Great Torrington Bowling Club

Great Torrington was established in 1645 and is the oldest bowling club in Devon and the fourth oldest in England. We are a very friendly club and compete in the Devon County Section One (North Devon) leagues and competitions, as well as friendly matches against other local clubs and visiting clubs on tour.

We welcome new members and run a club night every Monday, starting at 6pm where friendly play with experienced members and coaching on how to play the game can be attained.

We also play short mat during the winter months indoors (October to March), both competitive in leagues and in club competition and roll-up matches internally.

Once a year we run a Charity Challenge day where we invite non-bowling clubs and organisations, or a group/ family of non-bowlers, to have a go and win some money for their charity. This is followed by an open-to-all day where people can try bowls.

If you are interested please contact one of the following, or come along to the club and see any of the members on a Monday evening:

Fred Niven (Chairman)

07748 142405

Elaine Clements (Captain)

07426 364027

Andrew Smith (Secretary) 07485 648704

Torrington & District Community News & Events

Contact us...

Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 07443 491 972

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, £26 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £51 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: The Joy family & Esther Williams

Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community

Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton

Read The Crier Online

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Torridge Vale Social Club

Families Welcome

Cash Bingo on Mondays • Darts • Pool

Skittles • Snooker • BT Sports & SKY

Large function room for parties/weddings

Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month

Plus other entertainment

Contact Sharon 01805 622543

Welcome to Great Torrington May Fair 2023

May Fair is without doubt the finest day in Great Torrington’s calendar.

Celebrated on the first Thursday in May, this year the date coincides with Star Wars Day, so:

‘May the 4th be with you!’

As always, the day will be filled with lots of events, like country and floral dancing, and the eagerly anticipated contribution from our very own Cavaliers.

Noon signals the moment the Silver Band strikes up with the familiar music, and our May Queen and entourage to make their way through the square and past the crowds who are eager to see the theme of the costumes for this year.

May Fair doesn’t organize itself. It relies on an army of volunteers who give selflessly of their time and experience to make this famous event possible.

They are not Droids or Wookies, but flesh and blood people, many of whom are known to you.

I want to express my personal sincere thanks to the May Fair and Carnival Committee for putting in so much time and effort to give us our special day.

Thanks also to the teachers at Bluecoats School who work with the children, teaching them to perform the traditional May Pole Dancing, and to our town traders who always ensure their shopfronts are so beautifully decorated.

Last, but by no means least, thank you ALL for always supporting Great Torrington May Fair. I know everyone will have a wonderful time, and, as always ‘Uz be Plaized to Zee Ee’.

Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

Torrington Arms

Open daily from 11am

Wednesday Curry Night 6-8pm • Sunday Roast 12-2pm

Takeaways Available

Function Room available for all occasions

SKY SPORTS • BT SPORT • RACING CHANNELS • POOL DARTS • LIVE MUSIC • QUIZ NIGHTS

For bookings please contact: 01805 622280 or via Facebook

May Fair Road Closures

Wednesday 3rd May from 6pm, Thursday 4th May all day, and Friday 5th May for the Round the Tree race. No road closures on Saturday 6th May as no official carnival. See elsewhere for alternative pavement carnival, arranged by Daren Nudds and Chris Tattersall.

Notice of the fair making its way through the town early on the morning of 30th April

Access needed through South Street including lower part, Castle Street and other roads in the town centre Please be mindful where you park your car, as there will be some large lorries moving through the town towards Barley Grove car park. The car park will be out of use for the week, to allow for the fair to take place.

May Fair Schedule 2023

Tuesday 2nd May

Window Spotting Competition. For all children up to 11 years of age. Organised by Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School

Wednesday 3rd May

• Rehearsal of May Pole and Crowning of the May Queen by Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School Years 5 & 6 at 6pm

• Opening of Rowlands Fair at 7pm by the Mayor

• Window Dressing organised by Great Torrington Chamber of Trade

Thursday 4th May – May Fair Day

• 8.45am Torrington Silver Band will play around the Town.

• 9am Bells from St. Michael and All Angels Church

Festivities & entertainment to be held in the Square

• 9.45-10am United Open Air Service

• 10.05-10.25am English Country

Dancing by Years 3 & 4 Children from Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School

• 10.30-11am Floral Dancing for ALL Year 2 starting and joined by Years 3 & 4

• 11.15-11.35am Littleham Howlers

• 11.40am Torrington Cavaliers

• 12 noon Proclamation of May Fair & Crowning of May Queen

• 1.15pm Lunch break

WHEELCHAIR USERS: Any wheelchair user/disabled person who wishes to come and see the May Fair celebrations is advised to be in the Square by no later than 10.15am. We do try and keep seats for disabled persons outside the Green Lantern, which are allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to Health & Safety Regulations it is very difficult to get wheelchair users/disabled persons in the Square after 10.15am.

Walking Carnival

This year’s Carnival, on the first Saturday in May, will be a fancy dress, Walking Pavement Carnival and is a FAMILY event! Please get behind the Walking Carnival and make it another great Torrie end to May Fair.

Registration is £1 per entry, at The Torrington Arms between 4pm and 6pm. Every individual/group entry will be given a passport which has to be stamped at each of our local pubs to show that you have completed the route. This is NOT a pub crawl and entrants are NOT required to have a drink (but plenty of drinks will be available for those who wish to imbibe).

Every pub will have sweets available as treats for the children. Judging will take place in Torrington Town Square at 7.30pm. Thanks to the lovely Jayne Wafforne from Whiskers, Declan Tattersall from Honey Wood Distillery, and Torrington Cavaliers for supporting this event. All registration fees, collections etc., will go to Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival, towards next year’s event. All participants take part at their own risk.

Parish Church May Fair Flowers

So come along and join in on the 6th May or if not, support those who do and make this a great event for all of Torrington.

Dazzy & Chris Tat

The church will be open between 10am and 5pm on May Fair Day and the following two days, for you to view a number of flower arrangements. Once again have not chosen a theme for the displays, but are leaving it to the arrangers to use their own discretion. We will hope to have information about many of the clubs and organisations, in and around Torrington. There will be the usual delicious refreshments on May Fair Day and light refreshments on the other two days.

Torridge Vale Social Club. Free Disco for everyone on May Fair Day from 1.30pm at the Club!

Great Torrington Town & Community Hall Important May Fair News!

It’s almost that time again, when our marvellous May Fair Celebrations take place. We are honoured that before the crowning of the May Fair Queen, the Town Hall will be the venue for dignitaries from around North Devon to meet and hold the formal part of the May Fair proceedings. Once all the VIP guests have left the building to join the Mayor in the square, it will be time for the Town Hall to start their own celebrations! The good news is we will be offering locally brewed cask ales and cider at the Town Hall Tavern in the Undercroft. Boom Tingz will also be there to serve their own food. We look forward to seeing everyone - more news and opening times for May Fair week will be on Facebook and posters.

Town Hall Community Awards

Evening 17th March 2023

The Trustees wish to thank so many people who made this evening such a wonderful success, including our staff and volunteers. We provided in-house catering which was appreciated by all our award winners and sponsors who were able to attend. We also welcomed our Mayor Cllr Doug Smith, who assisted with the presentations. The following sponsors helped us stage this very special evening, recognising unsung children and adults who do so much for Great Torrington: Berry’s Accountants, The Community Fund, Langden Estates, Pearce Construction, Tamar Trading, Torrington Town and Lands Charity, Torrington Dental Practice, Webbers

Estate Agency, and Torridge District Councillors.

Our winners, who were nominated by the local community in the adult category were: Debbie Veale, Denzil and Janet Daniel, Martyn Hoare, Morag Flower, Karen Chapman, and Val Knight. We also had a special runner up award for Gill Clayton. In the children’s category our delighted winners were Ethan Hare, Eashan Nijjar, Coral Guppy, and Tina Parkhouse. There were also two runner-up awards for Ruby and Jas. The Trustees also decided to have two special trustee awards for the Cavaliers and the Knit and Natter Group, for their important contribution to the Community. Well done to everybody involved.

Our recent Wedding Fayre attracted over 30 exhibitors from the local area and the feedback has been excellent. We were thrilled to be supporting Devon Air Ambulance who showcased some stunning dresses on the bridal cat-walk, and our thanks to Owen Boundy who worked his magic on the various models’ hair styles. A special mention also to Celia Lancaster, who was the main event organiser.

Town Hall Lunch Club - re-starting Thursday 27th April 12 to 2pm then every two weeks. Don’t miss out on great food, company and drinks available from our licensed bar.

Courses From Learn Devon in May Wednesday 10th May 6.30-8.30pm for

Still life Painting and Drawing. Ring Learn Devon 01237 472462 to register your interest and more information.

Torrington Memory Cafe

We are a friendly, sociable group that meets every second Thursday in the month. Our next meeting is Thursday 11th May. We meet in the Methodist Church from 10.30am until 12/12.30pm. We offer fun activities for members and respite for carers or loved ones.

We enjoy refreshments, games, reminiscences, entertainment and fun. Please come and see what we can offer.

For further information contact leader Lorraine 07377 363 477 or Secretary John 07986 586 799.

Delicacies from the South West

Local cheeses, organic olives, sourdough bread & bagels, pates, salami, crackers, honey & jams, teas & coffee, nut butters & so much more!

Shop 5, Torrington Pannier Market, Great Torrington

Triple J Construction

Triple J Construction

Library News

Mobile Library Consultation www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/consultations/mobile-libraries-consultation/

For Mobile Library customers: Devon County Council are consulting on a proposal to close Mobile Libraries.

This is a proposal, within the context of the financial challenges that Devon County Council currently faces, to end the current mobile library service delivered by Libraries Unlimited, and instead to seek and develop further alternative arrangements to ensure that people can continue to access and engage with their local library or library service.

Devon County Council would like to hear your views on the proposal by the 26th May 2023.

If you are unable to do this online, printed and large print copies will be available in the mobile libraries during this time.

If you have any questions please contact communitiesconsultation@devon.gov. uk or telephone 0345 155 1001.

Coronation Tea & Chat Tuesday 2nd May from 2-4pm

Drop by for tea (coffee), biscuits and chat ahead of the week’s main events, the coronation of King Charles III & Torrington May Fair. Share memories and memorabilia of events from the past, local and national.

Walk & Talk - Thursdays 10.30am

Join our regular Walk & Talk every Thursday for a gentle walk followed by a cuppa. New members are most welcome to join the group, please arrive a bit earlier to register in advance of your first walk.

We look forward to seeing you!

Bounce & Rhyme Storytime – Stay & Chat

Tuesdays (term-time only) 10.30-11am followed by Baby Self Weigh Tuesdays 11.30am-4pm.

One 2 One IT Support

If you have a tablet, laptop or smartphone you are struggling with, our volunteer Perry is here to offer support every other Thursday morning (by appointment only). Please call: 01805 622107 to book.

For up-to-date information on events listing please check us out on Facebook @ TorringtonLibraryDevon

We post on our page regularly, so it is a good place to find out what’s going on. Play our Lottery!

We’ve launched our own weekly lottery. Playing the weekly lottery will give you the chance to support your libraries to stay open and help support everyone, particularly through the cost-of-living crisis. Tickets for the lottery cost just £1 per week, with a top prize of £25,000 each week. There will also be regular additional lotteries such as shopping vouchers, food subscriptions, Christmas hampers. We will receive 50% of every ticket bought, with all proceeds going back into providing and expanding these critical services.

To sign up, visit www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/support-us/ Supporters must be aged 16 or over.

Please play responsibly, and good luck!

Please refer to our website: www.librariesunlimited.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services.

For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk or via our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001. Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity 1170092 Librariesunlimited.org.uk

Friends of Torrington Library

As you may be aware, the National Grid sponsored ‘Warm Hubs’ this winter, and Torrington’s ‘Meet up Mondays’, held in Torrington Library, officially finished on the 27th of March. However we have had so many people coming in to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a friendly chat, craft with Chris, sew with Susie, and especially drink lots of tea and coffee, which the Friends of Torrington Library decided to sponsor an additional week, April 3rd

Our numbers had been swelled, in part, because the Bickford Centre was closed for refurbishment. However it is due to reopen after Easter and we hope that our new friends will enjoy their freshly renovated space.

Our thanks go to Libraries Unlimited and our fantastic Librarians and their helpers.

Nonetheless, special thanks must go to the Co-op who have, once more, kindly donated tea, coffee, biscuits and also cakes for our final Monday meet up. The Co-op has helped the Friends with refreshments for so many events this year and we are also recipients of their Local Community Fund. They have been truly generous in all respects.

If you would like to become a Friend of Torrington Library, the group has its AGM on Thursday 1st June at 2pm in the Council Chamber, which is in the Castle Centre above the Library. The group always welcomes new members and innovative ideas are appreciated too.

Friends of Torrington Library

Buckland Brewer Plants for Sale

Saturday 13th May 10am-3pm

Village Green, EX39 5LP

Flowers ~ vegetables and much more, enquiries Daphne Schermuly 01237 451019, or Trevor Mills 01237 451314. Order forms email washhousebbb@aol. com

All proceeds to The Parish Church Roof Restoration Fund

Local Professional Qualified Counsellor

Face-to-face or online sessions available

Contact for more information

07467 702 605 www.birds-willowcounselling.com

Birds Willow Counselling

Birds Willow is a counselling service based in Great Torrington. I wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that has helped and supported me over the last year. It’s great to see local people supporting a local business.

Secondly, I wanted to introduce you to a service that I offer called ‘Single Session Therapy’. Not many people know about this type of therapy and assume that counselling involves many visits over weeks or months.

In certain circumstances one session is all that is needed. The intention is to ideally help you in literally one session. Having said this, there is an opportunity to have more if you feel you need them outside of this meeting.

Who would this benefit? You may feel that you don’t ‘need’ counselling but something doesn’t feel right or it can be useful if you have an important decision to make, wanting to talk it through with someone impartial and non-judgmental. It can also be a gentle introduction to counselling, if you are unsure or want to try. This brief therapy session works if you have an issue which could benefit focusing on a solution rather than the problem. It is a great tool to help those who suffer with anxiety, depression and could benefit from building on strengths rather than focusing on limitations.

If you would like more information please call 07467 702 605 or email admin@birds-willowcounselling.co.uk.

Hello from Hogwash

I’m Christine and I’ve run Hogwash Soap for 10 years, I thought I’d let you know what goes on here at Hogwash HQ… …Making and a whole lot more!

I make all the soap, bath bombs, creams and body washes, here in the back of the shop. Our soap is palm oil free and aimed at sensitive skin (like mine). The only ingredients in the soap are coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, essential oils. No colour, or any nasties. Apart from The Devon Honey and Oat soap, everything is vegan friendly. The other products are all vegan and natural.

Alongside the Hogwash goodies, we stock mainly hand-made products from North Devon, a lot of them made in Torrington. I believe it’s important that this small individual business supports other makers and small businesses. I like to be different, a bit quirky in fact!

My quirky shop is open three mornings a week, (at the moment), on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am-2pm. When we are closed its because I’m doing all the other business ‘stuff’: the legal stuff, the social media stuff , the money stuff, the designing, making wrapping and packing stuff. Our soap is also stocked at fantastic Torrington Refill Shop and I’m at Croyde Craft Market every Thursday in the summer from 10-4.

Over the past few months, I’ve been developing new soaps and bath bombs to add to our range, and am now happy to say that, after a lot of testing recipes, wasting a lot of ingredients, and sending them off to our very patient chemist, they are now all legally assessed and ready for sale. Come in and have a sniff!

If you order online you can pick up from here at your convenience too, www. hogwashsoap.co.uk If you would like Hogwash in your holiday accommodation or as wedding favours, just get in touch and we will be happy to help.

We have a few exciting plans and one is to run workshops in collaboration with other local businesses. Our first collaborative event is with Elska Yoga.

‘CREATE & BALANCE’ Sat 10th June 10am-1pm Castle Hill Community Hall CREATE and have fun with Hogwash Soap as I take you through the first part of the session. You will be making your own bath bombs using essential oils and botanicals. All materials are provided and you will have your own lovely pampering bath treats to take home for a relaxing bath treat.

Then BALANCE your mind and body with Helen from Elska Yoga. Using meditation, breath work and gentle movement to calm your mind and sooth your soul. The perfect way to relax on a Saturday and a great start to your weekend. Perfect workshop to do with a friend and have some time for you. Yummy cake and tea will be provided and no experience of yoga necessary. Contact Hogwash or book at www.elskayoga.co.uk £40.

So that’s Hogwash Soap. After 10 years I am glad to have finally got around to saying Hello!

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.

Greenways Valley Holiday Park

Great Torrington Seasonal Holiday Units Available

We are offering a seasonal (April to October) licence to occupy some of our units at a fixed price.

Imagine having your own holiday retreat to return to again and again, without the initial capital costs, maintenance costs, operating costs and the asset's residual loss when selling.

The season will run in line with the rest of the Park (April to October) in each year and the unit will be licenced to you for your use. It will not be let/rented/licenced to anyone else during that season.

We will still own the unit. We will insure the structure and maintain it in good condition. We will undertake Gas Safety and Electrical Checks as required (but not your portable appliances). The unit will have all fixed furniture including beds, tables, a cooker and hob etc. but the licensee will have to supply everything else. (Bed linen, towels, crockery, glassware, cutlery, small portable appliances, television, radio, vacuum cleaner etc.) The licensee will be responsible for insuring their own contents, as this will not be covered by the Park’s insurance policy. We will cover all standard maintenance issues.

In order to keep the base cost down, the occupiers will be responsible for the payment of bottled gas and individually metered electricity.

Occupation is suitable for four persons comfortably. The occupation is not limited to the Licensee as they can permit family and close friends to use the accommodation. However sub-letting will not be permitted.

Dogs and visitors are free of charge. One car may be parked adjacent to the unit, additional vehicles are upon request.

The idea of this proposal gives you the total flexibility to have a holiday home year-by-year without the long term commitment. It will also be a comfort to many in the knowledge that they can have the enjoyment of a UK holiday destination that is totally self-contained and that the use has been limited to their own family unit.

If this proposal is of interest to you, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can discuss it further.

Tel: 01805 622153 Email: enquiries@greenwaysvalley.co.uk

Exciting Changes at Tamar Trading Building Supplies

With the landscaping season now upon us, we have teamed up with suppliers of premium products such as Pavestone, Artificial Grass, Grange and Millboard, to offer a wide range of quality garden and landscaping products at competitive prices.

Porcelain slabs are now available from stock, alongside a range of sandstone and limestone paving, fencing panels and timbers, composts, grow bags, bark, and blended loam topsoils. As the premier distributer of Millboard for North Devon, we are also able to offer the world’s finest hand-moulded composite decking at attractive rates.

We are also in the process of completely updating our Kitchen and Bathroom Showroom, with products from new suppliers such as Merlyn Showering, Eco Bathroom Furniture, Roper Rhodes, QX Bathrooms, Highlife, and Fibo Shower Panels on display. Our showroom now hosts a large range of new display bathroom furniture, shower cubicles, baths, taps, tiles and shower panels. You will be spoilt for choice!

As an approved retailer of both Symphony Gallery and Milano kitchens, we are proud to offer a diverse range of kitchen furniture, from traditional Shaker and painted designs to more contemporary kitchens.

With so much to offer we would love to hear about your project. Please do come and visit us on Hatchmoor Industrial Estate.

Baby Development Classes

At Castle Community Centre Torrington

Tuesday Mornings

Busy Bees – 9.30-10.15am (babies 6mths-15mths)

Caterpillar Club 10.45-11.30am (babies 6wks-6mths)

Our baby development classes have lots of sensory lights and props, bespoke music, parachutes, a different theme every week and our gorgeous sensory caterpillar Cooper! All of our activities follow the EYFS and focus on parents’ wellbeing and bonding with your baby too.

We introduce Makaton signing and messy play to our Busy Bees and finish our Caterpillar Club with a gentle baby massage. There is availability to book a full term or payg spaces too.

Please contact me, details on the advert elsewhere on this page, if you need any more information. I look forward to welcoming you to Bloom!

Andrea

New Chiropractic Clinic Opening Soon!

Abrand-new Chiropractic Clinic is due to open here in Torrington very soon. Mike Belcher, an experienced Chiropractor, is setting up his practice at No. 2 Cornmarket Street (opposite the Opticians).

Mike graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic with Merits in 2016, and has been in practice ever since. Mike has seen and done most things Chiropractic, ranging from back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder problems, pregnancy related pelvic girdle pains, and various other ‘wild and wonderful’ ailments.

Mike said “My wife is a ‘Torringtonian’, and she helps to run Sandford’s Bakery with her family. I’m very fortunate to live here now (I am a Welshman!), I really love the community spirit of Torrington and I want to be able to help the people here. I want to be the most affordable chiropractor in the whole of North of Devon, and I want to help everybody I can. I like to use plain simple language to explain things, I don’t want to confuse anybody and above all I want people to understand what is going on with their body and why, and then help them to recover!”

No. 2 Cornmarket Street has been extensively refurbished since Mike has taken it on. Using local skilled tradesmen, it has been turned it into a welcoming and comfortable purpose-built place to be.

Once Mike has settled in, he plans to look for a complementary professional therapist to take on the upstairs room. If you are, for example, a practitioner of Reiki, a Podiatrist, Nutritionist, or other therapist, and you’re looking for a suitable space to rent, please get in touch.

Please see the advert elsewhere on this page for details.

Local Baby & Toddler Groups

Buckland Brewer 'Time Together' Toddler and Baby Group Mondays during term time at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church from 9.30am to 12noon. £1.50 per family. Dave Watson 07484 223 515

Coldridge Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am every Friday (except 1st Friday of the month) £2 per family.

High Bickington playgroup runs on Mondays 9.30-11am at High Bickington Community Centre. Cost: £2 families, £1 for singletons under 6 months. Petrockstowe Community Church Tea and Tots coffee morning, for mums, dads, grandparents, carers, babies and toddlers together for a drink and a chat. Every Monday 9.15-11am in the school room of the Chapel. Kate Cutter entertains with songs and stories. All welcome.

St Giles in the Wood ‘Cubs in the Wood’ playgroup for 0-4 year olds on Thursdays 9.30-11am at the Parish Hall £2.50.

Torrington Babies and Toddler Group at the Baptist Church, Thursday mornings term time only, 9.30-11.30am. £2 per family, which includes a cuppa for the parents/carers and a healthy snack for the children.

Castle Community Centre Tuesdays Busy Bees – 9.30-10.15am (babies 6mths-15mths) Caterpillar Club 10.4511.30am (babies 6wks-6mths)

Torrington Children’s Centre, ‘Noah’s Ark’ Fridays 9.15-10.45am, run by Grosvenor Church Tim Gilbert 07798 670 754

From Your County Councillor

This month we see not only the return of May Fair, but also the Coronation of His Majesty the King, and I would like to wish all readers of The Crier an enjoyable Coronation and May Fair Weekend.

I know many of the communities in Torrington Rural will be celebrating with their own events – let’s hope the weather holds out, and we’ll all be able to come together for what should be a happy time for our country.

I know a huge amount of work goes into organising and running May Fair, and a huge amount of voluntary effort is being put in for local Coronation celebrations too. I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the preparations – I, and many others, do appreciate the work that you do!

As ever this past month, one of the main issues coming into my email and phone inbox has been highways-related issues. I know we have had some big problems with potholes in some areas, but I hope readers of the Crier will find it useful to know that from January 1st to the 31st March this year (which was the peak period for the pothole backlog), a total of 16,572 safety defects were repaired all over Devon. As I’ve previously written, more gangs were deployed and we also saw the dragon patcher out and about in Torrington Rural as well.

I know it has been frustrating for residents when reporting a pothole, only to be told that the pothole didn’t meet the safety defect criteria. And yes, there may have been times when a mistake was made. But, of the 16,500 repairs carried out since the New Year, 7,603 additional safety defects were identified by Safety Inspectors when out inspecting the reports coming in from the public. So a further 7,500+ potholes got fixed, due to the inspectors finding them when out inspecting the road following reports from the public. While I know it has been a frustrating few months, I do have to reflect that when I first became a County Councillor the pothole reports actually went straight to the pothole gangs, and that they would only fill in the ones reported. So, if there was a road with 10 safety defects, you would have to put in 10 separate pothole reports. Now, all 10 should get marked up for repair through a single report.

To give you a further idea of context, in December, before the cold snap, 2431 potholes were repaired. In January that number leapt up to 7,376. In January 2022 (last year), the number of defects needing repair was 3,494. So the weather does have a big impact on the network.

It is due to the cold winter that we have seen pothole problems all over the Country. So, I was very pleased when the Chancellor announced additional capital funding for Highways, and that Devon has received over £9.4million of this funding – the highest amount for any other local authority in England. This will be used to fund further patching and resurfacing schemes, and I have already recommended several new sites to my Neighbourhood Highways Officer, including resurfacing repairs on the B3232 and B3227 in Torrington and High Bullen, and dragon patching on numerous rural roads in Langtree, Peters Marland, Buckland Filleigh, Roborough, St Giles in the Wood, Ashreigney, Winkleigh and many more places besides!

Aside from Highways, there are other developments going on. The Government has given outline approval for Devon to be part of a ‘Devolution Deal’ that could see the local authorities in Devon gain more powers to help tacking affordable housing problems, and improve public transport, connectivity and economic development. Crucially this will not involve the creation of an elected mayor, and we will continue with our existing democratic structures. Discussions on this are still ongoing, but I hope we will be able to see a significant windfall of additional funding and powers coming our way.

Lastly, DCC has announced another round of the ‘Growing Communities Fund’ which is designed for not-forprofit groups, charities, church/faith groups, schools and Town/Parish Councils to bid for projects. These can be anything from offering warm safe spaces to encouraging healthy activities and tackling loneliness and isolation. Typically grants range from £500 to £1,000, but for larger projects bids up to £3,000 will also be considered. More information can be found online herewww.devon.gov.uk/communities/growingcommunities-fund I hope to see many groups from Torrington Rural applying!

May I wish all readers an enjoyable May Fair and Coronation holiday. As ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to raise with me you can contact me on facebook.com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@ devon.gov.uk.

Torrington Open Gardens

2nd July 2023

Let’s get up to date as to how things are progressing on the Torrington Open Garden Day in July. I am very pleased to say we have a nice collection of gardens that will be open, as well as RHS Rosemoor, for the £5 each entrance fee (don’t forget all entrance money will go to the Bickford centre). We could possibly still squeeze in another one or two, so if you’re tempted to open your lovely garden please contact me (Stephen) on 07885 443236. In the meantime let us hope the sun will have his hat on in July.

We are trying to arrange for tickets to be on sale in advance in Torrington town itself, so will advise on this next month. As they say watch this space!

Dry Seasoned, Ready-to-Burn logs

Torrington in Bloom

Firstly, congratulations to Great Torrington Common Conservators for yet again winning a 5-star award in the Best Park category of South West in Bloom – it is well deserved and needs to be recognised for the conservation work and bio-diversity of the area. We are extremely lucky to have such a wonderful site to wander round at leisure whenever we wish.

Torrington in Bloom is also considering entering Rack Park into the same category, as well as retaining it as one of our ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ entries – it counts for both, apparently. It is also likely that the Jubilee Wood project might be entered for a new ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ award, which would further highlight the community work that goes on there.

I hope you have also been enjoying the lovely display of spring bulbs and flowers around the town, in Rack Park, Castle Hill and the Secret Memorial garden. More bulbs are being purchased to plant in the autumn.

Our Open Garden day on 2nd July is moving ever closer, and there’s so much to do! Tickets hopefully should go on sale from mid-May (£5 per person, children free). This will entitle you to visit all the gardens and RHS Rosemoor, so start working on your fitness regime! Each garden will be slightly, or considerably different from the next, from colourful bedding displays to wildlife friendly, informal planting and vegetable patches. Plants will also be on sale at some of the venues.

Cherry Hammon, Torrington in Bloom T: 625788

Community Excavation Open Day

Dig the Castle Open Day Saturday 22nd April Heritage Museum, Gt Torrington South St., 10am-4pm Dig the Castle Project September 23rd -

October 8th 2023

This is a reminder that on Saturday 22nd April, Dig the Castle members will be holding an open day for the public at the Heritage Museum in Gt. Torrington, 10am-2pm. We will have photos and plans for the dig, and will hope to be able to answer any questions you may have – you can also find out how you can get involved! Please come along and see what is planned The project is set to excavate parts of the castle area sited by the town’s Barley Grove carpark, an area that has never been touched by archaeologists, and see if there are any ‘finds’ that will give us more information on the history of the town’s castle.

The event also provides the dig with its first opportunity to start registering people who wish to ‘dig’ during the two weeks – we need you to register so we can arrange suitability, contact, timings etc.

This month the dig obtained its W.S.I. from Devon County Council, so we have the legal process well underway, and we now have over 100 young people booked to get involved in the dig over the period.

Please keep your eyes on the announcement of our open meeting, to be held at some point in May, where all are welcome to come and learn a little more of the plans in hand for the project – date and time will be notified on Instagram, Facebook and the website (see below for contacts).

Question: Are we digging up the whole mound?

Answer: No! We are only licenced to dig trenches/pits at the places we have indicated across the site.

For more information www.onegreattorrington.uk/digthecastle and our Instagram and Facebook pages @digthecastle

Commons Events

We had our first car boot sale on the Old Bowling Green on Sunday April 9th, it was a great success. We managed to raise £268 in five hours. This is the most that we have raised on a morning since we started our stall. We continue to collect your donations of DVDs, CDs, and books to sell on our stall. You can either bring them along on a Sunday morning or contact me on 07956 366 390 so that I can collect them from you. Thank you to all the people that have donated items and a thank you to all the people that have bought them from us. The car boot sales will continue each Sunday until the end of September. We will also have car boot sales on bank holiday Mondays.

Please come along and either have a stall or have a look around for a bargain. It is £7 for a car and £12 for a van. All you need to do is come along and our steward will show you to a pitch. You can arrive from 7am and the buying will start at 8am. This is all weather permitting of course.

We will be doing our popular Water, Wine or Maybe CIDER event at Castle Hill (1646) on Saturday May 13th It’s like a lucky dip and it costs £1 a go, you will at least win a bottle of water that can cost more than a £1 in London! There will be lots of craft stalls there on the day. Hopefully see you there.

For details of our pub quiz please see the separate article. Big Al will be singing in the Pannier Market during the summer to help us raise the funds to repair the Waterloo Monument. If you see him please put some money in his hat.

Congratulations to our Sports Clubs!

Having watched the local derby between Torridgeside FC and Torrington FC, I would to congratulate both teams on a great game But more than that, I would like to congratulate both clubs for their magnificent efforts in developing both club sites; the committees and backers deserve so much credit for the way they are developing both their clubs and the facilities for local people to enjoy.

It’s a great achievement and they, along with Torrington rugby club, must be the most impressive in the region and I’m sure, with all the young people benefiting from the use and coaching these great clubs provide, the future is bright for Torrington sport!

Alex McNamee

Torrington Community Pantomime

Oh yes it is!

Open Meeting at The Plough 24th May 6pm

Torrington Players, in conjunction with The Plough, are planning to produce a spectacular Community Pantomime in January 2024. Everyone is welcome to attend this initial meeting: actors, dancers, singers, set designers, set builders/ painters, tech/ musicians, just interested to hear about our plans…

No immediate commitment necessary. Oh no, there isn’t!

Torrington RFC

Our trip to Buckfastleigh, for the last league game of the season, proved to be a successful day out. We came away victorious 9-20. With tries from Liam Ellis (2) and Aidey Guppy, with Guppy converting one and a rare drop goal from Jamie Sands. This also gave us a good position in the Devon Junior Shield. So much so, that we have progressed to the semifinals without playing our last game, giving us home advantage against Plymouth’s Old Technicians on 15th April, I will update you on the result next issue

Our Ladies Day was a great success, both on and off the pitch. South Molton 2nds very kindly stepped in to provide opposition on the day, as our scheduled opponents have withdrawn from all competition. A strong Molton side turned up, not intending to make life easy for Torrington.

A hard fought first half saw possession seesawing between the two sides, with Molton having much possession in Torrie’s half. Our defence stood fast, despite the ever-increasing threat of Molton scoring. However, this was not to be as a rare excursion into Molton’s half saw a beautifully flighted kick to the wing, where guest player

Tom Owen picked the ball up and went over in the corner. Aidey Guppy’s conversion went off course. That’s how it stood at half time. The second half was a different matter, with both sides playing out of their skins for the win. Molton scored two tries with only one being converted. In the meantime, Torrie burst into action with further tries from Aidey Guppy, who converted his own and a penalty by him too. Then Vinny Bott went over late on, to give Torrington a well-earned 20-12 victory. Not bad for a friendly!

The Ladies Day luncheon went ahead and was a great success.

A good attendance saw much frivolity in the clubhouse, with a goodly number of refreshing beverages being consumed. A raffle was held, with many donated prizes, and proceeds going towards the changing room building project. Over £450 was raised to boost funds. Thank you to all those who donated or purchased tickets. As they say ‘every little helps’

My usual plea for new and returning players to rock up to a training session. Check out our Facebook page for details, Torrington RFC.

The clubhouse is available for hire go to TRFC1985@outlook.com for details.

Teamwork, Respect, Sportsmanship, Enjoyment & Discipline

C’mon Torrie! Mark Waterson

Commons News…

As we move into May the Commons are looking spectacular! The bluebells and wild garlic in Furzebeam Wood are particularly splendid, and I recommend you take the canal path walk from the end of Reid’s Field along to the Tarka Trail near Beam Weir (the Commons end about half way along this path near the information board).

We have removed a large tree which fell into the pond in last year’s storms, only to have another one fall across Rolle Road. We have ensured the path is walkable, and the rest of the tree will be moved as soon as possible, but after bird nesting season.

The car boot sales on the Old Bowling Green are already up and running. As long as the weather allows, we will be holding them every Sunday and bank holiday until the end of September. All details can be found here on our website, www.torringtoncommons.org/events/car-boot-sales/.

No need to book, just turn up on the day!

As well as our regular fundraising to keep the Commons maintained, we now need to raise the money to repair the Waterloo monument on Castle Hill. As this is a listed structure there are strict rules about how this can be done. There will a pub quiz to add to the fund on 20th May in the Royal Exchange. Please ring 01805 622875 to book your table.

If you would like to get involved in the running of the Commons, or volunteer in any way please contact clerk@torringtoncomons.org.

Mandy Harrison, Chair GTCC

Little Torrington WI

We enjoyed our spring walk at a Meeth Nature Reserve, listening to the bird song and identifying wild flowers. The weather managed to hold until we got back to the car park.

April’s speaker was David Ramsden, it was a very enlightening insight into climate change, and produced a lively debate among members. Highlighting climate issues at a world and local level, and how as individuals and collectively, we may influence the future of our planet.

Next month sees our AGM, with the committee up for nomination and election; to help the process along cheese and wine refreshments will be provided.

The book group are currently reading ‘Stranger Diaries’ by Ellie Griffith. The book group meets on the third Monday of the month.

The ‘Ladies that Lunch’ are visiting St John’s at Ashford on the third Wednesday of the month.

If you wish to find out further details please contact Jen Hood 01805 622433

Spring Arts & Craft Fair

Our next event takes place on Saturday 13th May from 10am until 4pm at the Castle Hill Community Centre Great Torrington, EX38 8AA.

In recent years, Great Torrington and its surroundings has become a hotbed of dynamic, original and nationally known artists, makers and crafts artisans. Some of these talented people have organised themselves into a very special group to build the prominence and reputation of those involved.

Since its formation in 2020, Castle Hill Creatives (CHC) have blossomed into Great Torrington’s premier creative community hub and a fully-fledged arts and makers organisation, with upwards of 30 members and several exhibitions/ events already curated.

The group of members and guest artists bring a very wide and diverse palette of artistic and creative skills to the mix, including paint, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, pottery, textiles, photography, carpentry, print, knitwear, glassware, etc. The upcoming fair on Saturday 13th May at Castle Hill Community Centre features stalls selling handcrafted and original creations and gifts made by the CHC members. Entry is free and the onsite Fork and Feast Café will be open for refreshments.

Come along, support your local makers and buy some unique gifts!

For more information please contact the team at chctorrington@gmail.com

Fleur’s Gardening Forum

Hardy Annuals for Summer Colour

Hardy annuals are those plants which are cold tolerant, their seeds lying dormant until the soil warms up sufficiently for them to germinate. Many of them are old favourites that your grandparents would recognise, so here are just a few to try in your garden.

I must start with probably the nation’s favourite annual, and that is the Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odorata), grown for centuries for its pretty flowers and wonderful perfume. In May, they can be sown directly into the ground, two to a position, up a trellis or wigwam. Don’t allow them to run to seed - keep cutting the flowers as they open.

Calendula, the Pot Marigold, will grow in almost any position in the sun. They are slightly lax plants and the petals can be used to decorate salads. Sow at the foot of your beans to attract bees!

Helianthus, the wonderful bird-friendly sunflower, is a must for the back of the border and trained to grow up a sturdy pole or against a fence. Some new cultivars are dwarf so are ideal for exposed sites. Look out for darker burgundy colours as well as the usual yellow and gold.

Nasturtium are very versatile annuals and again, they are available in myriad colours, can be grown in hanging baskets or in the ground, perhaps to cover an untidy corner. The leaves of nasturtium are edible, being quite peppery so use sparingly in a salad and the green seed capsules can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a native of cornfields, hence its common name. The original blue is still a beautiful flower but you can get them in shades of burgundy, pinkish, and lighter blue. They are a good cut flower, too.

Scabious (S. atropurpurea) is the very pretty ‘pin-cushion’ scabious of old cottage gardens. Scabious was once used as a ‘cure’ for an itchy skin condition called scabies (caused by a mite). Anyway, it is also very good for cutting and comes in many colourways. Plants may survive a mild winter if trimmed back in autumn.

Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) is a much daintier plant all round. The flowers are similar to those of its taller, bolder relative and also come in different colours. Petals can be dried and used as a natural confetti.

Love-in-the-mist (Nigella damascene and N. papillosa). Pretty flowers some in shades of blue to white, something with contrasting stamens and the foliage is almost filigree in some varieties. The seed pods can be dried and used for decoration (children enjoy ‘popping’ them when the capsules are large enough!).

Papaver rhoeas/P. somniferum, the former is the familiar red poppy of cornfields and the latter the big blousy single or double forms of the opium poppy. P. rhoeas is a plant of farmland or disturbed ground and there are some pretty variations of the original, the Shirley poppy being one. P. somniferum has many different cultivars, both single or double (peony flowered) and in many shades from white to deepest burgundy. The fat seedheads can be used in floral arrangements, especially at Christmas. Hardy annuals can be sown in gaps in your borders. Sow a few in a group and thin out as necessary once they germinate. You can also sow a few in a 3 inch (7-9cm) pot and once they are growing well, plant them out where a bit of colour is needed.

Beaford Village Hall Market & Café

Beaford Village Hall Market & Café is held on the second Saturday of the month 10am12pm. Come along and grab yourself a coffee and a bacon roll, then have a look around at what the market has to offer. The stalls vary, but we regularly have: The Body Shop, Usborne Books, Linda's handmade cards, Beaford Ladies Group, local honey, Spencer's Glass, Sam's Household and Stuff and others. We also have a large free car park!

We look forward to seeing you! The next dates are 13th May, 10th June. Look for Beaford Village Hall on Facebook, and follow us to keep up to date with all of our events!