German lines were largely unscathed, the atrocious weather conditions, coupled with the bombardment, had turned the central no-man’s land into a treacherous quagmire.

The Battle of Langemarck was fought through the muddy swamp, just east of the city of Ypres, from 1618 August 1917. The 9th Royal Irish Rifles were under the command of the 36th Ulster Division. Even in the weeks before the battle, the Irish were not spared the horrors of the front and

Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

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he Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow.

Many people have said they meant to join ages ago and have just got around to doing it. Please, consider applying if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons.

We have just had a new member from Cheshire and another one from St Albans.

Word is getting around.

We have received a cabin from the Cavaliers, and are getting it ready to be our visitor centre. It is tucked into the wood just below our playpark on the Old Bowling Green (OBG). It will be painted to blend in and the bushes and trees will hide it as much as possible. Inside it will be the biggest book shop in Torrington, we will be open on Sunday mornings during the car boot season and other days when there are a lot of people around. We have need of book cases, so if you have any to donate please let me know on 07956 366 390 Andrew Giles.

The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you.

Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: 1. Visit www.torringtoncommons.org and the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print a form to post in with a cheque.

2. Email vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you.

You can also collect an application form from the Post Office. Some of the shops in town also have them.

Andrew Giles, Vice Chair Great Torrington Commons Conservators were assigned to duties to evacuate the wounded, dig forward trenches and bury communication cables, which were, as often as not, destroyed a short time afterwards by shellfire. By the time zerohour arrived, the 36th were already down a third on their strength, and even those men available to go over the top, were so weakened by their ordeal that they were not fit for combat.

The attacks at Langemarck were easily repelled by the German defenders.

Amongst the casualties in the fighting on the 17th August 1917, was Private

William Thorne. Reports state that he was shot down and died instantly.

William has no headstone but he is remembered at the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belguim. He left a wife and daughter, who were resident in 9 Louise Terrace at the time. He was 39 years old.

I would be interested to hear from you if you have any further information on William Thorne’s life.

Michael Newcombe michael. mnewcombe@gmail.com

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Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society Guided Walks Programme Summer 2022

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he Rolle Canal Walks take place on summer weekends starting at 2.30pm and last two hours or a little more. They are guided by Rolle Canal Society members and, where on private ground, permission has kindly been granted by the land-owners.

However, individuals take part at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times. Any government Covid guidelines at the time will apply. The distance is usually around two miles, and the aim is to locate and identify surviving clues to the history of the Rolle Canal and other transport links between Great Torrington and the Torridge estuary. The income from the small charge of £2 per person on the guided walks, makes a valuable contribution to the society's work in improving access along the canal and providing interpretation of the major features.

No booking is required - all welcome.

Please note that all walks include private land where dogs are not permitted. Up to date details of each walk will normally be published in the local press and on our Facebook page and website: www. rollecanalsociety.com If you need any further information, please email Ian Harrison at: halehillfarm@gmail.com The walks are described in more detail as follows: 1. Annery Kiln to Ridd Inclined Plane Starting from Annery Kiln by Halfpenny Bridge on the Bideford to Weare Giffard road, see the site where tub-boats were

hauled up an incline from the river level to the canal summit level. Part of the underground water-wheel chamber is visible beside the Tarka Trail. In spring orchids and other wild flowers abound in the dry canal basin. Distance less than two miles. Please note that the route includes 100 metres walking over rough meadow grass which may be wet after rain. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 15th May at Annery Kiln.

2. Rosemoor - The Dark Weir, Canal Basin and Limekilns Starting from the end of the new extended car park at RHS Rosemoor Gardens near Great Torrington, this is an opportunity to walk beyond the public gardens through attractive woodland to Darkham Weir on the River Torridge from where the waters to feed the Rolle Canal were taken.

Then follow the Mill Leat to the recently cleared Canal Basin, effectively the terminus of the Rolle Canal. Here the old lime kilns can be seen as well as the foundations of a Tucking Mill.

(Rosemoor operates a strict no dogs policy). Length about two and a half miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 19th June at the far end of the RHS Rosemoor car park.

3. Torrington Station to Beam Aqueduct Start from the Puffing Billy (old Railway Station Inn) and follow the Tarka Trail (old railway line) to where the Rolle Canal skirts Furzebeam Hill. Here the towpath leads to the Roving Bridge behind Beam House and on to the iconic

Aqueduct over the River Torridge. The Tarka Trail then leads back via Beam Weir to the start point. Length a little over two miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 10th July at the Puffing Billy car park.

4. Taddiport and Torrington Common The headquarters of the Rolle Canal Company was at Taddiport and several associated buildings and structures can be seen here. From the entrance of the old milk factory, the route proceeds along the ‘Rolle Road’, a bridleway which is actually the fairly intact bed of the Rolle Canal, through Torrington Commons.

Then, via the back street ‘ginnels’ off Mill Street, down to the beautiful Torridge-side meadows and back to Taddiport Bridge. A fascinating mixture of nature, past industrial sites, proposed developments and efforts to safeguard ecology. Length about two miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 14th August at the entrance to the old milk factory at Taddiport.

5. Sea Lock and The Canal Museum, Annery From the temporary car park next to the Annery Lime kilns walk along the canal to Sea Lock.

This is an opportunity to see the restoration work on the lock where in the nineteenth century river barges could enter the canal basin from the tidal Torridge estuary. A specially constructed traditional canal-side building houses an archive of photographs and canal artefacts. Distance less than two miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Saturday 3rd September at Annery Kiln.

Initial consultation with Meg Palmer, Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

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Elle-Adele to Show Stripes in Korea

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ocal Scout, Elle-Adele, has been selected to represent Great Torrington at the Scout Jamboree to be held in South Korea during 2023 The Korean Jamboree will be the largest Scout camp to be held since the start of the Covid pandemic, with 50,000 young people from almost every nation on earth taking part.

Elle, from Bideford/Torrington, is one of 3,240 young people selected from the UK to join the World Scout Jamboree.

The Jamboree offers young people the chance to learn new skills that they can use in other aspects of their life, as well as campaign for change on key world issues that matter to them.

Elle has been selected because she has shown dedication to the Scouting movement. She has spent her time volunteering at cub packs and giving back to the community. This made her stand out above the crowd, allowing her the opportunity to go on this life-changing journey.

The Jamboree will be the culmination of 18 months’ work for the young people and their volunteer leaders, who together are called the UK Contingent. In preparation for a ‘roarsome’ time ahead, the UK Contingent has adopted a logo featuring a Siberian tiger, the national animal of Korea. They have named the tiger ‘Chingu’ a word that means friend in Korean.

Between now and July 2023, Elle will attend training camps and team building events in preparation for living on the hot and humid site in SaeManGeum, Korea.

Elle will have the opportunity to discover new cultures and take part in activities focusing on the environment, skills development and global development issues.

UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls, said: ‘Congratulations to Elle and all those who have been selected to go on this amazing adventure! World Scout Jamborees only happen every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts from across the world attend each one. Young people will experience different cultures, languages and cuisine while learning new skills.

After two very difficult years, it is so important that these young people have this opportunity. ‘The 2023 Jamboree, hosted by Korea, is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet. The theme is “Think big. Dream wild. Act together.” – focusing especially on how we can be trailblazers in creating a sustainable world together.’

Police News

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he spring and summer months bring an increased risk of shed and garden thefts. The theft of power tools, lawnmowers, bikes and sporting equipment are just a few of the examples of valuable equipment that can be stolen by opportunist thieves from sheds left insecure.

These types of crimes can be prevented by effective security such as appropriate locks, fitting grilles or mesh to the windows or simply keeping your shed in good condition.

Remember to check if your household insurance covers garden and shed equipment and whether there are any minimum security standards that apply.

Crime Figures for the Torridge Sector for the 28 days prior to 6th February 2022 Burglary Dwelling 5 Burglary Non-Dwelling 4 Violence with Injury 33 Violence without injury 37 Robbery 1 Shoplifting 12 Other Theft 14 Criminal Damage 30 Public Order 16 Vehicle Offences 18

TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB Families Welcome

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

Dry Seasoned, Ready-to-Burn logs Now available!

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

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Happy 15th Birthday, Allsorts!

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llsorts Children’s Club will be celebrating its 15th Birthday at the beginning of March.

In 2007, a group of local Christians started the club, on Friday evenings with about 15 children, aged 5-10, meeting in what was then the brand-new Bluecoat Infant School. Since then the club has gone from strength-to-strength with more and more children attending over the years. After about three years, as children outgrew the club, a second group, Allsorts Plus was started for 10-14 year olds.

As well as the Friday groups, it has been a privilege to get to know the families of the children and, over the years, we have held many events for the whole family – beach trips, talent nights, farm visits, treasure hunts on the Commons, bonfire nights, barbecues and much more.

Unfortunately, recent Covid restrictions prevented us from getting up to many of our usual pursuits, but during lockdowns we were able to continue meeting on Zoom and kept up with families through various family quizzes, treasure hunts around the town and such like.

As we approach our 15th birthday, we would like once more to thank the Bluecoat school for allowing us the use of the infant hall and other facilities. We are also grateful to all those volunteers who, over the years, have faithfully given their time and energy to make these Friday evenings such fun for so many children and young people.

If you are one of the young people who attend the club, or did in the past, then we want to thank you for coming along

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For the Love of Cherries

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pring is the time for blossom, and the most beautiful must be that of the cherry.

The Japanese have appreciated cherry blossom for many centuries, but has only taken the world by storm since the early 20th century.

This was largely through the efforts of one man – Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram who also happened to be great friends with Lady Anne Palmer, who gifted Rosemoor estate to the RHS in 1988.

‘Cherry’ Ingram is probably best known for re-introducing Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ AGM to Japan. In the spring of 1923, he was invited to visit a garden in Sussex where the owner was growing several varieties of cherry, one of which he had never seen before. Although it was in poor condition, Ingram took some material for propagation. The ‘Great White Cherry’ is now cultivated throughout the world.

He planted a small tree at Rosemoor himself, near the Stone Garden, where it has grown into a magnificent specimen much loved by staff and visitors alike.

In 1925, Ingram was visiting a cherry tree expert in Japan and was shown a painting from around 1700, and within the scene there was a representation of a cherry tree, which could not be mistaken for anything other than Prunus ‘Taihaku’, with huge snow-white blossoms and rich copper-red young foliage. He was informed that it was extinct and Ingram was excited to be able to reintroduce this “most beautiful of all the white cherries” to its country of origin.

At Rosemoor we have planted cherry trees as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree project, which celebrates UK-Japan co-operation and friendship. Some 6500 trees planted throughout the UK will create spectacular spring displays of blossom for many years to come. This year, to coincide with cherry blossom time, we are holding a Japanese weekend 19-20 March, celebrating Japanese culture. See our website for details: rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on Sheila Dearing, Garden Technical Services Officer Image: Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ ©RHS/Claire Campbell and being part of the madness! If you are a parent/carer of any young person who has attended over the years, we want to thank you for entrusting your children to our care.

As a Christian-based club, one thing we want each young person to know is that they are so special to God and we want to thank Him for His faithfulness over the past 15 years.

Due to Covid still being rife in the area, we will not celebrate fully at the beginning of March, but hope that once things are a bit calmer we will be able to invite families to a special celebration in the summer term.

For further information please phone Karen on 07890 132 081 or Morag on 07969 497 026.

Morag, Karen, and the Allsorts Team

RHS Rosemoor Garden Apprentices Return to Great Torrington’s Rack Park

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n Wednesday 26th January, some of you may have noticed activity in Torrington’s Rack Park. This was day one of our RHS Apprentices’ return to the park after a two-year absence. The project began back in early 2017, its aim, to renovate and improve what is already in the park area, plus adding to it where there is a need. It is a valuable learning opportunity for our eight horticultural apprentices, working closely with a selection of local town volunteers including: Torrington in Bloom, Grosvenor Church and the Community Development Trust volunteer gardening team.

Led by Horticulturists Richard and Simeon, apprentices Lucy, Bridget, Melissa and Ellie formed the work party, ably assisted on the day by Dave Squire, Peter Sims and Elaine Lewis from the Community Development Trust volunteer gardening team. Our intention is to get back to having a day, three or four times throughout the year, to restore and replant the garden areas in this striking south facing corner, nestled within the Great Torrington community.

Our day one tasking was to concentrate our attentions on a large, complicated and overgrown border to the west of the main seating area; continue to improve the bed below the seats; plant trees to replace ones earmarked for removal and finally, to prune the apple trees in the small orchard area to the East.

Initial work carried out included: Simeon and Bridget removing the bulk of several willow, holly, viburnum and associated mass of brambles. The two

most attractive viburnum have been preserved in the centre to act as mature specimens for the renovated border of the future. On the lower border, half of the substantial cotoneaster were cut back for removal, whilst the other half were pruned back hard.

Meanwhile, Ellie, our fruit and vegetable specialist apprentice, assessed the condition of the apple trees and applied her training to pruning and tidying the five trees. She will return on day two to fit supports and apply a mulch to each individual tree circle.

Lucy, our third year supervisory apprentice, used the day to gain valuable experience in leading on a task with Melissa. They planted two Sorbus devoniensis, commonly known as The Devon Whitebeam, these will, over the years, become lovely specimens and great additions to the space in the grassed areas towards the West gates and further adding to the three trees already planted in previous sessions.

Our plans for the second session are to utilise machinery to remove several stumps from the above borders in advance of re-building, enriching and re-planting. The apple trees will have supports fitted and several of the herbaceous perennials in the rectangular upper beds will be lifted and divided.

It is always lovely to speak with the many members of the community who pass through the park and enquire about what we are doing, and we are ever grateful to the many hard working community volunteers who give up their spare time to help and provide advice and support on the day. If you

are passing through and we are at work, then please say hello and ask about what we are doing, we are always happy to chat.

Richard Wilson, Horticulturist, RHS Garden Rosemoor

RHS Rosemoor Events

Spring Flower Show Saturday 12th-Sunday 13th March Come along and view the exquisite displays of top quality blooms from competitors all over the South West and beyond with a focus on daffodils, camellias, early magnolias and rhododendrons.

Japanese Discovery Weekend Saturday 19th-Sunday 20th March Join us for an amazing weekend celebrating Japanese culture, from the magnificent and intricate art of Bonsai and Ikebana to martial arts, including Iaido and karate. Learn all about Japanese mindfulness techniques surrounded by the emerging cherry blossom and take part in traditional activities like tea ceremonies, forest bathing and origami.

The Alpine Garden Society Show Saturday 26th March A fantastic opportunity to see some of the best-grown alpines in the country. Join us at the wonderful RHS Rosemoor for our South West Show.

For more information about events at RHS Garden Rosemoor, please visit our website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ rosemoor/whats-on

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