Torrington Crier November 2020 by The Torrington Crier

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November 2020 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.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOPS

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN & LANDS CHARITY 202801 25 South Street, Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8AA

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF VOUCHERS DECEMBER 2020 The Trustees wish to announce that the distribution of vouchers will be going ahead this year but not as we all know it! Due to the Coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic and in order to keep everyone safe, it is not possible to hold a Distribution Day as in the past, therefore the Trustees wish to announce the following: If your household fulfils the terms and conditions set out below, then qualifying households MUST apply for the Distribution Vouchers by completing a Distribution Vouchers application form. The application forms will be available from Monday 5th October 2020 Please contact the office for an application form T: 01805 623517 • E: admin@townlands.org.uk • www.torringtontownlands.org IMPORTANT - TERMS AND CONDITIONS Only ONE claim per Household Qualifying households are entitled to receive vouchers to be spent within the town To qualify you must be living within the Great Torrington Parish boundary (and shown on the Electoral Roll for not less than one year before the date of the Distribution) AND be in receipt of any of the following benefits:* * * * * * * *

State Retirement Pension Attendance Allowance Constant Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance Employment and Support Allowance Incapacity Benefit Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Personal Independence Payment

Suitable evidence of entitlement to these benefits must be produced (photocopies accepted) and attached to the completed distribution vouchers application form, and then posted/dropped off at the Great Torrington Town & Lands Charity office no later than Monday 23rd November 2020 NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER THE DEADLINE DATE I M Newman – Steward to the Trustees 3

Pet, Home & Garden Supplies Unit 2 Winkleigh The Old Airfield (Next to Jones’s Cafe)

Now open Tuesday - Saturday 9-4pm • Closed Sunday & Monday Wild Bird Foods: Peanuts • Treats • Fat balls Dog Foods • Cat Foods • Treats • Litters • Bedding For the Home: Toiletries • Cookware • Bin Liners • Cleaning Products Plastic Ware • Stationery For the Garden: Compost • Wood Chip • Top Soil • Fence Care Plant Foods • Pest Control • Paints • DIY • Brushes • Rollers Now run by the original owners Steve & Shirley

Tel 01837 680084

Home Computer Tuition & Services Tuition: Computing, Emailing, Web Browsing, Spreadsheets, Word-processing, Printing, Photo Processing Servicing: Virus Removal, WIFI & Printer set-up, Problem Solving & much more! Tuition - not currently available. Servicing - £30 per hour OAP Discount 10%

Gareth Alexander Tel: 01237 475183 • 07816 521665

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Torrington & District Community News & Events

Contact us... Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon. We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication. Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 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

About The Crier...

The Crier is produced 10 times a year by The Crier Community Interest Company, a social enterprise, and aims to support the local community and local businesses, by providing a publication in which news, events and information can be shared throughout Great Torrington and the rural district. Production costs are covered by advertising income. We would also like to thank Great Torrington Town Council for their support. We would be very grateful if you could please ensure you inform any advertiser of where you saw their advert.

Master Care

‘Professional carpet & upholstery cleaner’ Carpet, Upholstery, Leather & Rug Cleaning Pet Urine Odour Removal Treatment & Sanitisation Contact Colin on 07555 858 094 Email: colin.chemdry1@gmail.com Visit: www.chemdrymastercare.co.uk

‘A local company independently owned and operated’

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.

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

LITTLE OTTERS PRESCHOOL DOLTON Preschool places available for children aged between 2-4 years Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.15 to 3pm If you would like to arrange a visit please contact the school ofﬁce on 01805 84315 or dolton.sch@alunismat.org

NOVEMBER OFFERS: Mini treatments 30mins for only £10 each Steam facial • Reiki• Pressure Point Foot Massage Bar Treatment: a very deep calming relaxation experience Or enjoy £10 off Lashes & Extensions * Full Sets * Half sets * Lash Lifts

Above Obsessions Hair Salon Torrington Please call Aimee Hagger 07742 798 851

The Plough Reveals Rare Good News & Plea for Volunteers

fter the recent good news of a £25,000 grant from Torridge District Council, The Plough Arts Centre has been awarded £73,000 by the National Lottery Community Fund, to help open and operate the business during these Covid-19 times. John Eeles, Chair of the Trustees says “The confirmation of this hard won funding award provides the centre with the financial confidence to be able to announce that we will restart operations within the Plough building from Thursday 5th November. An initial six months operating period has been outlined and future events going further into 2021 will be announced when the Covid situation is clearer.” Though The Plough has been operating outdoor shows in recent months, including a very successful open air theatre season that attracted 2,500 people to six venues, and ThePlough@ StAnne’s in Barnstaple is open for workshops and events, nothing has been able to be arranged within the Torrington building itself, since it was forced to shut on 17th March. He also states “A lot of hard work went into the grant application, and we are especially grateful to the members of staff and trustees for their time and effort in putting in such a successful bid. We are all enormously happy to know that (given any ongoing restrictions) we will be able to start providing an arts and community programme again for Torridge and North Devon from our Covid secure base in Great Torrington.” The centre intends to initially open on a reduced working schedule of three days per week, and provide a combination of film and live events, along with workshops and exhibitions plus the usual Christmas Craft Fair. After being forced to make 15 longserving staff redundant, as the only way to make the business viable for the future, The Plough will need to operate with a widened volunteer base if it is to reopen successfully. The Plough is calling upon its dedicated team of existing volunteers to come back to

help, and it is also calling for anyone interested in becoming part of the team to please get in touch at volunteers@ theploughartscentre.org.uk. There are roles available across the centre, including technicians, projectionists, welcoming team, event stewards, marketing, bar and café. All are welcome to get involved and all necessary training will be provided. The arts centre has suggested that “One innovative way to become involved is to set up a group of likeminded friends and volunteer to help, as a group, for the whole event – providing help for us, but also enjoying the support and friendship of ones you know.”

"After being forced to make 15 long-serving staff redundant, as the only way to make the business viable for the future, The Plough will need to operate with a widened volunteer base if it is to reopen successfully." Artistic Director Richard WolfendenBrown added “We are thrilled to be able to reopen with a bang on Bonfire Night and are confident that we can gradually rebuild the organisation for the benefit of the whole community. We will be a Covid-secure venue with advance sales only, reduced capacity and social distancing in place so that audiences can safely enjoy 21 days of screenings, events, exhibitions and workshops between 5th November and Christmas. With the need to reduce our audience size to levels that are financially uneconomic to operate in ‘normal’ times, the Lottery grant has

provided the financial bedrock on which we can rebuild the programme of events and activities. Thanks to anyone who has ever bought a lottery ticket!” One new and exciting development being implemented is a dedicated ‘live stream’ over the internet, of some events taking place onstage. For a nominal fee or donation, live shows will be streamed to audiences across the world, using state of the art technology. This will particularly appeal to those who might prefer to join us from their homes. For more information on the planned events and opening times, please use the Plough website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages. www. theploughartscentre.org.uk.

Visual Arts

he Plough's new exhibition programme kicks off with a mixed show of a few of the artists who have a long history with the Plough, and a sample of the artists who will be showing here in 2021. They include Merlyn Chesterman, Philip and Frannie Leach, Petra Freeman, Bill Stewart and many more. Then on Thursday 3rd December we start the 2020 Plough Christmas Craft Fair. While it won’t be so crowded as usual, there will still be a wonderful selection of varied crafts from local makers on display. We are also starting to run workshops. On November 5th we have our first printing workshop with Faye Anderson-Retter - this will be spread out throughout the auditorium to allow lots of space for everyone attending. For further details please see our website. Visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk.

e said ‘We Will Be Back’ and thanks to the truly heroic efforts of the trustees of our charity, and the vital support of key local and national funders, after 8 months of closure, we are thrilled to be able to reopen The Plough! With social distancing and Covid precautions in place, plus live streaming of some events, it will be new to all of us and as safe as we can possibly make it. Please come back! We can’t wait to see you. The Plough's new exhibition programme kicks off with a mixed show of a few of the artists who have a long history with the Plough, and a sample of the artists who will be showing here in 2021. Then on Thursday 3rd December the 2020 Plough Christmas Craft Fair begins. Whilst it won’t be as crowded as usual, there will still be a wonderful selection of varied crafts from local makers on display. For further details please see our website.

Juniors (8-12 Years) 1-3pm Seniors (13-18 Years) 3.15-5.15pm Sat 7 Nov-19 Dec 2020 (£60/£50) Sat 16 Jan-20 Mar 2021 (Excl 20 Feb) (£75/£60) Limited numbers. For bookings call 01805 624624 or e-mail sophie@ theploughartscentre.org.uk Plough Youth Theatre is supported by The Achates Foundation & The Gards.

Live Events and Films

Thurs 5 Nov: 2pm Film: Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Red Shoes’ (U) 97 mins 6pm & 8pm: Classical Concert: Toby White, Cello and Maria Staneva, Piano £10 Full £8 Plough Supporters £5 Key Workers £5 Under 18s (+ Live Streaming) Schumann- Five pieces in Folk Style; Beethoven-Sonata op.102 No.2 in D major; Debussy - Sonata; Debussy - Nocturne and Scherzo Fri 6 Nov: 2.30pm Film: Hope Gap (12A) 100 mins 6.30pm & 9pm: Comedy Night with Daliso Chaponda (+ Live Streaming) £12 Full (10 tickets avail @ £6 for Key Workers) Print Workshop with Faye AndersonSat 7 Nov: 6.30pm & 9pm: The Wild Retter - Thursdays 10am-1pm. Starts Strawberries (+ Live Streaming) Thurs 5 Nov. Bookings via The Plough. £9 Full £7 Supporters (10 tickets avail @ T’ai-Chi Ch’aun with Ian Godfrey £4.50 for Key Workers) Thursdays 2.15-3.15pm. Starts Thurs Thurs 12 Nov: 2pm: National Theatre 5 Nov. Bookings via Ian 01271 850918 Live: War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. vintagewarrior.uk@gmail.com Plough Prism Drama Via Zoom - Fridays. Filmed live in front of an audience 165 mins 6.30pm & 9pm: Comedy Night with Mark An exciting weekly drama workshop via Steel £18 Full (10 tickets avail @ £9 for Zoom for adults with additional needs Key Workers) (+ Live Streaming) with the support of their carers. Limited 16yrs+ Likely to be swearing and adult numbers. content. 10.30am-11.10am (Group Zoom Fri 13 Nov: 2.30pm & 8pm Film: Tenet Workshop) 11.15am-12.30pm (Individual Zoom Sessions – Times Will Be Allocated). (PG) 150 mins Sat 14 Nov: 6.30pm & 9pm: Voodoo Room Fri 6 Nov-18 Dec 2020 (Excl 11 Dec) . Fri (The music of Hendrix & Clapton) £15 Full 15 Jan–19 Mar 2021 (Excl 19 Feb) (FREE Thanks To The National Lottery Community £12 Supporters (10 tickets avail @ £7.50 for Key Workers) (+ Live Streaming) Fund) 8pm: Rosa Rebecka at ThePlough@ Motion Dance Via Zoom - Fridays An enjoyable weekly dance and movement StAnne’s, Barnstaple. All tickets £8 Thurs 19 Nov: 2pm & 8pm Film: Eternal workshop via Zoom for adults with Beauty (15) 95 mins additional needs with the support of their 5.30pm Film: Pinocchio (PG) 125 mins carers. Limited numbers. Fri 20 Nov: 6.30pm & 9pm: Show of Hands Fri 6 Nov-18 Dec (Excl 11 Dec) Duo £23.50 (10 tickets avail @ £12 for Key Fri 15 Jan-19 Mar (Excl 19 Feb) 1.30-2.30pm (FREE Thanks To The Devon Workers) Sat 21 Nov: 6.30pm & 9pm: Comedy Night Community Foundation) with Rich Hall £20 (10 tickets avail @ £10 Plough Youth Theatre – Saturdays for Key Workers) With fun and friendly weekly workshops 16yrs+ Likely to be swearing and adult and exciting performance opportunities, content. PYT is the place to be! Learn new skills, Thurs 26 Nov: 2pm Film: The Roads Not make friends and take to the stage!

Upcoming Events

The Plough is Back! Taken (15) 85 mins 5pm Film: The Lion King (Live Action) (PG) 118 mins 8pm Film: Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo 90 mins Fri 27 Nov: 2.30pm Film: 23 Walks (12A) 102 mins 6.30pm & 9pm: Comedy Night with Mark Watson £16.50 Full (10 tickets avail @ £8.25 for Key Workers) (+ Live Streaming) Sat 28 Nov: 6.30pm & 9pm Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years, performed by Bookends £16 Full £14 Supporters (10 tickets avail @ £8 for Key Workers) (+ Live Streaming) Sat 5 Dec: The Postman Poet: A Celebration of the Life and Songs of Edward Capern, Nick Wyke, Becki Driscoll are joined by novelist Liz Shakespeare, £10 Full £8 Supporters (10 tickets avail @ £5 for Key Workers) (+ Live Streaming)

Workshops & Talks at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple. Book via The Plough

Mon 2 Nov: Workshop: Introduction to Watercolours 7pm - 9.30pm Tues 3 Nov: Talk: Why do we need nature? Join Pete Yeo on this circular guided walk around Weare Giffard Wood. 1.30pm Wed 4 Nov: Workshop: Introduction to Acrylics 6.45pm Sat 7 Nov: Workshop: Basket Weaving workshop 10am Mon 9 Nov: Workshop: Introduction to Watercolours 7-9.30pm Wed 11 Nov: Workshop: Introduction to Acrylics 6.45pm Sat 14 Nov: Live Music: Rosa Rebecka 8pm Wed 18 Nov: Workshop: Introduction to Acrylics 6.45pm Thurs 19 Nov: Talk: Barnstaple Bygone Brothels Walking Tours 7pm & 8.45pm Sat 21 Nov: Workshop: Winter Wonderland Landscape in Watercolours 10am Sat 21 Nov: Talk: Witchy & Weird 7.30pm Wed 25 Nov: Workshop: Introduction to Acrylics 6.45pm Sat 29 Nov: Workshop: Handmade Books for Christmas 10am

Looking to Make a Change & Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters he Great Get healthy? Torrington

e know it can be difficult to know where to start. Perhaps you are a smoker who would like to cut back or even give up for good? Or you might want to aim for a healthier weight but can’t find the time or motivation. Do you need support to get more active? And are you worried about your drinking? Whatever your goal, OneSmallStep can help. OneSmallStep is the service set up and funded by Devon County Council to guide and support you through small steps to change. By looking at the process in small steps, we believe it can be much more achievable! OneSmallStep offers support when and how you need it with information, advice and guidance available online, by telephone and through face-to-face coaching so you can start making small changes to feel healthier today. Would you like help and support to: Quit smoking? Reduce your alcohol intake? Achieve a healthy weight? Become more active? If the answer is yes, get in touch with OneSmallStep. Our support is FREE and available to Devon residents in ways that suit you: either online, on the phone, video call or face-to-face*. You can take your first step to a healthier lifestyle by: * Logging on to the OneSmallStep website www.onesmallstep.org.uk * Emailing us at: hello@onesmallstep. org.uk * Texting the word QUIT to the number 60777 (charged at standard text rate) * Calling 01392 908 139 to speak to one of our friendly team Please follow OneSmallStep on Facebook www.facebook. com/1stephealthy and Instagram: www. instagram.com/onesmallstep_18 for helpful tips, motivation and support. * Face to face provision is subject to government guidelines in relation to Covid-19.

Commons 365 Supporters’ group has proved extremely popular and is growing by the day! Torrington is so incredibly lucky to have the 365 acres of common land as an amenity for the town and it is an absolute gift to us all throughout the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic. It’s nature on your doorstep. The Conservators are incredibly grateful to all supporters of the 365 group, as every donation makes a

"Torrington is so incredibly lucky to have the 365 acres of common land as an amenity for the town and it is an absolute gift to us all throughout the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic. It’s nature on your doorstep. The Conservators are incredibly grateful to all supporters of the 365 group, as every donation makes a huge difference." huge difference. The Rangers are now building a new bridge, this one will be called Centenary Bridge, it is at the Puffing Billy end of Common Lake Path. The community orchard has produced some fruit this year and we are planning to add more trees when available. Another project in the pipeline is Tantons Plain wood and nature trail. Our playpark redevelopment was due to start on October 5th 2020 and by the time this is published it should be almost completed. The money for the playpark was raised by applying for grants. This was done by Conservator Gerry Duffy and took almost two years of his spare time. Hopefully you will have noticed the wooden finger posts around the Commons - not only do they help you to know where you are, they also show you

to places that you may not have been before, the signage project is half way through. We hope to raise the funds to complete it next year. Our employed rangers and volunteers continue to work hard every day maintaining and improving the Commons for us all. The 365 Supporters pay just a £2 per month donation, which can be increased by 25% with Gift Aid if you are a taxpayer - that’s an extra 50p added to your £2 donation! You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you and you can pay £24 annually if you prefer. One-off donations can also be made via our website www. torringtoncommons.org. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1 email Andrew Giles at vicechair@torringtoncommons.org with your name and address and he will send you an application form. His telephone number is 07956 366 390 if you would prefer to contact him directly. Option 2 visit the website www. torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. 365 Supporters will receive a free Tree Trail map when they sign up. The Tree Trail starts and ends at the Old Bowling Green and is around 4 kilometres in length. As you proceed you will notice a numbered post by each example of tree or shrub, there are 55 different native specimens. There are also some non-native trees on the Commons such as the Monterey Pine and Spanish Chestnut. On the back of the map is a picture of their leaves, flowers and fruits if applicable. Some of the pathways are a bit steeper so always wear suitable footwear. Andrew Giles, Vice Chair Great Torrrington Commons Conservators

For All Your Plant & Flower Needs!

uring lockdown there was a surge in people wanting to grow their own vegetables and make wonderful flower gardens. I was in a very fortunate position where I could deliver seasonal plants in addition to my normal range, with no delivery charge, to customers old and new. I was lucky to get the chance to meet some lovely new people who discovered, via social media, that I was offering this service. I am very aware that not everyone uses social media, and that there may be lots of people in Torrington and the surrounding area who don't know about the service I offer. Where better than The Crier to get my message across and let people know that I will still deliver anything, within reason, to those who are still self-isolating, or don't want to leave their house, due to Covid. The plant delivery service will continue from April till September every year from now on. During lockdown I found that stocks from local suppliers depleted very quickly due to demand, and certain plants that were usually available at that time of year were in very short supply. For the next season, we will be more efficient, as we will have time to plan. We may not be able to give a specific time for delivery, especially for the seasonal plug plants, so please leave instructions where to leave them if you

Changes in the World of Travel

huge amount has changed in the world of travel since I wrote my last piece in July. One thing is certain though; people DO still want, and need, their well-earned holidays and are desperate for something to look forward to. I have found that as so many clients have missed out on their holiday this year, or have missed their family and friends as a result of lockdown, they are more determined than ever to take a ‘big trip’ next year or in 2022. I have noticed an increase in requests for villa holidays, where the whole family including grandparents, siblings and children can all get together for some fun. UK holidays, in particular The Isles of Scilly are also gaining a lot of interest. The largest increase, however, are the big ‘bucket list’ trips. Visiting Santa in Lapland, cruising around the Hawaiian Islands, trekking in South America, even visiting an elephant sanctuary in Thailand! All extremely exciting trips indeed! The recent announcement by the two largest online travel agencies, to leave ABTA in order to avoid their responsibilities for refunding clients whose trips have been cancelled, is a cause for concern for many, but I’d like to reassure you that I am, and will remain a full member of ABTA, and all holidays booked through me are fully financially protected. In addition to this, I am also committed to ensuring that I only use suppliers that have a proven track record for swift refunds and those that have revised their terms & conditions to allow my clients greater flexibility to change their minds about travelling. This means that you can book your holiday for next year, or the year after in some cases, safe in the knowledge that you’re fully protected, giving you that ‘something to look forward to’. I am always delighted to offer help and advice, and my services are free, so please do get in touch for any help with your future holiday plans. My contact details can be found on my advertisement. Stay safe everyone. Gill Farr, Not Just Travel are out. For those customers who purchased hanging baskets from me and have kept their container, they can have those baskets re-filled in March 2021. I will be stocking new hanging baskets next year but it is always good to recycle! We also have a variety of houseplants for sale. Despite the reduced working hours in the shop, I am available from 9am till 8pm on my mobile, seven days a week. If you would like to book a delivery of

flowers or plants, arrange funeral flowers or flowers for small intimate weddings etc please telephone 07533 891 380. Please tell your friends, family and neighbours about the service as I’m keen to help as many people as I can. Here's looking forward to a Happy New Year, happy gardening to you all. Tina Hodgson

Blackberry Farm Shop

* Open 7 days a week, & s�ll producing our home cooked food * Please order in advance & use our fully contactless collec�on or delivery service. * Product range: now includes general groceries, household items, toiletries beer, wines & spirits. * Delivery service now reaches out to those who are isolated or wan�ng to stay at home. For full details & a stock list: Call 01409 261440 • Email: lizzy@lizzyslarder.co.uk or Visit our Facebook page Blackberry Farm Shop Stay Safe everyone. Lizzy’s Larder, Blackberry Farm Shop, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, EX22 7NP

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.

What is MBSR Meditation? How Can it Help You Beat the Winter Blues?

ver the last 30 years, academic research in the fields of neuroscience, psychology and physical medicine have documented the benefits of learning to meditate, particularly in an 8-week mindfulness course format. This course comprises of eight two-hour sessions spread over eight weeks. The course is ideal for those who wish to learn to meditate, or for those who are seeking to reduce the effects of stress, lessen tension, or address the negative thought patterns that can lead to anxiety and depression. With practice, Mindful Meditation can serve as the perfect healing antidote to the daily tribulations that can sometimes undermine our health, performance, relationships and overall well-being. Through the course we will explore meditation exercises and cultivate new skilful ways of dealing with what goes on in our bodies, minds and daily lives. As a course participant you will receive a course handbook and a set of audio files which will guide you through the core meditation practices. A trained practitioner with over 30 years of meditation practice, registered and listed with the UK Professional Register of Accredited Teachers of Mindfulness, I am committed to helping individuals find a gentle and compassionate way to negotiate the pressures and expectations of this twenty first century life. Autumn and winter courses will be held at The River Rooms in Bideford, and online courses are available each month, so please visit www.gentlemind.uk for more information. Alternatively, email me, James Murray, at info@gentlemind.uk or phone 01769 302007 or 07866 545 978. You can also check me out on Facebook @GentlemindMeditation.

Take Away Hog Roast!

ew dates for locally-sourced cracklingly tasty hog roast! First Tuesday of the month Roborough Village Hall Car park - EX19 8TB. Second Thursday of the month Dolton Rectory Road Garages (near the bus stop) - EX19 8QL. Last Friday of the month - outside High Bickington Community Centre - EX37 9PN. Last Saturday of the month - outside St Giles Parish Hall - EX38 7JH. * 5pm-8pm. * Cash or card payment. * Social distancing measures will be in place, please stay safe and abide by them. For more info please call Andy and Sam on 01805 60390. info@northdevonhogroast.co.uk, www. northdevonhogroast.co.uk

TALKWORKS – Wellbeing Support in Devon

his year has been an incredibly difficult year for many of us, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating a range of pressures and concerns. As the pandemic draws on, many of us are experiencing job losses and financial worries, missing loved ones and feeling isolated. As we head into winter, it’s more important than ever to look after ourselves. Throughout the country there is a huge focus on keeping physically well, but as we continue to spend more time at home throughout the winter months, away from friends and family, we need to be sure to focus on our mental health as well as physical. TALKWORKS is here to help. Part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust, TALKWORKS is a free NHS service dedicated to helping the people of Devon to work on their wellbeing and mental health. They are here to help individuals who may be feeling low, stressed or just not quite their usual self. Sue Pike, TALKWORKS service manager, says: “There is a real emphasis on taking care of our physical health at this time, but it can mean that people are struggling more with low mood, stress or anxiety. At TALKWORKS, we have adapted our services to continue running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning we are now offering talking therapies and practical help with your mental wellbeing through online platforms and over the phone. “It’s important that those who are struggling with their mental health and

wellbeing know that the NHS is still open as usual and is here to help you, or anybody you know, who is in need of support.” The experienced team at TALKWORKS are here to help you feel

"The experienced team at TALKWORKS are here to help you feel better about life, and to help you feel like yourself again. " better about life, and to help you feel like yourself again. Whether you’re dealing with an overwhelming life event, feeling like you’re stuck in a rut that you can’t get out of, having sleepless nights or living with a long term health condition that leaves you struggling to cope, the service can help you. It can seem daunting to reach out and ask for help, but you don’t need to wait to hit ‘rock bottom’ to do so, and it doesn’t need to be difficult to get the support you need. You can refer yourself to TALKWORKS services without contacting your GP, by visiting their website or calling 0300 555 3344. TALKWORKS is free to anyone over the age of 18 - no matter your age, gender, sexuality or any other factor. Please be assured that accessing

TALKWORKS is simple and easy. Waiting times for you to be seen for your first appointment are short, and you’ll have a range of approaches and talking therapies for you to try, to see what works best for you. Let’s make sure that we all head into winter well, getting the help and support we need to maintain our wellbeing during the months ahead. Don’t feel alone, reach out today. Call 0300 555 3344 or visit www.talkworks. dpt.nhs.uk.

Lone Poppies

*“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row,” No conflict known like the Great War, Devastation never seen before. But now our enemy goes unseen, We fight with lock down and with quarantine, And rich and poor, young and old, Watch this tragedy unfold. Ageing folk, and those in their prime, Condemned to death before their time. So when I walked my path today And passed lone poppies on my way, I remembered all those, unknown to me, Who have died in pain, but with dignity, And hope our prayers will never cease For those destined to die -in war and peace. *John McCrae (1872 – 1918) from his poem “In Flanders Fields” ©Stephanie Easton

A Plea From Your Crime Prevention Officer: Please Beware of Impersonation Scams

ost of us think that we wouldn’t get caught out by a scam. We think it would be quite obvious that someone isn’t being genuine and we would never hand over our bank details to someone we don’t know. However, residents across the UK are falling prey to a scam where the caller invests a significant amount of time and effort into convincing their victim that they are part of an under-cover operation. They use powerful psychology to panic you: “Hello Mrs… this is Sgt… from Avon and Somerset Police / The Fraud Squad in London. I am calling to inform you that we have someone in custody for using a bank card that is in your name.” To appear genuine: “I am Detective Inspector… I will pass you over to my Sergeant to take details.” They may already know your name and address. They may offer a crime number or other reference number. Sound relevant and current. One of them said: “…because of COVID the staff at the bank don’t have job security anymore. We think one of them is corrupt.” They may ask you to become part of an under-cover operation to catch the offender out. They may ask you to attend the bank and withdraw money. Sometimes they say they need your bank card and send a courier to collect it. No genuine organisation will ever do this. They may offer to stay on the line or really push the importance of you being

under cover. This is to stop you from talking to anyone. They know if you take five minutes to think and tell someone, you are more likely to realise what is happening. We have had victims of this scam in North Devon recently. Many of them kick themselves and feel silly for falling for it but could you genuinely say hand on heart, that you or your friends of family wouldn’t fall for this? Remember, you don’t always pick up the phone with a sceptical head on; sometimes life is busy, we are caught off guard and the scammer makes us panic. When we panic we don’t always think clearly. If someone is talking money over the phone, it is more than likely not genuine. Don’t be polite. Put the phone down. If you believe you’ve fallen for a scam, wait ten minutes before making another call or clear the line by phoning a friend/ family member. Contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct, such as the one listed on your statement, their website or on the back of your debit or credit card and then report to Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police. uk. If you have any concerns please phone 101 or email 101@dc.police. uk. For more information about scams please see: takefive-stopfraud.org.uk. Please help us to protect others by sharing this information as widely as you can. Crime Figures for the Torridge Sector over the last 28 days, up until 1st October Burglary Dwelling 6 Burglary Non-Dwelling 2

Violence with Injury 44 Violence without injury 64 Robbery 0 Shoplifting 12 Other Theft 15 Criminal Damage 34 Public Order 14 Vehicle Offences 2

Getting Girls & Women into Golf at Great Torrington Golf Club

reat Torrington Golf Club, supported by England Golf, has embarked on a project to attract more girls and women into golf. A very successful taster day was held in August, with twenty visitors enjoying our friendly golfing environment. Several of these have subsequently joined the club. We are holding a similar event on Sunday 1st November between 3pm and 5pm. There will be an introductory lesson to golf with our visiting professional, Ross Daniel, and the opportunity to play a few holes on our beautiful golf course with an existing member. Equipment will be provided on the day. This will be followed by light refreshments and the chance to give feedback on your experience. If you would like to take part in this event please email your name to torringtongolfclub@btconnect. com or phone the club on 01805 622229. We look forward to another great afternoon.

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Knit & Natter - Knitting our Community Together!

hen I first set up Knit & Natter at the Town Hall in July 2019 we had three people join us for our first session. Little did I know then how the group would grow, and how many wonderful new friends I would make as a result of starting the group. We now have an average of 20 to 30 people from all walks of life, who come to the group every Wednesday at the Town Hall from 10am to 12 noon. As well as knitting, nattering and crocheting, we have great fun, share our skills, enjoy friendships and support each other, plus of course a nice cuppa and slice of cake every week. I would like to extend my thanks to my partner in crime Margaret Reed, who came on board in the early stages of the project and together we now run the weekly sessions. Margaret and I were thrilled last month to collect the Mayor’s Community Award on behalf of the Knit & Natter group – so congratulations to each and every one of you for making this possible. I would also like to thank the staff and Trustees of the Town Hall – we are so fortunate to have this wonderful space in the town centre. Everyone in the community is welcome to join Knit & Natter so, if you are interested, pop into the Town Hall for a safe and socially distanced couple of hours to learn new skills and meet new friends. Rosie Purcell Founder of Knit and Natter

Torrington Library News

e are open - at time of writing - on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-12pm and 2-4pm and on Fridays and Saturdays 10am12pm. Hours are subject to change, but if you are online you can check out our Facebook page @ TorringtonLibraryDevon where we post all service updates along with events or phone us: 01805 622107 or email: torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org. uk

"We continue to offer a ‘Choose & Collect’ service; phone or email and staff will select some books or audio for you and agree a collection time slot. This may appeal to those who feel more vulnerable at this time, or those with family, friends or neighbours who can collect for them." We continue to offer a ‘Choose & Collect’ service; phone or email and staff will select some books or audio for you and agree a collection time slot. This may appeal to those who feel more vulnerable at this time, or those with family, friends or neighbours who can collect for them. Books on Torrington’s shelves can be isolated via the advanced

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search option on the online catalogue. www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/ catalogue.We offer a reservation service for a small fee, 85p for over 65s, £1.10 for adults, children’s reservations are FREE. As winter approaches, we expect more requests for our Home Library Service, we are therefore seeking a co-ordinator to support our Home Library Service volunteers who deliver library books etc., to people’s homes. Please enquire at the library or via email. BookTrack, our popular reading challenge for primary aged children is still available, albeit not in its usual face-toface form. We are very happy to receive book reviews via email to enable children to progress through the challenge. Our Facebook page @ TorringtonLibraryDevon is the best place to go to find ‘What’s On’. Devon Libraries are all working together to offer and support online activities and events. Kate, Kate, Becky & Michelle

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and Ilfracombe in the north, and from former Creamery. Meeth to Hatherleigh in the south, this Devon County Council has agreed to he big news growth is anticipated to continue. fund work to upgrade this route if it is from the The economic plan for the Tarka Trail supported by the local community. Commons Coastal Community Team recognises Residents of Torrington are invited this month is that the need to provide new opportunities to support or object to this proposal by work on the new to access the Trail from across the area. responding to the following question play park has Within the Torrington Commons there is by 30 November 2020, either on the started, as has the a network of established walking links Torrington Commons website, or by new bridge over connecting the Tarka Trail to the town, cutting out the following and sending it to Commons lake. Thank you so much to but there has also been a desire for Great Torrington Commons everyone who supported the car boot many years to improve access into the Conservators, Castle Hill, Great sales. It was good that we were able to Torrington, EX38 8AA (or just drop it in extend the season a little before the bad town for cyclists and for residents of the town to access the trail. our post box in Sydney House). weather put a stop to them. We would A consultation is being undertaken still be grateful for any donations of to seek feedback on the possibility of books or CDs. Please contact Andy on permitting limited cycle 07956 366390 to arrange handover. access through the And now we have a question for the Torrington Commons in people of Torrington. order to facilitate a better Proposal to Link Tarka Trail to cycle link to the Tarka Taddiport along The Rolle Road Trail. Cycle access to the The Tarka Trail runs to the west of Commons is not currently Great Torrington Commons and is a permitted, and the Great very popular route for cycling. Between Torrington Commons Braunton and Meeth the trail provides over 30 miles of traffic free cycling, which Conservators are seeking is one of the longest stretches in the UK. feedback from local residents. The Tarka Trail caters for over 150,000 The consultation plan cycle trips annually, 73% of which are outlines the proposal to made for leisure purposes and it also create a single cycle link forms a key part of a wider 99 mile long route from the As a Torrington resident I support/oppose* the proposal to create Coast to Coast National Cycle Network Tarka Trail at the a single cycle link route from the Tarka Trail at the Puffing Billy to route, linking Plymouth to Ilfracombe. Taddiport along the route of the Rolle Road, as shown in the plan Puffing Billy, to Approximately 60% of the trail users on the Torrington Commons website. Taddiport along come from outside of Northern Devon, the route of the bringing in important tourism benefits Rolle Road. This * Please delete as appropriate and provide your full name which have been estimated to be worth below. proposed route around £20 million annually to Devon’s would also link to economy. Cycle numbers continue to Name............................................................................................ new development Address......................................................................................... grow along this trail and with further investment planned, to complete off road being planned ...................................................................................................... on the site of the ...................................................................................................... sections of the trail between Braunton

Common News

Every Wednesday morning & evening 1646 Community Hall, South Street Appointment only Call/Text Lisa on 07515 256 965 13

Great Torrington Town & Community Hall Torrington Street Deals! Saturday 28th August – early to late! Exciting New Community Project hosted by the Town Hall ould you like to earn extra cash by having a table sale right on your own doorstep? Well now you can by joining this innovative community project! Torrington Street Deals is the perfect event for you to have a good old spring clean and earn a bit of extra cash from your unwanted items. You can sell clothing, bric-a-brac, antiques, plants, art and craft work, produce etc. – in fact you

"A rallying cry - come on Torrie, let’s put the GREAT back in Torrington and create another great annual community event!" can sell anything that is legal! The Town Hall will be designing and printing a Street Deal map of every household participating in the Street Deals event. Participants will be required to pay a £5 fee for inclusion on the promotional map. The map will be advertised widely across the South West and the event will be marketed via traditional media and social media platforms. Be part of this inaugural event and watch it grow into a mini festival in years to come! A rallying cry - come on Torrie, let’s put the GREAT back in Torrington and create another great annual community event! If interested and want more information, call Anne Tattersall 07971 696 192 or Linda Smithson on 07546

578 714, or pop into the Town Hall (Monday or Wednesday) and pick up a form to include your details for the Street Deals map. 5 STAR News for the Torrington Town & Community Hall! We are delighted to announce that ‘Best of Bev’s’ Catering has now secured a 5 star Food & Hygiene rating for the Town Hall from Torridge District Council. Grant for Torrington Town & Community Hall We would like to acknowledge and thank the Trustees of the Balsdon Trust who have very generously given us a grant of £384 which will be used to buy some new folding chairs for community events in the Undercroft of the Town Hall. Sue Mills, Chair of Torrington Town & Community Hall said, ‘I would like to thank our Trustee, Helen Rumbold for putting forward the application submission to the Balsdon Trust. With the COVID situation we, like many other charities, are finding it difficult to generate income - so any grants or

donations we receive are particularly valuable in these challenging and difficult times. Sue Mills – Chair Great Torrington Town & Community Hall

Great Torrington Town & Community Hall Committee

e are delighted that our wonderful Town Hall has become a great community hub, particularly in these very uncertain times. Would you like to be part of this exciting community project? We are looking for some more Trustees to manage this historic building. We need a range of talent; from practical DIY skills to finance, governance and IT experience. We have three parttime members of staff and 15 on the committee, of which seven are Trustees, and we meet around 10 times a year. We have subgroups for various topics which meet ‘as and when’. If you would like to attend the AGM on 26th November at 4pm, please email me so we can ensure that we set up the hall in a safe and socially distanced way, according to the numbers attending. The public are most welcome and it is also a time to see if this interests you. For further information contact Anne Tattersall - Business Manager via email: townandcommunityhall@gmail.com or phone 07971 696 192.

Does Anyone Remember Barney?

In response to the ‘Does Anyone Remember Barney’ letter in the last issue, we have had a few responses! Thank you to everyone who got in touch. Eric Bond (99) remembers that Barney used to drink in the Black Horse. Barney was a cattle drover for the local auctioneers. Eric remembers having a drink with him in the Black Horse and says he was 'quite a character’! Barney had a sister called Nell. So perhaps the Black Horse was the pub where Tom Benfield and his friends lodged whilst working at the Dairy… Lois Johns I well remember Tom and the steeplejack lads working at the Unigate Dairy in the sixties. At that time I was helping out behind the bar at the Hunters Inn (now The Cavalier), where some of the lads were staying. What great lads they were, they worked hard and played hard and we had some great nights with them during their stay! Barney Hutchings lived in Marwood Court in Calf Street. He was a Cattle Drover working for a local auctioneer in the cattle markets in North Devon. Tom says that Barney was ‘a bit of a

character’, and he was certainly that. He is still fondly remembered by those who knew him, and his name will crop up in conversation several times during the year. Sadly sometime later in the seventies I, together with news agent Jack Hutchings, found Barney unconscious at home. An Ambulance crew who had been called were, sadly, unable to revive Barney who passed away shortly afterwards. Bob Fisher As per the enquiry from a steeplejack I remember it well, after working in the boiler house at the creamery. I’m sure the pub was the Black Swan, with the landlords either Mr and Mrs Hammett or Mr and Mrs Butler as they changed about the time in question, Barney used to be a cattle drover who worked at the cattle market in Torrington and the slaughter house as well. Hope this helps. Derek

We are always delighted to receive letters from our community. Please send to torrington. crier@gmail.com, post to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or send via Facebook @ torringtoncrier

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Tarka Valley Railway News

he autumn weather of sunshine and many showers has allowed us to begin our mandatory PTS training (Personal Track Safety) instructing volunteers how to determine their responsibilities when working on, or near, a railway line. All volunteers have to be certified! We were able to run our loco ‘Progress’ as far as the buffer stop by the bridge - its’ longest run for many years. The two aims were to compact the new track formation and to show us where adjustments were needed to the gearbox and clutch. A new hydraulic oil pressure gauge has also been fitted. Work continues to make the blockhouse roof watertight, and wood replacement on the brake van has revealed that a major restoration is needed. This will certainly keep the team occupied. The old signal box site continues to be cleared, revealing an end wall in remarkably good condition. The track team have completed drilling and screwing down sleepers which required a good deal of fettling to get everything fitted correctly. We have also moved our compound to the top of the coal dock. Please visit our Facebook page for latest news and photographs. We are revamping our website-watch this space for further information. Rob Martin Tarka Valley Railway

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOW From Your Mayor…

his year is certainly running away with us! I do hope you are continuing to keep well and are adjusting to the changing rules and the situation we find ourselves in. So far, we have been extremely lucky in Great Torrington, but we must continue to be vigilant; I want to thank everyone who is keeping us safe and to our local traders who are doing all they can to ensure we can continue to shop in safety. On 16th September I was thrilled to finally be able to hand over my Mayor’s Good Citizen Award to the ‘Knit and Natter’ Group. I met with Rose and Marg, who received the award on behalf of the group and thanked them both for setting up, and being a part of, such a fantastic group. We all remember the brilliant display of poppies that adorned the Town Hall last November for Remembrance, of which I was very humbled to unveil. The group has brought lots of people from both the town and the outskirts together, and has created strong friendships; something I think everyone values, even more so in these strange times. Whilst times are uncertain, I have been very pleased to see two new shops open in our lovely town. Firstly, I visited Deborah at Lilian Rose Interiors on 24th

September and took a look around her beautiful shop. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you enjoy lovely interior design. In early October a new business ‘Polish me Pretty’ opened in the Pannier Market. Sarah and Anna are offering something very different which adds to the great variety of choice available. I wish them both all the very best for their new venture! It is just over a year now since I launched my Mayor’s Challenge to, ‘love your town and shop local’. I have been excited to see people taking part and realising how much we really do have to offer here in Great Torrington. I am continuing with this challenge and I recommend that everyone visits our town centre at least once a week, to support our shops, businesses, cafes and Pannier Market. We can play a part in keeping our local economy strong by supporting ‘local’ as much as we can. I always love the saying ‘when you buy from a small business, the owner does a little happy dance’ – lets create more happy dances! Finally, I want to thank everyone who joined our Torrington Town Tidy over the weekend of 26th and 27th September. It was slightly different to our usual event, but I felt sure that you would all do your bit and help to keep our town beautiful! I was especially delighted

to see some young people joining in; they are our future and it’s amazing to see how much they care about their community at such a young age. My thanks also to Cllr Clayton who helped me organise the event and started a week early by cleaning the outside of the Great Torrington Heritage Museum – we are one team at the Town Council and I am very proud of how well we all work together. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything. Cllr Keeley Allin – Mayor of Great Torrington cllr.allin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Town Parking – Buy One Hour Get the Second Free!

orridge District Council has agreed a ‘buy one-hour parking get the second hour free’ to help business recovery. Through October and November residents and visitors are urged to support local shops and businesses affected by Covid-19. Park up for two hours for the price of one: just 60p in the Great Torrington car parks! Applicable Car Parks in Great Torrington are both Sydney House and Barley Grove Car Parks. Love your town and buy local this autumn!

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WN COUNCIL NEWS Your Council, Working for YOU Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2020

reat Torrington Town Council has confirmed that the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at the War Memorial in Great Torrington Cemetery will not be going ahead this year. This event is jointly organised by the Town Council and the local branch of the Royal British Legion, and both parties have agreed that the event cannot go ahead in accordance with the current Coronavirus pandemic restrictions on gatherings of more than six people. It is expected that individuals will want to visit the War Memorial to lay wreaths on Remembrance Sunday, however this will not be part of an organised service: visitors will be expected to observe the Government’s social distancing guidance, the rule of six and to manage their own safety when visiting the site. Groups and individuals are strongly encouraged to pay their respects safely at home. During the period of Remembrance in November, the Mayor will pay her respects on behalf of the Town Council; please check the Town Council’s Facebook page on Sunday 8th November at 11am. More information on this will also be provided in the next edition of The Crier, as well as the Town Council’s website and Facebook page. www.great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Photo Competition: Get Involved!

he Town Council is updating the information about Great Torrington on the Visit North Devon website and would like the community’s help in selecting five photos for the website to showcase our fantastic town and everything it has to offer: www.visitdevon.co.uk/northdevon To get involved, please follow the link to the Town Council website below, where you will find 15 photos of the town and surrounding area. Email or call the office to tell us which are your top five and then we will select the most popular photographs to go on the Visit Devon website. https://great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk/photo-competition Email: admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk Phone: 01805 626135 (please leave a message on the answer machine if we are not available) The competition will close on Friday 27th November 2020 and we hope to have the selected photographs uploaded onto the Visit Devon website in December. The Town Council would like to thank Cllr John Insull for supplying all the photos.

Visit North Devon

he Town Council has recently taken over funding a subscription for Great Torrington to have a presence on the Visit North Devon website, from the Community Development Trust. Visit North Devon is run by the North Devon Marketing Bureau and is working closely with Visit Devon to encourage more visitors to North Devon, to stay longer and to spend more. Membership of this website allows us to showcase all that Great Torrington has to offer to a wide audience, in particular to potential tourists who may wish to visit Devon for their holidays. As well as listing regular attractions in and around the town, the website can be updated to include any special events taking place so please let us know if you would like to publicise your events through this medium. The website can also host 10 photos of Great Torrington and we would like the community to get involved in choosing their favourite photos (see separate article) which will then be posted on the Visit Devon website. To find out more, please go to the Visit Devon website: www.visitdevon. co.uk/northdevon

GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Globe Hotel Plans

lans to rejuvenate the Globe Hotel in Great Torrington received a fresh boost at the start of October, with the announcement of almost £63K in funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund. The money is for the partnership project between Great Torrington Town and Torridge District Councils, Petroc and the Plough Arts Centre, with a goal of creating a working training hotel offering the South West’s first degree-level apprenticeship courses in Tourism and Hospitality, and the first ever degree level course in Torridge. But the ambitions for the Grade II listed building don’t stop there; with the wider masterplan highlighting shared workspaces, a café/restaurant space, and to become a community and cultural venue for activities in partnership with the Plough. The plan, which is supported by partners including Great Torrington School and RHS Rosemoor, will be underpinned by an innovative community ownership through a share issue to fund the acquisition. The grant will be used to scope and draw up a more detailed Business Plan, explore possibilities for the building itself and to facilitate the community acquisition process. Key messages from recent consultations showed strong support from the community to bringing the Globe out from hibernation, to be owned and run for the benefit of the community and establishing it as a focal point in the Town and local economy. Initial plans are for 15 new permanent full time local jobs to be created as the project progresses, with seven of these being high skilled. The build will also generate opportunities for local firms and trades as part of the capital works to alter the interior and shape the 460 square feet of workspace, and spaces set aside for the food and drink offerings. Torridge District Council is still keen to hear from people who want to get involved in the project, or have views on how it should proceed, and a consultation webpage has been set up on Torridge District Council’s website under ‘consultations’ on their front page or via this link www.bit.ly/TheGlobeTorrington.

Christmas Parking Charges December 2020

orridge District Council has confirmed the ‘small businesses free parking day’ across all Torridge District Council car parks will be on Saturday 5th December 2020. Great Torrington Town Council Members unanimously agreed to cover the cost of free parking at Sydney House Car Park only, on the following Saturdays in December: 12th and 19th December 2020 between the hours of 8am and 12 noon. Additionally, the Town Council agreed to have its second allocated free parking day on Thursday 24th December 2020. This applies to Sydney House and Barley Grove Car Parks. Karen Chapman (Town Clerk)

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Grass Cutting

ou may have noticed that throughout the summer months, we deliberately left grass and any wild plants to grow on four sites across the town. The grass outside Woodland Vale, the bank running parallel with Greenbank and banks around Linden Close and New Road. These areas are being cultivated to enhance the environmental and ecological aspects of the area. As we approached autumn, we cut back the vegetation, raked the area and have sown ‘yellow rattle’ seed ready for next year. If the seed takes well the yellow rattle will not only add to the aesthetic appearance bringing yellow flowers, but it will weaken the strength of the grass, ready to plant with wild flower seed at the end of next summer for 2022 season. The aim is to create natural environments which not only look great, but will also as increase the positive impact for birds, bees and insects. This is an ongoing project which we hope will bring long-term environmental and ecological benefits. If you have any thoughts about this approach, please do not hesitate to contact the Town Council.

Notable Buildings in Torrington

Part Three he refurbishment of Torrington Town Hall took some sixteen years to achieve, involving a lot of hard work by a dedicated group of people who had to deal with many problems of a practical and financial nature along the way. However, the project finally came to fruition and the building now provides a marvellous venue for a variety of activities. The restoration has been done in a sympathetic manner resulting in a mixture of the old and new: retaining the grandeur of the Great Hall, with its huge historical paintings, and the ancient wooden panelling in the Oak Room, while introducing modern toilet facilities, a fully-appointed catering kitchen and a lift, making the building fully accessible to everyone. The Great Torrington Town and Community Hall can be hired for weddings, private parties, celebratory events and wakes, charity events, meetings, seminars, conferences and exhibitions. Alongside the Great Hall is the Long Room suitable for smaller events, and a portable bar is available on request. The glass-fronted Undercroft can be used for community fund-raising events, pop-up shops, exhibitions, food and craft fairs. In addition, there is an office suite and a training room ideal for small group activities and meetings. The first event to be held in the Great Hall was the Cavaliers' annual dinner and dance on 16th March 2019. The present Town Hall was built in 1861 in classical style with a rusticated limestone lower storey and red brick with stone dressings above. The pedimented centre reaches out into the square and has arched openings leading on to a cobbled and paved area, now glassed in. Above is the Great Hall, which was once the town's principal meeting hall and magistrates' court.

Saturday 21st November 10am-4pm - Free entry If you are looking to buy something special, locally made, beautifully hand crafted and unique for your loved ones this Christmas, make sure to come to our Christmas Art and Craft Fair on Saturday 21st November, 10am to 4pm at the Castle Hill Community Centre in Great Torrington. Organised by the newly formed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Castle Hill Creativesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, we will be selling a wide range of gorgeous goods; including crafted jewellery, printed cards and artwork, hand-made designer knit wear, felted work, sculpture, ceramics and bespoke textiles. The excellent 1646 CafĂŠ, will be serving delicious hot drinks and tasty snacks and the Sidney House, South Street Car Park in Torrington is free to park in from 12pm on Saturdays. The hall is spacious, has disabled access, toilets and we have designed the space to make the fair welcoming whilst meeting coronavirus social distancing standards. To find out more about the fair and the artists and crafts people involved visit our new Facebook page @ castlehillcreatives. We look forward to seeing you there.

For many years it housed the Great Torrington Heritage Museum and Archive, until 2007 when it had to vacate the building. Many of the museum's archives, including the old lock-up, cell doors and stocks, together with a fine collection of photographs illustrating many aspects of the town's social and industrial past, had to be put into store. It wasn't until about 2013 that new premises were finally found in the former Stones solicitors building in South Street and the adjoining Market House above the entrance to the pannier market. Stephanie Easton's production of 'A Wife for All Reasons' was performed in the Oak Room of the Town Hall and its wooden panelled walls felt very appropriate for the play's Tudor setting. This panelling, typical of the 1580-1690 period, is thought to have come from the original building on the site of the Plough, possibly a rich merchant's house. It was installed in the Council Chamber when the Plough Inn was demolished and turned into a drill hall in 1912. The original Town Hall, known as the Guild Hall, dated from the 16th century and was part of a group of buildings including a Leather Hall, Cordwainers' Chamber, Yarn Hall and the Shambles. Murals, which decorate the passage between the Town Hall and Cornmarket Street, depict life in the seventeenth century when this area was the old slaughter house and meat market. Moira Brewer

From Your County Councillor…

once again want to start by paying tribute to everyone in Torrington Rural for everything that you are doing during the pandemic; from following the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance, to keeping our essential services going and keeping our local shops and businesses open. To say it has been a difficult time would be an understatement, but we must keep up our collective efforts to keep this virus at bay and avoid more restrictive measures, the likes of which we’ve seen imposed in Scotland and the North of England. I know it is difficult – but I also know we can, and will, keep up those efforts! For many months now I have been reporting on the very low numbers of coronavirus infections in Devon and in the Torridge area. Cases locally, at the time of writing (7th October) remain low, but we have seen a large increase in the weekly number of Covid infections in Devon, due to an outbreak amongst students at the University of Exeter. This is not unique to Devon, many of the nationwide ‘spikes’ have been caused by University outbreaks in city areas. In the previous seven days from October 4th we saw 539 new infections recorded in the County. However, out of those 539 over 70% (378), were in

Exeter, and the overwhelming majority of those positive test results were from student households. The County Council and Public Health Devon are working closely with the University to isolate the outbreaks and to support the students. Most importantly of all, at the time of writing the evidence is that this university outbreak has not spread to the wider community in Exeter or beyond. For some further context, at District level, of those 539 county-wide infections, just nine were recorded in Torridge, 22 in North Devon, and 12 in West Devon. Finally, while issues with testing have been in the news, the number of weekly tests in Devon has increased from 6,400 a month ago to just under 13,000, so capacity has been increased and is continuing to increase. I know how much of a difficult balancing act it is, as our local numbers are very low and I do not want to see people too scared to venture outside of their own homes. But, at the same time, the reason why our local numbers are so low is in part because we have seen good adherence to the public health guidelines. We cannot become complacent and we have to keep up our efforts to reduce any spread of the virus. Please continue to observe the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance. Whenever I have been in Torrington town centre on busy Saturday mornings I have seen very good observance of these guidelines, and I am sure we will continue to do so. It probably does feel at times like the coronavirus is the only issue occupying our attention, but I would like to reassure

Crier readers that there is a huge amount of other non-Covid related work taking place. Something good which I hope will come out of the pandemic would be if we see more people going into the Adult Social Care profession. I would encourage anyone interested to visit the Proud to Care website – www. proudtocaredevon.org.uk – to find out more and to apply for jobs. In this difficult economic climate, if you hear about any local redundancies, you can email proudtocare@devon.gov.uk as the service can offer one to one support for people interested in moving into care and health careers. The service is working with DCC’s Economy Team and the Department of Work and Pensions, as part of Devon’s Economic Recovery Plan. Any jobseekers can register their interest on the Proud to Care website and the Council can signpost people to help with their CVs, application forms and interview skills. You can also follow Proud to Care on Facebook and Twitter. Finally, on what in normal times would be the ‘popular’ subject of Highways, all Town and Parish Councils in Torrington Rural have been contacted by the local Highways Engineer, outlining the planned parish works for the financial year. This is part of a pilot project to get more local input into Highways priorities and as ever, if there are any County Council issues you would like to contact me about you can ring me on 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon. gov.uk.

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From Your District Councillors…

t the meeting of the Community and Resources Committee on September 7th, several key issues were on the agenda, with the main item of interest for Torrington being a funding request for the Plough Arts Centre. Richard W-B and John Eeles were allowed three minutes of public contribution each, where they put forward the case for the Plough to receive additional funding from TDC, to go alongside the total it had managed to secure itself through fundraising efforts. The committee was informed that the Plough is continuing to run events at multiple venues, despite not being able to open the Arts Centre itself, and that it continues to attract interest from big name acts. Cllr Bright put forward the proposal that Torridge should give a one-off sum of £25,000 to the Plough to go towards covering the shortfall announced at the beginning of the year, with a potential additional £25,000 to be discussed next year. This proposal was unanimously supported by councillors. Also on the arts agenda was discussion of funding for the Burton Art Gallery in Bideford, as their agreement was up for renewal. After a lengthy presentation, representatives from the Burton announced that they would like to reduce its funding request by 17.5% to £140,000 per year for five years. This was agreed unanimously by councillors. At this meeting the hotel site in

Westward Ho! was also discussed, where the owner wishes to remove TDC's covenant so that he can build something other than a hotel, details of which were not disclosed. The owner was willing to pay £120,000. It was proposed that we accept this deal, but councillors

rejected it. It was subsequently ‘called-in’ to the Internal Overview and Scrutiny Committee where it was suggested that the covenant could be removed, but replaced with a new covenant for commercial use only (not necessarily a hotel), and so the saga continues. Other call-ins included the free parking situation which has now finally been agreed, and TDC are offering ‘buy one hour get one free’ across car parks in Bideford, Holsworthy and Great Torrington throughout October and November. This will mean you can now park in Great Torrington for two hours for just 60p! Support your local businesses and make use of this great deal!

Funding for the Burton was also ‘called-in’ for scrutiny, but by the end of the meeting everyone agreed to continue it. Elsewhere, we have received confirmation that Elliott Ashelford's request for a new litter bin on the lane between Well Street and the junior school has been approved on a trial basis, and the bin should be installed

shortly. Elliott enjoyed helping out at the Town Tidy last month! We are both in the process of allocating some of our councillor grant funding to the CDT to pay for a secure equipment store for volunteer gardeners at the 1646 garden, who have been doing great work this year. Cllr Cottle-Hunkin would like to let people know that she is expecting a new arrival in March, and along with many others across the country has been campaigning for the reintroduction of partners to maternity services in NDDH. She has contacted the Head of Midwifery and Chief Executive of Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and put a motion to full council in October, to send a letter to the Trust to support government guidance released on September 8th. However, in the week preceding the meeting NDHT announced that significant changes were being made. This will now allow the partner to attend the first scan, induction of labour, all stages of labour, and visiting hours for the partner on Bassett Ward are increased from one hour per day to up to eight hours when booked by appointment. These changes took effect on October 2nd and will bring a great deal of relief and comfort for expectant families in Torridge and North Devon. Torridge District Council voted unanimously to send a letter to thank the Trust and show their support for these changes. Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cllr.cottlehunkin@torridge.gov.uk, 07495 367 801 Cllr Chris Bright, Councillor.bright@ torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909

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Tulip-o-mania! quota of words. ust a short note to say that call for emergencies ovember isIfthe time fromofcatalogues youbest want to to see pictures our last or although we haven’t been able to plant tulips, either pots Again, follow show or ainlist oforpreviouson-line. productions, organise any functions/trips this your borders. The the same rules above www.torringtonplayers.com year we may be starting up again next on Players direct intovisit fashion seems to be for big, regarding planting year. month!current 'Hobson's blousy doubles in smoky shades of pink, depth. Torrington In Bloom It is entirely in hands of Covid –19. aven't booked your mauve burnt orange he dates, time, and pricepurple, with Silver-Gilt WinnersSpecie 2011tulips are very hardy and vary We are not going to be able to make colours a contrast. There are fringed is delighted in shape, size mber are all onasthe any long-term decisions this side of Torrington in Bloom with and colour, some also varieties, parrot (with rather twisted having striped ont cover, or pop the above result and would not have foliage for added interest. Christmas. Hopefully if the fall-out from which petalsable are to actually o the tepals, Plough in tulipbeen achieve The Greigii and Kaufmanniana types are the pandemic improves, and confidence or flamed, or the erson. called), lily flowered, it without the help and brilliant in pots, usually flowering earlier returns, it might be possible to slowly goblet support shape - theyofall have a in the season. Other specie types are he casttraditional has been local restart Get Together Friends next year. of their own. orking beauty hard under traders, groups and great for naturalising in an alpine trough, At the moment all we can say is that e directionHaving of Frank said that, many of the individuals, welatest would rockery, gravel garden - somewhere we will keep all our options open. We lman, tocultivars bring you a to like seem lack to ‘staying thankpower’ you all. sunny and very well drained (many will keep you informed, via the Crier, as emorable evening and are often grown as of annual bulbsand (if species originated in the Middle East, A list sponsors the situation unfolds. Watch this space. acked with laughter. is available the Caucasus, Turkey, etc) and may look there can be suchsupporters a bulb). However, Marcia and Val thank you all for your enry Hobson onbythe noticeboard they can beissaved removing the at delicate but are very hardy. support over the last few years, what pleby, who alongsideand allowing t h e e nthe t r afoliage n c e to t o t h eLastly, c o ulook n c i lout for multi-headed or seed-heads happens next is all in the lap of the gods, finds time to after writewhichoffices/1646. die off, dig them up and store multi-stemmed tulips, as these provide and of course the Coronavirus. es on them our website This is shady Britainuntil in Bloom’s definition ofof flowers over a longer somewhere dry and a succession Please try to stay fit, exercise as much on's eldest daughter autumn, whatwhen constitutes silver-gilt level: and some even change colour as the following they can be period as possible and keep yourselves safe. sible one, is Sara ‘Very Good’ (75-84% mark) – a high sorted and replanted. they mature! Hope to see you all soon. r, 'bumptious' sisters standard entry, which meets virtually Tulips need good drainage, especially Fleur A. Freeland and Jo Wood. Neil all of the judging criteria and includes if planting direct into the ground. as Willie Mossop, sections of exceptionally high you can offset poor drainage Moore, However, plays Albert, Torrington standards. Exemplifies best practice in Community Craft & Produce Fair problems by incorporating sharp gravel ckie. Joyce Ridgwell multiple areas and demonstrates very Torrington Town & Community Hall in the h and this will bottom be her of the h i gplanting h p o thole; e n t i astand l f o r Friday c o n t i n4th u i n&g Saturday 5th December 2020 on top of the gravel ith TP. the bulbs directly development and sustainable effort. 10am to 3pm andbut back-fill You cancomments also members, veryas normal. The judges’ were positive e will be holding a Community Craft and Produce Fair in the Town Hall buy special trays’, which you puttoo: ‘Torrington in ny Bedinetz, Colin‘tulip in many areas, on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December. The Fair will be aimed at the bottom planting anda lot during the last Puttick at and Esther of the Bloom has hole learned local people who don’t normally showcase or sell their work. We are place thewho bulbs into that; ng Richard Pitt, year andsuch you trays havecan the potential becreative a lookingtofor people who want to earn a bit of extra cash for Christmas, or to g very then Welsh be in dug'Aup once season isentry. over. 1646 centre verythestrong raise money for their favourite charity. So, if you’ve been baking cakes, chutneys in Wales' to a very plant Alternatively, in a pot and improves eachplace yearthe and is valuable or a other produce, knitting, crocheting, painting or crafting and would like to take lane. pot into the ground, leaving just asset to the thelip town. Dartington’s part in this inaugural Community Craft and Produce Fair, please email Anne ere could notsoil be level. a (Crystal) above Tulips alsogrounds like beingwere a valuable Tattersall at townandcommunityhall@gmail.com or ring her on 07971 696 192 for the unsung heroes addition10-15cm to the route. planted deeply, between (4- The flowerbed at more information. I wish I6ins). could list all S&G is a vast improvement. The And don’t forget…The annual craft event at The Plough Arts Centre will be going For naturalising in grass, you can ahead as usual from Friday 4th December to Saturday 19th December. purchase special ‘traditional’ mixtures

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Torrington Rotary

ur members are continuing to meet, virtually, every other week and we hope you are all staying safe and getting used to the new restrictions put in place to keep us safe. On Tuesday 8th September we listened to one of our members’ ‘Job Talks’. When you join Rotary, you are typically asked to give the rest of the club a short presentation about your life and work and Jane Moore told us all about her training as a dentist, and how the profession had taken her to many places across the world. Our members were particularly interested to hear that she finally got her dream job at the age of 52! This just goes to show that some things take time and some things are really worth waiting for. We thank Jane for sharing her many stories with us and making us all smile. After hearing from Woodland Vale and their fundraising for the Magic Table, Club Council decided to support the project to the sum of £500. Members agreed how worthwhile the project was and admired the hard work that had gone in by staff, to raise over half the amount by themselves. We were also very pleased to hear that other Rotary Clubs across the area also supported this cause, as well as our local council too. We look forward to hearing all about the new equipment when they are able to order it. A few members of our club joined the Torrington Town Tidy initiative on Saturday 26th September and were pleased to be back out in the community. It was great to see many others also out and about and getting involved to keep our town looking beautiful. We would welcome anyone who wishes to join us on our Zoom meetings – we are a very friendly group! We are currently advertising speakers on our Facebook page so please message us or email secretary@torrington. rotary1175.org to get the log in details. Keeley Allin – President Elect, Rotary Club of Torrington

Will Torrington Lose its Probus Club?

very Town of any note has a Probus Club. The Probus movement originated in England when retiring members of Rotary clubs realised that they would miss the fellowship and social aspects of Rotary after retirement. In 1965 two retiring Rotary members at Welwyn Garden City called a meeting of retiring and retired members which resulted in the formation of the first Probus club. This was very quickly followed by the formation of a second club at Doncaster. Many others followed rapidly and the movement became nationwide, spreading to New Zealand, Australia and Canada before becoming worldwide. Each club is independent but affiliates through a national Probus quarterly magazine. Torrington Probus club was formed in 1980. It is also affiliated to Probus International and would have celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, but for the Covid-19 lockdown, since which all meetings have been suspended. The bad news that the club’s meeting place (The Black Horse Hotel) is not to reopen after lockdown came as an additional blow. Added to a dwindling membership, this presented the possibility that, despite a healthy financial position, the club may have to be disbanded. The situation was discussed at a special meeting, followed by a vote to continue or disband .With only one vote to disband there was an emphatic desire to continue, however it was recognised that membership would be the main key as, if the membership reduces further, it would become difficult to fulfil the posts of club officers effectively. Members left the meeting with a number of suggestions and ideas to consider, with the final decision being made at a meeting in November. The closing words of the acting President summed up the club’s feeling. “It would be a tragedy if a club like Torrington Probus, where friendly discussion and fellowship is the norm, and where guest speakers have covered such varied, interesting and entertaining subjects from piracy on the high seas, Leper colonies and professional sport, to musicians of the big bands and orchestras, railway engineering and the Berlin Airlift, should disappear from the social calendar.” For membership details contact Mike Evans (Sec) 01805 601166.

Covid-19 Support Update for Businesses

t the time of writing (2nd October 2020) we have entered autumn and the fact is that businesses are now concerned about the impact of the withdrawal of the Job Retention Scheme, which in its current form will end on 31st October 2020. Added to the above, in our area many businesses are seasonal in nature and so the winter is usually a time to ‘batten down the hatches’ and make plans towards next year.

31st October 2020; * a new Job Support Scheme will provide funding for employers who are able to retain employees but on shorter hours. The scheme will initially run for six months from November; * an extension to the SEISS (Self Employment Income Support Scheme). * the temporary reduced (5%) rate of VAT for the tourism and hospitality sectors will be extended until 31st March 2021; * taxpayers will be given more flexibility over payment of VAT and personal tax "There are now several bills. Deferred VAT may be spread over different measures in place 11 instalments, whilst self-assessment to help businesses that may tax due on 31st January 2021 (both be struggling as a result of amounts already deferred from July 2020 Covid-19, through the winter and amounts normally due in January may be spread over 12 interestperiod, but it is essential that 2021) free payments. It should be noted that they are aware of what can be these facilities are not automatic and will need to be applied for; and the claimed, how and by when." repayment terms of bounce back loans Since the Chancellor’s announcements and other coronavirus support loans are on 7th July, he was under pressure to to be extended to help businesses with provide a more effective set of measures cashflow. In particular, a new ‘Pay As to protect jobs and the incomes of the You Grow’ scheme will allow businesses self-employed from 1st November 2020. with bounce back loans to extend the The above pressure was also added to term of the loan from six to ten years. as it began to appear clear that the UK The above measures sit alongside was heading for a second wave. or represent modifications to existing On 24th September, the Chancellor measures and so businesses should announced his ‘Winter Economy Plan’ not forget the following previously which is intended to continue to support announced potential sources of jobs and help businesses through the assistance: uncertain months ahead. * The Job Retention bonus The key points of his statement * The Kickstart scheme included: * Green Homes grants * the Coronavirus Job Retention * Increase in the Stamp Duty threshold Scheme (CJRS) will end as planned on There are now several different

measures in place to help businesses that may be struggling as a result of Covid-19 through the winter period but it is essential that they are aware of what can be claimed, how and by when. It is very possible that further national or local measures will also be introduced. As I write, today has seen a further announcement relating to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The announcement includes further details and provides a link where businesses can find guidance and check their eligibility:- www.gov.uk/guidance/checkif-you-can-claim-the-job-retention-bonusfrom-15-february-2021 I would recommend that any business who has furloughed employees and who has or plans to return them to work checks their eligibility. If you or your business are not sure about the help available to you, we would be very happy to help you access these valuable schemes. If you have any questions or need assistance. Contact Keith Berry on 01805 628122 or email keith.berry@ berrysaccountants.co.uk Keith Berry FCA (Berrys, Chartered Accountants)

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Great Torrington CDT & Genesis AGM

nnual General Meeting of Great Torrington & District Community Development Trust Ltd & Genesis (Great Torrington) Ltd is due to be held on Tuesday, November 10th, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 situation, the Trustees have agreed that there will be no face-to-face meeting this year. The agenda items and statutory procedures required for the AGM will be communicated by email between now and November 10th. If you wish to participate in the online AGM, please contact the Secretary: philtop@hotmail.co.uk.

Dog Fouling at Donnacroft

gain we are highlighting dog fouling in public areas, this time it's an area where recreational sport is played, and both children and adults are being put at risk from dog excrement. PLEASE be aware that even if you pick up after your dog (as most do) it can still leave faeces behind in the grass, so please don't allow your dog to run free on either the rugby or the football pitches at Donnacroft. There is plenty of area around the fields for dogs to be walked. Dog faeces is one of the most common carriers of the following diseases: whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, parvo, corona, giardiasis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, campylobacteriosis.

Cavaliers’ Column Chapter 8

he good news is that I won’t mention the dreaded ‘C’ word this month but will note the negative effect it has had on our traditional events. Unfortunately, following much discussion and our look into the future, we have sadly decided to cancel most of our usual end of year fun events. Our November Family Bonfire and Fireworks at the Rugby Club, Conker Competition and Chilli Count event, The Great Children’s Giveaway under the Town Hall on the Saturday before Christmas and the New Year’s Party in the Square have all been cancelled. We are devastated that this has to be the case, and I know the Cavaliers will be truly disappointed in particular about the kiddies’ giveaway, which has always been the best day of the year for us. We are sure you will understand why we have had to go along this path. On a positive note, the Torrington World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-In will go ahead, when 47 pumpkins will go to the scales in what will be a highly contested competition. The weigh-in will take place on Sunday 1st November at the Castle Hill Community Centre, between 12 and 2pm. Using the South Street car park entrance to the 1646 garden, we must observe social distancing and stewards will be on hand to assist with this and offer directions. The Cavaliers are most grateful to Genesis for the use of this wonderful facility and for their support. Mayflower news is that we have been able to make progress on the build. A good gang spent hours clearing the site where people had dumped their waste wood, and managed to move it into the site. We were grateful for these donations but are now full and do not want further tipping on site. Thanks! You will have noticed that the painters have been busy; finally adding some colour to the ship, and this has enhanced the visual effect. Lots more to do and we will continue with these enhancements as best we can. Ed ‘Bluebeard’ Sturridge has been concentrating on some of the woodwork features, his latest project being making The Plymouth Arch, which is really looking good and will hopefully soon be lifted in place. His carpentry skills are amazing. Andy Morris has concentrated on the quayside buildings which are all taking shape now, but progress will be limited due to the onset of winter. We have to ensure it is weather proof in order to minimise any storm damage etc. over the coming months. Other Cavaliers are working on general site maintenance, ensuring a safe environment in which to work. So, there you are some positive news and no mention of the ‘C’ word! SPOILER ALERT… visit our website/Facebook page on the afternoon of Thursday 5th November for details of a possible surprise! More next time with an ‘All for One and One for All’. Ace

Torrington RFC

isappointing news in that the resurgence of Covid-19 has put back our much hoped for return to some form of normality, and to start playing club rugby. This has now been put back until at least January 2021, with a revised league system in place. What this will be is open to much debate and conjecture at this time. Hopefully it will be worth the wait! As a result of the delay our senior players have put training on hold until we can be certain of what the future holds. Conversely, with all proper distancing protocols in place and under very strict supervision, our juniors continue to train. Off the field activities continue too. The clubhouse is being used by various organisations for their activities, and is worth looking at to see if it fits your requirements for a meeting place. We are always on the look-out for more volunteers to help run the club. We are a family friendly organisation, working hard to provide a fantastic rugby club for the town. You don’t have to play rugby to join the club. The key areas we need help with are: * Match days * Social media * Website management * Facility hire * Club functions Please contact Club Chairman Philip Hearn for further details, email: trfc1985@ outlook.com or call 07788 417 626. We have purchased two new storage containers which should be in place soon. These replace the old ones which were in a very sorry state with the weather getting in from all directions! We are also having a defibrillator fitted. This was made available at no cost through a charitable organisation dedicated to supplying, initially rugby clubs, but the wider community too. This makes it available to not only us, but also the other Donnacroft sports facilities and the Hatchmoor community. More on this generous gift next time. In the meantime stay safe and be kind to each other. We live in strange times. C'mon Torrie! Respect, Discipline, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship & Teamwork Mark Waterson

TRFC Youth Section

t has been great to see lots of young people back to playing rugby this month after such a long break. Unfortunately, they are still unable to play matches against other clubs which is obviously frustrating for everyone, but safety is of course paramount. We are following clear guidance provided by the RFU in terms of sanitising all equipment, social distancing etc so making it as safe as possible for children to play. I am afraid to say that due to a lack of players, we are unable to continue with our U13 boys teams. With no games to look forward to, and no sport being played in local schools, it was obvious that this age group wouldn’t be able to grow this year. However, some of the lads are going to join up with South Molton so at least they will get some games at some point. We are always looking for players in other age groups so if you have sons, daughters or grandchildren that would like to have a go, please get in touch with me, details below. We are also always looking to recruit more coaches or assistant coaches. We offer full support for training new coaches and don’t ask for too much time as we appreciate how precious everyone’s time is. The club is fully focused on providing a fun and social environment for all. Current age groups are: U7, U8 boys and girls tag, U9, U10, U11 (all boys and girls), U12 boys, U13 and U15 girls. It would be amazing to see some new faces. Adrian Avery (Chairman) agavery81@gmail.com/07780665378

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Home From Hospital – Volunteers Needed

ne Northern Devon, in conjunction with one of the key partners Northern Devon Healthcare Trust, have been inspired to build on the brilliant community response to the Covid-19 pandemic, where members of the community supported those with no support network around them. This fantastic response was recognised in regional and national media. One Northern Devon, and the network of ‘One Communities’ are keen to build on this to provide support to those discharged from hospital who have no support network from friends or family around them. Would you like to help reduce the fear and anxiety that vulnerable patients feel when they return home from a hospital stay? Can you be that neighbourly friendly face to provide a helpful and warm welcome home? Full training is provided and you control how often you volunteer. If you would like to find out more about being a Home From Hospital volunteer, contact your Community Developer For Torrington 100 - Sophie Hatch on sophie@ttvs.org.uk or 07939 154 436 for more information.

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Ready, Set, Glow this Christmas at RHS Garden Rosemoor

ickets for Glow at Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Gardens are now on sale! The popular outdoor illuminations return once more to RHS Garden Rosemoor. With many festive events cancelled, now is the time to treat yourself to something special. The winter at the Garden Rosemoor in Devon is always one of the most beautiful sights in all seasons. In addition to its day-time beauty, once again visitors can see the garden transformed at night; with innovative colour-changing lighting creating a magical festive trail around the trees, shrubs, water features and sculptures. With the safety of visitors and staff its foremost priority in these challenging times, the RHS has put in place a number of measures to ensure everyone can enjoy the events with confidence. These include mandatory advance booking, one-way routes around the gardens and limits on numbers at any one time. All four RHS Gardens have recently been awarded Visit England’s ‘Good to Go’ certification, an industry-standard mark of reassurance that they are carefully following all the latest government guidance on Covid-19. Taking visitors along a new (one-way) route, Rosemoor Glow 2020 will include the Winter Garden (back by popular demand), the Cool Garden with its rippling water rills, the Long Borders, through the Cottage Garden for the first time and once again down to The Lake with its incredible reflections. Also for the first time, there will be interactive sections as well as a few ‘light’ surprises along the way. Please see the website for the selected dates: between 19 November and 2 January. During Glow evenings the gardens will be open until 8pm, to maximise the effects of the lighting and on those days, normal garden entry includes Glow (free for RHS members). In this way you can enjoy a full day out seeing the gardens and sculptures by day and then also Rosemoor Glow by night. Hot and cold refreshments will be available at various points around the trail, and the Rosemoor Shop will also remain open until 8pm for Christmas Trees and decorations as well as exclusive RHS gift ranges. Rosemoor’s annual Winter Sculpture Exhibition will be up and running from 12 November to 31 January. This year, the exhibition has been freshened up with a high proportion of new artists. Most of the sculptures featured in the exhibition are for sale. To make the most of a visit to Rosemoor there is also a special day-time Winter Wonders Garden Trail which includes many specimens from our national collection of hollies and featuring key highlighted plants and shrubs around the garden. Every visit and every purchase supports the charitable work of the RHS. Normal garden admission applies (free for RHS members). The Garden itself is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am-5pm. Tickets for Glow must be booked online in advance. Routes are fully accessible and festive refreshments will be available. For further information, visit rhs.org.uk/Rosemoor.

Little Torrington WI

nother busy month for Little Torrington WI. We have now decided that Zoom meetings are the way forward during the pandemic. It does not suit everyone and it is certainly showing the weakness in the local broadband, but as many members are attending our Zoom sessions as would normally come to the hall meetings. A second series of Zoom art classes started this month moving from watercolours to gouache, and members met for picnic lunch in the 1646 gardens. The rule of six and the autumn weather has made this, unfortunately, the last of the year. The Book Club sent off its list of 24 choices to Devon Libraries to pick over the next 12 months. We raised in excess of £260 for Macmillan by holding a virtual coffee morning. The high spot was the cake auction. Claire had baked a sticky toffee cake of magnificent proportions. It was knocked down for £20. We are putting up a taster offer: you can try the WI for 6 months for only £10.75 from 1st October to 31st March 2021. If you fancy joining us locally email Linda at littletorringtonwi@gmail. com. More information is available on www.thewi.org.uk and on our local Facebook page: Little Torrington WI. Sally Ramsden

Rolle Canal Rosemoor Basin & Recommended Reads ell here we all are in autumn, which, along with winter, Lime Kilns Restoration Report

he weather forecast was spot-on for the day and the early drizzle turned into sustained rain for the morning which hampered work on site. However, we have a weather-hardened team of navvies who worked on stoically in miserable conditions. The repairs and re-pointing of the west wall of the lime kiln have made a huge difference, not only in terms of making the structure safer, but also with regard to its general appearance. Once the new material has weathered in it should blend well with the original stonework.

The scaffolding now needs to be raised to enable us to continue the restoration at a higher level. We therefore turned our attention to repairing the large archway in the west wall which is in poor condition. This has been a cause of concern for some time as, if the arch were to fail, it would bring down a significant part of the structure. Fortunately, we are still unearthing some substantial building stone from our 'quarry' and this is providing an excellent foundation on which to re-build. The Canal Basin and Lime Kilns at Rosemoor are not currently open to the public, although when guided walks can eventually be resumed these will become the focus for at least one walk each year.

is classic book reading territory. We are very lucky that our library here in Torrington is open for business, so we are looking for authors who, if they appeal, will have several books to their name, so that we can recognise an ‘old friend’ and indulge ourselves. This month I want to talk about Elly Griffiths who writes wonderful mysteries about Dr. Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist and amateur sleuth, who lives on the salt marshes in Norfolk. Elly has written, so far, twelve books featuring Dr Galloway, all chilling crime stories. The first book is ‘Crossing Places’. A child’s bones are found near a prehistoric henge on the north Norfolk coast, and the police ask the local forensic archaeologist to date these bones. Are they the remains of a local girl who disappeared ten years ago? DCI Harry Nelson asks for her help and for the unmarried university lecturer, life gets a whole lot more complicated. All twelve of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries follow the relationships between Ruth and DCI Nelson and his wife and family. There is also Michael Malone aka Cathbad (a Druid) who helped in the original henge ‘dig’. These characters, and many more, develop throughout all the books, but any of Elly Griffiths’ books can be read independently without knowing the background of the characters. Of course wherever you start in this chain of books you will be so intrigued that you will want to go back, or forward, to gobble up the remaining eleven. Trust me I have read them all and have just finished her latest one “The Lantern Men” which ties in with her first book ‘Crossing Places’. Elly Griffiths has also written a series of, so far, five books called ‘The Brighton Mysteries’ whose time frame is the fifties featuring detective DI Edgar Stephens, whose friend and fellow sleuth is a stage magician and former wartime comrade Max Mephisto. In Waterstones today,on a pile of books, was a sign advising us that here were “books to keep you reading late at night” on top was Elly Griffiths, need I say more? Bookworm

Meanwhile our volunteers are making great progress with restoration work and additions to the team will be made very welcome. Working arrangements may vary in the immediate future as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Project

Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237475707) or Treasurer, Tony Barnes (tel. 01237-473801). See also our website:www.rollecanalsociety.org/latestnews.html Tony Nicholls

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The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a Christmas wreath from Fine Floral Design, donated by Dafforn & Son. 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 Beryl Heard. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 12th November and the solution and winner will be in the December/January issue. It has been wonderful to see our local community pulling together and supporting one another throughout the uncertain times of 2020 as we continue to cautiously navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic. The team at Dafforn & Son are so proud to be part of this fantastic town and want to do our bit to see local, independent businesses like ourselves continue to thrive. We are delighted to offer you a £100 gift card to be used at a local independent business of your choice when you take out a funeral plan arranged through us. This could be the hairdressers, green grocers, butchers, mechanic or any other independent business within the town that offers gift cards. For more information give us a call on 01805 622263, send us an email at dafforn@rpbfunerals.co.uk or pop into the office to see Laura (Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10am till 3pm).

1st Torrington Scout Group

ello from a very wet and windy K9 Focus camp! It certainly looks like autumn has arrived and the play areas are looking very windswept but I love it – lots of leaves to jump about in. My favourite game of all is sniffing out all the treats that Aunty Lynne hides in the leaves, under the bushes and even on the tree branches, which really makes me have to think about how to reach them! It’s been very quiet at the rescue as the demand for dogs continues to be high, which is good news – we just hope that lots of dogs are not going to find it too stressful when their owners go back to work and they are left alone. Hopefully some of those dogs will join us in day care, so that they can have fun with us all. It only costs £15 for the whole day, and they get a nice warm kennel to snuggle up in when they need to rest. Even better, all the money goes to providing for more dogs that really do need help, like our little Missy. You may remember Missy came to us last month and was a very scared little thing, and was also quite aggressive. She is coming along nicely and is now very happy to meet people, go for walks and play in the paddock. She is also eating well, which was a bit of a problem initially, as she really had seemed to just give up. It is lovely to see her tail wag instead of being

stuck between her legs, although she is still very wary of other dogs and will growl if she gets scared, but this is getting less and less. It really does show that with time and patience a nervous dog can be brought round. It is also a reminder that when looking to rehome a dog, it’s so important to research the breed and make sure that their basic characteristics actually suit your family lifestyle: if choosing an active breed, you must have the time to fulfil their needs. Missy came from working stock and really was not suited to living in a hectic home with very little stimulation or socialisation. Like many clever and working breeds, if they are not given a job or provided with something to tax their brain, they will find their own entertainment and get up to all sorts of mischief, or indeed become very antisocial! Have a safe November and I will be back with you again in December (is it really nearly that close to Christmas?) Licks and a big waggy tail, Love Freddie

he Scouts have all tried baking and made some iced chocolate muffins, with a successful tasting session at the end! Great fun was had with games’ nights; we played the ‘Yes/No game’, you are not allowed to say ‘Yes or No’, and this was fun and quite challenging. We got the Scouts to work as a team to count from 1-100, the catch was they couldn’t repeat a number or go after themselves, they did very well. Coming up in our next term we have two virtual camps. Cubs have been having fun with hobbies. Their collections and interests were all very different: from Hot Wheels to cuddly toys. All were keen to expand their collections. We've had to change some of the planned Cub sessions, which weren't possible over Zoom. They have been learning about different food groups, sorting the foods they have eaten in to the right section, and learning health and safety within the kitchen - including some basic food hygiene. Another challenge the Cubs completed was taking five photos of landmarks and five of their choice, having to give an explanation for each. A story telling meeting was also good fun, each Cub had to say a sentence to make up a part of the story. If you have a son or daughter who may be interested in joining Cubs aged 8-10, or Scouts aged 10-14, or if you feel you may be interested in helping out in anyway please contact Jordon Group Scout Leader on email Jordon. whitear@gmail.com.

5 Minutes

5 minutes. stared out the murky window; eyes fixated on the roaring crowds shuffling along the pavements. Groups of people in luminous jewellery and vibrant headbands danced past laughing so loudly I could hear it in the cab. We’d been waiting in the queue for what felt like years, yet I knew it had only been half an hour. But still, I was getting agitated. “Relax Jen,” hushed Sophia. Her neon cat ears reflected brightly in the dim windows. I knew she could tell I was anxious to arrive as having never been to London, I wanted new years to be my first experience. Everyone had told me the fireworks were incredible, so I was lucky to find tickets. Then again, I would prefer to be at the displayed event; not prisoned in a dismal taxi. Sighing softly, I quietly glanced down at my phone. 4 minutes. To be honest, I was slightly irritated by Sophia’s pleas to avoid shortcutting through the high street mob. Hailing a cab was a spur of the moment suggestion, which I silently regretted. Obviously I knew how different it was to be surrounded by such large amounts of people, but given I was far more sociable than her, I knew Sophia would suffer from the claustrophobic crowds much more than I would. Finally, the roads started moving. I breathed a sigh of relief I didn’t realise I was holding and turned away from the glowing screen, twisting my head to my colourful friend. “See?” spoke the smug, painted face. “Fine, but I wish this guy would move faster,” I whispered, cautiously keeping my voice from the cab driver’s ears. “We could’ve walked faster”. “You never know what kind of people

there are,” she exclaimed with a worried look. Contorted by her face paint and makeup, she looked like a sad clown. Deep down, I knew how she felt; the world was scary. Sophia had never been very interactive with anyone but me; I practically had to force her onto the tube to get towards the Thames. Yet, even after going through that whole dilemma, she still insisted on driving to the 10 minute away venue. Strange how I thought her anxiety would’ve calmed down after boarding the train. Thinking this, I silently rolled my eyes and glared at the ruby lights fading through the wind screen. “But then again I wish we were at the”I began. The car suddenly stopped and our bags flew forwards, pulling our necks in the process. In a wild frenzy of coats and neon jewellery, I snatched my bag and hastily escaped the vehicle. As soon as the driver was paid, I grabbed Sophie’s arm and began to drag her through the crowded streets. 3 minutes. “Slow down, Jen! We’ve got time!” she shouted, though her voice was inaudible in the deafening rambling street. I glanced down at my phone; 11:57. Just ahead, I could see the flamboyant lights of The Eye. I began to pick up the pace and yanked Sophia’s arm as we sprinted through drunkards and flying drinks towards the front of the Thames. 2 minutes. “We’re here! Woah, finally!” I screamed into Soph’s ear. She didn’t hear me but held her bag tight, clearly frightened of the shrieking madness around her. I put a mitten on her shoulder and presented the minutes left till midnight on my phone. “Almost time!”

During lockdown, Mrs Furness’ English class were given the task to write the opening of a story making use of a countdown as a structural device. Here are two fantastic responses. 30 seconds. At that moment, a storm surge of coated people heaved forwards, shoving Soph and I to the side. I felt the fabric tear from her sleeve as the wave crashed through us. I lost my grip. 20 seconds. “Soph? Sophia?!” I cried, hands clutching the wilting fabric. 10, 9… I shrieked her name again. My voice felt hoarse. The mob was swarming me, I couldn’t breathe. “2, 1!” Cried the crowds, the drunkards, the colourful lights of the night. “Happy new year!” Jessica Parker, Year 11

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‘If Only They Had Known…'

dislike of bikes but they had done lots of ust before their accident, Issie and training so Issie was not slightly worried Maybe she should have been a little her horse Titan were quite content more cautious. walking quietly down the long They kept going and neared the windy road. Titan towered at 16:3hh. He had almost perfect conformation and the main road. She clucked him into a fast trot checked and crossed without any handsomest of heads. He had big black problems. eyes that showed just how honest and They were halfway around the twosweet he was and he had delicate silver ears that matched the colour of his coat. hour ride; but would only be another twenty minutes. On his back, he had a brown saddle Issie steered him past the towering sat upon a cushioned turquoise saddle church and they continued down a pad that looked a similar colour to the grassy track. Titan’s big round hooves tropical oceans in Hawaii. It reached to made prints in the mud almost the size of his rounded rump which had large dark dinner plates. He squelched further into dapples that only came out during the the mud until he sunk no more as they summertime after his thick fluffy winter had reached the stony path, which led coat had been shed. Issie scratched his withers lovingly as he noticed something back up the other side of the hill. Issie in the far distance and held his head high felt him quiver with nerves. He thrust his head up and looked around. in alarm. ‘’ Its ok boy,’’ she said and he Nothing. settled at once, his fears floating away. ‘’Walk on.’’ she urged. He moved People often laughed at how small forwards reluctantly. She had a flash Issie looked compared to Titan (who definitely lived up to his name). She was back of the time he had done this before. When they had met a bike. But she knew short for 15 and skinny too. At times, it it was probably just nerves and besides, looked as if she was a rag doll sitting they’d done lots of spook training. Issie upon him but her size did not matter urged him into a brisk trot to keep his because she was a born rider and mind occupied. He shot up the hill but the bond between her and Titan was settled down halfway up. unbreakable. Issie had grey eyes which There was 5 minutes until it would looked the colour of thunder clouds and happen. Issie pulled him up to a walk. she had long brown hair that swept down her back. She was wearing her favourite He had settled down as quickly as he’d wound himself up and plodded placidly jodhpurs on their hack – the comfy dark down the path. Issie checked her phone. grey John Whitaker ones, and her blue A message from her mum. Go careful it riding top. She wore her brown riding said. gloves on her hands. Only 3 minutes left. They had come They walked up the road and passed a house. Titan spooked to the right. A big to a quite country lane. Issie put her favourite song on and they trudged down black dog growled from behind the bars the road listening contentedly. She had of its prison. Its sharp teeth snapped had to take off her gloves to work her angrily at the fence. ‘’Oh Titan you big phone but it didn’t bother putting them baby,’’ Issie giggled. Titan was huge back on. If only she had! It would have but he was a softie on the inside and spooked all the time. He had a particular been extra grip...

Titan’s ears flickered forwards. A distant whirring noise had begun. It sounded like it was getting closer by the second. Issie clung onto Titan. He had begun to sidestep. ‘’Steady,’’ she said. He snorted with fear as he noticed a black dot coming down the near hill. It was coming closer quickly. The noise grew louder. It was deafening. Issie saw what it was. Before she had time to do something Titan shot up on his hind legs. He reared high in the air almost toppling over and crushing her. ‘’Woah,’’ she screamed as she clung on for her

"She could hear the sound of her hat cracking against the tarmac." life. She could hear the sound of her hat cracking against the tarmac. She opened her eyes. She was still in the saddle. The sound was just his feet meeting the road after he had reared. Relief flooded through her. Like a tsunami, the relief cascaded to fear. The noise grew louder. She took her feet out the stirrups to dismount. It was too late. Titan bolted back up the road fleeing in terror. She pulled and tugged to get him to circle but it was no use. He wouldn’t stop. She could jump off. But she couldn’t. She wouldn’t leave him. She wouldn’t leave him on his own. 1 minute to go and they were still galloping. The main road came into view. ‘’ Stop, ‘’ she screamed tugging with all her might. She stopped fighting him. Issie had no other option but to rely on their trust and faith in each other. It was the only thing left that could stop him. Eleanor Burgess, Year 11

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Lance Corporal Charles Herbert Cudmore

harles Cudmore was born in Great Torrington in 1892. His father, Lewis, a tailor by trade, was also born in the town. His mother, Lydia, originally came from Marylebone in Middlesex. In 1901, the family were residents at 7 Mill Street. Charles was enrolled in the local Torrington Boys’ School in 1899. Charles’ mother, Lydia, passed away in July 1907. By 1909, Lewis had married again, this time to Elizabeth Row March

"...if you do have any information that would add to his story, I would like to hear from you." and they were wed in the town. The fact that both Lewis and Elizabeth had been married before and had brought their own families to the relationship meant there was a resultant large household. By the 1911 census the family were living at 5 South Street, Great Torrington. At this point there are nine people living in the household. Charles is now 18 years of age and has followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a tailor; his father is still listed as a tailor, too. There are two other children in the household. To complicate the household, Lewis’ former mother-in-law, Sarah Beer, aged 65 also lives with the family along with Lewis’ two brother-in-laws, Walter and Michael. I have not been able to source any information relating to Charles’ enlistment details. We do know that he served with the Royal Army Ordnance

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Corps; we also know that his service was at Hatherleigh Communit Mayor’s Diary number was 08797. to see many of their residents Another hectic month has passed. Charles would serve Helen and I have represented the Community Awards. This is s at the rank of Lance the awards we have in To Town at many civic Corporal. A clipping which recognise people wh events, including made a difference to their town from the North Devon church services for the It was lovely to at last welco Journal was able to Chairs of North Devon be involved with, the Indu expand on his military service further.District Council and Father Lawrence MacLean. W Torridge District They report that Charles served in the he and his family will be very Corps for four years, which included Council. our town, and the Church Fe We enjoyed spells in both France and Egypt. His a trip to Bideford to th Vicarage was a good opportun watchafter their Regatta and on 10 service abroad continued the end all to meet them. September watched the spectacular of the war at which point he contracted The Co-op and Town Bideford Massed Pipes and Drums, dysentery; the condition worsened while Former Pupils of Great arranged a Harvest Festiva with visiting bands coming from all over he was home on leave and he was Pannier Market on Torrington School the UK. admitted to the Torrington VAD Hospital. September. 11th that Barnstaple Fair is always aou wellmay bethe aware at GTS As there was no improvement in his This was the first supported day, with all the “Chain we work with the educational condition, he was transferred on to the one organised Gang” out in force to celebrate the Future charity First, to and I Military Hospital at Exeter, where heFair. The weather was think it will become a tradition of the reconnect with our former students. passed away shortly kind afterwards on 20tharound town, whilst regular event on the as we walked Times of course are slightly different February 1919. He was years of age. Torrington calendar. the 26 declaration of the opening of are theunable in that we to invite former The North Devon Journal continues Finally, we tried to attend Fair was read. Immediately after the Alumni in, but we would still like to mornings as Macmillan coffee to report that Charlesformal received parta ‘semiof the proceedings had engage with them and all and be ready to up going in fact ended military’ funeral that was attended by finished, we dashed down to Newquay. welcome them back when we can! This is a wonderful charity an a large number of people. It wasThe timereport for Helen to put on a ‘posh If you, or anyonesurprising who mightthat be a it’spast so well su describes the coffin being in the frock’ draped for a reception celebrating the student might be interested, please After all those coffees we we ‘South West in Bloom’ competition. Union Jack flag, which was carried by six contact Louise Leonard, Careersshop & to see Le Soap Kitchen We still had to wait until the following servicemen dressed in khaki. Charles is Employer Engagement Officer on who celebra Richard Phillips day to hear the results, and were proud buried in the Great Torrington Cemetery. 01805 623531 ext 231, lleonard@gts. years of business on 30th Se and delighted when As Charles was unmarried and had no it was announced Congratulations to you both. devon.sch.uk that able the Torrington children I have not been to contact in Bloom team had look forward to hearing fro May I also ask you to Ifollow our Great won a Silver Gilt (last year it was any of his descendants. However, if you you have event Torrington School page if youanare on or anniver silver). Thank you to the committee, do have any information that would add tellalso mefind about – just this is want wheretowe traders and individuals Linkedin,as who work so to his story, I would like to hear from you. 01805 625662, or hard to enhance our surroundings in our Alumni network and connections to our s Michael Newcombe Pauline at the Council offices o Great Torrington. We will have helpsoon us grow. michael.mnewcombe@gmail.com; 626135. the opportunity07583 of meeting theyou. judges Thank 507we 434 Councillor Richard R to find out how can do even better Doug Smith Tow – our next challenge is GOLD!!Governor, Great Torrington School Our last out-of-town engagementdsmith@gts.devon.sch.uk

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

n September we had the largest number of orders that we've ever had, and also the greatest number of shares. Monthly order dates mean orders are smaller, but more varied and adventurous, with members trying new foods recommended by others. Having introduced monthly ordering since lockdown, we've had to shoehorn the extra dates into the previously arranged schedule, which has meant that the October order followed hard on the heels of the September one, with a short lead time. But this has still worked well, as firstly not everyone orders every month, and secondly those who do order regularly are always happy to top up on essentials and enjoy seeing what's up for grabs in the shares. As the group continues to grow and become busier and busier, we've also been considering how we can make the back office admin easier and less time consuming for our volunteers, with knock on benefits for members. We're also mindful that if we continue to set no limits on the size of the membership, there'll inevitably come a time when it'll be impractical to continue to operate from our home. A more spacious and convenient location will be needed, one with parking and easy access where a pallet or more can be unloaded, checked, sorted into orders, rechecked and collected by members all on the same day. Can you

recommend such a place in Torrington? Suggestions and offers most welcome! Wellbeing Tip: Variety and quality are undoubtedly key to good health. If we keep repeating the same ingredients day in day out, we sensitize ourselves, developing intolerances and grumpy, complaining bodies. Quality means organic and produced by traditional time-tested methods, with real understanding of the nature of the foods involved, and of our body's digestive processes and needs. Quality foods are produced in relatively small batches using processes e.g. time, pressure and fermentation. Above I mentioned how OWBG members are trying new foods, so here's one you may like to try – it's proved very popular! Amasake - Sweet Heaven! With a fantastic unique flavour and intense natural sweetness, amasake is in my book, a food of the gods! Moreover it's wholesome, healthy and an excellent source of high energy and for those recovering from illness. Made from fermented organic sweet rice, millet or oats, it can be used as a sweetener in desserts, breads, pancakes, muffins, on porridge or in drinks. Fermentation increases nutrition and flavour! One of our favourite ways is to dilute it half and half with water and serve it as a hot drink in the winter with a little freshly squeezed ginger juice – divine. But if you have a sweet tooth and haven't

discovered it before, you may find yourself eating it just as it is and looking at the bottom of an empty jar. For those with a less sweet tooth, it's the perfect foil to sour fruits such as damsons. Flavours that go well with amasake are vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, toasted sunflower seeds, flaked almonds or cacao. Amasake is just one of the many delicious foods available through OWBG that are hard to find or unavailable locally. So you see, joining the Buying Group not only means you save money and time on high quality essentials, but that you're also able to add delicious new foods to your family fare. Our newsletters often feature nuggets of information about the medicinal benefits of different foods with answers to members’ questions in the Q & A spot. To join, see the details below – it's free and friendly. Remaining 2020 grocery final order dates: 12th Nov, 10th Dec. Next body care final order date: 12th Nov. 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 or email mary@ marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG Website: owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group Twitter: Follow us @owbg1 or #owbg Facebook: Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk Mary

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