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.
Sports Hall
EX38 7DJ
SATURDAY 25th March
Doors open 7pm
TRAINING TIMES
Monday: Seniors 6.15pm to 8pm
Tuesday: Recreational 6.30pm to 8pm
Wednesday: Seniors 6.15pm to 8pm
Thursday: Recreational 6.30pm to 8pm
Friday: Seniors 6.15pm to 8pm
Saturday: Junior Boxfit 9.30am to 11am
• Training sessions are still only £2.50 and held at our gym above the Torridge Vale Social Club, South Street, Torrington.
• No specific kit or equipment is required.
• We are always looking for new boxers and people looking to keep fit to join our club.
• Pop into the club for a chat if interested or see our Facebook page. Land
Unit 1, The Old Works, Holsworthy Road, Hatherleigh, EX20 3LR
Email: badgers4x4@aol.co.uk
Visit: www.badgers4x4.co.uk
01837 810951
We offer free vehicle collection from Torrington 01805 603081
Great Tor�ing�on only, in your home or mine...
07494 131655
17 New St�eet, Tor�ing�on
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.
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Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 07443 491 972
E: torrington.crier@gmail.com
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Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk
Town Distribution: The Joy family & Esther Williams
Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community
Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton
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Thinking of joining or changing your Golf Club? Come along to our Open Day, have a look round & play a little golf to test our course. Our resident Professional Coach will be on hand to give guidance throughout the afternoon.
A friendly, relaxed club offering good all-year facilities for all ages & levels of social or competitive play
Golfing Academy for beginners & improvers starting April
Men’s veteran mornings
• Juniors Club
• Weekday/weekend competitions
Clubhouse with bar & restaurant
• Golf lessons with a Professional
• Accessibility all year round
• Social events throughout the year
• The Golf Foundation
• Ladies only sessions
• Membership Options
Junior Club of the Year 2022
For further information or to book a place please contact: 01805 622229, email: info@torringtongolfclub.co.uk
THE TRUST USES ALL PROCEEDS RAISED FOR THE UPKEEP OF THE TOWN HALL
We are always thrilled when people hire the Town Hall for an important event, and on our calendar we are looking forward to a celebratory afternoon tea, a 40th birthday party and a 90th birthday lunch. Each one is being held in the Great Hall – a wonderful setting for a day to remember for you and your guests. Do you have a special anniversary, birthday, or christening to celebrate? We can help you organise any memorable event you are considering in 2023.
You may have already seen on Facebook that on April 1st there is a big charity function at the Town Hall being organised by two well-known Torrington residents, Mel Newcombe and Tracey Turner, which they are calling ‘Ties and Tiaras’. They are supporting two charities - Little John’s House and Little Hearts Matter. Food, disco, and bar are already organised, so don’t leave it too late to book as we hear tickets are selling well. Ring Mel on 07961 230 327
Learn Devon are running a free 5-week Art for Wellbeing Course in the Undercroft starting 20th February, there has been a terrific response and it is now fully booked. We are hoping they will run some further courses so please look out for their posters or ring 01237 472462 for more information
Just a reminder, our local Police are in the Undercroft for their regular surgery every first Thursday of the month, no appointment needed.
Celia, who has been organising our Wedding Fayre which is on Sunday 26th March 11am-3pm, has a marvellous variety of exhibitors who will showcase their services. We are also proud to announce that Devon Air Ambulance will be coming along with some stunning wedding attire. In this difficult financial climate, many people are looking for ways to not only make some savings, but also to help the environment. There will be a special draw, with a hamper full of goodies for couples to win, including some items being donated by the exhibitors, so we are grateful for their support. If you want to know more or book a free ticket please go to our website www.greattorringtontownhall.org
I would like to say a personal thank you to our small team of trustees and advisors, who go that extra mile and are involved in all the various aspects of running the building on behalf of the community. We welcome Adrian Hardwick as a new advisor and look
forward to working with him in the future. If you would like to know more about what being a trustee or an advisor involves, please email our Chair Sandra admin@greattorrington-townhall.org PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR TOWN HALL TO PRESERVE THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE
07773 973 498
Extended opening hours
Remember we are open for an extra session on Monday mornings, 10am-1pm, until the end of March.
Join us on our ‘Meet up Mondays’ to enjoy a free hot drink, biscuits, and a chat. Why not stay and play board games, or catch up with the news. Meet up Mondays - Crafting with Chris 13th March 10.30am-12pm.
Bounce & Rhyme Storytime - Stay & Chat, Tuesdays (term-time only) 10.3011am followed by Baby Self Weigh Tuesday 11.30am4pm.
One 2 One IT support
If you have a tablet, laptop or smartphone you are struggling with (maybe a Christmas gift!), our volunteer Perry is here to offer support on every other Thursday morning (by appointment only). Please call on 01805 622107 to book.
@TorringtonLibraryDevon Follow us on Facebook to find out the latest information about library events and information. We post on our page regularly, so it is a good place to find out what’s going on.
Please refer to our website: www. librariesunlimited.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services.
For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington.library@librariesunlimited. org.uk or via our general telephone enquiries line 0345 155001.
Face-to-face or online sessions available
Contact for more information
07467 702 605
www.birds-willowcounselling.com
Buckland Brewer 'Time Together' Toddler and Baby Group meets Mondays during term time at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church from 9.30am to 12noon. £1.50 per family. Dave Watson 07484 223 515 Coldridge Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am every Friday (except 1st Friday of the month) £2 per family. High Bickington playgroup runs on Mondays 9.30-11am at High Bickington Community Centre. Cost: suggested £2 for families, £1 for singletons under 6 months.
Petrockstowe Community Church Tea and Tots coffee morning, for mums, dads, grandparents, carers, babies and toddlers together for a drink and a chat. Every Monday 9.15-11am in the school room of the Chapel. Kate Cutter entertains with songs and stories. All welcome.
St Giles in the Wood ‘Cubs in the Wood’ playgroup for 0-4 year olds on Thursdays 9.30-11am at the Parish Hall £2.50.
Torrington Babies and Toddler Group at the Baptist Church, Thursday mornings term time only, 9.30-11.30am. £2 per family, which includes a cuppa for the parents/carers and a healthy snack for the children.
Torrington Children’s Centre, ‘Noah’s Ark’ Fridays 9.15-10.45am, run by Grosvenor Church Tim Gilbert 07798 670 754.
We are hoping to include the 'What's On in Torrington' local group listings again. If you run a community group for children or adults, then email torrington.crier@gmail.com. Thanks!
Retired Dolton resident Geoff Woodward, was challenged by an old College friend to join him and his visually impaired daughter on a 15-day trek to Everest Basecamp in aid of the charity Sightsavers.
Geoff accepted and left for Nepal on 16th February, to join a small group attempting the 200km uphill trek, in subzero temperatures, to over 18,000 feet. He will be hiking 5-8 hours each day for 15 days.
Sightsavers is a very practical charity that performs eye operations and other procedures in the field, giving the gift of sight to the most impoverished on our planet.
To learn more about this effort or to donate check out Justgiving.com/Geoffrey-Woodward
harrishelpinghands@outlook.com
Andrew - 07809 383 425
The committee met in January to make a decision on the Carnival for 2023. After a lengthy discussion by all who attended, a vote was ultimately taken. It was going to be difficult to come to a unanimous decision, so we felt a vote for either yes or no to the Carnival going ahead was needed to bring the conversation to a conclusion. Unfortunately, the result of that vote means there will be no Carnival, or any other events organised by the May Fair and Carnival Committee held on the 6th of May 2023.
Please be assured this decision was not taken lightly, but the reality is we cannot afford to cover the costs that are involved in organising the Carnival this year, the road closures alone would have wiped us out completely, and we could also be in a similar position next year too. Like many other organisations, costs are rising, and stricter regulations are going to have an impact on us.
We would like to thank everyone who attended the meeting last night and pledged their time to volunteer and fundraise for us. We were delighted to see lots of new faces and hear lots of new ideas for the future. It was so clear how much May Fair and Carnival meant to those who attended, and how they will work with us to ensure the Carnival takes place next year. We look forward to working with them in the future.
To confirm, the following events organised by us will take place as normal:
• Practice Night - 3/5/2023 • May Fair Day - 4/5/2023
Taste of Torrington is back for 2023! The event is planned for Saturday 4th March. Applications are open for local food, drink and craft stalls to get involved and showcase what Torrington has to offer. We also have space for local businesses outside of these categories - with the opportunity for workshops, therapy sessions and demonstrations to be held within the event. Last year we had over 70 stalls, housed in four venues: The Pannier Market, Castle Hill Community Centre, Great Torrington Town Hall and The Plough. The day was a huge success and Torrington was buzzing with excitement. Last year the event was funded via the Welcome Back Scheme, in conjunction with Great Torrington Town Council. This year’s event is being funded by Great Torrington Town Council.
Lucy Lowe, one of the organisers said: “The event was a huge success and extremely well attended, stall holders came from all over Torrington
Thank you all again for your help and support and we hope you understand the decision we have had to make.
Important Information May Fair Day 4th May 2023
For health and safety purposes, can wheelchair users assemble early in the Square on May Fair Day please.
Volunteers are needed to put away chairs after the May Fair celebrations from 4.30-5pm.
Great Torrington May Fair and Carnival Committee
and beyond, supplying a fantastic array of goods, including: paper arts, glass art, homemade cider, handmade baby clothes, upcycled clothes from recycled fabrics, hog roast, fudge stalls, cheesecakes, Indian cuisine, and homemade animal treats. The atmosphere in the town was buzzing and the feedback from festival goers has been fantastic. Entertainment was provided on the day by the awesome Torrington Silver Band, Roger Colome, and Calypso Jack".
This year promises to be just as fabulous as 2022 and spaces are filling up fast. Please get in touch by emailing lucyloweevents@outlook.com or calling 07518 066 623 for more information. We would also like to hear from any local musicians, artists and entertainers who may like to get involved.
6th May 2023
Let’s have some fun on Saturday 6th May and bring a proper alternative carnival atmosphere to Torrington.
As there is no official carnival this year, why not come and join in the ‘Fancy Dress Walking Pub Pavement Carnival’?
Be as creative as you like with your fancy dress, and bring some colour, fun, and atmosphere to this alternative carnival! Group and individual entries£1 per person.
The event has been organised by Daren (Dazzy) Nudds, and Chris Tattersall, and is supported by The Cavaliers, and other carnival enthusiasts. More details to follow in next month's Crier!
Breastfeeding and infant feeding support Thursdays 10-11.30am
Early Nourishment
CIC invite you to come along with your baby, toddler or preschool child. There are lots of toys to keep children happy and a range of refreshments.
Our breastfeeding support is provided by accredited peer supporters and breastfeeding counsellors. However, we support all parents with all feeding queries without judgement or expectation. You don't need to have a problem either, just come for a cuppa and chill.
Our Torrington drop-in is held at the Torrington Children's Centre at Bluecoats School. We will provide refreshments if you can bring a travel mug.
How can you help me?
We can support you with: breastfeeding latch issues; sore nipples; coping with night feeds; bottle feeding; expressing; returning to work; breastfeeding twins (we have three peer supporters who’re twin mums!); tandem feeding; breastfeeding in pregnancy; milk supply worries; weight gain issues; introducing solids and much more!
We hope to see you soon, follow us on Facebook Early Nourishment Community Interest Company, for regular updates.
Torrington Men’s Shed is looking for new members to join us at The Vicarage Gardens on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9am-12pm. No membership fee and no commitment to do anything other than drink tea and have a chat, but of course you are also very welcome to join us making stuff for the local community.
See what we are up to on our Facebook page - Great Torrington Men's Shed; just drop in and have a look, or contact Colin 07950 595 136 or Tony 07758 672 441.
Methodist Church Hall, Torrington EX38 8AL.
Communication Awareness Project: starts Friday 24th February for 4 weeks 6-8pm, ages 10-17, free.
Come along and learn to sign and communicate better with others.
First Aid training: Saturday 11th March 10-5pm, ages 14-17. This is a fully funded accredited course, only a few spaces left now.
Come Dine with Us: Friday 24th March 6-8pm, ages 14-17 Bring a friend or a partner and join us for a meal and a fun evening raising awareness around sexual health, relationships and C.Card.
North Devon Surf School: two hours beginner surf lesson fully funded. Meet at Westward Ho, Friday 31st March 4.45pm-7pm. Limited spaces available.
We welcome new members and to participate in any of our activities, please register as a member, scan in our new QR code and complete the online form.
For further information on any of the activities we are running this term or to contact a Youth worker, email - paula.ftorriyouth@gmail.com.
Drain clearing CCTV surveys
Drain clearing CCTV surveys
Repairs/Relining
Repairs/Relining
Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation
Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation
Tel: 07794 586039 or 01271 440251
The terrible earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria last month was yet another world tragedy where the worldwide family of Rotary was able to make a difference. Whilst there will be many appeals and charities working ‘on the ground’, our club decided that an immediate response was needed. Through Shelterbox (well known for its close links with Rotary), we donated £350 for a tent to help provide shelter for those left homeless. Yes, it’s a small step, but hopefully there will be many such ‘small steps’ which will make a difference.
Closer to home, you might have seen that the Bickford Centre is undergoing the first stage of renovations. Originally established by Rotary, we are awaiting information as to how our club can assist. We’ve donated £500 (courtesy of a donation from a friend of Rotary), and hopefully we can do more.
If you like the idea of helping others in our community and the wider world who are in need, as well as enjoying the friendship of a social group of people, then please contact us. New members and friends are always very welcome. Come along to a meeting (fortnightly, at Torrington Golf Club), contact David Large for more information, email david@ashley-manor.co.uk or see our website www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ homepage.php?ClubID=1069.
There really is something so special about the beginning of spring. It brings a sense of renewal and rebirth, a wonderful reminder that the cycle of life is starting over. It is the perfect season to take a fresh look at our routines, to make small adjustments that may be needed to get our health and our well-being back on track.
With the warmer weather, the trees starting to bud and daffodils shining, how can we not feel more joyful and optimistic about life? After all, if the flowers can push their way through the frosty ground, then surely, we can flourish too?
During winter our bodies produce more of the sleep hormone, melatonin, causing us to be more lethargic. As the days brighten, the light suppresses the production of melatonin helping us feel more alert and energised. The more hours of sunlight we enjoy cause our brain to produce more of the moodenhancing chemical serotonin, which makes us feel happier! It also helps boost our Vitamin D levels; most of us are not getting enough but it is essential for optimal health and a deficiency may cause health problems. So go on, get out into nature and enjoy a walk, do some gardening, exercise, some stargazing or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring.
There is a glowing body of evidence showing the positive effects that being out in nature and gardening can
have on our health. It not only helps keep us physically healthy, but it can also improve our mental health and well-being. Research has found that smelling flowers or even pulling up weeds can decrease blood pressure, increase brain activity, and produce an overall sense of well-being.
Spring encourages us to clean our homes, clearing the clutter, which can make us fitter and improve our mental health. Research shows that clutter and mess can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed and helpless, which raises our stress hormones and makes it harder to relax. So, throw open the windows, let the fresh air in, put some music on, start tidying and burn some calories. But don’t feel you have to do it all in one go, choose one room or part of room and start there.
It is also a good time to spring clean and declutter our mind and body, focus on our mental well-being, clear the emotional clutter, shift old unhelpful patterns, negative thinking, and stress. What has your inner critic been saying to you? See if you can turn it into your inner coach by asking, “What would I say if I was talking to a friend right now?”.
If you need support in clearing the mental clutter I invite you to book a free 30-minute nurturing call calendly.com/sa manthahardwickcoach/30mindiscovery or email hello@samanthahardwick.com.
Step into spring feeling energised and happier.
Still not sure who The Castle Hill Work Hub is? Let us answer your questions!
Who are we?
We are a co-working space located in the Castle Hill building. We rent out desk space on either a monthly membership or pay as you go. We also have a meeting room which is bookable by the day or hour! We are open Monday-Friday 9-5.
How many spaces do you have?
We have 16 desks and the meeting room can seat up to eight. We also have the option of hiring out the whole venue, if you needed to host a meeting, seminar, conference etc. for up to 20 people.
What are your membership options?
We have three monthly memberships: £90 for full access; £60 for access three days a week; £40 for access one day a week.
What if I don’t want to commit to a membership?
No problem! All our desk space is bookable by the day: £20 for a full day (eight hours); £10 for half a day (four hours, either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm); £15 for a school run day (six hours, gives you time to drop the kids off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon!)
What facilities do you offer?
We offer a high quality range of facilities: Free on-site parking; fast WiFi (80Mbps); monitors available; lockers; smart TV; printing and copying; complimentary tea and coffee; lift for wheelchair access.
So what are you waiting for? Book your free day pass with the advert on this page today! castlehillhub@torridge.gov.uk
We are a team of practitioners offering manual therapies in North Devon; our services include osteopathy, sports massage and ultrasound therapy for soft tissue repair.
We seek to help those in our community who are in pain or have a restriction/ injury, fibromyalgia, arthritis or are suffering with migraines for example.
Our therapies also include therapeutic massage, myofascial release massage, oncology therapy and pregnancy massage.
We will guide you to a wellness journey from the whole of our practitioner team, to help you regain control over your muscular and joint health.
We’d love to hear from you to discuss how we can help you at Bideford Therapies. Please see the advert on this page, and get in touch.
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.
Spring has arrived at Golden Days Vintage! Find us in the Pannier Market where we have fresh, new clothing and accessories for women, men and children. Each piece is handpicked by our founding sisters, Chloë and Maisie, who ensure highquality stock in a variety of styles and sizes.
Golden Days Vintage is open Tuesday-Saturday and we look forward to welcoming you soon! For more information, please see our advert on this page!
It has been a very busy start to the year at Devon County Council, with budget preparations in full swing and a busy local ‘in tray’ of issues, many of which are Highways related which I will talk about in a moment.
But first, I know it has been a difficult winter for many, with worries over the cost of living and energy bills. There is still help available, whether it is from the County Council or other partner organisations. A lot of information is online, so please type devon.cc/ costofliving into your internet browser and you will be able to find advice and help if you are a person, family or business, and are struggling to afford to pay for your energy, water, food, or other essential items.
On other matters, it won’t be a surprise to learn that I have been dealing with a large amount of pothole enquiries since the New Year. Unfortunately, the weather patterns we have had since mid-December - of prolonged freezing temperatures, followed by heavy rainfall, followed by more prolonged freezing temperatures, is probably the worst combination you can have for the highway network. Unsurprisingly, this has taken a very heavy toll on the network this winter and I know there are some particularly bad areas in Torrington Rural.
I do get out and about my area as much as possible and I continue to raise with Highways anything brought to my attention by residents, or something that I have spotted myself. But to give some context, at the start of February DCC had over 3,000 safety defect potholes awaiting repair across the whole county. There has also been a huge volume of enquires and reports to inspect as well though, at the time of writing, that trend has started to come down as we have seen a slight improvement in the weather
conditions.
The Council’s highways contractor has increased the number of teams from the usual 16 to 41, and the crews are working weekends. But when there is a backlog the A and B road network has to be prioritised first, and this has meant it is taking longer than usual for some of the more minor roads to get done – but they will get repaired!
The other practical issue facing us, which hasn’t helped, has been the freezing weather, which has meant some of the staff working on pothole repairs have had to be pulled to do gritting driving. So while we have been able to increase capacity, every time we get a prolonged cold snap that extra capacity takes a hit as we need people out gritting
positive as Devon’s funding settlement was better than first forecast. Additional funding for social care services came through from the Autumn Statement, and we had a more generous financial settlement in December than was expected.
as well.
That said, I am now seeing some tentative signs that they are now starting to catch up on the backlog and I am hoping that trend will continue. While I know it has been incredibly frustrating – please do continue to report as many potholes as possible. I cannot stress enough that it is a numbers game, the more safety defect reports and pothole repairs on a road, the more likely we can get some resurfacing done. A rural road like the ones we have in Torrington Rural, with say just one pothole report a year, is unlikely to be a successful candidate for resurfacing if a neighbouring road has 100 defect reports. You can report potholes online on devon.cc/report-it or by phoning Highways on 0345 155 1004. When I haven’t been dealing with potholes or development issues, my main work at County Hall, since the New Year, has been on the new budget for the Council.
I am pleased to say that compared with where we were in the autumn, the situation is now looking much more
As I reported in my last article, we are no longer having to look at bridging a £75m funding gap, and thanks to the funding boost we will be able to increase the overall level of funding going into Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Highways in the next financial year. These increases also take into account the inflationary pressures we have been experiencing, so I am more hopeful that come the new financial year, we won’t see inflation eating away at our budgets as it did in 2022. It is worth remembering that when we set last year’s budget, Putin had not invaded Ukraine and inflation was running at 2%. With the short to medium term prospects looking more improved as far as inflation is concerned, we should be in a stronger position heading into this new financial year.
At the time of writing, the draft Departmental Budgets are currently going through the Council’s Scrutiny Committees before finally being approved at Full Council in mid-February, so I will have more information about the overall budget then.
Nonetheless, at times it has felt I was doing nothing except budgets! With the situation looking more improved though, a priority for me will be working with our new Chief Executive to help modernise and improve our services, particularly Children’s Services and the Council’s SEND service, while at the same time improving the quality of our Highways and Community services that so many of our residents use.
As ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to raise, you can contact me on Facebook on facebook.com/ cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.
"Additional funding for social care services came through from the Autumn Statement, and we had a more generous financial settlement in December than was expected."
On 4th March 2023
Allsorts Children's Club will reach the ripe old age of 16. The club has been meeting in the school on Friday evenings since it began in March 2007, with hundreds of children from Bluecoat School and other schools having attended during that time. The leaders have counted it a privilege to have been able to have regular Christian input into the lives of so many families, while having lots of fun along the way.
We'd like to say thank you to the school for the use of the building over the years and for much encouragement to carry on. We also want to thank all parents and carers who continue to entrust their children to us week by week. Most of all, thank you to all the children who come along faithfully, for their energy, fun - and noise! You are all so special to us and to God!
Happy Birthday, Allsorts!
Could you open your garden for a good cause?
Morag FlowerHere is an important date for your diaries, all you keen garden visitors: Torrington in Bloom and Rotary Club of Torrington are twinning on Sunday 2nd July 2023, to open our gardens for the day, in aid of the Bickford Centre and Torrington in Bloom. This special occasion will also be linked in with RHS Garden Rosemoor. The cost per person will probably be £5, all this to be confirmed.
The Bickford Centre, which has been supported by the Rotary Club of Torrington for many years, is currently undergoing extensive renovation and refurbishment and the monies raised from ticket sales will be donated to these costs.
Torrington in Bloom’s input will be to open some members’ gardens and to sell plants (monies from plant sales will go into TIB’s coffers).
It is early days yet and there will be more details to follow.
If you think you could open your garden in aid of this essential cause, please contact Stephen Saywell on 07885 443 236. Your garden doesn’t need to be huge, a tiny front garden will suffice; keen garden visitors love to see all kinds of garden from which they can glean ideas for their own patches.
So, please mark Sunday 2nd July, from 10am-4pm in your diaries.
Members of Torrington in Bloom have also planted up the containers in the Town Centre; the four planters at the town entrance signs are undergoing some repairs and will be planted later in the season. We have also been discussing planting plans for the flowerbed by S&G Carpets (which I see is sprouting a few bulbs despite a thorough dig over last year – some always escape detection!).
RHS Rosemoor and their apprentices will also be working in Rack Park again on the 28th February (weather permitting).
Cherry Hammon, Torrington in Bloom
It's been a hive of May Fair activity in Bluecoat C of E Primary School over the past couple of weeks, as children put themselves forward for the various roles of the May Fair Entourage.
Year 6 girls who wished to be considered for May Queen or Crowner, and Year 6 boys who wished to be considered for May Prince or Herald, each wrote a personal statement for consideration by their peers.
The voting process, which is all done anonymously, has now been concluded and the Mayor of Great Torrington, Doug Smith, was welcomed into school on Thursday 9th February to verify the winners and to draw the names of the Attendants. Anticipation has been running high but we are thrilled to announce the May Fair Entourage for 2023 are: May Queen - Caitlin Sanders, Crowner - Bexleigh Weeks, May Prince (Standard Bearer) - Hilton Parkhouse, Heralds - Charlie Hoare & Olly Metherell, Attendants - Thea Colwill, Phoebe Lineker, Isla Isaac, Livvy Hewitt, Charlotte Keil, Poppy Coates, Summer Howes and Charlotte Vickers . Congratulations to them all!
Services on Sunday mornings at 10.30am followed by refreshments.
Everyone is welcome to join our friendly, growing fellowship, as we seek to glorify God in our worship.
On five Fridays during March the different Christian communities in Great Torrington will provide Lenten lunches, consisting of homemade soup with a roll, cheese, pickles and a cup of tea or coffee. The donation of £4 will help raise funds for Christian Aid, a charity which helps families around the world to overcome poverty and injustice.
Please see below for the dates and venues of all the lunches. All are welcome, so please come along and help support the work of Christian Aid.
Fri 3 March: 12 noon-1.45pm at St Michael’s Parish Church
Fri 10 March: 12 noon-1.45pm at the Baptist Church
Fri 17 March: 12 noon- 1.45pm at the Methodist Church (hosted by the Holy Family)
Fri 24 March: 12 noon- 1.45pm at the Methodist Church
Fri 31 March: 12 noon- 1.45pm at the Baptist Church (hosted by the 4 churches).
Great Torrington Christian Aid Committee
Saturday 1st April, 7.30pm at Church of St Michael & Angels, Great Torrington
Conducted by John Hobbs, we will be singing Haydn's lyrical oratorio The Seasons. Look out for a rollicking peasant's drinking song, a stirring ode to toil, and a thrilling thunderstorm.
Soloists will be Cheryl Brendish, Andrew MacKenzie-Wicks and Julian Rippon, and we will be accompanied by the church's famous Father Willis organ.
Tickets are £20, children and students free, available from Torrington Jewellers, from janetsharpy@gmail.com, from choir members, or at the door.
Easter Coffee Morning
25th March A Springtime Garland Music to welcome the spring season sung by The Winkleigh Singers. 7.30pm at The Assembly Rooms, South Molton Town Hall, 5 Broad Street, EX36 3AB. Tickets are available from Torrington Jewellers on Fore Street
31st March Easter Quiz at Torrington Arms. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. £4 per person, max 6 per team. In aid of Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee. Phone Torrington Arms to book table: 01805 622280
6th April Easter Bingo, Burrington Parish Hall, eyes down 7.30pm
Our first fund-raising event after Covid restrictions will be our Easter Coffee Morning on Friday 17th March, from 10.30am-12pm, at Glen Tor, Villa Road. Entrance will be £1, which will give you your first cup of coffee or tea and a cake. There will be a raffle, Easter egg tombola, guess the weight of the cake and other fun activities. We are excited about being able to welcome everyone back to our home, which has been newly decorated since you were last able to visit freely. All we ask is that if you have any cold, flu or Covid symptoms, you give it a miss, to keep everyone safe.
We do have a vacant room, and this would be a great opportunity for you to meet some of the residents, and find out more about Abbeyfield for yourself or a loved one. Alternatively, you can always contact the House Manager on 01805 623605 to arrange a visit or find out more information.
* Open 7 days a week, & s�ll producing our home cooked food
* Please order in advance & use our fully contactless collec�on or delivery service.
* Product range: now includes general groceries, household items, toiletries beer, wines & spirits.
* Delivery service now reaches out to those who are isolated or wan�ng to stay at home.
For full details & a stock list:
Call 01409 261440 • Email: lizzy@lizzyslarder.co.uk or Visit our Facebook page Blackberry Farm Shop
Stay Safe everyone. Lizzy’s Larder, Blackberry Farm Shop, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, EX22 7NP
Spring is here on March 1st according to the Met Office, but the astronomical date is March 21st. But whatever date you use the weather will get warmer and the days will get longer. Nature on the Commons will decide when it’s time to change seasons. The rangers and their helpers will continue to look after the Commons so that we all can enjoy them. The Conservators are all volunteers and most of us have a daytime job as well, and we are looking for more people to join the team. Please get in touch if you would like any information.
Most of us are either a short walk or drive away, and once you are there you can enjoy nature at its best.
You can buy a copy of the Tree Trail map for £1 from the Post Office in the Tourist Information Centre, Collectability, Whiskers pet shop, Greedy’s Burger van or the Puffing Billy. The trail starts and finishes at the Old Bowling Green. It is a great walk and very educational.
We have recently introduced some new collection boxes in the town shops. This is where you can donate coins or even notes to help us. It doesn’t matter if they are foreign coins either. We have had a bag full of foreign coins since the last Crier article. We will continue to collect these and then look for a collector who will hopefully buy them from us. So please look out for our boxes when you are in town.
Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons.
As a Commons supporter you are also able to be a town supporter by using your membership card to get a discount or other benefit when you shop at the participating businesses.
The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation, which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you.
Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple:
Option 1: Visit the website www.torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order, annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque.
Option 2: You can 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.
These are the current participants
AHJ Builders 07977 668164
Attic Gems Antiques Fore Street
A Place For Everything @no. 11 in the Pannier Market
Collectability in the High Street
Computer Works 07714 717055
Cornmarket Antiques in the pannier market
Crafty Needles in the Pannier Market
Dafforn and Sons New Street
Dartington Crystal
Duane’s Carvings and Gallery in the Pannier Market
Everest Indian Takeaway in South Street
Fine Floral Design in South Street
Fork ‘n’ Feast at 1646 Castle Hill
Hair We Are in South Street
Hogwash Soap castle Street and online
Ian Coote Architecture 07883 067899
Inside 11a South Street
Java Gifts Cornmarket Street
Jayne Poole Photography Cornmarket Street
Kitch ‘N’ Cupboard in the Pannier Market
Lillian Rose Interiors Well Street
Little Leaf Pregnancy 07714 717055
No. 37 café in South Street
No. 5 Hair and Beauty in South Street
Not Just Travel Gillian Farr on Facebook
Proseprints online and craft fairs
R&S Ware Butchers in South Street
Samantha Hardwick Lifestyle Coach
Second Nature Beauty Studio at No.5
Cornmarket Street
Squires Electrical in the High Street
Steve Gladwin Family Butchers Fore Street
Tanya’s Beauty Studio Fore Street
The Cabin in South Street
The Puffing Billy
The Sweet Spot in the High Street
The Whole Jar in the Pannier Market
Torrington Framing
Torrington Golf Club
Torrington Museum Bookshop in the High Street
Torrington Refill Shop in South Street
Toy Swap in the Pannier Market
Unique Boutique Cornmarket Street
Whiskers Pet Centre South Street
Xanadu (In-store discount only) South Street
As our minds turn to spring and the pace picks up on our dig planning, we are calling on all community groups, local charities and residents who would be interested in getting involved with our community excavation, to ‘Dig the Castle’, from September 22nd to October 8th 2023. Having been in contact with the area’s primary schools we have had an excellent response, and three or four days onsite will see over 80 children experience an excavation.
There are many activities on an archaeological dig which participants can engage with, apart from excavation; including finds washing and finds processing/recording; scale drawing and measuring; surveying and photography. We would also love to have the excavation recorded via video or by sketches and other media.
Are you an art group, a local youth group or local interest club, who are looking for a different type of outing?
Do you care for those with educational needs or the elderly, for whom this could be an exciting and accessible group visit, in the fresh air?
Our Engagement Officer Chenie Miller can be reached on torringtondigthecastle@ outlook.com
Chenie is happy to come and speak to your organisation about the dig and your group’s needs and particular interests and we can then make every effort to integrate you all into the project. Young and old, all abilities are welcome, especially those who may never have considered being part of a dig before.
Everyone is welcome and we want you all to share the sense of pride, ownership and enjoyment as we unravel together more of Torrington's fascinating history. www.onegreattorrington.uk/digthecastle
Dr Kaliciak would like to say thank you to all the patients and staff at Castle Gardens Surgery for our work together over the past 18 years. She is sorry to be leaving the practice, but is having a change of work life to be able to pursue additional interests, and will be leaving the partnership from 31st March 2023.
We welcome Dr Selina Robb who will take over as job share Partner with Dr Shawcross.
Do you still have some band uniform at home? If so, we would love to have it back please. We are on the hunt to find our missing jackets and hats that may be popped away in the cupboard and forgotten about or maybe you intended on returning to band and haven’t managed it? We don’t mind what the reason is, we would just be very grateful to have it back. We are currently struggling to find uniforms for our band members and the cost of purchasing new is very high. Likewise, if you have any band instruments or accessories sitting around, we would be grateful to have them back please.
At Christmas we were thrilled to have so many supporters join our Christmas Concert. It was a huge success and we were delighted to see our Training Band take part in their first concert. We are always on the lookout for new players and a warm welcome is guaranteed to anyone wishing to learn with the band. Lessons are free and an instrument will be provided. For more information on joining the band or to get in contact to arrange returning band items, please message through our Facebook page or give Laura a call on 07399 453 556.
At the time of writing this article we are currently in the process of setting dates for our upcoming events in 2023. To keep up to date with all the latest band information please follow our Facebook page.
Torrington Silver BandDoes the word ‘diet’ make you think about being controlled and restricted?
At my Torrington group, we’ve ditched the diet mentality to focus on making enjoyable, sustainable lifestyle changes that work in the real world. It’s a switch from ‘I shouldn’t’ to ‘I want to’, because Food Optimising is all about choice –and it puts you back in control.
Discover the difference at my supportive group on Wednesdays at Castle Community Centre, Torrington, at 5.30pm or 7pm or call Tracy on 07787 010 400.
This time of year is always wonderful to walk or sit out on the Commons and listen to the birdsong. We have a great number of different birds nesting on the Commons, including some rare and endangered species, but it is also lovely to hear the familiar wren, such a loud song for such a tiny bird, and the sparrows squabbling away. We stop maintenance work that involves cutting back trees or bushes before the nesting season starts.
I mentioned last month that we need to raise funds to repair the Waterloo Monument on Castle Hill. This Grade II listed structure requires some specialist work to be carried out. So far, we have had an initial survey carried and obtained the necessary permission to carry out the work.
To start the fundraising ball rolling, Commons Ranger, guitarist extraordinaire and local history enthusiast Al Mitchel, will be performing in the Pannier Market on Saturday mornings, so please put something in his hat. We are in the planning stages of a number of other events, but in the meantime a Crowd Funding page has been set up, where you can donate to the cause. www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/saveourmonument?utm_
term=dYAg6WKgK
We are very grateful to Anne Tattersall for her enthusiastic support with this project!
Mandy Harrison Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators
Our main fundraising project this year is to raise the money to renovate the Waterloo Monument on Castle Hill. There is now a Just Giving page to help raise funds. At the time of writing this article it had raised £390 in three days.
On Sunday March 26th we will be at the Town Hall Wedding Fayre with our ‘Water, Wine or maybe Cider’ lucky dip stall. We will do the same thing again on Saturday April 8th at the Tarka Valley Railway by the Puffing Billy. Please come along and have a go.
The car boot sales will be starting on April 2nd this year, one month earlier than usual. We will also have sales on most of the bank holidays. We have sold items that had been donated to us from all over North Devon, and we are collecting items such as books, cds, dvds, any foreign coins, jigsaws and old stamps to sell, so please get in touch if you would like me to come along and collect them. I have been to every street in Torrington collecting the donations and as far as South Molton, High Bickington, Barnstaple, Fremington and Bideford, plus lots of the surrounding villages.
You can contact me on 07956 366 390, or email vicechair@torringtoncommons. org
Every penny is used to help us maintain, improve, and protect the Commons. Andrew Giles, Vice-chair Great Torrington Commons Conservators
John Stainer -
Okehampton Choral Society will be performing this well-known work on Saturday 1st April at Fairplace United Church, Okehampton, 3pm.
Soloists: John Colpoys Wood (tenor), Jason Bomford (bass), Roger Cleverdon (organ), Richard Edwards (conductor). Admission free, with retiring collection.
For further details please contact Jenny Gibbons on 01837 840282.
Iwould like to give a special mention to Great Torrington Library, which has been offering a ‘warm space’ on Monday mornings since mid-December.
It is great to see this national initiative being offered locally. The library is currently opening their doors for extra hours to allow people to escape the cold and also to have somewhere to meet and socialise. Free tea, coffee and biscuits are available, and there have been various activities on offer. The sessions are due to run until the end of March and have been funded by the National Grid. The Bickford Centre is also planning on offering a space once the renovations are complete.
We recently welcomed Swāmi Sarvasthananda and friends, who came to visit Sister Nivedita’s statue in Great Torrington Cemetery. Councillor CottleHunkin and I had great pleasure in spending the morning with them, and showing them around our lovely town.
They all went back home to India and Switzerland promising to return.
The Mayor’s Charity Burns supper held at Great Torrington Golf Club was a great success. I would like to thank Mike Harper, our piper, who entertained us with everything from traditional Scottish airs, to thinly-disguised modern tunes
"We recently welcomed Swāmi Sarvasthananda and friends, who came to visit Sister Nivedita’s statue in Great Torrington Cemetery. Councillor CottleHunkin and I had great pleasure in spending the morning with them..."
played on pipes. My thanks to the local mayors, dignitaries and representatives of local organisations who came along, and of course to Trish and the wonderful staff at Great Torrington Golf Club, who treated us to a Burns Supper worthy of the occasion. Overall, a total of just under £350 was raised for my Mayor’s charities: Devon Air Ambulance and Torrington District Guiding Association.
Northern Devon Police and Crime Commissioner Councillor Advocates held a Zoom meeting in late January where
we had the opportunity to liaise with senior local officers and discuss issues. I hope this will have an impact on raising the profile of policing in the town.
There was much excitement when a large Leonardo helicopter landed in the field next to Hatchmoor Nursing Home in early February. Pupils from GTS and Petroc attended, and thoroughly enjoyed being shown around this state-of-the-art aircraft. I’d like to thank Douglas Graham the Operational Director of Condition Monitoring Technology Group (CMTG) and his colleagues who organised the event, and gave us a great insight into the company and its market leading position.
As ever at this time of year, preparations for May Fair have begun. By the time you read this the May Queen’s Entourage from Great Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary will have been selected, and we wish all of the children that are taking part in the celebrations the best of luck with practicing their roles. We look forward to enjoying Great Torrington’s unique and special day, which we all hope will be full of sunshine.
Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington
Saturday 4th March 2023
The Town Council is excited to report that after the success of last year’s event, the Craft, Food and Drink Fair – A Taste of Torrington is happening again on Saturday 4th March.
The event has been commissioned to South West Event Management to organise and will see Great Torrington Town Hall, Pannier Market, Castle Hill Community Centre and the Plough Arts Centre filled with lots of local traders’ craft, food and drink offerings from around Great Torrington and the surrounding area. The event last year brought a lot of visitors into the town, and we hope that this year’s event will be equally successful and attract customers to the local shops, pubs and cafés as well as to the fair itself.
As a taster, there will be offerings of watercolours, home-made candles, cakes, fudge, burgers, Indian cuisine, vegan offerings, stained glass, honey, candy floss, handmade soap, handmade baby clothes, vintage stoves, bags, handmade jewellery, locally produced cider, real ales, spirits, and cheeses with spaces for 70 traders! We are encouraging local charities to get in touch and take up the offer of a free charity space at the event.
There will be a bar, serving local drinks and mulled wine. Local shops and traders are being invited to offer special discounts/treats to shoppers on the day, any shops doing so can contact Lucy to have the information shared on the event’s social media page. There will be activities for people of all ages throughout the town during the day. Some of the activities include taster therapy sessions, fitness activities, demonstrations, face painting, crazy golf and a bouncy castle.
The Facebook event page is titled ‘A Taste of Torrington - sponsored by Great Torrington Town Council’, if you search for the page and give it a like you will be able to keep up to date with what is happening with the event, and which businesses will be attending.
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 4th March and pick up some local goodies. For more information, please contact Lucy on 07518 066 623 or email lucyloweevents@outlook.com
Each year the Town Council gives an award to the person or persons whom it feels has provided a local public service that has benefitted local people. This could be something that they have done over a number of years, or something that has made a big difference in a short space of time.
The criteria states that the time given is voluntary, and the people benefiting are within the parish of Great Torrington.
If you would like to nominate someone for consideration for this award, please get in touch. 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 or drop-in your nominations to Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA or email to admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk, all nominations to be received by midday on Thursday 23rd March 2023.
March 8th 2023 is International Women’s Day and we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the fabulous work of our female councillors. Great Torrington Town Council currently has good representation of women and we hope this continues. We would encourage any women considering becoming a Town Councillor to get in touch – 01805 626135.
Current Deputy Mayor, Councillor Keeley Allin says ‘My proudest moments on the town council have been serving two years as Mayor, especially leading the town and the council through the Covid pandemic and working with other councillors including Councillor Clayton to set up the Town Tidy. I followed in my mum’s (Councillor Sue Mills) footsteps when I joined Great Torrington Town Council and then became Mayor too, and I’m so proud to work alongside her and other strong and passionate women who care so much about our town.’ This mother and daughter team have represented the council for many years, and are very proactive in supporting local community groups and representing local issues.
Our current Chair of the Environment Committee, Councillor Gill Clayton has been on the Town Council for many years. Gill is proud of her contribution in bringing environmental considerations to the forefront of the council’s work, particularly working alongside the technicians to create more environmentally friendly areas on council owned land. Gill is also proud of achievements at Jubilee Wood where, alongside volunteer Alan Williams and his team, councillors have supported the development of a beautiful and valued space that celebrates the biodiversity of Great Torrington. Jubilee Wood was recently recognised with an award from 'Devon Local Partnership': with First prize in the 'Parish and Town Council
Award'.
Two of our female councillors are also Torridge District Councillors; Councillor Margaret Brown and Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin are actively involved in committees at both district and town level. Councillor Margaret Brown has recently been awarded the honorary title of Freewoman of the Town, which makes her the first woman to be given this honour in Great Torrington. Cllr Brown has been one of the trailblazing women on Great Torrington Town Council along with Cllr Mills, Cllr Davey and many others who became councillors during times when it was more difficult and less common to have female voices heard in local government. Councillor Di Davey is a retired nurse who has been a member of the Council for many years, and was Mayor in 2018 and is always working
proactively to represent the needs of the NHS, and other health and wellbeing focussed community groups.
Councillor Cottle Hunkin is also one of two young mothers representing the town. Alongside Councillor Laura Ward they both demonstrated the progression in local councils when they carried their babies with them during the May Fair procession in 2022, fulfilling their roles as councillor and mother simultaneously.
If you feel you would like to join the council and become one of the women representing the community please do get in touch, no matter what your age, occupation, or educational background. Please see the criteria for eligibility to become a local councillor in our other article on elections.
Join us - Become a Town Councillor in 2023
As you may know, 2023 is an election year for the district and town councils, with local elections taking place this year on Thursday 4th May. Our Town Council needs more members of the community to join the Council and represent local people.
Could this be you?
Becoming a Local Councillor
As a local councillor you can become a voice for your community and help make real change. Local councillors are champions of their communities who invest time in local projects and issues for the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood.
Local councillors discuss local needs, work with local groups and businesses, collaborate with district and county councils to meet local needs, and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the community.
Can I stand for election?
To stand for election as a town councillor you must be:
• A UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or be a citizen of another Member State of the European Union
• At least 18 years old
• An elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area the local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary
For more information contact Great Torrington Town Council Offices on 01805 626135 or admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk.
Following the news that there will be no carnival this year, which would have been due to take place on May 6th (Coronation Day), Great Torrington Town Councillors felt that there should be an event or events organised to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. At the February meeting of the Full Council, it was agreed in principle that the Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk will liaise with other local community groups to organise an event. This is still in the very early stages, so watch this space and keep an eye on our social media for further updates.
The Great Torrington Annual Parish Meeting will be held at Great Torrington Town Hall on Thursday 16th March 2023 at 7pm.
The Mayor of Great Torrington will provide a report on the Town Council’s activities during 2022/23. This meeting is an opportunity for Registered Electors who live in the parish of Great Torrington to come along and hear about projects that the council have been working on this year, and to have their say on things they would like the council to work on in the future.
It would be great to see a good selection of members of the community at this meeting, and we would really like to hear your thoughts on priorities for the council going forward.
Is the housing market broken?
The first few weeks of 2023 have been a surprise across both the rental and sales market. The market showed signs of activity very early on, and as in my previous article, I suggested that we were likely to see more stock coming to the market than expected. This has been borne out when comparing the statistics from last year.
Towards the end of the year, and early in the next, the industry provides data showing trends and in one, conducted by Homesearch, January 2023 saw 56% more price reductions nationally, compared to the same month during 2016 to 2022. This is a significant number but the South West is looking more resilient. Prices are being realigned on some properties but, a lot less than the national figure, suggesting estate agents here are giving sound, well researched advice rather than selling at ‘hope for’ figures to suit vendor’s/ landlord’s wishes.
Interest rate rises have certainly had an impact on expectations for buyers and their ‘buying power.’ To keep monthly payments the same as when rates were lower, affordability has been reduced by about 20%. 'Whole of market’ advice from a good independent broker will produce far better rates than just going direct to a lender or comparison sites.
The market is far from broken as underlying there is still a need, want, desire to move up or down the ladder, be it for sales or rentals. Choice is likely to increase as we get into the year and, as long as the prospective buyer or tenant can see affordability, then transactions will still continue.
Realistic pricing is still producing guide price offers, which will give confidence to the market.
Great Torrington and the surrounds is high on many peoples list for the quality of life it offers, so expect demand to stay strong going forward.
Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director
At C&R, we had a first draft of the viability of using a cruise ship for reducing the strain we face with housing the homeless. In the report, it was discovered that it would cost £1.52M to strengthen the quay wall at middle dock, plus £700k for a suitable vessel. There was also the issue that these kinds of vessels are not designed to sit on the sea bed, so any prolonged and repeated sitting on the bed will actually damage the vessel. So further works would need to be done to make an underwater cradle to hold the vessel: cost unknown. So it was deemed unviable.
But this was still an interesting, and arguably worthwhile exercise, as the idea was something new to this council, which other areas had made work, and only took a small amount of officer time to see if it could work here. We do need more radical ideas in these unprecedented times.
We have been granted £600k from central government to house our area’s Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, which is a good move for our social responsibility. The buildings we buy can be kept, and will be used to house our local people once the refugees have moved on. So that’s good news all round.
A new Section 106 monitoring fee has been agreed to be put into practice, which can be used to cover any officer time to enforce compliance upon the planning section 106 agreement. If the fee had been in place previously, it could have supplied TDC with £100,000, but
was something many of us were unaware existed. This should show a big improvement in the way the planning and section 106 operates in this area. At the most recent C&R meeting, The Plough Arts Centre was seeking core funding. If we go back a few years, not long before the pandemic, you might remember that The Plough was at risk of closure, they held a hugely successful crowdfunder, raising more than £50,000 from Plough supporters and members of the public, and were granted £25k from TDC. As part of that agreement, Cllr Bright also requested that we looked at
some councillors, one even suggesting that we should only grant one year’s £10,000, and review it next year. But that did not give the security and commitment that the Plough needs to show external funders such as the Arts council, who could award more funds later on. Finally, following some vocal support from a number of councillors, a majority voted to grant £10,000 each year for three years.
However… this decision was called in for scrutiny by Cllr Watson the chair of O&S, questioning whether The Plough should receive any funding at all from TDC. This does seem rather insulting, especially when you consider TDC has granted nearly £1.2 million to the Burton Bideford since 2016, and continues to fund them with £140,000 per year. So now it is all up for discussion again, and we will have to wait for the scrutiny meeting to see if the decision will be upheld or if a different recommendation is put forward for debate, either back at C&R or at full council. The scrutiny meeting will take place on 10am Thursday 16th March at Bideford Town Hall. It is open to any members of the public who wish to attend, and if you wish to speak at the meeting, please register at least two days in advance by emailing demservices@torridge.gov.uk
granting another £25k the following year. Obviously Covid threw everything out of the window, but it remained on the forward plan, until recently when it vanished, and which Cllr Bright challenged. So it was finally brought to C&R a few weeks ago. The request from The Plough was for £25k of annual core funding from TDC, however the officer report emphasised the council’s budget deficit. The proposal put forward at the meeting was for £10k per year for three years. It faced some reluctance from
At the last full council meeting Cllr Cottle-Hunkin had put forward a notice of motion related to the recent wild camping ban on Dartmoor and, in particular, raised concern over the potential impact this could have on young people in training for events such as Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh Award. However the Chief Exec and chair of the council had not allowed it onto the agenda, claiming that it didn’t affect the Torridge district. Since putting a letter about it into the local papers they have now backtracked somewhat, and she has been told she can put forward a similar notice of motion again for the next full council, to be voted on by councillors.
Cllr Chris
Bright, Councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909
Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cllr.cottlehunkin@torridge.gov.uk, 07495 367 801
"...Cllr Watson the chair of O&S, questioning whether The Plough should receive any funding at all from TDC. This does seem rather insulting, especially when you consider TDC has granted nearly £1.2 million to the Burton Bideford since 2016, and continues to fund them with £140,000 per year."
Towards the end of last year we attended, online, the World Water Quality Alliance Conference (WWQA), a United Nations affiliate, and there were some very interesting presentations from some of the other 50 or so Water Forums from around the world. Most of the presentations featured forums who had little or no clean drinking water, and how they were working to overcome the problem. It was an eye opener. Our problems are more quantity related, but we do have river quality issues with the Torridge, which we will pursue.
Two of the water butts financed by South West Water have now been connected in the CDT gardens. The third one will be connected soon, helping the CDT become environmentally sustainable.
If you are thinking of buying a new washing machine or dishwasher, think about its water efficiency as well as its electrical efficiency. New legislation is being prepared, which we have commented on, for compulsory water efficiency labelling. Whilst it is nowhere near being made a law, it is well worth asking the question and pushing for an answer. Also ask if the washing machine is equipped with a filter for removing microfibers. Microfibers shed when clothes made from synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, acrylic and rayon, are cleaned in washing machines. Once microplastics end up in oceans and freshwater lakes and rivers, the particles are difficult to remove and will take decades or more to fully break down. The accumulation of this debris in bodies of water can threaten marine life, and also become part of the human food chain through its presence in food and tap water. The new legislation will cover water using products such as taps, showers, toilets, dishwashers and washing machines, so if you are planning any home improvements the same guidelines apply.
Another piece of legislation that will finally be implemented is Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which will mandate sustainable drainage (SuDS) in new developments. SuDS use nature-based approaches to slow, store or infiltrate rainwater that would otherwise risk overwhelming sewers, causing flooding and sewage pollution. Unlike a pipe, SuDS can provide a raft of benefits locally: Managing flash flood risk, filtering and cleaning contaminated water, increasing nature habitat in urban areas, providing shading from heatwaves, helping recharge water resources, and improving local air quality.
These benefits can only be unlocked if SuDS are built in the right way, hence the need for approved standards. That’s not to say they’re difficult to build –they’re very often simple structures.
Over the past decade outmoded thinking has cast SuDS as complex and expensive and a barrier to rapidly increasing the supply of housing in England. Now, with flash floods risk increasing and sewage pollution widespread, the mandatory approach set out in Schedule 3 is long-overdue. Schedule 3 will also ensure that builders’ automatic right to connect new developments into existing drainage networks is revoked and made a conditional one, requiring SuDS potential of a site to be delivered on first. It will additionally provide a mechanism for ensuring SuDS structures will be maintained in the long-term, so they continue to function effectively.
With the enormous amount of housing being built in our area, I find it incredible that our planning authorities do not appear to insist that all developments are ‘water neutral’. Adding more users to our water systems without any water harvesting or grey water recycling being implemented, which developers won’t voluntarily add because of cost, is only
going to make the matters worse. Talking the talk about sustainability/care for the environment without action, only when you can get publicity for it, is not good enough.
If you are struggling to pay your water bills then contact South West Water via their web site: southwestwater.co.uk/ help/need-help-paying-bill/ or if you'd prefer to speak on the phone call them on 0344 346 1010.
You can help yourself by reducing the amount of water you use and not wasting any.
If you need any more information on any of the above, or would like to help us, please contact on gtwaterforum@ gmail.com.
Talk by Michael Griffith-Jones
7pm on Saturday 25th March 2023
The Talk will cover 1000 years of history before the writing of Doomsday Book and what it was like to live in and around Huntshaw in Saxon and then Norman times. What was on the church site before it was built in the 1200s? Why was the village and Manor of Huntshaw placed up on a hill, and not down in the valley where it was easier to collect water? What the houses were like to live in and what tensions existed between the different groups of English; from those descendants who built and lived at Berry Castle in Huntshaw Woods, and the Saxon and Norman peoples.
Michael, who is a local archaeologist and member of the Friends of Berry Castle, has kindly agreed to hold this event to help raise funds for the project to repair Huntshaw’s bells.
Tickets £7 on the door, tea and coffee included, Huntshaw Parish Hall, Torrington, EX38 7HH.
New private ear wax removal clinic covering Torrington & North Devon
No more waiting weeks, we can sometimes accomodate same week appointments & occasionally same day!
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4 Well Street Torrington EX38 8EP
Most of us now have small gardens which you want to keep for leisure and ornamental plants, but there are plenty of vegetables that look attractive in the border and taste good, too. The use of obelisks and arches, fences and walls over which to grow taller varieties, mixed in with flowers will give you best of all worlds!
For example, if you like growing sweet peas mix these with runner beans. The beans will continue to crop long after the sweet peas have finished, into October if you are lucky. One recommended cultivar is ‘Moonlight’ which has white flowers and is partially self-fertile. ‘Painted Lady’ has two-tone flowers, so will look good planted up an obelisk or wigwam on its own. Climbing French beans will grow happily through twiggy sticks.
A very attractive pea cultivar is ‘Blauschokker’ which has purple pods (the peas inside are green) and pretty purple flowers. This grows up to 120cm in the right conditions, so a climbing framework is the right place for it. Broad beans, an acquired taste best eaten when the beans are smallish, are upright plants again, with attractive, usually white and often scented flowers, but there are red flowered varieties for added colour. They don’t take up too much room, scattered about the border, perhaps in amongst annual bedding.
Lettuces make excellent edging plants, and now you can buy varieties with red leaves, frilly leaves, or traditional green – try planning a patchwork in a small square!
Outdoor cucumbers can be grown over an archway. Tomatoes, as they ripen, will light up a border with their fruits; there are also cultivars that grow in hanging baskets. Aubergines often have attractive, grey/green, furry foliage with pretty mauve flowers and then you have the beautiful shiny fruits, which also come in different colours, shapes and sizes. Chilli and sweet peppers will provide colour during late summer and early autumn. Of course, these vegetables will need a sunny, south-facing area for them to flourish.
If you like brassicas, then these will certainly grow happily in the formal border. For example, curly kale has such attractive foliage, usually deep green but some are deep maroon shade. Purple sprouting broccoli is a tall, rather untidy brassica but most of us love those early flowering shoot tips, and if you leave a few to flower, so do the bees! Red cabbage could replace smaller box balls – just a suggestion!
So, rather than turn your garden into a formal allotment, do what our ancestors did and mix everything up – can confuse pests, too! Fleur
Connaught Brass will be performing for Bideford Music Club at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 26th April, at St Mary’s Church, Bideford. Tickets cost £15 on the door (cash or cheques only, no cards), students and children free.
Connaught Brass are quickly making a name for themselves as a fresh talent in the chamber music world. Having already made their debut at the Lucerne Festival and London’s Wigmore Hall,
It has been a busy January and February with our quiz team competing in the North Devon heats for the Devon county WI general knowledge quiz. The team achieved 4th place out of 15 competing teams. Congratulations Ruth, Nicki, Jill and Jen.
February’s meeting was a visit by Dave Webb from the Otter Trust in North Devon. It was a busy meeting including the winter photograph competition. March’s meeting will be on the 14th and the speaker is Emma Thompson, Rosemoor Head of Site.
A pancake evening was held on the 21st February, Shrove Tuesday, to raise funds for the Little Torrington WI’s 80th celebrations. These will include tree planting around the village.
Book club in February was about the gripping ‘The Curfew’ by Jason Watkins, meeting for debate, discussion and refreshments on the third Monday of the month.
‘Ladies who Lunch’ attended the Puffing Billy on Wednesday 15th February, with some opting to walk the Tarka Trail.
The art group recommenced on Thursday 16th February over Zoom, with an artist being studied for each session of the four week course.
For any further information please contact Jen Hood 01805 622433.
the ensemble’s ability to manipulate and unify sound earned them 1st Prize in the Inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition (2019), and the Royal Overseas League Mixed Ensemble Competition (2022). Their ever-growing repertoire spans 500 years, from renaissance to contemporary works, across a large range of genres.
Recent seasons have seen them perform widely across the UK and Europe; including tours of Switzerland
in both 2021 and 2022, as well as performing live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune programme. The 22/23 season will see the group make their Netherlands debut, as well as follow an extensive performance schedule in their hometown of London, and many performances covering the rest of the UK.
Connaught Brass are characterised as vibrant, spirited and bold; come and enjoy their special tones of Brass playing.
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Education chiefs have responded with enthusiasm to an event designed to encourage more young people in Devon to study engineering and technology.
When Northern Devon aerospace company Helitune threw open the doors at its Torrington headquarters to welcome school, college and university visitors, the real guest-of-honour was the mighty latest-generation AW149 military helicopter developed by Leonardo Helicopters. The aircraft is competing to fill the UK’s future medium helicopter role.
Helitune is a key member of Team AW149 UK, Leonardo’s cohort of UK suppliers that contribute to the platform. The helicopter flew into Torrington from Leonardo’s UK base in Yeovil, to be met by the students, Helitune’s workforce and visitors to the company’s open day event. Helitune, originally established in 1977, now forms an integral part of Torrington’s Condition Monitoring Technology Group (CMTG) Ltd.
The emphasis on the day was on Helitune’s development and manufacturing excellence, as one of Northern Devon’s growing number of innovative hightech companies and, equally, on the role the firm plays in providing high quality apprenticeship opportunities, to train engineers of the future. Three of Helitune’s management team welcoming visitors began their careers as 16-year-old apprentices at the firm: Operational Director Douglas Graham, Technology and Customer Support Manager Peter Morrish, and Senior Systems Engineer Jack Prouse.
Representatives from the schools and colleges involved in the visit believe the experience for their students will help fuel interest in apprenticeships and degrees in engineering and technology-based roles.
Dr Caroline Chipperfield, Director of Higher Education at Petroc College added: “What a success! Both students and staff were buzzing with enthusiasm and excitement.”
Great Torrington School’s rugby field, conveniently close to Helitune’s base at Hatchmoor, Torrington, provided a landing ground for the AW149 aircraft. Louise Leonard, Careers and Employment Engagement Officer at the school, said: “The tour around Helitune and the chance to see the latest-generation helicopter really opened our eyes to the array of high quality apprenticeships that the company can offer on our doorstep.”
Helitune has a track record spanning more than 40 years within the arena of Vibration Health Monitoring Solutions, and specialises in the design and manufacture of electronic systems for a helicopter’s Rotor Track and Balance (RTB).
Pictured: Leonardo test pilot Lee Evans with pupils from Great Torrington School and Petroc College (Photo Leonardo)
The giant AW149 helicopter attracts the crowds during its stay on Great Torrington School’s rugby pitch (Photo Leonardo)
Our return after the break for Christmas was met by cold and wet weather, but since mid-January we have had a dry spellnot only on our usual Thursday working day, but also on the monthly Saturday working party, which has been well attended since it was introduced. This enables volunteers, both old and new, to spend time working, when midweek is not feasible. Do come along to see what we have been doing and browse around our shop, which will be open. Details will be on our website.
Our Class 143 Pacer has had a clean and it should be spruced up for the official naming ceremony, which takes place on Saturday April 8th from 11am, when we are holding an Open Day. There should be several attractions and an opportunity to look around the site. Make a note for your diary.
Our working groups have been concentrating on continuing refurbishing the brake van and, following the donation of three work platforms, we will be able to examine the roof of our TSO carriage and the brake van, in order to carry out required remedial work.
The site of the old trolley shed has been uncovered and opened up, so that it can be rebuilt. This would have contained a Wickham trolley for track maintenance and inspection work. It was a simple structure and should be a relatively straightforward and inexpensive task for the team.
Our Facebook page has weekly updates and the website has much historical information, including videos, photographs and news. It is well worth checking it out: wwwtarkavalleyrailway. org and we are now on Instagram tarkavalleyrailway. We are always looking for new volunteers and you can email us on tarkavalleyrailway@ gmail.com to find out how you can get involved.
Robert Martin Tarka Valley Railway
Work on the lime kiln has been paused while we wait for the re-installation of the scaffolding so, for the last few months we have concentrated our efforts on the continuing restoration of the tucking mill. We have been working on four key areas:
(i) repairing the damaged floor of the lower chamber
(ii) re-building the foundations of the bottom (west) wall of the mill
(iii) re-constructing the south west corner of the building which has been badly damaged by invasive tree roots.
(iv) re-building the retaining wall of the mill race.
The floor posed an interesting problem, as the concrete surface had fractured into a number of fragments all of which needed to be replaced. This turned out to be a giant jigsaw puzzle, which caused a great deal of head scratching – particularly as several pieces were missing! However, after consulting earlier photos of the site when the floor was intact, we made a reasonable stab of piecing the jig saw together. The work was hindered by the fact that the centre of the chamber has sunk considerably, probably as a result of material being leached out by water from the canal flowing under the floor. We did consider levelling the floor but decided that this was beyond the scope of the restoration. We are now attempting to repair some of the damaged sections of the cobbled floor – another task which is not as simple as it looks.
In January, thanks to funding from RHS Rosemoor, we were able to hire an eight ton excavator to carry out muchneeded clearance work around the upper basin. We looked on with a degree of envy as the operator achieved, in a matter of hours, what would have taken our team of volunteers many months. Heavy machinery is a wonderful thing! The tow path adjacent to the basin has now been cleared and levelled and this will eventually be grassed to create an amenity area. The ground below the tucking mill has been scraped back and re-profiled, which has revealed more of the foundations of the external wall. We have now raised this by several courses of stone to a uniform height along its entire length.
For several weeks we have spent some time repairing the badly damaged back (south) wall of the mill. This work has been complicated by the fact that we have to tie in the masonry to the existing stonework in the south west corner – no easy task. However, this job is now complete.
An important part of the tucking mill project has been to restore – as far as possible - the stonework of the mill race itself. A lot of this is, of course, pure conjecture as we don’t know exactly how this would have originally looked. Towards the end of 2022, we laid a very professional-looking flagged floor on the base of the channel. This was necessary to prevent erosion of the bed of the race when water is once more flowing through it. It has also provided
a good platform on which to re-construct the retaining (south) wall of the mill race. All in all, the restoration of the mill is coming along well. The perimeter of the building is now well-defined and we have a real vision of how the site will look when finished.
We ended 2022 on a rather glacial note. On our last working party of the year, we found the canal covered with ice and the ground frozen solid, which meant that work was limited. However, we were able to take our coffee break in pleasant winter sunshine before retiring to a local hostelry for a well-earned Christmas lunch.
Tony NichollsFriendly, professional lawn mowing & general gardening service
Grass & hedge cutting • planting & pruning Weeding & leaf removal
Call or message Matt on: 07808 056 473
The winner of this month’s crossword will receive one hour's free gardening from Matt. 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 Symon Sweet. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 9th March and the solution and winner will be in the April issue.
March is usually the time to start cutting your grass and for a neat well-kept lawn, it is best to cut once a week from now until the middle of October. Not only does this make the lawn look tidy, but cutting it regularly helps to keep the weeds down and promote thicker, denser turf.
March is also the time to deadhead daffodils and other spring bulbs, leaving the foliage to die back on its own. If you haven't done so already, roses should also be pruned. Aim to reduce the bush between a third and a half, removing dead and diseased stems and the spindly crossing ones, leaving wellspaced stems that allow free air flow.
Please contact Matt's Mowing and Garden Maintenance on 07808 056 473 for all of your gardening needs.
Fabulous Freddie checking in with all the news from the rescue, and a special feature looking at a problem that we are seeing more and more of in the rescue –separation anxiety, but more on that later.
Firstly, I would like to thank all my followers for their good wishes over the last few weeks while I have been a little unwell. Firstly, I cut my paw and had to go to the vet, where I was a very good boy. Then I got an eye infection, which again resulted in a trip to the vet and, lastly, I was lame on my front leg – think maybe arthritis is setting in as I am no longer a youngster at 8! I am glad to say that I am now fully recovered and back enjoying life at Shepherds View, and you can now follow all my adventures as I have my very own Facebook group – Fabulous Freddies Frollicks! www.facebook.com/groups/67
0728930847856?locale=en_GB)
February is the month of love, and there was much love in the kennels shown for one beautiful boy, who very sadly had to be rehomed due to his family no longer being able to care for him due to illness. It is always so sad
when a much-loved dog has to rehomed, but it is true act of love when an owner recognises that they can no longer genuinely care for their animal. Boycie was a lovely lad who I would have liked to play with, had I been fit, but he adopted a lovely new family and is now living by the sea in Torbay.
In the last few months the story seems to be the same here at the rescue, in that the demand to take in dogs is so very high and, with limited resources, the charity is restricted with the number of dogs we are able to assist. It was anticipated within the rescue world that the effect of dogs being adopted during lockdown would be felt at some stage, and this is now becoming a reality. As dogs bought in the lockdown period are now reaching what Aunty Lynne calls the ‘terrible twos’, and owners are returning to work, we are seeing so many requests to take dogs due to separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety in dogs is often down to one of two main causes (although there can be underlying issues). For some it might be a product of boredom due to lack of appropriate
physical and mental stimulation, but for others it can be more deep rooted. When a dog is emotionally attached to someone and that person goes away, it can cause fear, frustration and anxiety. Dogs can also develop a sense of changes in the environment, and anticipate when they are going to be left, resulting in the separation anxiety behaviours starting even before they are left. In order to work with these dogs it is vital to identify the root cause of the problem, and why a dog is reacting in a particular way, so that the most appropriate training can be given. Sadly there is no quick fix, but these behaviour issues can be worked with in order to improve the quality of life for the dog and, of course, the owner. If your dog is struggling with separation anxiety and you feel at a loss as to what to do or where to go for help, then please email lynne@k9focus.co.uk, as Aunty Lynne has put together a free guide called ‘Living with Separation Anxiety in Dogs’. We hope the guide might help keep a few more dogs in their homes.
As the year moves on we have more fund raising events planned, and our website and Facebook pages will soon be updated. As always, if you would like to help at any of the events or have any fundraising ideas then please do contact us.
So that is about all for this month but I will be back in April, don’t forget to check out my Facebook page and follow all my adventures.
Woofs & Licks, Freddie
Our priority is to keep our customers across Wales and south west England safe and warm all year round, whatever the weather.
Whilst the gas network in the UK is reliable and resilient, even in the worst weather, we want to share some tips and advice to help you stay safe and warm.
• Save the National Gas Emergency Number 0800 111 999 in your phone and call it immediately if you smell gas or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and watch out for any weather warnings.
• If cold weather comes, follow NHS advice to wear layers to keep warm and regularly have hot drinks. Try to check on your neighbours, especially if they could be particularly vulnerable in cold weather.
• If your boiler has stopped working in the cold, the chances are you have a frozen boiler condensate pipe. To fix this, hold a hot water bottle or heat wrap around the affected pipe. Alternatively, pour hot, but not boiling, water over the frozen end of the pipe.
• Have your boiler and gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find and check an engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500. If you rent your home, ask for a copy of the landlord’s current Gas Safety Record.
• Find out about the Priority Services
Register. By signing up you will get access to free additional services if there is a power cut or in the unlikely event of an interruption to your gas supply. You can find out more and sign up at wwutilities.co.uk/priority or by calling 0800 9122999.
• Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and condensation in the room.
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
• Know the six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
• Check out the Energy Networks Association (ENA) campaign #PrepareCareCall which gives information on how to stay safe during the winter months. The ENA represents all companies which operate the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland, and this webpage contains helpful information energynetworks.org/be-winter-ready. We work all year round to do everything we can to keep the gas flowing so you are safe and warm at home. Please help us to protect and look after those people who need it the most.
Clive Book, Head of Operations, Wales & West Utilities
s new life starts springing up all around us, we will soon publish our events programme for the summer season and we plan to have something every week.
7th March - judging of the ‘Creative’ competition.
14th and 28th March are both members’ nights, with the usual mix of challenge images, members’ presentations and general banter.
Another date for the diary is March 21st with a talk ‘Svalbard and the Russian High Arctic’ by Chris Marsham
So, there is a good mix coming up to serve the membership, whatever their tastes.
Anyone wishing to come along is welcome; we meet at the Blue Lights Hall, Appledore at 7.30pm on Tuesdays. Please come over and make yourself known to one of the members. We really are a friendly bunch so do come and have a chat.
For further information or encouragement email Tim at sanderst99@gmail.com or enquiries@ bidefordcameraclub.co.uk, or see the website bidefordcameraclub.co.uk
Weds 1 Mar
Exhibition: Compost by Laura Porter
Weds-Sat, 10.30am-4pm, until 31 Mar
FREE
Artists Wall: Art from Welcombe & the Hartland Peninsula, Weds-Sat, 10.30am –4pm, until 20 Apr FREE
2pm & 7.30pm Film: The Fabelmans
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
Thurs 2 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: The Fabelmans
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
4.30pm + every Thursday in term time
Plough Youth Scriptwriters £20 for half term
7.30pm Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s, £2 inc refreshments
Fri 3 Mar
2pm Film: The Fabelmans
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’
£4 (GT residents)
8pm Live Music: Dire Streets £19/£15/£20 on the door
8pm Live Music: King Heron
@ThePlough@StAnne’s, £12/£10 Supp
Sat 4 Mar
10am Workshop: Intro to Soft Pastels with John Piper @ ThePlough@StAnne’s, £50 all equipment provided
10.15am/11.30am/1pm + every Sat in term time Plough Youth Theatre (from 3yrs18yrs) Contact: sam@theploughartscentre. org.uk
10.30am Creative Writing Workshop
(Adults) with Lizzie Bauer £15
1.30pm + every Sat in term time Lego Club
5-15yrs Contact Nick: 01805 623505 or email: Katherine@oscaw.com
3pm + every Sat in term time NEW Plough Youth Creative Dance (8-18yrs)
Contact: sam@theploughartscentre.org.uk
7.30pm Live Music: Teachers Rock
£12/£10 Supporter
Sun 5 Mar
7.30pm Live Music: Damian Wilson & Adam Wakeman £18/£15 Supporters
Tues 7 Mar
10.30am + every Tuesday term time
Workshop: Plough Prism For adults with additional needs + their carers £3.50
1.30pm + every Tuesday term time
Workshop: Motion Dance For adults with additional needs + their carers £3.50
6pm + every Tuesday in March Workshop: Bioform Dance with Miranda Jankowska
£7/£5 Supporters
7.30pm + every Tuesday term time
Community Choir: Ploughcapella Contact
Alison: alising.co.uk £75/£65 Supporters (per term)
Weds 8 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: The Fabelmans
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
Thurs 9 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: The Fabelmans
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
7.30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Murder & Macabre at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, £14.50 inc refreshments
8pm Open Mouth: Music & Poetry
£4 waged/£2 unwaged (suggest donation)
Fri 10 Mar
2pm Film: EO
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
8pm Live Music: Seriously Collins £21.50/ £18 Supporter
10am Workshop: Waste Paper Willow Basket Weaving @ThePlough@StAnne’s, £60 all equipment provided
10.30am Workshop: Landscape Colour Woodcut Printmaking @ThePlough@ StAnne’s, £60 all equipment provided
Sat 11 Mar
4.30pm ‘A Woman’s Voice’ Singing Workshop with Lara Conley £10/£8 Supps
8pm ‘A Woman’s Voice’ Music Event
£10/£5 u18s
Mon 13 & Tues 14 March
7.30pm PYT & NT Connections present: ‘Tuesday’ by Alison Carr £7/£5 Supps & u18s
Weds 15 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: EO
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
Thurs 16 Mar
7.30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, Rail & River at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, £14.50 inc refreshments
Fri 17 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: What’s Love Got To Do With It £5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
8pm Live Music: The Kate Bush Song Book
£21.50/£18
Sat 18 Mar
10am Workshop: Spring in Watercolours with John Piper @ ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £50 all equipment provided
10am Workshop: Terracotta Woodland Animals @ ThePlough@StAnne’s, £55 + £10 for clay materials
8pm Live Music: Coda (Led Zep Tribute) £16/£14 Supporter/£8 Key Workers (only 10 available)
Tues 21 Mar
11am Live Theatre: Plough Prism presents ‘The Prisoner’£7 waged/£5 unwaged
Weds 22 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: What’s Love Got To Do With It £5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/£7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
Thurs 23 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: What’s Love Got To Do With It £5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee’/ £7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
7.30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothels at ThePlough@StAnne’s, £14.50 inc refreshments
8pm Talk: ‘A Multi Story Life’ £8/£6 Supps
Fri 24 Mar
2pm Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once £5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee' £4 (for GT residents)
8pm Live Event: Alex Duncan ‘Subcubensis
Live’ £10/ £8 Supporters/£5 u18s
7.30pm Gallery Gig: Lara Conley £10/£8 Supporter
Sat 25 Mar
10am Workshop: Stone carving with John Piper @ ThePlough@StAnne’s, £110 + £40 all tools provided, & Sun 26 Mar
2.30pm Talk: Artist Laura Porter on her ‘Compost’ exhibition FREE
8pm Live Comedy: Jayde Adams: Men, I can save you all tickets £17.50
8pm Live Music: Marsh & The Reluctant
Friends + The Claywoods @ThePlough@ StAnne’s £8/£6 Supps proceeds to Plough
Sun 26 Mar
7.30pm Live Comedy: Charlie Baker: 24 Hour Pasty People all tickets £13.50
Weds 29 Mar
2pm & 7.30pm Film: Everything
Everywhere All At Once
£5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone
Matinee’/£7.50/£6.50 Supporters, £4 (GT residents)
7.30pm Gallery Gig: Inland Haven
£7/£5 Supporter
Thurs 30 Mar
2pm Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once £5 Matinee/£10 ‘Minestrone Matinee' £4 (GT residents)
Thurs 30 Mar 7pm
NTLive: Life Of Pi £15/£12 Supps & Fri 31 Mar 2pm
Fri 31 Mar
6.30pm Film: Big vs Small £7.50/£6.50 Supps £4 (GT residents)
8.30pm Film: Pearl £7.50/£6.50 Supporters
£4 (GT residents)
Fri 31 Mar
8pm Gallery Gig: Day In The Life Of A Tree
£15/£12 Supporters
Straight into match reports in this issue.
Our long delayed match with Crediton 2nds happened eventually, with a strong squad assembled. Torrington did succumb to the stronger side from Crediton, but did themselves proud with a respectable score of 12-31.
Our next opponents were mid-table Sidmouth 2nds. Sidmouth got off to a strong start by putting 14 points past us within the first 15 minutes. But Torrington held strong by denying any further crossing of the line and, by halftime, had clawed back the score to 12-14.
Dominating the scrum and earning several penalties from their dominance enabled kicks to touch to get closer to the opposition try line. However, Sidmouth denied Torrington the tries that seemed so close to being scored. The score remained static for much of the second half, until Torrington gave away two penalties that were successfully converted into points. Sidmouth were leading 12-20 in the dying minutes, until Torrington scored a cracking try which was converted to give them a fine chance of getting the win. Time was not on our side, as the referee blew up for full time on what had been an excellent game. Tries from Ben Sawyer, Nick Evans and Adie Guppy with the extras added by Sam Britton, gave Torrington
a very respectable result. Plus the huge effort put in by all the others who played.
This match followed our Chairman’s Day buffet lunch, where our current Chairman Martyn Hoare could show his appreciation to those who have contributed to the club in so many ways. An excellent buffet was laid on, with a vast range of foods to cater for all palates. A big thank you to everyone involved.
Our next game, which should have been played on the 4th February, was to have been yet another postponed game against Cullompton 2nds. Sadly, Torrington couldn’t raise a side due to the amount of injuries, with five players obeying the concussion protocols and a further 11 out with other tears, sprains, breaks etc. So we had to forfeit that one!
We have two more games in February against Exeter Athletic, and then off to Tiverton 2nds.
March will see us at our old foe New Cross, and then to Buckfastleigh for a combined league and Devon Junior Vase match, rounding off our league season.
South Molton 2nds have very kindly agreed to come and play on the 25th March, as this should have been another Junior Vase game against Devonshire High School Old Boys (DHSOB) Unfortunately they are having some
sort of crisis and have pulled out of all competitions. The generosity of South Molton will enable our planned Ladies Day lunch to go ahead.
Just a reminder of training times on Wednesday evenings:
U13 & U14 boys: 5.15-6.30pm
U12 & U14 girls: 5.15-6.15pm
U9, U10 & U11 mixed teams: 6.307.30pm
If anyone is thinking of giving rugby a try (pun intended), come and join us at training. See our Facebook page for details. The clubhouse is available for hire for events, so get in touch by emailing TRFC1985@outlook.com.
C,mon Torrie!
Respect, Discipline, Sportsmanship, Enjoyment & Teamwork
Mark Waterson
Congratulations to Dick Kersey of Bideford Boxing Club, who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List, for ‘services to young people and Bideford Boxing Club’.
Apparently Dick will be taking his 90-year-old mother to Buckingham Palace to collect his investiture!
Great news!
BLENDING CONTEMPORARY STYLES WITH TRADITIONAL FRAMING METHODS
CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE OR VISIT US AT OUR WORKSHOP
STIBB HOLLOW FARM, LANGTREE, TORRINGTON, EX38 8LP
TEL: 01805 601777 www.blackdogframing.co.uk
Or message us @Facebook: BlackDogFraming • Instagram #BlackDogFraming
Apart from ordering organic and wholefoods from one of the UK's longest established workers’ cooperatives, OWBG also offers discounts from various other specialist suppliers. One of these is a UK-based body care product company, which uses the highest quality organic and vegan ingredients, are really lovely to use and, of course, highly effective, as they contain pure essential oils, no nasties and the very minimum of necessary preservatives. There are specialist therapeutic ranges for sensitive skin, those prone to eczema and psoriasis, rosacea and spots, along with a truly excellent anti-ageing range. The products are twice the quality of famous brands and half the price. We order every few months at present, next order will be in March in plenty of time for Easter and Mother’s Day. You can find all the ordering dates for the year on our website, see the link below. A new BBC investigation reveals the toxic ingredients used in the beauty industry. Furthermore it really does matter what we put on our skin as 60% is absorbed into the bloodstream within 26 seconds!
Wellbeing Tip: Amaranth
Amaranth is a highly nutritious, delicious and versatile gluten-free pseudo-grain, used by the ancient Aztecs, which has come to the notice of world health workers on account of the fact that there is no malnutrion where it is consumed in South America and Africa. Its ability to thrive on poor soils and during drought, along with its high protein
and absorbable calcium content, make it especially valuable. Amaranth is excellent for people with high nutritional needs, such as pregnant women, babies and children, and those doing physical work.
It's also worth noting that amaranth is unusually high in lysine, a protein low in wheat and other grains. Lysine has anti-herpes qualities, so if you suffer with cold sores or any of the other herpes family viruses, using amaranth is a very good move.
In particular I like amaranth as a porridge, as it has a lovely fudge-like texture and is a real treat either cooked with a handful of dried figs or fresh chopped pear, or served with grilled bananas on top, yoghurt, cinnamon, cacao nibs and a little coconut palm sugar if liked. Could equally well be served as a pudding!
I also find hemp milk goes very well with it, as it's creamier than rice milk (a brand which is sugar-free, unlike some hemp milks).
Amaranth can be added to other grains as a great protein source, while keeping the meal light, used in muffins, cookies, as a substitute for bulgar in tabbouleh (use 1/2 cup amaranth to 3/4 cup water to cook), savoury patties, pancakes and tortillas.
Upcoming grocery final order dates:
9th March, 13th 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 623 307; email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk
OWBG website: owbg.jimdofree.com
Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group
Email: owbg@protonmail.com www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk
After studying the novel Frankenstein in term 1, Year 7s have been writing their own gothic fiction. In this piece, Lauren has written a pastiche of Chapter 5 from Frankenstein, which describes the moment Victor Frankenstein brings his creature to life.
I Ran…
It was a stormy night: the trees were violently shaking outside my bedroom chambers. Suddenly a flash of lightning filled my room with an ominous white glow. It was a full moon but still, no star in sight. I tried to go to sleep again but the howling of the wind kept me too afraid to sleep. I lay staring at my chamber’s ceiling. That’s when I heard it. That ‘thing’s’ roar. It echoed round my room, each time making me feel more and more frightened. “I I I It’s just the wind’, I reassured myself. Even though I knew it wasn’t’. I closed my eyes.
Little did I know, that was one of the most foolish things I would ever do.
I woke up, the chilling stone sent trembles down my spine. There was a sticky, red, fresh substance drenching my hand. My vision was blurry. I blinked a few times. That’s when I realised. What was an unknown substance, now was clear. It was blood…
I was paralysed with fear. I had so many questions. The smell of blood was the worst thing I had ever smelt. I slowly gained my senses, stumbled to my feet and let my eyes scan the area where I had previously been lying on the floor. Everything seemed fine. For now.
It seemed to me that I was in some sort of maze, though it was hard to tell as the darkness consumed most of my vision. I took a few paces forward. Each step, the squelching of the blood underneath me spluttered and spat. I slowly peered round the corner, my heart almost pounding out of my chest. It thought I saw eyes, staring back at me. Almost like it was watching, waiting for me to comer. That’s when I saw it. The vile creature, just a few feet in front of me.4
It seemed asleep at first, but I could still hear the crunching of the bones from past victims underneath him, slowly breaking apart from the sheer weight and size of the creature. That’s when it woke.
One of his bloodshot eyes in his vivid red sockets opened. For a moment it just stared at me. Then one at a time, its legs, stained with blood, stood up. The smell was overwhelming. My heart felt like it was going to explode. Just the sheer presence of this monster weas enough to kill me. It charged and its twisted horns perched off its head.
I ran. Faster than I had ever ran before. Like a scared child. I ran until I could run no more. I ran.
Lauren Pett, Year 7
The night was misty and bleak; I sat on my rusty chair and watched the full moon rise. I felt the cool breeze waft through the broken window. It was strangely calm, too calm. I sat up from my chair and a shard of glass pierced my bare feet – it was excruciating but I forced myself to make no noise. I carefully avoided all of the fragments of glass as I made my way closer to the window. I peered out and my eyes explored the scene: there was movement in the trees so I decided to head outside.
Once I had left my hideout, I looked around. It east hr same as it had always been, no other humans for miles, yet I still had hope that somebody had survived the explosion and not become one of those things. I could occasionally see the creatures and despite the fact their brains are the size of a pea, I tend to avoid them. I decided that I should go back inside but my legs wouldn’t turn around, so I stood for a bit and then bravely wandered into the green fog, and the endless woods ahead.
As I cautiously crept on the path through the overgrown woodland and weaved through the leafy trees, I stayed silent to be able to hear all around me. The parched leaves made a crunching noise. I looked down, there were no leaves below me. Then
This piece is based more broadly on gothic setting and events:
Year 8 have been reading the brilliant story of Noughts and Crosses, and then wrote their own piece...
The blackening clouds seemed to cover the whole world, only letting slivers of light out, gloomily illuminating the water below. Everyone was here; they had to be. The only way to go back home was to complete this course, or die trying. This was level one, out of many. You had to cross the long, thin wooden beams to the end, and not fall off. I was at the very back, everybody towering over me because I was so small. A whistle blew, and everyone moved forward slightly, but I couldn’t see anything in front of me. I knew what has happening, because I heard it: people screaming and slipping, then silence. Another whistle, and it happened again.
Shaking all over, I watched in silence as the line got shorter and shorter. The smell of sweat from the now-short line of people and the feel of the uncomfortable grit underneath my bare feet all made me want to go home even more. But I couldn’t. The only way was to get across.
Not too far away, lightning flashed, accompanied moments later by the deafening roar of thunder.
I heard a twig snap and I froze still. I hadn’t stepped in a twig – something else was there, hiding amongst the trees and camouflaging in the bushes. I knew what it was, what I didn’t know though, was how to stop it.
I sprinted away from the forest out in the moonlight where there were no towering trees. I halted and turned to see if the creature had followed me. It had. It limped closer and closer until I could fully see it. It had dark green skin and muddy ripped clothes: it looked dead inside as it stared off past me and into the distance. As it lurked closer, I could make out splats of dried up blood covering its clothes. It kept coming closer to me but I didn’t notice. I was mesmerised as it was my first time seeing a…a zombie!
Alyssa Monk, Year 7
Finally, although I didn’t want it to be, it was my turn. The whistle blew, and I walked onto the beam. It was strong, which was reassuring, but very slippery. All of a sudden, when I was about two meters across, it started pouring down with rain. Now that the beam was even more slippery, I lost my balance, falling… falling…
Grasping the beam with all of my strength, I pulled myself onto the beam again. I had been given another chance, and I wasn’t going to waste it. Standing up, I walked on, the sun had come out, the rain had stopped! I ran the last couple of steps, laughing as I jumped onto the gravel on the other side. As I joined the much smaller group, the sunlight disappeared. The black clouds had returned. All of a sudden, I realised that there were many more levels to go…
Ella Williams, Year 8All garden & landscape work undertaken, large & small, by experienced & qualified landscaper & designer, plus
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Year 8 pupils have been exploring a poem by Benjamin Zephaniah called ‘The British’ – a poem written in the style of a recipe, which deals with the idea of cultural identity. This is Noah’s excellent example:
The basic ingredients Are English and male. Dollop in together And drizzle with 300 years of Devon.
Weigh the ingredients And caramalise: no washing On New Year’s Day. Add Family superstitions And stir intensely.
Whisk in Mum and step-dad. Add two brothers And one step brother. A squeeze of dog and Two teaspoons of cat.
Add in a pinch of Programming and boil. Test the taste And allow just a Smattering of judo.
Now dress with kindness And bake. Cook for an Hour on 150 and take out. Leave to cool. This is me.
Noah Aldridge, Year 8
Local cheeses, organic olives, sourdough bread & bagels, pates, salami, crackers, honey & jams, teas & coffee, nut butters & so much more!
Hello, how are you feeling? How many times have you asked or been asked that question lately? The last weeks and months we have been bombarded with so much information about how difficult and frantic our lives are becoming. There are crisies it seems in every area of life these days. Strikes, cost of living, fuel prices, NHS, schools etc., the list goes on. But you don’t need me to tell you that.
It can be so easy to get caught up in all the worry and stress of just making it through each day; we have access to information 24 hours a day, at the click of a button or switching on the TV or radio. It’s in our faces anytime of the day or night, and that can be good if we need to contact a family member in an emergency, but the potential is there for us to become weighed down and exhausted. Jesus said “Come with Me to a quiet place and get some rest”. Do you or I do this often enough? Psalm 23 is probably the best known verse in the bible.
Verse 2 says “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul”. Isn’t that a beautiful picture of what real rest is?
How many times have you heard it said “All I want is a quiet life, a bit of peace and quiet”. In our busy lives that can seem an impossible ask; although we long for a peaceful life we still fill our days rushing around only to find ourselves falling into bed, ready to face another hectic day. Sound familiar?
But I wonder how different our lives would be if we did spend a few moments with Jesus quietly by ourselves, if only for a few minutes each day.
If you have a bible somewhere why not read Psalm 23 (psalms are in the middle of the bible, so easy to find). Remember what Jesus said “come with Me to a quiet place by yourself, and get some rest”. Spending time with Jesus is always time well spent. If you want to know more you can always speak to one of the church leaders; The Door of Hope in South St is always open on Wednesdays mornings, or call Kathy Luck 07702 589 799. God Bless.
2023 got off to a great start, with evening talks and a delayed Christmas lunch at the Golf Club. Our next meeting is on Monday March 13th at the Methodist Hall. We are looking forward to welcoming Sharon Snell talking about the Braddick family from Bideford. More family secrets to share!
We are looking forward to a busy year ahead, with a couple of community activities we are taking part in. During July the ‘History Alive’ day, which was cancelled due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and we are hosting a coffee morning with a particular focus on Torrington’s gloving history. If you have any stories to share, or artefacts of interest, we would love to hear from you. There will also be plenty of activities happening in the town, so keep an eye on the press and local Facebook pages. In the autumn an archaeological dig at Castle Hill is planned, and there are lots of ways that the whole community can become involved. Keep looking in the Crier.
If you are interested in attending the meeting on March 13th at 7pm for refreshments and chat, talk begins at 7.30pm, please contact Pauline on 01805 623089 or pallen123@btinternet.com. We look forward to meeting you.
Maggi RogersThe Beavers started their term with the safety badge, which included activities about fire safety, water safety and even the Green Cross Code. This included putting the six Green Cross Code steps into the correct order and a quiz about road safety. The Beavers all learnt something new and, as a treat, they got to toast marshmallows on a fire, this was a great way to start the term. In the next meeting the Beavers completed their health and fitness badge. For this, they learnt about their heart rate, ran an obstacle course and made some healthy snacks. They very much enjoyed making and eating their fruit kebabs and banana sushi. The Beavers are now looking forward to their first sleepover in the hut.
The Scouts started their term off with a badge presentation, followed by reviewing their code of conduct. Finishing off the meeting by toasting marshmallows. This was a good way to start the term and a great way for everyone to catch up. The following week the Scouts went for a night hike, starting at East Yard and walking back to the Puffing Billy, this was a total of 5.5 miles and, much to the leaders surprise, we didn't hear too many ‘are we nearly there yets?’. Overall, the Scouts enjoyed the hike but were very tired afterwards. The following week they made little wooden models out of pre-made kits, this was something that many found a challenge, but they were very good at helping each other when they had finished. The Scouts are looking forward to their half term trip to Air Extreme, which the Panthers choose after winning the patrol point competitions two terms in a row.
As always, we desperately need help and support within the hall committee and the groups themselves. If you can spare even an hour, please can you contact the Group Scout Leader, Jordon via email on jordon.whitear@gmail.com
On Wednesday 25th of January, some of you may have noticed gardening activity in Torrington’s Rack Park. This was this year’s first day (of three) of our RHS Apprentice community project work. We will be following on from a very industrious and successful year last year, culminating in Rack Park winning an ‘outstanding’ award in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category at the SW Britain in Bloom awards in Crewkerne. 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. We work closely with a selection of local town volunteers including Torrington in Bloom, Grosvenor Church and the Community Development Trust volunteer gardening team.
Led by Horticulturist Simeon, apprentices Lucy, Erin, Lauren and Lawrence formed the work party, ably assisted on the day by Dave Squire, Peter Sims, Elaine Lewis and Sue Davis from the Community Development Trust volunteer gardening team. Our intention is to continue on with last year’s work in this striking south facing corner, nestled within the Great Torrington community.
Our day one tasking was to concentrate on continuing the large border to the west of the main seating area, preparing it for planting. We will continue to improve the bed below the seats and begin creating a large
border to the East of the seating area. Initial work carried out included: Simeon lifting turf from the new border area; Lucy, Erin and Lauren digging over the lower border and weeding, lifting, and dividing several clumps of Liriope to redistribute through the bed.
Meanwhile, Lawrence, our fruit and vegetable specialist apprentice assessed the condition of the apple trees and applied his training and experience to pruning and tidying the five trees. On day two, mulch is to be applied to each individual tree circle.
Lucy, our fourth year supervisory apprentice, used the day to gain valuable experience in assessing the new border, with a view to developing a planting plan, sourcing the plants and finally planting up the bed on our third workday in March.
Our plan for the second session is to utilise our team of arborists to remove three diseased and damaged trees and maybe remove a stump left over from last year’s storms. We will continue to create the new border, think about a new tree as a replacement for the trees removed, and several of the herbaceous perennials in the rectangular upper beds will be lifted and divided for redistribution across the other beds in the park.
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. We are ever grateful to the council work team for the routine maintenance, and 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,
