Torrington Crier May 2022 by The Torrington Crier

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MAY 2022 The Crier is produced 10 times a year on behalf of the community, by The Crier Community Interest Company. 5900 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district.

MAY FAIR IS BACK!

TONY ROBERTSHAW Rodtech Approved & Chimney Specialist

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Contact us... Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 (please note that this is a home number not an office) E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon. We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication. Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 (please note that this is a home number not an office) E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All adverts are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please. Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk Town Distribution: Matt Joy Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton

Crier Deliveries

If you live in a village which would like the Crier delivered and you can volunteer to collect copies from the Library, and either drop them at a central village location or deliver door-to-door, then please get in touch! We are also very grateful to Lidl in Torrington for allowing us to leave copies on their packing bench for shoppers to pick up. They will be there for collection from the last week of each month.

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

Disclaimer:

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

Great Torrington Town & Community Hall

ll the trustees, staff and titans (volunteers) at the Town Hall would like to wish you a very happy May Fair and ‘Us’ll Be Plaised To Zee Ee’ at our ‘Tavern in the Town’ for alcoholic drinks and refreshments. Our fully licensed bar will be open during May Fair at the following times: * Wednesday 4th - 5.30-9pm (downstairs bar only) * Thursday 5th - 12 noon to 7pm (downstairs and upstairs bar). Please note our upstairs bar will only be open for seniors and the less able bodied, strictly no accompanied children allowed in upstairs bar. * Friday 6th - 5.307.30pm (downstairs bar only). The upstairs bar will be open 8-11pm, but will be for the exclusive use of ticket holders for our Elvis Tribute evening,see more details below. * Saturday 7th - 5.309pm (downstairs bar only). May Events at the Town Hall Every Wednesday Knit & Natter from 10am to 12 noon – everyone welcome Wednesday 4th May May Fair Cash Bingo, eyes down at 2pm. Just turn up and buy your books. Friday 6th May Elvis tribute evening 8-11pm, tickets £12.50. Let’s get the Town Hall rocking! Our Elvis tribute ‘Gary sings Elvis’ will be travelling from London, and will have you all shaking, rocking and rolling. Book now and show us your moves. May Fair Carnival Discos on Saturday 7th May, with the fabulous DJ Jude * 10am to 12.30pm for children aged 5 to 11 years * 2pm to 4pm for 11 to 18 years old Tickets £3: all tickets should be booked online at greattorrington-townhall.org/ events (Please note we have cancelled our adult disco, but there will be a disco with DJ Jude in Torridge Vale Club on

Carnival Night.) Dates for your diary - Platinum Jubilee events in June Friday 10th June 7pm for 7.30pm Platinum Jubilee Gala Dinner and Dance, tickets £45 includes bubbly and canapes on arrival, followed by a 3-course dinner by MJ Catering and dancing to BIG AL and the Wild Strawberries. Sponsored by WMS. So dig out your glad-rags, dust down that dinner jacket and celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in style. This promises to be the talk of Torrington for years to come! Tickets are limited so book early by contacting Anne Tattersall on 07971 696 192. We would like to express our grateful thanks to Michael and Anthea Sussex and their company WMS, for sponsoring our Platinum Jubilee Gala Dinner and to Darren and his team at Torrington Marks & Spencer for sponsoring the bubbles for our welcome reception. Thursday 16th June 3pm - a ‘Right Royal Knees Up’ for our Senior Citizens, tickets £5. Enjoy an afternoon vintage tea and sing-a-long with Kathy Scarlet, who will be entertaining you with your old favourite songs. Enjoy a great afternoon down at the ‘Old Bull & Bush’.

Torrington Community Awards 2022 Our 2022 Community Awards are back and it’s time to get voting; you can pop into our office at the Town Hall for a nomination form or download one from our website. These awards would never be possible without our sponsors and we are hugely grateful to them all. See list of categories and sponsors below, Tamar Trading are our GOLD sponsors and have paid for all our publicity and marketing material. Adult Categories

Good Neighbour (sponsored by Pearce Construction) This award is for your favourite neighbour, tell us what they do to make a positive difference to your life Charity Champion (sponsored by Berry’s Accountants, Torrington) This award is for an individual or a group, involved in charity fundraising to benefit Torrington or the wider community. Sports Person of the Year (Councillor Chris Bright Torridge District Council) This award is for someone who has made a team or individual difference in the sporting arena. Outstanding Contribution to the Community (sponsored by Langden Estates) For someone in the town who deserves some recognition for what they have contributed to the Torrington community. Community Carer (sponsored by Webbers Estate Agency, Torrington) This award is for someone who shows unstinting care to someone in their family or in the community Children’s Categories Young Carer (sponsored by Torrington Dental Practice) This award is for young person in the community who cares for someone in their family, or someone in their community. Kind Soul (Sponsored by Gt Torrington Town & Lands Charity) This award is for a young person who is kind to their peers, neighbours, friends or animals. Sports Person of the Year (sponsored by Councillor Margaret Brown, Torridge District Council) This award is for a young person who has made a team or individual difference in the sporting arena. Outstanding Contribution to the Community (sponsored by Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Torridge District Council) For a young person in the town who deserves some recognition for what they have contributed to the Torrington community.

May Fair Entourage

n Thursday 5th May, after a two-year wait, Great Torrington May Fair returns. We have lots of exciting entertainment planned, including Torrington Cavaliers, and the historic proclamation at noon before the big reveal of 2022 May Queen and entourage, including the introduction of a new role of a standard bearer. The entourage are: May Queen - Cadie Hewitt Crowner - Lola Stevens Heralds - Quinlan Dymond & Regan Beer Attendants: Jessica Braund & Bella North Dynasty Harris & Alanna Clifton Honey Huxtable & Molly-Mae Coysh Lola North & Isabelle Vennall Standard Bearer - Alex Williams

Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee

Important information The fair will be arriving in Torrington on Sunday 1st May 2022 and departing a week later. It would really help the drivers of the lorries if cars etc. are not parked on Castle Street and the lower part of South Street (outside of the old Newmarket inn) and the way is clear for the vehicles during this time. Thank you. May Fair Dates: Rehearsal night 4th May; May Fair day 5th May; Round the Tree Race 6th May; Carnival 7th May. May Fair Day 5th May 2022 * For health & safety purposes, can wheelchair users assemble early in The Square on May Fair day please * Volunteers are needed to put away chairs after the May Fair celebrations from 4.30-5pm * Everyone attending and participating is encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety in relation to COVID-19 and adhere to any Government restrictions in place at the time Round the Tree Race On Friday 6th May the Round the Tree race will be back and entries from all are welcome. Registration for all groups starts in the square from 5:45pm. Carnival 7th May 2022 Entry forms can be found at: Xanadu South Street Torrington; Great Torrington Town Council website - great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk; May Fair Facebook page; Pauline Baker – 07790 549 982 or paulinebaker3@hotmail.co.uk We welcome floats and walking entries, individuals, clubs, business or groups. There are prizes to be won and the fun begins at 6pm. There will be a variety of food vendors in the town centre so make an evening of it. The Torrington carnival queen and her attendants are: Phoebe Young and her two attendants are Lily-Mai Rogers and Brooke Cop. Absolutely no throwing of coins at the Carnival floats and walkers and no alcohol. Remember that from 6pm on Saturday 7th May, there will be disruption on the roads around town until 8pm. Everyone attending and participating is encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety in relation to COVID-19 and adhere to any Government restrictions in place at the time.

Town Parking Requests for May Fair Week

he fair will be arriving in Torrington on Sunday 1st May and departing a week later. It would really help the drivers of the lorries, as they make their way to Barley Grove car park, if cars etc are not parked on Castle Street and the lower part of South Street (outside of the old Newmarket Inn) and the way is clear for the vehicles during this time. Also, during May Fair week from the evening of the 4th through to the morning of the 8th May, it would be so helpful if, during the key times, there is no parking in the bays around the square, South Street and Fore Street. This is to allow safe access to all, including pedestrians, residents and businesses during those peak times. Additionally Calf Street, Well Street and New Street (carnival route) on Carnival day. This goes a long way to the smooth running of the events. Carnival entry forms are available from Xanadu in South Street, online at the Town Council website or via the link on the Facebook page. The Committee are really working hard to make May Fair 2022 a joyous week for all, after such a long wait. We can’t wait to see you all. May Fair & Carnival Committee

Library News

Let’s Paint Torrington! Friday 13th May 9.30am-1pm £8 Skill level, beginners, all abilities welcome. Enjoy a few hours taking in the view and painting outdoors, looking over the valley from the Castle Hill Garden – find inspiration and create a painting in watercolour, guided by local artist Bill Bromfield. In the event of bad weather, we can work from the pavilion. Basic materials can be provided or bring your own. Numbers are limited so please enquire at the library for details and booking (01805 622107 – Torrington.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk). One 2 One IT support If you have a tablet, laptop or smartphone you are struggling with, our volunteer Perry is available to offer support on Thursday mornings (by appointment only). Please pop by the library or call on 01805 622107 to book. Baby Weighing We look forward to offering this facility after our Tuesday Bounce & Rhyme sessions in the future. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for news of a start date. Devon Libraries App Have you seen the library app? The app aims to help give you a better, more seamless experience in our libraries. You can browse our catalogue of books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and digital newspapers. Make reservations. Check out books from the library using the ‘Self-Service’ function. You can check what events are happening in your local library as well as book computer

sessions before you arrive at the library. There are plenty of features on the app, and we are delighted to share it with you. The app is supported on both IOS and Android and will work across smartphones and tablets alike. Download today from the Apple App Store or from Google Play. Co-Op Community Fund Donation Thanks to a grant from the Co-op Community Fund, our Friends of Great Torrington Library have been able to purchase a wonderful selection of toys for the library. We chose toys that would be suitable for our Tuesday Bounce and Rhyme sessions. We have a variety of animal hand puppets to help animate the songs and stories, a Duplo Lego train and a wooden ark with animals made for little hands. We even have a dinosaur money box for donations! More Lego was also purchased for our regular Saturday Lego club. Come along to our next session to try it out! Bounce & Rhyme Storytime, Tuesdays (term-time only) 10.30-11am Lego Club, alternate Saturdays 10.30am-12.30pm Facebook Follow us on Facebook to find out the latest information about library events and information. We post on our page regularly, so it is a good place to find out what’s going on. Our page also offers the popular Book Talk group so why not check it out? Go to @TorringtonLibraryDevon Please refer to our website: www. devonlibraries.org.uk for up-to-date

information on all our services. For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington. library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or via our general telephone enquiries line 0345 155001.

Torrington Historical Society

he Historical Society meets on the first Monday of the month and we cover a wide range of subjects to suit all interests. During the summer we get out and about and arrange visits to sites locally. Our first visit will be on Monday 9th May at 6.50pm to the ‘Way of the Wharves’ project at East the Water in Bideford. This follows on from the talk by Mike Teare during our March meeting, about the history of the wharves. The community project started in 2016, researching and presenting the history of the wharves and surrounding area of East the Water Bideford. The whole area has been razed, so now is the ideal time to visit and have a guided tour of the area before the regeneration starts. Other visits planned for the summer include War Horse Country near Iddesleigh, Barnstaple Museum and Huntshaw Church. If you are interested in any aspects of local history why not come and join us? Please contact Pauline at pallen123@btinternet or 01805 623089. Maggi Rogers

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01805 938502 07711 079 577 Torrington Rotary Club Support for Ukrainian Refugees in the Torrington Area

orrington Rotary Club wishes to support Ukrainian refugees who may be placed with hosts in the Torrington area under the Government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, or where a personal link with a Ukrainian family has been established and approved. Our club can provide transport, respite hospitality, additional food and other supplies which may be useful. We may also be able to help in other ways and would be very happy to discuss this and to work with other organisations which are offering support. If you would like to discuss how Torrington Rotary can help, please contact David Nainby at david.nainby@ btinternet.com (mobile 07817 000 586). Should you also be interested in donating directly to help refugees still in the Ukraine or neighbouring countries, we recommend that you contact Shelterbox which is providing specialised, on-the-ground help. Shelterbox can be contacted by searching for Emergency Disaster Relief - ShelterBox. If you’d like more information about Rotary and our Torrington club, or you’d like to come along to one of our dinners at Torrington Golf Club, please contact us - new members are welcome and you don’t have to reside in Torrington. If you know of a local need that we might help with, please let us know. Email secretary@torrington.rotary1175.org

Little John’s House supporting Ukrainian Refugees.

or the past 30 years, the Kimber family have run a home in Romania to provide security and a loving environment for children with special needs. At the end of 2019 we also set up a day-care centre to extend our work to more children and families within the Sibiu area. As the world was then consumed by a pandemic, the day-care centre hasn’t yet become fully operational. Soon after Putin took it upon himself to invade his neighbouring country we were asked, by a committee set up in Sibiu, Romania, if we would be willing and able to take refugees as they arrive locally and support them as they find places to settle. Of course we said yes, and turned over the day-care centre to this cause as well as fitting out a barn with some heating and showers. We currently use the barn for volunteers who travel out to help at the house during the summer months, ergo no heating necessary! So began our fund-raising project to support families as they pass through Romania to further countries, or stay locally. We have been thankful for the generosity of so many people and organizations from the Torrington area, such as the Cavaliers, Cavalier wrinklies, Fork and Feast, Hippy Motors, Torrington Baptist Church, local families and individuals, as well as donations from our supporters all over the country. The money raised has been spent on beds, showers, clothes, food and educational packs for the children, helping the dozens of families passing through our doors. Almost all of the refugees are wishing desperately to return to their own country, which we are praying will be possible at some stage, but for now the most important thing is that they are safe and cared for as best we can. Thank you for supporting us. Liz Harris

Torrington Museum Seeks Two New Trustees

s you'll know, the museum's been through a lot of changes in the past three years and reopened last summer to great acclaim with a new look. Our trustees all take an active part in the operation of the museum: this is definitely not a passive role! You'll be expected to participate in helping the dayto-day running which might occasionally (or more if you prefer) involve being a room guide for our visitors but may also involve helping with conservation work and some of the other background work that makes a museum tick. You don't need any particular knowledge of Torrington's history, although of course an interest in it would be useful. If you have any experience or knowledge of either fundraising or education, these are two particular areas we've identified as needing more input, so skills in those areas would be useful but are by no means essential. For more information, pop in on Thu-Fri-Sat, 10am-3pm for an informal chat or contact Dave Gibbons, our Chair of Trustees, on chair@torringtonmuseum.org.uk.

Bespoke Garden & Land Services Daniel Jokic

Wednesdays 9am, 10:30am, 5:30pm & 7pm 1646 Community Hall, South Street Car Park Call/Text Lisa on 07515 256 965 6

Qualified Horticulturist

T: 07964 055 224 E: danjokic@hotmail.com

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

Considering Adoption?

e need adoptive families for children who wait the longest. Are you considering adoption but not sure where to start? Families for Children is holding an information session to give you the opportunity to find out more. Whether you are in a relationship, single, LGBTQ+ or have had children of your own we would love to speak to you! So come along and talk to our friendly team at this information session to find out more. All information sessions are currently held via Zoom. To book please contact Families for Children on 01364 645480 or email devon@familiesforchildren.org.uk or alternatively you can book online at www.familiesforchildren.org.uk The next meetings are scheduled for: Saturday 7th May 10am-12 noon Tuesday 7th June 4-6pm Friday 8th July 10am-12 noon Thursday 11th August 6-8pm Thursday 8th September 6-8pm

Barton Barn Bash Fundraising for Charity

arton Barn Bash July 2nd 2022, 7pm-midnight at Barton Farm Weare Giffard, raising money for Devon Air Ambulance. Featuring top Queen tribute act ‘This Is Queen’. Live music, bar, food, all profits to the Air Ambulance. Raffle in aid of Young Lives Versus Cancer. Tickets £10 each, available via our Facebook page or text or call 07943 033 057.

Bideford Music Club Concert

he final concert of the season 2021-22 will take place on Wednesday 4th May at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Church Walk, Bideford EX39 2BP. Doors open at 7pm, tickets cost £14.50 on the door (cash or cheques only please). Children and students are free. The Italian guitarist, Emanuele Addis, began his classical guitar training at the age of 14. He graduated with first-class honours from the Conservatorio Antonio Vivaldi in Alessandria, and is currently completing his master's degree at the Royal Academy of Music, studying under Michael Lewin. He has won numerous regional, national and international awards and performed solo recitals in Italy, Germany, Serbia and Bulgaria. Emanuele’s concert for Bideford Music Club is supported by Making Music and the Philip and Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists.

North Devon Choral Society Concert

orth Devon Choral Society's concert on Saturday 9th April at Church of St Michael & All Angels was quite special. What a thrill it was to sing the Verdi Requiem with such magnificent soloists, accompanied by the brass band and percussion, and the Father Willis organ. Well done, John Hobbs, for bringing this all together so brilliantly. Our concert was dedicated to the people of Ukraine, and thanks to the amazing generosity of all who attended, we raised £717.23 in a retiring collection, which has now been sent to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Janet Sharp

Art on Friday Spring Exhibition

Art on Friday are holding a Spring Exhibition at Fork ‘n’ Feast, Castle Hill, South Street Car Park, Torrington, commencing on Tuesday 3rd May until the beginning of June. The Cafe is open 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am–3pm Saturday, so why not come along and enjoy some good food and drink and browse the artwork. All exhibits will be for sale and they cover a diverse range of subjects and mediums - something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to bag that affordable piece of artwork. We are a well-established group of local artists who meet in The Gallery at The Plough Arts Centre every second and fourth Friday in the month, 10.30am until 2pm. New members always welcome. Tel: Hazel Montgomerie 01805 623757 for further info.

Christine's Memorial Writing Prize

A writing competition for children age 8-12. A short story competition of 500 to 1000 words with the theme 'Mystery'. Cash prize of £100/£50/£25, with entries by end of May to the Library. Judging will be carried out by the end of school term and will be carried out by the family of Christine Porter.

Let’s Create and Celebrate!

More free arts workshops and a jubilee event for carers and the cared for. ollowing on from the successful sessions at The Plough Arts Centre in March, Torrington 100 has worked with TTVS and secured a grant to support further workshops leading up to an event on 2 June as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations. The plan is to create an indoor street party with amazing banners and bunting made in the arts workshops, and entertainment from young and older carers developed in some drama and storytelling sessions. At the end we’ll spill out into the sunshine in Torrington Square and join in the town’s festivities. The party will be free for carers, young carers and their families, from 10-1pm at The Plough Arts Centre and will involve much celebratory cake! Afterwards you will be able to take part in Torrington Town’s other events for the day, starting with the Town Crier at 1pm, or book tickets to see the wonderful family comedian James Campbell from 2:30pm at The Plough. The workshops will be totally supportive, no experience needed and free to those who are carers. We’ll have some advice and support from Devon Carers and other agencies at some of the workshops too, so anyone in a caring role can have some time out and advice over a free cuppa as well as enjoying the arts. Torrington 100 and TTVS were incredibly lucky to be awarded the funds to make all this activity possible from Arts Council England’s Let’s Create monies via Devon Community Foundation and want to acknowledge and thank DCF and ACE. Workshop details: Adult Carers and the cared for 28 April 10:30- 12:30 at The Plough Arts Centre: arts workshop with a jubilee theme, marbling techniques and more, contact Annemarie Shillito to register your interest – 07595 171 451 12 May 10:30 -12:30 at Torrington Memory Café – contact Lorraine Pearce for details 07377 363 477 27 May 10:30-12:30 at The Plough Arts Centre contact Annemarie Shillito to register your interest – 07595 171 451 Young Carers Sunday afternoons in May. Arts workshops from 1-3pm, drama from 3-5pm. All free, with refreshments available. Sunday 1 May, 15 May, 29 May. Event on Thursday 2 June 10-1pm. Contact The Plough Arts Centre and simply register your interest by leaving a message with your name and contact details at the Plough’s Box Office: 01805 624624.

Pampering Crossword Prize!

ticks and stones may break my bones, but not if you use them for a pamper! I was lucky enough to win a Bamboo Stick Massage following my entry into the Crier crossword competition

sponsored by Tanya’s Beauty Studio. I had no idea what to expect, only ever having normal massages previously. I booked up for my first experience with these hot bamboo sticks. I cannot explain how wonderfully relaxed I felt afterwards - a deep tissue massage had occurred without me even knowing it. Because I’d enjoyed the bamboo sticks so much, I thought I would try a different material and booked in for a Hot Stones Massage. A completely different experience again - this time at the hands of Tanya, with hot stones being placed and manoeuvred over my body, whilst enjoying the massage - a real head to toe treat. I would highly recommend both of these experiences and to be able to have them within the town is just amazing. Thank you to Tanya’s for the opportunity to enjoy these different types of massage. I’ll be back again soon.

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Spring is here

Why not take some time for yourself? n these days of growing uncertainty, with increasing pressures on our personal and economic wellbeing, growing environmental awareness, and concerns around global suffering, it is not surprising that many of us are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety. For many years now, peer-reviewed scientific research has demonstrated the benefits of mindfulmeditation training in terms of improved mental wellbeing and physical health. Learning a suite of non-secular, simple, and very powerful meditation practices, and incorporating a greater sense of mindfulness or presence into your daily life, could help you to become more resilient, alleviate stress and anxiety, and more able to move forward with a greater sense of equilibrium. Our weekly Tuesday evening drop-in sessions and eight-week online, and face-to-face Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme, explicitly addresses the negative thought patterns that can perpetuate stress and lead to anxiety and depression. Throughout, we explore the core mindfulness meditation practices, whilst cultivating new skilful ways of dealing with what goes on in our bodies, minds and daily lives.

Please help our local businesses and 'Think Local' whenever possible. Think Local editorial is free for advertisers! Please contact Esther Williams on 01805 601964 for more information.

Horticultural Consultancy & Garden Services

t RJ Horticulture, our aim is to help you understand your garden. We offer a range of horticultural consultancy and practical services throughout Devon. A new home, planters outside the office, holiday let or a country estate, more than ever we are valuing our outdoor spaces. Understanding, maintaining and changing these areas can sometimes seem quite daunting. Whether it is simply knowing your garden better, improving an area or starting anew, our skill set and expertise can help you get the most out of your garden. We pride ourselves on offering a unique range of bespoke services, inclusive of domestic and commercial to suit client needs. These various services help you make sense of your garden; the existing micro climates, the soil and its health, which plants for my garden? The drainage issue with the lawn, the wildlife that visits and how to encourage more, how to plan my new flower beds and patio?! What's my yearly maintenance schedule? We have the ability to guide you and answer all those many questions and queries our gardens can create. From simple garden assessments, remote/online advice and practical tuition through to soft landscaping, garden mapping and design concepts. We can provide individual and combined services, tailoring packages specific to your needs and garden. Contact us at info@rjhorticulture.co.uk to arrange a free phone consultation or visit www.rjhorticulture.co.uk for more information. We look forward to sharing our passion for the outdoors and horticultural knowledge to help you and your garden. I am a trained MBSR teacher with over 30 years of meditation practice, and I am committed to helping you find a gentle pathway to negotiate the stresses, anxieties and expectations of this particularly challenging phase of our twenty first century life.

For more information, follow the link in my advert and select ‘Courses’ or email me, James Murray, at info@gentlemind. uk, DM me @GentlemindMeditation, or phone 01769 302007/07866 545 978.

From Your County Councillor…

s this article is for the May edition, I must start by saying how pleased I am that May Fair will be returning this month. I know how much it has been missed over the last two years and it is good that at long last events like these can take place once again. It has been another busy month, with the main work at DCC focusing on supporting Ukrainian refugees arriving into the county. Can I thank everyone here and across Devon for your amazing support and generosity towards the people of Ukraine. Already the first families are arriving here in Torrington Rural and I know that here they will be well looked after. For anyone still looking to sponsor and/ or accommodate Ukrainian refugees, DCC have updated their website to include all the latest information and support needed. Please visit - www. devon.gov.uk/supporting-ukraine/ The County Council has, alongside Team Devon colleagues and partners, been working hard contacting several hundred potential sponsors to conduct and complete the required DBS checks. In addition, working with district councils across Devon, we have developed and implemented a property and people appraisal process. District councils have started to check a range of sponsor properties using this process and, thanks to standardising it across the county, it has meant that this was able to be sped up quickly. The County Council is also working with partners to ensure we can make early payments to sponsors and guests and alongside this, we are developing clear processes and arrangements regarding school admissions, health registration and access to Universal Credit and other benefit entitlements. Due to the multiple organisations involved I know that some people have had difficulty in contacting the

relevant council and/or department, but these issues should now be resolved. However, if you have any questions or issues on this matter there is now a dedicated email address to use which is health.ukraineresettlement-mailbox@ devon.gov.uk. A dedicated telephone line is also being set up and I will share this number as soon as it is available. While we are, finally I hope, moving out of the ‘pandemic’ Covid is, I am afraid, still around and the end of the universal testing service does bring its own challenges. However DCC will use ONS national data to monitor the situation, along with local hospitalisation rates. Testing will also continue in health and care settings and there will be some surge testing capability should it need to be deployed to support an outbreak. The key message now is that if you feel unwell then please stay at home and reduce your mixing with other people until you feel better. Without testing there is no certainty if it is Covid or another respiratory virus, but in some respect, it doesn’t matter whether it is Covid or not, as you still have a virus and are infectious! My other key message or ask is to get your vaccine if you are eligible! Overall uptake for the third dose/booster is lower in the 18-30 year age groups, ranging from 50-59%. I have asked that more is done to promote the uptake from younger people and that we have more walk in clinics in Torrington and other local places, so that those who cannot travel to Barnstaple or further afield have the opportunity to get their jab locally. Nonetheless, on the positive side we are performing well comparatively with national statistics with overall third dose/ booster uptake in Devon is very good 86.3% compared to the national figure of 67.5%. Hospital rates have increased compared with previous waves, BUT numbers in ICU remain very low and it is important to point out that approximately 55% of Covid patients in hospital were admitted for other reasons, so are in hospital with Covid rather than because of it.

Finally, on more local matters, works have been progressing well repairing the landslip on the A386. However, during the works the area of netting needed increased and an additional area of loose rock was identified which required DCC’s geotechnical engineers to come to inspect the site. Unfortunately, this has meant the hoped for ‘full’ reopening of the road without traffic lights has been delayed slightly, but I am hoping by the time you read this the road will have been fully reopened. Nonetheless, it is better these extra works get done now rather than risk another landslide or future road closure. My thanks to everyone for your ongoing patience and understanding during these works. And thank you also to the engineers and contractors who have been working hard to restabilise the rock face since the original landslide. I hope all readers of the Crier have a great May Fair. After two years, it’s good to see it back again! As ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to discuss you can contact me on Facebook on facebook.com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon. gov.uk.

Field Available to Let

Great Torrington Commons Act 1889 The field known as Shepherd’s Ham, Torrington, being approximately 4.567 acres, is available for agricultural use on a three-year let from the 29th September 2022, on a farm business tenancy. Tenders are invited in writing, giving details of the proposed use of the land - other uses may be considered and fences could be erected at the tenants own cost. Tenders to be received by the Clerk via email by no later than midday on the 22nd July 2022. Please mark the email with the subject heading: TenderShepherdsham Kim Jenkins Clerk@torringtoncommons.org

Jubilee Exhibition of Royal Memorabilia at Barnstaple Library Fannying Around… Again

e are delighted to be exhibiting a collection of royal memorabilia, on loan from North Devon collector Sarah Grant. A curated collection of over 200 items will be displayed on the top floor of Barnstaple library at selected times from 24th May - 6th June. The exhibition will be complemented by displays from our Local Studies Centre, which includes the North Devon Athenaeum and the North Devon Records Office. An original oil painting of the Queen, by local artist Sarah Flannery, will also be exhibited with prints available to purchase. Tickets for entry to the exhibition are £6 per person and can be purchased at the library or from Eventbrite (booking fee applies for Eventbrite bookings). www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queens-jubilee-exhibition-tickets-306485354947

Youth Genesis Sessions

ur weekly drop-in sessions are term-time at The Methodist Church Hall for ages 11-17. This term our openings are as follows: early session 6-7.30pm, ages 1113 years. This is a more structured session for young people, aimed and planned with their input on their interests: e.g. cooking, arts and craft, games, competitions, discussions on issues they choose to raise with us. The later session is 8-9pm, a drop-in chill and chat that is aimed at 14-17 years. However, this term we are focusing on the shelter project, to develop a youth committee who will be taking a lead on the need for a shelter in Calf Street play area. Torrington Youth Space, Youth Genesis Trust and the Police have been working collaboratively to support the young people in this project. Also our detached/outreach team will be out and about on Friday nights if any young people want to catch up with us. You can follow us to be kept updated on forthcoming activities via our social media Facebook and Instagram accounts #Youthgenesistorrington.

Torrington Senior Citizens AGM

he new date for our AGM is Wednesday 11th May at 2pm at the Methodist Church. It was rescheduled due to Covid issues and the good news is that there is interest in leading our group this year. In view of the delayed start to the year, a first trip has been arranged for Tuesday June 21st to Exeter/boat along the Exe/ Exmouth. This will be priced at £15. New and existing members are welcome. Please show your interest in being a member by signing up at the Bickford Centre at any time or contact John Pitts so that we can allocate a collector for your area. The meeting will elect officers, select trips/events/dates and agree subs and prices for the year. john.pitts@rocketmail.com; 01805 439100; 07986 586 799.

A Comedy Cabaret Evening of Menopausal Madness nce upon a time there was a crazy bunch of old ladies who started a comedy thing to raise money for local charities and have fun in the process. With a combined age of 952, and having survived a pandemic, several windy days with names, and The Great Toilet Roll Shortage of 2020, it’s a miracle they are still here. But, like Frankenstein’s monster, they have been sparked back to life to spread a little joy and raise as much money as they can for DEC Ukraine. So, if you are looking for a night of silliness and a revival of some of your favourite Fanny Bits this is the night for you! If you are too young to remember, but you like a bit of Victoria Wood/Jane Austen/knitting/silly songs/synchronised swimming and odd men (that is one hell of a Venn diagram) then this is for you too! The Fannys are (but don’t let that put you off): Carol Ryan; Steph Easton; Chris Keeley; Glenda Barnett; Margaret Jewell; Jean Evans Loude; Jo Falliiaze; Jan Baker and the odd man. Sat 28th May 7.30pm, The Castle Hill Community Hall (1646). In aid of the Ukraine crisis (all proceeds will go towards the DEC Ukraine). Bar available (you might need a stiff drink). Tickets £12/group of 6 £60: available from Fork N Feast Café/Hogwash Soap/Duffy’s.

Community Domestic Retrofit Pilot Project - Great Torrington

e all know that we should make our homes more energy efficient and warmer, particularly with the rising costs of energy bills. But have you been wondering what steps to take, which order to do things in or just talk to someone about whether you’re eligible for grant funding? We can help! Local Community Energy group, 361 Energy CIC, have been awarded funding to research the benefits of an impartial retrofit advice service for homeowners in Torridge. They’re currently looking for 100 homeowners to take part in telephone research to feed into the development of the new service. The telephone research will be completed by the 361 Energy Home Energy Advice team. Each participant will receive free, impartial and practical advice about how to make their home more energy efficient. 361 Energy also have the capacity to offer 20 homeowners a full home retrofit plan at a discounted rate, including home survey, energy modelling and anticipated costs. If you own a property that has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G and you are keen to know how to make your home energy efficient, please get in touch with 361 Energy. The benefits for you * An opportunity to make a difference at community level * A plan for the simple steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient and save money * A FREE 45-minute virtual meeting with one of our Home Energy Advisors. * A FREE Energy Support Pack including low energy bulbs and radiator reflectors (worth £45) * Access to a professional retrofit consultancy team certified by the Government’s TrustMark scheme. This pilot project runs until the end of June 2022 and participation is on a firstcome, first-served basis. The aim is to work with Devon County Council and other community energy groups to open this impartial energy advice service to residents across the whole of Devon once the pilot project has been completed. Further information: Link to the survey: 361energy.org/portfolio-items/retrofit-service/ 361 Energy CIC: Telephone: 01271 599361; Email: info@361energy.org; www.361energy.org

Drain clearing Drain clearing CCTV surveys CCTV surveys Repairs/Relining Repairs/Relining Septic Tank Septic Tankand and Treatment plant Treatment plantinstallation installation Tel: 07794 586039 or 01271 440251

Great Torrington Memory Cafe

he Memory Cafe has been open again for six months. We meet every second Thursday in the month and it is free and open to all with memory issues or their carers. Please come and join our convivial group for friendship and support. We have successfully built a group of clients and carers and run a range of popular events. These have included: a Christmas celebration; bingo session; communal singing session; Easter cards and celebrations recognising birthdays. On Thursday 12th May we will welcome visitors from the town museum with a collection of their artefacts, in support of Dementia Action Week. Please consider joining us, if only for tea, coffee and nibbles. Contact Lorraine Pearce 07377 363 477 or visit our website or Facebook page.

Bingo!

Bingo at Yarnscombe village is starting again on Friday 13th May. Doors open at 7pm, eyes down at 7.45pm. Usual prizes, please come and support us again.

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

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

Dafforn & Son

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Bookworm

ay back in 1992 I was bowled over and inspired by Esther Freud's ‘Hideous Kinky’, based on her early childhood on the hippy trail in Morocco. I have been a fan of hers ever since, and read all her books as they appear, but none have really come alive for me in the same way, until now. ‘I Couldn't Love You More’, published in 2021, is her ninth novel and draws again on autobiographical detail, this time of three generations of women, their choices and consequences. Rosaleen is a teenager in the early sixties, meeting London bohemia head on after a strict Catholic upbringing. Creative Kate lives in London in the 90s, stifled by an unhappy marriage. In Ireland, Aoife narrates the story of her marriage from the deathbed of her husband Cashel. Reading about each of these lives becomes more and more compelling, as we become aware of lies, secrets and betrayals. Beautifully written, their captivating stories reveal what is at the heart of being alive - that it is love, attachments and truth that bring happiness. Something I think that chimes for many of us with our own experiences in the recent past. I picked this book up randomly in Torrington Library, it is due back this week. I hope this inspires other people to read it, it is worth it. Bookworm II

Torrington Community Unites in a Bid to Keep a Painting in their Town!

hen 12-year-old Eashan Nijjar from Torrington offered one of his unique spray paintings for a charity auction set up to raise funds for the Ukrainian refugees, he had no idea how his life would change by his kind gesture. Anne Tattersall and husband Chris, who are sponsoring a family of four Ukrainian refugees, wanted to raise funds for UK volunteers working on the ground in Warsaw, who helped them connect with their family. Anne set up an online auction site called, northdevonstandswithukraine.com and has been overwhelmed with the generosity of the donations she has received from individuals and businesses in North Devon. After Anne received Eashan’s painting, she uploaded it to Facebook to showcase his talent and was immediately inundated with pledges of money from the community to ensure the painting stays in Torrington. ‘It was an extraordinary response from the people of Torrington,’ said Anne and adds, ‘We even had a donation from an ex-bank manager in Northern Ireland, who thought it was a great idea to keep the painting in town as a historical reminder of how North Devon came together to help Ukraine.’ In just two days the painting has raised over £300 and Anne is confident it will reach £1,000. After Eashan was interviewed by Mark Easton, home editor for the BBC, the talented young artist got the shock of his life and says. ‘I’ve always been inspired by Tom Wells, a famous spray painter who has over 800,000 followers on Tick Tock and was completely blown away when he rang my dad and asked to speak to me.’ Tom has given Eashan an open invitation to come to his gallery in South Devon where the pair will spend the day together sharing tips with each other. ‘This is like a dream come true,’ said Eashan. ‘I just thought I had the perfect skills set to do a painting in the colours of Ukraine for Anne’s auction and I never for a minute thought I’d appear on national news and get to meet one of my art heroes.’ Eashan’s painting will have an auction starting bid with all the community donations. ‘It’s going to be very exciting to see if the community can outbid any individual bidding on Eashan’s painting,’ said Anne, ‘But judging by the response so far, I think it unlikely that Eashan’s painting will leave town.’ Anne would like to thank everyone who has donated auction prizes, and is particularly grateful to local website designer, James Loud, who set up the ‘North Devon Stand with Ukraine’ auction site and to Fran from the Frame Warehouse Gallery in Barnstaple for framing Eashan’s painting. If you would like to see some of the fabulous auction prizes and make a bid, log onto northdevonstandswithukraine.com. If you are an individual or business who would like to donate an auction lot please contact Anne Tattersall on 07971 696 192.

The Old Bowling Green

unday 1st May will be the start of our car boot sale season; these will continue until the last Sunday in September and we will also have a sale on the bank holidays. Although it’s called a car boot sale, it’s more of an ECO recycling event. There will be a large range of plants and shrubs, vegetable plants, homemade chutneys and loads of second-hand items looking for a new home. The Men’s Shed will have their stall every Sunday and, as usual, the Conservators will have their stall there selling books, dvds, cds and other items. This year we will have double the usual space and the selection of items will be enormous. We would still like more donations of books, dvds and cds if you have them, please. You can contact me on 07956 366 390 or you can bring them along on Sunday mornings. Every penny is used to help us maintain the Commons. Diary dates… From May 20th to 22nd we will have a BioBlitz on the Commons in conjunction with Devon Wildlife Trust; the free event will centre around our developing visitor centre, just below the playground. There will be expert-led walks during the weekend to look forward to and there is a separate article in the Crier with more details. On June 2nd, the Cavaliers’ Platinum Jubilee fun day will be held on the OBG. Andrew Giles, Vice Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators

Participants

AHJ Builders A Place For Everything @no. 11 in the Pannier Market Fork ‘n’ Feast at 1646 Collectability in the High Street Computer Works Cornmarket Antiques Crafty Needles in the Pannier Market Dafforn and Sons New Street Dartington Crystal Duane’s Carvings and Gallery in the Pannier Market Everest Indian Takeaway in South Street Fine Floral Design in South Street Hair We Are in South Street Hogwash Soap Castle Street and online Ian Coote Architecture Inside 11a South Street Java Gifts Cornmarket Street Jayne Poole Photography Kitch ‘n’ Cupboard in the Pannier Market Lillian Rose Interiors Well Street Little Leaf Pregnancy No. 37 Café in South Street No. 5 Hair and Beauty in South Street Not Just Travel Gillian Farr Proseprints online and craft fairs R&S Ware Butchers in South Street Samantha Hardwick Well-being Coach Second Nature Beauty Studio at No.5 Cornmarket Street Squires Electrical in the High Street Steve Gladwin Family Butchers Fore St Tanya’s Beauty Studio Fore Street The Puffing Billy The Sweet Spot The Whole Jar Torrington Framing Torrington Golf Club Torrington Museum Bookshop, High St Torrington Refill Shop Toy Swap in the Pannier Market Unique Boutique Cornmarket Street Whiskers Pet Centre South Street Xanadu (in-store discount only) South St

Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters Group

he funds raised from the Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group are making a massive difference in helping us to look after the Commons. Our rangers are out every day working to keep the Commons in the best condition possible. Apart from their day-to-day jobs, they have had to spend a lot of time clearing some of the enormous trees that came down in the recent storms. The gates will be open from May, if not earlier, to enable parking on the OBG, so that you can stop for a picnic, burger, Hockings ice cream or the all-important toilets. Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1: Cut out or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the address on the form. You can pay by standing order or by sending a cheque for £24. Option 2: Visit the website www.torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque. Option 3: Email me at vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text on 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you. You can also collect an application form from the Post Office and some other shops in town.

Great Torrington Commons Conservators Public Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 18th May 2022, 7pm Venue: Plough Arts Centre, Fore Street,Torrington. Open to electors of the Parish of Great Torrington. The public AGM of the Great Torrington Commons Conservators gives you the opportunity to meet the Trustees and staff, to hear about our projects and future plans, and to have your say. Please do come along. Mandy Harrison, Chair

GREAT TORRINGTON T From Your Mayor…

am pleased to say that the Water Forum in the Undercroft of the Town Hall was well attended, and lots of people came in to find out the latest updates about conservation and billing. Talking of the Town Hall, the Knit and Natter Group were successful in a grant application for wool towards the knitted and crocheted bunting, and I was happy to join them in their celebratory cuppa (any excuse??), I even got roped in to trying my hand at a few stitches! The pub quiz, in aid of the Mayor’s Charities, held in the Torrington Arms was a great success, and we raised just under £300. A big ‘thank you’ to Annie and her team for such a great night! During this past year my charities have been somewhat neglected – not deliberately, but by virtue of the fact that it has been very difficult to arrange events and not having to cancel them. The ‘Arts for Carers’ event at The Plough was noisy and messy. Paint and dye flying everywhere… Infant schools have a care, as you might be losing out to some of these adults!

Your Council, Working for YOU

The first Silver Band Concert for a long time took place in the Howe Hall, and was a roaring success. The band didn’t put a foot wrong, and we all came away with our feet tapping. The theme for the concert was a celebration of the life of a gentleman called Eddie Burrows, who was evacuated to Great Torrington from London when he was 8 years old. After the war ended, he returned to London but could not settle so he was allowed to come back to our town. As a young man, he married a local girl and moved away for work, but came back later in life and ended his days in the Castle Hill Nursing Home, which was back in his beloved Great Torrington again. Eddie was a lifelong supporter of the Town Band and his son travelled from Sussex to be present at the concert. It was a privilege to meet Eddies son and chat with him. Unfortunately, like many others I succumbed to Covid-19 half way through April, and as a result was forced to cancel many of my engagements, such as council meetings, Barnstaple Mayor’s Jubilee Ball (where my sister was going to join me as my consort on a rare visit from Shetland), the Golf Club’s Open Day which is always a treat to attend and Verdi’s Requiem in the Parish Church. I was very sorry to have to miss so much! At the time of writing this article I am looking forward to our Parish Meeting

on the 14th April 2022, at which I will present my Mayor’s Report for the period 2021/22. This report will subsequently be available on the town council’s website and sets out activities etc. of the Council over this past year. I am very much looking forward to May Fair this year and hope to see you all there. With very best wishes. Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

Notice of Great Torrington Mayoral Introduction Ceremony

Notice is hereby given that: The inauguration of the Mayor of Great Torrington Town Council will be held at Great Torrington Community Hall on Tuesday 31st May 2022 at 7pm The meeting is open to members of the public who are most welcome. If you are intending to attend, please let the Town Council know by Tuesday 24th May 2022 so that we can make suitable arrangements for refreshments. Contact details are as follows; phone 01805 626135 or e-mail admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk. Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Dementia Action Week

dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported. In support of Dementia Action Week, which runs between 16 – 22 May 2022, Great Torrington’s Dementia Friendly Community Working Group is working with the Alzheimer’s Society to encourage people to ‘act on dementia’. The theme for this year’s campaign is diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Society has noticed a sustained drop in dementia diagnosis rates for the first time ever, and is therefore keen to encourage those who are concerned they or a loved one may be experiencing signs of dementia, to contact their GP or the Alzheimer’s Society for guidance and support. The Alzheimer’s Society offers practical advice and information on what next steps to take, what to expect during and after the diagnosis process and the support available throughout. The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support team can be contacted on 0333 150 3456 and more information can be found on their website: www.alzheimers.org.uk In Great Torrington we have other resources which may be helpful for people living with, or caring for someone already diagnosed with dementia or memory loss: * Memory Café: located at the Methodist Church in Great Torrington, the café provides a friendly, informal and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a free cup of tea/coffee and cake, meet others in similar circumstances, and get advice, information and support about living with memory loss. The café is open on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30am until 12:30pm. More information is available by calling Brian on 07527 121288 or on their website: greattorringtonmemorycafe.weebly.com/ * Silent Space: The Secret Memorial Garden has been designated a Silent Space on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for people living with, or caring for someone living with dementia or memory loss. This is a tranquil place to enjoy and take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature in a beautiful setting, right in the centre of town. * Dementia Awareness Sessions: Local Dementia Champions regularly run Dementia Awareness Sessions at which anyone can learn more about dementia and memory loss and use this knowledge to help discover how an increased understanding of dementia and better-informed acts of consideration can make a huge difference to those amongst us living with dementia. If you would like to register for one of these sessions, please contact the Town Council on 01805 626135 or admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk * Dementia Friendly Window Stickers: Look out for the ‘forget-me-not’ window stickers (similar to the logo in this article) in many of the shops in Great Torrington. This sticker indicates shop staff have attended a Dementia Awareness Session and have a more formal understanding of dementia. They may also have made adaptations to their premises to help people living with dementia navigate the shop more easily. * Library: The Library at Castle Hill stocks useful reading material about living with or caring for someone living with dementia. The staff in the library can point you in the right direction if you wish to browse.

Great Torrington History Alive Event

n Saturday 10th September 2022 Great Torrington will be holding a History Alive event, to showcase the town’s rich heritage which dates all the way back to the 8th century AD. The town will be buzzing with plenty of free, fun, educational and interactive activities to highlight important milestones experienced by our relatively small, but hugely significant, Northern Devon Market Town throughout the ages. Activities will include living history re-enactments; a 1st World War recruitment drive; guides dressed in period costume ready to talk to visitors about notable characters who lived in Great Torrington; a costumed bowls competition, talks and guided tours of the Rolle Canal and Tarka Valley Railway; displays and exhibitions; a costumed market day and an oral history project focussing on the town’s industrial history as a glovemaking centre. In addition, visitors will have free entry to Dartington Crystal’s Visitor Centre, which showcases the history of glass making in Great Torrington, and the Landmark Trust’s ‘Cawsey House’, an elegant late-Stuart townhouse, will be open to the public as part of Heritage Open Days 2022. A free shuttle bus will be running between the town centre and RHS Rosemoor, where the Wardour Garrison, a 17th century living history group, will be stationed for the weekend. Come and join us in September and experience some of the fascinating history Great Torrington has to offer!

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS The Welcome Back Fund

n June 2021 we were approached by Torridge District Council (TDC) in relation to a new government initiative called the Welcome Back Fund (WBF). Funding had been allocated to district councils by the Central Government for work to re-energise and boost the look and feel of local town centres and to provide initiatives to help the town centres ‘bounce back’ post Covid. TDC allocated our town council just over £18k for the purposes of the initiative. As you can imagine, there were quite specific rules about how the funding could be spent. At the July Council meeting an Events Working Group was set up for the purpose of establishing appropriate initiatives. The next nine months were very busy, as we endeavoured to make full use of the funding to benefit our town centre and members of the community alike. We arranged the following; • Reinstatement of hanging basket in the Pannier Market • Publicity posters for A Boards at Rosemoor • Schedule of summer street music – end of July to the end of September • Really Wild Learning children’s event and treasure trail • A Creative Arts Extravaganza October half-term event in the Pannier Market • A shuttle bus programme during the lead up to Christmas, servicing the town and local villages and all associated publicity costs • Purchase of publicity tote bags • Purchase of two new benches • Purchase of bunting

• Facilitation of a food, drink and craft fair on the 5th March; and various public opportunities in the Crier, Gazette and Devon Life Some of the above initiatives will continue going forward; The hanging baskets in the pannier market will be jointly supported by the Town Council and Rotary Torrington this summer.

Notice of Annual Council Meeting

Thursday 19th May 2022 Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Great Torrington Town Council will be held at Great Torrington Council Chamber, Castle Hill on Thursday 19th May 2022 at 7pm. We would be very pleased to see members of the community at this meeting. Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee C

We will have street music in the town and pannier market over the holiday period; continue with the A Boards at Rosemoor and other publicity options throughout the year. Members have also voted to support a second craft, food and drink fair next March following the overwhelming success of the inaugural event a couple of months ago. Tote bags are in circulation far and wide, bunting is up for all to see and the benches will be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike in the future. The Welcome Back Fund brought lots of challenges and hard work, but hopefully a lot has been learned throughout this time and there will be a longer-term impact the community as we have established longer term opportunities from lessons learned. A big thank you to all who have been involved in this work and helped along the way!

here will be a variety of commemorations and celebrations over the Platinum Jubilee long weekend, for the community to come together to celebrate HM The Queen’s historic reign of 70 years! Thursday 2nd June 2022 The Town Crier will make a Proclamation at 1pm in the town centre; the Town Crier to be accompanied by four pikemen all wearing 17th century period dress. This will be followed by a ‘family fun’ afternoon/evening organised by the Cavaliers. It will be held at the Old Bowling Green and will start at 2pm. The afternoon and evening will host activities for families including free kiddie fairground rides, bouncy castles, games and sports. There will be music from our town band as well as various acoustic sessions and a DJ. On top of this there will be a beer tent and BBQ! A fantastic family afternoon/evening which will culminate with a piper playing the nationally agreed tune of ‘Diu Regard’ at 9.09pm and the lighting of a beacon at 9.15pm followed by fireworks. Sunday 5th June 2022 The Town Council and Town Hall are organising a ‘Big Jubilee Community Picnic’ in the town centre on Sunday 5th June 2022, between 3-5pm, for the community to come together to continue with celebrations to mark the Queen’s historic reign.

Torrington Methodist Church

very Sunday, Morning Worship at 10.30am. Every Sunday, Evening Worship at 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail. com to request link. Treat yourself to our friendly and appetising ‘Bacon Buttie Coffee Mornings’, third Saturday monthly, 10am- 12pm. Our premises (incl. Wi-Fi, projector) are available to hire, please see the website or phone Sheila 01805 622949. Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon. EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street.

Celebrations

Picnics: bring your own food and drink to enjoy and we will provide the entertainment! We will have Rob Pudner and Friends, the Bluecoat School Choir and Torrington Silver Band: there will be magic tricks and circus skills at the tables, face painting and kids’ games as well as a ‘Best Crown’ competition! The event is completely free to all so please join us for a right royal ‘kneesup’ to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! If you’d like to help us decorate the tables for the picnic, we are looking for people to make paper flowers to go in jam jars: please see our website for links to some paper flower templates or give the Town Council a call and we can supply you with some instructions. Website: great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk/ Phone: 01805 626135

Property Market Musings

ouse prices are £27,000 higher than a year ago, Office for National Statistics (ONS) says. Even with Covid on the rise, the turmoil in Ukraine, the outpouring of offers of help for the refugees worldwide, not surprisingly Great Torrington and its surrounds have stepped up to the mark with countless offers of help, be it donating goods, driving goods to Poland and such like. As we know too well, energy prices have had knock on effects to our daily lives on energy, food, fuel and so on. So how has this affected the housing market? The property market is certainly showing signs of resilience as we close the first quarter of this year. The ONS quoted in its February Bulletin, recently published, that ‘house prices were £27,000 higher than they were a year ago. In national terms the average house is now £277,000 some 10.9% higher than the same time last year.’ This they have put down to property prices remaining elevated due to high demand and low supply, and they say, ‘it's unclear if a market slowdown is expected’. Build into this regional variations and the rises like we have seen in the South West, it is a complicated picture. The powerhouse that was London that has lain dormant for the last few years (7% growth last year) is showing positive returns to normal levels of activity. In March Rightmove said that there were twice as many buyers as properties available, and this is being born out around here, where often there are multiple offers being made on properties. As mentioned in last month’s report, it is not all ‘out of county’ buyers arriving to compete with the locals in the market either. In fact, most buyers currently are within the county itself, although the nearer the coast you get, this gap narrows. Base interest rates have risen, yet interestingly some five year fixed rates are now lower than two year fixed rates, so this gives a positive indication as to the long term future for mortgages, although with the ever rising cost of everything, it is hard to see this green shoot. Without doubt more property will soon come onto the market, be it rental or sale, and there will be more choice for buyers, so therefore the growth in prices could slow. As the saying goes, ‘the early bird gets the fattest worm’. Act now and secure a great buyer or tenant. Adrian Hardwick, Webbers

Torrington in Bloom

here is still an opportunity to enter our special competition to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the entry form is in this issue of the Crier. The closing date is the 31 May and it would be lovely to see our homes brightened up. Torridge District Council has taken back overall control of Rack Park, in that they will be cutting the grass and undertaking some maintenance. However, we shall still be renovating the flower beds, together with continued help from RHS Rosemoor apprentices. The council still has to remove a tree from the park; hopefully this will be done soonest. The Secret Memorial Garden and the Café Garden continues to look lovely and much progress is being made. There are hedgehogs in the Café Garden, too, which is wonderful! We are busy sowing seeds and taking cuttings to cut down on expenses and we would like to thank everyone who kindly donates plants for us to use in and around the town. We are going to make a start soon on tidying up the flowerbed by S&G Carpets. If anyone who lives nearby would like to help out, please feel free (there is a major problem with bindweed, so please don’t be afraid to pull it out as you see it growing!). Cherry Hammon

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Tilly Kimber (1934-2021)

illy Kimber was wellknown in and around Torrington. She taught music at local schools, ran choirs in the community, and played the organ at different churches. She was also known by the customers at her antique shops and by all the people whom she helped over the years. Matilda Campbell was born in Scotland at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Her younger sister, Jean, found it hard to say 'Matilda' and called her 'Pearl' instead, which was used by her birth family from then on. In the mid1930s the family moved to Essex for her father's work. During the war the family was very divided: her father stayed in Essex but her mother and the two little girls went back to Scotland where Tilly lived with her grandmother at her farm at Kirkintilloch, Jean went to live with an aunt, and their mother worked as a nurse in Glasgow. They hardly ever saw each other until they moved back to Essex in the early 1950s. Tilly and John were married for almost sixty-four years. When he first met her she was wearing a kilt and performing a dramatic sword dance accompanied by her father playing the bagpipes. When they and their family moved to North Devon in 1969 they lived at Greenways caravan park, which they had bought when on holiday there. After that they lived in a number of properties in the town and, for twenty years, out at Merton. Tilly's final years were spent in

New Street, with her son and two daughters and their families all living in the same street. Tilly was very grateful to have their help and support. Tilly could be quite diffident in manner but she possessed an inner strength and determination. After her husband and family, Tilly's main love was music. She studied Voice and Piano at the Royal Academy of Music after which she decided she wanted to become a teacher. Her first job was at Ardleigh Green Infant School in Hornchurch, Essex, which John had attended as a child. After the family moved to Devon, she taught at Bideford Grammar School and then at Great Torrington School and Holsworthy, where her productions of 'Oliver' were a great success. With her experience of teaching music in different schools, Tilly felt that the more able musicians had nowhere to perform, other than their own school stage, and that there was no event where they could learn from each other. Together with musical colleagues and friends, Tilly and John started a music and arts festival involving schools between Ilfracombe, Bude and Crediton. The first event was in Torrington Town Hall and the second one was the first to be held in the newly opened Plough Arts Centre. In later years, Tilly organised community singing groups and her daughters are carrying on this tradition with young people in schools and

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churches and at local events. After she retired from teaching, Tilly and John ran an antique shop in a series of premises in South Street, finishing up in the hall above the pannier market (formerly the public library). Their main aim was to raise funds for Little John's House, a children's home and summer school set up in Romania in 1994 by their daughter, Mags, with the support of family and friends, to help some of the thousands of forgotten children with disabilities that were living in very poor conditions in state homes and hospitals. The first child cared for by the charity was Lonuţ – Little John in English – and the organisation was named after him. Tilly and John moved back into Torrington from Merton in 2009 and, by the following year, Tilly realised her eye-sight was going and she had to give up driving. Macular degeneration was robbing her of her independence and ability to read books and musical scores. It was a devastating blow for her. I used to enjoy going to read and chat with Tilly each week, as she was a very knowledgeable person with a wide variety of interests, which included music, art, literature, poetry and history, particularly local history, and we always managed to have a laugh about something. Despite her own serious health problems, Tilly maintained her interest in and concern for other people. She died at home in July 2021 after a lengthy and painful battle with cancer, bravely endured. She had lived a long, active, worthwhile and happy life. May she rest in peace. Moira Brewer

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Buckland Brewer Methodist Church Events

* 'Time Together' Toddler and Baby Group at 9.30am on Mondays at Buckland Brewer Methodist Chapel during term time. £1.50 per family - all are welcome * Community Coffee Morning at Buckland Brewer Methodist Chapel from 10am-12pm every Wednesday. All are invited, but especially those who have recently moved into the community and would like to meet others. * On Thursday 12th May at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church there is a FREE taster session of Toddler’s Tune Time from 9.30am-10.15am. This is Buckland's version of ‘Music Makers’ and this free session is to see if families in the Buckland and surrounding area would like to become a regular session. If it does, it would be on a Thursday at a cost of £2. Details for these events from Dave Watson - 01237 451437 or 07484 223 515 email:bucklanddave1953@ btinternet.com

Buckland Brewer Safari Lunch

uckland Brewer’s popular Safari Lunch is back this year, on Sunday 15th May. We offer a starter and main course in the Village Hall, desserts in the Methodist Chapel and cheese and biscuits in the Church. It is a fun, sociable event and coincides with the second day of our great plant sale. £10 per adult, £5 for primary age children and under 5s are free. Contact Betty Banks on 01247 451132 to book.

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Mayor’s Diary

Another hectic month has passed. Helen and I have represented the Town at many civic events, including church services for the Chairs of North Devon District Council and Torridge District Council. We enjoyed a trip to Bideford to watch their Regatta and on 10th September watched the spectacular Bideford Massed Pipes and Drums, with visiting bands coming from all over the UK. Barnstaple Fair is always a wellsupported day, with all the “Chain Gang” out in force to celebrate the tradition of the Fair. The weather was kind as we walked around town, whilst the declaration of the opening of the Fair was read. Immediately after the formal part of the proceedings had finished, we dashed down to Newquay. It was time for Helen to put on a ‘posh frock’ for a reception celebrating the ‘South West in Bloom’ competition. We still had to wait until the following day to hear the results, and were proud and delighted when it was announced that the Torrington in Bloom team had won a Silver Gilt (last year it was silver). Thank you to the committee, traders and individuals who work so hard to enhance our surroundings in Great Torrington. We will soon have the opportunity of meeting the judges to find out how we can do even better – our next challenge is GOLD!! Our last out-of-town engagement

was at Hatherleigh Communit to see many of their residents Community Awards. This is s the awards we have in To which recognise people wh made a difference to their town It was lovely to at last welco be involved with, the Indu Father Lawrence MacLean. W he and his family will be very our town, and the Church Fe Vicarage was a good opportun all to meet them. The Co-op and Town arranged a Harvest Festiva Pannier Market on the 11th September. This was the first one organised and I think it will become a regular event on the Torrington calendar. Finally, we tried to attend Macmillan coffee mornings as and in fact ended up going This is a wonderful charity an surprising that it’s so well su After all those coffees we we Soap Kitchen shop to see Le Richard Phillips who celebra years of business on 30th Se Congratulations to you both. I look forward to hearing fro you have an event or anniver want to tell me about – just 01805 625662, or our s Pauline at the Council offices o 626135. Councillor Richard R Tow

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

ith the escalating cost of living and many more people being affected by the latest Covid-19 virus, surely there can be no more appropriate time to invest in our health and reduce the cost of doing so by joining OWBG? Buying organic wholefoods once a month means you save 25% on retail prices and avoid dashing about all over the place to shop – surely a consideration for us all with big rises in fuel costs? Most new members start by ordering the basics that they use regularly and are familiar with, gradually building up reserves and also sharing a few other items with other members. A share can be just one jar of something if you wish. So the scheme is practical for everyone, whether a large family, a single mum, or indeed a single household of any kind. We have a 'buddy scheme' too, whereby members can see who else is ordering each month and help each other out when it comes to collections. You can see exactly how it all works on our website, details of which are below and naturally, everyone is most welcome. Wellbeing Tip: Pomegranate juice We tend to think of green juices as being the most cleansing, but did you know that pomegranate juice is right up there with the green juices? New research shows that this astringent juice can actually clean up arterial plaque and, of course, the research details how it does this in seven different ways, even including the reduction of cardiac enlargement and ECG abnormalities. When we drink pomegranate juice, the

astringency gives us that zingy mouth cleaning effect and, as the mucous membranes in our mouths are the same type as in our blood vessels, it's easy to understand how this benefit works especially well on the cells lining the blood vessels too. Pomegranate juice is full of anti-oxidants, high in vitamin C and is anti-inflammatory and therefore helpful for inflammatory digestive conditions. It is also currently being studied for its anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis, rheumatoid conditions and osteoporosis. 100% pure organic pomegranate juice is available to order through OWBG in two sizes, either one litre bottles in a case of six priced £22.44, so £3.74 per litre rather than £4.99 in shops, or in 200ml bottles in a case of six priced £8.46, so £1.41 per bottle, rather than £1.88 in the shops. Other members do order it quite regularly, so it's an item that is likely to be easy to share with others. It looks pretty, is delicious and mixes well with other juices - a little does you good. Upcoming grocery final order dates: 12th May, 9th June How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website! What does membership cost? Free What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307/email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG website: owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group & Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing Email: owbg@protonmail.com www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

e managed to hold a very successful and most enjoyable bring and share in the Taddiport Village Hall on the 19th March. The event was attended by 15 members, who prepared a variety of French dishes for our pleasure. We held a raffle and a quiz during the relaxed and lengthy meal (French style). As previously mentioned, our group has decided to hold a taster pétanque session at the Castle Community Centre main garden, originally planned for Sunday 24th April, but will now take place on Sunday 1st May, commencing at midday and probably finishing around 4pm, subject to weather of course. Our aim is to hold a monthly pétanque event, starting sometime in the summer and this taster session is to gather interest and of course have fun. The above pétanque events are open to everyone (members and non-members) and all we ask is that each person contributes £5 on the day. The boules will be provided by our group, so come along, bring a picnic and enjoy this fun game. We are always keen to welcome new members and currently have over 31. Age is no barrier, as we have members ranging from 11 years and upwards; you don't have to be able to speak French and you don’t have to be in a position to host a Roscoff family in your home. If you are interested in joining us, please contact: Antony Jefferies (Secretary) 01271 549454, or Nick Roberts (Chairman) 01805 625765. Nick Roberts

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Torrington RFC

ack to back wins gave Torrington a much-needed boost to morale in what are our last games of this season. After a sound beating, 55-0 at South Molton, we should have travelled to Tamar Saracens. However this wasn’t to be, as a severe lack of players - through a combination of injures, illness and non-availability - meant we couldn’t put enough players together to form a viable squad. Welcoming back our Head Coach, Zerren Bell, training numbers improved greatly and a strong squad was set to welcome Totnes to Donnacroft. In what became a welcome victory, Torrie played their socks off to hand out a convincing 39-7 win. Welcoming back Shane Roach to the side, he scored a quick brace of tries and regular Billy Cockwill ran almost the full length of the pitch to score his stand-out moment. Sound kicking from Ollie Webb kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely. Off on our travels again saw a full squad go to Buckfastleigh. A tight game saw Torrington pull ahead in the last quarter to come away victorious 24-27. This, sadly, was our last competitive league game as our opponents in the last game of the season Dartmouth, who have struggled all season fulfilling their fixtures, saw them withdrawing from the league to regroup and

hopefully come back fighting soon. We wish them all the best for their future, as we could have quite easily been in their shoes. Our last home fixture was the 23rd April, opposition yet to be confirmed at the time of writing. The 30th April will see our presentation night happening. This is long overdue as lockdown caused the postponement for two years and a great many trophies have been retained for too long. It’s time to find them new and deserved holders. Our AGM is to be held in June, with positions being vacated, primarily the Chairman’s seat as our current Chair, Phil Hearn, is stepping down after a very successful tenure to concentrate on his own business. We are also seeking several other posts as others step aside. If you think you can help out in any capacity please do attend, even if you’ve never visited before. You’ll find a warm welcome awaits you. As always our clubhouse is available for hire for meetings, weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs etc. We can be found at TRFC1985@ outlook.com. Respect, Sportsmanship, Enjoyment, Discipline & Teamwork. C’mon Torrie! Mark Waterson

Friends of Great Torrington Library – Notice of AGM

he Friends of Great Torrington Library are holding their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 9th June at 2pm, in the Council Chamber in the Castle Hill building adjacent to South Street Car Park. The Friends are pleased to welcome as their guest Alex Kittow, who is the Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited, the organisation which is responsible for the operation of our library. Mr Kittow has worked for several charities in the past, many of them international, as well as for the Ministry of Defence. On a more local level he was the Chief Executive of the Southmead Development Trust in Bristol. In his role as CEO of Libraries Unlimited he is responsible for the dayto-day running of the organisation and driving the charity’s next phase of growth and expansion, so if you are interested in the future development of Torrington Library, and what up-coming plans might be in store for us, then we invite you to come along.

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Joining Hands

I’m newly come to your country, From my war torn, ravaged home, I fled along with my little children Leaving my parents all alone. But I think of my husband constantly Praying he is safe and well, And even though displaced I’m grateful To have escaped a living hell. But everything is so strange here And your language I must learn To talk to my new friends in their native tongue, So I can thank them for their concern. And we are grateful to every country Who has taken refugees in We were caught up in a revolution We committed no evil deed or sin. And as I walk the streets of my new found home Instead of my city in Ukraine, My thoughts will be of my fellow countrymen Who have lost loved ones, or are in pain, Please let us learn to live in peace, Then there will be no need to flee from strife But in the meantime let’s join hands together And give thanks for the gift of life. Stephanie Easton

Tales from the Archives Episode 2. Torrington Charity - Late Victorian Style!

elcome to the second article in a series highlighting discoveries made in the Great Torrington Museum (your museum!) archives. As the archivist, I am overseeing this work but, like all of the museum’s trustees, we are merely custodians for the town’s history. An early discovery was the Town and Alms Lands Minute Book of requests for information, assistance and payments from the Town and Alms Lands charity in the late Victorian era. This particular book contains records for the years 1888–1896, Town and Alms Lands now being known as Great Torrington Town and Lands. Below is a very small sample of the information that can be obtained from accessing these records. Complaints to Landlord – 17th September 1888 “the premises at the bottom of Well Street leased to Michael Beer and Edmund Tanton and occupied by Mr John Lock being in a bad state of repair”. Towns and Alms Lands recorded that this had been considered and the decision was that “notice be given to the lessees to put the above premises in proper repair”. In other words, sort it out yourself! Rental Costs – 29th August 1890 It was recorded that “premises in South Street adjoining the market in the occupation of Mr Henry Slee in reference to which a negotiation has been pending and for which Mr Slee has offered a ground rent of £10 per annum”. If only Torrington properties were that cheap to rent now! The same record goes on to explain that “Mr Slee has made considerable outlay upon and greatly improved the property”. This sounds like an example of justification for a rent reduction. Charity at work – 26th July 1895 “The Chairman reported that £30 had been given by the Joint Body on the 6th July and £25 on the 15th July towards cutting new paths and cleaning out quarries on the commons so giving work to the men out work”. Perhaps this could be an early example of social security. It’s clear from these records that whilst the examples given are very limited, there was a great deal of involvement with aspects of everyday life for this charity and late Victorian Torritonians. This particular minute book has hundreds of entries for what is a very small period of time. Please feel free to contact the museum if you would like to find out more. The Archivist, Great Torrington Museum

The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a pair of Ripcurl sunglasses from A & J Opticians. Please send completed crossword with contact details, to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner of last issue’s prize is Andrew Davey. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 12th May and the solution and winner will be in the June issue.

It's been two years since lockdown started and at A&J Opticians we are slowly catching with our patient backlog. We would like to remind you that if you are due, and you have not yet been recalled, have an underlying ocular condition such as Glaucoma or you are having problems, please contact us and we will make an appointment as soon as possible. Whilst our day-to-day living has changed, we too have made some exciting changes to our practice. We welcome Claire Francis to our team, who joins us as an Audiologist. We spent many months looking for a company who could meet our high standards of practice and offer hearing care services. In the end ‘The Hearing Care Partnership’ was chosen and so far, we have had wonderful reviews from our patients. We have had our new OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanner installed. This allows us to take a scan of your eye and look at the different layers of your retina. We can even see what is going on between the layers, helping us diagnose and monitor diseases such as Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy to name but a few. As opticians we believe that this is such an important breakthrough in helping us to offer the best possible care, we advise all our patients over 50 to consider having this scan. At present, the NHS does not cover the cost of this service and therefore a charge of £35 is payable should you decide to have it. Happy May Fair!

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Huntshaw’s Historic Bells See the Light of Day!

For the first time in 500 years! or over a year the ‘Friends of Huntshaw Bells’ have been raising money through grants, sponsorship and events and have so far raised £17k. There is a long way to go to reach the full £30k needed, but last month saw a big step on the way. Taylors of Loughborough (the Bell Founders) had a free slot in their work schedule due to a cancellation, they were able to come down and remove the bells, over a three-day period, as a first step. The tower, in its present form, was added to church in 1439, with three bells sitting on a framework of oak trusses; but over the centuries, with decay in some of the trusses, the bells have been sinking under their own weight making them unringable for the past 20 years. As well as needing attention with new fittings and bearings etc., plus one of them needs specialist welding as it is cracked. The earliest bell, the tenor, dates from 1505 and was cast by Thomas Gefferies in Bristol, and this will be the first time it has seen daylight in 500 years! The other two are more local, one being cast in Exeter in 1665 and the other in 1634 by ‘WK’ in Barnstaple: this one is believed to be only one of eight known to exist in the country. We still have some grant applications lodged which we hope will come to fruition soon, but our next event is ‘The Art and Science of Bells and Bell Ringing’ on Saturday 14th May 2.30pm with Ian Campbell. Entry is free but donations are welcome. Ian will bring an 8ft high bell stand and large bell into the church to demonstrate ringing in the ‘up’ position and when down. He will also bring a set of hand bells and volunteers to demonstrate change ringing; with his laptop connected to speakers he will demonstrate the ‘Magic of Bells’. Ian says his talk will be more like entertainment than a talk and afterwards everybody will have a chance

Fleur’s Gardening Forum Save money in the Garden!

e gardeners are pretty good at making the most of a good deal, so I hope I’m not teaching Granny to suck too many eggs! The best way to save money in the garden is to grow as much as you can from seed, many of the hardy annuals and vegetables that we grow can be sown directly into the soil, either in a nursery bed or in situ where they are to grow to maturity, especially during May when ground temperatures are rising and the risk of frost diminishing. To create a nursery bed, choose a sunny, sheltered area, which can be quite small. Dig the area thoroughly and rake until a really fine tilth is obtained, then sow your seeds in neat rows – not forgetting to label the rows so you remember what you’ve sown where! Once the seedlings are growing away strongly, then you can transplant them into their final growing positions. Hardy vegetables and plants can all be started in nursery beds. Another way of saving money is to make a beeline for the reduced trolley at the garden centre or supermarket. Don’t be afraid to purchase what appears to be a plant that is past its best; with a bit of TLC you can quite easily revive it and possibly get cuttings from it as it regrows. Frequently, such pots are greatly reduced. Have a good look at larger potted plants to see if you can divide them. A single plant can cost £20 in a two litre pot but if you can divide it into several separate sections, you can save a considerable amount and perhaps share the costs with a friend! Bedding plants are always expensive so be careful not to plant them out too early, they will suffer from being forced in the greenhouse and not hardened off. Give them a chance by leaving them in the pots for a few days before planting in their final positions. Tender perennials such Fuschias, Pelargoniums, Osteospernums and Salvias can be over-wintered in a cool, frost-free environment. Check them regularly and don’t let them dry out completely. The following spring, begin watering and as the new growth starts, you can take cuttings and thus increase your stock without having to buy more plants! Half-hardy vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc., do need to be sown under cover (a sunny windowsill is ideal) and you can use old plastic fruit containers/trays to grow them in. All you need to buy is some good quality seed compost. Lastly, shop at your local car boot or bring and buy, because you can often get really good bargains at such venues and, of course, plant catalogues at this time of year are often desperate to dispose of left over plants and bulbs! Fleur to try to ring the bell. Whilst this is happening there will be cream teas (with pink bubbly); Devon Guild of Ringers displays; models to view and activities for the children with some small prizes; a bell-shaped cake raffle and a ‘guess the weight’ of a hand bell (the hand bell being the noisy prize!). In renovating we also found a pristine 600-year-old hand-made nail in the bell chamber, so at about 4pm we’re going to hold an auction for it – just for fun!

(It will be framed and with certificate of provenance.) Further ahead, on the afternoon of Sunday 17th July we are holding a ‘Walking Treasure Hunt’ of about three to five miles, ending at the church with a beer and burger BBQ! For further info, or to become a sponsor, contact rsears2017@gmail. com. Richard Sears

Torrington in Bloom Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 We have not run our Best Garden competition for several years now, mainly due to Covid and before that, logistical reasons. Anyway, our committee is agreed that a special, one-off competition should be held to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. To make things more straightforward, we are limiting the competition to the best window-box, hanging basket and container display for front of houses only. Businesses can also enter but under the same criteria. The main rule will be that it must be able to be seen from the pavement or your driveway/garden gate. You can have just window boxes or baskets, or containers of any size and shape, or a mixture of all three. Let’s brighten up our lovely town this year with lovely displays of jewel colours, especially considering what we have all been through over the past two years and the crisis in Ukraine. The closing date for entries will be the 31st May. An entry form is set out below which please detach and leave at either Whiskers Pet Centre of Duffy’s Home Hardware. Judging date is the 29th June and our judge has just been confirmed as Geraldine King from RHS Garden Rosemoor.

Torrington in Bloom Competition Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 Name:………………………………………………………………………... Address (please include post code):…………………………………………………………………………… ...............................………………………………………………………………………………………………… …….............................................. Tel. No:……………………………….......................................................

Entries can be left at Duffy’s Home Hardware or Whiskers Pet Centre by 31st May. Judging will be held on Wednesday 29th June. Any queries, please contact Cherry Hammon on 01805 625788 or c.hammon2021@gmail.com

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LOGS FOR SALE Tel: 07971533 235 An Open Air Theatre Festival and a World Premiere!

hy not create some lasting memories of high quality Open Air Theatre – before winter sets in? We have 45 world class performances, by 17 diverse theatre companies, at 13 beautiful venues across North Devon from 27th May until the end of August. Enjoy free access two hours before 7pm shows (one hour before earlier shows), with pre-show workshops for 6-11 years for some performances. See our diary or website for more details! May is looking like a mega-month for all you music lovers; enjoy intimate Gallery gigs from Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern or Mariners Away, or let your hair down with auditorium sounds from Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, Soul Intention and Ma Bessie & her Pigfoot Band. If you’re in need of the ‘best medicine’ then Comedian Andy Parsons joins us with his aptly named show ‘Healing the Nation’. Andy’s enjoyed huge success as a writer and performer on television, radio and the live comedy stage, including a series regular on the award-winning Mock The Week (BBC 2). We have exhibitions from talented GTS and Bluecoats students in both the Gallery and the Café area respectively. Lesley Kerman’s paintings of the River Exe ‘Up River’ will also grace our Gallery, with our Artist’s Wall featuring the work of Julie Lewis Carpenter. Charlie’s@ThePlough will be serving up a delicious menu (as always!) if you fancy a bite after all that art appreciation! The Plough has been awarded funding to allow the Plough's youth group ‘Plough The Future’ to programme events celebrating the Queen's Jubilee year. We are also going to be organising some Jubilee walks along the Torridge with schools as well as the general public. For all you film buffs, we have an exciting line up including ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’, ‘CODA’, ‘The Worst Person in the World’, ‘Downton Abbey 2’ and a Satellite Screening of NTLive: ‘Straight Line Crazy’. Finally, we very proudly announce that The Plough will be co-producing the World Premiere of Olivier Award-Winning playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s new play, ‘Edie’s War’. Based on the diaries of local lass Edie Appleton, OBE, it tells her very personal story of caring for soldiers on WW1 frontline, along with an elite group of fellow nurses. We anticipate this production will be just the beginning for what is an extremely moving masterpiece – and it’s happening right here in Great Torrington! We recommend early booking for this June production, suitable for ages 11+. See our Crier diary for dates, or check out our website at www. theploughartscentre.org.uk for more details, or contact our Box Office on 01805 624624. Your Plough Arts Centre

MAY Events AT THE PLOUGH Sun 1 May 3pm Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12A) £5 7pm Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Tuesday 3 May 10-30am-12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 1.30pm – 2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 8pm Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Wed 4 May 2pm CODA (12A) £5 8pm CODA (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Until Sat 14 May Exhibition - Gallery & Artist’s Wall GTS & Bluecoats Students' Art Free Thurs 5 May 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, River & Prison at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 8pm Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters 8.15pm A Gallery Gig Tony McManus & Julia Toaspern £14 advance/£16 on the night Fri 6 May 10.30am & 1.30pm Live Theatre ‘Angel of Awakening’ with Rosamund Clare £8 (£7 Supporters, £5 school groups) 8pm Live Music Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion £12 (£10 Supporters) Sat 7 May 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2 8pm Standing Gig + balcony seating with space to dance Soul Intention £10 (£8 Supporters)

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Tuesday 10 May 10-30am – 12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 1.30-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 8pm Belfast (PG) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Wed 11 May 1pm Belfast (PG) £5 Thurs 12 May 2pm The Worst Person in the World (15) £5 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothels at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 8pm The Worst Person in the World (15) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2 Fri 13 May 2pm Operation Mincemeat (12A) £5 8pm Operation Mincemeat (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Sat 14 & Sun 15 May 10am-4pm Stone Carving 2-day Workshop at ThePlough@StAnne’s £110 + £40 all tools provided. Sat 14 May 8pm Live Music Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman all tickets £16 Sun 15 May 5pm & 7pm Operation Mincemeat (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Tuesday 17 May 10-30am-12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 1.30-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 8pm Paris, 13th District (18) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Wed 18 May 2pm Operation Mincemeat (12A) £5

7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Torrington Town at The Plough Arts Centre £12 8pm Live Comedy Andy Parsons: Healing The Nation all tickets £16.50 Thurs 19 May 2pm Paris, 13th District (18) £5 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, Workhouse Tales at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12 7:30pm Workshop Deep Rest Healing Meditation at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £15 8pm Operation Mincemeat (12A) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Fri 20 May 2pm Downton Abbey 2 (PG) £5 8.15pm A Gallery Gig Mariners Away £7 (£6 Supporters) Sat 21 May to Sat 18 Jun Gallery Exhibition Lesley Kerman - Up River. Preview: Fri 20 May, 6pm, free Artist’s Wall Exhibition Julie Lewis Carpenter. Preview: Fri 20 May, 6pm free Sat 21 May 10am-5pm Workshop Round Rush Basket Workshop. Tutor: Jane Welsh £60 All materials and tools supplied. 10am-4pm Workshop Learn to Meditate. Tutor: Sarah Ward of Sirona Soul Healing £45 5pm & 8pm True Things (15) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Sun 22 May 4pm & 7pm Downton Abbey 2 PG £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Tuesday 24 May 10-30am-12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 1.30-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 8pm Downton Abbey 2 PG £7.50/£6.50

Supporters Wed 25 May 2pm Downton Abbey 2 PG £5 8pm The Outfit (15) £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Thurs 26 May 2pm Downton Abbey 2 PG £5 7pm NTLive Straight Line Crazy £12/£10 Supporters 7.30pm Walk Haunted History Tour: Instow, at the Instow Signal Box £12 7.30pm Workshop Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s £2 Fri 27 May 7pm Open Air Theatre Ha-hum-ah Theatre ‘Superstition Mountain’ 12yrs+ at Castle Hill Gardens (at The Plough Arts Centre if very wet!) £13/11/10 Sat 28 May 8.30pm Live Music Ma Bessie & Her Pigfoot Band (after hot buffet served in the theatre from 6.30pm) all tickets £15 (+ £12 for 2 x delicious courses) Sun 29 May 4pm & 7pm Downton Abbey 2 PG £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Mon 30 May 5pm Open Air Theatre Illyria’s Peter Pan at Tapeley Park £13/11/10 (+ drama workshop 6-11yrs at 3-4.30pm £5) Tuesday 31 May 10-30am – 12.30pm Plough Prism an exciting weekly drama workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 1.30-2.30pm Motion Dance an enjoyable weekly dance and movement workshop for adults with additional needs with the support of their carers £3.50 2pm Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Relaxed Screening) (PG) £5 8pm Downton Abbey 2 PG £7.50/£6.50 Supporters Check out our website at www. theploughartscentre.org.uk for more details, or contact our Box Office on 01805 624624.

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From Your District Councillors…

t the MarchCaruso Community and Enrico th Resources committee meeting, (25 February Year 10 1873 have –been we nd received a report about the asked to write a perAugust 1921) 2 process of Section 106 agreements, suasive review about a Part 2 as previously councillors had said What a great shame there are for no festival they had neverfair beenor consulted on digital mastered recordingsassessment. of Caruso. their GCSE English them (planning obligations/payments One cannot imagine how wonderful his Here isbyCharlotte’s made a developertimely towardsreminder specific voice was. of one such fair we should treasure. facilities/infrastructure to benefit the Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching local It was discovered from community). 1895 to 1920, included 863 Sending Out a Maydaycases where that historically there appearances at were the New York For Spring ifMetropolitan theOur planning officer saw a policy OperaFair before he died of we project allow Torrington’s tradition to compliant onage which the section anCan infection at the of 48. His fame dwindle? 106 they would has could lastedbe tospent, the present day, assign despite What picture comes and into your further mind this in the 106 agreement without the limited marketing promotional when you think of Torrington’s May Fair? discussion. avenues available to him. He was, For many it is thea image the nonetheless, clientofmade of maypole, Edward The process has been more laughter and sunshine; it would be Bernaysonduring the latter’s tenure as a robust; the planning forms, an difficult to imagine Torrington without it. press agent in the USA. Publicity in additional section has been added Yet today, our historic tradition is Caruso’s relied newspapers, which can time only filledon outallow with member under threat. It be is easy to particularly services, consultation and this has added the pressureswire of modern lifebeen tomagazines, photography andour the telephone. throughout several parts of the planning slowly strangle cultural Caruso’s biographers, Key, heritage. In this fastalso agebeofPierre process. There will a new sign Bruno Zirato and Stanley Jackson high-tech gadgetry, mass off role who will ensure that sufficient attribute his and fameoccurred. not instant only to his voice media consultation has and musicianship, but also to a keen gratification, there is little We have also allocatedtime the surplus business sense andmatters: an embrace of left for what really budget from last year: £12,000 granted community Today, more then in commerciallife. sound recordings, to Citizen’s Bureau; £36,000 than ever, Advice it Many is essential to its infancy. well-known opera for the hardship fund; £25,000 to Our keep our historic celebration alive. singers of Caruso’s time rejected the match-fund Local Government week of the annual festivity andfosters phonograph (gramophone) their Association’s £25,000, which will be friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voices have been lost as a result, link with our past. We cannot let this die. used to investigate further how Torridge other singers including Adelina Patti, As you walk the cobbled streets of our could become a housing Francesco Tamagno andsupplier Nellie Melba ancient town, breathe The again. £22,000 granted to antiquity. the ‘Highonce exploited theyou new technology May Fair links present-day Torrington Flow’ programme andofcommunity they became aware the success of with the past, transporting us to a bygone development. High flow is a new strategy Caruso’s recording sessions. era – when life was simpler. Caruso more that 260 extant forTorrington multiplemade organisations to annual work has hosted the May recordings in 1554. America for the Victor together when supporting individuals Fair since However, many Talking Company, (later RCA who are Machine in regular contact multiple celebrations in England havewith their origins Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he

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

through the village, a brightly-lit floats, inclu

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1st Torrington Scout Group 16

or the second half of the term the Scouts chose to start their DIY badge. For

th water, in eventhis earlier times: to the Roman Devonian dialect is unblock strung across the they were taught such as how isolate a drain November there will be a Ontothe 16 earned millions of dollars intasks royalties festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and square – Torrington is known as a andretail change a light We also learnt howattoBarnstaple check levels lunch inon aida car. of ACWW, from the sales of bulb. the resulting flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth friendly townwhere and simple this iscircuits no better The Scouts choose to do their electronics badge, the Associated Country Women of the 78rpm discs. then In Italy in 1902-1903, he is particularly relevant to us today, displayed than at the May Fair. In this era werefive made and mini-Wallace and Gromit chairs were created andWI raced across is a World, of which the nationally cut batches of records for the breathing new life into the winter of our of social isolation, the May Fair provides the week to Westward Ho! where member. widelyrock-pooling known, the G r aScout m o p hHall. o n eTheafollowing nd Typ e w r we i t e went r community. the medicineNot of friendship, inclusion and ACWW has representatives from many Company. He later heard live from and beach art was the topic. Finally, for our end of term meeting, we had a small Moreover, in keeping with the spirit of support. The fair encourages community nationalities; working of the stage ofmarshmallows the Metropolitan Opera fire, toasted learnt how to use safely. finish offrelief the for rejuvenation, children are theand focal point life as an theaxe young and To oldtowards join together poverty and health House in theMuch first public radio meeting, Easter eggs were hidden in the hut, forcommon them to sickness, find as What anpromoting Easter of the festivities. against Mr Gove’s the good. bettertreat. way is and advancing education. It’s down-tobroadcast in 1920. better wishes, Torrington’s schools are to bringcolony neighbours Beavers - after being closed for two yearsthere our beaver ran atogether? successful approach offersscience mutual support In the next will youofabout closed totrialissue allow full tell community People come from far and wide to four-week with aI wide range activities.earth We enjoyed games, andhad practical help to Fair. women and some of his operatic roles. participation. What couldwith befood. more enjoy the delights of May They also experiments and activities Everyone lots of fun and we look forward communities acrosswith the world. then good listening appealing than watching thegroup. crowning ofEaster bring them! The fair toUntil moving forward with the After we their will bemoney running every other week the May Queen? The procession of boys replenishes the coffers of the town – To find out about the ACWW and the Bob Dymond and will gradually build the colony up. and girls in brightly coloured costumes providing a Institutes welcome boost to the local Women's nationwide, visit HELP WANTED – Leaders, Assistant Leaders & Committee members would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, economy – such a help in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk Torrington W.I. 1st skipping Torrington Scout Group is looking to use join our committee skirts and the band blasting: the for individuals Businesses thehall carnival as W.I. an Any queries about Torrington Our Annual Meeting will take place and/or become leaders or assistant leaders.opportunity Committee to Members would helpwares. run maypole is ceremoniously woven. advertise their th ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on We are will on Wednesday 9 November. the hallasfrom bookings fundraising events.Charities A Beaver leader would keep thetins group Just the colours ontothe maypole also benefit: collection are 01805 623588. be electing a new running for so 6-8yrs and Fair assistant leaders and Scouts 10-14yrs intertwined, the May breaks down in Cubs soon 8-10yrs full to overflowing. President and If you social as it appeals Yet it istooften argued historic celsection would help barriers run a varied program. wish join or have that any questions, Great Torrington committee for the Jordon to our everyone. Choirs, dance ebrations arefor archaic and anachronistic. please contact Group Scout Leader Whitear more details via email following year, Town Hall Projectfestivities groups and majorettes all On the contrary, Torrington’s on Jordon.whitear@gmail.com. taking a alook back By thethe time reportIn appears in take to the stage: feast for revitalise old this traditions. the current all ears. we Local have the eyesat and climate of you apathy, and The Crier, will laziness have noticed are healthcare, happily indifference, the been May Fair experienced in theas; last year and then scaffolding has put lifts our spirits public bodiesdignitaries such police, pelted ineducation. the of stocks and and Torrington getting support, a sneak preview speakers up totransforms facilitate the repair into a vibrant housing and subjected to and duckings. community. booked forwas 2012. prizesThe will of the roof andDespite make thethe continual £50,000 alsoCups allocated to Mayor has awho lavish lunch, to development of modern and be awarded for those did best in building water-tight fortechnology Invite to Torrington WIcomputer Torridge’s economic development which many are invited. The increasing time spent at our optional monthly competitions, and the winter. It will be reserve, for use in improving education Members town crier be bellows as tea he screens, year’s record-breaking there will,and of course, time for enclosed last in waterproof and skills, possible progress towards proudly marches the streets turnout shows there is the still aworking place forarea live Wednesday 4th May and a natter. sheeting to protect an advanced technology bid for our of Being his predecessors and The Torrington entertainment. Given the choice of orrington WI members are rather nifty at getting through and to minimise any risk to the internal area. to join £20,000 from the Silver £15,000 Band pulsates like the beating playing invited a videotogame or ladies participating in join the of the business side of things, we will also fabric. At the same time, a series of heart of the community. the buzzWeare of the Giffard fair, I know which I would LGA, £15,000 from Petroc, and £15,000 WI be on installed, a garden to manage a bit of time to welcome Bob photoelectric panels will TheNorth grand finale Council, of the May Fairwill week choose… from Devon which visit to The Old Vicarage, West Anstey, Brewer, who will give us the low-down reduce running-costs, and perhaps is the carnival, a spectacle of light and Today, the new enemy of a large-scale be used in building the Northern Devon South Molton, EX36 3PE. The cost on the Cavaliers. provide an income for the project by sound. Fanciful floats journey through the town event is ‘Health and Safety’. isAs Investment We whilst startPlan. at 7pm in are the lined Methodist £5 percrowds person and cream are also selling surplus power toteas thebe National town the streets with huge gather, it could argued Cllr.cottle-hunkin@torridge.gov.uk, Church Hall, and prospective members Grid.thereatisthe available Meet there cheering children. In the packed town that a garden. danger of an us accident. 07495 367 801 are very welcome visit for Any Although this work isridiculous being carried from 2pm and contact Weare Giffard square, you have notochoice but free. to mingle Nowadays, with all the rules Councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk, new members paying their subs this out by the and make new friends. and regulations it 424945 is Trust, a struggle President onTownlands 01237 for payment more to 07936 month, get 14 months priceThe of will be taken funds set aside ‘Uz325 be909 plaised to for zeetheee!’ organise In this age for of details. Allanything. arefrom welcome. 12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome countless litigation, our town is in the project, which would havehall included

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An invitation to journey into the Exmoor landscape for a once in a lifetime experience! Saturday May 28th 2022 reen Space Dark Skies is an ambitious national project presented by Walk The Plank and Bideford-based Outdoor Arts company Red Herring is the local producer. Red Herring is inviting you to help make something amazing happen in a beautiful, secret location. By signing up, for free, you become a Lumenator. You will become part of making an extraordinary outdoor light-based artwork. An artwork where everyone who takes part carries a Geolight, specially designed low environmental impact lights, which will create magical patterns in the landscape at dusk. The artwork will be filmed and released nationally a few days later for all participants to watch. If you want to explore and celebrate our special wilderness and be part of something truly special happening across the UK, then take a journey with us on Exmoor. Only those who sign up to take part will be part of this amazing experience. Sign up here greenspacedarkskies. uk/events/england-exmoor-np/ Be part of something truly special happening across the UK! To keep up to date join our mailing list or follow Red Herring on Facebook or Instagram. www.facebook.com/ redherringprod; www.instagram. com/red.herringproductions; www. redherringproductions.co.uk.

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Mrs Sparrow’s Year 8 Worldviews class have been learning all about Fairtrade this term. They have written some letters to our Headteacher, Mr Bloodworth, with their ideas about how GTS could do more to support Fairtrade. Dear Mr Bloodworth, I have recently learnt about fairtrade in my Worldviews lessons in school and I am writing to you because I would like to raise your awareness of this important issue. Fairtrade is a system of trade with developing countries where farmers and producers receive fair pay and improved working conditions. In Britain there are now over four thousand products available under the Fairtrade label, for example chocolate, mangoes, bananas, footballs and clothing. The Fairtrade Premium is an important part of the system; this is extra money given to the community to benefit everyone. In Sialkot, which the city in Pakistan famous for handstitched footballs, it has been used to improve education and provide clean drinking water. In school there are many things that we could do to let others know about Fairtrade. For example, we could put up posters, include information in our morning notices and learn about it in a variety of lessons. I think that in school we should be encouraged to buy Fairtrade products in the canteen and to use Fairtrade footballs in PE and in our school matches. Thank you for reading my letter. Yours sincerely, Fraser Bowen (Year 8)

Dear Mr Bloodworth, Having recently found out about Fairtrade in my Worldviews lessons in school I would like us to raise awareness of this system within our school. Fairtrade is a system involving farmers and traders from less developed countries. It ensures that they get a fair price for the goods they are growing or manufacturing and have better living and working conditions. They will be able to work less hours, with proper equipment and a fairer wage, which will enable their children to go to school and receive an education as we all do. Children will not be forced to work due to poverty and farmers will receive a fair minimum price for their products which will give them a more stable income. There are many Fairtade products available that people can buy, over four thousand, in fact. And just to be clear, Fairtrade is not a charity. It is a system that allows hardworking people from poorer countries to be paid a fair price for luxury goods such as chocolate that they often cannot afford to eat themselves. Under this scheme workers get an amount of money called the Fairtrade Premium. This can be used for many necessary resources, such as tractors, training, safer drinking water or road improvements. In Sialkot it has been used to provide safe drinking water as so many people were becoming ill. They

also bought buses to help workers get to the factories, since they can no longer work from home to ensure that children are not working. I think that there are many things we can do in school to help Fairtrade, such as assemblies or having food sales. I would like to see us having a greater selection of Fairtrade ingredients in the canteen and also in our catering lessons. Thank you for reading this letter. I hope that you have learnt some useful things about Fairtrade. Yours sincerely, Thomas Green (Year 8)

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Year 8 scientists have been turning back time to explore the work of Gregor Mendel, a scientist, priest and abbot. Their task was to replicate the style of a 19th Century Monk scroll summarising the discoveries of the ‘father of genetics’ Gregor Mendel. The work was written on cartridge paper then artificially aged using tea staining and fraying of the edges. Here are examples from LexiLou Matthews, Tyler Goodman, Jessie Sylvester, Erin Donnellan and Poppy Foster Weir.

Tarka Valley Railway News

aster Saturday marked the official opening of the new shop and information centre. The ceremony was performed by Doug Smith, Mayor of Torrington. This

Hi, Fabulous Freddie checking in with all the K9Focus news. Well, April has been a much quieter month as we start to plan and organise all our fundraising events for the coming year. This year we will be holding no less than seven fun dog shows throughout the summer and autumn with the first one being held in conjunction with the Braunton Fair on 3rd June, which unusually is a Friday, but coincides with the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. The dog shows are only for fun and are a great way to socialise your dogs, especially if they have not had such an opportunity during the various lockdowns. We have lovely rosettes and a prize for the ‘Best in Show’ which is always so hard to pick. We will also be having a stall at the brilliant Bideford Bike Show on 29th May, certainly an event not to be missed. All the events are now showing on our website at www.k9focus.co.uk, so do check them out. While talking about the events we really do need some helpers for them and to help us raise the much-needed funds, so if you have a couple of hours to spare on any of the dates and can help, please do let us know. Your reward will be being able to cuddle me! We have not taken any new dogs in this month as sadly Cagney & Lacey are still looking for their forever home. I really don’t understand why these two have not been snapped up; I am told they are simply gorgeous and so well behaved. They love curling up together in their beds and while they do enjoy a bit of a mad five minutes, the rest of the time they are simply couch potatoes. They would love a retirement home and settee to curl up on and they promise they will be no trouble at all. During the month Aunty Lynne was asked to take in over 15 dogs, but sadly most of them had certain behaviour issues which make it very difficult to rehome them and, although most of these dogs can be trained and become suitable for rehoming, it does take a while. Sadly, there is neither the room nor the finances here at the centre. K9Focus is a member of the Association of Dogs & Cats Homes and it is apparent from discussions with other members that the situation regarding the number of dogs requiring a rescue space is the same throughout the country. Nearly all the rescues were stating that they are full and have very few dogs suitable to go into a home without training, resulting in a desperate shortage of rescue space. Thankfully I have my space here at K9Focus! I often sit in the compound giving Aunty Lynne a cuddle when she is feeling a little low about the situation – I do seem to be able to cheer her up but I know she is worried about the fate of some of these dogs. More kennels are needed but, of course, that means more money – a win on the lottery is definitely needed. Anyway on to brighter news. Mabel, who came to us as a stray, is doing really well in her home and according to her new family she is so very well behaved and a perfect addition to the home. She apparently loves to watch the TV curled up on the settee – now there is a dog that knows how to get her paws under the table!! That is about all the news this month so, as always, I will sign off with a big lick and a woof and hope to see you at our various shows. Freddie

represents another big step for TVR as we now have the space to fully display merchandise and information about the railway. Please pop in to see us - there is something for everyone. We were delighted to receive a cheque for £500 from Asda Bideford as a result of their online ‘green token’ charity scheme. A formal presentation by Peter Wilcox from Asda took place on 17th March. Many thanks go to everyone who cast their votes in our favour. A big well done goes to Bradley Lambert who was runner up in the young volunteer category at the Heritage Railway Association awards held on 19th March. Bradley is an engineering apprentice with GWR in Exeter and still finds the time to work on our 0-4-0 diesel loco ‘Progress’. In other news, work continues on replacing the old, worn out sleepers behind the Puffing Billy cafe. Despite completing the work, we still need to screw the ‘chairs’ into the new sleepers and stone up. We are still refurbishing the brake van and clay hood - let’s hope for a run of good weather to help us. The signal box site is still being cleared; our efforts recently revealed some of the old electrical fittings from the old box. Our Facebook page has weekly updates and photos; do please take a look when you can. Our new website now has historical information, videos and how you can get involved. It is well worth checking it out: wwwtarkavalleyrailway.org Robert Martin Tarka Valley Railway

Cottage Garden Delights

he Rosemoor 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 ‘Curly Sue’ (fringed, purple), ‘Elegant Lady’ (ivory, washed with pink), ‘Fancy Frills’ AGM (ivory and pink) and ‘Negrita’ (deep purple). Foxgloves are a cottage garden staple and there are now many cultivars in various colours available. Groups of Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' (creamy, yellowish-pink), D. purpurea ‘Pam’s Choice’ AGM and D. purpurea Excelsior Group (white, pink, cream or purple flowers) are planted wherever there is a space. These will combine with pale to mid-purple scented flowers of Hesperis matronalis (dame’s violet) to give a glorious mass of harmonious colours. Most cottage garden style plants are, by their nature, good for bees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies. Many have simple flowers, making the pollen and nectar easily accessible, including Doronicum, Veronica, Geranium, Rudbeckia and Campanula. Plant them in groups so that the insects can easily detect the colour and scent. Don’t forget moths; evening primrose, tobacco plant, honeysuckle and sweet rocket are all good night-time nectar providers. If you can attract night flying moths, then you might attract bats, especially if you can put up some bat boxes. Look for the RHS Plants for Pollinators logo when choosing what to grow. These insects are vital to gardeners but they are in serious decline and need all the help we can give. 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 (poppies are good for this) where they are naturally happiest. If you want plants a little out of the ordinary for your cottage garden, pop along to our Plant Heritage Spring Fair 7-8 May where nurseries not normally open to the public will have their treasures available to buy. Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Service Officer, image ©RHS/Jason Ingram

Rosemoor Live!

oin us for a fantastic line up of events in May, June and July. Evenings of live music and dancing, inspiring afternoon talks and book signings, and a science extravaganza for the whole family. Book now: rhs.org.uk/gardens/ rosemoor/whats-on/rosemoor-live • Ceilidh Night: Fri 13 May • 3 Daft Monkeys: Sat 14 May • Amanda Owen: Wed 18 May • T’Pau: Fri 20 May • Unbelievable Science: Sun 22 May • Alys Fowler: Thu 26 May • Showaddywaddy: Thu 30 Jun • The Fleetwood Mac Songbook: Sat 2 Jul • GK Gospel Choir: Sun 3 Jul • Jo Thompson: Wed 6 Jul • Musical Bingo: Fri 8 Jul • The South: Sat 9 Jul • Devon Opera: Wed 27 Jul • Plant Heritage Spring Fair Sat 7-Sun 8 May. The perfect weekend for keen gardeners and plant collectors. • May half term: The Power of Superbees Sat 28 May – Sun 5 June RHS Garden Rosemoor will be a hive of activity this half term. Learn how to encourage these fantastic pollinators into your garden and enjoy a garden trail, daily activities and giant performing bumble bees. For more information about events at RHS Garden Rosemoor, please visit our website: https://www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/rosemoor/whats-on

NEW PHONE NUMBER! 01805 624141 FOR FAST, FRIENDLY, LOCAL SERVICE CALL ROB ON 01805 624141 OR 07717 313194

Come and speak to Adam Leigh, our Designer