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May 2016 The Crier is produced for the community, supported by advertisers, Great Torrington Town Council, and the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity. 5800 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district, with a readership of 14,500

Great Torrington May Fair 2016! Thursday May 5th 9.45 am onwards

Programmes now available in Great Torrington shops, and also from Army Cadets on the day. Please buy a copy and help support the town’s traditional celebration! See page 5 for all May Fair events.

RIVERSIDE CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARK, SOUTH MOLTON Set in 70 acres of landscaped parkland • 10 acres of mature woodland walks • River Mole running through the park Specimen carp lakes • Children’s play area • Restaurant & bar Family entertainment Camping for: RVs • Motorhomes • Caravans • Campervans • Tents • Also luxurious modern 2 bedroom statics

Entertainment! Weekend Special Event Packages • 29th April Riverside 3-day Rock & Roll Weekend • 27th May Riverside 3-day Live Irish Music Weekend • 10th June Harley Davison Rally • 8th July Toyah Wilcox Band, Up Live And Close performing 9th July

www.exmoorriverside.co.uk

Why Advertise in The Crier? Crier’s Website & Facebook Page Supporting Local Businesses and Organisations

The Crier’s Facebook page and website have been getting lots of visits, if you haven’t already ‘liked’ our page or visited our site, please do.

Read The Crier Online

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

Missed the print deadline?

Our Facebook page is the perfect place to share community news and information, with the opportunity for readers to post their own events, news and appeals, so please search for ‘Torrington Crier’ and like our page. So if you miss The Crier’s deadline, we can now still promote your event or share your news! Don’t forget, we want to hear your news and views so please get in touch! Visit www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk. Editor: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Advertising: Esther Williams, 01805 603023 E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.

Thanks to Alan Blamire

We would like to say a huge thank you to Alan Blamire, who has decided to step down as our town delivery coordinator after being in the role for many years. His commitment and efficiency as a Crier volunteer has been second to none, and his organisation of this role has made it possible for a smooth handover to Dy Darch, who takes over from this month. Thank you Alan! The Crier Committee

• 5800 copies delivered door-to-door in Torrington, across the rural district and through Lidls, with a readership of 14,500 • FREE entry into our new online business directory for regular advertisers • Every issue can be viewed online with clickable adverts to your website • FREE editorial on our ‘Think Local’ page • FREE colour cover advert with 5 large adverts booked • Your special offers promoted for FREE on our Facebook page • Affordable rates and FREE design of your advert

Great Torrington Golf Club Taster Day - Come & Try Golf! Sunday May 1st 12pm onwards

We have an immaculate golf course with spectacular views from all holes We can promise you a warm welcome and an interesting afternoon

View the course • Hit a few balls • Relax in our cosy and comfortable clubhouse • Refreshments provided Special offer membership deal for the remainder of the year £225 Contact Great Torrington Golf ClubThe Clubhouse, Weare Trees, Torrington, EX38 7EZ, 01805 622229

From Your Mayor…

will soon be hanging up my chains ready for Cllr Margaret Brown to take over as Mayor of Great Torrington. I held my last fund raising event in the Plough at the beginning of April and the concert ‘Torrington’s got Talent’ was an amazing showcase of talent in the town. We had the award-winning Streetz Dance Company and the Tarka Young Farmers, both of whom have won national awards. Rose Mason has also won the Rotary musical competition. Torrington Players entertained us, as did Al Mitchel and Keith with their superb guitar playing. Songs were sung by Ellie, our Carnival Queen, with her friend Robyn; and Liz Harris and Ed Gist covered amusing musical theatre pieces which made us laugh. The whole evening ended up with the wonderful Silver Band. I love attending events at our schools and I had the pleasurable job of presenting awards at the Bluecoat School assembly. Every year we choose winners of the competition for the May Fair programme, front and back covers. This year it was won by Phoebe Young and Kelsey Woodroofe. The standards were very high and it was hard to choose. The Jubilee Wood has been a long-standing project for the town council, and now it is making progress. Some of the brambles and scrub have been cleared and the working group are planning a planting scheme. We want to make it as wildlife friendly as possible. It has two footpaths running through it, so do go and have a look at this open space below Trafalgar Drive. It will be an asset to the local area and has lovely views of the commons. For news and information visit the town council website www.greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk. Cathrine Simmons, Mayor of Great Torrington

Barley Grove Car Park Charges

he Town Council is very grateful for all of you who gave your views concerning Barley Grove car park and Saturday charging. There were some very good points put forward both for and against the Town Council subsidising the Saturday afternoon charges. In the end however, too few of you were able to let us have your comments and it is felt that it would be wrong to change the current situation with such a small sample of views. It is important for local people, at the very least, to know that Sydney House car park has free parking from 12 noon on Saturday until 8am on Monday, whereas Barley Grove is not free during those times. Thank you to those of you that responded. Michael Tighe, Town Clerk

KARATE Function Fitness • Castle Street • Torrington “Learn and experience the true spirit of the martial arts with one of the area’s most respected, genuine and established groups” Structured Classes For All Levels & Ages Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Children • Adults • Families • All Welcome ~ FIRST LESSON FREE WITH NO OBLIGATION ~ Established dojo also located in:

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Great Torrington Town and Community Hall Project Ready to Resubmit Funding Bid

hank you to everybody who helped with our survey, which has enabled us to put together more detailed information for our bid and we hope to finalise this shortly. The one comment which came up time after time was that our residents wanted the project finished so we would finally have an ‘allpurpose building’ so more activities and events would be available right in the heart of our town. I am pleased to announce we have two more committee members joining our team. Di Davey is a retired registered nurse and a Great Torrington town councillor. Di shares our passion to restore this iconic building and is keen to add her local knowledge and enthusiasm as a new trustee. We also welcome Sandra Crawley. Born in Westward Ho!, she arrived in Great Torrington with her husband two years ago after taking early retirement as a Private Client Director in the Insurance Industry. We know her business acumen will be a great asset. Please see our website www. greattorrington-townhall.org and give us your thoughts on how you would like to see our community building used. . Richard Rumbold Chair Gt Torrington Town and Community Hall Project

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Watch The Great Torrington Corps of Drums at May Fair!

he Enrico May Caruso Fair and Carnival th Committee are 1873 pleased (25 February –been to Year 10 have nd announce that we have a very to write August 1921)a per2 asked special treat for you. At 2pm on the suasive review about a Part 2 5thWhat of May, Mayshame Fair day, a great therethe areGreat no fair or festival for Torrington Corps of Drums are going to be digital mastered recordingsassessment. of Caruso. their GCSE English performing for us to how commemorate their One cannot imagine wonderful his Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder th 40 anniversary. Come along and see voice of onewas. such fair we should treasure. who you can spot in the band. Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching from 1895 to 1920, included 863 Sending Out a Mayday appearances at the New York Great Torrington For Our Spring Metropolitan OperaFair before he died of Town Council we allow Torrington’s to anCan infection at the age of 48.tradition His fame dwindle? has lasted to the present day, despite Notice of Annual What picture comes and into promotional your mind the limited marketing when you think of Torrington’s Meeting of the Town avenues available to him. May He Fair? was, For many it is thea image of the maypole, nonetheless, client of Edward Council laughter and sunshine; it would be Bernays during the latter’s as a Notice is that: tenure difficult to hereby imaginegiven Torrington without it. press agent in the USA. Publicity in Annual Inauguration YetThe today, ourMeeting historic and tradition is Caruso’s time relied on newspapers, of the threat. Mayor Itofisthe above-named Town under easy to allow particularly services, the pressures of modern Council will wire be held atlife thetomagazines, Plough Arts photography andour the cultural telephone. slowly Centre,strangle Great Torrington on Tuesday 17th Caruso’s biographers, heritage. In this fast age ofPierre Key, May 2016 at 7pm. Bruno Zirato and Stanley Jackson high-tech gadgetry, mass The meeting is open to members of the attribute his and fame not instant only to his voice media public who are mostbut welcome.to a keen and musicianship, gratification, there is little also time Michael Tighe, Town Clerk business sense andmatters: an embrace of left for what really

community Today, more then in commerciallife. sound recordings, Friends Great Torrington than ever, of it Many is essential to its infancy. well-known opera keep ourofhistoric celebration alive. Our singers Caruso’s time rejected the Library Car Boot Sale week ofn Sunday annual fosters nd phonograph (gramophone) their 22festivity Mayand 2016 the friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voices have been lost as a result, ‘Friends of Great Torrington link withsingers our past.including We cannot let this die. other Library’ will haveAdelina a tableofPatti, atour the As you walk the cobbled streets Francesco Tamagno and Nellie Melba car boottown, sale on Torrington Commons. ancient you breathe antiquity. The exploited the new technology once Please come and support us to May links along present-day Torrington they Fair became aware of the success of raisethe monies for the Library. have with past, transporting us toIfa you bygone Caruso’s recording sessions. era – when simpler. items that life youwas would like to donate for Caruso made more that 260 extant Torrington has hosted annual May our sale, please contactthe John on 01805 recordings in 1554. America for the Victor Fair since However, many 603394 or email him at johnspilstead@ Talking Machine Company, (laterorigins RCA celebrations in England have their btinternet.com

Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he

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

Common News 16 More about the Play Park!

th in even millions earlier the Roman dialect is strung across the November there will be a On the 16 earned of dollars in royalties any of times: you willto know that we Devonian festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and square – Torrington is known as a from thehave retailtemporarily sales of closed the resulting the play lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth friendly town and this is no better the Associated Country Women of the 78rpm discs. In some Italy in 1902-1903, he park as equipment is particularly relevant oftotheus today, displayed than at the May Fair. In this era World, of which the WI nationally is a cut five batches of records for the has become unsafe due to fair wear and breathing new life into the winter of our of social isolation, the May Fair provides member. widely known, the G r a m o p h o n e a n d T y p e w r i t e r tear and, sadly, vandalism. I am sure you the community. medicineNot of friendship, inclusion and ACWW has representatives from many Company. He was later heard live from would agree inthat the safety of spirit children Moreover, keeping with the of support. The fair encourages community nationalities; working relief for of the stage ofchildren the Metropolitan rejuvenation, are the focalOpera point life as the young and oldtowards join together must come first. poverty and sickness, promoting health House first public radio of the festivities. Much against Mr Gove’s common good. What better way is There isinnothe legal requirement for the the and advancing education. It’s down-tobroadcast in 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s to bring neighbours together? Conservators to provide schools public are play there earth approach offersfarmutual support In the next issue I will tell community you about closed allow People come from and wide to facilities –tothat is the jobfull of local councils. and the practical to Fair. women and some of his operatic participation. What roles. could be more enjoy delightshelp of May They also Nevertheless, we recognise that using the communities acrosswith the them! world. The fair Until then good listening appealing than watching the crowning of bring their money Commons for leisure activities is within contractors engaged. Above all, the the May Queen? The procession of boys replenishes coffers of the and townthe – To find outthe about the ACWW Bob Dymond our Great costumes Torrington funding has to be found. and remit girls inunder brightlythe coloured providing a welcome boost to the Women's Institutes nationwide, local visit Commons why the park was economy The Conservators noinlonger would meltAct, anywhich heart.is Ribbons rippling, – such a help difficultreceive times. www.theWI.org.uk Torrington W.I. first significant funding from central skirtsestablished skipping and by the the bandConservators. blasting: the Businesses use about the carnival as an Any queries Torrington W.I. Our our Annual Meeting will take From limited weplace have government, and receipts from boots, maypole is ceremoniously woven. opportunity to advertise theircarwares. th resources, ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on We will franchises onJust Wednesday 9 November. as the the colours on the park maypole are Charities also tins are provided existing play for local and benefit: licencescollection are insignificantly 01805 623588. be electing a new intertwined, May Fairpeople breakstodown soon full to overflowing. families andso to the encourage come small in relation to the cost of replacing President and social barriers as it appeals Yet it is often arguedthe that play historic park. celto the Old Bowling Great Torrington “The good is that the committee for thenews to everyone. Choirs, dance ebrations are archaic and anachronistic. Green and enjoy Applying for following year, Town Hall Projectfestivities groups Conservators and majorettes all decided On the to contrary, Torrington’s have remove the Commons. funding is taking a alook back By the time reportIn appears ina take toany the stage: feast for revitalise old this traditions. the current unsafe equipment and dothe essential Some are lengthy and all ears. we Local have the eyesat and climate of you apathy, and The Crier, will laziness have noticed other so that the Fair concerned that com l i c spirits ated aretoand happily indifference, the been May liftsp our experienceddignitaries in the repairs last year thenapparatus scaffolding has put now park preview process, the park be reopened some form in pelted in themay stocks and and Torrington into aand vibrant gettingthe a sneak of speakers upin totransforms facilitate the repair isbooked closed it is Cups Conservators will subjected to and duckings. community. the continual for 2012. prizes will future.” theThe near of the roof andDespite make the has awho lavish development of modern and unlikely to Mayor everthose still need to meet be awarded for didlunch, best to in building water-tight fortechnology which many invited. The spent at computer reopen. That is not ourare intention. We aincreasing largewinter. part time ofIt the costs reserves our optional monthly competitions, and the will be from town crier be bellows as tea he screens, last year’s record-breaking want provide a safe and exciting play held for maintaining the Commons. We theretowill, of course, time for enclosed in waterproof proudly marchescompleted the streets a know turnout shows there is costs still aworking place live and aand natter. park have recently that the overall will beformany sheeting to protect the area of Being his predecessors and The Torrington entertainment. Given the choice of rather niftythe at getting and to minimise any and risk we to the consultation about kind of through facilities thousands of pounds, are internal actively Silver Band pulsates like the beating playing a video game or participating in the would business side of things, wereceived will alsoa engaged fabric. At the same time, a series of you like to have, and we in researching sources of grants heart of the community. the buzz of the fair, I know which I would manage a bit of time to welcome Bob and photoelectric very encouraging funding. panels will be installed, to The grand finaleresponse. of the May Fair week choose… Brewer, who there will the running-costs, perhaps However, is us much moreandto reduce The good news that the Conservators is the carnival, a give spectacle of low-down light Today, the newisenemy ofand a large-scale on the Cavaliers. provide an income for the project by providing a new play facility than installing have decided to remove any unsafe sound. Fanciful floats journey through the town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As We equipment. start the at 7pm in survey the lined Methodist sellingcrowds surplus power to thebe National town whilst streets are some A site has with to be equipment and do essential repairs to huge gather, it could argued Church Hall, and prospective Grid.there cheering children. Indrawn the packed town that is a so danger of an undertaken, plans up,members planning other apparatus that the parkaccident. may be are veryyou welcome visit for free. Any reopened Although this all work isridiculous being square, have notochoice but to mingle Nowadays, with thein rules permission obtained, safety requirements in some form the nearcarried future. newmake members paying their subs this out by the Townlands Trust, payment and new friends. and regulations it is a struggle to complied with, legal and regulatory Have an enjoyable May Fair! month, get 14 months for theee!’ priceThe of will be taken from funds set aside for ‘Uz be plaised to zee organise anything. In this age of demands met, tenders drawn up and Steve Jones, Chairman 12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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MAY FAIR 2016 Great Torrington May Fair Rehearsal & Crowning of Torrington Carnival Queen The Square Wednesday 4 May 2016 th

vents will start at 6pm with Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School rehearsing Maypole Dancing and the crowning of the May Queen. This will be followed by a performance from STREETZ Dance Crew and then the Crowning of Torrington’s Carnival Queen. Rowlands Fair will also be in attendance at Barley Grove Car Park with a Civic Opening of the Fair happening at 5:30pm.

Great Torrington May Fair The Square Thursday 5th May

Events start around 9am with a morning service and continue throughout the day. There will be floral dancing and country dancing during the morning, the crowning of the May Queen around 12 noon and the Cavaliers entertaining during the afternoon, plus much more entertainment for all throughout the day. Rowlands Fair will also be in attendance at Barley Grove Car Park.

Great Torrington Carnival Saturday 7th May 2016

Why not have some fun and enter! * Entry forms are available from Xanadu-South Street Torrington * Please note: All vehicles MUST carry the appropriate insurance * No intoxicating drinks are allowed on any of the floats or by walking entries that take part in the procession * Would all road users please note that various roads and streets in Torrington will be closed for a short time between 6-8pm whilst the Carnival is proceeding through the town. Please bear with us but do expect some delay * Please do not throw coins at the floats.

May Fair Past...

Pictured left is Jennie Ward as May Queen in 1987. Can you see yourself in the picture?

Ma a nd

de in Torringt

Round The Tree Race

his year’s event takes place on Friday 6th May. There are separate races for juniors, women and men. Race entry can be completed before the event, please find the entry form at torringtonaac.org, or sign up on the evening. Also, find the ‘Torrington Round the Tree Race 2016’ Facebook page. Fancy dress is not essential, but always welcome. For the first time ever, all finishers will receive a free technical t-shirt as well as a memento. Michael Newcombe, Torrington AAC

Great Torrington May Fair – Thursday May 5th 2016

Wheelchair Users ny wheelchair user/disabled person who wishes to come and see the May Fair celebrations are advised to be in the Square by no later than 10.15am. We do try to keep seats for disabled persons outside the Green Lantern, which are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Due to Health & Safety Regulations, it is very difficult to get wheelchair users/ disabled persons into the Square after 10.15am. Following the celebrations on May Fair day, help is required to put away the chairs that have been used. Anyone prepared to help, should meet in the Square at about 4.30/5pm. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Palm free hand made soap. Gentle bath and body products. Wedding favours, gifts & courses. Now in stock at Kitsch n’ Cupboard and Jack and Molly’s Christine Keeley 01805 624 508 www.hogwashsoap.co.uk

TEL: 01805 622637 MOB: 07818 084633 EMAIL: gebsfires@gmail.com

Volunteers Needed for Library Extra Sessions!

he Community Development Trust is seeking volunteers for the exciting new Library/ TIC (Tourist Information Service) cooperation project. Moving the TIC into the library space will offer the community access to library items via self-service machines on Mondays and Wednesdays when the library is not currently staffed. It is for these days that we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to offer a ‘one stop’ service for the community and visitors – an information service and Library Extra sessions to enable the public to use the self-service library machines. Training will be available. If you are interested in joining us in this exciting new venture please contact Kate Greaves (Torrington Library Supervisor) or Penny Podmore (Manager, Torrington TIC). Torrington.library@devon.gov.uk 01805 622107.

Great Torrington’s Celebration for the Queen’s 90th Birthday

e are still busy planning Great Torrington’s celebration of the Queen‘s 90th Birthday on Sunday 12th June 3-5pm and have a draft programme. We hope that the children will be seated for their ‘bring and share’ tea around 3pm; there will be a welcome by the Mayor and the Silver Band will play Happy Birthday as well as other music. From around 3.30pm there will be various activities for the children, which will be organised by Sophie at the Plough, and the Army Cadets. There will be face painting, a fancy dress competition, including a prize for the best ‘adult hat’, with a royal theme and Streetz Dance Company will perform too. If you have any ideas, or would like to be involved, please ring the Town Council on 01805 626135 or email admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk Please note that the square will be closed to traffic from 12 noon on 12th June, so please ensure any cars parked in the high street are moved before 12 noon.

Fishing Tackle & Shooting Supplies Archery, Binoculars, Clothing and more...

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Open Weekend at Tarka Valley Railway

ur first open weekend of the season will be on Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd May from 11am to 4pm, with free entry. There will be a good selection of stands and exhibits to entertain everyone. We have a good stock of railway books, including some virtually new ones recently donated by one of our members, as well as a range of other books, jigsaws and bric-a-brac. All at bargain prices. Our website has been down for a while undergoing a complete overhaul and restructuring. It is now in the final stages prior to testing and we hope that this will be up and running before too long. If you have been down to the station recently, you will have seen that our tanker has been receiving a great deal of attention. The platform side has been scraped clean of rust and old paint, has had coats of primer and undercoat and has been finished off in an attractive silvery colour. The rest of the tank will receive the same treatment as soon as the team has recovered! Thursday is our on-site working day when the team gets to grips with the host of jobs needing attention; the carriage is open for sales, information and membership enquiries. As well as work on site, there is a vast amount of paperwork carried out behind the scenes by members. If you are looking for the chance to do something different and worthwhile and the opportunity to meet some new people, please come along for a cuppa, and meet the team. Rod Garner, Tarka Valley Railway

Please try to Think Local and support our local businesses whenever possible! This page is available for all advertisers to promote their business. For information contact Esther on 01805 603023 or torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com.

Riverside Caravan & Camping Park, South Molton

iverside is now in its 10th season and has become known as one of North Devon’s most popular tourist destinations. Set in 70 acres of landscaped parkland, with 10 acres of mature woodland walks and the River Mole flowing through the middle, we are located on the gateway to Exmoor. There is camping for RVs, motorhomes, caravans and campervans on premium pitches and tents with or without electric hook up. We offer lakeside, riverside, woodside or open-field camping and have a large flat rally field. We can also provide a caravan storage and collection service. We are graded as 4-star with the AA, 4-star ‘Quality in Tourism’ and are the proud winners of the ‘5 Star Loo of The Year Award’ in 2016! As well as camping, we have luxurious modern two-bedroom statics, specimen carp fishing, a fun children’s play area, an on-site shop, a new country club with restaurant, bar and family fun and entertainment during the holidays and special event weekends.

Toyah Wilcox in July!

We are very proud to announce two big names in the entertainment industry for this season! In July we have Toyah Wilcox and her band up live and close, and in November you can see The Bohemians, a great Queen tribute band. Both events are being organized as a special weekend package. For full details please call on 01769 579269, email relax@exmoorriverside.co.uk or visit our website www.exmoorriverside.co.uk.

30 Years of Helping Over 55s Live Independently

orrington’s Abbeyfield is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Abbeyfield as a National and International charity is celebrating 60 years of helping people to live independently. Each resident has a self-contained apartment with a private wet room. There is a shared dining room where two nourishing meals are provided daily. We have two sitting rooms for quiet relaxation and shared social activities. The ‘all inclusive’ charge ranges from £300 per week. This means that there are no household bills to worry about, so all the concerns of running a house and garden are taken care of. We currently have a vacancy on the ground floor and another with stunning views over the River Torridge. The town centre is just a short walk away. If you are aged 55+ please come and have a look around. Tel: 01805 623605

Independent Financial Planning and Wealth Management Service

hilip J Milton & Company Plc was established in 1985 and is proud to offer a fully independent financial planning and wealth management service, advising upon all aspects of clients’ financial affairs. We manage clients’ longer-term funds through our diverse and staunchly independent investment strategies, which are not tied to any single company or product. The company continues to expand its operations and also offers a personal taxation and accountancy service along with a will writing, trusts, estates and probate department. With an enviable pedigree and reputation for integrity behind us, we endeavour to go the extra mile to help our clients and their families, and we always seek to provide advice in the most appropriate and beneficial way for the individual. Coupled with this personal approach, we satisfy the highest level of regulatory protection required by the Financial Conduct Authority for our clients, and provide the security they would expect when dealing with one of the leading and largest independent firms in the West Country. We are delighted to offer a free no obligation consultation, to both new and existing clients and look forward to being of assistance to you. Philip J Milton & Company Plc ,01271 344300

With the warmest of welcomes we invite you to our beautiful pub in Roborough. We very much look forward to seeing you whether it’s for a meal or just a tipple & a chat

Coming up @ The New Inn

The New Inn, Roborough, EX19 8SY, Tel: 01805 603247 Email: info@thenewinnroborough.co.uk

Sunday 29th May ‘Brockabilly’ Elvis tribute From 8pm Wednesday 29th June Greek Night – with local duo Xenomusic playing traditional Greek taverna music from 7pm *** Christmas in July Saturday 16th July*** 4 course Christmas menu £30 per person. Book early to avoid disappointment. £10 per person deposit. SUMMER BBQs ARE BACK! Every Saturday in August 12pm – 5pm For more information please see our our website or drop in, www.thenewinnroborough.co.uk Monday & Tuesday 5pm – 11pm; Wednesday & Thursday 12pm-3pm; 5pm – 11pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 10.30pm

Dog Training Classes at Taddiport Village Hall

Facial * Manicure* Pedicure * Waxing * Eye Treatments Contact Sarah: 07895 431784/www.backtobeauty.co.uk Treatments at The Treatment Room Frithelstockstone or in the comfort of your own home

Merton Vintage and Classic Vehicle Rally and Summer Fayre Sunday 1st May 2016 11am-5pm

ollowing the success of previous years, we are holding our 9th Vintage and Classic Vehicle Rally and Summer Fayre at The Clinton Hall, Merton. We hope that we can equal, or even better, the turnout from last year with people coming to Merton from all over Devon, Cornwall and even as far as Somerset. Entry forms have been coming in thick and fast, so it looks like we are going to have another great year of vintage and classic vehicles, including; cars, tractors, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and stationary engines. We are also able to offer rides in a 1950 OB Bedford 24 seat coach, which will bring back many memories of summer outings and school days! You will also be able to ride in a 1927 Phantom 1 Rolls Royce, which in its day was used at ‘The White House’ and ridden in by Sir Winston Churchill! Other attractions on the day include; fairground rides, Hatherleigh Ukulele Bashers, North Devon Gun Dog Display, Dutch Street Organ, Winkleigh Marvellous Eventures, craft workshops, Wonderstruck Science shows, Merton Moverz, Captain Coconut, to name a few. We also have an art exhibition, craft, local produce and trade stalls, Devon Air Ambulance stand, First Responders stand, barbecue, refreshments, cream teas, licensed bar and Hockings Ice Cream van. We have a draw which will take place on the day, with a fantastic first prize of two nights dinner, bed and breakfast for two people in any of the Brend Hotels in Devon and Cornwall, plus lots of other prizes Entrance: £3, under 16s £1, under 5s free. For more information call Janette Newell 01805 603604. Email: mertonrally@ googlemail.com Merton is on the A386 between Torrington and Hatherleigh. Sat nav EX20 3EQ.

The EU Referendum Events For ‘Leave’ Supporters

ook out for the free screening of Brexit The Movie, by the award winning journalist and documentary maker, Martin Durkin. It will be shown later this month at the Plough Arts Centre, after its London premiere. By the time you read this, the organisation which will lead the campaign to leave the EU will have been declared. For information of other events, boards, posters and leaflets contact John Pitts 01805 439100. For anyone who wishes to join or assist the campaign to leave the EU, you are invited to a social evening with guest speaker, on Tuesday 10th May from 6.30pm. The venue is the function room at the Torridge Vale Social Club. John Pitts (For information on the ‘Stay’ campaign, please visit the Government’s EU referendum website at EUReferendum.gov.uk, Becky Huxtable, Editor)

WMF WOODBURNERS HETAS Engineer for Installation of Solid Fuel Stoves & Chimney Systems General Building Work Undertaken

Tel: 07967 521 764 Email: will-folland@hotmail.co.uk

Puppies, Teenagers and Adult Classes for all skill levels Trainers formerly from Puppy Gurus Nurturing the bond between you & your canine companion through force free, positive training For more information please call Rachael: 01409 282814 thehavendogcentre@gmail.com

Dementia Awareness Week Events

n Wednesday 18th May from 2.30pm at The Plough, dementia awareness support services including memory cafés, Alzheimer’s Society, Taw & Torridge Caring, After Caring and Ageing Well will all have stands for information on what is available to those with dementia and their families/carers.

Dementia Friends Session Wednesday 18th May 4.30-5.30pm

Alzheimer’s Society will be leading a Dementia Friends session with additional information about the Alzheimer’s Society services.

An Evening with Dementia Wednesday 18th May 1pm & 8pm

Award-winning theatre performance based on a man experiencing dementia. This performance includes a Q & A session. Tickets £8-12, call 01805 624624 or visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk.

Memory Café Tea Dance Sunday 22nd May 2-4pm

We are holding a delightful afternoon of music, tea, cake and dancing, welcoming all memory cafés across Devon to this wonderful event. We are inviting people who may be experiencing memory loss or who would just like to come along and reminisce. With reminiscent songs from Kathy Ellis. All tickets £5, call 01805 624624 or visit www.theploughartscentre. org.uk.

Hickfords Property Services Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist

 Damp Surveys & Remedial Works Free esti mates &  Woodworm & Rot Treatments friendly ad vice HNC ,  Kitchen & Bathroom Design & Fitting NVQ and Institute of  Property Maintenance Wood Pre serving & Damp -Pro  Extensions ofing qualified  Landscaping & Decking  Plastering/Rendering - Alterations Contact Colin Hickford C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 623376 Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: hickford208@aol.com

Chulmleigh Community College Year 5 Taster Day, Thursday 30th June 2016

et a taste of a day at Chulmleigh Community College! When here, you will experience life in our new ‘state of the art’ secondary school and you will get the opportunity to meet our helpful and caring pupils and staff. The College has a strong reputation for high academic achievement, and a wide variety of first class opportunities, including representative sport and musical, drama and art activities. As a result of parental demand, we have just begun to offer transport for Chulmleigh pupils from Torrington and surrounding areas. We understand the importance of a successful and high quality transition between primary and secondary school and will do everything we can to help. We hope this day will help inform your choice of a secondary school to best meet the needs of your child. Please contact the College to register on 01769 580215.

Torrington Men’s Shed AGM Help Celebrate Our First Successful Year!

Thursday 19th May 7.30pm at The Globe here will be light refreshments and a short film show about our achievements: creation of a first class workshop; six major community projects; several projects pending. New members are very welcome and there is much work to be done. For further information please ring 01805 938965 or 01271 379016.

Vintage Fun for the Whole Family at The Big Sheep Saturday 7th May 10.30am – 4.30pm

he EWE2 arena will be hosting an ‘All things Vintage & Lovely’ fair on Saturday 7th May from 10.30am to 4.30pm. This inaugural event will be a fun day for adults and children with music, dancing, creative workshops and over 45 vintage, retro and artisan stalls to browse through. The show will be staged by Miss Ivy Events, founder of the hugely popular ‘All things Vintage and Lovely’ fairs which run throughout the year in Plymouth, Torquay, Taunton and Dartmoor. Devon’s vintage jazz quintet, Retro Rythem Rascals, will be entertaining visitors with music and styles of the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Vintage dancers will be taking to the stage to strut their stuff and a pop up beauty parlour will be demonstrating original vintage hairstyles. A vintage tearoom selling delicious treats for all who love fine tea and coffee, scrumptious cakes, ice creams and savouries will be set up in a beautifully decorated marquee. There will be face-painting and creative workshops for children and adult workshops will be brought to you by Mrs Marvellous from Tamar. Mrs Marvellous has a passion for crafts and sewing. For those who like to dress up for the occasion, there will be a best dressed competition with the chance to win a mystery prize; so make sure you get your glad rags on and join us for a thoroughly good day out. Entry to the show is £3.50 for adults and £2 for children (5-16yrs, under 5’s free) if bought online before the event at www.thebigsheep.digitickets.co.uk/ event/1272351?catID=4908, or £5 and £3 respectively on the day.

IT Support Volunteer Torrington Library Do you have two hours a fortnight to spare?

e are looking for volunteers to help support a brand new tablet tuition class in Torrington Library, Thursdays at 1.45 pm. You will need to be moderately IT savvy, but not an expert! For more details contact either: library staff directly on torrington. library@devon.gov.uk 01805 622107 or enquiries@torrage.org.uk, 01805 622666.

Bouncing Bees Singing Sessions for 0-5 Year Olds

Sessions run by Torrington Children’s Centre staff at Torrington Library on Tuesday mornings from 1-10.45am. (No session during half-term - Tuesday 31st May) Email: torrington.library@devon.gov.uk, 01805 622107

All Shines Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing Services

McTimoney Chiropractic John Francis BSc. (Chiro.) M.M.C.A.

Windows, gutters, soffits & solar panels HouseJohn wash, roof de-moss, patios, Dobie, Mark Alford, Scott Cann and Andrew Luxtondecking are availableetc. to block paving see clients by appointment. 55ft reach pressure washing.

For gentle and effective treatment of many conditions including: * Back neck and shoulder pains * * Pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints* * Muscular aches *

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Whiskers Pet Centre For your one stop pet shop, A large stock of pet food, Toys, Cages, Bedding, wild bird products, Medical items etc.... Find us at 20 south street, Great Torrington 01805 622859

How Much Do You Love the Community Hospital building?

IWhiskers Pet Centre

hope this month finds you in good spirits and that you are receiving the care and ongoing health treatment that everyone deserves as a right and promise from the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Family members are less than happy, and are not appreciated for the 24-hour care and love that they give so willingly; we thank them all and realise what a great job they do. For your one stop pet shop, A large Discharge procedures from A&E need to be challenged; no one should be told to stock of pet food, Toys, Cages, leave at unsociable hours without someone making sure that transport is available Bedding, wild birdfirst products, and that someone is at home to receive them safely. Medical items etc.... Where has all the bedding gone from the community bed closures? Just recently us at with 20 south street, patients in A&E have had noFind pillows, a rolled up blanket substituted in the case of Great Torrington 01805 622859 a 97 year-old after a nasty fall. Answers please from the top, there can be no excuse. We hear that ‘special days’ are to be held in the Community Hospital with a bus to ferry those that wish to attend; more money wasted in my opinion, tea and talk as on many occasions before. The ‘new services’ mentioned regularly are those quite well-housed in other venues across our town; all this to convince us that more services are coming when in fact there are less. Except for the small scanner, nothing is new, and that was put in place when the last lot of beds were removed. How much do you love the Community Hospital building? It is on the disposal list, so keep a watchful eye on this;For it will beone challenged withA all our might. your stop pet shop, large On a cheerful note, May stock Fair is on food, the way; of pet Toys, love Cages,for our children and family getBedding, wild bird products, togethers on celebration days is what makes our town so great. So have a good one! Medical items etc.... Margaret Brown, STITCH

Whiskers Pet Centre

Find us at 20 south street, Great Torrington 01805 622859

Fundraising Success for the Brain Tumour Charity

he recent fundraising event at Horwood Church to raise money in memory of Ken Fuller was a great success - it raised £1,040 for the Brain Tumour Charity. It was such a wonderful event, filled with laughter, memories and chatter, all served up with delicious donated cakes and pasties! We were so grateful to everyone who donated clothes; this was very For your onelovely stop pettoshop, much a community event and it was seeA large

Whiskers Pet Centre

everyone.

stock of pet food, Toys, Cages, Bedding, wild bird products, (pictured) who are taking to Medical items etc....

The Bandana Boys, their bikes to raise vital funds for the same charity, also came along to supportFind us. us at 20 south street, Anne Vanstone Great Torrington 01805 622859

Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman

Whiskers Pet Centre

• Interior and exterior painting • Paper Forhanging your one stop pet shop, A large food, Toys, Cages, • No job toostock big of orpet too small Bedding, wild bird products, Medical items etc....

For a friendly reliable service from a local tradesman ring: at 20 south street, T: 01805 625238Find M:us07814 147 603

Great Torrington 01805 622859

Jazz at Weare Giffard Medieval Hall

n evening of trad and swing with The Alan Lewis ‘Rarebits’ Friday 8th and Saturday 9th April. Tickets £15 (including refreshments). In aid of Weare Giffard Church funds For tickets please call 01237 475168.

Great Torrington Bowling Club Outdoor Season & Open Day

reat Torrington Bowling Club has successfully begun the outdoor season. The clubhouse has had a spring clean and face lift, the green is in fabulous condition and the setting is wonderful. Our opening day was very successful. Informal club nights are on Mondays from 6pm, new members have already joined in early events. An open day is being held on Saturday 21st May from 9am. Anyone interested in giving bowls a try is welcome, so come and watch or take part! The club is hosting a Charity Challenge Cup, for local groups and organisations. This will be an all-day event on Sunday 22nd May from 9am. John Pitts (Secretary), 01805 439100

l Local Driving Instructor l Beginners or partially trained l Nervous pupils welcome l Discounts for block bookings l Dual controls Alan Edwards - DSA ADI (Car) l Refresher lessons Tel: Torrington 01805 622972 l Pass Plus Mobile: 07818 667 074

How Old is the Pannier Market?

he pannier market was built in the chickens, rabbits, vegetables, honey, 1840s and refurbished in the late jams and other produce. She says the 1990s. women were all dressed in their best Originally, Torrington market traders set clothes with spotless white aprons. up their stalls in the streets and butchers The original Victorian structure gradually sold their meat in an open courtyard at deteriorated during the first half of the 20th the rear of the town hall known as ‘the century. Local legend has it that the glass shambles’. roof was dismantled during the Second In 1842 £2,990 was raised, and a proper World War so that moonlight reflecting on market place was “In the early days, goods for sale in the it wouldn’t attract built to provide the attention of pannier market used to be brought in space for the sale German bombers, pannier bags slung over the sides of of farm produce, but the actual story horses. ” meat and fish, is rather more which offered protection from cold and prosaic. I was told that the pannier market wet days of the winter months. Facing was a smelly place because it wasn’t the High Street, a handsome hall was cleaned properly and the three butchers’ added with a gallery above the market shops at the entrance added to the arch. This large hall was let for lectures general stink. Taking the roof off freshened and exhibitions, the occasional ball and the market up a bit. After that the market concerts, and in 1936 became the public was merely an unprepossessing lane of library. The narrow market, which was shabby cabins which were sealed up for reached by passing under the arch, was much of the week. well used and had a good reputation for In 1996 Torrington won a £1,000,000 meat, poultry, butter and eggs, from the award under the government’s Rural two rows of stalls lining the central alley. Challenge scheme to improve country The iron gates at the entrance were made areas. Torrington’s Genesis Project by local blacksmith, Richard Baker. In (devised by the Community Development 1892 the market was glassed over, mainly Trust) included refurbishing the Castle Hill paid for by the Hon. Mark Rolle. Hotel; putting in a Civil War Centre, tourist In the early days, goods for sale in information centre, modernised library the pannier market used to be brought and an IT centre. The Victorian pannier in pannier bags slung over the sides of market would be reconstructed and given horses. Above the haberdashery to the a new glass roof. left of the entrance can be seen the table The refurbished pannier market was of tolls and rent (printed in traditional old officially opened in 1999 with about a money). dozen permanent shops, new public An elderly lady who was a child in lavatories and a large hall to be used for the 1930s, remembers Saturday being different events. market day at the pannier market when Moira Brewer, an extract from the farmers’ wives brought their eggs, Torrington Uncovered

A Win for Board at the Camborne ABC Show!

orrington Amateur Boxing Club took Trai Sheppard, Nathan Board and three spares (Matt Gray, Jack Pledger and Ned Pettifer) to the Camborne ABC open show on the 9th April. Board stopped his opponent early in the third round after giving standing counts to Lewis Rollason from Falmouth in the previous rounds – the referee intervened, after Board worked well behind his jab and used a thunderous straight rear hand and lead hooks, avenging his only career defeat to Rollason (from last season). Sheppard lost very narrowly (on a split decision) to local boy Tyler Andrew, in what was arguably the best bout of the show. Sheppard used the set piece combinations he has been working on in training and never stopped from the first bell, leaving his southpaw opponent rather less confident after the three rounds than when he made his ring walk! The spare boxers (Gray, Pledger and Pettifer), were obviously disappointed not to have boxed, but made a great job of supporting their Torrington gym mates. Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin

Christian Aid Lent Lunches

any thanks to everyone who helped with, or attended, the Lent Lunches, a cheque for £1,021.76 has been sent to Christian Aid. During Christian Aid Week (Monday 16th May-Saturday 21st) there will be a street collection in Torrington Square, please give if you are able. Barbara Down, Treasurer

Torrington Slimming World Torrington Rugby Club Hatchmoor Road Every Thursday at 5.30pm & 7.30pm Contact Norah 07789 632 166 11

Diary

Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm Emma Keil emmakeil@ talktalk.net. 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington A Listing of Community, Social and Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6pmFundraising Events in the Torrington 7.30pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 and Surrounding District Areas. 623212 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout To place an entry in the diary, please Hall every Mon term time 7.30-9pm either email torrington.crier@gmail.com, Peter 01409 281246 call 01805 603152, or write your entry in Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall the diary on the Library counter. Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: Sunday 1st torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com Plough films: Meru (15) 3pm; London or find us on Facebook. has Fallen (15) 8pm Bideford Phoenix Morris Dancing in the Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training, above TVSC, 6.30Dawn at the Kingsley Statue, Bideford 7.30pm juniors age 11+ 7.15-9pm snrs. Quay at 5 30am for about an hour. U.S. Social Group. We meet every Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am morning worship, preacher Loraine Eade Monday at 8pm @ the Panniers in Barnstaple (Weatherspoons). Age 40 & messy church for children. plus. Mixed social group singles. Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Running club every Monday (except Mass every Sun 9.15am Bank Holidays) at 6.15pm GTS gym St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir Little Otters Pre-School, at The Clinton Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius School, Merton Mon-Thurs, 9am till Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am 3.30pm, with lunch club 12pm – 1pm, Term time. For more details-01805 LA, 6.30pm Ken Morgan 603357/ admin@clinton.devon.sch.uk Grosvenor Church Torrington, Bluecoat Junior School 4pm with Tuesday 3rd an exciting children’s programme, refreshments at 5pm. Tim 07798670754. Plough film: High Rise (15) 8pm Plough Workshops every Tuesday: Every Sunday. Yoga 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter 7:30pm; Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Abbotsham Rd, Bideford Sunday Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm Sacrament service at 10-11am £1.50 inc Tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 Sunday Brunch (Grosvenor Torrington 601485 Church) Every 1st Sunday 10.30am Food Bank 10am-12pm every Tues @ 12noon Bluecoat School Hall. Food and Baptist Church fun for all the family! Tim Gilbert 07798 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington 670 754 Car Boot Sale Tesco Rose Lane. Every Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 Sunday 10am - 2pm cars £5 - vans £7. 1st Torrington Beavers and Cubs at Sellers 9am. Maureen 07999 445 489. Scout Hut, Gas Lane Tuesdays during Fundraising for Diabetes UK. term time 5.30pm - 7pm, Fran Ashton 01409 281246. Monday 2nd Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @High Plough Workshops every Monday: Bickington Community Centre Yoga 6:30pm - 8pm; Folk Orchestra Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm 7-9pm Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am- Juniors, Adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington 3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, Community Centre 01769 561387 Torrington Police Amateur Boxing contact - 07870 509 674 Club training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ 8-11, 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit High Bickington Community Centre 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington

MAY 2016

Wednesday 4th

Plough film: Disorder (Maryland) (15) 8pm Singing for health, for older people, those with dementia and their carers. Conversation at 10.30am, singing begins at 11am, Torrington Community Hospital. £1 donation per session. For details call 01805 622666 or Julia Hadley 01409 281708. Torrington Hospital ‘The Meeting Room’ 10-11.30am Coffee Morning every Wednesday Plough Workshops every Wednesday: Adult English Class 6:30-8:30pm; Latin for Beginners 7-8pm; Tai Chi 7:30-9pm Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly coffee morning every 1st Wed of the month 10.30am-12.30pm @ Phase 1 Common Room, Ethelwynne Brown Close, East the Water Bideford 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.308pm Shirley Lee 01805 625965 Free English Course for Adults every Weds 6-8pm @ The Fire Station. Learn the basics or aim towards L2(GCSE=) qualification. Rosemary Dymond 01237 472462 Langtree Reunites Netball Club High 5 training (sch yrs 3-6) 6-7pm, Junior training (sch yrs 7-9) every Weds 7-8pm evening (Juniors 7-8pm and Seniors 8-9.30pm) @ Torrington sports hall. Visit www.langtreereunites.hitsnetball.co.uk Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-8pm carded boxers Running club every Wednesday at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel

Thursday 5th

Plough Music: Tom Doughty (A Gallery Gig) 8:15pm Plough Film: High Rise (15) 8pm St. Michael’s Church Flower Festival ‘90 Glorious Years’. Refreshments available. Also 6th & 7th May. Plough Workshops every Thursday: Sapta Dance 11am - 2:30pm; Tai Chi 2-3pm. Writers Group 7:30-9pm (first Thursday of the month), Life Drawing Sessions 7:30pm-9pm Tai Chi 12 -1pm and 1-2pm for beginners or those requiring a seat every Thursday, Torrington Hospital. TorrAge Ageing Well 01805 622666 Pannier General Market every Thurs

Oakwell

01805

Kitchens Ltd 622614

Qua

8am–5pm Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Church every Thurs term time 9.30am -11.30am £1.50 per family. Jill 01805 624387 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre Wendy’s Fitness for Life classes at the Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 Slimming World Join us at TVSC every Thurs at 5.30 & 7.30pm Norah 07789 632166 Toddler Group 9.30-11am every Thur @ High Bickington Community Centre Writers Poets & Listeners 7.30pm Conservative Club Torrington Craft Group, Every Thursday 1-4pm @ the Methodist Church Hall £2 per session inc refreshments, call and see us for a chat or call Jeanne Singleton 01805 622650 Merton Meal & Market in The Clinton Hall, Merton, every Thursday from 10am2pm. Local produce, food and gifts and a community café. www.mertslets.org.uk Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meet every Thursday 9am till about 3pm at Torrington Station (the Puffing Billy), unless weather is appalling. Variety of tasks. All welcome. 07881 905 260. St Michael’s Church 7pm Mass for Ascension Day

Friday 6th

Plough Workshop: Contemporary embroidery workshop with Sarah Harper 10am-4pm Plough Music: Tom Robinson 8pm St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel Plough Workshops every Friday: Sarah Anne Westcott School of Dance 3:30-7:30pm

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Pannier Market every Fri 8am-5pm Sunday 8th ALLSORTS Children’s Club at Bluecoat Plough Comedy: Joe Lycett 7:30pm Primary School, Fridays, 6.30-8pm. St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir was at Hatherleigh Communit Diary School years 1-6. Phone MoragMayor’s on Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius to see many of their residents Another hectic month has passed. 01805 625510 Sunday Club in upper room Community Helen andat I have represented the ALLSORTS Plus Youth Club Torrington Methodist ChurchAwards. 10.30amThis is s the awards we have in To at many civic Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, Town Tim Aldridge, 6.30pm Circuit Service which recognise people wh 8-9.15pm. School years 6 and upwards. events,Milton including Damerel made a difference to Phone Morag on 01805 625510 church Torrington services for Baptist the Church 10.30am their town It was lovely to at last welco English Folk Dancing 8pm every FriChairs morning of North worship Devon & family communion, be involved with, the Indu @ Northam Village Hall with BidefordDistrict preacher Council Chris and Andrew Father Lawrence MacLean. W Ceilidh Club. Info John 01237 476632 Torridge District he and his family will be very Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Council.Tuesday 10th Film:toRisenour (12A) 8pm town, and the Church Fe Club training 6.30-7.30pm We juniors enjoyedage a trip Plough to Bideford th & Talk, Torridge Walk meet @ Sydney 11+, 7.15-9pm seniors Vicarage was a good opportun watch their Regatta and on 10 House Car Park, 10.30, contact 01237 Little Otters Baby &September Toddler Group, all to meet them. watched the spectacular 421528 Merton. Every Friday,Bideford 9am-11.30am, The Co-op and Town Massedat Pipes and Drums, The Clinton Hall, Merton arranged a Harvest Festiva with visiting bands coming from all over 11th Wednesday Pannier Market on the UK. Great Torrington WI 7pmth Methodist Saturday 7th the 11 September. Fair is Rooms always annual a well- meeting & resolutions. Plough Music/Spoken Barnstaple Word: Letter This was the first supported with Competition: all the “Chain 6 homemade biscuits. from Palestine: An Eye Witness day, View by one organised and Gang” out in force to celebrate the Plough Music: Bicycle Repair Man (AI Dave Clinch (A Gallery Gig) 8:15pm think it will become a tradition of the Fair. The weather was Plough Film: Batman v Superman (12A) Gallery Gig) 8:15pm regular event on the kind as we walked around town,Film: whilstPapusza Plough 8pm 8:30pm Torrington calendar. the declaration opening ofPhoenix the Morris Crealock Torridge Ramblers day walk 01237of the Bideford Finally, we tried to attend Fair was read. Immediately after the Arms, Littleham, with Exmoor Border 470004 for details Macmillan coffee mornings as formal the proceedings had Morris at 7.45pm Breakfast rolls, coffee and part cakeof10am and in fact ended up going finished, dashed to noon, meat raffle, 1st prize we £25, 2nd down to Newquay. This is a wonderful charity an It was timeInfor put on a ‘posh 12th prize £15, takeaway available. aidHelen of toThursday Film: Mountainthat Poets it’s(15) so well su for a reception Plough celebrating theBlacksurprising Weare Giffard Villagefrock’ hall refurb/rebuild. 8pm After all those coffees we we West in Bloom’ competition. Plough Workshops ‘South every Saturday: Plough Open Mouth Music & Poetry Soap Kitchen shop to see Le Plough Junior Jazz 11am - 1pm; We still had Plough to wait until the following Richard Phillips who celebra Youth Theatre 9:45am - 5:15pm. Drop In 8pm day to hear the results, and were proud Torrington Fairtrade Group meets on 30th Se years of business Knitting Workshop with andChristine delightedForder when it was announced 7.30 pm at The Plough new members Congratulations to you both. 10:30am -1:30pm, first Saturday. that the Torrington in Bloom team had welcome. Contact Kathy on 01805 I look forward to hearing fro Torridgeside Saturday wonFootball a Silver Gilt (last year it was or Myra on you 01805 624232. have an event or anniver Fun Club - 10am - 11am in the Greatyou to 624678 silver). Thank the committee, Plough Workshop:want Open Mouth Torrington Bluecoat Primary School to tell meMusic about – just traders and individuals who work so & Poetry 8pm (every second Thursday) MUGA. Every Saturday. 01805 625662, or our s hard to enhance our surroundings in St Michael’s Church 10.30am Pannier General Market Saturday Pauline at theSaid Council offices o Greatevery Torrington. We Mass will soon have in St James’ Chapel. 11am - 1pm 10am–4pm 626135. the opportunity of meeting themorning judges Coffee Food Bank 10am-12pm every Councillor Richard R to find out Sat how@ we can do even better Castle Hill, (1st floor)–Torrington Tow our next challenge is GOLD!! COPY DEADLINE FOR JUNE Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am Our last out-of-town engagement @ Libbaton Golf Club CRIER 12 NOON TODAY

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Merton 01805 603924. Personally Supervised by Andrew & Janice Gist www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk Excellent home-made food served every day 12-2pm/6-9pm Great selection of01805 wines, 622364 real ales, ciders Open fire and snug rooms

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Ask fo Milton Damerel don’t forget to visit our friendly animals or join us on one of our farm tours. TEL: 01805 622868 MOB: 07876 454361 Nr Holsworthy Local, fri EMAIL: davestegg@hotmail.co.uk Visit: www.Blackberryfarmshop.co.uk EX22 7NP CRB Che

The Café and Garden @1646 6-7.15pm

Please call WENDY on 07787607322 or email wendy.cox@btinternet.com Class includes optional weigh in, motivational talk and 45 minutes of Zumba Fun

Friday 13th

Art on Friday The Plough 10.30am2.30pm ‘Seascapes’. New members welcome, Hazel: 01805 623757 Plough Music: Blowzabella 8:30pm

Saturday 14th

Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4pm further details Doug 01805 622648. Beryl 01805 624294 Yarnscombe Victory Hall 10am-12pm spring coffee morning, bric-a-brac, plants & produce, cakes, books, draw, all welcome Plough Workshop: Silver Jewellery with Precious Clay Metals with Mary Myers 10am-4pm Plough Music: Buddy Holly and the Cricketers (Devon Hall Bideford) 8pm Plough Music: Tankus The Henge + Support Skata Tones (standing gig) 8pm

Sunday 15th

Plough Talk: North Devon’s Dying Matters Awareness Week 2-5:30pm Plough Films: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (12A) 3pm; Eddie the Eagle (15) 7pm Torridge Ramblers afternoon walk 01237 429080 for details Open Garden at Owlacombe Farm, Roborough EX19 8TG, 1-5 pm, in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance £4 teas available. 01805 603285 St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am & 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan, Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am breakfast special

Tuesday 17th

‘Hearing Loss Support Group’ Social

Wednesday 18th

Royal British Legion meeting Conservative Club 7pm Plough Workshop: Decoupage with Teena Wright 10am-12 noon Plough Dementia Awareness Week: Theatre: An Evening with Dementia 1pm & 8pm Talk: Dementia Awareness 2:30-5:30pm Training: Dementia Friends session with The Alzheimers Society 4:30-5:30pm Plough Exhibition: ‘Drawing Down the Feminine’ curated by Kate Walters – preview evening 7pm Singing for health, for older people, those with dementia and their carers. Conversation at 10.30am, singing begins at 11am, Torrington Community Hospital. £1 donation per session. For details call 01805 622666 or Julia Hadley 01409 281708. Bideford Phoenix Morris Abbotsham Thatch at 7.45pm St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm

Thursday 19th

Plough Music: Paul Young and Los Pacaminos 8pm Men’s Shed AGM 7.30pm at the Globe Hotel St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass in St James’ Chapel. 11am - 1pm Coffee morning Bingo at St Giles Parish Hall, eyes down at 7.30pm

Friday 20th

Plough Comedy: Andrew Lawrence: Uncensored 8pm St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass

MOTs - Tyres - Batteries Servicing - Repairs - Diagnostics Mechanics Tony Elston and Dan Heal look forward to receiving your call We can collect vehicles from Torrington

01805 603324

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

group for the hard of hearing. Every third Tues 2pm @ The Bickford Centre. Call 01271 373236

AGRIMOTORS Merton Garage

Delicious organic soups, locally made bread, cakes and sausages, Cornish cured bacon and free range eggs. Local stockists of The Bay Tree Company award winning chutneys & Jams, all made in the West Country. DOGS ON LEADS ARE WELCOME IN THE FOYER ADJACENT TO THE CAFÉ AND IN THE GARDEN FREE WIFI

in St Jame’s Chapel

Saturday 21st

Buckland Brewer annual plant sale 10am-3pm & Sunday 22nd 11am – 3pm Plough Workshop: Square Willow Trugs with Mary Jannaway 10am-5pm Plough Film: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (12A) 5:30pm Plough Comedy: Andrew Lawrence: Uncensored (Lynton Town Hall) 8pm Plough Music: Corinne West 8:15pm Plough Film: Eddie the Eagle (15) 8pm

Sunday 22nd

Safari Lunch Buckland Brewer 12.15pm & 1pm £10: (primary school children £5 : U5s free) Betty Walters 01237 451132 Plough Dance: Memory Café Tea Dance 2-4pm Plough Film: Painting The Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse 5:30pm Plough Film: Eye in the Sky (15) 8pm St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am morning worship, holy communion, preacher Derek Andrew Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Julia Spencer, 6.30pm Rev Stephen Hill

Tuesday 24th

Torridge Walk & Talk, meet @ Puffing Billy Car Park, 10.30, contact 01237 421528 Torridge Ramblers evening walk 01805 622183 for details Plough Theatre: The Owl and The Pussycat’s Treasury of Nonsense 10:30am & 1:15pm Plough Film: Eye in the Sky (15) 8pm

STUART STACEY CARPET & VINYL FITTER ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED REFITS UNDERTAKEN REPAIRS & RESTRETCHS MEASURING MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

01805622967 or 07767024688

Dog Walking from £8 per hour

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Wednesday 25th

Plough Theatre: Lyrically Minded (A Gallery Gig)Enrico 8:15pm by volunteers with Caruso their own friendly, thSon of Saul (15) 8pm Plough Film: temperament-tested and 1873 vaccinated (25 February – dogs and cats. 1921) 2nd August Thursday 26th Since it’s beginning 22,000 PAT Part 2 Music: Plough A Retroover Musical Soiree dogs have been registered What aGig) great shame thereinto are the no (A Gallery 8:15pm Pets Therapy scheme. Every year Plough Film: Therecordings Divide 8pm digitalAsmastered of Caruso. some of these retirehow andwonderful new dogs, St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said One cannot imagine his having first been examined and passed Mass in St Jame’s Chapel. 11am 1pm voice was. onCaruso’s health, temperament, suitability and Coffee morning. 7pm Mass for stretching Corpus 25-year career, stability grounds, Petsincluded As Therapy. Christi. from 1895 to join 1920, 863 Today Phoenix there are currently Bideford with appearances atMorris the Newaround York Lodestone Morris at Rydon Inn, 4,500 active PAT visiting dogs 108 Metropolitan Opera before heand died of Holsworthy PAT cats atat7.45pm work in the UK. an infection the age of 48. HisEvery fame Probus Clubtomeets at the Black Horse, week these calm friendly dogs and has lasted the present day, despite High Street, Torrington, 10am. Every cats give more than 130,000 people, the limited marketing and promotional fourth Thursday. both young and old, to thehim. pleasure and avenues available He was, chance to cuddle talk toofthem. The tha and nonetheless, client Edward Friday 27 are visited each year bedsides thatThe Bernays during the latter’s10.30amtenure as a Art on Friday Plough number a staggering half million. press agent in the USA. Publicity in 2.30pm ‘Free Choice of Subject & Sick patients often isolated and Caruso’s time relied feel on newspapers, Medium’ New members welcome, Hazel: even the most withdrawn seem to open particularly wire services, magazines, 01805 623757 up and let the barriers down when photography and the telephone. Plough Music: Phillip Henry and their regular Pets As Therapy is Hannah Martin 8pm Caruso’s biographers,visiting Pierredog Key, around. bring everyday life Bruno These Zirato dogs and Stanley Jackson Saturday 28thnot closer with it only all the attributeand his fame to hishappy voice Plough Music: Bookends: Simon and associations for them and musicianship, but also of to ahome keen Garfunkel Through the Years 8pm comforts. constant companionship business The sense and an embrace of of an undemanding animal, thatthen gives th recordings, commercial sound in Sunday 29 unconditional iswell-known often oneThe of the its infancy. Many opera Plough Films:love, Ran (12A) 3pm; most missed aspects of rejected their lives. singers of Winter’s Caruso’s time the Huntsman: War 7pm Pets As Therapy was formed to help phonograph (gramophone) their Torrington Methodist Churchand 10.30am make this loss more bearable voices have been lost as a result,and but Roy Harris, 7pm Ignite. speed Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am other recovery. singers including Adelina Patti, Buttons was thepreacher firstand PetPeter As Therapy morning worship, Goodall Francesco Tamagno Nellie Melba in North Devon and Josie the first in exploited the new technology once th Monday Torridgeside. Thereof the have been they became30 aware success of Plough Films:results Kung Fu Panda (PG) outstanding with the 3 Read2 Caruso’s recording sessions. 3pm; The Huntsman: Winter’swhich War 7pm programme in ourmore schools, has Caruso made that 260 extant no sponsorship and has stconditions recordings in America for the Victor Tuesday 31 helped children learn to(PG) read. Talkingmany Machine Company, (later RCA Plough Films: Kung FutoPanda 3 The dogfrom acts as8pm ato non-judgmental Victor) 1904 1920, and he 3pm; Criminal (15) listener and offers comfort to those

On the 16th November there will be a earned of dollars in royalties who find millions reading stressful. Great Torrington lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, from theand retail the resulting Come seesales us atof Green Lanes Memory Café Country Women of the th the Associated 78rpm discs. In Italy in 1902-1903, he Shopping Centre on Sunday 19 May March’s memory World, of which the WI nationally is a cut five batches of records for the 10-30am-4.30pm. Enquiries; K Moore café went with a member. Not widely known, the G r a m o p h o n e a n d T y p e w r i t e r 01805 624739 North Devon Area Cobuzz despite having ACWW has representatives from many Company.PAT. He was later heard live from Ordinator to cancel working the towards relief of nationalities; the stage of the Metropolitan Opera irstly on the radio lovely forever couch. activity. poverty and sickness, promoting health House in an the update first public East Woodlands Farmhouse, Esme, who you will remember On that note, we are place always looking A presentation took John and advancing education. It’s for down-tobroadcast in 1920. Alverdiscott, Open Garden came inissue last month in ayou veryabout sorry for fosterers – an ideal way to support have Portman who has now retired froma earth approach offers mutual In the next I will tell This garden will be opening for the state. Well she is doing really well and dog onpractical a part time basis. Fostering is being our Volunteer Fundraiser and we and help to women and some of his operatic roles. second time as part of the National enjoying hergood newlistening life “On that not that easy, as many are still trying to recruit for this post, so th note, we communities across the world. Until then are always Garden Scheme on Saturday 8 and if To youfind like to fosterers be partand of fall a in the rescue of our do out about the ACWW the Sunday 9th of kitchen, June 2013Bob fromDymond 2-5pm looking for fosterers –would an committed teamin love of nationwide, volunteers to Women's Institutes visit and is going in foreach her day. with the dogs, ideal way to have a dog on www.theWI.org.uk provide this a valuable ear operation very miles however service it may then suit Torrington W.I. time Five NE basis. of part Fostering isin about please get touch. We are also Any queries Torrington W.I. soon. I can’t tell you some people who Our Torrington, Annual Meeting will take place Great five miles south of volunteers toRidgwell help ring Joyce don’t on notatthat easy, manyPresident, offorour how happy off she perhaps wantwith the November. We will aslooking on Wednesday 9thnow Barnstaple the B3232 Windmill memory café – if you can spare two 01805 623588. looks sheone simply fosterers do fall in love with tie of a permanent dog be of electing new Cross and along mile single atrack hours a month then contactabout me. loves everyoneEX31 that or please are worried President anddogs...” road. Postcode 3PP the We are looking forward to this Great Torrington visits, and everyone vet fees etc. If you are for the Richard and Ann committee welcome you to month’s Town meeting where Annie loves her. She isgardens, getting so famous she and would just like to Brierley discuss following year, their sculptured extending to interested Hall Project will be then reading shortcallstories and has sending photos out to fostering, please on 07971 taking a look were back just been over an acre. signed The gardens By the time this do report us appears in poems. This will invoke memories and atfrom all we have 461 created a blank all her fansinand2006 supporters! or email lynne@k9focus.co.uk. The806Crier, you will have noticed raise discussions and should be a very experienced in we the have last year and then Photo landscape and have been transformed scaffolding has been put This month seen several Competition enjoyable activity. getting a sneak speakers into a hidden oasis of grasses, up to facilitate the of our dogs go offpreview to swaying their of new homes; Fund raising is repair a massive of Dementia Awareness weekpart takes booked for 2012. Cups and prizes will spectacularly architectural bamboos of the roof and make the including Sam the collie and Riko, who the work that the rescue volunteers place in May. Along with the be awarded those who did together best in and cool-to-hot terraces. Little garden building water-tight for was waiting forfor quite a long time, undertake, and this year noplanning exception, Society we is are to our optional competitions, rooms createmonthly hidden gemslittle where theA Alzheimer’s the winter. It will be with Tuppence the sweet JRT.and with many events planned forpresence the coming have an information giving in theremonth will, sit offorand course, betheand time tea visitor can tranquillity enclosed in waterproof rd good theenjoy rescue itfor always months. Our photo competition is still May the town square on Thursday 23 andthe a natter. of garden as smile it blends the sheeting to protect the working area makes Aunty Lynne whenwith she sees so do come and and find out more. running, until along 31st May, there are Being rather nifty at getting through rolling, tireless views. A pond area and to minimise any risk to the internal th the dogs settling into their new life. The theme of this week is “Worry lots of fun classes with rosettes to the business side of things, we will also (unfenced) and still in its fabric. At the same time, a series 6of changes nothing. Talking changes Could you be a fosterer? place. All class winners will be featured manage a bit ofstages, time to welcome developmental provides Bob an photoelectric panels will be installed, to As dogs go will out, there always our 2017running-costs, calendar and itand only costs £2 Brewer, give usisthe low-down area of who shade for gunnera and more bog ineverything”. reduce perhaps May’s café meeting will be on waiting to take their place, and we have per photo. Photos can be uploaded via on the A Cavaliers. plants. potager’s delight. provide anthincome for the project by when David Clinchyou will are be Thursday 9Facebook recently seen Patches returned towill us due special We start 7pm and in the Methodist Entry costsat £3.50 teas be our selling surplus powergroup. to theIf National playing guitar and pipes to entertain us to a change inand thewill family He on Facebook but would like more Church Hall, prospective members available. There also situation. be plants foris not Grid. all. Do come along and join in the fun an JRT X areolder very little welcome to who visit is forcurrently free. Anyin information sale. Althoughagain this please work isemail. being carried as well as Licks being & able to always, access foster with oneinformation of our volunteers. They woofs new paying their subsEast this For members further about out by the Townlands Trust,aspayment relevant information and discuss month, get garden 14job, months foris the pricethat of do a fantastic and so open nice Missaside Jessica Woodlands and itothers for will be taken from funds set for concerns with professional NHS staff. 12. How about that!can stay the National Garden Scheme visit the project, which would have included these older dogs in a home Contact: Pauline Page 01805 625969 www.ngs.org.uk environment while waiting for their

15 117

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

Ring and Ride services operate in the following areas: Mondays from Westward Ho! and Bideford Tuesdays Torrington Wednesdays from Hartland Thursdays High Bickington and south of the area. ‘Going Out and About’ Club runs on Fridays

Further details from: Karl Williams 01271 549680

Rolle Canal Permissive Path Closure Update

s anyone who walks the Tarka the canal boats heading for Torrington Trail towards Beam House will were hauled up a slope from the level know, the permissive path along of the river meadows at Annery Kiln the canal below Furzebeam Hill has been to the upper canal pound, which was officially closed since January due to a continuous all the way to Rowe’s Moor, landslip where a section of path had fallen now Rosemoor Gardens, south of Great away down towards the river. Permanent Torrington. As with many of the Rolle rebuilding of the embankment will be a Canal’s features, subsequent transport long and expensive job, because there is developments have obliterated much no access to the site for the machinery of the original structure so that it is only that is used for such work these days. with the use of imagination, guided by However, work is virtually complete on the canal society’s walks leaders, that a temporary diversion of the walkway to the full nineteenth century engineering the other side of the canal, enabling the accomplishment can be appreciated. route to be used safely again. The walk on May 15th starts at 2:30pm The path is still closed until such time as from Annery Kiln, which is beside the County Rights Halfpenny Bridge “...work is virtually complete of Way Officer has over the Torridge on on a temporary diversion of the the Weare Giffard approved the works and passed it as walkway to the other side of the road off the A386 safe, although we canal, enabling the route to be used about three miles notice that people south of Bideford. safely again.” have continued to The distance use it at their own risk. Hopefully, by the walked is little over a mile, mostly on the time you read this, the path may be open Tarka Trail, but including about a quarter to the public again. mile of rough grass meadow which may be a bit wet after rainfall. Rolle Canal May Walk These walks are organised by the Rolle The 2016 season of history walks on the Rolle Canal starts with a visit to Canal and Northern Devon Waterways the Ridd Inclined Plane near Weare Society, who would appreciate a Giffard on Sunday May 15th. A May contribution of £2 per person towards date is chosen for this walk because it is the costs of maintaining and enhancing usually the best time to catch the spring the features of the canal. For any wildflowers, noteworthy amongst which further details of the walk please email are the Twayblades and Early Purple hassallc@ymail.com, but there’s no Orchids in the dry canal basin and Yellow booking, just turn up at the start and enjoy your afternoon out in the glorious Archangel bordering the Tarka Trail. The inclined plane at Ridd is the site sunshine of the Torridge valley! Chris Hassall of one of the canal engineer’s major structures, built in around 1825, whereby

The Bandana Boys and the Brain Tumour Charity

he Bandana Boys aka Geoff Norman, Chris Sing and Bernie Wittram - average age of 64, are undertaking a gruelling 200-mile charity bike ride; from Great Torrington (Weare Giffard for Bernie) to Brize Norton, commencing Wednesday 11th May and finishing on Friday 13th May. The aim is to support the Brain Tumour Charity, who use the money to research the causes of a condition that, in the South West, has the highest incidence per head of population in Britain. On a personal level the idea came from Geoff, whose brother Max lived in Brize Norton and passed away last year with a brain tumour. We are also riding in memory of Gerry Johns, who lived in Torrington and Weare Giffard, a friend of Bernie. Should you wish to support by giving a donation, this can be done directly through the just giving site- wwwjustgiving.com/ thebandanaboys; donations can be made in the Torrington Arms, The Green Lantern, 1646 Cafe, The Puffing Billy Bike Hire or the Cyder Presse at Weare Giffard. Many thanks in anticipation. The Bandana Boys

Coffee morning @ St Michaels Thursdays 11am to 1pm

Everyone is welcome to come along for delicious coffee and yummy cake.

Plough 10.30-11.30am, Samina 01837 e, with 18)along 8pm @ Themany Plough 682811 or I07974 43318”, 156 We met when was “just ncluding this year’s New Buildings or Renovations? R.PITTS Then call your Local “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Friendly Builder

Roland Pitts A.B.C. RBuildings STACEY FAB TREES New Renovations? Anne Bacon or Catering New Buildings or Renovations? Then call your Local Tel: 01805 624665 TTS Freddie Andrew Blackford 'BUILDERS' Mob: 07812 067199 Then call your Local Friendly Builder ENOVATIONS”General Building Small groups, Friendly Builder Contractor QUALIFIED TREE SURGEON

For Socks etc. • Town Museum • Times Past

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Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

Food Hygiene Courses

Building & Renovations R. PITTS

Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

running monthly in Torrington R. Pitts please telephone

All types of building work undertaken Renovations - New Build - Extensions Barn Conversions - Roofing - Plastering “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Damp proofing - Timber Treatment

Roland Pitts 07814 292 077

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Suppliers of logs and kindling

Building & Renovations R. PITTS Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

6 Pannier Market, Torrington

Month-long Rose Festival at Neutering Your Kitten at 4 RHS Garden Rosemoor Wed 6.30-8pm Shirley content! Lee 01805 wives shop to their hearts’ Information Months! way itCommunity had recycle their cardboard safely for future generations.- place it in evening will been be

Diary

carnival queen and her attendants. Fri 4 the our 625965 Dolton’s three pubs areMarket all expected The Centre is available to hire cats for or the first time, a month-long Rose Pannier Bric-a-Brac every Fri raditionally, neutering Centre mevolunteers of their poems have your new brownisbag and put out for The committee now working hard ur along all will take Weight Watchers @ The to benefit from the carnival atmosphere meetings, after 4pm, through into the Festival place at RHS 10am-4pm (that is spaying for a female (opposite Sydney House Car Park, ay in and the ensure Plough. your Their raising collection withfor your bottles, cansnew and Club every Wed 6.30funds some bright age Conservative and an influx of visitors.Devon There will be a evenings on castrating most days, also has on Garden from Monday Allsorts Childrens’ Club, Bluecoat Roselyn, Shebbear. and for and a male) next toRosemoor as well written that I 'Panamart') newspapers. curtains to give the hall a fresh new s. so There’s a walk for th th 7.30pm, Berni 01837 811172 roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, occasional Saturdays for small events 6 June until Sunday 10 July 2016. Infants School every Fri 6.30-8pm, been from six months, but it is delighted to As announce that note efforts should beof Community, a parting candone I wish Aare Listing Social look. five toWe 18 miles! Free English Course for Adults GTS barbecue, and candy wagon. or training days. Please see Kiz or showcase of colours and scents set now School years 1-6 Morag 01805 625510 theA 'Esteem' group - everybody to support those recommended that kittens are a wider circle. I Fundraising have a May Fair and and Events in happy the Why notofcome and join interm-time the fun on ments will be provided Weds 7-9pm. Learn the email: kizangell@btconnect.com Allsorts Plus Young Persons’ Club, against the backdrop of one theth most suffering with mental health difficulties, neutered at four months. It is very easy dour them to come along to keeping my fingers crossed for when Friday April 26 (7byfor 7.30pm) walk, Stagecoach Torrington and Surrounding basics or aim towards L2(GCSE=) YourSchool Vote every Counts! Bluecoat Fri 8-9pm years beautiful RHS gardens, bordered depression, fatigue,wesunshine pain orcelebrating anxiety - St George’s for a female kitten/cat (queen) to get he on Planning – and warmth! st are Night. be hand atCommittee the end qualification. Jayne Doyle 0797 687 District Areas. Charity Xmas Cards & Gifts 6-9 Morag 01805 625510 1 Torrington Scouts have registered acres of stunning woodlands. Swathes beenpoint. awarded grants theBest wishes you all. are sexually mature ouncil, tostarting present their You pregnant. Queens will from be assured of7985 ato or warm to yourhas 01237 472462 Concert @ Wembworthy Parish Cards for good causes and Fair with Nat West Community Force, of scented blooms, floral workshops and Rural Devon Trust (through the Devon Cllr Mrsfrom Margaret n person. aboutBrown four months and Club come Weds into welcome and fun-filled evening with are hopingArrangements to provide Langtree Unites thcultivars Church 7.30pm entry,people collection Trade gifts will be on Netball sale in St. Mary’s whichfree invites to unusual on sale make this aMayor Community Foundation) and from of Torrington April at e for this on 24 season every to nd 21 7-8pm, days (about hot food and entertainment. All for 18 ong the way and more eve term-time (Juniors Seniors for church funds, 01769 580241 November to church Bideford from 2 vote for a local charity/ Awards For must-see Devon visitors this summer. (If each. you have any views on the useweeks) of The by future is theirs, and £7.50 every three until they become th details). (See diary for es’ some offorAll. our 8-9.30pm)@ Torrington sports hall. Music 'Glencause Tilbrook' The December, Monday to Friday 10amof 8pm their @choice, can hands now laptops, enabling Boasting onebuy of funds the from UK’s largest the sale of 7the Eric Palmer it will be We in good pregnant! The timing of your kitten’s Tessa 07971 083 510 Plough 4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. Over 30 with the winner and two the group to use the internet in order to Tue 1 of roses, RHS Gardenlike first Centre, and would to share them in to proved the collections ideas have season depends her practice breed, the to they be very Torrington Silver Band 8Torrington Uncovered Exhibition runtil charities to select youron cards from and u n nSaturday e r s - u p 26th b eNov. ing help them become an integrated and Story time 10–10.30am in Library on The Crier, please send letters to Rosemoor is home to two dedicated rose time9.30pm, of year Nick that she was andfrom her hope this year will be 01805 622150 th The Cucumber Sunlight Company selection ofborn gifts awarded a grant. Please go to Acommunity. New Book accepted part our They5's an interesting Tues ofofevery month for under 1stIsure torrington.crier@gmail.com, or drop was again gardens, bringing together 200 different .30SoMarch, make you individual development. Females can Film 'The Hedgehog' (12A) 8pm @ 'Unguiding' preview 7pm tonight @ The many parts of the world. www.communityforce.natwest.com/ My book about Torrington is finally will be able to engage a support worker Fitness League taster classes every them into the Library, for the Dreamand Kidz varieties a wealth of hues and thanks) ends, family and have upPlough to three litters in a year! (That’s The Plough projects/ and type 1st Torrington Scout on its way! to assist with form-filling, producing a Tues 10-11am @ The Plough Michele f getJoseph and his perfumes. From cottage garden climbers, a lot of kittens!!) your registration Group into the project name box, searching courses I container haveTorrington written it Town as aThu series of Carnival 01237 422195 07527406743 eamcoat. Sold out forfor oreducation Dolton 3 that to bright and beautiful varieties, Great Council ng withCV, your entry fee. Satand 5 prevent Ensuring your male or female cat is neutered will litters register vote forunwanted us. Please get and as and will be search for Tues local questions that newcomers are likely to Torrington Guides every at ytocopy performance, this was Flaming torches, drummers, bands Pannier General Market every Thurs there will beand aable roseto toNotice inspire and suit all the1st forms Pannier General Market every Sat help remove the problems associated with finding homes or increasing the stray cat of Annual Meeting of the many of your friends and family to do ask about Torrington and its voluntary or paid work. The group has Torrington Rugby Club 7-8.30pm Linda vening offriends music and and and 10am–4pm fireworks will give a small Devon und togardens. 10am–4pm population. so as well, as if we are successful we Town Council daysonthree times a week, (see the answers, surroundings and of Toddler Masterson 01805 623212 by the drop-in young people offrom village a blaze Group of publicity Little Fishes n register and pay Top highlights the festival include Film 'Crazy, Stupid Love' (ctba) your 8pm As well as preventing unwanted at litters, there also health benefits to program having willare be able to continue our of diary) which include a 'listening ear', Notice is herby given that: varying length and detail, to those Beaver Group boys & girls 6-8yrs really are very lucky to next Torrington month. Baptist Church every termghtwalk.co.uk. Please a botanical art exhibition, guided tours, female @ The Plough cat neutered as unneutered females are more likely to suffer from pyometra refurbishment to Scout HQ, not only someone from the questions. community who isare 64 There sections on The Annual Meeting and every term-time Tues @ Scout Hut, ent in Torrington. The Dolton’s annual £1.50 carnival, time Thurs 9.30-11.30am, per 0 ‘Early Bird’ entry fee expert advice from RHS horticulturists (infection Scout group, butthese all ofabove the dates womb)back latertoinVictorian life. Queens benefitting withSun infectious may pass happy to the sitand and for those feeling different topics and 160family. and Inauguration of theover Mayor ofblack thewhich st 4.30-5.45pm Anne Lewis, Beaver ing till ovations at endchat, 6 thediseases Wendy 01805 623214 April me 1 and David Austin Roses, a floral market, those who hire the hall. on be to their kittens, and it is also worth remembering that pregnancy and birth are not lonely and low. named Town Council will held at the white photographs. I hope that, as well Leader 01805 601580 mances and there are times,Conley will be on Fawkes Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Rosemary dietGuy & exercise ee willchildren’s be £15, activities, so aproviding rosefree trail, and for Fran Ashton without risk. The alsoasPlough offers guide visitors, Arts Centre, Great Torrington Spiritual Healing 3-4.30pm &alegal 7-9pm. em onCentre another NBluecoat ithis g h t , Early S a t uYears r d a yCentre 5th Mass every Sun 9.15am Class, ntry putting in much, fast! th much more. advice, and tenancy and debt advice, book will contain plenty of material that May 2013 at 7pm. on Tuesday 14 01805 622883 Now6.30-7.45pm ontoNovember, the boys!! n June forFrithelstockstone, those that Baptist Church 10.30am Creative everywhich Thurs gives Wendythe ofThe interest to townspeople. by to appointment, (see diary). Rev. meeting is open Ifto the public Bingo Taddiportis Village Hall every enough get tickets you decide not toanhave your male of cat (tom) neutered, festivities extra spark Church there are many risks which 01237 424787 ung atGraham Have Your orwho Kitten Slingo comes in are forlike a coffee I would towelcome. take this opportunity toWorld most Tues, eyes down 7.30pm d. A huge thank youCat to Ode Derek Stamp will put this himyear. in a significant amount of danger.St. He will to wander off to find females, interest Michael’s Church Sung Mass & Slimming TVSC every Thurs on and chat, and we have started book Tighe, Town ClerkGent, thank all thea Michael local who have Rugby Training at Donnacroft everypeople Neutered Now for £5 ton and Liz Harris and Derek Stamp ismay 60,Sun Farmer Ralph one the key and this the Roberts risk of road traffic accidents. He also10am fight with other Sermon every 5.30 &increases 7.30pm Bev 01805 clubTues for our young (read book ps have helped me awrite this book by giving 7pm production team for allpeople local Cats Protection branch A milestone in his life, figures Torrington Methodist Church toms tobehind try andthe beDowland ‘top cat’ country putting fair him at risk of infected fight wounds, FIV (feline 624955 overFilm a is week or fortnight primroses generously of their time, providing me in June, 'Troll Hunter' (15) 8pm @ The and effort. offering neutering for cats and May And10.30am we’vevirus). come this farGilberson, together and dog show is organising Great Torrington Fair RevUn-neutered Mark Rugby Training at Donnacroft immunodeficiency virus) and FeLVevery (feline leukaemia male6.30 cats eof daffodils come and chat with information and lending me mark their clubhouse Plough fundsthen from thekittens saleinof As devoted manneutering and wife. will often stop spectacular finaleterritory in which stover ththe aged four months or Rev Slingo Thurs 7pm, open 8pm will often their by£1,600spraying inside the Graham home, & Carnival 1 to 4 May 2013 overlivea indrink and areasEveryone the topabout of photographs. I have Centre, I have received of spoken fireworks light up the night Film 'Way of the Morris' (12A) 4.30pm for £5 ifit you postcode EX21, worth Writers, and Listeners 7.30pm this problem. Great Torrington’s May FairPoets & will cakes) on 2Thursdays after ching the Wed to has shown an interest in the project of letters, e-mails and He’s always there to hold my hand, Most sky. @ The Plough @ the Plough EX22, EX38 or EX39. for cats is a routine operation, which requires a short anaesthetic. Carnival a time talking for fun,Neutering laughter session casking hLittle o o linto / cTadpoles o l lae g e and .stay nplayis out to s burst IO& have enjoyed toChristmas you all. and ls all Father And kiss me when I’m sad, The Pipe & Drum Band, Samba Bazaar stalls & teas 2Phone: 07849 417 890 for more will be able go home later the same day and once home will only need to stay we all hope01805 great weather!! will However, every term-time Wed 1-3pm Monmate 7 for so many years, Torrington Uncovered beMethodist Saturdays, gents can sit ay of spring colour. econsider the decision soul Band and Torrington Allstar Majorettes 3.30pm @ Hall £1 entry to My information and to check if you are indoors for a couple days following surgery before they will be back to their normal it can also be a time when we see an 622747 & Tone every Mon at The and Victory read with a coffee, or from the weekend as hit the Hall available following Trustees. The Town BestStretch friend I’ve ever had. will allbehaviour, be taking part in the parade include refreshments, eligible, this is a means-tested offer. cheeky selves! increase in anti social 3rd Torrington Brownies at the launch Plough 10.30-11.30am, Samina 01837 books from charity reproof doors to behalf the ourMay Fair, after on Saturday greed tobuy write on the village, with Film 'Kill List' 8pm @ Themany Plough Holsworthy Bideford & District Cats through Hatchmoor Vets drinking, violence and (18)along Torrington Baptist Hall, 682811 or I07974 43318”, 156 'Book Relief UK',every their May atwhile the term-time Plough. ds been installed 4thunderage ity.havebookshop We met when was “just brightly-lit floats, including this year’s Protection New Buildings or Ren criminal damage! Moira Brewer Parish can Records R.PITTS ne the Torridge now

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ur April meeting was based 018 around the topic of ‘Solution/ ell, over the last nine months we’ve successfully Solutions’, and it was established a small group using our collective fascinating to see the way people had Two students from buying power, so we enjoy better quality food at solved the question of what to write Torrington School ha wholesale prices. Our sharing scheme makes it practical for in a national w about. single people to benefit too. The first contribution was set post- run by t Many people would actually like to improve their diet and G r e a t ‘Copywrite’, CATEGORIES: Partnership. Harley battle, as a young man thinks about lifestyle but may be put off by their family and friends’ reaction. Musgrave entered what he should do with his future now Torrington We find that one of the chief benefits of our group is the friendly support we receive Ship’ and ‘Don’t Mak 1. Best floral display by a business this when th competition from each other, sharing experiences, knowledge, practical tips and simply not being that the fighting is over. Following andtrying this term was the of house a young girl to have 2. Best floral display bySchool atale public seen as ‘weird’ or cranky. runners up. Both boy solve the riddle of who her mother’s Making changes to one’s habits and being open to new ideas requires commitment, havespies? won a £50 Am byvisitors an individual strange were. (best Weregarden)* they but having supportive companions does make an enormous difference.3.It’sBest not floral just display The English departm A short poem considered whether about ‘how-much-money-can-I-save-with-the-Buying-Group’ – there are other more Harley and Reube 4. Best by aare group, ie, scouts, school, startfloral this display month with Katie’s minisolutions solved, or issues dissolved, wonderful that, once subtle benefits; the camaraderie and being pleasantly surprised at howWe delighted neighbourhood** saga. and how they often come English unheeded; lessons someone else is with a little tip you shared. whether they are small competitions. individual So here’s a tip of mine. It’s a simple, food based home remedy that’s From The(photograph Depths 5. amazingly Best back garden only)*** They’ve matters, or big issues that affect the been in Nothing could be seen; my pupils effective if taken regularly. here are the two winn stretched out like big glassy balls. Light lives of others around us. 6. Best allotment or vegetable garden**** Turmeric Paste: up ahead seemed to be humorous further, further, A very story told us of a Anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, anti-aging, blood invigorator, anti-carcinogenic and A wind flushed down corridor. 7. further. Best floral display outside a of public building and how woman’s fearthe escalators, more. Keep in the fridge, add 1 tsp to hot/cold milk/ porridge/in cookingI /use as a about Don’t make was a tiny etc.) boat on a (firewhipped station, councillike offices, reading of an Eddie the film led toroom, no Alone in my rough, choppy sea. A screamingEagle condiment. All ingredients available through the Buying Group. a strange dream of a women’s escalator I heard the door from pounded at my eardrums, wanting to 8. Best floral display by acompetition young person 16) To Make: jumping in (under a Iwell-known heard my name bei breakthrough. Unwanted thoughts tiptoed 1/2 cup organic turmeric in 1 cup water, simmer gently for 7 mins. Remove fromintosupermarket. “Someone’s cautiously my head and bounced This was followed by an on the p 9. around Best floral display small garden heat, add 1/3 cup organic coconut oil and 1.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper, whisk my brain. extract from a member’s book about the (less than 20ft x 20ft approx.), balcony or courtyard. I picked up the phone Something’s coming. gently till blended. Irish Troubles. It’s coming me......and there’s no th“Hello Son, how are y Excellent for arthritis, aches and pains, for both people and animals. AThe friend’s dog to get Finally humorous piece, a I haven closing ALL another categories is: 30 ItJune was a2013 voice way out. date for is frisking again instead of groaning when she gets up. poemtheentitled ‘One that Tight ItShoe was a and voice I used An echo replaced air, the echo Chronic inflammation is a major factor in many chronic diseases, including Completed be left following only couldforms be the beating mythe panicked amay Bottle ofof at Booze’, about addresses: a snobbish osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s and atherosclerosis,Whiskers so thisPet is Shop, Vicarage Nursery or Ferry’s Home “I’mup fine, how’ heart. woman missing her flight andI said, ending Hardware The voice The End. something we can all do for ourselves to improve and maintain our health. in hospital due to ‘one tight shoe and said a slowly for asking.” The End. Who do you know who could benefit? We’d love to welcome them on board. bottle of booze’! The End. Judging will take place on Tuesday 6th August 2013. th Buying Group FAQ’s Our is on Thursday 5 Then the voice said v ...whispered into mynext ears.meeting I felt around, • What does membership cost? Free May Torrington Conservative “I will beClub coming in ne touching the ice coldat stone walls, fingers • Do I have to order a minimum amount? No outstretched inatfront of me.when, Someone 7.30pm, itoris May day, I/we wish to enter the Torrington inasBloom 2013Fair Competition: • Do I have to order every month? No past, since something entwined their fingers in mine. the subject will be ‘A Time Six To weeks Dance’. Then I said to myself Something was taking over my body; I • If I don’t order, can I still apply to share someone else’s order? Yes For further information please visit our Category: …………………...Address: …………………………… “Never make promise wasn’t sure who I was anymore. • How do I pay? Cash on collection or BACS website at Katie torringtonwriters.co.uk. Huxtable, • If I need advice or have questions is there someone I can ask? ………………………………………………………Post Code:…… Year 8 Nikki Whiting Yes, ring me now 01805 623 307 or email mary.crail@yahoo.co.uk I’m here to help.

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he Queen’s 90th Apologies received from Sue Davan Birthday Cruise is for the April meeting. the theme of this Elizabeth’s sensitive poem ‘Where year’s MS tripevocation of We Played’ Oldenburg was a vivid and it will take place childhood. Making on fine use of Friday June 24th – boarding assonance, alliteration and from BidefordtheQuay at onomatopoeia poem transported all approximately 6.45pm,days departing back to the precious of earlyat 7.30pm returning at and about 9.30/45pm. girlish and innocence wonder. The jazz ‘The bandGames will be We playing as usual Robert’s Played’ did and no doubt will beImprovisation some rousing the same for there the boys. patriotic songs to join inpoem with. and was to the foreforinallRobert’s Tickets areexplored priced atthe £15pp. feel both works fact Please that little organised adult supervision was free to bringor along a picnic, but no alcohol required for children to enjoythis play. can be brought on board, is a very Warren’s interpretation of isplaying firm Lundy Office ruling. There a bar on was making and and by using the board selling music beer, wine soft drinks. metaphor the bring seasons in hisof You can of of course any amount ‘Seasons Life’with he your usedpicnic. four tightly soft drinks of along constructed stanzas comment Tickets will be availabletoonline from our philosophically on 4the seasons of th website from April . four You can of course life. contact the office on 01237 477238 if you Stef’s essay www.northamlodge. was redolent of have anyshort queries. perhaps an older youthful time. Writing co.uk. in her usual stylish manner – sometimes in almost iambic Nature Reserve Discover Day pentameter – Stef’s tale had a salutary if slightlyQuarry sad sting in the denouement. Meeth DWT Nature Reserve, cannily invited us to NrDoreen Hatherleigh remember the darker side of ‘Games’, nd Sunday May 10.30am4pm especially22at school. The opportunities iscover Meeth Quarry and all join for bullies to thrive were, we with Were our teachers butterfly-themed recalled,inlegion. tainted day. ofHelp search for the then; illusive with a hint masochism back Green Hairstreaks and Grizzled Skippers where was health and safety when it with experts needed? from Butterfly Conservation. was actually Guided walks, family storytelling Eric changed the activities, subject and gave and throughout the day. us arefreshments beautifully crafted poem, ‘The Moon’. Usingvisit: clever and varied figures For details www.devonwildlifetrust. of speech he let us share his exquisite org

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say word The onlyevents disadvantage th myalong lost1,school friend. Germans (often these soldiersDon’t of toWorld War and aircrew shota will be and even disappearing, isalthough it is the poemofconveyed both the romance Or it comes down theincluding time when it Tree was broa One Sunday afternoon I received a The Tra this time the closest deceased ones, down over Britain). The local graves perennial. Raggedone Robin prefers to and the majesty of our celestial Again and again. of the most an phone call, yes! Itusually was my oldaschool the new Rolleclever Canal is the Commonwealth War Graves mark serving soldier who grow in damp or marshy ground, indied sun has to neighbour. Harder and harder. series British T.V friend, we had not spoken to each always popular Wild F Commission. Every after being or light shade. of wounds Jean’s ‘Bienvenue Encore!’ was an Reuben in schedu other for over 58 years, Musgrave, and I was sopushed wouldaside like suggestion soldier whoif whimsical, died in thank you to evacuated from the Although widespread, Ragged Robin affectionate, because of other popul Year 9 choked with emotion I could hardly activities thatbigyou wo is becoming increasingly rare in the our twinning tradition with Roscoff. service was buried in a speak, theatre of war. the time like The Royal Fami not just with hearing his voice include, or perhaps countryside, so itApart is definitely worth Both the cemetery people and countryside of practising all in allfrom Spaced has no maj military and the Year have been but11knowing what My Father God had interest which could b pull theSow series down. growing it in yourCWGC garden. seed in Brittany were recorded celebrated. Another transactional writing skills, by writing their death there are done. The concerts were what I call your own evening If records you (you haven’t the s late TV summer/early autumn can poem which honoured memories thatfavourite reviews about their shows, other by the CWGC. Their ofseen God’s stepping stones, I haverecommend photography, sketching it. Spaced is Br games and films. Here are two ofloads them.from collect existingdeaths. plants) and do not fade. website is at cwgc.org soldiers’ The experienced these several times overat itswillbest, also be contac along prick out when large enough to handle. Iain they wrote about thethedangers of and have a very frequently come with sho last few years, He puts things most intoOffice schools. and Extras. fine,are so the cover onlyIn my op overplaying or overacting your part.SpacedThe seed is quite simple search engine place across familiar that never happen if left to us. IPegg’s Please contact: best role lightly orofnot atmemorials all. They don’t is Tim group reflected that theno Spaced isselected some of thevery earliest work toThe find a soldier. The war in most had idea where my friend was, heFunny, Email: info@torringtonc inventive, and fresh. require a lot of heat so and can over-winter topic had been stimulating and that Simon the Pegg actornow comedian best known website will produce towns villages. lives in Basingstoke. Sometime Phone: 01805It 624176 Corey in a cold frame or unheated topic for the next meeting on the for his main role in Shaun of the Dead. a certificate of service during this year we are planningshould be recalled that or Fa to Visit: our website a clever inventive series with greenhouse, or you can just scatter second of May wouldSpaced be the is seashore. that when you click onto a meet up, how I am going to handle these do not reflect whacky stories Iain involvingseed smartabout parodies and scratch it roughly into I don’t know, one thing I do know is soldier, that contains any official policy or review at Fifa 11 “These plotsespecially often also on big Sci-Fi movies, the of Star the surface the soil. New Programme that I have an incredible God who most of the information backing. They were Fifa 11 is the latest footb Wars trilogy. Children’s Centre! contain other nationalities’ Fleur British NativeThis Wild isFlowers loves me. Delight yourself the Lord they have. erected by fanatic. local This ga any football Spaced is the story of two flatinmates We are putting the soldiers and even Germans and he will give you the desires of your To Grow In Your Garden beenand released by EA Spo taken from the casualty people the names who meet some interesting friends. The our new programme fo Pause For Thought shot down buyers will notthose be disappointe Lychnis flos-cuculi spoofheart. is(often not justaircrew for comedic effect, but to included, rolls submitted to them and you can pick up a Vernon Andrew game the brings ma My Second Birthday Someany Latin names help move theover storyBritain).” forward; this makes and information omitted,This reflect centre, or download fr playing for the your own the storyline feel very epic May and altogether is a verysentiment special month intime my team s describe plants more by st about next-of-kin of . from April 1 just 1920s a shot away, it’s your cho makes the series muchcalendar more (the funyear, and tobeing my usually). second the they Common News they season receive. when In most cases mid late Forteam 2013/2014 th howthe on your and y gripping to watch. birthday as I call it. On Saturday 19 flower and this one is no haveexample been from the grave itself will have For beenmany years we An my own favourites together game. The players have adw Spaced has a very unique style to it. exception, flos-cuculi May 1984 at 4pm I became a new organising an annual week of events to photographed, and the familiar family is a man who was born in as Me sessions such soKingdom they look of realistic Directed by Edgar Wright and written born by intoWe the God. to viewe meaning Cuckoo Flower. celebrate life on creation The Common. rectangular headstone will be Northam and lived in Westward Pattern Changing, This game is Simon Pegg and JessicaIt Hynes it has a to do with me but allthe next was tonothing However, I think of have usname now extended this a fortnight shown, with themost soldier’s Ho! with hisseries mother he Bookstart Corner diff andwhen is completely realistic feel; this is very clever writing about Him, Jesus. know it as ‘Ragged Robin’ so thatinthe more activities can be included and the crest of theconsidering regiment joined up. He died in 1917 and Saturday morning visual effects have beenFam vas crazy storyline the series I was invited to Fifa go 11 to has a Christian and, yes, it does flower– from May toit cannot and surely continue rain brilliant ch If youmany are interested which they served.revolves If there isaround. no grave is recorded on to Budleigh Salterton’s War Parody and quotemeeting led by Drthe Billy Graham at July when the cuckoo is for usually heard. two consecutive weeks. areplease made to in lo sessions, call plays a big in enjoying the then the memorialspotting on which they arepart Memorial, obvious really!players His mother Astonwith Gateour football stadium in Bristol. I The pretty pink flowers This look year as ifwill start Golf football players from series, however, because these are book. the war the styl commemorated is shown. had gone to live there during th hadJune, never been in of a their football stadium someone has takencrucial a pair scissors with cash Competition on 24 eyes which makes toofthe story it makes itso much more We also have threeitd It mayhence not be known, but there and he got commemorated there! so thought it would be fun, I had heard to them, thewell name. prizes and a chance to win ‘The play. fun and enjoyable. play sessions, including are quiteare substantial numbers of and such ofOther commemorations can betofound Billyfinish Graham it ok go. I of Fifa 1 There also white forms The feature Commons’ Cup’. really We on so thethought The series becomes for best twins, triplets a graves in double this country. They are dotted largeinteresting companies (the GWR has theirs th in can remember the singing wasown cho cultivated forms which can be play for your whento we weekend of of 6/7 on the realisation howJuly attached the willcan Thursday’s 10-11.30 am about graveyards and cemeteries, on Paddington Station concourse) or remember a word purchased, usually characters at specialist plant Leedsmany United to L are marquee andwonderful, how on you but findcan’t have ayou small The Oldfrom Our outreach usually with someyourself sort ofagreeing boundary on theGraham of and family members,tomost Billy spoke. nurseries. Flowering stems rise up to Macclesfield Manchester U with what Tim (Simon Bowling Green to house agraves display, continuing including (box hedging or the like) to separate the often parents. are many different At the close he made an appeal for challeng 80cm, branching naturally, and they Pegg’s character) is saying; this really some practical examinations of the sessions at Winkleigh a

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Fleur’s Gardening Forum The ‘Chelsea Chop’ & Chores for May

hat on earth is the chelsea chop, I hear you ask? It’s a method of pruning some summer flowering herbaceous perennials in order to encourage more flowering side-shoots and also reduce the height of said perennials, which is very useful if your garden is situated in an exposed position. In a way, it is a vaguely similar action to ‘stopping’, when you pinch out the tops of your dahlias and chrysanths, but it is done at a specific time of year towards the end of May, hence its name, chelsea chop. It is most successful on late summer flowers such as heleniums, michaelmas daisies, phlox and penstemon; what you do is prune back about a third to onehalf the length, if you’re brave enough, of the main shoots. This method can also lengthen the flowering period, especially if you leave some shoots to grow on and prune the rest. You can do this with delphiniums and lupins too, but you will lose the main, most spectacular shoot – it’s up to you! It can also prevent some herbaceous plants from flopping over in bad weather and minimalize the need for staking. Other pruning jobs for late April into May will be to early flowering shrubs, such as forsythia; you prune back those stems which have flowered and leave the fresh new growth to ripen for next year. This is also a good time to prune winter flowering jasmine and again, prune out the flowered stems and thin where necessary. Early flowering clematis can also be pruned,

and if you have c. montana cultivars in your garden, prune them immediately after they have flowered, and you can be quite savage with your shears because they will soon grow back. Lilac can also be pruned after flowering has finished. Always aim for the centre of the shrub to be light and airy, a ‘goblet’ shape is the ideal. Watch out for late frosts in May, particularly if we have a wind direction from a northerly quarter. Make sure your potatoes are earthed up or cover them with fleece. You may need to protect fruit tree blossom too. Obviously, mature trees cannot be covered but you could spray with cold water first thing in the morning before the sun gets on to the blossom. Aid pollination on fan-trained or cordon fruit trees by gently shaking the branches or ‘tickle’ the blossom with a fine paint brush. It is time now for a second sowing of peas and to plant out your runner beans, French beans, courgettes, etc. Don’t forget to harden off plants for a week before planting out into the ground. Don’t worry if you feel you are way behind with your planting - everything should soon catch up and down here in Devon, stuff grows at about double the rate of everywhere else! Fleur

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Torridge District Council: New Funding Opportunities for Local Communities

ollowing the adoption of its ‘New Homes Bonus Protocol’, Torridge District Council is delighted to announce the commencement of its new Community Grants Scheme. On 1st April each of the 23 Wards in Torridge was allocated a pot of £10,000 from which local parish or town councils, voluntary organisations and community groups can apply to for community projects. In addition to this, the Council is making available a separate sum of approximately £200,000 that can be applied to for larger community schemes. The existing Councillor Community Grants Scheme, where each councillor has an annual budget of £1,000 to allocate to smaller projects, has been retained and will provide a further £36,000 of funding to local communities. For further details and to submit an application visit: www.torridge.gov.uk/ communitygrants.

St Giles in the Wood Through the Ages

t Giles’ Church is putting on an exhibition ‘St Giles Through the Ages’ with flowers, on May 7th th and 8 in the church and village hall, at 10am. Refreshments available all day. Finishing with a ‘Songs of Praise’ on Sunday at 4pm. Please look out for posters with more details.

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Life on the RHS Rosemoor Allotments…

Plough Visual Arts in May

his May we have a fascinating exhibition, ’Drawing Down the Feminine’, curated by Kate Walters and running from Wednesday 18th May to Saturday 11th June. This group show will explore and celebrate the hidden world of the feminine principle through paintings, poetry, drawings, sculpture, film, and writing. Do come and meet the artists at the preview on Wednesday 18th May 7pm. Downstairs on the artists’ wall we have paintings by Gerald Isaac whose passion for the outdoors is reflected in his paintings. Especially fond of painting birds, he is drawn to all the colours that nature provides. Painting with the brush in his mouth, and using photographs as a reference, Gerald creates beautiful pictures that capture rural Devon in all its glory.

Were You a Member of The Torrington Royal Observer Corps?

he Friends of Berry Castle would like to make contact with any member of The Torrington Royal Observer Corps. If you were a member of the ROC or know of someone who was, The Friends of Berry Castle would be very grateful if they could contact Adrian on 07927 394 285.

mongst the showers of rain, the allotments continue to progress well; the moisture has been of great benefit to raking and breaking down the earth after the soil cultivations earlier in the year. Our allotment keepers have come together for a couple of lessons in the last month. The first was to look at pricking out their cabbages and lettuces; dividing up young seedlings from the pot they germinated in and transplanting them singly into a pot or cell tray. Once they had carefully pricked them out, they were returned to the polytunnel to develop into strong plants to be planted on the plots. The second lesson was planting potatoes; the group have two varieties ‘Foremost’ and ‘Charlotte’ and as these develop they will be earthed up, a process of bringing up the soil around the plants. The group have also planted their peas out in rows with support from hazel stems coppiced from around Rosemoor during the winter. The twiggy nature of the hazel gives great support for the peas, whilst also being an attractive alternative to plastic netting. In the next few weeks the group will be looking at sowing tender vegetables such as runner beans, sweetcorn and courgettes. We have been joined by BBC’s Gardeners World adjacent to the allotment plots. Gardeners World is running a trial between RHS Garden Rosemoor and one of our sister gardens RHS Garden Harlow Carr, in Yorkshire. They are comparing differences between growing vegetables in the north and the

south of the country. Four crops have been chosen for this; outdoor tomatoes and cucumbers, sweetcorn and finally climbing french beans. Hopefully this will create some interesting results, so keep your eyes peeled on Gardners World over the coming months for Rosemoor’s appearances.

Devon Chilli Festival

In May, we are hosting the Devon Chilli Fiesta. Whether mild, fiery or totally volcanic, the chilli pepper makes an attractive plant to grow at home, as well as producing a useful crop. They are tender, so grow best in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. Sow a few seeds in pots of moist seed compost (from February to March) and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. A heated bench is very useful to aid germination. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 3” pots and then pot on as they grow. Once fruits set, give the plants a regular feed, but be careful not to overwater. Peter Adams Image RHS/Sheila Dearing

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Torrington in Bloom

orrington in Bloom has successfully installed three new planters outside the entrance to Castle Hill and I would like, as Chair, to thank Nigel for building them for us; Andy Griffiths and his team for helping to install them and Dave Squire (RHS Rosemoor) for supplying the plants and planting. The old half-barrels were falling to pieces so we thought we should replace them. I hope you agree the entrance to the building now looks much smarter. A great deal of tidying up has also been going on in the Secret Memorial Garden, and although this project is long-term, the garden already looks all the better for the work done. A small group of volunteers has been established which I hope will continue to work together for the good of the garden. At the time of writing this article, I am still awaiting the result of our planning application to install some planters at the main entrances to Torrington, i.e., by the road signs. Hopefully, it won’t take too much longer for Devon CC Highways to

grant! Torrington in Bloom has also been busy fund-raising and I should like to thank those firms who have very kindly replied and made donations – I await to hear from a few more yet. Also, Val Knight and her family agreed that contributions following the funeral of her husband, Mike, should be donated to us and I am very appreciative of the generous donations – thank you. The Best Garden competition entry form was in the April Crier and we have a few extra forms at Whiskers Pet store and Duffy’s Home Hardware, where you can also hand in your completed forms. The Potato Growing competition is well underway, too, with a second bag of compost being taken to the Great Torrington C of E Bluecoat Primary school during April. By now, the potatoes should be showing signs of growth and should be checked regularly for naughty slugs and snails, and watered when necessary. Cherry Hammon, Chair Torrington in Bloom, 01805 625788

The Umberleigh Garden Show Saturday 6th August 2016

Photography Competition

nce again, the Umberleigh Garden Show will be hosting its popular Photographic Competition, so now’s the time to start hunting for this year’s ‘Perfect Picture’. This year’s categories are: Wildlife of Umberleigh; Green; Water; Farm animals; Life in the Taw Valley; My Pet. Children’s categories: Farm Animals; My Pet; Grandma and/or Grandad. Watch out for the full show schedule, to be issued in June, with details of how to enter.

Torrington Discount Stores Everyday items at bargain prices

Pound Lines, Pet Products, Cleaning Products, Household Items, Sweets Drinks and Snacks, Children’s Toys, Craft and Stationary items, Toiletries Open 9am-4pm Mon-Sat. Tel: 01805 622 707 Email: torringtondiscountstores@outlook.com 22

Great Torrington WI

ednesday 11th May at 7pm is when we welcome Sylvia West, our WI advisor, to join us for our Annual Meeting and to discuss the resolutions which the Federation has selected to be taken to the Annual Meeting at Brighton. The final two chosen are ‘avoid food waste, address food poverty’ and ‘appropriate care in hospitals for people with dementia’. Sylvia will also take the votes from members for next year’s committee. Forthcoming Events: Following the success of the Literary Lunch at Uplowland in March, a repeat of ‘the spirit of John Betjeman’ is available at Broadhembury on 23rd May. There is a crochet workshop on 10th May at Umberleigh and a Women’s Health Matters Day on 3rd June in Exeter. Coffee & Chat at 1646 at 11am on 27th May would be a good place for prospective members to meet our new committee, but meanwhile please ring Daphne Metherell on 01805 622876 to find out more about where and when we hold our meetings.

Crèche at Function Fitness

e realise it can sometimes be difficult to get back into fitness after having a baby, or when you have young children, and hope to make this easier for you by running a crèche alongside our spin and pump classes on a Monday and Thursday mornings. Our crèche is run by a fully qualified and experienced member of staff. Call to book on 01805 622719.

Community Information Centre

(opposite Sydney House Car Park, next to 'Panamart') We are delighted to announce that the 'Esteem' group - to support those suffering with mental health difficulties, depression, fatigue, pain or anxiety has been awarded grants from the Rural Devon Trust (through the Devon Community Foundation) and from Awards For All. Newton Tracey Youth Club We can now buy laptops, enabling Supporting Family from the to the group to use the internet in order help them become an integrated and Philippines accepted part of our community. They his week, a group of young people will be able engage a support from to Newton Tracey met worker a family to assist with form-filling, producing a from the Philippines that they CV, searching for education courses have been supporting. The church-run and will be able to search for local youth club has been raising money, and at voluntary or paid work. The group has Christmas sentthree £40 times to helpa families they drop-in days week, (see were supporting. ‘A fire had destroyed diary) which include a 'listening ear',a number of from houses our neighbourhood someone theincommunity who is and we to were buyfor twothose largefeeling bags of happy sit able and to chat, rice andand sardines lonely low. for the families affected. It made a big difference; The such Centre also offers we freewouldn’t legal have been to help families advice, andable tenancy and those debt advice, without your support.’(see diary). Rev. by appointment, The family havecomes been working alongside Graham Slingo in for a coffee street children church leaders in the and chat, and and we have started a book club for young peopleyears (readand a book Philippines for three were over aa trip week or fortnight taking to the UK to catch up with then come in and chat trip to see family. They made a special about it over a drink the young people, wereand able to show cakes) on Thursdays them some pictures of after the people they s c hhelped o o l / cand o l l egave g e . them O each n had a locallySaturdays, gents can sit made bracelet made out of banana leaves and to sayread thankwith you.a coffee, or buy booksBoaz from Young, our charity Photo: Elizabeth Biggs, bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their Noah Young, Kate Clark, Adam Cox, Rebecca Cox, Charlotte McFarlane [behind] Leah Young, Simon Young.

carnival queen and her attendants. wivesAppledore shop to their Singers hearts’ content! The - Super Summer Concert!

three pubs are all The he Centre is available hireyou forto their Dolton’s Appledore Singers to invite ‘Super Summer Concert’ onexpected Saturday to benefit from the carnival atmosphere meetings, th after 4pm, through into the 11 June, 7pm at Lavington Church, (Bridgeland Street, Bideford). an influx visitors. Ladies There will be a eveningsThis on year mostthey days, also to onhaveand are and delighted as guests theof Abertillery Orpheus roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, occasional Saturdays for small events Choir, all the way from South Wales. barbecue, and candy wagon. or training days. Please see Kiz or This ladies’ choir is a long-established one, having been formed in 1911, and has email: kizangell@btconnect.com played an active role in the local community - raising many thousands of pounds for Your Vote various charities and taking part in festivals and stcelebrations, bothCounts! here and abroad. Charity Xmas Cards & Gifts 1 Torrington Scouts have registered Apart from arrangements of songs, both old and new sung by both choirs, and a Cards for good causes and Fair with Nat West Community Force, joint item, the concert will consist of piano solos from Penny Hughes and pieces sung Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s which invites people to by the ‘Apple Pips’. There nd will also be a ‘grand raffle’ and light refreshments will be church Bideford from 2 November to vote for a local charity/ served. 7th December, Monday to Friday 10amcause of their choice, Admission £6 at the door (to include light refreshments). Contact Pam Beechey 4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. Over 30 with the winner and two 01237 420652 or see ourcards website: charities to select your fromtheappledoresingers.co.uk and r uor n nour e r sFacebook -up b epage. ing an interesting selection of gifts from

awarded a grant. Please go to www.communityforce.natwest.com/ st Torrington projects/sing andsongs type 1which n April Kathy Ellis provided the entertainment broughtScout back Group into the project name box, memories for theCarnival people at the memory café. Dolton andThursdays vote for us.and Please get as In Maytorches, we will be open on the secondregister and fourth will continue Flaming drummers, bands th many of your friends and family to doof with the two café meetings until September. On May 12 we will be having a game and fireworks will give a small Devon so as well, as if we are successful we th bingo and on May 26 there will be a quiz. village a blaze of publicity will be able to continue ourtheir program of The memory café enables people with dementia/memory loss and families/ next month. refurbishment to Scout HQ, not only carers to get peer support from others who have the same difficulties. Dolton’s annual carnival, benefitting the Scout group, The but café all Peer support self-care, independence, well-being and choice. whichpromotes dates back to Victorian those who hire the hall. times,towill be on Guy Fawkes enables people meet regularly with others and provides an informal environment Fran Ashton N i g h t , about S a tdementia/memory urday 5th offering information loss and practical tips about coping with November, whichnetwork gives the dementia, as well as a social and forum for advice from health and social care festivities extra spark of professionals. It also an offers emotional support and reduces social isolation. Ode to Derek Stamp interest this year. We operate on a drop-in basis between 10.30am and 12.30pm, everyone is welcome Derek Stamp is 60, Farmer Ralph Gent, one of the key to come along, join in and enjoy a cuppa and biscuits/cake as well as regular activities. milestone in his life, figures Dowland country fair MillAStreet. The cafébehind is heldthe at the Methodist Church, And we’vePauline come this far together and dog show in June, is organising If you require any further information please contact on 01805 625969. As devoted man and wife. the spectacular finale in which £1,600worth of fireworks will light up the night He’s Night always there to hold my hand, sky. Friends of Torrington Bluecoat Quiz And when I’m sad, The Pipe & DrumBluecoat Band, are Samba Friends of Torrington excited to tellkiss youme about a brand new event they Mybe soul mate for many Bandplanned. and Torrington Allstar 26 Majorettes th have On Thursday May we will holding oursofirst quizyears, night in the Best friend School. I’ve everEverybody had. will allSchool be taking inTorrington the parade Upper Hall atpart Great Bluecoat Primary welcome! through village, many and the quiz will start at 7:15pm. Teams of We will bethe opening thealong doorswith at 6:45pm We met when I was “just 18”,New Buildings or Re brightly-lit floats, including this year’s six people. There are limited spaces so booking advisable (email: fotb@bluecoatR.PITTS Then call primary.org). Prices will be £4 per adult and £2 per (school aged) child. There will also “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Frien be a raffle! many parts of the world. Great Torrington Memory Café

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Hedgehog Awareness Week 1st- 7th May

edgehog Awareness Week is organised by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and takes place every year. It aims to highlight the problems hedgehogs face and how you can help them. This year efforts are focussed on strimmers and cutting machines - every year we hear of many terrible injuries and deaths caused by garden machinery. BHPS is asking people to check areas carefully before using any machinery. They have produced a sticker to be placed onto machines and are asking councils and tool hire companies to get in touch and request the free stickers for their machines. As well as checking areas before cutting, there are other things we can do to help too: * Ensure there is hedgehog access in your garden – a 13cm x 13cm gap in boundary fences and walls. * Move piles of rubbish to a new site before burning it. * Ensure netting is kept at a safe height. * Check compost heaps before digging the fork in. * Stop or reduce the amount of pesticides and poisons used. * Cover drains or deep holes. * Ensure there is an easy route out of ponds and pools. BHPS Chief Executive, Fay Vass, Said “We are asking people to pledge to do at least one positive thing for hedgehogs during the week and if possible let us know, send us pictures of the hedgehog hole or home you create, or from the event you organise!” We are hoping to raise £1,000 during Hedgehog Awareness Week, texting HHOG16 £3 to 70070 will donate £3 to this appeal. (You can change amount to £1, £2, £3, £4, or £10 to donate those amounts).

Dance in the Dawn with Bideford Phoenix Morris

ou are invited to join Bideford Phoenix Morris ‘Dancing in the Dawn’ on Sunday May 1st to celebrate the beginning of the lovely summer. The invitation asks you to wrap up warm, come prepared for this very different experience and arrive at the Kingsley Statue, Bideford Quay at 5.30/5.45am. Join our regular dawn audience and supporters, it is certainly unique. We will be dancing for about an hour and it shouldn’t be raining! It’ll be sunny! (Please note the weather prediction is hopeful!) Come along, take part and enjoy. Neil Bennion (Squire Bideford Phoenix Morris)

Don’t Miss This! A Night Full of Great Music at The Plough, Torrington, June 4th, 7.30pm

onarks are a four piece alternative rock band, who formed in Wells. Torrington lad Sam Kinsella plays lead guitar and vocals, and these boys can really rock. They supported Wolf Alice and Rudimental last year at Pilton Party, and will be playing Truck Festival in July. They are being supported by local band The Last Rancheros, (Ian Kevern, Paul Bennett) who play acoustic blues with a mix of saxophone, harmonica, banjo and slide guitar. Another treat for their fans are Limiter. They are a three-piece alternative post rock band, featuring Torrington’s Connor Easterbrook on lead vocals. This is going to be a great night filled with great music from local bands. Tickets are available from The Plough, Torrington £8/£7/£6.

Join the Torridge Tuesday Club and Help to Support Children’s Hospice South West

he ladies from the Torridge Tuesday Ladies Club have chosen to support Children’s Hospice South West as their charity of the year. The group, now in its fourth year, meets on the second Tuesday of every month in central Bideford and welcomes new members. To find out more, email torridgetuesdays@btinternet.com, or telephone Ruth on 07977 184 897.

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Torrington Roscoff Exchange First fundraising event a success! Exciting Developments for Torridge Male Voice Choir

ince the beginning of the year the choir has had a new Musical Director, Malcolm Pike who has always been involved with music and singing. He was at the Royal Academy of Music, musical director in schools in both Surrey and Gloucestershire and has run choirs in Farnham, Gloucestershire and West Wales. He and his wife, half his family and animals, moved to Bradworthy in the summer of 2015. He plays bowls for Bradworthy, tenor horn (in Holsworthy) and the choir is immensely pleased that he has become their new Director. From the beginning of April, the choir has moved its rehearsal days to Wednesday evenings (7.45-9.30pm) at Woolsery Community Centre. The choir will be performing a revised repertoire from June 2016 and will be available for concerts, weddings etc. by arrangement with secretary, Gordon Mills 01237 441601. The choir performs mostly in North Devon and Cornwall: Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Bideford, Holsworthy, Bradworthy, Hartland, Kilkhampton, Bude. We welcome new members, there is no age limit and no previous singing experience is needed. The Torridge Male Voice Choir website gives full details of all its activities. Come and sing, have fun, raise some money for local charities and meet others with a similar outlook on life.

ow! We were absolutely bowled over when a veritable crowd of around 100 squeezed into the Torrington Arms last Friday (8th April) for a pub quiz - our first fundraising event! Massive thanks to Stuart and Vicky Davey for a perfectly pitched quiz. Who knew a pub quiz could be that much fun? Hurrah too for the many Torrington traders, who so generously donated heaps of raffle prizes, for Sally and Roger at the pub and most especially to Nick and Ann Roberts and their team of volunteers who did everything possible to make it such a success! So why the fundraising? Torrington Roscoff Exchange has been recently reformed to ensure the success of the last 40 years of the Torrington Roscoff Twinning Association continues. This year we welcome a small group of Roscoff twinners on Wednesday 4th May. Traditional english breakfast starts the day at The Black Horse on Thursday, in plenty of time to join in all the fun of May Fair, regrouping back at The Black Horse for drinks at 8pm. So please do feel free to come and say “bonjour” and soak up the intercultural atmosphere! After a day of exploring North Devon with host families on Friday, we will enjoy a meal at the Black Horse before moving on to the Plough for a musical evening with the Tom Robinson Concert. Saturday morning will see us up again bright and early for a private tour of Hartland Abbey, followed by a delicious Devon cream tea and time to explore the delightful grounds and dramatic coastline around the Abbey before finally setting off for the overnight ferry! Phew!! We’re really keen to grow the group, and especially to welcome younger families on the cultural journey. Visit Torrington Roscoff Exchange on Facebook or email johnny. mcgowanhayes@sjpp.co.uk if you think it could just float your boat!

What’s On at the Children’s Centre?

he latest timetable is now available on our Facebook page and available to collect from the Centre. We have plenty of fun-filled sessions for the whole family to attend. Our ‘play and learn’ session on Monday mornings is a great session for children under five to develop their learning in a playful way. On Wednesday mornings underfives can explore with all things messy, and develop their creative and exploration skills. Our Friday mornings music sessions have changed slightly; we will now have one session for all ages between 9.30-10.15am. There are many more sessions available at the Children’s Centre, including baby massage, child health clinic, ‘here’s looking at you baby’ and many more. Take a look at our Facebook page ‘Torrington Children’s Centre’ for full details of all sessions and services available. Please note our new telephone number. To contact us call 03300 415494. Kayleigh Stringer, Torrington Children’s Centre

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Don’t Forget to Vote for the New Police and Crime Commissioner on May 5th! Six Police and Crime Commissioner Candidates Announced

lections for the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner will be held on May 5th following the news that current PCC Tony Hogg would not stand for reelection. The region’s PCC controls a £300m budget, with the power to set the local police and crime plan and appoint and dismiss the chief constable.

The nominations are:

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21 13 21 13

* Conservative Alison Hernandez: Ms Hernandez believes there has been too much focus on certain areas, with towns like Ilfracombe being neglected. * Labour former Naval commander Gareth Derrick: Mr Derrick has made no secret of his opposition to Government cuts and has promised to be the alternative option for voters concerned about anti-social behaviour and a police force that, he says, is struggling to cope. * Independent William Morris: Secretary General of international think tank Next Century Foundation who also stood in the 2012 elections, he is keen to tackle drug use and has suggested considering experimental decriminalisation policies. * UKIP retired Police Constable Jonathan Smith: Mr Smith wants to scrap the very role he is hoping to be elected to and see the return of the old system of governance by a police authority. He is campaigning on behalf of the grass-roots officers who, he claims, are against the PCC role. * Independent former Devon and Cornwall Police Acting Assistant Chief Constable Bob Spencer: Mr Spencer has reportedly won the backing of some prominent business figures and is keen to see more officers on the beat, following years of cuts. * Former Devon Lib Dem MP Richard Younger-Ross: Mr Younger-Ross would also like to abolish the PCC role if he is elected to it. The former Teignbridge MP wants to improve the police’s under-fire non-emergency telephone number 101. For more information on the candidates please visit: www.choosemypcc.org.uk. Here you will be able to download candidate booklets or request a booklet by post by calling 0800 1 070708 or completing the online form.

adly, Torrington were defeated in the third round of the Mail on Sunday at Okehampton earlier this month, so this year’s challenge has come to an end! The League, Palairet and Rose Bowl competitions are looming, so here’s to a successful season. The ladies’ team have their first challenge of the season on Friday, at Bigbury in the Devon League, and the first round of the men’s’ North Devon League is at Torrington at the end of the month. Our “Taster Day” for new potential golfers is on Sunday May 1st and we hope to be able to welcome some budding new golfers to the Club – anytime from mid-day onwards – refreshments will be provided and we can provide clubs and coaching for anyone interested in having a go. Last weekend was a first for the Club, hosting the Ilfracombe Rally Club’s allnight rally. Congratulations to Trish and her team, who provided refreshments and breakfast for the competitors through the night. May 14th sees the first of our open days with a fund raiser for the Junior Section, a stableford, all categories competition. There has been a glimmer of better weather over the last few days, so let’s hope that this will continue. Sue Membery, Club Secretary

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Support for Young Carers

hanks to the successful recruitment of wives shop to their hearts’ content! Community volunteers, weInformation have mentors waiting to support The Centre is available to hire for Centre young carers in the Torrington and Holsworthy meetings, after 4pm, through into the (opposite Sydney House Car Park, areas. evenings on most days, and also on next between to 'Panamart') Are you aged 14-18 and would like some Saturdays for small events occasional We are delighted to announce support to attend appointments, gainthat confidence, or or training days. Please see Kiz or theto'Esteem' group - tofrom support those role? just get out for a break your caring Then contact Bright Futures and they email: kizangell@btconnect.com suffering with mentalfor health will organise a mentor you!!difficulties, depression, fatigue, pain or anxiety Activities completed with our current - mentors include;Xmas swimming, karate, home Charity Cards & Gifts has been awarded grants from the work, cinema visits etc. We have funding to support young people in gaining a Cards for good causes andbreak Fair Rural Devon Trust (through the Devon from their caring role. Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s Community Foundation) and from nd New for 2016; group activities aimed at 14-18s. Spend timefrom with 2your peers whilst November to church Bideford Awards For All. th having fun! Trips planned in the near future: Skern Lodge, bowling and a trip 10amto the 7 December, Monday to Friday We can now buy laptops, enabling Northcote to see American Idiot and X Over Factor’s 4pm, Newton SaturdayFaulkner 10am-1pm. 30 the groupTheatre to use the internet in order to starring Amelia Lily. charities to select your cards from and help them become an integrated and We also provide support for 18-24They year olds activities, peerof support, one anincluding interesting selection gifts from accepted part of our community. towill ones, coursesaand more. many parts of the world. be ASDAN able to engage support worker Forassist furtherwith information please contact aBright Futures on: 01237 420141. to form-filling, producing CV, searching for education courses Dolton Carnival and will be able to search for local Flaming Torrington and District CarehasForum - Yourtorches, Healthdrummers, Matters bands voluntary paid work. group and well fireworks will give small Devon ur or March Care The Forum meeting was attended and acovered many drop-in days three times a week, (see village blazewhich of publicity interesting topics including changes to the Care Act ina 2015, means diary) which include a 'listening ear', next there is a lack of respite care and when available thismonth. can be as much as £15 someone from the community who is Dolton’s annual carnival, an hour and out of reach for many carers, which puts a great strain on them. A new happy to sit and chat, for those feeling which dates back to Victorian project is in the early stages of planning to employ a paid carer to look after a number lonely and low. times, beForum on Guywas Fawkes of Parkinson’s andalso Dementia in their own homes. Thewill Care keen The Centre offerssufferers free legal Night, Saturday 5th toadvice, learn more plans develop. and as tenancy and debt advice, November, which gives the Tonyappointment, Evans, a chiropodist from Torrington, told the forum about his work in the by (see diary). Rev. festivities an extra spark of community, local hospitals homes. Chenie Miller talked about the work of Graham Slingo comes inand fornursing a coffee interest this year. volunteers Abbeyfield, to take the residents on day trips andofactivities. and chat,atand we haveraising startedfunds a book Farmer Ralph Gent, one the key A general discussion took(read place aregarding possible closure of the Bideford Minor club for young people book the figures behind the Dowland country fair Injuries unit. With A E struggling to cope this and seemed a retrograde step. We currently over a week or& fortnight dog show in June, is organising dothen not have anyinFirst Responders in Great Torrington, when wefinale usedin to which have five, and come and chat the spectacular £1,600felt they itwere so aimportant to the town. Rachel North gave us awill talklight on Home about over drink and worth of fireworks up the Start, night cakes) on Thursdays which matches volunteersafter to families who need sky.help and extra support. sFinally c h o oal /reminder c o l l e g ethat . we O nare celebrating ourThe 30th birthday the Bluecoat School Pipe & atDrum Band, Samba th Saturdays, gents can sit between 11-2pm on Wednesday 11 May withBand light and refreshments, if youMajorettes represent Torringtonso Allstar read withwith a coffee, or in the topics we anand organisation an interest comepart along our willdiscuss, all be do taking in and the join parade buy books from our charity celebration. Please email judithnock@btinternet.com Richard on through or thephone village, alongRumbold with many bookshop 'Book Relief their brightly-lit floats, including this year’s 01805 625662 to help withUK', our while catering arrangements.

Nightwalk is Back… carnival queen and her attendants. Dolton’s three pubs are all expected Brighter Than to benefit from the carnival atmosphere and an influx of visitors. There will be a Ever!

roundabout, e’retrampoline, delight- fish and chips, barbecue,edandtocandy an-wagon. nounce that Vote Nightwalk Your 2016 will takeCounts! 1ston Torrington Scouts place Saturday 14th have registered withwith Nat Westnew Community May, a brand theme! ‘LetForce, Yourwhich invites peoplecan to self Glow’ is something everyone vote for a local charity/ get involved with, whether you’re simply cause of their choice, bringing glowsticks, wearing neon lipstick with athe winner and two or coming full on with head-to-toe glown e rup s - uthe p darkness being ing outfit. We wantr u tonlight awarded a of grant. gothan to and blaze a trail colour,Please with more www.communityforce.natwest.com/ one thousand women walking together in projects/ and type 1st Torrington Scout support of North Devon Hospice. Group into the project name box, In response to suggestions from register and vote for us. Please get as Nightwalkers, we will be creating a many of your friends and family to do magical atmosphere so as well, as if weby arecondensing successful the we number of routes, with all women walking will be able to continue our program of together on the same stretchHQ, of the refurbishment to Scout notTarka only Trail between the Barnstaple and Bideford. benefitting Scout group, but all There will be hire a shorter route starting from those who the hall. Instow, so everyone will get to share the Fran Ashton same electric experience and enjoy the live entertainment and other surprises. As well as providing return transport to Ode to Derek Stamp your starting point, we’ll also be running Derek Stamp is 60, buses back to Braunton A milestone in his life, and Torrington to make Nightwalk 2016 as together accessible as And we’ve come this far possible for women across As devoted man and wife.North Devon. Sign up today to take advantage of the early registration He’sbird always there to fee! hold Walking my hand,from Barnstaple, Bideford, Instow. And kiss me when I’m sad, Tel: 347224 My01271 soul mate for so many years, Email:nightwalk@northdevonhospice. Best friend I’ve ever had. org.uk Visit: Wewww.northdevonhospice.org.uk met when I was “just 18”,New Buildings or R R.PITTS Then cal “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Frie

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soft bedding (not initiated their experiences to understand about their natural self in writing TBC). with Players w Andan Der was 21,sharecompetition Thistoys, yearcurtains the GTSand school governors theper Governor’s Prize: essay time Thurs 9.30-11.30am, £1.50 duvets pillows). Youa can useDemocracy any 623214 sustainable technologies like instead PV relation the with natural world is a really for the or title ‘How can Liberal best to cope mass immigration?’ Marks of We’ve been together all these years, family. Wendy 01805 carnival queen and her attendants. heir content! anhearts’ opportunity for your variety offer (and even a of child Our go of outevents to theonprize’s very first winner: Lilith Foster-Collins. bin bagcongratulations to donate items. panels,upwood burning stoves, internal important aspect development. beetle design, an And we have a grown son. Rosemary Conley diet & exercise Dolton’s three pubs are alltoexpected is available to hire for said, The “It takes some courage attempt the first and time, and towall step Torridge to be edition B10 beer!). Bags2School will limited be collecting from external insulation, include secondary Children will something develop for greater eoss 10am-5pm @governors Little Fairtrade Class, Bluecoat Early Years Centre toThe benefit from carnival atmosphere 4pm, through into the thedo. ordinary. Your style the is clear, you undoubtedly believeWe’d in what you are and your Although mportant work they Devon Biosphere Great Torrington School on North Thursday glazing and more. many knowledge and understanding of the ory Hall,out-side hot snacks The next Grou like to have asaying, special day 6.30-7.45pm every Thurs Wendy and an influx of visitors. There will from be a most days, also for on is telling.” thand use of rhetoric st iting nominations catchment area follows the water May at 9am. Please bring your 16 people can be put off by Tuesday the words8th Nove world around them; ranging from 5 622304 On the 21 November. 01237 424787 roundabout, trampoline, fish and rivers chips, urdays to forbesmall events serves the source the Taw &growing Torridge bags to the school car park at of the rear renewable and sustainable, seeds and watching them special, zaar 2pm @ recognised Chulmleigh A day that’s just like him, PloughthisArts C Slimming World TVSC every Thurs barbecue, and candy wagon. ys. Please see Kiz or not doing their bit when we should be the UK has always Here is Lilith’s essay: ering. (and smaller rivers running into the sea of book the sports help Sara-Jane weekend of open homes is set to lift turning into flowers, fruit and avilion, to table hall and Which he will long remember. along, or for m 5.30 & 7.30pm Bev Roberts 01805 @btconnect.com leading by example and do all we can been aconcern. multicultural AWeek Liberal Democracy is: the ‘A democracy olunteers 2013, along coast from Lynton to Hartraise money towards her trip. We will that vegetables to understanding why 0723 Emma on 01805 624955Your Vote Counts! toworms help refugees. I am are disappointed thatina quiet nation? People haveto see one of these on CATS the recognition ofdown individual tnershipbased land) through the villages and do with a collection service for anyone who To book a visit and bees important Being such man, Rugby Training at Donnacroft every st mas Cards &and Gifts has opted EU doesn’t quota forwant migrated 1 bag Torrington Scouts have registered rights freedoms’ and is often used tion through Sport) are towns of Devon outUKto8pm sea, to out of the He is unable to bring their ornorth bags toto the households go to our website nature. a fuss,to the UK Thurs 7pm, clubhouse open refugees, because it means that the UK from many different ood causes and Fair with Nat West Community Force, describe Western democracies such as ethodist Church sentationtheEvening on parkLundy and beyond. school car by phoning 01805 www.bidefordsustain.org/seeinggreen Through hands on interaction, But we really ought to celebrate, Writers, Poets and Listeners 7.30pm has no people obligation very many and this has01237 474 123. on Goord, sale in St. Mary’s which invites to to accept Martin the UK7pm and other European countries. ebe 6-9pm, at the Pier The events be advertised locally 624787. Please phone towill the or call Jolene on children will develop a great of places Cossense he means the World to us. @ theprior Plough nd

refugees. November to this drdfrom a local charity/ we date. answer an vote Ho!,2Before andquestion, via the new forinteractive B10 collection empathy with the natural world and will enriched our country. None of us can The UK is not appreciate taking enough that we are completely British Monday to 10amcause of their es 10am-5pm @ Little distinction that to aged important 5-19 years old website IFriday would appreciate yourneeds to be raise learn to choice, truly andrefugees; respect Fri 2 helpwww.northdevonb10.org.uk. Love you Der say Aikido Black Belt for GTS Student 10am-1pm. Over 30 with the winner and two the government has promised to take because who can say that they are ory Hall, hot snacks made is between economic migration nated will also for beme putto beJust to there will funds, abletotoadd go onthe thisexcitement the very beautiful Pannier Bric-a-Brac Market every Fri place we call home, & Hamilton Great Ros Torrington School student Ollie ect cards from and r u n n e r s u p b e i n g twenty thousand refugees by the end completely Celt? The UK is always 622304 and refugees seeking asylum. Economic es 01805 ofyour five be a free prize draw with some ‘once in a life time’10am-4pm World Challenge Torrington. Staines has become the first junior selection gifts awarded a for grant. Please go to O'ories Connor - of Bluja tour+ of 2020. Given thatbegan Germany and evolving; we are not the migrants move country of fabulous prizes donated by Biosphere adventure. .from . . to another The sessions on has Thursday changingmember Allsorts Childrens’ Club, Bluecoat of Torrington Aikido Fairtrade he world. www.communityforce.natwest.com/ heds) 7.30pm @ The registered almost a million asylum same as we were one hundred years economic reasons whereas S business supporters individuals in 3pm. Thank you, April 25th 1.30– Infants refugees School everystand Fri 6.30-8pm, club‘Wine to obtain his black belt. As part of a successful Torrington Scout projects/ and type 1 will seekers inare 2015, is clearly people and would say that Fund R fear forDevon. their lives in ormationmove or because theySara-Jane north There plenty of the UK in Vanstone Ifbeyou interested signingnot up to ago. And most School years 1-6 Morag 01805 625510 OllieFairtrade recently completed his Wisdom’ evening, the Group the project name box,of Grow ‘Little Buds’ this is a good thing. So why are so doing enough. their home country. opportunities aonvolunteer enter the draw atClub, B10 become part Allsortsinto Plusto Young Persons’ In Carnival aikido grading on Saturday Steering asked for suggestions register and vote for us. Please get as Our country cope with taking Group many people opposed to change? Your The current refugee crisis is th to be events and online from May tocanBluecoat please contact Children’s Bluecoat School every Fri 8-9pm years hes, drummers, bands Grow – ‘Little Buds’ The March and is now the 16 for furt her Fairtrade r by Torrington Girldifferent from many of your friends and family do 625830.helps to more people. Immigration ancestors were immigrants, so why are completely economic o attend 2013. Centre on to 01805 6-9 Morag 01805 625510 will givePannier aGrowing smallMarket Devon proud owner of 1st Shodan black belt. plants September and promotions in Torrington. Chemot @ The so as well, as if we are successful we grow our economy, not make it decline. you against immigration now? migration. We cannot turn back these Please Christmas Fair 5-7pm @ Torrington Events estalls, a blaze of &publicity Ollie started Aikido in 2006 and trains New discovering nature Upcoming is a One idea was reducedtombola loads will be able to continue our program made This is about more than just the benefit people whoway fleetowar Junior stalls Local £5Migrants 01805 month. Seeing Greenofa-net contribution of and Get terrorism toSchool Know Your Wild623240 three times tea a week in both thewill be wonderful spend price and though. There me refurbishment to Scout HQ, not only £25 billion to public finances from 2001 to usFairtrade from helping people, It in their home countries because if Volunteer Coordinator: n’s annual carnival, Barnstaple and Torrington club. time with your children, coffee for clubs and staffFlowers with Plantwalk Expert Stone How Can You Make Sat 3 backthe benefitting all 2011. Ifbut migration was in the tens of is also our moral responsibility to help Village H we are sending them to Scouttogroup, h130 dates back towe Victorian as do they marvel in the rooms. This is something November Clare Gurton those hire in theHartland hall.thousands Pannier Market every Sat Your Home Energy Efficient? rather than the hundreds of those who have lost so much. In another 10am where they arewho in General extreme ,@torridgecvs.org.uk will(12A) be somewhere on8pm Guy@Fawkes im' The miracle of the natural we are keen to do, especially as one of for Getting Older? Clare has organised a series of Fran people Ashton 10am–4pm GDP are would be 11% lower ournew chem Many worried about their situation, this could be us. Leavingthe danger. have to help them. ay t , 2013. Sa t u r d aInWe y Grow 5 t h ‘Little world. Buds’ weThese willplantwalks be thousands, the Fairtrade Finding Town goals is To to Hear?Good quality weekly guided in Hartland It Harder Christmas Fair stalls, coffees, lunches which wouldworried have aabout negative fuel bills, howimpact they can homes out of fear for our lives, traveling people have experienced events, mber, which gives the different horrific growing many edible plants encourage clubs, societies, community books, to10am-2pm be a partsome of B10 - the North Devon St Michaels Church on wages, pensions and the cost of the to another not knowing what willbric-a-bra Come country along and join the Hearing afford to heat their homes during have lost their homes, and Biosphere Reserve ities an they extra spark of (and flowers!) in our garden over the groups and staff-rooms to use home-made light Biosphere’s tenth anniversary celebraLoss Support Group Torrington winter. Bideford Sustainability Group is happen. living. More people creates an increased Wouldn’t we want in others to help seen family members killed,to others 8pmhave @ The Plough Ode to Derek Stamp ar. h(U) seasons and exploring how use Fairtrade refreshments. be available. Anniversary Sun 4 tions. cuppa andwefriendly company. helping you find which the answers this usenjoy consumer demand creates to more then?aHow would feel if we were have ItDerek is our moral Stamp is 60, haryGent, one been of thetortured. key recipes. them inB10) healthy Come along tooutings, So, our special offer is a £5 package Catholic Church of the Holy Family (branded will These friendly where you Informal monthly ‘get together’ atofthe most important question. Over the jobs. Migrants bring in new skills sets referred to as a ‘swarm’ or a ‘bunch’ responsibility to help these people who A milestone in his life, he Dowland country fair Bluecoat Children’s toand enjoy containing 100 tea bags, a jar of –Centre Mass Sunlearn 9.15am s, organisations and can findevery about Par For Th 19th May, many migrants? Bickford Centre on the third Tuesday weekend 18th and which can plants increase productivity which have lost everything. And we’ve come this far together in June, is organising some healthy outside time, and help coffee, 100 sugar sticks and a packet Baptist Church 10.30am Creative om around northern important growing on local verges, and its every month at more, 2pm. considering how Book inhouseholders turn drives are uparound wages.Bideford Many doctors We have to do It is incredibly that devoted and wife. increate which £1,600and taste As your ownallman edible of biscuits. The normal cost of these th Church tefinale to an exciting usually two hours long and will 18 surroundings are opening up their Next quarter dates:21st May, and nurses come from abroad so much we have got compared to these European countries play their part in My new sportin light up the night garden. items would be over £8, th so this is a St. Michael’s Church Sung Mass & ofks will celebratory be held on a Wednesday July we 2013 June, 16When homes to show be done refugees. immigration helpsyou the what NHS. can All these sit in our warm helping country alone world of Devon g He’s there hold my hand, ral of Market everyrefugees. Thurs Children will be One able to always play, explore, significant saving. Please contact us Sermon every Sunto 10am ort thecannot North evening from 6pm. This is a Lyn - eating See Hear Centre to reduce your consumption things suggest that energy immigration is not homes, our hot dinner, knowing give a learn home about to allkiss refugees, Over which was And me when I’m sad, Drum Band, Samba discover and the beauty of to take up this special offer. Torrington Community Church ere Reserve. unique opportunity togrid. see as many people Office: 01271 373 236are safe, from such athe bad thing seem that weaand our families we Cricket C but if we work together we can help Village My soul mate for so many years, ngton Allstar Majorettes Toddler Group at nature as they interact with the wild We will be holding Fairtrade ‘Beetle Bluecoat Infants School every Sun until autumn the North Devon Biosphere Mobile: 07831 515 809 There are numerous householders th determined to make it out to be. should remember those who have these people who have lost so much. Lords. Best friend I’ve ever 622866 had. ng part in every the parade tist Church termnatural world. Supporting children Drive’ on 12 November, 7pm (venue 11am Karen 01805 will and be angle, to mass seehearnd@livingoptions.org generously giving upimmigration their time to travelled People say that to Europe because their lives That said, in the UK spend from a lot ofa different lage, along with we many activities and learn more about identifying could change our way of life, but hasn’t are endangered in their home countries. time complaining about other countries We met when I was “just 18”, s, including this year’s New or Renovations? and with the local wild flowers and to Buildings enjoy R.PITTS Then call your Local “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Friendly Builder

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We should think of them sleeping in camps tonight, or without shelter at all as they make the long trek to Europe. We should think of those refugees who make the was inataHatherleigh Community Mayor’s Diary the Mediterranean treacherous journey across flimsy rubber dingy in theCentre hope see their residents receive hectic has passed. of Another a better life. Andmonth just imagine if that was to you andmany your of family. Helen I have represented And and then tell me that we shouldn’tthe help. Community Awards. This is similar to the in awards we have in Torrington, Town crisis at many civic This is the biggest Europe has faced a long time. It is a huge challenge which recognise people who have events, including and it is imperative that we work together to help. This is not someone else’s made a responsibility. difference to their town. church for the Everyone’s responsibility, this is ourservices responsibility. It is important that It was lovely to at last welcome, and Chairs North Devon we all remember theseof are people, not just numbers. The best way we can cope Induction District ofCouncil with mass immigration refugees,and such asbe we involved have seenwith, in thisthe refugee crisis, of Father Lawrence MacLean. We hope Torridge District is to be compassionate and to do everything we can to help as many people as he and his family will be very happy in Council. possible. our town, and theFoster-Collins, Church Fete Year at the10 We enjoyed a trip to Bideford to Lilith Vicarage was a good opportunity for us watch their Regatta and on 10th all to meet them. September watched the spectacular One of Massed the challenges ourDrums, Year 7 Learning is the Traders The Baccalaureate Co-op and Town Bideford Pipes in and ‘Outbreak Challenge’ where pupils have to cope with an outbreak of a in deadly arranged a Harvest Festival the with visiting bands coming from all over disease. This has been developed along with Exeter University Pannier Market on Medical School the UK. with the support of a £10.000.00 grant England. This is part September. thefrom 11th Health Barnstaple Fair is always a project well- to of a ground-breaking research encourage young This was the first people to aspire to supported day,professions with all the “Chain enter medical one organised and I Gang” out in force to celebrate the think will become a tradition the Fair. Challenge The weather was Year 7 of Outbreak illegalitimmigrant. Sadly, as her case of regular event on the kindnas walked around Challenge town, whilst thewe Year 7 Outbreak flu was not treated in time, the girl died a Torrington the we declaration of set thethe opening of the have been challenge of week later calendar. in hospital. Her boyfriend also Finally, we tried to attend many Fair stopping was read. Immediately after the an outbreak of influenza. died. Now, many people are in as intensive Macmillan coffeeinmornings asGuinea possible formal of the proceedings had We are part currently about to send a field care and people Equatorial fact ended up going five!to finished, weEquatorial dashed down to Newquay. hospital to Guinea to save the and are illinand dying too. People are to trying This is a wonderful charity and it‘s Itlives wasoftime for Helen to put on a ‘posh Equatorial Guineans from this escape from Equatorial Guinea and not get surprising that it’s so wellCameroon supported. frock’ for a reception celebrating the horrible flu virus. We are not sure what to the bordering countries, After all those went have to the ‘South West in Bloom’ type of flu, whether it is thecompetition. normal flu and Gabon, andcoffees refugeewe camps Soap Kitchen shop to see Lesley and We stillhas had to waitoruntil the following which mutated if it is a completely been placed around the border. Richard Phillips who celebrated ten day to hear the results, and were proud different strain. So far in class we have thlearnt about September. years of business on 30 and delighted when it was announced It all started off with a young student the symptoms of the flu, learnt to speak to you of both. that team had it Congratulations who the wasTorrington ill with the in FluBloom and transmitted Spanish, the language Equatorial I look forward to hearing from looked you if won a Silver Gilt (lastShe year was from Equatorial Guinea. wasit visiting Guinea and, in Science, we have you have an event or anniversary silver). Thank you to the committee, her family and came back to England at blood and urine samples to see ifyou want tell the me virus aboutand – what just call traders and individuals who work so to finish her studies. Three weeks after peopletohave to dome to 01805 or infected. our secretary, hard to back enhance our surroundings in she got into England she fell ill, her find out if625662, people were We had Pauline at the Council on 01805 Great Torrington. We will soon have boyfriend began to care for her at home, real doctors come in tooffices help us. 626135. the opportunity of meeting the judges she stayed at home for four weeks. She We have been assigned job roles in Councillor Richard to findwant out how can hospital do evenbecause better didn’t to gowe to the a field hospital; such as: Head Rumbold of Plans, Mayor –she ourwas nextworried challenge is GOLD!! about being deported Communications Team andTown Officer, Our last By out-of-town engagement from Britain. then her student visa Receptionist and Logistics Officer. We had expired so she was classed as an are planning to send out a field hospital

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My dreams take me to the steely metropolis That is so close to my heart. They take me to the green fields of the Emerald Isle. I Sir floatDuke weightlessly through night. here again – the wow how Dreams sail over me by! like Well shipsAutumn quickly a month goes skimming the is definitely upon Surface of a deep ocean. us and many of Night lingers, slowlythe engulfing rescuemydogs motionless body. are gaining their Its takes me for its own, its enchanting winter coats in darkness readiness for the Lapping over me. onset of Winter! Dreams transport me to have the past thatas We been I long for. busy as ever with Moya Hogan, 11 three newYear dogs being taken in who were due to be put to sleep – I don’t really know why as they are lovely and very friendly they to Equatorial Guinea to help those– who even likeand children! are sick dying. Bruno, 12-month-old We haveour made an incidentpuppy room inthat needs an eye operation, an old building in school; we are is still still to bouncing around andinwe are We wellalso on build the field hospital a tent. our way to raising the £3,000 needed have to write up reports for the news for his operation. and research more information, like how We have been chosen as field one of much averting a disaster in the three charities to participate in a hospital costs. fantastic Animal We have scheme learnt a lotrun aboutbymedicine Friends Insurance. Basically the and really useful skills, like first aid: how charity that receives the most votes to do CPR and how to put someone gets whopping £5,000.WeSo come in thearecovery position. have alsoon all you Facebook fans, please vote found out a lot about our bodies, howfor us, and pass everything! the word around to all they can catch We have your friends and family. It is simple learnt to use pipettes properly, and to vote, and costs nothing. Just go defibrillators. And we thought thatto:we www.facebook.com/feelgoodpark and would never be able to learn Spanish – on the left-hand menu you will see but we have. ‘Vote forOllie Charity’. ClickTani thisJohnson and it will Harrison, and take you through to Sophie a pageMay, showing Year 7 charities in the scheme. Then click on

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Torrington Rugby Club Promoted!

t gives me great pleasure to announce involved in turning our club around. It has that we have achieved our objective been a pleasure, to witness the season of promotion back into Devon League unfold. 1 at the first attempt, following relegation Sponsors last year. I would also like to thank our match day Devon Junior Cup Finalists sponsors, with the Streetz Dance Crew, More good news is that our 1st XV Pearce Construction and Tamar Trading have also made the final of the above all providing excellent support. cup, having beaten three teams from the Dinner and Dance leagues above us to get there. The most Friday 20th May recent success being the 8- 6 victory We have re-booked the Langtree against a very upset Topsham XV, Village Hall this year; hopefully who were looking at a cup final we will have played the cup and promotion but now look final by this time! It is a likely to miss out on both. smart dress evening with a The date of the final is still 3-course meal, presentation unknown due to the amount of awards and a bus to and of lost games in the wet winter from Torrington at £25 per head. months, but we will make the date Please call/text Adrian Avery to known as soon as possible as book your place 07780 665 378. the fixture is at Donnacroft, and we If anyone would like to become would appreciate as much support as involved on or off the pitch, please possible. I believe this is the biggest cup contact me on the details below. You can final Torrington has been involved in on hire our facilities for various purposes or home soil, ever! sponsor us in a variety of ways, all help is, With the season’s successes, I must as always, greatly appreciated. pass on the committee’s and supporters’ C’mon Torrie thanks to both of our new coaches this Chairman, Rob Bewes 07976 066 440 season, Phil Gordon and Josh Squire, Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, and most importantly to all of the players Discipline, Sportsmanship.

News from St. Giles, Little Torrington

hanks to all those who supported our Easter Fair and Giant Egg Hunt on Easter Monday. A great afternoon was enjoyed by young and old, rolling eggs, winning tombola and raffle prizes and eating yummy lunches and cakes. We raised a further £340 towards the restoration of St. Giles. The grant application has now been submitted for repairs to roof, guttering and drainage, and we are hopeful that heating will be installed by the end of the year too. Watch out for our summer fete, on Monday 29th August in Little Torrington; dog show, craft and food stalls, BBQ, and much more. All enquiries to Pat Grimwood-Taylor pat@grimwood-taylor.com.

British Native Flowers to Grow in Your Garden Umbilicus rupestris

had to write about this pretty little plant because I got involved in a friendly altercation a few weeks ago as to its common name; I’ve always called it Wall Pennywort but my friend calls it Navelwort, both names being correct. The reason it’s called Navelwort is partly due to its Latin name ‘Umbilicus’ because the leaves have a central depression resembling one’s ‘belly-button’ and due to this it was thought to have a medicinal value in that it helped the healing of a new-born baby’s cut cord. The reason it’s called ‘pennywort’ is because the rounded shape of the leaves are about the same size of an old, pre-1971 penny. Wall Pennywort is related to the Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), the plant being fleshy and hairless, resembling its succulent cousins, Sedums. It is widespread throughout most of the UK but especially in the west and, indeed, grows just about everywhere here in Torrington, its preferred situation being stone walls, hedge banks, rocky outcrops, cliffs and disturbed, stony ground generally. The leaves have wavy margins, are roughly circular in shape with a depression in the middle. Flower spikes appear any time from spring onwards to late summer, the numerous small tubular flowers are creamy-white to greeny-yellow, but a few may be tinged reddish. They can grow up to 80cm in height, depending on situation. If you have an area that is well drained, where nothing much else will grow, then try Wall Pennywort Fleur

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01805 603502

Cash & Carry by appointment or delivered.

Pet of the Month

erfect Patches is looking for a home. Sadly Patches finds himself without a home due to a change in his family’s situation. He is a calm 9 year old JRT X who lives nothing more than to play with his ball and the odd cuddle. He would like to be an only dog and would suit a home where he has company for most of the day and without children If you can offer this lovely gent a home please call Lynne on 07971 461806 or email lynne@k9focus.co.uk

Singing for Health

inging for health is for older people, those with dementia and their carers. Conversation at 10.30am, singing begins at 11am, Torrington Community Hospital. £1 donation per session. For details call 01805 622666 or Julia Hadley 01409 281708.

The Cadets Have Been Busy!

orrington cadets have worked hard over the last couple of weeks to achieve their basic badges; doing assessments in a variety of different subjects including shooting, weapon handling, fieldcraft, drill, military knowledge and first-aid. In March we had two members of the South West Ambulance Service attend for the evening to give the cadets a talk and a practical training session on using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). A good evening was had by all, some very useful information was passed on to the cadets and they all got a chance to practice with the training device. Detachment Commander of Torrington Congratulations to Cadet Molly Hodge Army Cadet Force said “This is a and Cadet Karla Pitcher on achieving their momentous achievement for both the Marksmanship shooting badge on the .22 Detachment and Corporal New herself. rifle. This is the highest classification for a It’s fantastic that a cadet from Great cadet to be awarded for shooting. Torrington has been selected for this once These two cadets form part of in a lifetime opportunity. I am delighted Torrington Detachment’s shooting team for her and hope she has a fantastic time”. which has had great success in national Torrington Army Cadet Force meets competitions this every Friday evening year. They finished from 7-9:30pm at “Congratulations to Corporal 5th in the News of Maddison New on being selected the detachment the World shooting to attend the national ACF Canada hut, which is in the competition, which exchange this summer. She will be grounds of Great is an outstanding Torrington School. heading off to White Horse...” achievement. Young people aged Congratulations to Corporal Maddison between 12-18 years of age are more New on being selected to attend the than welcome. If you’re interested in national ACF Canada exchange this joining, or would like further information summer. She will be heading off to White on what the Army Cadet Force can Horse, which is situated near Vancouver. offer you, please feel free to contact the She will be undertaking a variety of different Detachment Commander 2nd Lieutenant activities which include mountaineering, Matthew Sanders on the details below : mountain biking, water sports and other Email: matt.sanders@armymail.mod. various outdoor activities. uk, 07463 818 187. 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Sanders, The

email: torrington.crier@gmail.com www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk 01805 603152

Torrington & District Community News & Events

Editorial: torrington.crier@gmail.com Becky Huxtable: 01805 603152

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

The Crier Diary, for community and fundraising events only, is available on the Library counter, please enter details yourself. Please include event, venue, time and a brief description if required. Or email: torrington.crier@gmail.com.

EDITOR/PRODUCTION Becky Huxtable ADVERTISING/ACCOUNTS Esther Williams

Advertising: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com PRINTED BY Toptown Printers Esther Williams: 01805 603023

Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All advertisements are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please. Deadlines: All copy by 12 noon on the second Thursday of the month before publication.

DISTRIBUTION Dy Darch/Sue Crane RURAL DISTRIBUTION Community ONLINE CRIER Becky & Esther

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Crier Team.

Castle Hill Opening Hours Library Book Renewals

01805 622107 0345 155 1001

New Opening times Tues 10am-6pm, Thursday 10am-5pm, Fri & Sat 10am-1pm

Café & Garden @ 1646

01805 626146

Open Mon – Sat 9am-4pm

Tourist Information

01805 626140

Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am – 4pm. Wed, Fri & Sat 10am – 1pm

Torrington Town Council

01805 626135

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

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Torrington

03 444 111 444

Tues 9.30am-12.30pm drop in

Community Development Trust

01805 626100

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Genesis/Pannier Market Admin

01805 626110

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Heritage Museum & Archive

Contact Sue Scrutton 01805 622391 or Val Morris 01805 622306

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Crier Team