MAY events at the plough

Great Live Music in May at The Plough Arts Centre!

We have a fantastic line up this month, of live theatre, NTLive Satellite, workshops and exhibitions. It must also be said that music lovers will be very spoilt for choice!

Those who like to perform can join our new Open Mic Night on 11th May. These monthly sessions offer a friendly space to air your creations or share your passions, in an informal space. You can share or perform poems, rap, or acoustic songs of your own, or that you admire. Keep calm and carry on raving because the famous Devon Sessions collective are back, with ‘A Royal Session’ on Sat 6 May. Expect an intimate night of top DJs including Andy Manston, the Devon Sessions Crew and Guest DJs. Book early to avoid disappointment!

For the first time ever in the UK, fans can experience the Eurovision Grand Final Live on the big screen – and it’s coming to The Plough! We’re very excited at the thought of a night of crowd pleasing performances and a potential UK win! We hope you can join us for this historic event, which will be a fundraiser for Ukraine and The Plough.

If you’re into Roots music then Stevie Ray Latham and Small Town Jones could be right up your street. Stevie Ray Latham has built a reputation for complex lyricism, transcendent melodies and perpetual reinvention. Small Town Jones is the musical project of Devon based artist Jim Jones. The last few years have seen Jim making noticeable waves, garnering great reviews and high profile appearances.

Later in the month, we warmly welcome back Albert Lee, one of the World’s finest guitarists. He’s appeared with Glen Campbell, Dave Edmunds, Dolly Parton, Joan Armatrading, Ricky Scaggs and Joe Cocker. Tickets are flying for this one, so hurry to secure yours!

If folk music is more your thing, Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage will join us at the end of May. Hannah Sanders has an alluring mystique and a voice of disarming purity that massages your senses. Ben Savage is a bubbling ferment of energy and infectious enthusiasm, seemingly able to play any instrument you put in front of him with grace and favour.

And finally, DAISI is proud to present The Melting Pot at the end of the month; a musical feast showcasing the talents of young North Devon musicians. Spend an afternoon immersed in a mix of all musical genres, from folk, rock, classical ensembles and everything in-between.

We hope to welcome you soon!

Your Plough Arts Centre

MAY at the Plough

Tues 2 May

Exhibition: (until 16 May) Compost by Laura Porter Tues – Sat, 10.30am – 4pm

Plough Prism & Motion Dance every Tues in term time 10.30am/1.30pm

Ploughcappella Community Choir every Tues in term time 7.30pm The Gallery at The Plough Weds 3 May

Dance Workshop: Resource Dance with Becca Parkinson The Plough 6pm

Thurs 4 May

Plough Youth Scriptwriting Group & every Thurs in term time 4:30pm

Poetry/Spoken Word: Plough Storytelling Circle

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 7:30pm Sat 5 May

Music: Local bands night 8pm Sat 6 May

Plough Youth Theatre 3-5yrs / 6-7yrs / 8-12 yrs / 13-18yrs & every Sat term time 10.15am/11.30am/1pm

Plough Youth Creative Dance 8-18yrs & every Sat term time 3pm

Music: Devon Sessions presents A Royal Session 7pm

Mon 8 May

Workshop: Moon Circle ThePlough@ StAnne's, Barnstaple 7pm

Wed 10 May

Theatre: 'Quintessence' by Emily Carding (+ 'Tales From Set' a talk by Susan Luciani) 10:30am

Thurs 11 May

Theatre: 'Quintessence' by Emily Carding (+ 'Tales From Set' a talk by Susan Luciani) 10:30am

Workshop: Crystal Sound Bath Meditation

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 6:30pm

Theatre: 'Shadowless' by Susan Luciani

7:30pm

Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone

Brothel Tour ThePlough@StAnne's 7:30pm

Music: The Plough Open Mic

The Gallery at The Plough Arts Centre 8pm

Fri 12 May

Theatre: 'Quintessence' by Emily Carding (+ 'Tales From Set' a talk by Susan Luciani) 10:30am

Workshop: Gong Bath Meditation

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 7pm

Theatre: 'Shadowless' by Susan Luciani

7:30pm

Sat 13 May

Workshop - Visual Arts: Square Work

Basketry 2-day Workshop ThePlough@ StAnne's, 10am

Workshop - Visual Arts: Terracotta Pots for your garden Pottery Workshop

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 10am

Workshop: Plough Writers The Plough Meeting Room 10:30am

Theatre: 'Quintessence' by Emily Carding (+ 'Tales From Set' a talk by Susan Luciani) 3:30pm

Theatre: 'Shadowless' by Susan Luciani

7:30pm

Music: Eurovision Grand Final Live! 7:30pm

Mon 15 May

Theatre: 'Quintessence' by Emily Carding (+ 'Tales From Set' a talk by Susan Luciani)

10:30am

Weds 17 May

Dance: Resource Dance with Becca

Parkinson

Dance Studio at The Plough 6pm

Thurs 18 May

Workshop: Deep Rest Healing Meditation

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 7:30pm

Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, Rail & River Haunted History Tour

ThePlough@StAnne's, 7:30pm

Fri 19 May

Music: Stevie Ray Latham & Small Town Jones 8pm

Sat 20 May

Exhibition: Andrew Hardwick - Lost Landscapes

Sat 20 May until 24 Jun 10am – 4pm

Artists Wall: Art on Friday group exhibition until 24 Jun

Workshop - Visual Arts: Bluebells in

Watercolours ThePlough@StAnne's, 10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Floral Woodcut Print Workshop ThePlough@StAnne's, 10:30am

Music: Albert Lee 8pm

Thurs 25 May

Thestival: A Celebration of North Devon School Drama and Youth Theatre 7pm

Music: Iona Lane 8pm ThePlough@ StAnne's

Workshop - Visual Arts: Explore MultiColour Monoprinting Half Day Workshop

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 10am

Sat 27 May

Workshop: Plough Writers The Plough Meeting Room 10:30am

Workshop - Visual Arts: Illumination Calligraphy Half Day Workshop

ThePlough@StAnne's, 1:30pm

Exhibition Preview 2pm: Andrew HardwickLost Landscapes Sat 27 to Mon 29 May

Barnstaple Arts Festival Selling Exhibition: ThePlough@StAnne's Workshop Providers

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 10am4pm

Music: Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage 8pm

Sun 28 May

Workshop - Visual Arts: Introduction to Soap Making Half Day Workshop

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 10am

Workshop - Visual Arts: Watercolour Seascape Half Day Workshop

ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple 1:30pm

Mon 29 May

Workshop - Visual Arts: Gargoyle Clay Modelling Half Day Workshop ThePlough@ StAnne's, Barnstaple 10am

Workshop - Visual Arts: Plant Support Willow Weaving Workshop ThePlough@ StAnne's, Barnstaple 1:30pm

Weds 31 May

Music: The Melting Pot 2pm

Please note, a 5% fee will be applied to all bookings

Our Breath-Taking Planet

How I miss the glory days of college! Do you remember college? Or perhaps, your years after college? Did you have a break year? A lot of people do – and why shouldn’t you? It’s beautiful, refreshing, like having a hot bath after a long run. Well, let me tell you, I did. And just like much of the population, I went travelling. Travelled the country; travelling the continent; travelled the world! It was a heart-warmingly delightful time. So, when I hear these folks going on about “Travel is a foolish waste of time!” I can’t help but say something. And I imagine some of your heads are turned, too. Today I’m speaking for us “travel freaks” to show you the beauty of adventure, and maybe next time you’ll be doing so too.

For starters, travelling, as we all know, is culturally enriching. There’s nothing that opens your heart to the world more than having the chance to mingle with a community so wildly different than your own. It is truly magical. If we want to achieve this world peace and equality, I don’t believe that travel is just helpful, but absolutely essential to show people more than what the fairy tales describe, and more than what education can teach. People need such experiences to feel the warmth of another culture, which only seems like a distant story to those who don’t travel.

Besides, why should we waste such a breath-taking planet like the one we live on? How should we be expected to truly appreciate our Earth if we are bound to the confines from which we are born? You must let us free ourselves from the shackles of our birthplace and experience the fresh beauty of the other regions of our planet. There are people being sent to space and back every single day, missions planned to Mars, and yet you tell us not to travel our own Earth. How are we to progress as not only a society, but as a civilisation, if we cannot utilise our gear to experience the fullness of this planet?

Now, I know the counter arguments. And I don’t necessarily disagree with all of them. For example, the amount of fatalities caused by travelling – but to that I ask: should we ban swimming pools because some people drown? Of course not. It sounds silly, doesn’t it? Then why ban travelling because of the fatalities? People claim that we’re travelling “further and faster” every day and it’s becoming increasingly dangerous, but I have to disagree. Travelling fast is perfectly safe if done properly and under the right conditions. Therefore, I see no reason why we should ban travelling altogether. I have been asked why I can’t just enjoy my own country, but that limits the term ‘travelling’ to just plane travel. To enjoy even my own country, I will have to navigate by car, bus, bike, whatever you can think of. But nonetheless, it is travelling.

So now we must ask ourselves the question. Is a life full of entrapment and monotony worth the defamation of our busy world today? Personally, I believe the answer is a resounding no, and I won’t sit here idly by as extremists try to rid this gorgeous Earth of our most efficient way of appreciating it. Will you?

Riley Bailey, Year 11

Year 11 are busy preparing for their GCSE exams. For English Language GCSE, pupils plan and craft two pieces of writing in very different styles: an argumentative piece and a description or story. Pupils were recently set this prompt and it inspired some great articles:

“People have become obsessed with travelling ever further and faster. However, travel is expensive, dangerous, damaging and a foolish waste of time!” Write an article for a news website in which you argue your point of view on this statement.

Travelling Isn’t Foolish: It’s Fun!

Born in a little village? Me too. Fear leaving that safe place? Me too. But don’t knock it until you try it. For years on end, I wanted to help endangered animals in their natural habitats. For example: turtles, dolphins, certain fishes. However, I couldn’t achieve my dreams in a rural countryside village. Step outside of that comfort zone and face your fears. Book those one way plane tickets to your desired destinations.

Travelling is essential and the opportunity to travel as far as your pockets takes you is indeed something everyone should experience. Being young, wild and free doesn’t last forever – as some may know. This is why you need to do it while you can. Imagine a heart broken young twenties woman barricading herself in her bedroom tied to her phone. There is only one answer to that. Travel.

In my opinion, travelling is the solution to any problem. Experiencing different cultures, eating a range of exotic foods and dancing in the beach. Any place you go, your eyes are fulfilled with mountains of urban colours. Almost as if somebody has set off a confetti canon. Exploring, learning and living life like those in different countries certainly uncovers the real you.

Greta Thunberg. A hot-headed girl who would find any reason to sway you off the idea of travelling. I understand if everyone hopped on a plane the carbon footprint and climate change will be affected negatively. However, solutions can be made and things can be put in place so it isn’t as impacted. Don’t get me wrong though – global warming is a devastating situation but it shouldn’t stop you from thriving and diving all around the world.

Are your parents the ones holding you back? Well, make sure they know that under 8% of people o the last 5 years who have travelled have experienced and accident. Meaning it’s highly unlikely. The majority of the time we visit new places to learn, not to find trouble. Mums, dads, carers: let your son or daughter travel. Let them find happiness in what they love to do. Travelling

Born in that little village and don’t want to leave home? Well, we all know that after you travel, the “don’t want to leave home” will change to: ”I don’t want to come home.”

Hannah Burton, Year 11

For their creative responses, pupils were tasked with describing a market based on this painting, which led to some wonderful pieces of sensory writing and interesting perspectives:

Bird’s Eye View

Isoared gracefully over the picturesque, turquoise ocean. The waves gently lapped against the golden sands like a mother’s touch nursing their baby. Wooden fishing boats, which were just a speck of colour against the ocean, bobbed up and down as the tide rolled in. Above me, wispy trails of clouds were being painted against the blue canvas of the sky, and I longed to be able to breeze through their layers of cotton. As I began my descent, the familiar smells of a wellused fishing village wafted their way up my nose and I shivered with pleasure and happiness.

I landed in my usual spot on a mossy cobble wall that still stood the test of time. I ruffled my feathers and stretched my wings. Almost immediately, I strolled over to the market to see what I could find for a meal. While this was only a small market the place was bustling and full to the brim with generous helpings of very food imaginable. Some stalls were stacked with meats of all types. Sausage, steak, ham, beef, gammon, pork and lamb. But most importantly. Bacon. Layer upon layer of bacon was stacked as far as the eye could see in every direction. The glossy slices of pure delight beckoned to me, tempting me to take a bite. I knew that I couldn’t but the beautiful smell of the juicy bacon grows to be too much. I had to leave.

Around the corner, I found people making themselves busy with their work. I try my best to steer clear as they don’t take kindly to strangers. Occasionally, a little boy or girl runs over ti me but their parents always call them back. Sometimes people drop their food and I carefully make my way over to my prize – gulping down every scrap I can until I feel as though I could burst.

The sun begins to set on the ancient village, closing its curtains for the night. The dark mist of night descends and people begin to leave until I am the only one still there.

Wondering through the empty wooden stalls, I feel a sense of loneliness ease its way into my mind: an unwanted stranger intruding into my life. Its dark and dangerous tentacles of confusion and sadness pry their way through the sunshine and peace, leaving nothing to remain. I lay down in a cold and dusty stall which ahs long been disused. The darkness is absolute and it encompasses me like the walls of a prison.

I hear myself calling although my mouth is closed. I hear the ruffle of feathers although I lay still. I open my eyes and there I stand in front of myself - only…it’s not me. Someone has come for me and she has brought the sun with her.

Jesse Binmore, Year 11

Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

In April we placed our first order with a Somerset company who produce a brilliant range of organic household products - castille soap, washing up liquid, laundry liquid and more. They're a small family business with the very highest ethical standards and supply both retail and bulk sizes of their range. A number of us have trialled their castille soap and laundry liquid and have been very pleased with the results. OWBG is delighted to find such a company that really does walk their environmental talk – the products come in glass, not plastic, the pumps are super sturdy and long-lasting, bulk containers can be returned for reuse with the next order, the products themselves are super concentrated e.g. just 5 tsp for a laundry wash. Fragrances are entirely natural, coming from high quality essential oils, alongside non-scented products too.

As I write, I'm also in the process of negotiating terms with another Somerset company, this time producing fresh traditional tempeh which comes vacuum packed and long dated, which makes it practical for OWBG to order for our monthly collection day. So naturally, as tempeh is such a delicious and useful food and not just for Christmas, (Dec Crier 22), it's the obvious subject for the following....

Wellbeing Tip: Tempeh is a traditional fermented food originally from Indonesia that's packed with powerful plant protein and a great source of vitamins and dietary fibre. It is made using a living culture (Rhizopus oligosporus), that breaks down the soy beans making it easier for us to digest them and benefit from all the good stuff, like calcium and zinc, that are normally locked away inside. It also tastes great, with a unique nutty savoury flavour that works well in all kinds of dishes and with all kinds of flavours, sauces and marinades. It is incredibly versatile and can be cubed, sliced, crumbled, grilled, fried, steamed or boiled!

Whilst tofu is more cheese or curd like, tempeh is meatier and gives you oomph! You can buy it either fresh or frozen in wholefood shops and now even in the supermarket, although it must be said that many of the supermarket ones aren't made using traditional methods and therefore lack the classic depth of flavour and health benefits.

From Paul Pitchford's 'Healing with Wholefoods - Oriental Traditions & Modern Nutrition'

For crispy tempeh with a savoury flavour, slice thinly and fry.

Serve small quantities when fried. This improves digestibility.

Store in a cool place or freeze. Don't worry if it gets greyish and has an ammonia smell (because of sporulation). However, discard if the smell becomes unpleasant.

Do not eat tempeh raw. It needs to be thoroughly cooked.

Suggested seasonings: 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp curry powder; 1/2 tsp each coriander, cumin and ginger powder; 1/2 tsp grated ginger

A good way to prepare tempeh is by first adding the whole block to a pan of boiling water which is seasoned with a tsp of good quality tamari, a 1" piece of kombu and a few slices of fresh ginger.

Simmer for 20 mins, remove from the pan and place between two side plates, using the plates to gently but firmly squeeze out the excess moisture, as you want the tempeh to be fairly dry for frying.

Then slice the block into either cubes or thin slices, whichever you prefer.

Sauté in a little of a lightly steamed coconut oil (steaming removes the coconut flavour without damaging the oil), adding a drop or two of tamari to each piece. Cook till golden and slightly crisp on the outside.

Just before serving, grate some ginger root, squeezing the root juice over the tempeh. Ginger juice has a mellowness and depth of flavour that dried powder does not. The result is delicious and hard to beat in my book.

Mary

Upcoming Grocery Final Order Dates: 11th May, 15th 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 623307/email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

OWBG website: owbg.jimdofree.com

Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group

Email: owbg@protonmail.com www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk

The Plough Celebrates a New Beginning…

With a callout to New Venue Partners

Following recent news that Arts Council England has awarded regular core funding to The Plough Arts Centre, the multi-purpose arts and community venue in Great Torrington has become a National Portfolio Organisation (N.P.O.) and is announcing a range of new initiatives to establish Plough Hubs across northern Devon, support talent development and broaden the impact of its outreach and open air theatre festival.

For five years The Plough has worked with Barnstaple Town Council to develop ThePlough@StAnne’s in a beautiful Grade One listed 700 year old former chapel in the centre of the town. It now operates as a thriving arts hub, hosting performances, workshops, exhibitions, walks and talks, weddings and community arts events. The Plough wants to replicate this type of provision across northern Devon and welcomes emails of interest from local councils, village halls, schools and community groups etc. that would like to collaborate to create ‘The Plough@ our venue’. These hubs are likely to vary considerably in how they operate, given the varied nature of suitable spaces across the region, but The Plough is keen to start the conversation to see what is possible and to bring the arts directly into local communities. Interested groups and individuals contact richard@ theploughartscentre.org.uk or call him on 01805 622552.

Merton 01805 603924 www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk

Excellent home-made food served every day 12-2pm/6-9pm

Great selection of wines, real ales, ciders

Personally Supervised by Andrew & Janice Gist 01805 622364

Open fire and snug rooms

Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am

Rev Stephen Hill 6.30pm Rev Ken

Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society Guided Walk

Morgan

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bideford College

Abbotsham Rd, Bideford, EX39 3AR

Sunday Sacrament service at 11.50am1pm

Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 3pm @ The Plough

Film 'Argo' (15) 7pm @ The Plough

Comedy 'Russell Kane' @ Devon Hall 8pm

Monday 8th

The new season's programme of Sunday afternoon walks starts on 26th May with a visit to the site of the Inclined Plane at Ridd. This is the place where the Rolle Canal was raised up about 43 feet from the valley floor near Weare Giffard to a level in the side of the valley that could be maintained all the way inland to the head weir at Rosemoor.

Historical Society AGM & Talks 'Beam

House & Quay' & John Oatway

Torrington Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @ Methodist Church

Film 'Wreck it Ralph' (PG) 2pm @ The Plough

Film 'Argo' (15) 5pm @ The Plough

Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough

Tuesday 9th

Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough

Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough

Wednesday 10th

St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel

Torrington W.I @ Methodist Hall 7pm

Film 'I Wish' (PG) 8pm @ The Plough

Thursday 11th

St Michael's Church Said Mass 10.30am in St James Chapel followed by Walsingham cell in vicarage

Saturday 13th depending on the season, flowering at the time of the

Advice Surgery with Geoffrey for an appointment ring 01237 email to tellgeoffrey@geoffreycox website www.geoffreycox.co.uk

Coffee Morning in aid of Wembworthy Church @ Chulmleigh Town Hall cakes, produce, draw prizes appreciated Major Walker MC Ceremony Memorial 11am (see article) Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4.30pm Doug 01805 622648 or Beryl 624294

Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm @ The Plough

Many people will have seen this site on previous walks but this year there have been developments over the winter that will make it well worth a repeat visit. The Heritage Lottery funded ‘Life's Journey’ project has produced a new pathway from the Tarka Trail down to the bottom of the Inclined Plane where two illustrated information boards have been installed to describe the saltmarsh habitat by the Torridge and the workings and purpose of the Rolle Canal. It is now possible to gain a far better understanding of the lay-out and workings of the inclined plane boat lift than was previously the case. The upper basin of the canal at the top of the incline has been cleared of scrub sufficiently to enable the outline of its banks to be clearly seen, and the way the railway subsequently cut through the northern end, destroying the top of the incline. This canal basin now supports an increasing population of Early Purple Orchid and Twayblade (a green flowered orchid) which,

Sunday 14th

The start of the walk Kiln, on the Weare Giffard Halfpenny Bridge, at Sunday 26th May. The distance over a mile but with plenty and discuss is likely couple of hours. A £2 to the Rolle Society's funds appreciated enable the Society volunteer work promote and maintain the Rolle Canal. Future walks will be 16th June, 28th July August. For further details email: hassallc@ymail.com

Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30pm High Bickington Cinema Music Coope Boyes & Simpson The Plough

01237 425357, but you'll probably to leave a message.

Our Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!!

Torrington Methodist Church Rev Peter Whatton 6.30pm Mrs Sheriff St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Ignatius Sunday Club in upper Film 'The Sessions' (15) 3pm The Plough

Monday 15th

Singing for Fun 7.30 -8.30pm

Bickington Community Centre Mini Mover Dance Session for 9.30-10.30am @ Bickington Community Centre

Tuesday 16th

For more information on joining Great Torrington Army Cadet Force please contact the Detachment Commander: SSI Charles Westley-Clark

2192clar@armymail.mod.uk or 07484 333 264

Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Beast 2pm @ The Plough

Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The Plough note early start for long film

Friday 12th

'Hearing for You' Social group hard of hearing. Every 3rd Tues The Bickford Centre call 01271 Youth Club High Bickington Community Centre for 11+ @ 5-7pm Badminton Club 7pm Juniors

We parade on Tuesdays in the grounds of Great Torrington school from 18:50 until 21:15

Hedgehog Awareness Week way but why wait until then help? As spring is here and hopefully the weather improves our spiky friends will be up and about again. It’s been an extremely tough winter for them. changeable and wet weather has made it difficult for many them to find food or hibernate over the past months so many weak and need help. If you you had a resident hedgehog area last year please don’t a bowl of water and some them, placing it inside a feeding

Adults @ Bickington Community Cribbage pairs competition @ Arms 8pm Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ Plough note early start for long

CRIER COPY DEADLINE for ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon today please

PHILIP W

Taylor Llb

LEGAL CONSULTANT

Wednesday 17th

Free initial consultation & estimate, no obligation.

St Michael's Church Said Mass in St James Chapel Short Tennis @ High Bickington Community Centre 4.30-5.30pm

Low rates (no VAT). Free home visits in EX38 area. Evening & weekend appointments available.

St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel

Theatre Scottish Falsetto Puppet Theatre 7pm @ The Plough

Contact me for a free consultation.

Telephone: 01271 858482 or 07766 714503

Gallery Gig 'Judith Christie & Diane Calvert 8.15pm @ The Plough

Email: philipwardtaylor@outlook.com

Royal British Legion 3rd Weds month 7pm @ GT Conservative Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, friendly for parents & children aged 09.30am-11am @ Atherington every Wednesday term time.

Torrington Methodist Church

Awarm welcome from Torrington Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street.

Sunday Worship 10.30am at Church. Evening Worship 6.30pm via Zoom email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request the link.

Join us for our Bacon Butty Coffee Morning 10am-12pm, third Saturday every month.

Our premises (various rooms, incl. wifi, projector) are available to hire, see website or phone Sheila 01805 622949. Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon.

The Versatility of Herbs

If you have a small but sunny garden, it can be difficult to decide what to grow. Culinary herbs tick all the boxes because they make your kitchen creations taste good, most have beautiful foliage and the flowers attract pollinators. They can be grown in the vegetable garden, mixed borders, raised beds and pots.

Many herbs can be used as companion planting in the vegetable garden. For example, basil, mint and chives help to repel aphids. Parsley flowers attract beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps, ladybirds and damselflies and sage deters cabbage moth and carrot fly. Herbs for the pot are at their most flavoursome before the flowers develop and you need to pick when the aromatic oils in the plants are at their highest levels, i.e. in the morning after the dew has dried. When harvesting, pinch out the top fresh growth which will also encourage a bushy plant.

You will probably have more than you can use, so have a go at drying or freezing any surplus before they start to lose flavour. Dry herbs on a tray by arranging them evenly and in a single layer. To freeze, simply chop and add to water in ice cubes.

Herbs grow best in full sun in moistureretentive fertile soil with plenty of organic matter incorporated. Annual herbs such as coriander and dill can be sown on a fortnightly basis for a continuous supply throughout the summer. Cuttings of bay, marjoram, mint, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme can be taken from late summer to early autumn and root quite readily.

Try growing strongly growing herbs such as mint and sage in large pots to prevent them from taking over your herb bed. A mix of small herbs in a large container can be placed near the kitchen door for easy access when you want to pop something tasty in the pot.

If you want plants for a sunny spot that are beautiful, attract bees and butterflies and have a use, then culinary herbs are the perfect choice.

Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer

Planting a container of herbs ©RHS/Tim Sandall Rosemoor Herb Garden ©RHS/Neil Hepworth