May Crier 2018 by The Torrington Crier

FREE MAY 2018 The Crier is produced for the community, supported by advertisers, Great Torrington Town Council, and the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity. 5900 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district, with a readership of 14,750

MAY FAIR & CARNIVAL 2018

Missed the print deadline?

Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.

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

Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 07912 693 858 E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com

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Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk. Town Distribution: Dy Darch Rural Distribution: Sue Crane and the community Printers: Toptown, Barnstaple

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

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

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

Sanctuary Stone Masonry Honouring Tradition

• Stone Conservation • Stone Walling • Lime Pointing Tel: 07411 360662 Email: info@sanctuarystonemasonry.com Web: www.sanctuarystonemasonry.com

From Your Mayor…

y the time you read this issue of the Crier, May Fair day will be soon be upon us. Let’s hope the weather will be kind to us this year. On 10th March Keeley and I attended the Boxing Club show. It was wonderful to watch the youngsters training; they are the stars of the future. It was a good evening for Torrington, who won most of the fights and well done to everyone who arranged the evening. On 23rd March I was delighted to be taken hostage by staff of the North Devon Hospice; we were fingerprinted, given our stripy suits and handcuffs, and stood in front of the judge to hear our ‘crimes’. Needless to say we were all found guilty, and our bail was set at £1000 each. Porridge was delivered, while we desperately phoned family, friends and local businesses for their support. I would personally like to thank everyone who sponsored all of us; our grand total reached £10,223. Many thanks must go to the fantastic staff at the North Devon Hospice, a truly caring group of people. On 24th March

Keeley and I joined Julie Hunt, Mayor of Barnstaple, at her ‘Great Gatsby’ charity ball. It was a wonderful evening, raising money for her chosen charities. On 31st March I was delighted to judge all the wonderful cakes entered in the Abbeyfield cake competition, in memory of Brian Squires; all were homemade and delicious, it was a good morning catching up with many friends and raising money in memory of a lovely caring man. Earlier this year at Full Council, our Town Council agreed to support the campaign to reduce/stop the amount of plastic used in our everyday lives; many shops have signed up to this, and Cllrs will be working with the public to promote reduced plastic use. Ideas such as paper dog poo bags and reusable bags being designed and promoted by the Chamber of Trade were discussed. Plastic bottles are a major concern, so the reinstatement of drinking fountains to refill bottles was suggested. If you have any ideas, please forward them to the Town Council. My year as Mayor is nearly up, but if

you have anything you wish me to attend then please contact the Office Manager on 01805 626135. Best wishes to you all for a very happy and safe May Fair. Sue Mills, Proud to be Mayor of Great Torrington

Mayor’s Civic Parade & Service

he Mayor, Councillor Mrs Diana Davey, will hold her Civic Service in Saint Michael and All Angels Parish Church, on Sunday 1st July at 3pm. Uniformed organisations are requested to assemble at the bottom end of Sydney House Car Park at 2.35pm. Councillors, Trustees, Conservators and the Presidents of the Chamber of Trade, Rotary and British Legion and their partners are requested to assemble in the Town Council’s Committee Room, Castle Hill at 2.30pm. Standards should not be paraded.

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

Relax andthose get more flexible a The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily of the CrieratTeam

GENTLE HATHA YOGA CLASS Thursdays 10-11.30am

Castle Community Centre, South Street, Torrington

With Ruth Chambers Yoga, Reiki & Meditation Teacher Beginners and men always welcome! 01805 93812 or 07789 020 668 Email: ruthchambers@gmail.com

MAY FAIR & CARNIVAL 2018

May Fair programmes raise vital funds for the May Fair and Carnival Committee, contain full details of all events and are available from various shops in Torrington, costing 50p.

Great Torrington May Fair The Square Thursday 3rd May 2018

vents 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.

Access for wheelchair users & disabled persons

Any wheelchair user/disabled person who wishes to come and see the May Fair celebrations are advised to be in the Town Square 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 Town Square after 10.15am. Following the celebrations on May Fair day, help is required to put away the chairs that have been used. Anyone who is willing to help should meet in the Town Square at about 4.30/5pm. Any assistance we receive is greatly appreciated.

May Fair Rehearsal & Crowning of Torrington Carnival Queen The Square, Wednesday 2nd May 2018

Events 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. Natasha Batty, Secretary Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee

May Fair Flower Festival at the Parish Church

ur theme this year is ‘Celebrating Childhood Memories’. The church will be open for viewing from Thursday 3rd until Saturday 5th 10am - 5pm. As well as the flower arrangements there will be other displays and refreshments will be available. Admission is free. All are welcome!

Great Torrington Carnival Saturday May 5th 2018

ntry forms for the Carnival are available from Xanadu, The Town Council website & The Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee Facebook page. * All vehicles MUST carry the appropriate insurance. * No intoxicating drinks will be permitted on any of the floats or by walking entries that take part in the procession. * Please do not throw coins at the floats. 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 if your journey takes you through Torrington. Natasha Batty, Secretary Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee

Braving the Shave to Raise Funds for Macmillan Cancer Care & the Cavaliers!

ev, Jane and Payton from The Black Horse Inn are ‘braving the shave’ on the afternoon of May 3rd 2018. They are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Care and Great Torrington Cavaliers and have raised £4000 so far, but aim to get more! Any donations would be greatly appreciated in helping them towards their goal. If you would like to donate visit: bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/ shavers and to find the shavers add /bev-hayler; /payton-stacey or /janefisher or just pop into the Black Horse Inn.

May Fair Entourage 2018

ust before February half term, the voting for this year’s May Queen took place at Bluecoat C of E Primary School, in the presence of Mayor, Sue Mills and Consort, Keeley Allin. In addition to the voting, names were drawn at random for the lucky Heralds and Attendants. Amelia Batten was voted as May Queen with the runner up Paige MacDonald-Bale as her Crowner. Freddie North and Albie Smithson were selected as Heralds, and the Year 3 Attendants were Evie Hill, Calypso Smithson, Lily Beer, Amber Schofield, Ellie Cooke, Lilie Barber, Allannah McConnachie and Poppy Fry. Amelia was selected to be an Attendant back in 2015, but ill health sadly meant that she missed out on the whole occasion, so it seems rather fitting that she be voted as May Queen this year. Paige, Crowner, was also an Attendant in 2015 and Lilie, Attendant, will be following in her sister Lola’s footsteps as she was an Attendant last year. Unusually, and quite possibly a first in May Fair history, siblings Calypso and Albie were both selected for the Entourage this year as Attendant and Herald. There is a long May Fair history in the family, with mother Jennie being an Attendant in 1984 whilst her sister-in-law Amanda was May Queen that year. Jennie went on to become May Queen in 1987 and Archie, brother of Calypso and Albie, was a Herald in 2010. With the initial shock and excitement slowly passing, the newly appointed Entourage are now absorbed in the preparations for May Fair 2018. Rehearsals are well underway as the sound of the Floral Dance rings around the school accompanied by the tapping of dancing feet. Angela Fleming, Headteacher, commented “I am delighted that the 2018 May Queen and her entourage have been chosen. The Torrington May Fair celebrations are very special to our community, and our children are very proud to play their part. The whole school is absolutely thrilled for Amelia and her entourage, and we are very much looking forward to this special day”.

Round the Tree Race 2018

ith May Fair week fast approaching, the traditional Round the Tree race will once again be part of the annual celebrations. Organised by Torrington AAC running club, the challenging 3-mile route takes in some of Torrington’s most spectacular views. From the start, the course takes runners down through the commons and into Taddiport, then a reasonably level middle section following the river along Rolle Road, before a final climb past the monument and back into the town to the cheers of the crowd. Every year runners of all abilities take part, from the experienced athletes to those new to running and see this as a challenge. This year’s event takes place on Friday 4th May and there are separate races for juniors, women and male runners. Race entry can be completed before the event if you want to avoid the queues, please find the entry form at torringtonaac.org, or sign up on the evening. The last few years have seen an excellent turnout. So, either as a spectator or as a runner, we look forward to seeing you there. Fancy dress is not essential, but always welcome. Like the last few years, finishers will receive a technical t-shirt as a memento. Good luck and have an enjoyable May Fair from all at Torrington AAC. Michael Newcombe

A J Installations

TV, DVD, Video and Digital Installations Got equipment you can’t use properly? We can offer a friendly step-by-step instruction service With over 25 years experience in the North Devon Area Phone Alistair McMillan

01805 804626 or 07977 810 088

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL Could You Be Torrington’s Next Beadle?

he Great Torrington Town Council help to keep the traditions of the town alive; one of these is to have a Beadle, Town Crier and Mace Bearers to support the Council at various functions. The position of Beadle has recently become available. Duties include accompanying the Mayor to various functions, as well as taking part in events within the town. A Beadle must have a car and be willing to drive the Mayor & Mayoress/ Consort to functions etc. The Beadle is provided with a mileage allowance, a small honorarium, plus a uniform. Some duties will involve evening and weekend work. This vacancy is open to both men and women. An application form is available to download from the Town Council website and Facebook page or by contacting the office on (01805) 626135, admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk or by writing to/calling into the offices at Great Torrington Town Council, Council Offices, Castle Hill, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA. Closing date and time for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 31st May 2018. Interviews will be held soon thereafter.

Notice of Annual Meeting of the Town Council

otice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting and Inauguration of the Mayor of the above-named Town Council will be held at the Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington on Tuesday 15th May 2018 at 7pm. The meeting is open to members of the public who are most welcome. Michael Tighe, Town Clerk Great Torrington Town Council

am wondering whether the people of Torrington, who own the Commons, are aware that the Commons Conservators are having discussions with various agencies with a view to turning the Rolle Canal from Orford Mills to the Puffing Billy, into part of a national cycle route? If this comes about it would mean that, for reasons of safety, for the whole length of this very popular walk people would have to keep their children under close supervision, and their dogs on leads at all times. It is to be hoped that, before discussions go any further, the full situation is made public and everyone is given a chance to decide whether they are happy with such a permanent change to this well-used, much loved path. Jan Mallik In response: For the past twenty years Devon County Council has been in contact with Great Torrington Commons Conservators with regards to constructing a cycle route across the Commons, linking Torrington to the Tarka Trail. A cycle link from the Tarka Trail to Torrington would help boost trade in in the town, as it has done in other North Devon towns. The Conservators have refused permission so far, due to safety of people using the Commons and the damage that could be caused. The latest suggestion is to create a cycle link on Rolle Road, between the Puffing Billy and Taddiport Bridge. This idea is very much in its infancy, and nothing would be agreed without taking a number of issues into consideration; the foremost being the safety of all users of Rolle Road. The Conservators’ AGM is taking place at the Plough on Wednesday 16th May 2018, when we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Steve Jones, Chairman, Commons Conservators

We work closely with our customers to offer quality embroidered and printed garments for business, leisure and schools.

t the Probus AGM in April it was decided that as a group we should search for a gap in community provision and provide a service to fill it. Members are actively looking for projects for this and it was suggested that Crier Readers be invited to put forward their ideas. If you have a pet ‘they should do something about that’ feeling, please air it by making a suggestion to Mike Evans 01805 601166.

Should a Commons Path Become a Cycle Route?

Instant Images Embroidery

46 South Street, Torrington Tel: 01805 938002

Gap in Community Provision? Get in Touch!

Heavy Duty Gardening Compact Tractor & Loader Flail/Topper Mowing Rotavating, log sawing/splitting Wood chipping, hedge trimming etc. Garden overhaul and tidy Small/odd jobs done around the farm

Michael Harris, Petrockstowe 01837 811283

Great Torrington Commons Awarded Five Stars

reat Torrington Commons have been awarded five stars by South West in Bloom. The Commons are judged in the ‘parks’ category, so to be awarded five stars in the company of the South West’s best parks is a great achievement. Credit must go to Big Al, the volunteers who assist him with the maintenance of the Commons, Stef Easton and the friends of the Commons who do a great job litter picking and keeping everything tidy More good news. The main sewer which has caused us problems in the past has been cleared of tree roots and other blockages by South West Water and damaged sections have been relined. The whole section of sewage pipe from Ladywash to the sewage works has been cleared. This may not completely cure the pollution problems, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. After such a positive start it is disappointing to have to report acts of vandalism that occurred on the Commons on the weekend of the 24/25th March. Newly planted saplings in Collinghams Orchard were either pulled up, or had their tops snapped off. A dog bin across the path behind the cemetery was destroyed and a bench was damaged. If anyone has any information as to the perpetrators of this damage could you please contact us. Two dates for your diary. The car boots start again at 7am on Sunday 6th May and the Conservators AGM is to be held at the Plough Arts Centre at 7pm on

Residents Can Now Subscribe to Torridge’s New Garden Waste Scheme

n 4th June 2018 Torridge District Council will be introducing an optional garden waste collection service for an annual fee of £35. The service is also being extended to cover all properties in Torridge, so any resident in the district can now sign up. Signing up for the service is quick and easy online at www. torridge.gov.uk/gardenwaste but anyone who is unable to register online can call 01237 428700 and select option3. Residents signing up to the service will receive a sticker to place on their green wheelie bins. After the 4th June only households who have subscribed to the service and are displaying the new sticker will have their bins emptied on a fortnightly basis. The changes to the service are being introduced at the same time as other initiatives designed to further improve recycling rates and reduce the amount of plastics and other materials ending up in landfill. These include a new weekly food waste collection service via new large food caddies, which will be delivered to every household,

Wednesday 16th May I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new clerk Kim Jenkins to the Conservators. Kim brings with her a wealth of experience and I am sure will be a great addition. Steve Jones, Chairman chairman.conservators@gmail.com

PetStay Home Dog Boarding Visit: www.petstay.net • Email: devon@petstay.net • Tel: 01392 984684 • A loving, safe, home environment for your dog whilst you go on holiday • Your dogs stay in our carers’ homes • Dogs from the same household only • Meet your carer before you book • All dogs’ routines kept • All carers are vetted, licensed and insured

and fortnightly black bag collections for domestic waste. As part of the changes residents will no longer be able to put food waste into their green wheelie bins (which will now be used for garden waste only). Instead a separate food waste container, called a kerbside caddie, will be delivered to all homes in the District before 4th June. The caddie has been specially designed so that once filled, the handle of the caddie is pulled forward and this locks the caddie and prevents any disturbance by rodents, birds or other animals. Residents will be able to throw all raw and cooked food waste (including peelings, egg shells and even bones) into the caddies, which can be lined with compostable bags or newspaper. All of this material will then be recycled. Full details of Torridge’s garden waste collection service, including terms and conditions, can be found on the Council’s website www.torridge.gov.uk/ gardenwaste.

Support Torridgeside AFC!

Cheer the lads on in their upcoming matches at Donnacroft: • 30th April - University of Exeter 6.30pm • 5th May - St Martins 3pm • 7th May (Bank Holiday Monday) Brixham - 2pm Refreshments available. We hope to see you soon.

K. Sheppard

Plasterer

General Building Maintenance Ceiling Specialist, Internal Alterations, Re-skims & Artex Removal 8 Clinton Gardens, Merton, Okehampton, Devon EX20 3DP

01805 603016

07813 257 471

Do You Enjoy Reading Murder Mysteries?

nterested in reading murder mysteries? Might enjoy meeting with others to talk about favourite books and authors or discover new ones? Come to the cafe at 1646 on 17th May at 2pm to discuss the setting up of a group who enjoy reading murder mysteries and would like to discuss them with others. If you’re not able to attend but are interested, then please leave your name at the library. Supporting Torrington to be a dementia friendly community The Friends of the Library are delighted to support the Council in helping Torrington become a dementia friendly community. We have resources at the library to give information and support. More to follow after May Fair. Friends of Torrington Library

Library News

orrow a micro:bit on your library card for three weeks for free! If you are interested in coding this might be an opportunity to have a go, on our six public access computers, if you are a member they are free to use for up to two hours a day. Printing, photocopying and scanning facilities are also available. So if your internet fails, your computer dies, or you need to print out your flight information we are here with the facilities to make it possible. www.microbit.co.uk/home# If you want to get started with the gizmo, device or tablet you thought would make your life easier, then Perry is available by appointment on Thursday mornings to help you out. Pop by or call on 01805 622107 to book. Buzzing bees singing sessions for the U5s; 2pm on Tuesdays through term-time. If you are not a library member, just call by and join up – It’s FREE. Kate Greaves, Library Supervisor

Torrington Music & Arts Festival

here is a wonderful project taking place to put Great Torrington on the map, we are having another Music and Arts Festival on Saturday 15th September and we are going to showcase local acts and organisations. So if you have a good idea and want to be involved do contact us, we are particularly interested in people who love photography and poetry. Would you like to be part of this event? Youth groups such as the guides and scouts with ideas would be great too. Contact Cathrine Simmons on 01805 622409 or cathrinesimmons@hotmail.co.uk.

Torridgeside Volunteer Opportunity Youth Membership Secretary

orridgeside have an immediate volunteering vacancy for a Youth Membership Secretary. This is a key role for the club, but can be undertaken from the comfort of your own home. There is no requirement to attend meetings or get involved further (unless of course you want to!). Busy times tend to be the end of August through to the end of September, when memberships are being renewed. A lot of the work is carried out on the FA Whole Game system, so you need to be ok with computers – not an expert – but just comfortable inputting data. Full training and ongoing support will be given. The role will include the following: • Co-ordinate registrations at the start of the season • Liaise with managers on starters / leavers through the season • Register/de-register starters and leavers • Apply for ID cards with Devon FA Maintain the membership register • Liaise with the treasurer so they can monitor fees • Keep on top of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) legislation – don’t worry - the club will support with this If you would like to find out more please contact us on our Facebook page, email torridgesideyouthfc@hotmail.co.uk or call on 07544 025 232. The Torridgeside Committee

Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman

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

Unit 2C Hatchmoor Industrial Estate Torrington EX38 7HP Open Tuesday to Saturday

T: 01805 625238 M: 07814 147 603

Community Groups’ Continuing Efforts to Regenerate Kingsmead Park

ingsmead Park Fundraising Committee is a group of six Kingsmead based mums. • Emma Weeks – Chairperson • Kim White – Vice Chairperson • Louise Barton – Treasurer • Mandy Isaac – Secretary • Catherine Fry – Vice Secretary •Jenna Busuttil – Committee Member In spring 2017 we became concerned about the inadequacy of our little park on Kingsmead, particularly the lack of play equipment for the children. As a group we decided that something needed to be done to regenerate the park for the children of the estate, both current and future, to ensure they could get outside in the fresh air to play. We felt this would be of great benefit to the health and wellbeing of our future generation, getting the children outside and off their gadgets, playing in a safe and secure environment. We created our committee in May 2017 and set about researching and contacting local groups and organisations to apply for various funding. Alongside these applications, we have worked hard to organise some fantastic events, including a summer community BBQ on the Kingsmead Park grounds, family quiz nights, and bingo evenings, to which we have been amazed and overwhelmed by the ongoing support from the Torrington community as a whole. From these fundraising events we have raised approximately £2000, and have more fundraising events planned, including Bingo on Saturday 16th June, at the Torridge Vale Social Club 6.30pm. Please like our Facebook page, Kingsmead Park Fundraising Group, to keep up to date with all our upcoming events and progress reports. Excitingly, we have just secured our first piece of play equipment, with the help of an amazing grant of £10,000 from the Coastal Recycling Community Fund, GrantScape, who support local community group projects within a 10 mile radius of its Landfill site just outside Torrington. This piece of equipment, the Fairfield Multi Play Unit, has been ordered from Mant Leisure, with the help of Torridge District Council, and should be in place before the summer holidays! We would like to thank all the local residents, charities, businesses and organisations for their fantastic ongoing support, without you, none of this would have been possible, and we look forward to seeing you for bingo on the 16th June! Mandy Isaac, Secretary

Free Energy Clinics

rop In to the Free Energy Clinics run by 361 Energy CIC. We are a local Charity working in North Devon to alleviate fuel poverty and keep you warm and cosy in your home. Bring your latest gas and electric bills to get advice on tariff and supplier switching, apply for warm home discount and get energy saving advice and tips. Book your free home energy visits (subject to eligibility) when we can install FREE simple energy saving measures, check your tariff, arrange a free telephone advice service to help with debts and benefits and refer you for further energy improvements if necessary. All welcome. The clinics will be held at the 1646 Cafe, Castle Hill, Torrington on the second and last Tuesdays of the month, 10am-1pm. For further information ring Marion on 07485 534 177. NEA Warm and Safe at Home Innovation Award Winner 2018

Torrington Arms Grand Quiz

Friday 11th May 7.30pm aximum of 6 per team, prizes to be won, £4 per player. Grand prize draw, donations welcome. Quiz Master Stuart Davey. All proceeds in aid of Breast Cancer Care and Prostate Cancer UK, in conjunction with Walk the Night Together Against Cancer. Booking advised please call the pub on 01805 622280 to reserve a table.

Dog Training Classes at Taddiport Village Hall

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

What’s On in Great Torrington?

At a loose end? Need to find a new hobby or activity? There should be something here for you! If you run a sports club or community activity in Great Torrington or the surrounding area, or the exisiting information we have needs amending, please send details in to: torrington.crier@gmail.com. Monthly diary events are on page 12, making it easier to find what’s on!

LEISURE, HOBBIES & ENTERTAINMENT (ADULTS & CHILDREN) Plough Workshops: every Monday: Yoga 6:30-8pm; Folk Orchestra 7-9pm; every Tuesday: Yoga 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30-7:30pm; Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm; every Wednesday: Adult English Class 6:30-8:30pm; Latin for Beginners 7-8pm; Tai Chi 7:30-9pm; every Thursday: Sapta Dance 11am-2:30pm; Tai Chi 2.15-3.15pm. Writers Group 7:30-9pm (first Thursday of the month), Life Drawing Sessions 7:30-9pm; every second Thursday Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm; every Friday: Sarah Anne Westcott School of Dance 3:30-7:30pm; every Saturday: Plough Junior Jazz 11am-1pm; Plough Youth Theatre 9:45am-5:15pm Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4pm Doug 01805 622648 Beryl 01805 624294 all welcome (every second Saturday) Tai Chi 12.30pm every Thursday, all abilities welcome. Contact Ageing Well on 01805 622666. £2.50 donation Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm Tarka Pottery Adult Pottery Classes every Thursday in term time:10-12 noon, 1.30-3.30pm and 7-9pm 07931 306 414. Every Tuesday in term time: 10-12 noon and 7-9pm t: 07931 306 414 Papercrafts & scrapbooking club every Thursday 7-9.30pm, The Owl Barn Studio, Little West Hole, Newton St Petrock EX22 7LW, £2 per session, bring your own project or try something new, contact 07853 319 250 or owlbarnstudio@ btinternet.com English Folk Dancing 8pm every Fri @ Northam Village Hall with Bideford Ceilidh Club. Info John 01237 476632 Writers Poets & Listeners every first Thursday 7.30pm Conservative Club Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meet every Thursday from 9am till about 3pm at Torrington Station (the Puffing Billy),

unless weather is appalling. Variety of tasks. 07881 905 260. Bingo at St Giles Parish Hall, eyes down at 7.30pm, last Thursday of the month Torrington Craft Group, every Monday 1-4pm in the Methodist Church Hall £10 per month or £3.50 per session including refreshments, Jeanne Singleton 01805 622650 Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm £1.50 inc tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Probus Club meets at the Black Horse, High Street, Torrington, 10am. Every fourth Thursday. Torrington Rotary Club meet weekly on Tuesdays at Torrington Golf Club (6pm for 6:30pm) - Secretary David Large on 01769 560556. Prospective members, and members from other Rotary Clubs most welcome. Learn Bellringing for free: Most Mondays 7.30pm at Monkleigh Church and Wednesday, 7.30pm at Torrington Church, contact - Clive Ward 0771078 885 or monk2364@icloud.com Art on Friday meets every second and fourth Friday at The Plough Arts Centre 10.30am-2.30pm. New members always welcome. Contact Hazel 01805 623757. Great Torrington WI meets second Wednesday of each month excluding June (outing) & August (picnic). 7pm at the Methodist Rooms. Visitors & new members welcome. Phoenix Line Dancing Club. New beginner/improver line dance classes at Weare Gifford Village Hall Tuesdays 7.309.30pm. All ages and abilities welcome. Ian 07833 720 050 or Marilyn 07825 278 405

SUPPORT & FRIENDSHIP GROUPS FOODBANK Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church and Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill Singing for health, for older people, those with dementia and their carers. 10am-12.30pm, Torrington Community Hospital. £1 donation per session. For details call 01805 622666. (First & third Wed of the month) 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 Men’s Shed: Football Club, School Lane 9am-12.30pm. Come and see us in action, every Tuesday & Thursday. Contact Dave on 07759 783 001 Memory Cafe 10.30am -12.30pm, Methodist Church at the

The Castle Community Centre

TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB

A multifunctional room with garden, based at Castle Hill, Torrington Ideal for private parties & group meetings. • Adjacent to public car park • Self contained kitchen facilities available • Wifi (coming soon)• Catering by Café @1646 • Regular bookings welcomed • Competitive rates

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

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

For booking rates & details contact Susie and John Golightly 07917 651 938 Genesis (Great Torrington) Ltd, Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626100 (Admin office Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.30am–12.30pm)

top of Mill Street. Every second Thursday Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com or find us on Facebook. U.S. Social Group. Get out and meet new friends. We meet every Monday at 8pm @ the Panniers in Barnstaple (Weatherspoons). The age range is 40 plus. Varied interests including skittles, dancing, meals out etc. Mixed social group for people on their own. ‘Hearing Loss Support Group’ Social group for the hard of hearing. Every third Tues 2pm @ The Bickford Centre. Call 01271 373236

Email: genesis@great-torrington.com

Families Welcome

Contact Sharon 01805 622543

REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES

Gt Torrington Parish Church Services: Thursdays 10.30am Said Mass, Coffee morning 11am-1pm; Fridays 8.30am Said Mass; Sundays 10am Sung Mass with Sunday Club Encounter. Modern worship, exploring faith, meeting with others. Encounter God. Great coffee and cakes.7pm High Bickington Community Centre. Every second Sunday. Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Mass every Sun 9.15am Torrington Methodist Church, please see diary section.

Grosvenor Church Torrington, Bluecoat Junior School 4pm, with an exciting children’s programme, refreshments at 5pm. Every Sunday. Sunday Brunch (Grosvenor Torrington Church) Every 1st Sunday 10.30am - 12noon Bluecoat School Hall. Food and fun for all the family! Tim 07798 670 754. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bradford Village Hall, Holemoor, Bradford, Holsworthy, EX22 7AB. Sunday Sacrament service at 1011am Torrington Baptist Church, please see diary section.

HEALTH, SPORT & FITNESS (ADULTS & CHILDREN) Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training above TVSC, Mondays 6.15pm boxers; Tuesdays 6.30pm Recreational boxers (fitness); Wednesdays 6.30pm carded boxers only; Thursdays 6.30pm Recreational boxers (fitness), Fridays 6.15pm boxers; Saturdays 9.30-11am Junior BoxFit (6 to 10 year olds) Running club every Monday & Wednesday at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm every Wednesday Wendy’s Fitness for Life classes every Thursday at the Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 Slimming World Join us at Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street. Every Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Lisa 07515 256 965. Every Thursday 9.30am,

11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm. Norah 07789 632 166. Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am @ Libbaton Golf Club Fitness with Friends: Castle Community Centre Torrington, gentle exercise class, every Monday weekly in term time, 2 -3.30pm, £3 donation, 01805 622666 Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm juniors, adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 01769 561387 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon & Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre. Indoor Short Mat Bowls club night every Monday from 6.30 in the clubhouse at the Bowling Green, Castle Street. All welcome. Hatha Yoga Thursdays 10-11.30am, Castle Community Centre, South Street, Torrington, 01805 93812 or 07789 020 668. Email: ruthchambers@gmail.com Pilates in Yarnscombe on Mondays & Tuesdays, contact: Sue 07896 326 024 email sue.spiritunleashed@gmail.com

CHILDREN’S CLUBS, TODDLER GROUPS & PRE-SCHOOLS 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm l torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6.30-8pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 623212 torringtondistrictguiding@talktalk.net 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.30-8pm Emma Keil torringtondistrictguiding@talktalk.net Beaford Guides at Beaford School Tuesdays term time only 7.15pm till 8.45pm Bridget Wade 07830 797 050 or email BeafordGuides@outlook.com Beaford Rainbows will meet at Beaford school on Tuesdays 4.15 till 5.15pm for more information please contact Leanne 07842344302 or Email rainbows@girlguidingbeaford.co.uk Beaford Brownies meet at Beaford School on Tuesdays 5.30pm till 7pm contact Bridget Wade on 07830 797 050 or email beafordbrownies@outlook.com 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 1st.torrington. guides@gmail.com SCOUTS IN TORRINGTON - All Scouts groups meet at the Scout Hall, Gas Lane. Contact for all groups is Kirsty Pells on 07887 557 574 or email kirsty.pells@btinternet.com 1st Torrington Beaver Scouts (age 6-8) meet during term time on Tuesdays 6-7:30pm.

1st Torrington Cub Scouts (age 8-10) meet during term time on Tuesdays 6-7:30pm 1st Torrington Scouts (age 10-14) meet during term time on Monday 7:30-9pm. Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @ High Bickington Community Centre ALLSORTS Children’s Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 6.30-8pm. School years 1-6. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 ALLSORTS Plus Youth Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 8-9.15pm. School years 6 and upwards. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 Little Otters Baby & Toddler Group, every Friday, 9am11.30am, at The Clinton Hall, Merton Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Church every Thurs term time 9.30am -11.30am £1.50 per family. Jill 01805 624387 Toddler Group 9.30-11am every Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am-3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact - 07870 509 674 Little Otters Pre-School, at The Clinton School, Merton MonThurs, 9am till 3.30pm, with lunch club 12–1pm, term time. For more details 01805 603357 admin@clinton.devon.sch.uk

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. Fridays Bideford

Further details from: Shirley Davies 07776 414740

proceeds for the Methodist and Parish

Diary

Community Information Centre

(opposite Car please Park, To place anSydney entry inHouse the diary, next to 'Panamart') either email torrington.crier@gmail. We are delighted to announce that com, call 01805 603152, or write your the 'Esteem' group to support those entry in the diary on the Library counter. suffering with mental health difficulties, Organisations are responsible for depression, fatigue, pain or anxiety advising of changes to entries. has been awarded grants from the Rural Devon Trust (through the Devon Community Foundation) and from Tuesday 1st Awards For All. MAY FAIR EVENT: Window Spotting We can now buy laptops, enabling Competition all the children up toin11 years, the group toforuse internet order to organised by Great Torrington help them become an integrated and Bluecoat Primary School. accepted Amusements part of our community. They Rowlands will be at Barley will beCar able to engage a support Grove Park all May Fair week. worker to assist withReady form-filling, producing a Plough Film: Player One 12A 8pm CV, searching for education courses Wednesday 2nd and will be able to search for local MAY FAIR EVENTS: Rehearsal of May voluntary or paid of work. The group has Pole and Crowning the May drop-inbydays times Bluecoat a week, (see Queen Greatthree Torrington diary) which include a 'listening Primary School Children 6pm in the ear', someone from the community who isat Square. Crowning of the Carnival Queen 6.45pm happy to sit and chat, for those feeling Plough Film: I Got Life! (15) 8pm lonely and low. The Centre also offers free legal Thursday 3rd advice, and tenancy and&debt advice, MAY FAIR DAY: Festivities entertainment bybe appointment, (see diary). to held in the Square , starting fromRev. GrahamforSlingo comes a Fair coffee 9.45am, full details see in thefor May programme available from started various outlets and chat, and we have a book inclub the town. for young people (read a book Torridge the Vicarage Field over a Cup weekFinal or atfortnight 7.30pm then come in and chat Flower Michael about Festival it over aat St. drink and and All Angels Church 10am - 5pm cakes) on Thursdays after Plough Walk: Ghost Walk No 2: Prisons, s c River h o o lTaw / c oand l l e gouter e . edges O n of the town the Saturdays, gents can sit Barnstaple) centre (St. Anne’s Arts Centre, and read with a coffee, or 7.30pm buy books ourPlayer charity Plough Film:from Ready One (12A) bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their 8pm

May 2018

Friday 4th

MAY FAIR EVENT: Round the Tree

races for all ages over 11 years. Start wives to their hearts’ content!by from theshop Square 6.45pm. Organised Centre is available hire for theThe Torrington Amateur Athletic to Club. meetings, after Registration at 6pm4pm, through into the evenings on most and Flower Festival at St.days, Michael andalso All on occasional Saturdays for small events Angels Church 10am - 5pm Plough Music: Harriet 8pm see Kiz or or training days. Please Bingo VH 7.45pm email:Yarnscombe kizangell@btconnect.com

Saturday 5th GRAND CARNIVAL from the Charity Xmas6.15pm Cardsstarts & Gifts OldCards Bowlingfor Green (at the Bideford of good causes andendFair New Street) Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s Flower St. Michael and All to churchFestival Bidefordatfrom 2nd November Angels Church 10am - 5pm th 7 December, Monday to Friday 10amBreakfast rolls, coffee and cake 10am to 4pm,meat Saturday 10am-1pm. Over 30 noon, raffle, 1st prize £25, 2nd prize charities to select your cards from and £15, takeaway available. In aid of Weare an interesting of gifts from Giffard Village hallselection refurb/rebuild many parts of the world. Plough Music: Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman 8.30pm

SundayDolton 6th Carnival

Plough Workshop: Storytelling Flaming torches,Plough drummers, bands Circle 2.30–5.30pm and fireworks will give a small Devon Plough Films: Isle of village a Dogs blaze(PG) of 3pm; publicity Ready Player One (12A) 7pm next month. Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am Dolton’s annual carnival, Speaker Eric Moore dates back to Victorian Rolle Canalwhich history walk. 2.30pm Annery times, will be on Guy Kiln. See article elsewhere in Crier.Fawkes i g h t , Church S a t u r d10.30am ay 5th Torrington N Methodist November, which gives the David Watson, 6.30pm Rev Lynne Burgon festivities an extra spark of Holy Communion

interest this year. Monday 7th Farmer Ralph the key Plough Film: Isle ofGent, Dogsone (PG)of8pm figures behind the Dowland country fair Tuesday 8thin June, is organising and dog show Plough Film: Isle finale of Dogs 8pm the spectacular in (PG) which £1,600Wednesday 9th worth of fireworks will light up the night Great sky. Torrington WI, Methodist Rooms, Annual Resolutions how The Meeting Pipe &andDrum Band,& Samba toBand use aand defibrillator with Stephen Mayne, Torrington Allstar Majorettes 7pm will all be taking part in the parade Plough Films: Isle of Dogs (PG) 5:30pm; through the village, along with many Fellini’s Roma (15) 8pm brightly-lit floats, including this year’s

Torrington Slimming World

General Garden Howe Maintenance Concert Hall, Castle Street Garden Fencing Mobile: 07775 & 096657 • Every Tuesday 5.30pm 7.30pm Hedge Laying Call David Lock Contact Lisa 07515 256 965 Stone Walling R.PITTS on 01805 603 541 Pergolas • Every Thursday 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile 07854 816 066 Contact Norah 07789 632 166 Patio

of dollars in royalties

JUNE CRIER COPY DEADLINE Your Vote Counts! st 12 NOON TODAY 1 Torrington Scouts have registered with Nat 11th West Community Force, Friday barbecue, and candy wagon.

whichRock invites people Plough Music: Blues Voodo Roomto vote forMolton a local8pm charity/ The George Hotel, South of Wehn: their Das choice, Plough Comedy:cause Henning Neuen Materialenwith Nachten 8pm and two the winner runners-up Saturday 12th

being

awarded a grant. Please go toto Beaford Village Hall Market 10.30am www.communityforce.natwest.com/ 12.30am tasty breakfast baps, coffee and st Torrington Scout projects/ typeto1buy cake and a and chance from a range of stalls. Car washing £5. New stall holders Group into the project name box, welcome, please ring 603199get or as register and vote for01805 us. Please 01805 details.and family to do many603046 of yourforfriends Buckland Brewer Sale 10am-3pm, so as well, as if Plant we are successful we Church, Hall & Churchyard, will be Chapel, able to Village continue our program of Proceeds for the fete funds refurbishment to Scout HQ, not only Plough Comedy: Henning Wehn: Das benefitting the Nachten Scout group, but all Neuen Materialen 8pm those who hireplus the any hall.other crafts you Knit n Knatter, would like to bring along,10amFran to 12Ashton noon Weare Giffard Village Hall

Sunday 13th Ode to Derek Stamp Buckland Brewer Plant Sale 11am -3pm,

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7pm, eyes down 7.30pm. Bar, tea and carnival queen Free and her attendants. coffee available. parking and cash Dolton’s three pubs of areevery all expected prizes. Second Thursday month to benefit the carnival Plough Livefrom by Satellite: NT atmosphere Live: and an 7pm influx of visitors. There will be a Macbeth roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, Plough Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm

Church, Chapel,isVillage Derek Stamp 60, Hall & Churchyard, Proceeds for the fetelife, funds A milestone in his Safari Lunchcome Buckland Brewer 12.15pm And we’ve this far together first sitting, adults £10, primary school As devoted man and wife. children £5, under 5’s free. Tickets 01237 451132. Proceeds for the fete funds He’s always there Story to hold my with hand, Plough Workshop: Walk Lisa And kiss me when I’m sad, Schneidau start from Torrington Common My soul mate10am-12.30pm for so many years, Main Car Park & 2-4pm Best friend I’ve ever had. Plough Poetry/Spoken Word: The Tangle of the Commons with Lisa Schneidau 7pm Plough Music: a Day: The Buildings Nat We met when King I wasfor “just 18”,New or Re Thursday 10th R.PITTSKing Cole Story 7.30pm Then call BINGO at Beaford village hall! Doors open Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” Frien

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water bottle Whibble!”

events to celebrat

Family Communion Chris Andrew Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am John Chapple, 6.30pm Rev Rob Blackhall

Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Peter Whatton Holy Communion, 6.30pm Rev Lynne Burgon

Plough Satellite Screening: An American in Paris (Encore) 7pm Royal British Legion meeting at Conservative Club 7pm

Plough Readings and Music: The Torrington Players: ‘The Times of Our Lives’ (St Anne’s Arts Centre, Barnstaple) 7.30pm

Thursday 17th

Plough Theatre/Comedy: The Immigrant, 8pm.Fully accessible for deaf audiences.

Friday 18th

Torrington Silver Band 20th Anniversary Concert at Howe Concert Hall. 7.30pm start, £5 entry on the door. Under 16’s free, includes refreshments. There will be a draw in the interval. Plough Film: This is Spinal Tap & Landspeeder (15) 8pm Bingo Yarnscombe VH 7.45pm

Fun Quiz Beaford VH, 7.30pm optional ‘back to school’ theme & fancy dress

Saturday 19th

Torrington Silver Band 20th Anniversary Fayre at Howe Concert Hall, 10.30am4.30pm. Free entry, stalls, games, refreshments, barbeque and lots more. All welcome. Plough Workshop: Making Silver Rings using Precious Metal Clay10am-4pm Plough Theatre/Comedy: James Seabright presents Dad’s Army Radio Show 8pm

Sunday 20th

Open Garden in aid of Devon Air Ambulance, Owlacombe Farm, Roborough, EX19 8TG, 1-5 pm £4 teas available. 01805 603285 Plough Films: Mary Magdalene (12A) 3pm; The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (12A) 7pm Plough Readings and Music: The Torrington Players: ‘The Times of Our Lives’ (Gallery) 3.30pm Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am Breakfast Special Subject Pentecost

Monday 21st

Tuesday 22nd

Plough Films: I Kill Giants (12A) 5:30pm; You Were Never Really Here (15) 8pm

Wednesday 23rd

Plough Talk: Antiques valuation evening with Mark Parkhouse (St Anne’s Arts & Community Centre, Barnstaple) 7pm Plough Music/Spoken Word: ‘Human Cargo’ with Matthew Crampton and Jeff Warner 8pm

Thursday 24th

Plough Summer Concert Series: Kamila Bydlowska, violin and Lucy Colquhoun, piano 7.30pm

Friday 25th

Plough Food and Music: Tapas Night at The Plough Café with live music 6-8pm Plough Film: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (12A) 8pm Plough Music: Georgie Fame in Concert (RHS Rosemoor) 8pm

Saturday 26th

Plough Workshop: The Edible British Flora in Wild Cuisine 10am-1pm Plough Film: Mary Magdalene (12A) 8pm Plough Comedy: Mark Steel (at RHS Rosemoor) 8pm Plough Music: Gilmore and Roberts (The George Hotel, South Molton) 8pm

Sunday 27th

Plough Films: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (12A) 3pm; I Kill Giants (12A) 7pm Torrington Baptist Church 10.30am Communion Speaker Peter Goodall Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Rob Blackhall, 6.30pm Stowford

Monday 28th

Plough Films: Peter Rabbit (PG) 3pm; I Kill Giants (12A) 5:30pm Plough Open Air Theatre: Heartbreak Productions ‘The Midnight Gang’ by David Walliams Castle Hill, Filleigh 4pm

Tuesday 29th

Plough Films: Peter Rabbit (PG) 3pm; The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (12A) 8pm

Wednesday 30th

Plough Films: Peter Rabbit (PG) 5pm; Let the Sunshine In (15) 8pm Plough Music: Reg Meuross (St Anne’s Arts Centre, Barnstaple) 8pm

Thursday 31st

Plough Workshop: Aca Theatre present ‘A Clowning Workshop’ for 4-10yrs1-2pm Plough Theatre: Aca Theatre present ‘Better Together’ - A Clown show for all the family 3pm Plough Open Air Theatre: The Festival Players ‘The Winter’s tale’ by William Shakespeare (RHS Rosemoor) 7pm Plough Film: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (12A) 8pm Spring Fair Methodist Church Hall, 2-3.30pm stalls & refreshments

Merton Vintage and Classic Vehicle Rally Sunday 6th May 2018 11am-5pm

ee over 100 vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, tractors and more... Merton is on the A386 between Torrington and Okehampton. We have plenty of free parking and we look forward to welcoming you all on the day. £3 adults; £1 child; under 5’s FREE.

GREAT TORRINGTON PANNIER MARKET Retail Outlets, Craft Workshops & Café

Open Monday to Saturday all day Tel: 01805 626110 • genesis@great-torrington.com

Thursday to Saturday General Market 8am-5pm • British Red Cross • Elftree • The Market Café • Fiddlesticks •

For Socks etc. • Town Museum • Kitch ’n’ Cupboard

• Crafty Needles • Odds & Sods • The Jewel in the Town • Toy Swap Shop • Times Past • Duane’s Carvings • Just 4 Kidz •

Wednesday 16th

Meadow Singers in concert

Spirit Unleashed Pilates

Stretch & Relaxation Classes in Yarnscombe

Mondays ~ 9am-10am • 10.15am-11.15am Tuesdays ~ 9am-10am • 10am-11am • 11am-12pm For details & booking contact: Sue 07896 326 024 Email sue.spiritunleashed@gmail.com

Torrington Baptist Church is Here to Stay!

espite the rumours being circulated in Torrington and beyond, Torrington Baptist Church (New Street) is neither selling off its buildings or moving or closing. We have had problems with our water supply, which will have been corrected by the time you read this. We will continue to meet to worship God together, in the same place as the Baptist Church have been for more than 190 years. If you’d like to prove it to yourself, please join us any Sunday morning at 10:30am, you will be most welcome. Loraine Eade

Great Torrington & District Care Forum Working for the Community

he Care Forum is a networking group for those working in health, welfare, caring or pastoral areas - either on a voluntary or paid basis. We meet monthly to discuss current issues and exchange ideas to see how we can best work together for the benefit of our community. For some, the pressures of everyday life are very difficult to cope with and this can lead to depression, and sometimes thoughts of suicide. CLARITY is a Barnstaple based registered charity providing therapeutic counselling, group therapy and support services for those experiencing mental health and emotional issues. The Head of Therapy has over 20 years of experience in mental health services and the charity has the support of our Town Council. For more details contact 01271 267474 or email clarity.northdevon@yahoo.co.uk. Friends of Torrington Library and the Memory Cafe are working together on an initiative to make Torrington a dementia friendly town as part of the Purple Angel campaign. It is designed to increase awareness of the condition, and to provide training for shops, businesses and other services to identify a person struggling with dementia or other memory issues - which can affect such a broad age range. The Library has an area dedicated to dementia literature, with books and leaflets highlighting the support available for those with memory loss, plus a selection of memory games and puzzles to keep the brain active. Staying fit and well and keeping good social contact with others is so important for general wellbeing. Torrington offers a wide range of social clubs, interest groups and exercise classes. The Men’s Shed is for retirees, with or without specific skills, who work together on projects which benefit the local community - and it’s a good social get together as well. They meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Football Club. Just pop in or contact Dave Davies on 07759 783 001 for more details. If you represent a group that shares our aims and would like to join us, our contact details are: Chair Sandra Crawley e: sandra.guard@me.com: Secretary Judith Nock e: judithnock@btinternet.com.

20th Anniversary Celebrations for Torrington Silver Band’s Howe Concert Hall

018 is an important year for Torrington Silver Band as it marks the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the Howe Concert Hall. To celebrate this special occasion we have some exciting events planned. On Friday 18th May we will be hosting an Anniversary Concert at Howe Concert Hall. With a repertoire of musical masterpieces to suit all ages and tastes planned it is not to be missed. As always there will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes and refreshments during the interval. Doors will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available on the door at £5; entry for under 16’s free. On Saturday 19th May we will be welcoming the whole community to come along and join us at the band room for the ‘Howe Concert Hall Anniversary Fayre’ from 10.30am till 4.30pm. There will be lots of games and stalls including tombola, sweets in a jar, hot coals challenge, lucky birthdays, tattoos, face painting and many more. There will be delicious refreshments, a tasty BBQ and a raffle with fabulous prizes. We will also have lots of band photos displayed over the anniversary weekend and if anyone has any photos of the band or building, it would be wonderful to get a copy of them. Pictures can be emailed to our band secretary jowhite1974@sky.com. For more information and to keep up to date with the latest band news, please join our Facebook page. Torrington Silver Band

Eye Tests in Your Own Home!

or people who have difficulty getting out to an optician’s practice, looking after their vision is more important than ever in maintaining independence. It’s also sadly one of the things that can be left behind a little. Because of the importance and benefits of regular check-ups, the NHS will cover the cost of a home eye test for most housebound patients. We’ve been providing professional home eye care for the last ten years. As part of that service we offer full eye examinations, can provide new tailor-made spectacles, and can refer for conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In fact, our patients often say they feel it’s the most thorough examination they’ve had, whether at home or in practice! We’re based in North Devon and specialise in visiting people for eye care in their own homes. We already see several other residents in the area. and one of the most common comments we receive is that our patients didn’t know that a homevisit eye examination service even existed, let alone that a local firm provides it. If you’d like to know more about having your eyes tested at home, or to book an appointment, we’re happy to have a chat - you can call us on 01271 590039.

Basic Doesn’t Mean Less Effective: Hatha Yoga for Body & Mind

he many different styles of yoga can cause some confusion. The great news is you don’t need to do super-fast, acrobatic yoga or wear Lycra to benefit from it! Some of the most powerful movements (asana) in yoga are the basic ones. It’s my goal as a teacher to make yoga accessible regardless of age, body shape, fitness or flexibility. Our bodies are unique and progress is relative to where we start out, rather than what the person on the next mat can do. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching students from ages 6 to 72! Ingrained daily habits can affect range of motion and leave us with limitations. Whilst our bodies were designed for a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, today, many of us sit down for extended periods of time (driving, at the desk, watching TV), creating stiffness in the hips and pelvis, with a knock-on effect elsewhere. Computer work and smart phones can also create tension in the back, arms, neck and shoulders. Moreover, as we age, range of motion tends to decrease and our stability along with it, leading to falls and health issues. However, stepping out of our usual habits to stretch out the body and learn to breathe more deeply can have a significant positive effect. With regular practice, you’ll notice small improvements and baby steps really add up over time. For more information about the Absolute Beginners’ Yoga Class and my other holistic therapies, please contact Arwen at: https://www.facebook.com/ SantoshaHealingSpace/ or santoshahealingspace@gmail.com

To support local businesses, it’s important that we ‘Think Local First’ whenever possible! If you would like your business to feature in these pages, please email Esther on torrington.crieradverts@ gmail.com or call 07912 693 858

Castle House Care Home

astle House Care Home in Torrington is now managed by Sarah Coull, and supported by Sue Stone the Home Administrator. Previously a trained nurse, Sarah was appointed as the new Home Manager in July 2016 and has also managed homes for Devon County Council and the private sector, with many years’ experience in caring for the elderly. From our team leaders and care assistants through to our cooks, domestics and maintenance staff; everyone strives to give their best possible care and passionate attention to the residents that live here. Castle House has fine views across the town and out into the countryside, which makes the residents still feel that they are very much in their own home town. Why not make an appointment to come and see for yourself?

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Slave and chip supper on Friday May&ship Chop the17Mop Raise Funds In Bloom 2013 Competition Entry Form Torrington School have come runners-up Condensation rising whilst he entry form for our Best Garden competition 2018 is on the2013 inside backraising awareness of spinal from

Torrington in Bloom Torrington

Two students from Year 9 at Great

Strong ebony diamonds the Little Princess Trust cord injury and for supporting SIA’s cover of the Crier, and I am very pleased to say that Sarah of ‘Copywrite’, run by the Chesters National Schools Beaten to a pulp. G r e a t information and support services. & North Devon Hospice RHS Garden Rosemoor has once again agreed toHarley be ourCarter judge.and I am Partnership. Reuben You can hold a supper in your own th looking forward to seeing more youngsters entering ourentered Young Gardener of the‘Slave Year Musgrave their poems Saturday 12andMay The men come home, atinto work hold acontainers, larger supper Ship’ and ‘Don’t Make‘Floral Promises’ theor display’ can include hanging baskets, 1.category. Best floral display byTorrington a business Take people upthe St Giles in Wood Sports & at your community centre. when will they were inlocal Yearornaments. 8 window boxes, Plants need not be bedding but The children in Year 4 of the Bluecoat CofEcompetition Primary School have now received We hear screams SIA will provide a fundraising pack and their this term have heard that they Social Club 7:30pmshrubs. fruit,are vegetables, herbs, perennials, 2.their Best floral bag display bySchool a public And they come down second of compost withhouse which to cover potatoes. Ican am include hoping that containing hints tips,y sister recipes, runners up. Both boysArtificial are delighted, and flowersYou are notand allowed! All covered in cutsClaire Saltearn, my you will have all managed to keep your potato pot warm and snug over Easter! invitations and donation envelopes. By Ward and I will have wonbut a you £50 will Amazon voucher each. Red blood drips. Dad Brian 3.should Best also floralnow display by an individual (best be keeping your potato potgarden)* outside, still need to listen to The English department is very proud offriends inviting seven and asking them Can You the * category 3 must be able to be viewed from the road or all be having our hair cut Help for the weather forecasts in case frost threatens and, if so, you can cover your pot with Harley and Reubenpavement, and thinks itanis additional to donate £5 youa will They don’t say word ie, front garden. 4.bubble Best floral display by a group, ie, scouts, school, charity, at approximately 8:30pm. I Boxing Club Find a wrap polythene to protect Do remember remove thedone cover We start this or month with Katie’s mini-it overnight. wonderful that, oncetoagain, work in but raise at least £35, will also give cut off, which Likewe they neighbourhood** am having 12+ inches saga. before you go to school in the morning. During May, you shouldcan also start tonational feed New Home? English lessons win additional fundraising ideas tothe people up theiroflips. **‘Ayou group’ must consist of abe minimum (of any IButtoned will sending totwo Little Princess your potato: check the instructions that you took home with your pot. competitions. Torrington Police A raise even more. From The Depths age). 5. Further Best back garden (photograph only)*** Trust to make long wigs Club for children. planting will also have taken place in Rack Park during April, andbefore, also we They’ve been in The Crier but raised faces homeless Where we going The money willarehelp the Nothing could be seen; my pupils Claire isnever having 7+ inches cut off,time which here areswimming the two winning poems: have planted the little flowerbed in the corner of the pool car park. Not On this ending trip? second in a year a Spinal Injuries Association offer stretched out like big glassy balls. Light *** category 5 photographic must bebe a donating photograph of your 6. Best allotment or vegetable garden**** she will also to the Little only that, a new planter has been installed on the grassed area opposite the main for a permanent hom individuals who name become up ahead seemed to be further, further, ownsupport garden,to please ensure your and address is on Trust; and Dadsessions. is going all the No-one knows car parkAtowind Dartington Crystal, tocorridor. make the area look more welcoming to visitorsand andtheirPrincess further. flushed down the paralysed families, from the back of photo (2 photosway areand allowed) 7. Best floral display outside a public building braving the (hair and Doesoccurs, anyone care? for those of youabout who live anearby. the club was Don’t make promises I was tiny etc.) boat on a moment a spinal injury and for shaveSince (firewhipped station, councillike offices, Human faeces everywhere moustache). The kind staff of Ian’s Hair the Globe in my room, nothing but me. Unfortunately, who isAlone allowing their doggy to ‘go’ on the rough, choppy there sea.is still A someone screaming the rest of their lives. ****category 6 can be a public allotment or a private garden Hotel wh in Torrington have a agreed to comethey out have bee I heard the door from downstairs. pounded at my eardrums, wanting to up afterwards. January, Windy Corner flowerbed, without picking It is really quite Forrevolting, more information or request and can contain vegetables and fruit. Itlike cannot be a 8. Best floral display by a young person (under 16) Dodo the men liveand this?in I heard mythe name called, breakthrough. Unwanted thoughts tiptoed to the cuts head shave. Torrington Town Hall please do clean up – there is a doggy bin just across roadbeing at the entrance to fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright commercial enterprise but can be a group or individual “Someone’s on the phoneon for you!” cautiously into my head and bounced We areorrunning this event in memory measure, but have to 0845 0714350 email Rack Park. effort. It must be your own allotment/garden, or group 9. around Best floral display small garden Quick! Shh! th my brain. of my mum, Alison Ward, in aid of April. 30and fundraising@siafishandchips.co.uk or Cherry Hammon, Chair allotment /garden of which you are an active participant. (less than 20ft x 20ft approx.), balcony or courtyard. Here they come I picked up the phone, thevisit voice said… Something’s coming. coach Heathclif Devon Hospice, whoClub provided www.siafishandchips.co.uk. Torrington in Bloom 01805 625788 North No more thinking. It’s coming to get me......and there’s no th“Hello Son, how are you doing?” that the club has neve us with support during mum’s last The closing off your entry details and hand in to the was a2013 voice I haven’tPlease heard cut in years. way out. date for ALL categories is: 30 ItJune set down weeks, and after she lost her battle Do You Have Work Stories From Past Local Industries? 1610 Torrington Triathlon at Theysure take you a man addresses supplied. Make keep a note of whichroots, having It was a voice I used to know. An echo replaced the air, the echo that different venues since with peritoneal/ovarian cancer back And a woman he Museum of Barnstaple and Completed forms may be left at the following addresses: categories you have entered! only could be the beating of my panicked Torrington Pool last year. in 2013. what We have set up a Just Wonder will happen. Devon’s Pop Up museum is I said, Whiskers Pet Shop, Vicarage Nursery or Ferry’s Home “I’m fine, how’s you?” heart. North rd June 2013 Sunday 23 He said: “Despite Giving pagecontact: (www.justgiving.com/ youfine, have any queries, please Hardware The voice said slowly,If“I’m thanks open at Bridge Chambers on the The End. Torrington Terror: scenic, rural bike numbers of vacant pr Can see black bodies fundraising/fayeward-chopthemop) for asking.” The End. Cherrystories Hammon, Strand in Barnstaple. We are getting objects out of store and collecting from Secretary, Torrington in Bloom th and run courses. Novice friendly, but town, the biggest As far as my eyes can see. End. August 2013. Judging will takearound place several on Tuesday 6 during Association, onfor 01805alongside 625788. taking sponsorship in person challe theThe community themes 2018 to help us gather information will challenge you! is finding ina new home. Then social the voice said Our very current very slowly… my ears. I feltofaround, (sponsorship forms are available our...whispered new galleryinto telling the story North Devon’s history. theme is Man at my foot, whack! members, boxers and Distances “I will be coming in next week…” touching the ice cold stone walls, fingers Ian’s Hairdressers and St Giles Sport the ‘World of Work’ and we want to hear from people from North Devon who worked Cut sensation Swim 400m, Bike 32km, Run 4.5km. including Function Fit outstretched in front me. Someone or 2013 Competition: Name/Group: I/we wish to enter the of Torrington in pottery; Bloom …………………………….……………. and Social Club). at Shapland and Petter, Brannams other trades and industriesNot suchsure as the My foot about doing a leaking. triathlon on Cavaliers, have worke Six weeks past, since I heard the voice. something entwined their fingers in mine. During the nightmywe will also be joined creamery glove making; alsobody; making land and the working yoursea; own? Why notWater enterdrips as from a relay eye.make the club a succ Then from I saidthe to myself… Somethingand was taking over my I a living by the band Tumbling Dice, and we will Category: …………………...Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………… in offices and public “Never make promises you can’t The keep.” team? perfect introduction to the attracts up to 30 memb wasn’t sure who I wassector. anymore. be holding a raffle. youtime, would like to three time Want mother. Want Iffather. We will be running targeted inHarley May You Carter, Katiesessions Huxtable,on these topics on Tuesdayssport of -Triathlon. training donate any prizes for the raffle please Man and whip dangerous ………………………………………………………Post Code:…………..Contact telephone number: ……………………. can follow what we are doing on Facebook at Popupbarnstaple. Year 9 Year 8 For more information or to book your have more than half a get in touch. If you can’t make specific dates in May, we are always collecting stories place –and visit www.1610.org.uk. with medical cards read Faye Ward, faye.ward3@outlook.com memories at the Pop Up on Mondays and Tuesdays between 11am and 3pm. We look forward to meeting you over a cup of tea and a biscuit! in

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Dental Disease The Silent Problem

ost of the time our dogs and cats will appear to eat happily, but this does not mean they are not experiencing pain, rather their instincts for survival mean they must not show any signs of pain. Older animals may seem to be ‘slowing up’ and it is natural to assume this is a normal part of ageing, but dental infections like gum disease can make animals more lethargic. Often once they are treated and bad teeth removed they are much livelier. Gingivitis (gum inflammation) is the first stage of dental disease in our dogs and cats. It is caused by plaque build-up on the tooth surface. Plaque is a sticky accumulation of bacteria, and these bacteria cause inflammation of the gums. Most pets with gingivitis will give you no indication that there is disease there, but bad breath will be a sign, it is not normal for dogs and cats to have smelly breath! If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This stage of the disease is irreversible. This is where the inflammation has progressed and becomes more aggressive, destroying the attachment of the tooth, the tooth becomes mobile and teeth may eventually fall out. When this happens it is like a massive infection that the body is continuously trying to fight, and the bacteria will enter the bloodstream every time the animal

Step Out for a Walk with The Ramblers

veryone is invited to step out with the Ramblers for their ‘Walk About’ festival here in the north of Devon, to discover hidden gems on their doorstep. The nationwide festival, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, takes place from the 26th May to the 3rd June, with hundreds of free walks on offer across Britain. The North Devon Ramblers group is hosting four free walks during the festival, with a wide choice of distance, pace and terrain. Group Chairman and one of the walk leaders, Joan Long, said: “Anyone who loves walking will already know that one can see so much more of the countryside on foot. It could be fantastic views, quirky old buildings with lots of history or a special picnic spot.” Joan added: “Our leaders know lots of unusual places to explore so check out our walks list, come along and give us a try. Come alone or with friends and family, you will soon make lots of new friends.” If you cannot join the festival walks there are lots more walks on offer, just visit our website at www.ramblers.org.uk/north-devon our Facebook page or ring Joan on 01271 376274. chews, eats and swallows! Most animals can cope with this and destroy the bacteria, but this becomes more difficult the older the animal becomes. Potentially the bacteria can cause infections inside the body, for instance in kidneys, liver and the heart. In many cases it may still be difficult for you to know there is a problem, because your pet may still seem fine. Dogs and cats cope very well with very few teeth, but what can you do to prevent

dental problems? Regularly brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dog and cats is the best thing to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Dogs tolerate regular brushing if they get used to it form a young age, so starting from a puppy is a good idea. If brushing is not possible then encouraging dogs to chew as much as possible will help keep teeth clean! Most moggies will not tolerate a toothbrush in their mouth so regular vet checks to keep an eye on their oral health is recommended, so any problems can be dealt with promptly. Hatchmoor Vets

Wed cakes) on 2Thursdays after sky.@ the Plough Tadpoles s c hLittle ool/c o l l e g e .stayO&nplay session The Pipe & Bazaar Drum stalls Band,& teas Samba Christmas 2every term-time Wed sit 1-3pm 01805 Saturdays, gents can Band and Torrington Allstar 3.30pm @ Methodist HallMajorettes £1 entry to 622747 and read with a coffee, or will include all be refreshments, taking part in the parade Torrington buy 3rd books from ourBrownies charity at through village, with Film the 'Kill List' (18)along 8pm @ Themany Plough Torrington Baptist bookshop 'Book ReliefHall, UK',every whileterm-time their brightly-lit floats, including this year’s

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Great Torrington Town Council

n 29th July Steve and Deb at Hestercombe Gardens. anda eight others, willto In April Parker we have coach outing join 25,000 cyclists to ride the Cornish Flower Show at Bocconoc 100 miles roads of at London Estate. Wearound are the delighted how and Surrey. Their aim is to complete quickly the seats been taken and Hello from thehave Mayor are now praying for decent theSince course in one piece andyou toweather. raise as last writing to I have On the money home front we will in beaid hosting a much as possible of North attended various events. quiz with our ‘adversaries’ from other Marchtarget I spent the On Saturday, 16thgroup Devon Hospice (the is over gardening clubsBideford in the area. morning with Town Council to £4,000). th at Our speaker in age-old May, Tuesday celebrate the Manor 7 Court The main fund-raising activities 7.30pm will be Howard Wills, locallyof ceremony. This is where members include Gala nights at the the of Quiz aquestions National Collection of thekeeper public ask of the Council, Pier House, Westward Ho! and Sempervivums and He in the manner of a Jovibarbums. jury, about making the Park Hotel, with Barnstaple, will be sharing us the the plantsTown. he improvements around Bag2theFuture on-line donationstalk found on was a visitalso toand Madeira. There an interesting For more about the Society ring Sally uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KevinJohns2 given about the local pottery. Ramsden, on 623152, email a That same evening I attended (Kev Johns set01805 up the page). sallyramsdenindevon@hotmail.co.uk celebration St at Patrick’s at the Gala Quiz of night the PierDay House, orThursday turn upwith toth May aBig meeting atstart. Torridge Plough Al and hisTeams band 10 7.30pm Vale Social Club.. playing Irish folk tunes. Some visitors of 6, £5 per person. Fantastic raffle/ Sally Ramsden from France, along with their delightful draw prizes pledged (but more would children, danced around with adults in be gratefully received). Leprechaun costumes. It was a fun Nightwalk 2013 To enter aentertainment team or donate a prize evening’s Get ready for another and was well please contact Steve or Deb on 01805 supported,toasremember Ann Tattersall’s events Nightwalk th 804600 or 07794184 265. always are. Yet another of her May on Saturday 18 successful for my Bag2theFuture: a company which 2013…and afundraising new leg events near chosen charities year, The North specialises in goodthis quality second hand Holsworthy! Devon Hospice and Plough. Nightwalk is now in the its seventh year, goods that can be re-used including; th March our will children atfor the On 27 and we ladies are hoping you sign up mens, and children’s clothing, Junior School invited Cheryl and I to what everyone tells together us is a memorable paired shoes (tied or elastic receive a presentation on fine the night rest assured we’ve ordered band around), of bags, handbags, hats, regeneration our Town and their weather and a lovely sunset! scarves, ties, jewellery, belts, soft toys, visions theunforgettable future. Thisevening, was the This will for be an household linen, curtains, towels result their viewing recent and Inside with an of atmosphere full the of anticipation, bedding (bed pillowspent cases, and Out programme. They many memories andsheets, camaraderie. Many weekscovers). interviewing townsapeople in the duvet To request bag please Nightwalkers wore fancy dress last square, visiting shops feature; and they ring the above year which wasnumber(s). alocal wonderful also visited the old creamery siteParker at or the whether you thanks, decide on fancy dress Many Steve & Deb bottom ofwarmly Mill welcome! Street. I not, you are

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Diary

Wed 6.30-8pm Shirle wives shop to their heart Information impressed the evening way itCommunity had recycle their cardboard -625965 place it in safely for future generations. As always,byyour will been be The Centre is availab Centre conducted.bySome of their poems your new brownisbag and put out for The committee now working hard marshalled our volunteers alonghave all Weightafter Watchers @ meetings, 4pm, th Sydneyraising House Car Park, been to onencourage display in and the (opposite Plough. your Their collection withfor your bottles, cans and funds some bright new routes ensure Conservative Club e evenings on most days think last month I told everyone to enjoy the spring weather, but wow has it been next presentation was so well written that newspapers. curtains to give the hall a7.30pm, fresh new safety at all times. There’s a walk fortoI 'Panamart') Berni 01837 occasional Saturdays fo We are delighted to announce that wet! Wet means mud and while we dogs quite like to romp around in the mud, decided from their five efforts should can I wish A Listing Socialnote look.As a parting everyone, to 18 miles!beof Community, Free English or training days. Cours Pleas the 'Esteem' group - everybody tomuddy support those recognized by great a wider circle. I Fundraising have a Fair and it really isn’t for us toand be left with wet, Many ofMay you will have Events in happy the Why not paws. come and join in the fun on Delicious refreshments will be provided term-time Weds 7-9p email: kizangell@btconn suffering with mental health difficulties, therefore asked them to Rot, come alongisto keeping my fingers crossed for toward heard Alabama which a disease that tofor be7.30pm) spreading Friday Aprilappears 26th (7 at the lots endabout of your walk, Stagecoach Torrington and Surrounding basicswhen orand aim depression, fatigue, pain or anxiety -Devon a once meeting of cure. the Planning sunshine –here andinwarmth! with no known There have been aDistrict fewwe cases of it and there are celebrating St George’s Night. will again be on hand atCommittee the end qualification. Jayne D Areas. Charity Xmas has beenpoint. awarded grants from theBest wishes to warm you all. Car offerry the Town present their You will be assured of a to you back starting does appear to Council, betoa your link to to wet, muddy conditions. However, dogs have been 7985 or 01237 Cards for good47246 cau Rural Trust (through the Devon Cllr Mrs Margaret Brown findings towe us are in person. Arrangements welcome and fun-filled evening with This year, hoping toDevon provide Langtree Unites running around in mud for years and so let us put it in perspective: so far this year th Trade gifts will be on Ne sal Community Foundation) and from Mayor of Torrington April at have been made for this on 24 hotin food and entertainment. All for from entertainment along the way and more eveBideford term-time (Junio there have been 12 cases with two confirmed Devon. In total there have been church 2nd Awards For All. (If each. you have any views on the use of the Town Hall. The by future is theirs, and £7.50 th details). (See diary for ‘themed surprises’ some of our 8-9.30pm)@ Torring December, Monday to 7 132 confirmed cases across 34 counties since 2012, so while it is a devastating can hands now buy funds laptops, enabling from the sale of the Eric Palmer I am confident it will be We in good marshalls! Tessa 0797110am-1 083 51 4pm, Saturday disease it is important that we don’t panic, and in doing so stop letting us furry the group to use the internet in order to Tue 1 Centre, and would like to share them in after listening the ideas have Nightwalk hasto proved to they be very Torrington Silver B Torrington Uncovered charities to select help them become an and Story time in Library on friends have around. Care is10–10.30am needed, obviously, and following walk in your c Theintegrated Crier, please send lettersato put forward. popular and fun we running hope this year will be 9.30pm, Nick 01805 st th an interesting selection A New Book accepted part of our community. They Tues ofpaws everyand month underbe 5'scleaned and 1 Isure torrington.crier@gmail.com, or drop was again On than Saturday 30SoMarch, woods or where muddy, our coatfor should mudHedgehog better ever.extremely make you Film 'The many parts of the world. My book about Torrington isstand finally will be able to engage abeing support worker Fitness League taster classes every them into the Library, thanks) at theyour Plough Dream Kidz washed off. Now I for don’tthe actually likeand my paws washed, but I will nicely rally friends, family The Plough onThe its way! to prefer assist with form-filling, producing amy walks stopped! Tues @ Plough Michele production of and his colleagues, and getJoseph your registration for a treat, and I certainly to10-11am be washed down than have CV, searching for oreducation coursesit Town I haveTorrington written as aThu series 01237 422195 07527406743 Technicolor Dreamcoat. Sold out for Dolton 3 of Carn Great Council forms in fast, along with your entry fee. Anyway, now onto some brighter news. Ito amsearch so happy that Otis has now gone and will be able for local questions that newcomers are likely to 1st Torrington Guides every Tues at practically every performance, this was Flaming dru Pannier General Ma Feel photocopy the forms and of Annual Meeting of the to hisfree newto home and appears to be settling inNotice really well. Hehas is such a lucky boytorches, as ask about Torrington and itswill give a orand paid work. The group Torrington Rugby Club 7-8.30pm Linda a fabulous eveningtovoluntary offriends music and and 10am–4pm fireworks pass them around his family love him and has apeople roomthree and allweek, to himself, wellanswers, as a nice Town Council drop-in days times a (see as surroundings and the of Toddle Masterson 623212 entertainment byregister the he young of settee a blaz Little village Fishes family, or you can and pay on-01805 big bed. My kennel friend Benji is also off to his new home, and so I am going to be diary) which include a 'listening ear', Notice is herby given that: varying length and detail, to next those Beaver Group boys & girls 6-8yrs the at Town. We really are veryPlease lucky to month. Torrington Baptist Ch line www.nightwalk.co.uk. someone from the pleased community who isare Aunty questions. There 64 sections on The Annual Meeting and left allthat on my own; I’m little sad but really my friends. Lynne has every term-time Tues @for Scout Hut, have such talent‘Early in aTorrington. The Dolton’s ann time Thurs 9.30-11.3 note the £10 Bird’ entry fee happy to sit and chat, for those feeling different topics and over 160 black and Inauguration of the Mayor of the above st 4.30-5.45pm Anne Lewis, Beaver promised lots of extra walks and treats though. kids had standing ovations at the end which dates ba family. Wendy 01805 remains the same till 1 April and and named TowntoCouncil will the be held at the white photographs. hope that, astimes, well 01805 601580 of theirshort performances and there are will be o A little so that I low. can leave lots of room talk Iabout May Rosemary Conley d thereafter thethis feemonth, willlonely beLeader £15, so The alsobe offers free asPlough providing alegal guide for visitors, Arts Centre, Great Torrington Spiritual Healing 3-4.30pm & 7-9pm. rumours them putting onCentre another NBluecoat ithis g h t , Earl Sa Class, Fair which Iofhope everyone will enjoy. I will back next month please get your entry in fast! th with more news advice, and tenancy and debt advice, will contain of material that everywh May 2013 at 7pm. Tuesday 14 plenty 01805 622883 performance June forFrithelstockstone, those November, 6.30-7.45pm T and updates butindon’t forget you can that follow book allon my exploits on my very own blog ofThe interest to townspeople. by to appointment, (see diary). Rev. meeting is open to thefestivities public Bingo Taddiportis Village Hall every were not lucky enough get tickets an 01237 424787 ‘Following Freddie’ which can be found at www.k9focus.co.uk. Spring Has Sprung at Graham comes in are forlike a coffee I would towelcome. take this opportunity toWorld TV who most Tues, eyes down 7.30pm this time around. A huge thankSlingo you to interest this year. Slimming HaveTorrington fun and let’s hope the weather is kind May. Little and chat, and we have started book Tighe, Town Clerk thank all thea Michael local who have Rugby Training atfor Donnacroft everypeople Stephanie Easton and Liz Harris and Farmer Ralph Gent, o 5.30 & 7.30pm Bev R Woofs & licks, Fabulous Freddie clubTues for young (read awrite book Therestsnowdrops have helped me this book bybehind giving 7pm the of the production team for allpeople figures the Dowla 624955 overFilm a week or fortnight been the primroses generously of providing me in June 'Troll Hunter' (15) 8pm @ their The time, theirlovely, hard work and effort. and dog show Great Torrington May Fair Rugby Training at D Abbeyfield are outthe and theof daffodils come withchat informationst and lending me 7pm, their clubhous Plough On topic fundsthen from the saleinof and the spectacular finale in th Thurs to 4 May 2013 st& Carnival 1 nEric spite ofat thethe poor March 31 the cake competition and display about it on over a drink and onthe the bank topweather of photographs. Everyoneworth I have Palmer Centre, I have received of spoken fireworks lig Writers, and Great Torrington’s May FairPoets & will on 2 Thursdays after Mile approaching the to more has shown an interest in the project inHill the underof croft ofcakes) theWed Town Hall raised than £230 towards a@ garden many copies letters, e-mails and sky. the Plough Carnival is a time for fun, laughter and Tadpoles sessiontalkingThe s burst casking hLittle o o Squire linto /c o l lae g e and .stay nplayenjoyed village are inabout to of IO& have to you all. & Bazaar telephone calls all Father Pipe Drum s bench, memory Brian who did so much for Abbeyfield in Torrington. Christmas we all hope01805 great weather!! However, every term-time Wed 1-3pm Torrington Uncovered will beMethodist Saturdays, gents can sit magnificent display of spring colour. Lawrence to reconsider the decision Band and Torrington All 3.30pm @ The winners of the cake competition were: under 16 Niamh Saltern, over 16 it can also be a time when we see an 622747 and Victory read with a coffee, or from the weekend Spring Fever has hit the Hall available following by theshowstopper Trustees. The Town will all be taking part include refreshments -made Joan Stacey, Tina Parkhouse. We also held our spring coffee increase antilaunch social behaviour, 3rd Torrington Brownies atin the books from charity asCouncil well; new fireproof doors to behalf the ourMay Fair, after on Saturday agreed tobuy write on through the village, Film 'Killand List' 8p morningcupboards ahas week after Easter. Residents enjoyed aevery trip toterm-time Quince Honey Farm underage drinking, violence and (18)alo th Torrington Baptist Hall, bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their May at the Plough. storage have been installed 4 of the Community. brightly-lit floats, includi criminal damage! The Corn Dolly in South Molton. Moira Brewer in order to store Parish can Records Everyone in the Torridge now

Nov 2011

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Torrington History

How long has the building in South Street that looks like a church been a Members’ Social Club?

orridge Vale Social Club celebrated its 60th anniversary on 13th June 2009. An open day was held from noon until late. Over 200 former dairy workers came along to look at a display of old photographs and to reminisce over a pint (not milk!) with former colleagues. Evening entertainment was provided by the band ‘Morpheous’. In around 1865 the Bible-Christian Methodists erected a chapel on a site purchased from the Torrington Town Trustees in South Street, on which formerly stood an inn called The Boot. A building was later added at the rear for a Sunday school, which had a library of some 200 books, and a residence for the pastor. This chapel was opened for public worship in October 1866. In 1927 the Bible-Christians united with the United Methodist New Connection which, in turn, united with the Wesleyan Methodists in 1932. Public worship was discontinued here and the chapel building was sold to the Torridge Vale Dairies Company for use as a packing station and store. It is believed the building was used during the Second World War to pack parachutes. In 1949 the building became the Unigate and Torridge Vale Social Club.

After the dairy closed, in 1993, the members purchased the social club building from the company and continued to run it as a members’ club. The building originally had a snooker room but no bar or function room. Jim Thacker, who worked at the dairy from 1957 until its closure, is still on the committee. He says, ‘In the 1960s a licence was difficult to get – we had to go to court a few times.’ Eventually, the club got its licence and a bar and skittle alley were put into the building. In the early 1970s a lounge bar was built and, as with the skittle alley, the work was done mainly by volunteers. When the dairy closed, Jim Thacker, together with other local men, Graham Martin, Chris Stacey and Roy Lee, bought the club for members. People who were not former dairy employees were invited to join the club. The function room provides a good venue for celebrations. Jim Thacker says, ‘It is a vital part of the town and we are very proud of what we have done to turn it into a thriving club that serves the community.’ Profits made go back into the club and decisions are made democratically. The present chairman, Roger Payne,

was approached in late 2013 by the Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club who were looking for a permanent place to have their gym. After discussions with the committee, the boxers were offered an unused storeroom at the front of the building. They themselves converted it into a fantastic gym, complete with practice ring and exercise machines, for use by junior to senior boxers. This is a credit to Torridge Vale Social Club. Torridge Vale Social Club has approx. 900/1000 members at the moment. In 2019 the club will have existed for 70 years, but no plans have yet been made to celebrate this. Moira Brewer

Torridge Branch Parkinson’s UK Spring Fayre Weare Giffard Village Hall, Saturday 28th April 11am to 2pm Stalls to include: books and CDs * plants * refreshments * bric-a-brac * cakes * raffle * tombola * live music * silent auction * and much more. Free Entrance. Help us to raise awareness and funds to support local people living with Parkinson’s in our community.

Fleur’s Gardening Forum More on Propagation

wrote about propagation techniques up. some time ago, and I thought it was Air layering is also a way of increasing time to return to the subject, as there the stock of climbing shrubs or trees, are other methods of increasing your but the ‘cutting’ is above ground. The plant stock apart from taking cuttings. technique is the same for ground level Softwood and basal cuttings are the layering but is more fiddly. Having traditional methods of selected a healthy, producing more plants flexible young shoot, you and it is an excellent way now need to ‘plant’ the of obtaining a replica of shoot into some quite the mother plant, whereas moist compost together collecting seed can with a wedge of moss produce plants that may which you wrap around be considerably different the shoot as tightly as from the original, both possible, then quickly in colour and vigour. “Some plants do it for you, bind it up with strips of However, there are other especially when they send sacking, hessian or an ways to reproduce plants old bandage. You can out shoots that skim close cover the ‘layer’ with and this is by layering. to the ground...” Layering is ideal for polythene which will help propagating shrubs, but you can do it keep the shoot moist. Hopefully this with perennials too. Some plants do it shoot will root into the moss after several for you, especially when they send out weeks. shoots that skim close to the ground; Once the layered shoots have rooted they often root themselves into the leaf and are growing away strongly, you can litter or mulch and all you have to do is cut the stems just before the rooted bit remove the shoot from the mother plant and either dig up and repot. For airand dig it up. layered shoots, again remove the rooted You can do it yourself by taking a shoot from the mother plant and very flexible, pencil-thickness shoot and carefully loosen the wrapping; roots bending it gently so it touches the may have grown through the moss and ground, but don’t separate it from the hessian so pot up the entire ‘bundle’ mother plant. Make a tiny snick just One last word, if you are layering beneath a node (which is where the leaf ericaceous plants, remember to use joins the stem, removing said leaf first), ericaceous compost to pot up and cover the shoot, snick downwards and, if especially so when air-layering. necessary, pinning it down with a weight Fleur or wire hooks, to stop it bouncing back

Elevation 593 Music Festival Saturday 4th August

eturning for its third year, Elevation 593 will feature nine bands including headliner Mad Dog Mcrea, a wide range of British classics and global street food options, ciders, lagers, ales, spirits and soft drinks plus workshops, arts and crafts, local business stalls and additional entertainments. On-site camping tickets are available in advance for the Saturday night. At 593 feet above mean sea level, Elevation is (possibly) the highest festival in the county, with views to match! The first year objective (2016) was to establish an exciting new summer event on the North Devon calendar. Now in its third year, we aim to build on 2016 and 2017, with 2018 musical acts from a wide range of influences through rock, folk, pop, punk, mod, jazz, soul, Latin and funk. The full 2018 line-up can be found on the Elevation 593 website: www. elevationdevon.uk/bands-2018. Elevation 593 Festival benefits two local charities: North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA) which provides support for anyone, male or female, suffering abuse in a family or personal relationship, www.ndada. co.uk/. The second charity supported is The Plough Arts Centre which provides exciting opportunities for all people to experience a wide and vibrant range of high quality arts events both as audience and participants. The Plough

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th even earlier to the RomanGroup Devonian dialect is strung across the Artsmay Centre was the–curation could be as simple as a£1. blue times: he season, well be integral Torrington-Roscoff Exchange November there will be a £2(this per in child under 1s £1 –in siblings On the 16 earned millions of dollars in royalties 3th Enrico Caruso

of Flora, sales goddess of fruit and – Barnstaple Torrington inisaid known as a mushroom upside down timeGeoffrey of of theour walk. th festival inaugural in 2016,crate and turned Price includes healthy snackfestival & drink for lunch of ACWW, from the of and the resulting eretail are a friendly informal groupsquare set upatto preserve with Cox MP. (25 February Year 10 1873 have –been flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth friendly town and this is no better with a 10cm x 10cm hole cut in one of the walk is at Annery the children & hot drink for adults the towns Associated Country Women of the 78rpm discs. In Italy inties 1902-1903, these he twin t ring 01237 459001 or continue to partner with us in 2018. longstanding in Devon is particularly relevant to between us today, displayed than at the May Fair. In this era asked to short write a 01769 perAugust 1921) 2ndby Rebecca Leach 685. the sides and560 a weight top)Finistère. Weare Giffard road ey@geoffreycox or via World,organizations of which the WI nationally is a cut fiveonnew batches of the records for the www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/. and We work alongside other breathing life into winter of our of social isolation, the May Fair provides suasive review aboutstop a any 2 which should dge, atPart 2.30pm on freycox.co.uk member. Not widely known, the Gsupport r alocal m o pcommunity hcats o n e a nevents, d T ytake p e wpart r i t ein r charity Find usaongreat social at : www.facebook. to quizzes and community. the medicine of friendship, inclusion and What shame there are no fair Thursday or festival for Cat 18th n aidThe of Wembworthy ay. distance is little enjoying a free meal. biscuits (not ACWW has representatives from many Company. He was later heard live from Moreover, in keeping with the spirit of com/ElevationDevon/ and twitter.com/ support. The fair encourages community help co-ordinate cross-channel visits by diverse clubs and digital mastered recordings ofChurch Caruso. Stfish Michael's Mass Town Hall to 9-11am their GCSE assessment. uteigh with plenty look at English flavour) are anSaid ideal food to putofin the nationalities; working relief for of the stage Metropolitan rejuvenation, children the focalOpera point life as the young and oldtowards join together elevationdevon@elevationdevon organisations from the are area. One cannot imagine how wonderful his raw is prizes appreciated in St James Chapel ss likely to a 10.30am the feeding station but please never Here is take Charlotte’s timely reminder poverty and sickness, promoting health House in theMuch first public radio of the festivities. against Mr Gove’s the common good. What better way is Tickets are available now, but earlyAnthems The Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group membership is stilleducation. It’s down-tovoice was. @donation War Music Gaga: Rock 8pm @ The ofCeremony hours.of Aone of we bread and milk as it can make them such fair should treasure. and advancing broadcast in 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s schools are there to bring neighbours together? ee article) Plough isCanal advised. Advance are growing, Caruso’s 25-year career, tickets stretching weallow continually welcome interestearth from prospective new far members. Our to o the booking Rolle seriously ill. approach offers mutual support In theand next I will you about closed to issue full tell community People come from and wide ance fromfordetails 1895 to 1920, included 863 current £19 adults and £14 for concessions ety's 2-4.30pm funds will be If you find a hedgehog out during the members range from 14 years of age upwards and some speak French and practical help to women and some of his operatic roles. participation. What could be more enjoy the delights of May Fair. Theyand also Sending Out a Friday Mayday 19th 48 or Beryl 01805 appearances the New York eciated andchildhelps day, wobbling and unsteady orthen you’re (OAP, 10-17,atand Young Farmers’ some don’t. communities across the world. Until good listening appealing than watching the crowning of bring their money with them! The fair For Our Fair St Michael's Church Saidthat Massvisits 8.30am Metropolitan Opera before he diedone of le the Society to Spring keep worried about your Club Members), children under 10 the May Queen? The procession of boys replenishes the coffers of the town – The Roscoff Twinning Group has officially transformed into a new organisation, To find out about the ACWW and the Bob Dymond tations' 7.30pm @ allow we Torrington’s tradition tohedgehog in a high inage St James Chapel anCan infection attothe of 48. His the fame eer work going garden, place andthey girlsare in now brightly coloured costumes providing a Institutes welcome boost to thenew local Women's nationwide, visit FREE! Camping tickets (advance and up and running with a formal committee to take control. The inema go dwindle? Gig 'Zion Train' 8pm @ The Plough has lasted to ofthe present day, with despite and maintain features sided box a hotwould watermelt bottle any heart. named Ribbonsasrippling, economy – such a help in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk booking only) also available at £10 organisation is officially l’Amicale Roscoff/Great-Torrington. es & Simpson 8pm @ arecomes W.I. What picture into promotional your mind and limited marketing and l. Future the walks this year wrapped in a towel coverskipping withTorrington theand the band skirts blasting: the Businesses use about the carnival as W.I. an 2 Any queries Torrington for a 4m when you pitch. think thof Torrington’s May Fair? InOur the previous article, I will saidtake that we were having a group safari supper on Meeting Saturday 20th to him. He was, to maypole une, 28thavenues July andavailable 18 cloth that you used pick it Annual up with is ceremoniously woven. place opportunity to advertise their wares. th ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on th For many are it isavailable thea image of the maypole, Tickets now from The Music Bob Fox 8pm The Plough November. will Wednesday 9 correction, Saturday itWe wasare a ‘bring and share’ evening, nonetheless, client of Edward Just as24 theMarch; colours on the maypole Charities alsoFrench-themed benefit: collection tins are if required: then please ring @ any ofon the following 01805 623588. hrther details laughter and sunshine; it would be beFair electing new thank Plough Centre www. was tremendous success. Adown huge who took part, Bernays during thewebsite: latter’s as athanwhich intertwined, so the May breaksa soonyou fullto to everyone overflowing. c@ymail.com orArts who willtenure be more willing to agive odist Church 10.30am difficult to phone imagine Sunday Torrington without it. 21st President and theploughartscentre.org.uk/event/ providing delicious ofitFrench dishes under theoften expert guidance of socialvariations barriers as appeals Yet it is argued that historic celpress agent in the USA. Publicity in but you'll probably have advice or take to one of the local vets. n 6.30pmYet Mrstoday, Vivienne our historic tradition is Great Torrington St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass toAnne committee for the everyone. Choirs, dance ebrations areculinary archaic and anachronistic. The Caruso’s time relied on newspapers, group member Reed, who co-ordinated everyone’s contributions; sage. elevation-593-festival-devon.  British Hedgehog Preservation under threat. It is easy to allow Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room following year, Town Hall Projectfestivities groups and majorettes all wine. OnI’mthe contrary, Torrington’s particularly wire services, Chris Hassall Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805890801 accompanied with superb quality French sure this will be repeated again. Society 01584 urch 10am Sung Mass the pressures of modern life tomagazines, Torrington Methodist Church 10.30 taking a look back By the time this report in take to the stage: a feast for revitalise the old traditions. In appears the current photography andour the telephone. 624624. Elevation 593 website: www. Club in upper room Our French friends in Roscoff will be paying a visit for this year’s May Fair. There  North Devon Hedgehog Rescue slowly strangle cultural Rev Ken Morgan 5pm Circuit Service @ the eyesat and all ears. we Local have climate of you apathy, laziness and The Crier, will have noticed Caruso’s biographers, Pierre Key, s' (15) 3pm & 7pm In @ this fast heritage. age of816989 or 07964 gs Need You!!!!!! elevationdevon.uk/tickets 01271 522 were 17359 visitors theyear May Fair of 2016, indifference, and they allhas agreed wasour thespirits Parkham dignitaries are and happily the been Maythat Fair experienced induring the last then scaffolding putit lifts Bruno Zirato Stanley Jackson high-tech gadgetry, mass Anni Nicholls wareness Week is on its and Torridge Ramblers afternoon walk best visit they have ever had; they experienced Great Torrington at its best and, pelted in the stocks and and transforms Torrington into a vibrant getting a sneak preview of speakers up to facilitate the repair attribute fame01237 not instant only to his voice wait untilmedia then to his and 451820 Torridge Hedgehog Rescuefor of course, the weather was glorious. We expect a similar number of visitors this subjected to duckings. The community. Despite the continual booked 2012. Cups and prizes will of the roof and make the and musicianship, but also to awith keen gratification, there is little time h Film 'Les Miserables' (12A) 3pmand @ The ng is here (working ND Hedgehog Mayor has lavish lunch, to development technology time, we will off awith adid hearty Breakfastwater-tight inof themodern BlackforHorse on and be awarded forkick those who bestEnglish in building business sense andmatters: anRescue) embrace of Hodge left forHigh what really 7.30-8.30pm @ Plough the weather Angela th which many are invited. The increasing time spent at computer our optional monthly competitions, and Fair Day. On Friday 4 May 4.40-7.30 pm, will hostIta reception thewewinter. will be in the community Today, more commerciallife. sound recordings, in unity Film 'I Give it a then Year'509 (15) May 7pm @ The spikyCentre friends 07884 486 town crier be bellows as tea he andscreens, last year’sto join record-breaking there Community will, of course, time for enclosed in wishes waterproof Castle Centre, for our visitors anyone who us, by than ever, it is essential to eabout Session for under 5's its infancy. Many well-known opera Plough again. Please look out for events in proudly marches the streets turnout shows there is still aworking place forarea live n aid ofhistoric the Devon Air Ambulance, and a natter.only please as we need to organise sheeting to protect the keep our celebration alive. Our Bickington Community arrangement the catering. The cost for non- of singers of Caruso’s time rejected the xtremely tough of Being hisHedgehog predecessors and The Torrington entertainment. Given the choice your area during rather nifty at getting through this year’s show is set to be even and to minimise any risk to the internal week of annual festivity fosters th (gramophone) and their group members be beating £6 each, toplaying includeaa video plate of foodorand a glass in Monday 22nd them. phonograph The Silver pulsates likewillthe game participating to 11thBand May. Awareness Week 5exchange side things, we will alsouse contact friendship, a sense ofthan belonging a ofthe fabric. At the below. same time, a series of bigger and better last!andSession voices have been lost asthe a result, but Mini Mover Dance for business under wine/drink and to of book tickets, please Following heart of the5's community. the buzzdetails of the fair, I know which I would d wet weather link with ourthe past. We cannot let this die. Bickington manage a bit of time to welcome Bob photoelectric panels will be installed, to h Along with usual trade stands, 9.30-10.30am @ High other singers including Adelina Patti, grand finale the May Fair to week choose… ourThe reception, we willofmove across the Plough for what should be a fantastic ficult for many of walk the cobbled Pets As Therapy As for you streets of our Brewer, who will give us the low-down Social group the coffee reduce running-costs, and perhaps Community Centre Francesco Tamagno Nellie th burger van, andand cakes and Melba is the carnival, a spectacle of light and Today, the new enemy of a large-scale od or hibernate properly On Saturday 5 , we hope to take ourprovide visitors an on aincome day tripfor to Appledore town, breathe antiquity. The isevening. Pets As Therapy a very 3rd ancient Tues 2pm @theyounew on the Cavaliers. the project by Comedy Alistair McGowan 8pm @ The exploited technology once sound. Fanciful floats journey the wetown event ‘Health andtheSafety’. As aMay bar, there will be various local months so many arelinks now and Instow, if the isthrough favourable, will take theisferry across Torridge Fair present-day Torrington national charity founded re call 01271 373236 We startwhere at 7pm intide the Methodist Plough selling surplus power to thebe National they became aware of the success of town whilst the streets are lined with huge crowds gather, it could argued dBickington help. Ifbands you know playing. Judging takes with the past,that transporting us toplace and return. On and Sunday 6th, mostmembers of our visitors willthere boardisthe evening ferry for their Community in 1983. Ita bygone isPete unique in Gallery Gig The Canter Trio Church Hall, prospective Grid. cheering children. In the packed town that a danger of an accident. Caruso’s sessions. ident inrecording your once is assembled, withPlough era – everyone when life was simpler. 5-7pmhedgehog that it provides therapeutic return crossing to Roscoff. This visit will be our chance to welcome our Roscoffcarried 8.18pm @ The are very welcome to visit for free. Any Although with this all work isridiculous being square, you have no choice but to mingle Nowadays, the rules Caruso made more that 260 extant please don’t forget to put hosted has thetoannual theTorrington usual including best May hospices, 7pm Juniors 8pm categories visits hospitals, nursing new members paying their subs this visitors, give them a good time and strengthen our ties. Beyond May Fair, wepayment will beto out by the Townlands Trust, and make new friends. and regulations it is a struggle recordings in America for the Victor ronand some food out for Fair Centre since 1554. However, many Community classic and best custom. Entrance is and care homes, special needs Tuesday 23rd month, get 14 price of events, will be taken from set aside ‘Uzahead be plaised to for zeetheee!’ The organise anything. In course this age for of to months our involvement in local village fetes andfunds of some Talking Machine Company, (later RCA looking inside acelebrations feeding station in England have their origins ompetition @per Torrington schools and a variety of other venues Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @High £2 bike and starts at noon until 12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he fundraising. rd Bickington Community 4pm on Saturday 23 June. For more Centre Please get in touch if joining our group is of interest to you. For more information (15) 7pm @ The Badminton Club 7pm Juniors 8pm please visit our Facebook on any of the above, please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary), 01271 549454, start for information long film Adults @ High Bickington Community page or village hallCentre website. email: antonyandcynthia@hotmail.co.uk; Nick Roberts (Chair), 01805 625765 email:

Beaford’s Annual Motorbike Show!

s17th Easter Hall Park Stables Beaford Village Hall Committee nickandanne1620@btinternet.com. Petrockstowe

rch Said Mass 8.30am Wednesday 24th el St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am High Bickington Riding in&StCarriage Driving Lessons James Chapel e 4.30-5.30pmProviding for 5+ quality but Short Tennis @ Highaffordable Bickington Beginners to Advanced gion 3rd Weds of every Community Centre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ accountancy and services. Qualified staff taxation - Fully licensed Conservative Club Film 'Fire in the Blood' (PG) 8pm @ The The Plough Indoor & Outdoor Arenas Plough rns, fun, friendly group www.pgdaccountants.com ren aged 0-5 Livery Vacancies, Training 25th for NVQ/BHS Exams Tel: 01271 Thursday 268082 Mob: 07810 448 618 Atherington Pavilion St Michael's Church Said Mass or 810350 01805 622556 Phone 01837 term time.

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of them too but it would far exceed my quota of words. If you want to see pictures of our last show or a list of previous productions, visit www.torringtonplayers.com

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Top Dan Grade Results for Devon Karate-Do Group

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XV. Once again the weather t the annual International took its toll on matches in April; Wado-Ryu Karate-Do however going back to late March Academy Winter Course saw us travel to Saltash on Mothering recently held at the Spectrum Sunday. A depleted squad put up a Centre, ten members For your one stop pet shop, A Guildford, large valiant effort but a heavy defeat stock 84-3 of pet food, Toys, Cages, from the Devon Wado-Ryu left us feeling more than deflated. Bedding,Good wild bird products, Karate-Do Kai, along with Karateeffort from those who did turn out. items etc....ka from various groups and dojo Medical Our next game away against Bude from around Britain, attempted us at 20 south street, was again a loss, 26-5 was Find the outcome levels of Dan Grade from 1st - 4th Great Torrington 01805 622859 there. An extended break over Easter Dan. The examinations were in front of the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy Dan gave us time to recover from injuries, and Grade panel, appointed personally by Sensei M.Shiomitsu 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan, a bottom of the table clash saw Hayle and headed by Sensei H.Otsuka III Saiko Shihan who had travelled from Japan visit Donnacroft on 7th April. A win would especially to conduct the examinations and lead the training. During the training have helped our chances of survival in the Grandmaster was assisted by two senior European Wado-Ryu Karate-Do the League but alas it wasn’t to be, with practitioners: Arthur Meek 7th Dan Renshi from Bridgwater, Somerset and Devon Hayle coming out 22-10 winners in a professional Karate-ka Peter Hill 7th Dan. closely fought game. At the end of the examinations the following Devon members were successful in At the time of writing our next game being promoted: your one stop pet shop, A large will be a tough away match For against Promoted to 1st Dan: Neil Fordham stock of petsee food, Toys, Cages, Honiton, and the following week will Promoted to 2nd Dan: Mark Vallei wild bird products, rd Lanner travel to DonnacroftBedding, for our last Medical items etc.... Promoted to 3 Dan: Chris Grundy, Russell Ovey and Craig Hill home game of the season. To close our Promoted to 4th Dan: Andy Kilby, Wayne Handford and Daniel Bevan season we will be off to titleFind contenders All the above have trained regularly and consistently for between eight years us at 20 south street, st Wellington, in what promises to be a Great Torrington 01805 for 1622859 Dan to over 30 years for 4th Dan, under the guidance of Peter Hill Sensei 7th hard game. Dan, who runs a private dojo the “Ken Shu Kan” at Function Fitness in Torrington, 2nd XV. Lack of opposition has seen the along with an established dojo in Barnstaple, Bideford, Crediton and Okehampton. 2nds have very little game time of late, but This is among some of the best Dan Grade examination results the Devon Wadothe team spirit is high with much banter Ryu Karate-Do Kai have had in their 35 year history, and is a testament to the and joshing from all the players. standards they have always adhered to and continue to strive for. The fact that Torrington didn’t have Peter Hill, www.devonwadoryu.co.uk games didn’t mean that players weren’t willing to don another club’s jersey to age groups game. bolster numbers when they For were short. your one stop pet Playing shop, A large regularly against age groups Our clubhouse is available to hire. rds Crediton 3 put a shout outstock for help of petto food, Toys, fromCages, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Bideford Please contact Adrian Avery 07780 665 compete against Bideford, and Torrie Bedding, wild bird products, and, most recently, joining up with 378 to discuss your requirements. responded. Well done lads Medical you diditems us etc.... Barnstaple to play against a touring side Have a good May Fair. proud. True rugby spirit showed itself! from Berry Hill in Gloucestershire. Mark Waterson Find us at 20 south street, Juniors. Again our junior section Well done to all teams for a good Respect, Discipline, Enjoyment Great Torrington 01805 622859 continues to do itself proud, with a good season played in the true spirit of the Teamwork and Sportsmanship amount of game time being had by all st

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Great Torrington Remembers Every Man - Private William Henry Petherbridge

t the end of 19th Century the Petherbridge family can be found living at Frithelstock, in the property ‘Tucking Mill’. At that point, 1891, the family was headed up by William (senior), 35, who was born in Beaford and at this time held down employment as a ‘railway engine driver’. He was married to Julia (maiden name Cowlear), 37, originally from Wembworthy. The household consisted of their six children, Elizabeth, Bessie, Edith, Edward, John and Gertrude. It would not be until the 1901 census that we would find William in the household, who was born in 1893 and is 7 years old at this point. The family is still resident at Tucking Mill. As well as his father still working on the railways in the capacity of an engine driver, eldest sibling, Edward, also works as a ‘packer on railway’. By the 1911 census William has left school and begun work at the Marland clay works as a ‘plate layer’. In August 1914 William was married to local girl, Elsie Ward. Elsie, who was a resident of New Street, had been born in the town in 1891 and now worked as a ‘fabric gloveress machinist’. Their time together after their marriage would have been short lived, as William enlisted soon after at the outbreak of war. He enlisted with the Coldstream Guards in Exeter

with the service number 11152 and was parents, can be found at Torrington assigned to the 1st Battalion. Mayor’s Diary Cemetery, althoughwas I doubt his body Communit at Hatherleigh The Coldstream Guards would see was ever repatriated. His name is to see many of also their residents Another hectic month has passed. action in the earliest battles theI Great listed on thethe Le Touret memorial at Community Awards. This is s Helen of and have represented the as awards wethehave in To War, including the Battle of Mons, where de Calais, well as Town Pas at many civic France, which recognise people wh Allied forces took a thumping early events,remembrance in Yarnscombe, includingplaque made a difference to their town defeat and were forced into full retreat theforfamily long roots. church where services the have It wasable lovely to at last welco from Belgium. As a result, they suffered date, I have not been to source Chairs ofTo North Devon be involved District a photo Councilof William and huge losses within the first six months (jnr), although with, I havethe Indu Father Lawrence MacLean. W District of engagements. As a new recruit, Torridge been sent a picture of his father working he and his family will be very Council. William undertook his training with the on the railways. I have had an excellent town, which and the Church Fe enjoyed a It trip response to Bideford tolocalour Guards in Caterham andWe then Windsor. from people, has th Vicarage was a good theirthatRegatta and extremely on 10 helpful. Please let me opportun wouldn’t be until 23rd watch November his been all to meet them. September watched the spectacular unit would cross the Channel to join the know if you have anything to add. If you The Co-op and Town Bideford Massed Pipes and Drums, Expeditionary Force. would like to learn more abouta the life of Festiva arranged Harvest with visiting bands coming from all over The Battle of Givenchy commenced William Petherbridge, please visit: www. Pannier Market on the UK. on the 20th December, on a section of greattorringtonremembers.co.uk. For the 11th September. Barnstaple Fair is always a wellfrontline guarded by the Indian Corps. further updates, youThis maywas wish the to ‘like’ firstthe supported day, with all the “Chain As well as heavy artillery andout mortar page. and I one organised Gang” in force toaccompanying celebrate the Facebook bombardment, the troops were Michael Newcombe think it will become a tradition of subjected the Fair. The weather was to a series of mines that were tunnelled regular event on the kind as we walked around town, whilst under their lines and the detonated. Thisof was Torrington calendar. declaration the opening of the 40th Anniversary Jazz Cruise Finally, we tried to attend followed up by infantry advances through Fair was read. Immediately after the on the MS Macmillan coffee mornings as the Allied lines and subsequent formal partgains of the proceedings had Oldenburg th and 2018 in fact ended up going of territory, including finished, the German forces down we dashed to Newquay. Friday 15 June This are is a celebrating wonderful charity an was timeAs foraHelen to put on a ortham ‘posh Lodge reaching the town of ItGivenchy. surprising that it’s so well su frock’ for of a the reception the result of the precarious nature line, celebrating their 40 year anniversary by After all those coffees we we ‘South troops West were in Bloom’ competition. and the fact that the Indian hosting a fundraiser on the MS Soap thKitchen shop to see Le We still had to wait until the following both severely diminished in numbers Oldenburg on Friday 15 June 2018who celebra Richard Phillips day to hear the results, and were proud and exhausted, the decision was made from 6.30pm. We years will leave Bideford of business on 30th Se delighted announced to relieve them with I and Corps on 21st when it was Quay for a two-hour sailing aroundtothe Congratulations you both. that have the Torrington team had December, which would included in Bloom Taw & Torridge estuary. I look forward to hearing fro won a Silver Gilt (last year it was William’s unit. Although the battle line wonderful Alan All event Stars or anniver you Lewis have an silver). Thank you to theThe committee, had stabilised and the ferocity of the Jazz Band have been booked to want to tell me about – just traders and individuals who work so fighting had died down by the following entertain you, you are 625662, welcome to or our s hard to enhance our surroundings in and01805 day, Private Petherbridge killed in We will bring a picnic to enjoy alongside a fully offices o Pauline at the Council Greatwas Torrington. soon have action in the trenchesthe on opportunity 22nd December 626135. licensed bar. of meeting the judges 1915, just a few daystobefore Christmas. Richard R cost £16 (adult) £8 Councillor (child) find out how we can doTickets even better As well as being on– the Tow and can be purchased directly from our our Great next challenge is GOLD!! Torrington war memorial,Our William’s at www.northamlodge.co.uk. last out-of-townwebsite engagement headstone, which he shares with his

L 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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Thanks From Anne Tattersall…

would like to convey my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed towards the ‘pre-loved’ sale in aid of North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA), which I held at my home on Easter Sunday. I was overwhelmed with the quality clothes, handbags, shoes, jewellery, and cakes etc that were generously donated. Even when I ran out of hanging space, the good people of Torrington rallied with hanging rails and hangers! I wasn’t aware, until I held the event, that Barnstaple has the only Refuge Centre in all of Devon. This is a great facility, houses up to eight families and is generally fully occupied. Together, we raised just under £600 and I have been told that this money will go directly to three women to enable them to attend a 14 week pattern changing course. I know of one woman who has been on this course after coming out of an abusive relationship, and she described it as ‘life changing’. Everything that didn’t sell has gone to stock NDADA charity shops in Barnstaple and Bideford. Special thanks to Belinda Cockwill, Abbi Copp, Jackie Blake, Sue Beresford and Tanya Tillier who organised the event with me and helped out on the day. Anne Tattersall

Parish Church News

ssential repairs to the tower and spire of the Parish Church in Great Torrington, a Grade II* listed building began on the 9th April. The work will secure the safety of the building and make it watertight. We are grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and many other grant aiding bodies, including the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity, for their help in funding this essential work. To enable this work to be carried out safely, it has meant that the diagonal path through the Churchyard will be closed, but the paths around the sides remain open. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but it is essential to keep the public safe and we thank everyone for their co-operation in this matter. The work should be completed by the 14th December, but the bells, which will be silent during the work, will remain silent for a further six months after completion of the work, to allow time for the mortar to cure. Chris Foster & Harold Martin Churchwardens

Knit n Natter at Weare Giffard Village Hall

nit n Knatter, or any other crafts you would like to bring along, or join us for a coffee and tea on Saturday 12th May from 10am to 12 noon. There will be some wool, needles and patterns available on the day. So whether you’re a novice or advanced knitter, please come and support the North Devon Hospice. If you would like any further information please contact Tracy 01237 478043.

his small group welcomes you to our Spring Fair, in the Methodist Hall on Thursday 31st May from 2-3.30pm. We are Torrington Friendship Club, eagerly looking for more members. If you live alone in Torrington, are over 65, and feel that life hasn’t passed by, ring Margaret on 01805 622096 for a chat. We are a friendly bunch and do hope you will come to support us on May 31st, and enjoy a cuppa and a chat! Margaret Woodman

Get Together Friends in May

*Sunday 13th - Beetle Drive at the Bickford Centre. No admission charge, but remember your bring and share tea. Spaces are limited, so you must reserve your seat. *Monday 14th – Plough film ‘The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society’ 2pm, £3.50 to include tea/ coffee and a slice of cake. *Tuesday 15th – lunch at the Black Horse;12.45 for 1pm, £7.50. Contact Marcia or Val for menu choices, booking and payment. 07881 875 846.

Newton Tracey Cricket Club

ewton Tracey Cricket Club will soon be starting their season. We have colts’ teams at u13s and u15s, and a session for under 9s. In our senior section, we run 3 local league teams, mainly on Sundays, and numerous friendly matches for all abilities. Please contact Graham Moore 07760 197 550 if you would like to join.

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Open-Air Theatre & Music Events this Summer at The Plough Arts Centre

ur Open-Air Theatre and Music programme begins in May, and includes 30 open-air theatre events by ten companies all taking place at picturesque North Devon venues including Hartland Abbey, Castle Drogo, Manor Gardens Lynmouth, Castle Hill at Filleigh, Arlington Court, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Tapeley Park and Blackberry Farm, Milton Damerel to name just a few. All our theatre events are by wellknown touring companies such as Heartbreak, Illyria, Hotbuckle Productions, The Pantaloons, Box Tree Productions, The Festival Players, Handle Bards and everyone’s favourite, The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company. They often have a unique take on wellknown and loved stories which never fail to entertain. After a wet, wet winter with a bit of snow thrown in for good measure, we are hoping for a lovely hot summer. So, start thinking about your picnic hampers and long lazy evenings enjoying our wonderful open air theatre season. In addition this May we have two events in the Garden Room at RHS Rosemoor. The fantastic Georgie Fame heads this way to entertain us with his blend of jazz and rhythm and blues. Regular performer at The Plough, comedian Mark Steel, brings his new show ‘Every Little Thing’s Going to Be Alright’. Mark is a regular star on BBC4 with his ‘Mark Steel’s in Town’ show. Pick up a copy of our new programme for full details of all the above events.

Visual Arts

he Plough Gallery is delighted to show the work of the distinguished artist, Andrea Mclean in the Gallery from 19th May to 23rd June (preview 18th May 6pm). Andrea’s work is influenced by medieval map making. She studied painting at Falmouth Art School and the Slade School of Art followed by a scholarship year at The British School at Rome. She has worked as Artist in Residence at Gloucester Cathedral and her work is on permanent display near the Map Room at The British Library. For more information visit andrea-mclean.co.uk. We are also showing work in the cafe from ‘Art on Friday’. The group meets every second Friday of each month in The Gallery at The Plough 10.30am-2.30pm. The theme for their exhibition this year is, Animals – possibly Magical, definitely All Great and Small and even some from a Farm. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy quality work from local artists at reasonable prices. They work with a broad range of mediums and subjects so there will be something for everyone amongst the exhibits. May also sees more Co-op sponsored events that celebrate the legacy of the Rev Keble Martin, vicar of Great Torrington and illustrator of the ‘Concise British Flora in Colour’ including Wild Flower Story Workshops on Sunday 13th May 10am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. Join storyteller and conservationist Lisa Schneidau for story walks around Torrington Common. She will be using Keble Martin’s flora to identify wild flowers. 10am - 12.30pm longer walk, more difficult terrain; 2-4pm shorter walk, easier terrain. Both walks will start from Torrington Common main car park. Bring suitable outdoor clothing, boots and refreshments. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential contact Lisa on lisa@lisaschneidau. co.uk or call 07814 168 953 to book your place. Visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk or call 01805 624624 for full details.

Little Otters Pre-school

Little Otters Pre-school offers a fun and safe environment for 2 –5 year olds to learn and play. We accept Early Years and 2-Year-Old funding. If you would like to come and visit please contact Dolton Primary School on 01805 804315. www.tarkafed.org

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British Native Wild Flowers to Grow in Your Garden Enrico Caruso Dactylorhiza by volunteers withfuchsii their own friendly, th

temperament-tested vaccinated his is February another and of our beautiful (25 1873 – nd dogs andnative cats. orchids, the Common 2 August 1921) Since beginning over 22,000 Spotted Orchid, which is PAT Part 2 it’s dogs have beencan registered into widespread and be found What a great shame theregrowing are the noin Pets As Therapy scheme. Every year digital recordings Caruso. one or mastered two sites on TorringtonofCommon. some oferect, these retirehow and new dogs, One cannot imagine wonderful his It is an short-lived, tuberous having first been examined and passed voice was. perennial that grows to a height of onCaruso’s health, temperament, suitability and 25-year career, stretching approximately 10-60cm (4-24 inches). stability grounds, join Petsincluded As Therapy. from 1895 to 1920, The flowers appear during Junearound and863 Today there are currently appearances at the New York July and arePAT pink visiting or pinkish-purple, very 4,500 active dogs 108 Metropolitan Opera before heand died of occasionally white, with a deeply lobed PAT cats atatwork in the UK. an infection the age of 48. HisEvery fame lip marked crimson dots anddespite stripes. week thesewith friendly dogs and has lasted tocalm the present day, generally, erratic in cats give more than can 130,000 people, theOrchids, limited marketing andbepromotional both andand old, thehim. pleasure and their young flowering seeding, some avenues available to He years was, chance to cuddle talk toofthem. being more prolific than others, andThe nonetheless, a and client Edward bedsides that are each year sometimes disappearing altogether from Bernays during the visited latter’s tenure as a number a staggering half million. press agent in the Publicity a particular site. ThisUSA. depends upon ain Sick patients often feel and Caruso’s relied on isolated newspapers, number oftime factors; including weather even the most withdrawn seem to open particularly wire services, magazines, conditions during autumn and winter, up and let the barriers down when their photography the telephone. pollination, orand disturbance by grazing regular Pets As Therapy visiting is Caruso’sHowever, biographers, Pierredog Key, animals. the Common Spotted around. These dogs bring everyday life Bruno Zirato and Stanley Jackson Orchid can appear in in open closer with not it abundance all the attributeand his fame only to hishappy voice woodland, scrub, dry or damp grassland, associations for but them and musicianship, also of to ahome keen hedge-banks, road-sides, and is a sight comforts. constant companionship business The sense and an embrace of to an behold. of undemanding animal, thatthen gives commercial sound recordings, in are now a number cultivated unconditional love, iswell-known often of one of the itsThere infancy. Many opera most aspects of rejected their forms missed of of thisCaruso’s Genus available to lives. singers time the Pets As Therapy was formed to help purchase, but they are rather expensive phonograph (gramophone) and their make this loss more bearable and have the same ‘fussiness’ of alland voices have been lost as a result, but speed recovery. other singers including orchids; you need to plantAdelina them in Patti, the Buttons was thethem firstand Pet As Therapy Francesco Tamagno Nellie Melba right position for to survive! Follow in North Devon and Josie theprecisely. first in exploited the new technology once the instructions on the packet Torridgeside. Thereof the have been they became aware success of All native orchids are protected under outstanding resultssessions. with the Read2 Caruso’s recording law; you must dig themwhich up, pick programme in never ourmore schools, has Caruso made extant the flowers, or take the that seed.260 Enjoy no sponsorship conditions and has recordings in America for the Victor them inmany situ where theytoare happiest and helped children learn to read. Talking Machine Company, (later RCA they will reward you with their beauty. The dogfrom acts1904 as ato non-judgmental Victor) 1920, and he Fleur listener and offers comfort to those

Torrington Writers’ Group

ur topic this month was ‘The Magnifying Glass’, and we heard some very interesting contributions. There was On a clever story about being taken the 16th November there will be a earned of dollars in royalties who find millions reading stressful. Torrington hostage whileofonthe holiday in AfricaGreat and escaping by using magnifying lunch at Barnstaple in aaid of ACWW, from the retail sales resulting Come and usThen, at Green Lanes glass to start see aInfire. there was a tale Memory of the discovery of a folded up piece of Café th the Associated Country Women of the 78rpm discs. Italy in 1902-1903, he Shopping Centre on Sunday 19 onMay paper with strange writing it, which the discoverer thought was Chinese, March’s memory World, of which the WI nationally is a cut five batches Enquiries; of recordsK for the 10-30am-4.30pm. Moore only ofrthis by awent visiting cousin recognised café with a - whoknown, member. Not widely the G r a m 624739 oand p h owas n eNorth a ndisabused d T y pArea ew iCot e rnotion 01805 Devon it as shorthand! The third piece was ‘A Game of Eye Spy’ about two buzz despite having ACWW has representatives from many Company. He was later heard live from Ordinator PAT. to cancel theinto nationalities; working towards relief of the stage of the making Metropolitan Opera youngsters a search for a Painted Lady butterfly a detective activity. poverty and sickness, House in theTwo first public East Woodlands Farmhouse, mystery. poems gave radio us different interpretations of thepromoting usefulnesshealth of Aby presentation took by place John and advancing education. It’s for down-tobroadcast in 1920. magnifying and were followed a piece inspired Roald Dahl’s Alverdiscott, Openglasses, Garden Portman who has nowmutual retired from earth approach offers support In thegarden next issue I will tell Rhymes’ youforabout us all chuckling. The final offering This will‘Revolting be opening thethat had being our Volunteer Fundraiser and we and practical help toto escape women and some of time his operatic roles. was aofstory a boy running across the sand some second as part the about National are still trying to recruit for this post, so th communities across the world. Until then good listening Garden Scheme on Saturday bullies. Falling8 onand the sand, he discovered a buried magnifying if you would like to be part of a th To find out about the ACWW and the Bob Dymond Sunday 9 of June 2013 fromthe 2-5pm glass, which bully demanded from him. Using the incoming committed team of volunteers to Women's Institutes nationwide, visit eachhe day. tide managed to escape, with histhis treasure. www.theWI.org.uk provide valuable service then Torrington W.I. Five miles NEallof As an extra piece of fun we had been please challenged toinwrite a 100 wordare piece get touch. We also Any queries about Torrington W.I. Our Annual Meeting will take place Great Torrington, five miles south of entitled ‘Winter Wonderland’. The pieces varied from a poem describing the with th looking for volunteers to help ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on November. We will on Wednesday 9 B3232 Barnstaple offspring, the at Windmill oncoming of a description of an idyllic winter scene– disrupted by spare paintballing memory café if you can two 01805 623588. be of electing new Cross along one mile single atrack teenagers, to a mysterious painting of a winter scene in a then gallery. The contact winner of hours a month please me. and road. Postcode EX31President 3PP We are looking forward to this an Easter egg was a story of a cabin whose occupants hear a growl outside, and Great Torrington for the Richard and Ann committee welcome you to month’s meeting where Annie Brierley sneak out to a snowy moonlit scene dominated by a giant bear, which they have to following year, their sculptured gardens, extending to Town Hall Project will be reading short stories and shoot - thus Christmas taking a lookdinner! back just over an obtaining acre. The gardens were By the time this report appears in rd poems. This will invoke memories Our topic the next meeting ‘The Black Thursday Maynoticed at and atfrom all we have created in for2006 a isblank TheBrooch’, Crier, onyou will 3 have raise discussions and should be a very 7.30pm in the Torrington Conservative Club. Visit www.torringtonwriters.co.uk. experienced in have the last year and then landscape and been transformed scaffolding has been put enjoyable activity. getting a sneak of speakers into a hidden oasispreview of swaying grasses, up to facilitate the repair Nikki Whiting Dementia Awareness week takes booked for 2012. Cups and prizes will spectacularly architectural bamboos of the roof and make the place in May. Along with the be awarded for those who did best in and cool-to-hot terraces. Little garden building water-tight for Alzheimer’s Society we are planning to our optional monthly competitions, Rowan Terry Memory Day and rooms create hidden gems where the the winter. It will be have an information giving presence in there can will, of and course, bethetime for visitor sit tranquillity enclosed in waterproof owan diedenjoy in Edinburgh on tea New Year’s Eve following a terminal diagnosis the town square on Thursday 23rd May th andthe a natter. of garden as it blends with the the working back in January. He had planned tosheeting celebratetohisprotect 40 birthday in Littlearea do come along and find out more. Beingtireless rather nifty at getting through rolling, views. A pond areavery so and to minimise any riskthat to the internal Torrington, and May Fair was important to him, a time The theme of this week he is was “Worry the business side of things, we will also (unfenced) and still in its fabric. At the same time, a series of always particularly happy to be home for. So, we havenothing. settled on having achanges Memory changes Talking manage a bit of time to welcome Bob developmental stages, provides an photoelectric panels will be installed, to Day for Rowan on Saturday 5th May. everything”. Brewer, willfor give us the low-down area of who shade gunnera and bog reducealong running-costs, and perhaps We would be delighted if you are able to come to join us for afternoon May’s café meeting will be on on the A Cavaliers. plants. potager’s delight. provide anthincome for the project by tea in Little Torrington village Methodist hall and to share some photos, stories Davidand Clinch will of be Thursday 9 whenmusic We start 7pm and in the Entry costsat £3.50 teas will be selling surplus power to the National playing guitar and pipes to entertain us Rowan. Perhaps you might have a memory to record for his children? We will be Church Hall, andwill prospective members available. There also be plants for Grid. all. Do come along and join in the fun there from 3pm. are very welcome to visit for free. Any sale. Although this work is being carried as well as that being to payment access Rowan always lookedtheir onabout the bright side and it will able beTrust, a memorable new members paying subs this For further information East out we by trust the Townlands relevant information and discuss and ‘bright side’ day. month, get garden 14 months for theopen pricefor of Woodlands and others will be taken from funds set aside for concerns with professional NHS staff. Barry, Barbara family 12. How about Garden that! the National Scheme visit the project, which would haveand included Contact: Pauline Page 01805 625969 www.ngs.org.uk

7 11

Great Torrington Bowling Club

reat Torrington Bowling Club (Short Mat section) had their finals day on Saturday 10th March in the clubhouse and here are the results: The Lionel Goaman Cup for the drawn pair’s competition. Runners up Joy Guard and Mike Jury; winners John Pitts and Paul Weeks. The Mary Kent Cup for the nominated pair’s competition. Runners up Jean Ward and Fred Niven; winners Alan and Kath Toogood. The Brenda Hammett Cup for the mixed triples competition. Runners up Margaret Symons, Paul Cockman and Graham Heaman; winners Sybil Avery, Jean Ward and Colin Sowden. The Don Oliver Shield for the club singles champion. Runner up Fred Niven; winner Paul Weeks. A great day’s bowling was had by all the competitors. We currently have three evening triples teams, and three afternoon triples teams playing in the North Devon and North Cornwall Short Mat Bowling Federation leagues. Club evenings start at 6:30pm every Monday after May Fair week. New members will be made very welcome at any time they may wish to try the sport. All we ask of new bowlers is that they wear flat soled shoes; we have a number of woods for them to use until they decide to buy their own. Club contact is Secretary John Pitts 01805 439100 or check out our website for further information www. greattorringtonbowlingclub.co.uk.

Hands Up for Adventure With Beavers, Cubs & Scouts

s Scouts, we already know with him a wealth that Scouting develops of experience socially engaged young from his Scouting people; individuals who are curious, journey to date, as kind, welcoming, active, resilient and well as all of the extraordinarily equipped with skills for other experiences he has gained from life. completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh A new research study has revealed, or award and his university life. We are rather confirmed, that Scouting develops extremely proud to have Daniel as a strong community engagement in young member of our group and congratulate people, fostering a culture of curiosity him on his recent visit to Buckingham and acceptance. “...Scouting develops strong Palace to receive his The findings are an Gold DofE award. community engagement inspiring reminder of Here is Daniel’s review in young people, fostering of his experience. why we do what we do. a culture of curiosity and As it turns out, Scouting “On 19th of March, acceptance.” really can change the I travelled to London world. By creating a to receive my Gold culture of curiosity and acceptance in DofE Award at St James’s Palace. This young people, Scouting strengthens palace is often reserved for Knighthoods, communities and contributes to greater coronations and Royal Announcements. I social cohesion. was one of 40 other young people within • Community impact and inclusion: the Scout Association to receive the community activity, responsibility, future award, which was awarded personally volunteers, accepting of diversity by Prince Edward, The Duke of Wessex. • Physical and mental wellbeing: This award is only achieved by 1/100 physically active, mental resilience of the people who attempt it, and is not • Skills for life: workplace skills, only highly valued by employers, it is an leadership, problem solving, teamwork experience which enables you to grow We have seen a great example of very positively as a person.” this within our Scout group recently We believe that Scouting offers our where one of our members, Daniel members the opportunity to grow and Hooper, who has progressed through develop into the kind of person who will the Scout sections and as a teenager be keen to make a change in their own he completed both his Bronze and communities. Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards If you have a son or daughter who may within Scouts. He then moved away to be interested in joining Beavers (age university, where he continued with his 6-8), Cubs (age 8-10) or Scouts (age 10 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Having -14) please contact Kirsty Pells on 07887 returned from university he has joined 557 574 or email kirsty.pells@btinterent. our group as volunteer leader, bringing com.

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

t occurs to me that I’ve probably been remiss in communicating our plans for making the group sustainable in the long term – all in my head, but a mystery to everyone else no doubt! Since I started the group in August 2015, each month the group has taken on new life and gathered momentum; with new members, ideas and input from all sorts of people, groups and organizations. The work has become considerable, most of it being the ‘invisible’ kind. So if we are to continue to enable people to buy organic wholefoods at wholesale prices, and to fulfil our ambitions of outreach into the community, we need to make the transition from being a group run purely on a voluntary basis, to a financially sustainable social enterprise. So, the current plan is for foods to remain at wholesale price, with no charge for administration, but for other services such as well-being talks, events, workshops, and products, to include a modest element of profit. This means that anyone attending our events won’t simply be benefiting personally, but will also be helping to make organic and wholefoods accessible to everyone, irrespective of income. Please do contact me if you have questions, suggestions, or you’d like to contribute your skills or time to these ends. Cooking Workshop: We decided to defer the March workshop as the date wasn’t convenient for those interested and has been rearranged for Sunday 29th April. Do contact me for details. Qi Gong Workshops: Everyone who participated in the first day workshop was delighted, with many booking the next

one on Sunday 20th May. So, why not come along to the next taster session? Dario will teach us simple techniques and moving meditations for better digestion, increasing energy flow throughout the body, and directing healing energy to specific areas. He has personal experience of disability, and healed himself through his Qi Gong practise, so has great empathy and understanding. Organic lunch, cakes and snacks by Kindness Kitchen were enthusiastically and gratefully received too, and rounded the day off in a very sociable way. • Next taster session: Friday 18th May 3-5pm. • Next day workshop: Sunday 20th May 10.30am-5pm. • To be confirmed: Taster session 10.30am-12pm Sunday 8th July and workshop 10.30am-5pm Do get in touch for full information. Wellbeing Tip: Ginger, despite being a common ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes, is often underappreciated, many people being unaware of its numerous health benefits. Regular use in cooking will enhance both your cooking and your health. Ginger is excellent for promoting good digestion; it’s detoxifying and brilliant for stagnant sluggish livers; it’s anti-inflammatory; anti-fungal and anti-bacterial; it relieves muscle and joint pain; it lowers excess cholesterol; regulates blood sugar and improves brain function and mood; helps to relieve nausea and morning sickness is anti-carcinogenic; relieves menstrual pain and protects against stomach ulcers. I rest my case. Not keen on the pungency of dried ginger? Try grating

The Café and Garden @1646 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 28

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fresh ginger root and then squeezing out the juice. You will be amazed at just how much juice you get and at the difference in flavour, much more gentle and mellow, without that harsh bite. Add the juice to dishes just before serving e.g. porridge (very warming and strengthening), beans, stewed fruit, or in marinades for tofu and tempeh. Ginger combines very well with coriander and cumin flavour-wise and the combination also reduces wind as it helps break down high protein foods. So you see, delicious food, besides being our very great pleasure, is indeed our medicine. Next bi-monthly grocery order dates:14th May,16th July. Contact me now so you’re primed for the new catalogue on 1st May. Buying Group FAQ’s • How do I join? Ring or email Mary as below • What does membership cost? Free • Must I order a minimum amount? No • Must I order every month? No • If I don’t order, can I still apply to share someone else’s order? Yes • How do I pay? BACS or cash on collection • What if I need advice or have questions? Ring me now 01805 623 307, email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk. Here to help. Cheerie bye, Mary

Cottage Delights

he Cottage Garden in May is pure delight, with bright spring flowers in a kaleidoscope of colour in the borders, cushions of dainty alpines in the walls and pots of stunning tulips by the cottage. For an impressive display, we plant up large terracotta pots with just the one variety of tulip in each. This year, we have chosen ‘Francoise’ (Ivory), ‘Jan Reus’ (deep crimson), ‘Elegant Lady’ (creamy yellow with a violet-red edge) and ‘Purissima’ (cream). Each year, we also plant tulips in the borders putting them wherever there is a gap, in the tradition of cottage gardens. For this year’s display we have planted ‘Queen of the Night’ (deep purple) and ‘Pink Impression’ (deep pink). Foxgloves are a cottage garden staple and there are now many cultivars available in various colours. This year we have planted groups of Digitalis purpurea ‘Sutton’s Apricot’ (creamy, yellowish-pink) and Digitalis purpurea Excelsior Group (white, pink, cream or purple flowers). These will combine with pale to mid-purple scented flowers of Hesperis matrionalis (dame’s violet) to give a glorious mass of harmonious colours. The stone walls that divide the Potager from the Cottage Garden will be covered in a mix of alpines including a miniature snap dragon Chaenorhinum origanifolium ‘Blue Dream’ and cultivars of Phlox subulata, and Helianthemum (rock rose). Centranthus ruber (red valerian) is common in our West Country walls and is a welcome addition here. Many people dream of a garden full of flowers and scent, but success tends to just ‘happen’, without much planning, through filling in gaps with whatever suitable plants are to hand and allowing them to self-seed where they are naturally happiest. As well as visiting gardens for inspiration, plant fairs such as the Rosemoor Spring Plant Fair on 12-13th May are full of irresistible gems for filling the spring borders with colourful cottage garden style plants. Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Service Officer

Hospice Crew Tackle Torrington’s ‘Round The Tree’ Race

team of four staff from North Devon Hospice will be tackling Torrington’s popular annual ‘Round the Tree’ race, as part of a partnership which saw Mayor Sue Mills choose the hospice as the council’s charity of the year. Head of Care Keely Dempsey, Clinical Nurse Specialists Avril Brock and Jackie Cockwill, along with hospice Chief Executive Stephen Roberts, will take on the 3-mile course which includes some devilishly steep inclines. Keely Dempsey said it was a pleasure to take part. “The community of Torrington has shown incredible support to North Devon Hospice down the years, and we are delighted that the town council have been supporting us as their charity of the year, so a huge thanks goes to Mayor Sue Mills for making that possible!”

Nightwalk is Back!

he popular annual North Devon Hospice moonlit walk is back, and organisers are hoping women of all ages (over 16) will sign up to have a fun night out whilst supporting a great local cause. Our North Devon Hospice is providing more care during the night than ever before; both on our bedded unit and in peoples’ own homes, the need for round-the-clock nursing is growing. Organisers hope the women of North Devon will step up to the challenge and sign up for Nightwalk on Saturday 19th May. The date coincides with the royal wedding, so organisers believe there will be an atmosphere of celebration on the night. There will be entertainers, light installations, glow, live music, fire jugglers and free soup at Fremington Quay to add to the atmosphere along the Tarka Trail, not to mention a free butty and cuppa at your finish. This wonderful ladies’ night out is hoping to raise £100,000 towards the dedicated teams of Hospice night nurses, who care and support local patients and families in their homes and in our bedded unit. Starting points are at Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford and Torrington, and route lengths range from three to 11 miles. So there really is a Nightwalk for everyone. Buses, courtesy of Stagecoach, will be on hand to take Nightwalkers back to their starting point. Sign up at www.nightwalk.co.uk or call the Nightwalk team on 01271 347232 for a simple registration form.

In English this term, Year 9 have been exploring life in Victorian England in order to prepare them for reading Dickens’ A Christmas Carol pupils were asked to use their new historical knowledge to write a short story based on the ‘journey’ of a working class Victorian family. Here is Leo’s powerful tale.

The Black Fog

ang! The metallic ring resounded throughout the shop. Bang! Steel on steel. Bang! Sweat saturated my head cloth and soaked my shirt. “Stop!” My father called as he registered the heat of the iron - he slid it back into the blazing inferno and raked blindingly hot coals over the half forged doorknocker requested by the landlord. I swayed my hammer in the wind, feeling the weight of the 7lb head swinging through the warm breeze like a pendulum. It had been my 17th birthday present, hand forged with a sculpted ash handle and sealed with beeswax. Made by my father, the local blacksmith. I was his striker, swinging my sledgehammer eight hours a day, he said I was the last tool he had left, having had to sell most of them due to the new industrial casting factories taking away the customers. After we’d done the doorknocker father had said that was it, we were done for a while, we had to lock up the shop and go work in London for a few months to earn some money; lots of money according to father, we’d eat like kings in the land of milk and honey. As the cart reached the brow of the hill, London came into sight. My dreams of the golden city were somewhat shunned by the hazy black streets crammed row after row between the huge factories incessantly leaking smoke and staining the once blue sky

The door swung open from the lightest of touches and crashed into the corridor wall, the cheap slab of pine rocking on its hinges. The hallway led into an immense darkness that filled me with terrible foreboding. grey. No one spoke, though I knew Snap. The light clicked on as father a seed of doubt had planted itself in discovered the switch. The dim bulb everyone’s mind. illuminated faded wallpaper covered Two hours later and we had navigated in black stains from the perpetual coal our way through the narrow streets dust and dirt. As we walked around the to what would be our home, a tall, corner of the hall, the kitchen and living menacing building akin to all the others room came into view. The grand stove of we had seen, apart from the wealthy. the cottage was gargantuan compared Every so often, the street ended and a to the tiny iron tub that was be our wrought iron fence would fade in through hearth as well as cooker. The only other the evening gloom, giving way to a rooms in the house were two minute house that was inexplicably large when bedrooms, one for mother and father compared to terraced monotony. Casual and one for me. displays of wealth such as elaborate On the first day Father and I worked handmade gates and huge oak doors in the factory: hot, dirty work, which we which seemed a foot thick keeping all were accustomed to due to the forge, 12 the warmth, light, wealth and food away hours a day with a thirty minute break to from the cold, dark, poor and hungry stuff black dry bread with cold cabbage outside world. our necks. We staggered home once our Thin malnourished people of all ages toils were over, reached home to drink dragged themselves through the thick some watery vegetable broth and then blanket of snow that smothered the simply fell asleep. streets, clutching their sodden scraps of This was our everyday life and the clothing to their wretched bodies. Hungry consistently meagre amount of food eyes of children stared unrelentingly at took a toll on my once stocky, muscular our meagre belongings which to them form, reducing me to a much slimmer would have been treasures. I evaded physique. the haunted gaze of a woman clutching Life continued as what was now a bundle of rags to her chest, a pathetic normal for weeks and I yearned for the collection of common flowers in a clean air and vast expanses of field basket at her feet. I was brought back land, brimming with life and nature, now to the present when father dropped his replaced with the manure ridden streets suitcase to retrieve the keys from his of London. The lack of countryside left coat. Though the small brass key slid a gaping void in my soul and soon it into the worn lock, the rotation was gritty was as if I was anaesthetised by the due to the inside of the lock being filthy. monotony and my mind retreated into

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Year 10 have been studying a collection of ‘Power and Conflict’ poetry. This is Sadie’s beautifully crafted re-telling of ‘The Charge of The Light Brigade’. my subconscious; I would find myself gazing as if in a stupor, staring at nothing yet working as my body could now do without instruction. It was a Saturday and I’d just finished labouring at the factory for the day and I was looking forward to just resting on my free Sunday. I took a deep breath of air and felt the smog tickle my lungs, I heard a shout and turned as I exhaled. Smack. 7.5 feet of pure muscular carriage horse barrelled straight through me and it was as if the hand of a giant had struck me, shattering my ribs and pushing the air out of my collapsed lungs. As I struck the ground my unsupported chest caved in, my ribcage obliterated. I tried to breathe but my lungs couldn’t push up my torso, I should have been in agony but I felt euphoric. This was my epiphany, I realised. I would preach god for the rest of my life, for surely only he could achieve this feeling of satisfaction and content. If only I knew the bit was the generous dose of morphine I had received from the passing doctor. But I was happy as I slipped from hell into blissful oblivion. Leo Randall Hobbs, Year 9

Aftermath

obsessed with fighting a war, fighting a fight that is not mine to die for. My e enter this world alone, thoughts burst out of my throat and screaming, wailing, crying. Today I found we leave it that choke me on droplets of the sweetest wine I’ve ever tasted; maggots crawl way too. The picture is always painted to show brave men, puffing out their red- over my skin and bore into my eyes and I can’t see and I can’t scream and I can’t uniformed chests and accepting death cry and I can’t… I can’t… with stony glares, but it’s nothing like The darkness sweeps an that. Fear widens the deep pools that uncontrollable sense of hiraeth over slowly drain, tears and life being lost as one. My uniform, once crisp and crimson, me, and I’m certain that if I could find it within me to move, I’d be so verklempt I is torn and drenched in sweat; my eyes would toss my pride down the valley and burn from trying to find where blood cry. There is no dignity worth dying for; stops and material starts in the sea of had we faced this epiphany before we garnet, precious life wasted as though it mindlessly charged, perhaps the pawns were mud, not diamond. wouldn’t have been sacrificed in this Rose petals drip from my wounds, great game. Because that is what this is: leaving a thin trail behind me as I limp a meaningless, suicidal game of chess, through the quaking camp. Eyes close and we’ve hit stalemate. Iridescent and mouths widen in ear-splitting screams, and yet I cannot hear them. My colours create constellations in the black of my eyes and my heavy lids fall open, heart pounds like the hooves of the six hundred horses who returned just seven showing me a world that rocks and blurs – I find myself collapsing beneath a tree, like a ship sailing in a stormy sky. Rain falls, rinsing ruby flakes from my leaves clinging to branches the way men cling to life: with a grip that will inevitably skin, cleansing my soul. In the distance, be unclasped at the end of the long day. the hills conflate with the clouds; I’m trapped contently between the two, like Somewhere, in the depths of my mind, I a man who knows to love and live and wonder why we hold on when we know die and keep the perfect balance. The we will, one day, have no choice but to heavy penumbra that shades my mind let go. darkens, and grows like an infestation Phosphenes flicker in my vision like a of moths, gentle but fast. The sudden lamp that needs more gas, as I attempt simplicity of life and existence glosses to conjure the thoughts of a man I’d each gossamer of thought in my mind known so well, a man who – until mere and like the wings of a dying butterfly in hours ago – was filled with perilous the snow, my eyes flutter shut, and when innocence, but now was dead. He was I open them, all I can do is stare at the as lifeless as the corpses my horse had numinous scene before me, because trampled the way a child jumps on mole it’s ethereally sunny, and there are my hills; as the wilting tulips Mother plants friends. in our garden. All that is left of him is a Sadie Dennis, Year 10 ragdoll, a plaything for an overgrown boy

The Crier Prize Sudoku

This month’s prize is Sunday carvery for two people Please send completed Sudoku with contact details, to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The Puffing Billy

The winner of last issue’s prize Sudoku was Catherine Nelson of Torrington! The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 10th May, the solution and winner will be in the June issue.

For those of you who have not been to the Puffing Billy, we are a quirky licensed café at the old Torrington railway station at the bottom of the hill. The café opens onto 32 miles of surfaced multi-use footpath and cycle way. You will find a great selection of local drinks and food, a roaring fire and a warm welcome. We are now taking bookings for parties and weddings and have limited dates available so book soon. We host the knit and natter group on Monday between 2-4 pm and the café is available to hire for evening meetings or groups from £10 per hour. Check out our Facebook page for details of events such as our monthly quiz night. We would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the quiet winter, this has been our best winter to date and we have been pleased to see many of you in enjoying our midweek roast. For more information please call on 01805 623050 or email us on info@ puffingbilly.co.uk

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Success for Local

irstly we would like to thank Enrico Caruso everyone involved th (25 Year 10 1873 have –been in helping andFebruary supporting nd asked to write a perAugust 1921) 2 our first boxing show of suasive review about a Partyear, 2 ensuring the it was a great success. What a great shame there are for no 4 fair orABC festival Torrington Police recorded digitalfrom mastered recordings of Caruso. their GCSE English wins 6 bouts, and theassessment. local boxers One cannot how wonderful his didn’t theimagine crowd timely down. Torrington’s Here isletCharlotte’s reminder voice was. Matt opened the show in a skills of oneArnold such fair we should treasure. Caruso’s career, bout against25-year Tom Phelan fromstretching Downend from Arnold, 1895 to 1920, included 863 ABC. adapted to out jab Sending Outquickly a Mayday appearances at the New York the southpaw from Bristol, and in the last For Our Spring Metropolitan OperaFair before he died of round, bothallow boxers opened up with quick Can we Torrington’s to an infection at the age of 48.tradition His fame sharp exchanges in an exhibition expertly dwindle? has lasted to the present day, despite refereed by marketing localcomes officialand Tony Cloak. What picture into your mind the limited promotional Next up was George Wafforne Lock when you think of Torrington’s May Fair? avenues available to him. He was,in For manywith it is Conna thea image of the maypole, a return Gardner Arena nonetheless, client of from Edward laughter and sunshine; it would be ABC Bournemouth. The rematch was Bernays during the latter’s tenure aswon a difficult to imagine Torrington without it. by Gardner, despite courageous counter press agent in the USA. Publicity in Yet today,boxing our historic tradition is attacks, on the back foot by Caruso’s time relied newspapers, under threat. It is easy on to allow Wafforne Lock. George’s sibling, Nicole particularly wire services, magazines, the pressures of modern life to Wafforne Lock in a schoolgirl photography andfollowed the cultural telephone. slowly strangle our bout against Jessica from Colcot, Caruso’s biographers, Key, heritage. In this fast Percigo age ofPierre Bruno Wales. Zirato and Stanley Jackson South Despite her Club mates high-tech gadgetry, mass attribute his fame notearlier only toinhis recording good wins thevoice show, media and instant and musicianship, a keen gratification, is but little also time Percigo lostthere on points to thetoTorrington business sense andmatters: an left for what really girl. Nicole Wafforne Lockembrace proved of too community Today, commercial sound recordings, in much over 3life. rounds, out more boxing athen focused than ever, it Many is essential to its infancy. well-known opera opponent. keep ourofhistoric celebration alive. Our singers Caruso’s time rejected Ned Pettifer closed the first half the with week of annual festivity andfosters phonograph (gramophone) their a fantastic display of controlled boxing, friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voices have been boxer lost asLewis a result, beating Bideford link withsingers our past.including We cannot let thisCornish die. other Adelina Patti, over 3 rounds. Cornish, constantly As you walk the cobbled of threw our Francesco Tamagno and streets Nellie Melba swinging shots moving forward, forcing ancient town, you breathe antiquity. The exploited the new technology once Pettifer to links display counter punching May present-day Torringtonon they Fair became aware of the success of with the past, transporting us tothe a bygone the back foot. Pettifer landed cleaner, Caruso’s recording sessions. era – when life was simpler. sharper shots andmore was athat deserved points Caruso made 260 extant Torrington has hosted the annual May winner. recordings in America for the Victor Fair 1554. However, many in Trai since Sheppard opened after(later the break, Talking Machine Company, RCA celebrations in England have their origins an energetic Aaronand Duncan Victor) from bout 1904against to 1920, he

Boxers at Recent Torrington Show! from Thames Valley16 ABC. Sheppard won by earlier a points decision, showing in even to the Roman earned millions times: of dollars in royalties determination after taking a standing festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and from the retail sales of the resulting flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirthto count in the 2nd round. With everything 78rpm discs. In Italy in 1902-1903, he is particularly to us today, box in the 3rdrelevant round, Sheppard cut for five batches of records forrallied the breathingbynew life into the winter of our winning split decision. G r a m o p h o n e a n d T y p e w r i t er community. Bideford boxer Bradley Richards took Company. He was later heard live from Moreover, in keeping with the spirit of the bout against Torrington’s Opera Archie the stage ofchildren the Metropolitan rejuvenation, are the focal point Smithson at 24 hours notice, and in a House in the first public radio of the festivities. Much against Mr Gove’s very closely match, the first round broadcast infought 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s schools are saw boxers respecting In both the next issue I will you other’s about closed to allow full telleach community some of hisbout operatic roles. styles. The quickly opened and participation. What could be up more Until then good listening appealing than watching theSmithson. crowning of the result went in favour of the May Queen? The procession of boys BobAyling Dymond Torrington Favourite Dean lost and in girls in brightly costumes out a top of the coloured bill match against would melt any heart. Peter Jarman from Ribbons Tavistock ABC. Torrington W.I. rippling, skirts skipping and the band blasting: the Jarman defending an unbeaten record, Our Annual Meeting will take place maypole is ceremoniously woven. impressed the judges his We counter will onJust Wednesday 9th November. as the colours on with the maypole are punching whilst Ayling, who oftenalanded beFair electing new intertwined, so the May breaks down President and decent body social head combinations, couldn’t barriers as it appeals committee the capitalize. to everyone. Choirs,for dance following Head Coach Heathand Pettifer saidyear, “I all am groups majorettes taking a alook back take the stage: feast for delighted with thetoresults from tonight’s all ears. wetheLocal have the eyes and show. The boxers areatsome of most dignitaries are happily experienced in the last year and committed people I have ever workedthen with. pelted in stocks and getting must a sneak preview of speakers Thanks go to thethe England Boxing subjected to and duckings. booked for Cups prizesThe will Officials, our2012. sponsors and supporters, Mayor has awho lavish lunch, to be awarded for those did best in the Torrington community and especially which many are invited. The our optional monthly competitions, and the boxers. Looking to the future,asNicole town crier bellows he there will, of course, be time for tea Wafforne Lock has been training proudly marches theregularly streets and a natter. on thepredecessors England Boxing talent pathway of Being his The Torrington rather nifty and at getting through Silver Band pulsates like the beating in Sheffield, and recently just missed the business side of things, we will also hearton of the community. out selection for an England team manage a bit of time to welcome Bob The grand finale of the May Fair week to box a European squad. I have been Brewer, who will us the is the carnival, a give spectacle of low-down light and liaising with England Boxing National on the Fanciful Cavaliers. sound. floats journey through the Coaches in respect ofinher We whilst start at 7pm thedevelopment Methodist town the streets are lined with –cheering the skills and techniques she uses Church Hall, and prospective members children. In the packed townat training are embedded inAny our are verycamps welcome tochoice visit for square, you have nonow but free. to mingle regular training sessiontheir plans, sharing newmake members paying subs this and new friends. best practice and further advancing our month, get months theee!’ priceThe of ‘Uz be 14 plaised to for zee 12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome emerging local talent”.

Nicole Wafforne Lock and Ned Pettifer will both be dialect entered the Bristol Box Cup th Devonian isin strung across the November there will be a On the 16 competition again this season, looking to square – Torrington is known as a lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, friendly on town this last is year, no better improve theirand efforts the Associated Country Women ofwhen the displayed than at the May Fair. In this era they bothoflost in finals. World, which the WI nationally is a ofBoxing social isolation, the May Fair provides Club members £140.21 member. Not widely raised known, the the medicine of friendship, inclusion and and €1 for Sports Relief by boxing 99 ACWW has representatives from many support. The fair encourages community rounds in turn on the SparBar! Every nationalities; working relief for of life as the young and oldtowards join together boxer didand at least rounds outside the poverty sickness, promoting health the common good.3 What better way is club coldneighbours and wet night. effort and on advancing education. It’s The down-tothere to abring together? was continued Junior BoxFit section earth approach offers mutual support People comebyfrom far and wide to and practical to Fair. women and the following day. help Huge thanks to all those enjoy the delights of May They also communities across the them! world. The fair bring their money with who supported this fundraiser. replenishes coffers of the townthe – To always find outthe about thenew ACWW and We welcome members of providing welcome boost to the Women's Institutes nationwide, visit all abilitiesaand ages (age 6+). Justlocal pop economy – such a help in £2.50. difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk into the club, sessions are Businesses use about the carnival as W.I. an Any queries Torrington Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club opportunity to advertise their wares. ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on Charities also benefit: collection tins are 01805 623588.

Flower soon full toFestival overflowing. Yet it is often argued that historic celReflections onTorrington War and Peace ebrations Great are archaic and anachronistic.

ommemorating 100 years

Town Hall Projectfestivities On the contrary, Torrington’s thethis endreport of the First World By thesince time in revitalise the old traditions. In appears the current War, the Church of Stnoticed Mary climate of at apathy, and The Crier, you will laziness have Magdalene, Huntshaw, onlifts the our 2nd and indifference, the been May Fair spirits scaffolding has put rd 3 June, 12-4pm, with poetry, music, and transforms Torrington into a vibrant up to facilitate the repair community. Despite the continual peace and of the doves, roof andchildren’s make theactivities, development of modern cream teas. building water-tight fortechnology and increasing time computer Everyone inspent Torridge the winter.living It will be at would screens, last year’s record-breaking enclosed waterproof have been in touched by the Great War, turnout showsprotect there is still aworking place for live sheeting and many to young men the (and women)area entertainment. Given the choice of and between to minimise any risk to festival the internal died 1914-18. playing a video game orThe participating in fabric. At the for same time, a series of will be a place reflection, from the buzz of the fair, I know which I the would photoelectric panels will be installed, to horror of war to the hope of peace, choose… reduce running-costs, remembering those who died in perhaps Today, the new enemy ofand a large-scale provide an income for the project by town event ‘Health Safety’.stillAs conflicts overisthe years,and and those selling surplus power to the National huge crowds gather, it could be argued affected by war today. Grid. that there Audrey is a danger an013 accident. Contact 07952 of 028 Although with this all work being carried Nowadays, theisridiculous rules audreyalimo@yahoo.co.uk or Lorraine out by the Townlands payment and regulations it is Trust, a struggle 0791 250 399 lorrainehooper489@ to will be taken from funds set aside organise anything. In this age for of btinternet.com. countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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www.swantours.co.uk he www.clintonhallmerton.co.uk sun is shining, spring is here and the Torrington Cavalier has been Village Car Park started up, aMerton, mere eleven months since its3ED arrival, and 20 years since the Lane, Okehampton,EX20 Grange esidents in engine was last run. Well done to the team who took on the daunting task of the village of restoring our historic loco. next step toecology get moving – watch this space. Makes with he red. brings theitstory to sessions take part inare andfree, manyexciting, different fun, himyou myooze details, wouldThe pass them onis ofalive. The Common. InbetweenchooseAll Dolton gathered spring into summer before setting seed strongDon’t yetOur steady rhythm collection in Torrington raisingwill £207.33 from has along wordlostday The onlyevents disadvantage theguided series that thyou opt for. tosay my school friend. was a big success, these be walks,tournaments interactive and can well supported by on Friday 6disappointments April toCentre early andthedisappearing, it is veyedOr both the romance collection points square and asales from stall of £111.98. A worthwhile it comes isalthough the time our when itaTree was broadcast: being of One of the of Fifa One down Sundayaround afternoon I received including The Trail, exploration Bluecoat Children’s years perennial. on Ragged Robin prefers toclever van ty of our closest celestial celebrate official Again and again. one of the most andPath inventive the music.the There isn’t are a veryallgood fundraising day. Work all fronts; grass mown, internal phone call, yes! It continues was my old school the new Rollebrake Canal and our11 ispractitioners. They based grow in damp or marshy ground, inT.V sun has to offer, it got opening of their Harder and harder. British This developing could benew improved if youyour friend, we had not eachseries popular Flower Stroll. around and supporting woodwork replaced and spoken now the to season has always started, we are Wild hoping to open theWerange. or lightMusgrave, shade. nvenue Encore!’ was an Reuben pushed aside in scheduling purelyothercouldchild download your own choice through village car park, by the Leader ofof other for over 58 years, and I was so would like suggestions for any in early year’s education carriage every We havewidespread, contractorsRagged on site to begin widening the trail. An Although Robin whimsical, thank you weekend to because of other big popular shows at music ontoand the game which many you Jane may Yearhardly 9 Torridge Council, Councillor choked with emotion I could activities that you would like us to play, in particular of the early startRoscoff. will be made; meaning that at last work willThe towards achieving our prefer rather than the choice of music is becoming increasingly rare inbegin the tradition with the time like Royal Family. However, speak, not just with hearing his voice include, or perhaps you have an sessions are focused on developing Whittaker. The project was assisted by initial goal to lay up to the firstsoover bridge. countryside, it is definitely worth ople and countryside oftrack all Spaced has no major flaws that that is already there. Year have been practising but11knowing what My Father God hadall ininterest which could be the basis of the skills grants needed to supportmade your child Council of £36,500; up of pull the series down. I think Fifa 11 brings the game of Follow us on Facebook for up-to-date news and latest photographs. Do also take a growing it in your garden. Sow seed in celebrated. Another transactional writing skills, by writing done. The concerts were what I call your own evening stroll (eg. to have strong communication skills to £30,000 from the Newroom, Homes If you (you haven’t seen the show I highly football into your own living it isBonus a late TV summer/early autumn can honoured memories thatfavourite reviews about their shows, look at our website www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk. God’s stepping stones, I haverecommend photography, sketching, geology). Wefun challenge support them through life. by one it. Spaced isTarka British comedy thatfund can and be played community £6,500 from the games and films. Here are two ofloads them.from existing plants) collect and Rob Martin, Valley Railway experienced these several times overat itswillbest, also be contacting our local We have an excellent Volunteering along with shows like The player on their own, or up to four players prick out when large enough to handle. about thethedangers of Ward Councillors grant moneys. last few years, He puts things intoOffice schools. Pathway here atbeBluecoat Children’s and Extras. In my opinion Simon on each team. It could a good excuse overacting your part.SpacedThe seed is quite fine, so cover only The car park has been built on land place that never happen if left to us. IPegg’s Please contact: Centre, so if you think you bestThis role is Tim in Spaced. to invite your best mates over, get may the be Canal Guided Walks lightly orofStart not at Again all. They don’tMonth eflected Rolle that theno Spaced isselected some of thevery earliest work adjacent to the village hall, with an had idea where my friend was, heFunny, Email: info@torringtoncommon.co.uk interested in volunteering in our centre, inventive, and fresh. crisps and coke in, and have a big require a lot of heat canflowers over-winter n stimulating andes, that Simon the timebest again and theso wild are springing up. May is the actornow comedian Pegg known expectation it will not only offer lives it’s in spring Basingstoke. Sometime Phone: 01805 624176 with a range that of opportunities including football tournament. Corey Woodward, in ofa thecold or unheated nextformeeting on his mainmonth rolethe inwe Shaun Dead. frame choose looking at Inclined Plane at Ridd, because during this year we areforplanning to the Canal Visit: our website or Facebook page office experience, early years much needed parking the many Year 11 Because I think it isfor such an a clever inventive series with greenhouse, or you can just Twayblades scatter y wouldSpaced be meet the is seashore. with anyI am luckgoing the Early Purple Orchids and will be flowering inenjoyable up, how to handle that education, horticultural/gardening, game, one you play events held and in the hall, butcan also for whacky stories Iain involvingseed smartabout parodies and scratch it roughly into theI dry Canal Basin, with Yellow Archangel along the11 Tarka Trail. fromstorytelling, the comfort yourvenues own home, don’t one thingthe I the do know is creative play more, at Bluecoat Fifa review other eventsof and inand thethis vicinity on big Sci-Fiknow, movies, especially Star the surface of the soil. New Programme game comes highly recommended. that I have an incredible God who please contact us.location. We also have The walk starts at Annery Kiln, by Halfpenny Bridge over the Torridge on the Fifa 11 is the latest football game for Wars trilogy. of its village centre The Parish Children’s Centre! Fleur ve Wild Bideford Flowers CharlottetoAvery, loves me. Delight yourself in the Lord access to free training support to Weare Giffard road, where 200 years ago river barges used to offload any football fanatic. This game has just Spaced is the story of two flat mates Council hope that part of the benefit We are putting the final touches to Yearyou. 11 and hesome will give you theWales desires of volunteers. We would welcome Your who Garden beeninreleased bymake EA Sports any meet interesting friends. coal and limestone from toThe beyour burned kiln to lime forand builders’ ourthe new programme for 2013/2014 and toWe villagers will confidential be a reduction in the Pause Forbut Thought heart. also offer counselling buyers will not be disappointed. uculi spoof is not just for comedic effect, to mortar, and for improving the fertility of the farm the 1820s you land. can Inpick up a Lord copy Rolle frombuilt the And amount on-street finally: ofand Vernon Andrew sessions family parking, support reduced to help This game brings managing and My Second Birthday tin names help forward; thisheavy makes hismove Canalthe to story transport these raw materials inland to Torrington, where he centre, or download from our website congestion trafficmoney flow playingmonth for your with issues and suchimproved as housing, the storyline feel very epic May and altogether is a very special in stown my team seem like it’s nts more by . purpose. April 1 it’s built athe block of five limemore kilns at Rowe’s Moor for the same just afrom shot your choice of who’s and safety throughout the village. challenges, relationship support or just series much and being Life calendarfunyear, my away, second whenmakes they Common News For 2013/2014 there will be th how Inclined Planebirthday served to the canal boats 4319 feet up the side of the team and you play the oldThere to watch. general advice children’sand behaviour. are chains thaton bind, Three Moors Councillor Planning asraise I call it.on Onyour Saturday is onegripping is The noFor many years we have been favourites together with some new game. The players have added features valley to the upper level of the canal, which then remained constant all the way to The Please Spaced has a very unique style to it. pursuits of myChair mind, contact ourCouncillor centre to Rosemary make an flos-cuculi May 1984 at 4pm a new Committee organising an annual week of events to I became sessions such Mellow Parenting, soKingdom they lookthat realistic toas viewers. Directed by Edgar and written faces that judge Torrington, and is the siteCommon. ofborn this by engineering feat we visit on our May walk. And appointment. creation into the of God. ckoo Flower. celebrate life itWright on The We Lock said: “This is a huge achievement Pattern Changing, Beyondblue, This game is the next in the FifasomeThe fate Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes it has a of mankind. We you enjoy your time you of the railway in 1872 destroyed most of the actual structure, but It was nothing to do with me but all nk most The of have uscoming now extended this to a fortnightseries for thehope Parish Council that initiated Bookstart Corner and monthly and is completely different as the realistic feel; this is very clever writing and your child spend here together at about Him, Jesus. agged Robin’ of so thethat masonry has been exposed, and interpretation boards erected to explain the more activities can be included this project but I amCentre. really proud thatis Saturday morning visual effects have beenFamily vastly Thrive. improved. considering the crazy storyline the series If fate is deciding Bluecoat Children’s If there I was invited to Fifa go 11 to has a Christian oes flower May toit cannot – from andaround. surely to rain workings. brilliant characteristics; If youmany are interested in any of theseAnd any revolves Parody continue and quoteTorridge Council were able to make time is dividing, group you would like us to provide, meeting by Dr 2.30pm Billy Graham atlittle over cuckoo isThe usually heard. th for two consecutive date is 6 May, led starting andare itplease ismade a the mile inreal andThe hope players to into look likeoffice sessions, call spotting plays a Sunday big part weeks. in enjoying the atthe willlet not available such substantial of to please uscomfort know and wegrants will try Astonwith Gateour football in Bristol. I the style and colour ink flowers This look year as ifwill start Golfstadium football players from series, however, these are distance, but partbecause is rough grassy meadow which is a nature reserve, so strong book. The plan fear that I’m hiding. th nearly £37K towards the building. it into our sessions and activities hadJune, never been in of a their football stadium takencrucial a pair scissors Competition 24 eyes which makes itdrop-in great fun to and toof the story it makes itadvised muchwith more We also have three stay shoes (boots if on wet) are andcash dogs cannot be allowed. It will probably for later in the year. Hopefully it will inspire others to think of so thought it would fun, I had heard e the name. prizes and a chance to win ‘Thebe play. funtake and enjoyable. I will walk play sessions, including one There especiallyIn grace the best part of two hours as there is so much to see and describe. We hope to see you and your family of Billy Graham so thought it ok to go. I also white forms and projects for their The best feature of Fifa 11 is that you Commons’ Cup’. We finish on the The series becomes really interesting in death I will sleep,own areas and apply for the twins, triplets Society and more onAnd at thbut a donation is weekend no needcan toofbook, of £2 can towards Rolle funds Bluecoat Children’s Centre. remember singing wasCanal ble forms which be play for your own choice of team to the new round of Community Grant July when 6/7 on the realisation of howcan attached to we the willthe But while I’m awake, Thursday’s 10-11.30 am. Kindfinancial regards, be appreciated. If you need any further information, phone 01237 425357 or wonderful, but can’t remember a word sually characters atwill specialist plant from Leeds United to Liverpool or you are and how you find have a small marquee on The Old I will keep. in this new funding available Our many outreach sessions areMy dreams Viv Jones - Bluecoat Children's Billy Graham spoke. owering stems rise Green up to to Manchester United, there preferably email hassallc@ymail.com. yourself agreeing with what Tim (Simon Oli Benson, Bowling to house a display, andMacclesfield year just started.” continuing including well-attended Centre Leader and all the staff are many different challenges you can At the close he made an appeal for hing naturally, and they Pegg’s character) is saying; this really Year 10 at Chris Hassall some practical examinations of the sessions at Winkleigh and Parkham.

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