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.
offer free vehicle collection from Torrington
If you don’t normally get the Crier delivered, you can now view the latest issue and back issues online, including all adverts, which can be clicked on to visit their websites.
Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 (please note that this is a home number not an office)
E: torrington.crier@gmail.com
Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.
We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication.
Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 (please note that this is a home number not an office)
E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com
Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All adverts are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please.
Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk Town Distribution: The Joy family& Esther Williams Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton
We were so sad to hear the news that Matthew passed away in July. Matthew was part of the Crier delivery team for many years, possibly the longest serving deliverer and in recent times took over the town distribution.
We are so grateful to Matthew for everything he did for the Crier, and also to his parents, who have kindly offered to carry on with the town distribution for the time being. Our deepest condolences to Matt's family.
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.
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.
The Town Hall has some exciting events to warm your days and lighten your nights. Celia, who is organising the Christmas Fayre, has been bowled over by the number of bookings from local traders who would like to take part, with the Pannier Market and Castle Hill also joining in. The town will be filled with a festive atmosphere, where there will be something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you all there.
It’s party time! Christmas Dinner Dances 3rd & 17th December 7 for 7.30pm
Dress in your best, stay local and hold your Christmas party at the Town Hall. You’ll be greeted with a glass of fizz and shown up to our majestic Great Hall, for a three-course dinner followed by dancing and festive fun.
Book a table for family and friends or hold your annual works party here. Tickets are selling fast so to avoid disappointment, book quickly!
You can do this on our website greattorrington-townhall.org/events or contact us on admin@greattorringtontownhall.org for further information.
The Quilters Club - Fortnightly Tuesdays 12.30 to 3pm
Our Quilting Club for beginners has been a great success, and it’s not too late to get involved! Donna is adept at bringing out the best in everyone, even if you’ve never quilted before, and she is planning a special Christmas project. Everyone is welcome to join this friendly group and get quilting!
Please contact Donna on stitchdon101@gmail.com £5 a session. Mix & Mingle - starts 7th November every Monday 10-3pm
We are so excited to welcome anyone with carer needs, and their carers, to our new club at the Town Hall. Our Trustee,
Rosie, has been busy putting together all sorts of activities from crafting to music, with additional entertainment. Please contact Paula 07793 241 555.
Torrington’s Christmas season can now truly start when Doug, our Mayor, switches the Christmas lights on, in a traditional evening, led by our Silver Band! The Town Hall will be serving hot drinks, which can be purchased along with a free mince pie, courtesy of the Chamber of Trade, or why not partake in a cheeky mulled wine, served by our very own Trustees.
Christmas Knees-Up - Thursday 15th December 2-4pm
For all those who came along to our ‘Right Royal Jubilee Knees-Up’, you will certainly remember what fun it was, and we have been asked if we could do this again to celebrate the festive season. There will be a lovely cream tea, a singsong, and more surprises along the way. More details in next month’s Crier, but tickets for tea and entertainment will be £7.50 and you can book on our website greattorrington-townhall.org/events or pop into Crafty Needles.
Gt Torrington Town & Lands CharityDistribution Day Friday 2nd December 9.30 to 2pm
We are delighted to host this year’s collection of vouchers at the Town Hall.
Tea and coffee will be served, and we look forward to catching up with everyone.
Knit & Natter Club - every Wednesday 10 to 12 noon
On any significant occasion, our talented knitters put on an incredible window display at the Town Hall, and they will not disappoint this Christmas! It’s all under wraps at the moment, but we know it will be something special. Anyone can join the incredibly inclusive,
fun Knit & Natter club, whether you are a beginner or experienced.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR TOWN HALL, TO PRESERVE THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE
Evening of Comedy at Buckland Brewer
Join us for an evening with West Country King of Comedy - Johnny Cowling. Friday 28th October, 7.30pm at Buckland Brewer Village Hall. Tickets £15 including supper and a bar is available. Pre-booking advised, call Betty to book 01237 451132.
Proceeds to BB Parish Church restoration fund.
Coffee morning at the Torrington Scout Hall 12th of November, 10:3012pm.
Raising funds for charity Restless Development. There will be hot and cold drinks, a bake sale, raffle, bouncy castle, penalty shoot out and much more
Burrington Christmas Fair Saturday 19th November
Burrington Parish Hall 10am- 3.30pm. Free admission
Crafts - gifts - cakes – raffles. Refreshments available.
Burrington Christmas Bingo Thursday November 24th at Burrington Hall. Eyes down 7.30pm.
10am to 12.30pm
Saturday 19 November 10.30am-12pm Children’s Craft with Chris
This is a free event but as a charity we ask for your support. Friday 2 December 1.30-3pm Christmas Craft with Chris
Decorations: Boxes & stars
come along to the Town Hall Undercroft where we will be holding our Christmas Coffee morning and of course some yummy mince pies! We will also have some Christmas gifts for you to purchase, bric-a-brac and a raffle, so your support would be appreciated.
At our last AGM we were pleased to welcome Cllr Sue Mills to our small team. Sue has always been passionate about making sure we keep the hub for our residents.
Between 1/4/20 and 31/3/21 we purchased medical items to the value of £3051 - the funds we hold help provide valuable equipment for the hospital hub and nursing staff who work in the community.
We look forward to seeing friends old and new.
Anne Ayre, ChairReadEasy provides free and confidential one-to-one reading coaching for adults.
People can learn to read or improve their reading skills at their own pace and without pressure. It's friendly, flexible and fun!!
To find out more contact: 07942 377 377. Readesay.org.uk
Adult event, booking is essential, space limited £3.50.
Bounce & Rhyme story time - Stay & Chat Tuesday mornings at 10.30am
Our lively sessions welcome pre-school children and their grown-ups to this singing and story half hour. Recently we have seen many babies join the group and welcome parents to stay and chat afterwards. Term time only.
Baby Self Weigh Tuesday 11.30am-4pm
Starting time for parents not joining us at Bounce & Rhyme! Weigh & stay for a chat!
Walk & Talk Thursday 10.30am
New walkers are welcome to enjoy this gentle weekly walk, with lots of talk, followed by a cuppa.
The Secret Book Quest
Parents, please ask for details of this engaging reading challenge for primary age children, supporting their reading journey
Congratulations to our five Summer Reading Challenge Finishers’ Prize
Draw winners, who were presented with their prizes at our Fun Palace on 1 October.
Thank you to our Friends and Waterstones, Wilko and The Entertainer for prizes. Our Fun Palace was a great success, thank you to our Friends, Ruth-Yoga, Jax-Tarka Pottery, Peter-gardening volunteer, Audrey-Library volunteer, GTS for supplying the hula hoops, Jaquie and Chris for their crafting and to all the community who came to join in.
Please refer to our website: www.librariesunlimited.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services.
For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk, or via our general telephone enquiries line 0345 155001.
Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity 1170092 Librariesunlimited.org.uk
Delicacies from the South West local cheeses, organic olives, sourdough bread, pates, salami, crackers, honey & jams, teas and coffee, nut butters, biscuits & so much more!
Now taking orders for your Christmas Hampers & Cheeses Shop 5, Torrington Pannier Market, Great Torrington Find us on Facebook, Instagram & www.thewholejar.com 07763 910 083
Rotary Club needs your help please. Next June, over the weekend of 10th/11th from 2pm to 5pm, we are holding an ‘open garden’ event in partnership with RHS Rosemoor, in aid of the Bickford Centre in Torrington. Can YOU open your garden? You’ll be in good company, as RHS Rosemoor are supporting us too, so the £5 fee will allow entry to your garden AND RHS Rosemoor! All proceeds will go to the Bickford Centre, for renovations.
If you think you can help by allowing visitors to wander round your garden and have a chat then please email rotaryclubtorrington@gmail.com or phone Stephen on 07453 715 383; we’ll put your garden on the list, and you will be part of a lovely weekend for garden-lovers in north Devon.
If you’d like more information about Rotary and this event, please see our website www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1069
On the 18th September, the Great Torrington Bowling Club trio of Fred Niven, Colin Sowden and Wayne Hendy, went to Plymstock Bowling Club to play in the finals of the Devon County Unbadged Triples.
They played a triple from Ottery St Mary in the semi-final and won 26-11 over 18 ends. Then a final against a triple from the City of Plymouth, and won 23-5 over 15 ends, to become the Devon County Unbadged Triples Champions.
Fred Niven, Vice-Chairman Great Torrington Bowling ClubWorking from home? Looking for a flexible working space?
Come and join us at Castle Hill Work Hub and experience the vibrant, colourful co-working community at the heart of Great Torrington. It’s a great space to connect with like-minded people!
We have 16 hot desks and a meeting room for up to eight people, or you can hire the whole hub for up to 20 people!
We offer flexible options (bookable by the hour or the day) which of course include unlimited tea/coffee, free parking, and a warm and comfortable space now that it’s getting colder.
We are centrally located in the Castle Hill building in South Street car park, sharing the site with the Tourist Information Centre, Fork 'n' Feast café, Town Library and the Town Council Offices. Come pop in and take a look around. For more information head to www.castlehillworkhub.co.uk.
you read this we would have had our first meeting after our summer break and are now beginning to plan for the Great Torrington May Fair and Carnival 2023. Without continued support from the local community these events will inevitably suffer, as has been seen this year in Barnstaple by the cancellation of their traditional carnival procession.
Well, it's been a long dry summer and the construction of the buildings on the site at the vicarage gardens is now complete. Our shed and main workshop have been fitted out and are all functioning well, and we are making stuff. See our Facebook page to see what we are making.
We are now ready to accept new members. We are a group of retired men who enjoy meeting a few times a week and sharing stories and skills, but most importantly making new friends. You do not have to be retired, or skilled at woodworking, as we welcome anyone who would like to come along. No membership fees are required.
We are at The Vicarage Garden, School Lane on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Just drop in and have a look or contact Colin 07950 595 136 or Tony 07758 672 441.
(Continued from page 5) We are seeking a person to take notes/minutes at our meetings once a month. Would you like to join our committee and help to keep Great Torrington’s tradition alive?
We meet on a Tuesday evening once a month, approx. eight times a year. Would YOU have time to spare to help with this admin role?
For further details please make contact via Facebook or call Pauline on 07790 549 982 or email: pauline-baker3@ hotmail.co.uk.
Torridge District Council has launched a new section to their website, designed to offer the latest guidance to families and households who are struggling with the ever-rising cost of living in recent months. The ‘Cost of Living Help’ pages can be found on the front page of Torridge Councils’ website and have been collated to bring together,
"These range from grants and payment reduction options, financial top-ups, to food and other free goods, as well as practical advice on reducing costs and making sure people are getting the best deals for things like utilities..."
in one place, the growing range of help and guidance available. The content includes information from a whole raft of voluntary, charity, government and business organisations who have been reaching out to support households.
The initiative recognises that the help available covers a vast range of household spending and personal wellbeing guidance, which up until now, some may have missed or not been aware of. These range from grants and payment reduction options, financial top-ups, to food and other free goods, as well as practical advice on reducing costs and making sure people are getting the best deals for things like utilities, based on their circumstances. As well as council support schemes, the guidance pages include links to the many voluntary, not-for-profit
organisations, offering help along with the latest county council and government initiatives announced so far. People are being encouraged to check back regularly, as the pages will be updated as new schemes are developed and launched.
Updates already on the horizon include the next round of the Devon wide ‘Household Support Fund’, managed locally by Torridge Council, which will be available in a few weeks’ time. The previous incarnations of the scheme led to applications for money towards buying food, help with housing, energy and water costs and an array of furniture and white goods replacements, such as fridges and freezers, which people had been struggling to finance. To date Torridge has dealt with 441 applications for assistance, distributing £229k in funds over three different phases of the scheme.
The support pages also include health and wellbeing links, along with examples and warnings of scams that are unfortunately becoming more common as criminals seek to cash in on the desperation of people seeking help, compounding their misery. The links on the council’s web pages will provide a more direct and reliable link to information such as the government energy rebates and other schemes commonly targeted by scammers.
Torridge District Council
Rolle Canal Report - Sea Lock Middle Wharf Restoration Progress at Sea Lock Restoration of the Middle Wharf has made tremendous progress in recent months, thanks to our stalwart volunteers. The restoration of the wall has almost reached the end of the length where the causeway crosses the basin.
Five coping stones are waiting to be laid and another three are required to be cast to complete it. These ‘stones’ are actually giant concrete blocks, cunningly made to look like the original stones. Unfortunately, this has been delayed as a result of work being undertaken to adjust the tracks and drive chains on the Priestman Cub crane. This has caused all sorts of problems, in that the adjusting mechanisms are seized solid and are taking a great deal of time and effort to free off. The driving and steering of this crane has become more and more difficult due to lack of adjustment. Once the crane is ‘back on tracks’ we can begin again. The crane is, of course, required to lift, transport and lower the coping stones into place on the wall.
Otherwise, rebuilding has been moving forward at a pace only delayed at times by shortages of materials, particularly good facing stone. Stored supplies of cement, hydraulic lime and grit sand are back to being plentiful for the moment but, of course, will diminish as work continues and will consequently require replenishing.
While this last length of wall is being completed, it is hoped that invasive vegetation along the edge of the upper wharf wall can be addressed, in preparation for rebuilding it. It is hoped that this will begin within the next few weeks.
Guided walks to Sea Lock
Three very successful walks were undertaken at the end of the summer. On Saturday 4th September 54 members of the Rolle Canal and Northern Devon Waterways Society and the general public assembled at Annery Kiln. Due to the large number, the group was split into two, one guided by me and the other by my wife Hilary. This was somewhat complicated by difficulty in sharing the small amount of illustrations I use to explain salient features along the course of the walk, but having volunteer members of the RC&NDWS present helped to share this responsibility.
Adrian WillsWeknow it’s going to be a tough few months ahead, so Barnstaple Library is launching a ‘Libraries for Life’ campaign!
You can sit in the warmth and use our free WiFi or book a computer. There are groups ranging from Bounce & Rhyme for babies and toddlers, to our Wednesday Wanderers walking group for 55s and over. Why not come to our new Tea and Chat on Fridays 1.30-3.30pm? It's free!
If you’re a new parent or carer, you can bring your baby and use our free weighing facilities to chart their growth.
Our free coat rails have been running for several years and will again be offering a chance to both donate and take a warm winter coat. You can just help yourself.
If you’re job hunting, our Work Clubs will help you with one-to-one support in CV writing, developing your skills and applying for jobs online.
Starting or developing a business? Our Business & Intellectual Property Centre is right here with courses, webinars, one-to-one coaching and advice bipc@ librariesunlimited.org.uk
There are free IT sessions – just ask at the desk. If you’re housebound or struggle to get to the library, our Home Library Service can deliver books and a friendly chat too! Contact your local library or home.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk for details.
To sign up and join for free, pop into Barnstaple or your local library. We can’t wait to see you.
Tel: 07794 586039 or 01271 440251
Hellolovely people of Great Torrington, Birds Willow is a new counselling service starting up in the town. As a qualified professional, I am able to help with a wide and diverse range of issues: from mental health and day-to-day struggles through to complex trauma.
I provide a safe space for you to explore topics that may be causing you imbalance in your life. There are times in life where we can all feel overwhelmed, and could use support from someone who will just listen and help you on your journey to understanding yourself.
I can work online or have a room for face-to-face appointments. Please feel free to look at my website, details in the advert on this page, and if you would like to book an appointment or ask more questions contact me on 07467 702 605.
Chenie Miller
Ournext event takes place on Saturday, 19th November, from 10am until 4pm, at Castle Hill Community Centre (1646), Great Torrington, EX38 8AA.
Since its formation in 2020, Castle Hill Creatives (CHC) has blossomed into Great Torrington’s premier creative community hub, and a fully-fledged arts and makers organisation; with upwards of 30 members, and several exhibition/events already curated.
The group of members and guest artists brings a very wide and diverse palette of artistic and creative skills to the mix: including paint, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, pottery, textiles, photography, carpentry, print, knitwear, glassware, etc.
Consisting of creatives from within (and around) Torrington, the idea for the group’s formation came about during the enforced Covid lockdown, and the inability to meet, share and sell work at the fairs, galleries and shops. An online forum of like-minded friends and acquaintances slowly grew up over those testing months; the group thrived and with the relaxation of regulations, decided to continue, eventually becoming an ‘official’ organisation.
The upcoming Christmas Fair on Saturday 19th November, at Castle Hill Community Centre, features stalls selling handcrafted and original creations and gifts made by the CHC members. Entry is free and the onsite Fork and Feast Café will be open for refreshments.
Come along, support your local makers and buy your original gifts for Christmas!
For more information, please contact Emily Clark at chctorrington@gmail.com.
After a challenging couple of years, I’m now busier than ever. Indeed, since January, I’ve sold more holidays that I did in the whole of 2019. In a post-pandemic world, it’s apparent that people have missed getting away, and are undertaking some incredible journeys that pre-covid, they’d planned to do for a special occasion at some point in the future.
‘Bucket List’ destinations such as Sri Lanka, Mauritius, New Zealand, and
Australia have been very popular. I’ve also seen an increase in bookings to more traditional destinations like Spain, Greece, and Florida.
Indeed, by the time this comes to print, I’ll have returned from my seventh trip in 12 months, this last one was to South Africa where I’ll have explored the Western Cape, courtesy of the National Tourist board, in order to learn more about the destination.
Travel is back, but there are still rules
to be followed, so it’s never been more important to book via a Trusted Travel Agent who is well versed in them.
I’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to my wonderful clients in Torrington and the surrounding areas for the trust they’ve put in me, and for recommending me to their friends and family. I can’t wait to help you with your future adventures!
Gillian Farr, Not Just Travel
Less than 24 hours after I submitted my last article to the Crier came the very sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen, for me, exemplified everything that was the best about Britain, and her sincerity and devotion to duty was an inspiration to me and millions of people throughout the country.
But while it has been a sad time, a new period in our history is starting and it was a privilege to attend the County Proclamation of our new Monarch, King Charles III, at County Hall as well as our local Town Proclamation here in Great Torrington. I have every confidence that His Majesty will carry on the good work of his mother.
Many of the measures and ceremonies that allowed us to pay tribute to Her Majesty were organised by our local councils – County, District and Town and Parishes – and I would like to put on record my thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who helped to make this possible. At Devon County Council we had to organise and run the County Proclamation of the new King at County Hall, which was then cascaded down the different Districts and Towns and Parishes within the County. Both the County and local proclamation in Great Torrington were well run and did the late Queen and our new King proud.
Even with the sad news of the Queen’s death, September and October have been very busy months at the County Council.
One issue that has happened locally has been changes to some of the rural bus services in Torrington Rural. Throughout Devon, Stagecoach has handed back their notice to run several of the subsidised routes in the County, and this included the 5B bus route that runs through Winkleigh and Torrington and onto Barnstaple. Unfortunately, some rather pre-emptive communications from Stagecoach made it appear as though the entire service was going to stop, whereas it was always DCC’s intention to retender the service and have a like-forlike replacement service put in. For those of you who don’t follow my Facebook posts, I am pleased to confirm that Plymouth City Bus has been awarded the new contract, and they will start operating a new 315 bus service from the 30th October. This will run with the same capacity and similar times to the old 5B service.
Elsewhere across the County Council it is a busy time. In my last article I reported on the situation with the projected budget overspends and, while times are still very challenging, we are making progress in getting that overspend down and reducing the overall budget deficit.
Following the retirement of the Chief Executive, Phil Norrey, at the end of the summer, we have appointed the former County Solicitor Jan Shadbolt as
our interim Chief Executive to oversee the organisation through the next six months. We have begun the process of recruiting a permanent replacement, with longlisting due to take place in October, and shortlisting and interviewing in November. All being well, we hope to have a new Chief Executive in place for the start of the new financial year.
While these are busy times, I am here to help and if there are any DCC issues you’d like to raise with me you can contact me on Facebook facebook.com/ cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.
TheClinton C of E Primary School, Merton, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and would like to invite the local community to a commissioning service at All Saints Church, Merton, on Friday 18th November at 2pm, and then back to the school for tea and cake, where there will be an exhibition of photos, memorabilia and memories from over the years.
All are welcome, and if you have any photos or items for the display please email kellymann24@hotmail.com. There is also a Facebook group if you would like to share and read memories: ‘Merton School Memories- Clinton CofE, Devon’.
Clinton PTFASadly, we were informed by Youth Genesis Trust that from 1st September, they were no longer able to support our provision in Torrington. It left us with no opportunity to inform parents, or all our young people.
Having worked for three years with this project, and having more than 110 young people registered with us, we felt that as a staff team we couldn’t just walk away from them.
However, we didn’t want to set up another youth club, that wouldn’t work for the varying young people’s ages, interests or individual needs for support.
So, with the support of The Methodist Church, SPACE community team, VOYC and local people in our community, who have volunteered to be committee members, we have all worked really hard and I am pleased to say we are back.
The new name Torri Youth was chosen by young people
We will offer a variety of projects, activities and off site visits during term time. Unfortunately, even if you were a YG member, all young people will need to complete a new registration form with Torri Youth. We are still based at The Methodist Church Hall, Mill Street Torrington EX38 8AL.
Young people can choose which projects they want to engage with, we will endeavour wherever possible to make these projects free and through
our fundraising/tuckshop sales, will continue to subsidise off-site activities.
Our detached/outreach team will be out on Tuesday nights from 6pm, starting 1st November and they are looking at setting up a pool league if any young people 13+ are interested. There will also be fundraising and decision making, in connection to the ongoing collaborative shelter project, which young people started back in September 21, which we have been working on with the Police, Town and District Councils and Calf Street Park Action Group. Our programme this term: Christmas Crafts Fundraising Project three weeks, limited spaces available Friday 4th November 6-8pm Friday 11th November 6-8pm Friday 18th November 6-8pm Saturday 19th November 9am-4pm Fundraising Day Torrington Town Hall Social action project planning to start January 23rd. What ideas do you have?
Eight spaces available Friday 25th Nov 6-8pm Friday 2nd Dec 6-8pm Friday 9th Dec 6-8pm
We are hoping to be able to arrange an off-site Christmas trip on Friday 16th December, to be planned by the social action project, to be confirmed.
If you require further information email paula.ftorriyouth@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook Torri Youth or Instagram #torri youth.
Paula FullerWe have begun our regular Coffee, Cake and Chat mornings on the third Friday of each month and would love to see you here at Glen Tor, Villa Road, any time between 10.30am and 12 noon on November 18th. All we ask is that if you have any cold, flu or Covid symptoms, you take a lateral flow test before coming, to keep the residents safe. We welcome everybody, especially anyone who would like some company, as well as friends and neighbours. It is a lovely warm house!
We have a vacancy for another resident and this would be a great opportunity, if you, or a loved one would like to find out more about Abbeyfield. Alternatively, you can always contact the House Manager on 01805 623605 for more information.
Christmas Fair is on Saturday November 19th, in the church, from 2-4.30pm. Stalls include, Christmas Hamper Raffle, tombola, Christmas stall, books, brica-brac, cards, and children’s lucky dip, amongst others. It is a busy day in Torrington, an ideal opportunity to visit all the venues and kick start your Christmas shopping!
Our new vicar, Fr Steve Turner, will be licensed to take services here, on January 4th 2023 and will be moving into Torrington, with his wife and daughter, during December.
Chris FosterThe Remembrance Day parade on November 13th will start from the Old Bowling Green this year, instead of the Lidl car park. This will probably continue to do so in the years to come as well. It will be a much shorter level walk for the parade and will also have the benefits of the toilets, refreshments, and car parking, available before and after the parade.
Even though our book shop is not open now on Sunday mornings, we are still collecting items such as books, CDs and DVDs to restock for next year, so please get in touch if you would like them collected. We have had another donation of wine recently, which we will use to raise funds. If you have any spare bottles of wine that you could donate, we would be very pleased to have them. We have a very popular stall called ‘Water, Wine or maybe Cider’. We will be doing these stalls again during events next year.
If I can open the bookshop during the winter, weather permitting I will post it on Facebook. If you see the post please tell your family and friends so that they can come along as well.
You can contact me on 07956 366 390, email vicechair@ torringtoncommons.org.
Every penny is used to help us maintain, improve, and protect the Commons.
Andrew Giles Vice Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators
It’s time to have your roofs cleaned & gutters cleared, so please get in touch!
Windows - Internal & External House-wash, Patios, Driveways, Fascias & Soffits Gutter clearance up to 40ft CCTV inspection Conservatories
Commercial & Residential 01805 938502 07711 079 577
The Great Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow, lots of people joined during October. The funds raised are making a massive difference in helping us to look after the Commons.
I have discovered that other town Commons around the country have set up schemes like ours. I wonder if they have copied us. The big difference with ours is that they don’t offer a membership card that can be used to get a discount, or other benefit in the local shops and businesses.
Most of us are either a short walk or drive away, and once you are there you can enjoy nature at its best. Our rangers are out every day working to keep the Commons in the best condition possible. Big Al and Jason will be cutting down some of the trees that have Ash dieback during the winter. This is necessary to prevent them causing a danger to the public. The gates on the Old Bowling Green are now closed for the winter, but you can still stop for a burger or a drink and the allimportant toilets.
Autumn is a great time to explore the Tree Trail. You can buy a copy for £1 from the Post Office in the Tourist Information Centre, Collectability, Whiskers Pet shop, Greedy’s Burger Van or the Puffing Billy. The trail starts and finishes at the Old Bowling Green. It is a great walk and very educational.
Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons.
As a Commons supporter you are also able to be a town supporter, by using your membership card to get a discount or other benefit when you shop at the participating businesses.
The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you.
Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple:
Option 1: Cut out or photocopy the application form and post it to the address on the form. You can pay by standing order or by sending a cheque for £24.
Option 2: Visit the website www.torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly.
Option 3. Email vicechair@torringtoncommons.org or phone or text 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you.
You can also collect an application form from the Post Office. Some of the shops in town also have application forms.
Andrew Giles, Vice Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators
job too big
For a friendly reliable service from a local tradesman ring: T: 01805 625238 M: 07814 147 603
AHJ Builders 07977 668164
Attic Gems Antiques Fore Street
A Place For Everything @no. 11 in the Pannier Market
Collectability in the High Street
Computer Works 07714 717055
Cornmarket Antiques in the pannier market
Crafty Needles In the Pannier Market
Dafforn and Sons New Street
Dartington Crystal
Duane’s Carvings and Gallery in the Pannier Market
Everest Indian Takeaway in South Street
Fine Floral Design in South Street
Fork ‘n’ Feast at 1646 Castle Hill
Hair We Are in South Street
Hogwash Soap Castle Street and online
Ian Coote Architecture 07883 067899
Inside 11a South Street
Java Gifts Cornmarket Street
Jayne Poole Photography Cornmarket Street
Kitch ‘N’ Cupboard in the Pannier Market
Lillian Rose Interiors Well Street
Little Leaf Pregnancy 07714 717055 No. 37 café in South Street
No. 5 Hair and Beauty in South Street
Not Just Travel Gillian Farr on Facebook
Proseprints online and craft fairs
R&S Ware Butchers in South Street
Samantha Hardwick Lifestyle Coach
Second Nature Beauty Studio at No.5
Cornmarket Street
Squires Electrical in the High Street
Steve Gladwin Family Butchers Fore Street
Tanya’s Beauty Studio Fore Street
The Puffing Billy
The Sweet Spot in the High Street
The Whole Jar in the Pannier Market
Torrington Framing
Torrington Golf Club
Torrington Museum Bookshop in the High Street
Torrington Refill Shop in South Street
Toy Swap in the Pannier Market
Unique Boutique Cornmarket Street
Whiskers Pet Centre South Street
Xanadu (In-store discount only) South Street
is still very ‘on trend’ but it does not mean leaving your garden to ‘do its own thing’. Such a scheme will not necessarily attract wildlife, and may discourage certain animals if there is too much overgrowth.
Creating a thick, healthy natural hedge is an excellent way to begin; if you already have one, autumn/winter is a good time to prune, to reduce height and to encourage more growth to thicken up the lower levels. Such dense growth provides shelter for all sorts of animals, not only nesting or roosting birds, but small mammals and amphibians such as newts, toads and slow-worms.
Another way to ‘naturalise’ your garden is to grow a native wildflower border. Many of our wild flowers grow perfectly happily in the formal garden, such as perennial Campanulas, hardy Geraniums, Dianthus and Primulas to name a few, and there are numerous cultivars which are just as attractive to wildlife.
Wildflower meadows need careful managing. If you already have such a meadow or smaller area, you should have already cut and removed all the dead growth, if not, you should do so now. This is because a true wildflower meadow grows best if few nutrients are provided; leaving cut growth to rot down can encourage more vigorous grasses to encroach and, if thick enough, prevent flower seeds from germinating (because of lack of light). Your meadow may look a bit bare after this, but new seedlings will appear and where they are too dense, you can dig them up carefully and transplant them to fill the barer areas.
To create a ‘meadow’, even a small patch, requires similar management. To begin with, cut or strim the grass as close as possible to the ground. Then, using a lawn rake, scrape up any remaining detritus and dispose of on the compost heap. To aid the control of vigorous grasses, sow Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus). This is an epiphytic plant which weakens the roots of said grasses.
Choosing the right wild flower seed is essential, for example, a damp meadow will be best sown with Lady’s Smock, Creeping Buttercup, Ragged Robin, Cowslip for spring, and for summer Meadowsweet and Hemp Agrimony. For a dry meadow, sow Field Scabious, Meadow Buttercup, Ox-eye Daisy, Meadow Cranesbill. A word of warning, though, a great many seed selections do not contain native wildflowers and, although they make very attractive displays, your meadow won’t be a natural feature at all, so read the contents label before buying.
Sowing the seeds is the same as for a seedbed: rake over the area thoroughly to loosen the soil, scatter the seed mixture thinly and then rake again to cover lightly. Do this either now if the weather permits, or during early spring. You might want to cover the area, if it’s small, with netting to prevent seeds being eaten by birds.
A very good catalogue/website for purchasing wild flower seeds is Chiltern Seeds, they sell mixtures for specific conditions, including pond margins and hedgerows.
Fleur
Itis hard to believe that autumn is now with us and we are still in an official drought. Nevertheless, the prolonged fine weather has enabled us to work largely uninterrupted on Thursdays, with the bonus of a fine and dry weekend for our big fundraising event. This was a great success with the fantastic sum raised of £1762. This could not have been achieved without the hard work of our volunteers, and the many visitors, who were entertained by live music, loco movements, traction engine rides, stalls and much more. This was our best fundraising weekend ever.
Our working teams continued their tasks; the stop blocks were moved to different parts of the site, the platform side of the brake van now looks in fine order-now for the other side.
Signal box clearance has almost been completed and the trolley shed site was cleared of vegetation ready for rebuilding. Finally, our ‘new’ ballast hopper has had work carried out on the braking system.
As always, for updates, please see our Facebook page for weekly activities and our website has much historical information, videos and how you can get involved. We are always looking for new volunteers. It is well worth checking it out: wwwtarkavalleyrailway.org
Robert Martin, Tarka Valley Railway
All WI activities were cancelled for most of September, due to the Queen’s passing, as a mark of respect.
Our first event of the month was a MacMillan coffee morning on 30th September, which was well supported by WI members and friends. Plenty of coffee, cake and bric-a-brac.
On October 11th we had a guest speaker, Paul Randell from Burrator Farms and the book group read ‘Silver Sparrow’ by Tayari Jones, and met on 17th October. The ladies who lunch are going to Doddiscott Farm on Thursday 27th October.
The postponed bulb planting in and around Little Torrington took place on Tuesday 18th October and a winter walk is in the planning for the 2nd November.
For more information please contact Jen Hood 01805 622433.
Awarm welcome from Torrington Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street.
Sunday Worship 10.30am at Church. Evening Worship 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request link.
Bacon Butty Coffee Mornings 1012pm, 3rd Sat of each month.
Our premises (various rooms, incl. wifi, projector) are available to hire, see website or phone Sheila 01805 622949.
Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon.
What could be a better way to make room for Christmas dinner than running in Torrington’s biggest race of the year, in fact a previous winner of Devon’s Race of the Year, the Christmas Caper!
Taking place on the last Sunday before Christmas as per tradition, the roughly nine-mile course offers plenty of mud, hills, river bank, fancy dress, forest trails and splendid views of our town and surrounds. It’s a challenging race, but we can almost guarantee you’ll finish with a smile on your face! If not, a Christmas pudding for all finishers will definitely get you over the line.
There will be prizes for top three finishers in various categories and also a prize for the best fancy dress.
We’ve seen a steady increase in runners over the years, often selling out as we did in 2021, so don’t hesitate before going for it if you’re interested.
The race starts at 11am on December 18th at Torrington Rugby Club, with registration from 9.30am. Parking will not be possible on site but there will be plenty nearby. Entries will not be possible on the day and are online only. Please see our Facebook page or website for details and how to enter: www.facebook.com/ TorringtonAmateurAthleticsClub; www.torringtonaac.co.uk/christmas-caper.
If you’re interested in running and keeping fit, we offer weekly club sessions and other events throughout the year. Please email torringtonathleticsclub@gmail.com for details.
Nick @ TAACIn aid of North Devon Hospice
Appledore Singers’ Charity Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday 11th December, 2.30pm at Northam Hall (top of Fore Street).
The choir will delight the audience with arrangements of festive music – both traditional and modern - and, as always, there will be the opportunity for audience participation! The afternoon’s entertainment will also include our popular Grand Raffle. The choir, accompanied by Chris Beechey, will be conducted by our Musical Director, Pam Beechey. The audience will undoubtedly leave with a spring in their step!
This year’s concert will be in aid of North Devon Hospice, which, over the years, has cared for members, relatives and friends of the choir and, indeed, the whole community. A very worthy cause.
Admission is £6 at the door (under 16s free), to include light refreshments.
For further information contact Pam Beechey 01237 420652.
‘Seek a Smile thro’ Song’
We had been aware for some time of Her Majesty's reduction in mobility, but it nonetheless came as a shock when her passing was announced. She had been such an important part of our country’s life for so long that few of us remember life without her. I count myself fortunate to have met her on a couple of occasions, and am aware of the extraordinary contribution she made to our country, both here at home and overseas, as our unique ambassador. The Royal Funeral was one of those deeply moving events which most of us will remember for the rest of our lives. Thank you, Ma’am.
We had planned a History Alive Day on Saturday 10th September, which fell two days after the Queen’s death. We made an impromptu decision on Thursday evening to cancel the event as a mark of respect. Since then, we have discussed the possibility of hosting the event next year. Watch this space!
Later in September the Post Office announced the sudden closure, due to the expiry of the then current lease. The Town Council has continued, over the years, to make strong representation of
the need for a Post Office in Great Torrington and we did so again in this instance. I am very pleased to say that the Community Development Trust (CDT) stepped into the breach immediately after the news broke, and offered accommodation, which was firmed up as quickly as possible. At the time of writing this article, we are advised that the new Post Office will be opening very soon!
I am sorry to say that the Great Torrington May Fair Committee Annual General Meeting, held in September was poorly attended with only 12 people present. I am sure we all want May Fair to continue in 2023 and I can only appeal for more volunteers to come forward, to ensure we secure the future of this much loved and valued event in our town.
I attended a police commissioners advocates meeting in Plymouth, with County Councillor Andrew Saywell and District Councillor David Hurley, where we discussed the recent mini crime wave situation in Great Torrington, and requested that Alison Hernandez comes to visit us and see for herself. Our concerns included the reduction of beat officers locally, as well as the
recent spate of arson attacks, to which one suggestion was to investigate the installation of CCTV to control the antisocial behaviour perpetrated by a tiny minority of our residents.
Winter COVID boosters were available in the Pannier Market and a large queue of people formed to use this service, saving themselves round trips to Barnstaple.
The Torrington Silver Band had their 70th anniversary concert at the Howe Hall, where we were treated to a magical mystery tour of the band’s history, from inception right up to the present day. As ever, a superb evening from our own superb band!
At our Council meeting in October, we bid farewell to our Town Clark Karen Chapman, who has worked hard for the town over the past number of years. We are also pleased to welcome the new Town Clerk, Jennie Smithson, a local lady with a similar passion for our lovely town. We very much look forward to working with Jennie in the future.
The Mayor was pleased to pop in and meet the staff at the Post Office the day before their official opening at their new home, Castle Hill (the old 1646 building). We are all very pleased that the Post Office will be staying in the town and encourage everyone to use it as much as possible.
TheTown Council is looking to join with the Knit and Natter group at the Town Hall again this year, to bring the ‘12 days of Christmas’ window spotting competition to the town, to run from the end of November and through December. The knitting group knitted the various festive creations mentioned in the 12 days of Christmas song last year; from a Partridge in a Pear Tree, to Five Gold Rings and 12 Drummers Drumming. These items will be placed in various shop windows around the town centre from Monday 28th November and children and young people will need to find which festive creation is in which shop. An application form is set out below, or can be downloaded from the Town Council’s website www. great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk. The closing date is Friday 16th December 2022 and the winner will be announced the following week. Please return completed forms to the Great Torrington Town Council post box on the ground floor at Castle Hill (by the Tourist Information Centre).
Go on - have a go and see if you can find all 12!
Application
Thisyear Remembrance Sunday falls on the 13th November 2022. The Royal British Legion will once again hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial in the Cemetery, commencing at 10.50am.
There will be some significant changes this year.
1. The Parade Route: The Parade will form at the Old Bowling Green and parade ‘UP’ New Street to the Cemetery.
2. Dismissal at the end of the Service: Following the National Anthem at the end of the service, the Mayor will thank the Parade, who will then be dismissed in the cemetery. The order for dismissal will allow for those at the back to be the first to leave.
3. Standard Practice: Will move from the Pannier Market to the Town’s Band room in Castle Street. Further information will be sent to individual organisations nearer the time.
Ordering of wreaths will be the same as last year and should be ordered direct from the Royal British Legion in plenty of time. A wreath can be ordered by contacting the Royal British Legion on 0345 845 1945. The wreath will be posted out to you.
Jennie Smithson (Town Clerk)Got equipment you can’t use properly?
offer a friendly step by step instruction service
over 35 years’ experience in the North Devon area Phone Ali on 01805 804626 or 0797 781 00 88
Join us for Community Carol Singing around the Christmas Tree!
Saturday 26th November 2022 from 5:30pm in the Town Centre for this year’s CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON!
Come along and celebrate the start of Christmas as we host a community ‘Carol Sing Song around the Christmas Tree’ in the town centre.
Torrington’s Silver Band will be playing and we will be joined by The Torringtones choir, to help us with the singing! We are also excited to invite children from the Bluecoat School to take part, who will parade into the town centre with their home-made lanterns and they will also treat us all to a Christmas song!
The Christmas lights will be switched on by the Mayor, as we continue to sing some more carols, and the evening will be finished off with free mince pies, courtesy of the Chamber of Trade. Hot and cold drinks will be available to purchase from the Town Hall Undercroft for a small sum.
Come along and join in the festivities as we once again light up the town centre in readiness for this special Christmas time.
Great Torrington Town Council24 Hour personal service 7 days a week
plans & monumental masonry
Torrington Calendar is being produced! The idea for this calendar came from the Town Council’s Marketing Working Group. It has been commissioned by the council, working closely with the Futures Group. Local photographers from the town and surrounding areas have contributed their own photographs and there were so many brilliant entries to choose from! The Futures Group will undertake the marketing of the calendar and any profits from sales will be re-invested in activities and projects led by the group, which will benefit the town. We would like to thank all who put forward a photograph and hope you all enjoy the different perspectives of our lovely town.
If you wish to purchase a calendar, keep a look-out in next month's Crier for more details, on the Town Council's social media and also the One Great Torrington website.
Apop-up Post Office is now open at Castle Community Centre to restore Post Office service to the town.
There will be two Post Office counters at the community centre, adjacent to South Street car park. The opening hours will be Monday to Friday: 9am5.30pm; Saturday: 9am-12.30pm. This will provide 46 hours of Post Office services a week for the convenience of customers.
The previous Torrington Post Office closed in mid-September due to the unexpected withdrawal of the premises at 13 High Street, Torrington EX38 8HN, which happened with short notice. This left Bideford Post Office as the nearest alternative branch.
Post Office has been working hard to find a temporary solution as quickly as possible. Great Torrington Town Council helped us to find suitable premises and put us in contact with the Castle Community Centre, run by the Great Torrington and District Community Development Trust (CDT). Space has been provided in the Tourist Information Centre, run by the CDT.
This location is on the ground floor. It is accessible via steps or a ramp at the entrance and there is an automatic door. The temporary Post Office will be operated by the Community Development Trust’s wholly owned company Genesis Great Torrington Ltd, as the Trust is a charity.
Peter Hood, Chair of Great Torrington and District Community Development Trust, said: “We welcome the temporary Post Office to the Castle Community Centre. Bideford Post Office is a long distance from our town and there are many pensioners and other people reliant on having a branch in Torrington. We are glad that we could quickly help. The location is opposite the library and it has easy access.”
Collect from Torrington, Bideford, Barnstaple,
No surprise that this is such a hot topic at the moment.
“The cost of things just keeps going up. The food shop doesn’t stretch as far and my bills just keep getting higher and higher. I’ve made cutbacks and, at the moment, I am just about managing but I am really worried about how I’ll cope as it starts getting colder. What should I do?”
A great many people are struggling and worried about rising costs – you are not on your own, but there are some steps you can take and support that is available to you.
* Check out the online budgeting tool on the Citizens Advice website www. citizensadvice/org.uk
* Also on that website you will be able to find out if you are eligible for any benefits or additional support with your energy costs. There is advice on how to reduce living costs, a benefits calculator and information on other ways to increase your income.
* From October 1st the Energy Price Guarantee limits the cost of gas and electric prices for most households, for a period of two years.
* From October the Energy Bills Support Scheme also takes £400 off your electricity bill. You don’t have to do anything to get the money and you don’t have to pay it back. You’ll get £66 in October and November and £67 in December, January, February and March. You should automatically get it if you pay by direct debit, standard credit or payment card.
If you have a prepayment meter that isn’t a smart meter, you’ll get the discount via vouchers or as an automatic credit when you top up at your usual top-up point. Your supplier will let you know how they will issue it.
If you have a smart prepayment meter the credit should automatically be added to your meter.
If you still can’t pay your bills speak to your energy supplier as they have a responsibility to help you come up with a solution.
At CA TNMWD, we can also advise on budgeting, managing debt and getting a smart meter installed if that would help you to control costs. Simply visit our website www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk and click on ‘Get Advice’ or call our free local AdviceLine on 0808 27 82 999.
If you would be interested in volunteering with us and helping people work through their problems, visit this link to find out more! ruraldevoncab.livevacancies. co.uk/#/job/details/20
The Scouts returned with a presentation evening, in which we gave out 120 badges. We also had the privilege of presenting a Chief Scout Gold Award, which is the highest award the Scouts can achieve whilst in the section. The following week they went to Torrington Rugby Club, in which they did a warm-up obstacle course and then learnt how to play tag rugby. The next week they went to Appledore and did some crabbing with nets. This was a lovely evening in which they had lots of fun and caught lots of crabs; they then had fun letting them all go at the end of the evening. The rest of the term looks exciting as we are working towards our expedition badge.
The Beavers also started off with a badge presentation evening where we gave out a further 70 badges, a great start of the term for 1st Torrington Scout Group. We also invested 12 Beavers into the group; this is an achievement we have been working towards after the group had to close for two years due to the lack of help. At the next meeting the Beavers learnt about recycling, endangered animals and Fair Trade. They made puzzles, learnt about different types of recycling and came up with five ways they can help the earth and they also achieved their Global Issues Badge.
We urgently need help at Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, if you’re willing to spare a couple hours contact our Group Scout Leader Jordon Whitear on jordon. whitear@gmail.com.
Thelastmonth has been a very different one in our role as councillors. We experienced the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II and attended a number of events marking the death of the monarch and also proclamations of His Majesty King Charles III, which seemed very surreal! During the national mourning period all meetings were postponed, and given that agendas need to be published in advance, council meetings seemed to take quite a while to get going again. Councillor Cottle-Hunkin took the opportunity to travel to London with her family, and as part of her little boy’s first trip to the capital, he took up a painting for the Queen from his preschool and laid flowers at the floral tribute garden in Green Park. Rather a memorable experience to say the least!
In council business it was announced that Torridge has been awarded £995,347 from central government via the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The funding can only be used on capital costs and we are requesting that part of it be allocated to the restoration of Market House (the front of the pannier
market). It is currently in a very sorry state of disrepair, and to see this historical asset brought back to its former glory as the jewel in the crown of Great Torrington would be a real boost to the town centre.
The old tennis courts in Great Torrington are on the agenda for the C&R committee at the end of October. The committee will hear a report outlining a possible community lease arrangement with the Football Club, which would enable them to seek external funding to bring the courts back to life and would provide a multi-use sports area to be used by groups across the local community.
We continue to receive positive feedback about Torrington Pool since its reopening under the new company set up by the council ‘Active Torridge’, comments on how much cleaner it is, how friendly the staff are, and how pleased people are that they have a local pool to swim in again. Active Torridge have also set up some ‘dry-side’ classes in Castle Community Centre, which are proving popular- including Pilates and Zumba!
Out of the blue, Youth Genesis decided to cease its work in Great Torrington. Despite the initial shock and huge disappointment, the staff on the ground
in Great Torrington are passionate that the town still needs this service for our young people. Under the lead of youth worker Paula Fuller, the community is now working hard to establish a new group to run in its place, using the same friendly faces. ‘Torri Youth’ hopes to be up and running in the coming months… A huge thank you needs to be given to Paula for her passion and dedication to make this happen. Thank you Paula for all that you have done and continue to do to benefit our young people.
Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cllr.cottlehunkin@torridge.gov.uk, 07495 367 801
Cllr Chris Bright, Councillor.bright@ torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909
Pictured: Commemorative Civic Service for the Queen with the Mayor Doug Smith, Bishop Jackie Searle, Reverend Prebendary Claire Rose-Casemore and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant’s Officer.
GreatTorrington Golf Club has won the National award for Junior Club of the Year. The award was presented at the National Golf Foundation 70th anniversary year celebrations, at London Golf Club, on 6th October. Two volunteer coaches, Rob Ware and Mark Beer, attended the prestigious ceremony to collect the award on behalf of the Club.
Over the past five years the club has developed a rapport with local schools and clubs, enabling children to experience the fun of golf and build a sense of self achievement. Clarry Dunn has championed the project, working tirelessly to open doors for the juniors. The Junior Club meets regularly as a group and lessons are provided by the resident PGA Professional, Ross Daniel.
Ross, quoted upon hearing the news, “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the progression of the junior programme at Torrington Golf Club. Witnessing the junior section build from the ground up over the past few years into a very successful and thriving part of the golf club has been so rewarding. The award received from the Golf Foundation recognises the hard work and dedication that the golf club has put into their young members and is thoroughly deserved.”
Andrew Trythall, Kingsley School, says, “Torrington Golf Club invited us for afternoons of Tri Golf at their club. The children really loved their afternoons, learnt a lot about golf, and some even went on to join the club afterwards. Thank you Torrington Golf Club for providing such a great opportunity for our school children.”
Tom Sparks, Regional Development Officer of the Golf Foundation stated “The Golf Foundation is delighted to recognise and celebrate the dedication and enthusiasm Great Torrington has shown towards junior golf. In a relatively short space of time, the club has grown their junior section with impressive results, thanks to the passion and commitment of their volunteers, Manager and PGA Professional Ross Daniel. The club always adopt a ‘can do’ mentality and you can be guaranteed a friendly, warm welcome from everyone at the club. A fantastic environment for any improving or new junior golfer – as well as their families.”
For more information regarding the juniors club please contact Great Torrington Golf Club at info@torringtongolfclub.co.uk or see our website www.toringtongolfclub. co.uk.
Friends of Great Torrington Library were pleased to have been asked to help monitor the Summer Reading Challenge again this year. We always look forward to this annual event, for not only do we enjoy seeing the delight on children's faces as they select new books to read each week or so, but it introduces us to a whole group of new young friends. This year we also want to thank other friends who have helped us along the way: Waterstones, Currys, Wilco, The Entertainer and Toy Zone who provided vouchers for the draw for those children who successfully managed to read six book across the summer holidays.
However a special thank you must go to our local Co-op store for providing refreshments for the various children's events which ran in tandem with the challenge, such as “Circus Bezurkus” and other workshops.
It has been a joy to see so many children, along with their parents and grandparents, visit the Library this summer, for this underlines how lucky we are to have such a vibrant and friendly hub at the heart of our community.
Great Torrington Library
It’sbeen a busy couple of months for the youth section. The season is now well and truly up and running, with most age groups having played a couple of fixtures against local clubs Bideford, Tiverton, South Molton and Barnstaple. We’ve even managed to accommodate some Ilfracombe players. Our younger age groups don’t keep score, it’s all about learning and enjoying the game. I can say they have all competed very well though! It’s great to see.
There are more games coming up over the next few weeks, but we are always encouraging new youngsters to the club. We currently have U9, U10, U11 mixed boys and girls teams, U13 and U14 boys’ teams as well as U12/14 girls’ teams, which are growing slowly.
By the time you read this, we will have been on a bus trip down to an Exeter Chiefs for a Super Saturday, where the young players will have some coaching, a tour of the Sandy Park Stadium, form a guard of honour for the players as the run out to face their opposition (Wasps), do a lap of honour at half time and meet some players after the match. It’s a great way of inspiring these young players and gives them an opportunity to see what they could, one day, become with a lot of hard work.
We’re always also looking for more coaches to help us out, so if you are interested, please let me know.
We need to thank RHS Rosemoor and WM Ironworks for their continued support, by sponsoring the youth section playing shirts. They all look very smart
New private ear wax removal clinic covering Torrington & North Devon
In the last of our warm up games, Barnstaple 3rds visited Donnacroft. With a combination of older and young players progressing into senior rugby, a good game was in the offing. A very determined Barnstaple piled the pressure on Torrington’s defence. In true Torrie style, grit and determination fought off many attacks on our try line. The first half ended with no score from either side. The second half started with Torrington on the offensive, and the first try of the game was scored in the corner. Aidie Guppy converted successfully, followed with a penalty kick to bring the score line to a healthy lead. A short while before full time, Torrie Captain Blaine Quinlan received the ball about 10 metres out. Dummying left and right opened up a hole, which he darted through to score between the posts. One of the sweetest tries I’ve seen in a long while and Guppy converted again. 170 was the final score.
Buckfastleigh Ramblers visited Donnacroft in the first league game of the season. I was away for this game but the score line of 32-8 gives some idea of what was an excellent start to our season.
Our next game was a short trip to Okehampton to play their 2nds, it’s a long time since we’ve travelled there for a competitive game! Unfortunately several injuries and unavailability meant we had a weakened squad. However, in true Torrie spirit players came out of the woodwork after a bit of cajoling, and we went with a squad of 19 players who acquitted themselves admirably. From a half-time score of 26-0 to a very respectable 33-19 full time.
Our next game is away at Crediton, the 2nds being our hosts this time. A welcome break in the season follows, then off to Plymouth to play Old Plymouthians and Mannamedians. Reports next time.
As always, we welcome new and returning players. Training is Thursday evening from 6.30pm. Our clubhouse is available for hire. Please visit trfc1985@outlook. com.
on the pitch. Thanks guys!
It won’t be long until we’re talking about having our Christmas party. Not quite yet though! For now, we’ll concentrate on the rugby.
No more waiting weeks, we can sometimes accomodate same week appointments & occasionally same day!
07367 116 468 or visit our website www.devon-ear-clinic.co.uk
Well Street Torrington EX38
Mark Waterson
Peoplewho have lived in Torrington for many years say that there used to be far more shops than there are today, stocking a wider variety of goods. That was in the days before most people had cars and were able to drive to Bideford or Barnstaple, and buy all they needed in one go at a supermarket. Now Torrington has its own Lidl supermarket which opened in 2011.
There are still a good number of family-owned shops which give the town a friendly feel, such as Sandford’s bakery, Ware’s butchers, Stacey’s Xanadu selling fruit and vegetables and health foods, Duffy’s (formerly Ferry’s) hardware, the Green Lantern bakery and café, Sing and Gist Carpets. Many of them provided an excellent delivery service during the Covid lockdowns. The pannier market, which was re-roofed and refurbished in the late 1990s, offers thirteen small individual shops, a café and a market hall.
Old directories from the mid-19th century list many different shops and trades. In the 1830s there were three bakers: Catherine Browne and Elizabeth Evans, both in Well Street and Mary Howe in New Street. There were nine boot and shoe makers, six butchers and three china, glass and earthenware dealers. There were two druggists, one in South Street who also dealt in spirits and one in High Street who also distributed stamps. There were six grocers and tea dealers, all in South Street and
High Street, and five ironmongers, one of whom was Thomas Fowler who invented a heating system and a calculating machine, a forerunner of modern computers. There were six linen and woollen drapers and six milliners and dress dealers. There were two perfumers and hairdressers, both men, two saddlers and two watch and clock makers, and ten people listed as being 'shopkeepers and dealers in sundries'. In terraced houses facing onto the street, a lot of people had a little shop in their front room.
Torrington shops have changed many times over the years. Where Patt’s greengrocer is now, used to be the Central Garage owned by Mr Tickle, one of four garages in the town (Goose Green/Morton garage in Calf Street, Heards in Well Street and Ayres in New Street). There were shops selling toys, sweets, shoes, books, a drapers, dress shops and gents' outfitters. There was
a Co-op at the top of South Street for 83 years, which used to sell furniture and clothes, as well as general foodstuffs, and closed in 1983. There was also a Co-op in Well Street for a time, on the left hand side after crossing New Road. Now we have a Co-op once more, which took over Somerfield. There was Boots the chemist from the late 1930s until the late 1960s, next to the old Newmarket pub. The former Spar shop in the square used to be a gas showroom and Toyzone, next to the old HSBC bank, was once a SWEB electricity showroom. There were four banks in the square, as well as the Portman (now Nationwide) building society in Potacre Street, and the Post Office had its own building in Fore Street built in 1903.
Moira BrewerAnice way to get fit, make friends and enjoy yourself!
Every Tuesday and Wednesday, with a variety of walks for all levels. Just turn up and join in for free.
Full details on our website torridgewalkandtalk.co.uk or call Steve 01273 421528.
Like any business in this sector, it is important to be well-informed. To this end, following a behavioural economist like Roger Martyn-Fagg is a very worthwhile exercise, to understand the wider economy and monetary patterns, which is quite often at a variance to what the national press pump out. Interestingly he has been broadly correct in his predictions over the past few years and he is someone that one can have a good degree of faith in – as much as one can in these turbulent times.
Recently Roger gave a live update on how he sees the economy and the property sector and below are some of the key points for your interest. He also stressed that the markets were still settling and therefore November’s update from him will be of great interest to many.
One question asked of him was, is property still a good investment?
Answer “If you like it, if you can afford it, buy it”; we still like fixed real estate assets and we keep buying cars that we know, on the whole, lose value. In his update the word that kept coming back was ‘NORMAL’; normal market, normal prices, normal rates and normal transaction levels, we were getting back to normal, however this mini-budget has shocked everyone and time is needed to settle.
• The mini-budget was a shock and the markets/banks, lending sources need time to settle.
• Before the mini-budget, we were ‘getting back to normal’
• It is thought unlikely that we will go into a ‘mild’ recession this year. If we do it will be in late 2023 - it will be hard to avoid if the States and the EU fall into a recession, but it won’t be too serious.
• Banks/lending sources are ‘dripping with money’ they are just uncertain at this time – more products will return to the market, following the 20% fall in recent days.
• Net mortgage lending ‘normal’, in fact just above normal
• Forget the last two years in terms of comparisons, the market was abnormally busy
• Variable mortgage rate likely to settle at circa 5-6% in spring 2023 (Normal)
• House prices - in real terms ‘level’, at worst perhaps a marginal 1-2% fall
• Rents likely to rise in 2023 – too early to predict levels
So what can we take from this?
The most important message is that you must look at your own particular circumstances, move plan and financial considerations, as ‘one size will not fit all’. This is a time to take advice from trusted sources, relative to the sale of your home, in particular the cost of moving and future prospects in the mortgage/investment market.
House prices are stable at present, it is however fair to suggest that they may well fall a little, however we should remember that in many cases it is the
difference between selling and buying that is important. We should also build in the significant increases that we have seen in the past two years due to the insatiable demand and relatively low stock. It is likely therefore that even if we saw a 10% fall, prices would still be above that of pre-pandemic levels!
Mortgage products are likely to increase once more as soon as the markets have settled, as lending sources still have plenty of money to lend and Government figures shows that 75% of residential mortgages are in fact on a fixed rate, and therefore these people will not feel the immediate effects of any rises yet.
Fresh buyers are still entering the market and it should be remembered that we still see a large number of genuine ‘cash’ buyers who are not overly worried about mortgage interest rates, in fact 36% own their homes outright according to Government figures, they just want to move for a lifestyle change and that is still a key reason for moving in today’s market.
Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director
The winner of this month’s crossword will receive an hour with Samantha Hardwick! 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 Laszlo Zselyi. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 10th November and the solution and winner will be in the December/January issue.
Samantha is an Emotional Well-being and Mindset Coach, empowering and inspiring you to live a life of joy.
Autumn is the time of year where we can take our lead from nature, in particular the trees, showing us how they are experts at letting things go, going deep into their roots to renew and sleep and still stand tall and strong. Try to embrace the beauty of letting go and letting be. Let go of any burdens that you are carrying or anything that is not serving you and move towards accepting the impermanence of things.
However, the act of letting go is sometimes easier said than done. You may benefit from working with someone to help you let go in a safe space where you will be heard, nurtured, and supported with no judgement guiding you to a place of joy, happiness, confidence and peace.
It is not an experience that has a hold over you, but the perception you are putting on the experience or the belief you made at the time. If you are ready to transform that, then let me help you overturn and transform the limiting beliefs and subconscious blocks that are holding you back. I have a real passion for mental health and well-being and am passionate about helping others to transform their lives so they can find mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
To book a session either call me on 07974 682525 or email me hello@ samanthahardwick.com.
Wellit’s rained! Only a few days into autumn, and the UK has experienced some truly autumnal weather. Heavy bands of rain and thunderstorms have swept over us. The brown and yellow fields and parks have been replaced by a more familiar and reassuring cool, lush green. Water butts have been refilled, and the lower autumn temperature means that soil in pots and borders isn’t drying out as quickly. Fears of drought, the prospects of usage restrictions from water companies, and warnings that food crops would be badly affected seem to have been washed away with the rainfall.
But are we right to feel relieved by the rain?
Sadly not. The country is still deep in drought in places, and on a scale and intensity rarely seen before. Southern Britain is still deep in drought. The soil is wetter than it was, after a few weeks of unsettled and rainy conditions in many areas, but rivers, boreholes and reservoirs are still low, and will still require months of above-average rainfall to recharge.
World Toilet Day is coming up on 19 November. It celebrates toilets and tries to raise awareness of the 3.6 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. It is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. Public health depends on toilets. Toilets also drive improvements in gender equality, education, economics and the environment.
What can you do about it? Well first of all look after your own toilet: only three things should go down your toilet: pee; poo; paper – toilet tissue.
Nothing else should be flushed down although these items commonly are:
Wipes – even ones that say ‘flushable’ don’t always break down and block pipes. Sanitary items (e.g. towels and tampons). Medicines, tablets. Flushing these things down the toilet can cause blockages and the drains will back up.
Bin it – don’t block it. Wrap up sanitary items, nappies, wipes and condoms and put them in the bin. Take medicines to the pharmacy.
Also remember your toilet uses water, so check it for leaks both from the overflow and from the cistern into the bowl. Any leaks can cost you a
"The country is still deep in drought in places, and on a scale and intensity rarely seen before. Southern Britain is still deep in drought. The soil is wetter than it was, after a few weeks of unsettled and rainy conditions in many areas, but rivers, boreholes and reservoirs are still low, and will still require months of aboveaverage rainfall to recharge."
lot of money. You also do not have to flush after every pee, that can save you money.
Because of how much we use them, it isn’t unusual for a toilet to start leaking.
Why don’t you check to see if yours has a leak.
● Wait for 30 minutes after flushing and then wipe the back of the pan dry with toilet paper.
● Place a new, dry sheet of toilet paper on the back of the pan. Leave it there for up to three hours without using the toilet (it might be best to do this overnight).
● If the paper is wet or torn, you know you’ve got a leak, losing up to 1500 litres per month at a cost of nearly £100 per year!
Sewers are only designed to take the water from your toilets, sinks, baths and showers, along with human waste and toilet tissue. Leave leftover cooking oil,
fat and food to cool and put it in the bin. Chemicals, solvents, engine oil and paint should be taken to your local refuse or recycling site.
The term ‘circular economy’ and sustainability are used in many contexts these days and it also applies to water. Circular economy has emerged as a response to the current unsustainable linear model of “take, make, consume, and dispose/ waste”.
What is the ‘circular economy of water’? The simple definition is: reduce (water conservation and water efficiency), reuse (rainwater harvesting, etc.), recycle (recycling of wastewater for various uses), recover (recover nutrients and energy from wastewater), and restore (use of nature-based solutions to restore environmental flows). More on your part in this later.
If you go out to dinner at an Italian restaurant, there’s no doubt plenty of pasta on the menu. Do you think that for every single portion of pasta boiled, they empty and fill the pot each time? No, they have boiling water that they reuse. It’s why going to an Italian later in the evening is a good idea – the pasta has the best flavour.
When you cook pasta (or boil any food) there are a few ways to recycle the water. Either pop it in a container and in the fridge – ready to use again when you next cook pasta or make soup. Alternatively, you can use it to wash the dishes afterwards. Pasta releases a lot of natural starches into the water, making it perfect for cleaning with. Imagine all the water you could recycle by pouring it into dirty pots and pans that need to soak. Instead of running the tap, why not pour from your collected cooking water jar?
If you have a gas hob boil your water on it, it’s cheaper than using the kettle.
Great Torrington Water Forumgtwaterforum@gmail.com
Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport
Ring & Ride services operate in the following areas: Mondays from Westward Ho! and Northam Tuesdays from Torrington Wednesdays from Hartland Fridays from Bideford
NEW: on Thursdays to Bickford Centre
CONTACT JANICE BANKS on 01271 864258
It’s official! Charlies@thePlough is now serving delicious bistro-style evening meals – and we’ve had some incredible feedback! There has been a real buzz of excitement as audiences enjoy Charlie’s food followed by some fantastic performances. But don’t take our word for it – come and try for yourself. If you’re looking for a venue for your Christmas Dinner party, Charlie’s will host both a ‘Casino Royale’ themed Christmas buffet night (8 Dec) and a ‘007’ themed Christmas Dinner party (two courses, 15 Dec) – please contact Charlie for details and to book your table. Charlies@ThePlough opens 10:30am to 2:30pm and from 6pm. Evening reservations recommended. To reserve a table call 01805 625925 or email charlies@theploughartscentre.org.uk.
We kick-start November with some fantastic live events. Sir Geoffrey Boycott will be at Devon Hall, sharing his forthright honest views and hilarious anecdotes –he’ll also take questions from the audience. We welcome back sell-out success Mi Flamenco with Echoes, an emotive flamenco dance performance with soul-stirring music. Beach Boyz, a brilliant tribute band, will be surfing in - and there are prizes for the best dressed surfer! Barbara Dickson will be joined by Nick Holland for a special acoustic performance. We also welcome Nick Girone-Maddocks and his band, and Louise Parker and her band: each with a cabaret-style evening, and the option of a pre-show two course meal.
We have comedy well and truly in-the-bag, with great stand-up from the likes of award-winning comedian Rob Newman. We also welcome the return of The Comedy Store, and critically-acclaimed comedian Rich Hall will be ‘Shot from the Cannons’ at Lynton Town Hall.
Theatre lovers can enjoy the fascinating Alan Turing story with Up Close Theatre’s Breaking the Code. The ever popular Quirk Theatre (Rhia & The Tree of Lights) will bring us perfect family entertainment with the heartfelt, beautiful story of Mary: The Pigeon Who Never Gave Up.
The Plough’s gallery welcomes one of our finest local landscape painters, Colin Allbrook, with an opportunity to meet the artist himself, and Henrietta Job’s beautiful paintings in our foyer. As always, entry to our exhibitions is free.
For more details check out our diary or visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk where you will also find details of our November film screenings. Box Office can also be contacted on 01805 624624. Don’t forget to Use Your Plough!
At the Plough we have two great shows by Colin Allbrook and Henrietta Heron. Colin Allbrook with ‘From Country to Coast -The Taw valley and beyond’.
Colin Allbrook (RI RSMA HSEA) has worked as an artist since leaving school 50 years ago, and paints in both watercolours and oils. Many of his paintings are based on the rural life here in the West Country on farms and markets, and also its rugged coastline and small harbours. An elected member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Society of Equestrian Artists he has, over the years, won many awards for his work. These include the Turner medal at the RI, the Cuneo Medal (Twice) at the SEA, and numerous times at the RWA.
Henrietta Heron is an artist and painter living on the edge of Dartmoor, working currently from her converted horse lorry in mixed media and acrylics.
The Gallery is open Weds-Sat 10.30am-4pm and most evenings Weds-Sat from 6pm. Please ring 01805 624624 to check openings. The shows end on Saturday 26 November and is followed by the eagerly awaited Plough Christmas Craft Fair, which will open on the evening of Wednesday 30 November from 6pm.
10.30am every Tuesday term time
Workshop: Plough Prism for adults with additional needs &their carers £3.50
1.30pm every Tuesday term time
Workshop: Motion Dance for adults with additional needs & their carers £3.50
7.30pm every Tuesday term time
Community Choir: Ploughcapella contact Alison: alising.co.uk £75/£65 Supporters (per term)
Weds 2 Nov
10.30am until 26 Nov Exhibition: Colin
Allbrook FREE
10.30am until 26 Nov Artists Wall: Henrietta
Job FREE
Thurs 3 Nov
6.30pm (also 17 & 24 Nov) Workshop: Breathe/Meditation Moments at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £7 per session
7pm NTLive Satellite: The Seagull £5/£12 Supporter
7.30pm Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothel at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £14.50 inc refreshments
7.30pm Plough Storytelling Circle at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £2 inc refreshments
Fri 4 Nov
10.45am every Friday term time Sing & Sign: Stage One 6-14 months info, go to: linktr.ee/SingandSignNorthDevon
7.30pm An Evening with Sir Geoffrey Boycott at Devon Hall, Bideford £25/£22.50
Supporters/Groups
8pm Live Music: Mark Harrison Band at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12/£10
Supporters
Sat 5 Nov
1.30pm every Sat term time Workshop: Lego Club 5-15yrs Nick 01805 623505/ katherine@oscaw.com
Mon 7 Nov
7pm Workshop: Moon Circle at
ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12
Wed 9 Nov
6.30pm Workshop: Crystal Sound Bath Meditation at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £15
Thurs 10 Nov
7.30pm Live Dance: Echoes by Mi Flamenco £19/£17 Supporters
7.30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town Centre at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £14.50 inc refreshments
8pm Open Mouth Music & Poetry (sharing event) £4/£2 unwaged (suggested donations)
Fri 11 Nov
7.30pm Live Music: The Beach Boyz Tribute Band £20/£18 Supporters
8pm Live Theatre: The Prudes at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £8/£6
Supporters
Sat 12 Nov
10.30am Workshop: Christmas Card Woodcut Printmaking at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £50 (equipment provided)
11am Meet the Artist: Colin Allbrook FREE
11am Workshop: North Devon Poetry Stanza at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £15
8pm Live Music: Barbara Dickson with Nick Holland £26/£23 Supporters
8pm Live Theatre: The Prudes at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £8/£6
Supporters
Thurs 17 Nov
7.30pm Haunted History Tour: Bideford Old Town at Bideford Library £12
Fri 18 Nov
8pm Talk: Victorian Brothel Talk at Castle Chambers, Barnstaple £15 to include refreshments
8pm Live Comedy: Rob Newman Live On Stage £19/£11.50 key workers & unemployed
Sat 19 Nov
10am Workshop: Christmas Cards in Watercolour at ThePlough@StAnne’s,
Barnstaple £60 inc equipment
8pm Live Comedy: The Comedy Store £16.50/£14.25 Supporters & groups of 4+
7.30pm Live Comedy: Rich Hall Shot From Cannons at Lynton Town Hall £20/£18.50
Supporters
Sun 20 Nov
10am Workshop: Christmas Pottery at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £50 + £10 materials + optional £5 for glaze
Thurs 24 Nov
7.30pm Workshop: Deep Rest Healing Meditation at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £15
7.30pm Live Theatre: Breaking the Code: The Alan Turing Story £11.50 / £10
Supporters
7.30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Undertakers Tales at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £12
Fri 25 Nov
8.30pm Live Music: An evening with Nick Girone-Maddocks & his band £15/£12 Supporter £15 for a 2 course hot meal served in the theatre from 7pm Sat 26 Nov
10.30am Workshop: Christmas Bookbinding Workshop at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £50
8.30pm Live Music: An evening with Louise Parker & her band £15/£12 Supporter £15 for a 2 course hot meal served in the theatre from 7pm
8pm Murder Mystery: Death of a Wellspoken Gentleman at ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple £10/£8 Supporters Sun 27 Nov
10am Workshop: Round Rush Platter at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple £60 inc equipment Wed 30 Nov
10.30am & 1pm Live Family Theatre: Quirk Theatre’s ‘Mary The Pigeon’ £9/£7 supporters/families /school groups (every 11th ticket free for groups)
7.30pm Haunted History Tour: Torrington Town £12
For
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
This month we complete the life story of Private Leslie Blake from the last edition of The Crier. The Sam Mendes film, 1918, is a fictional story of the 2nd Devons. The true story is far more interesting.
On the 20th May 1918 the 2nd Devons were moved into reserve in the Aisne region. It had been a relatively quiet period in the area, although a few raids had been conducted by the Germans. Intelligence had not predicted any major developments. However, it would soon become apparent that a major clandestine operation was under way.
Concerns were raised following the capture of two German soldiers on the 26th May. Following interrogation, it was revealed that a major assault was due to commence. As part of the hasty defence plans, the 2nd Devons were moved to the front occupying dugouts and trenches at Bois des Buttes. The ferocity of the bombardment would have left the British in no doubt that a major operation was unfolding. In the favour of the Devons were the deep dugouts, which gave good protection from the onslaught, although gas shells would have caused mild disruption.
The initial attacks were a success, breaking the lines in a number of places. Although there was initial resistance, the flank to the left of the Devons collapsed, leaving them as the only sizable British force north of the River Aisne. At first light, the Devons emerged from their shelters and advanced to battle positions; the mist over the battlefield gave cover to both attackers and defenders.
The Keep Military Museum writes: The Battalion was initially attacked by heavily armed Sturmtruppen infantry. The first wave that appeared out of the mist, the 158th German Infantry Regiment, took cover from the rapid fire of the Devon riflemen and B Company's two Lewis guns. Out of the mist, over the heads of the first wave, came dozens of rifle grenades that caused heavy
casualties to the men of B Company sheltering in the trenches. After a while the German riflemen, who had taken cover about fifty metres away, jumped up and rushed us while a second wave continued to give covering fire. The boys kept blasting away and this attack was beaten off. Fire from the rifle grenades resumed, causing even greater casualties to the Devons. A third wave of Germans charged through the mist 'hurling stick bombs into our trench' and they too were beaten off with heavy casualties. Following this, the artillery barrage resumed, further thinning the depleted ranks of the Devons.
As the hours passed and the day became warmer, the mist began to thin, cover was lost and potential targets became more obvious. Their resistance came at a cost, as they were targeted by aircraft fire, tanks and artillery shelling. They were now outflanked, and at risk of being overrun. Instead of retreating, the Devons made the Germans fight for every inch of land. They were gradually pushed back with a fighting retreat. The aim now was to make sure the Division south of the river had sufficient time to prepare for the coming storm. In the words of Lt Col Anderson-Morshead, “Your job for England, men, is to hold the blighters up as much as you can, to give our troops a chance on the other side of the River. There is no hope of relief; we have to fight to the last”.
About 9.30am the Colonel and Adjutant, with less than 50 men, charged down the hill and opened fire on German artillery who were coming up the road from Juvincourt. The survivors were in two parties on either side of the road, and in directing the movement of his men across the road to join the Adjutant, Colonel Anderson-Morshead was killed. Captain Burke, with the remainder of the two parties, some 30, went half-way up the hill again, where they could get a better field of fire. For a little time they held out, having luckily found some boxes of ammunition but this soon ran
out; Captain Burke was hit, and the stand ended with a gallant charge by the few survivors into the midst of the enemy.
The stand was over. The remaining troops made desperate efforts to escape across the River Aisne, some successfully but not without further acts of heroism to reach safety. Around forty soldiers would make it. During the six hour stand, over 550 soldiers from the 2nd Devons were killed or captured. The remarkable actions of these men stalled the German advance sufficiently for their wider Division to regroup and mount a response.
Such was the bravery of actions, the Devonshire Regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm leaf in December 1918 by the French Government. They were the first entire unit to be awarded the honour. The medal can still be seen housed in the National Army Museum in London. The ribbon of the medal was worn on the Devonshire Regiment uniform sleeve above the divisional insignia. Although the Devonshire Regiment has now been amalgamated with The Rifles, the Croix de Guerre arm badge is still worn. A memorial to the men of the 2nd Devons was unveiled in November 1921, it can be found at La Ville aux Bois des Pontavert in France.
Private Leslie Blake was killed in the fighting that day. Notice of him being missing was released in the Western Times at the end of June 1918 but it would almost be another year before his mother would receive official notification that he was killed in action in the stand made by the 2nd Devons. Aged just 20 years when he was killed, the Private’s name can be found at the Soissons Memorial in the Aisne region of France. He has no gravestone; instead the memorial commemorates almost 4,000 British servicemen who died in the Battles of Aisne and Marne, who have no known grave.
Michael Newcombe michael. mnewcombe@gmail.com
The sound of controlled chaos, Beaming light pounding on my blinds All sense of reality, a loss Consumed by a swirling pool of lies But I know how to ease the pain. Just admire the swaying trees
Experience the freedom of an open plain Be carried away by the breeze
Sometimes you need a break from the screen.
Our world, Smoked away by factories Destroyed by war.
Our world, Rights gradually coming back, Covid is over, Playgrounds gone quiet, Shops closing down, People hiding in fear or what’s to come.
Our world gone quiet, Green grass going grey, Leaves falling Population slowly shrinking away.
Not with a bang, But with a whimper, Is the way this world will end.
By Mrs. Kevern
I’m here…
Sewn in the patchwork of rolling fields, adorning land.
Amongst tall golden flowers dancing with a honeybee.
Beneath the sun filled clear blue sky, by meadowland.
Pressed into the soft earth, like a bead in a tapestry.
I’m here…
Alone on cold damp paved alley, echoes of footfall,
Distant drunken laughter, stench emanates human waste, Rat scurries past, creeping shadows cast over damp wall, A bitter chill whistles through like a corpse misplaced.
I’m here…
Tumbling forward in tides commanded by the moon.
Rolling, roaring, curling, waves like a serpent’s tongue, Tossing, turning, spat on the shore with others strewn, Left upon unblemished virgin sand with seaweed flung.
I’m here…
Where majestic snowcapped peaks spear clouds.
Dreams drift into spotless snow on silent slope.
Sliding shingles, rock tumbles, crashing down, loud,
Poised precarious like mountaineer clinging to rope.
On sun baked rainless earth, driven by climate change, Parched arid land, where no human life can survive, This barren wild place exposed like a God deranged, Lone lizard, under me, still, in the shade will thrive.
Humans like drones swarming in synchronized time, Shiny polished surfaces scream opulent splendor, Fluorescent plastic world, evidence of mankind’s crime, Moving floors transport mortals through the bookstore.
Glistening in the shallows of a trickling stream
Face looks down, dabbled in the flowing light.
Water ripples, sparkling like an artist’s dream,
Chosen as treasure now in hand, I’m held tight.
Peters Marland, 4 miles from Great Torrington
Our hall provides a lovely environment for smaller gatherings, suitable for fitness classes, children’s parties, fundraising events, coffee mornings, meetings, training & community events.
Capacity for 60 people seated. Wifi, projector & large screen, separate kitchen area. Disabled access & WC, EX38 8QG.
To book the hall please contact Mrs Pittman on 01805 601892. Hire cost from £7.50 per hour.
What a great shame there are no digital mastered recordings of Caruso. One cannot imagine how wonderful his voice was.
Year 10 have been asked to write a per suasive review about a fair or festival for their GCSE English assessment. Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder of one such fair we should treasure.
Can we allow Torrington’s tradition to dwindle?
Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching from 1895 to 1920, included 863 appearances at the New York Metropolitan Opera before he died of an infection at the age of 48. His fame has lasted to the present day, despite the limited marketing and promotional avenues available to him. He was, nonetheless, a client of Edward Bernays during the latter’s tenure as a press agent in the USA. Publicity in Caruso’s time relied on newspapers, particularly wire services, magazines, photography and the telephone.
What picture comes into your mind when you think of Torrington’s May Fair? For many it is the image of the maypole, laughter and sunshine; it would be difficult to imagine Torrington without it. Yet today, our historic tradition is under threat. It is easy to allow the pressures of modern life to slowly strangle our cultural heritage. In this fast age of high-tech gadgetry, mass media and instant gratification, there is little time left for what really matters: community life. Today, more than ever, it is essential to keep our historic celebration alive. Our week of annual festivity fosters friendship, a sense of belonging and a link with our past. We cannot let this die.
Caruso’s biographers, Pierre Key, Bruno Zirato and Stanley Jackson attribute his fame not only to his voice and musicianship, but also to a keen business sense and an embrace of commercial sound recordings, then in its infancy. Many well-known opera singers of Caruso’s time rejected the phonograph (gramophone) and their voices have been lost as a result, but other singers including Adelina Patti, Francesco Tamagno and Nellie Melba exploited the new technology once they became aware of the success of Caruso’s recording sessions.
As you walk the cobbled streets of our ancient town, you breathe antiquity. The May Fair links present-day Torrington with the past, transporting us to a bygone era – when life was simpler.
Torrington has hosted the annual May Fair since 1554. However, many celebrations in England have their origins
Caruso made more that 260 extant recordings in America for the Victor Talking Machine Company, (later RCA Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he
in even earlier times: to the Roman festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth is particularly relevant to us today, breathing new life into the winter of our community.
earned millions of dollars in royalties from the retail sales of the resulting 78rpm discs. In Italy in 1902-1903, he cut five batches of records for the Gramophone and Typewriter Company. He was later heard live from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in the first public radio broadcast in 1920.
In the next issue I will tell you about some of his operatic roles.
Until then good listening
Bob DymondMoreover, in keeping with the spirit of rejuvenation, children are the focal point of the festivities. Much against Mr Gove’s better wishes, Torrington’s schools are closed to allow full community participation. What could be more appealing than watching the crowning of the May Queen? The procession of boys and girls in brightly coloured costumes would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, skirts skipping and the band blasting: the maypole is ceremoniously woven.
Our Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday 9th November. We will be electing a new President and committee for the following year, taking a look back at all we have experienced in the last year and then getting a sneak preview of speakers booked for 2012. Cups and prizes will be awarded for those who did best in our optional monthly competitions, and there will, of course, be time for tea and a natter.
Just as the colours on the maypole are intertwined, so the May Fair breaks down social barriers as it appeals to everyone. Choirs, dance groups and majorettes all take to the stage: a feast for the eyes and ears. Local dignitaries are happily pelted in the stocks and subjected to duckings. The Mayor has a lavish lunch, to which many are invited. The town crier bellows as he proudly marches the streets of his predecessors and The Torrington Silver Band pulsates like the beating heart of the community.
Being rather nifty at getting through the business side of things, we will also manage a bit of time to welcome Bob Brewer, who will give us the low-down on the Cavaliers.
The grand finale of the May Fair week is the carnival, a spectacle of light and sound. Fanciful floats journey through the town whilst the streets are lined with cheering children. In the packed town square, you have no choice but to mingle and make new friends.
We start at 7pm in the Methodist Church Hall, and prospective members are very welcome to visit for free. Any new members paying their subs this month, get 14 months for the price of 12. How about that!
‘Uz be plaised to zee ee!’ The Mayor’s welcome banner in thick
All garden & landscape work undertaken, large & small, by experienced & qualified landscaper & designer, plus LOGS FOR SALE Tel: 07971533 235
On the 16th November there will be a lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, the Associated Country Women of the World, of which the WI nationally is a member. Not widely known, the ACWW has representatives from many nationalities; working towards relief of poverty and sickness, promoting health and advancing education. It’s down-toearth approach offers mutual support and practical help to women and communities across the world.
Devonian dialect is strung across the square – Torrington is known as a friendly town and this is no better displayed than at the May Fair. In this era of social isolation, the May Fair provides the medicine of friendship, inclusion and support. The fair encourages community life as the young and old join together for the common good. What better way is there to bring neighbours together?
People come from far and wide to enjoy the delights of May Fair. They also bring their money with them! The fair replenishes the coffers of the town –providing a welcome boost to the local economy – such a help in difficult times.
To find out about the ACWW and the Women's Institutes nationwide, visit www.theWI.org.uk
www.theWI.org.uk
Any queries about Torrington W.I. ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on 01805 623588.
Businesses use the carnival as an opportunity to advertise their wares.
Charities also benefit: collection tins are soon full to overflowing.
Yet it is often argued that historic celebrations are archaic and anachronistic. On the contrary, Torrington’s festivities revitalise the old traditions. In the current climate of apathy, laziness and indifference, the May Fair lifts our spirits and transforms Torrington into a vibrant community. Despite the continual development of modern technology and increasing time spent at computer screens, last year’s record-breaking turnout shows there is still a place for live entertainment. Given the choice of playing a video game or participating in the buzz of the fair, I know which I would choose…
By the time this report appears in The Crier, you will have noticed scaffolding has been put up to facilitate the repair of the roof and make the building water-tight for the winter. It will be enclosed in waterproof sheeting to protect the working area and to minimise any risk to the internal fabric. At the same time, a series of photoelectric panels will be installed, to reduce running-costs, and perhaps provide an income for the project by selling surplus power to the National Grid.
It’s poetry take over this month! The 6th October was National Poetry Day and as always, GTS marked the occasion with a popular poetry competition. Thetheme for 2022 was The Environment and over the next few issues we will share many of the excellent poem entries with you. We hope you enjoy them!
Today, the new enemy of a large-scale town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As huge crowds gather, it could be argued that there is a danger of an accident. Nowadays, with all the ridiculous rules and regulations it is a struggle to organise anything. In this age of countless litigation, our town hall is in
Although this work is being carried out by the Townlands Trust, payment will be taken from funds set aside for the project, which would have included
Our core group has gone though some changes, with a couple of key people moving on to different activities/new responsibilities in their lives, but happily others have stepped up to help. Having said that, we do need a couple more people to back us up from time-to-time with data entry. This is not difficult as it's automated to a large degree, and there are perks for those lending a hand. To find out more please email Mary owbg@protonmail. com and we can discuss. We're a helpful, friendly bunch and new members are very welcome, along with those who may not have participated for some time. Our main supplier catalogue now contains all the Christmas goodies – a good way to treat yourselves at an affordable price.
Wellbeing Tip: As the weather gets colder we may feel less inclined to get outside into nature and to get regular exercise. But fresh air, good oxygenation, negative ions and being in nature are essential to the healthy functioning of our immune system and our general wellbeing. Even if the weather looks discouraging from indoors looking out, I find that once one gets out, wearing suitable clothing, one is very glad to have done so! It's not often as bad as we imagined. In autumn the colours are uplifting, there's always joy to be found in every season. As the dark draws in we need to adjust our routine so we can avail ourselves of as much natural light as possible – I think in our northern climes we all suffer to some degree with Seasonal Affective Disorder
due to the reduced light. Getting out in nature will certainly help this. Exercise increases endorphins which are our 'happy' chemicals, so it's a win-win really.
On the food front you may not realize that green leafy vegetables provide light in the body – essentially, chlorophyll is equivalent to our blood and carries light and oxygen. So making sure that you have at least one (preferably more) good helping of leafy greens each day, is a good move. Leafy greens also enhance the production of the action and pleasure neurotransmitter, dopamine. Another good plan is to put on a good soup or stew to cook
"Slow cooking produces more flavoursome, mellow food; soups and stews, being one pot dishes, are easiest to digest, warming and nourishing."
slowly and gently while you're out. Slow cooking produces more flavoursome, mellow food; soups and stews, being one pot dishes, are easiest to digest, warming and nourishing. Pulses, root vegetables, onions, garlic, miso and tamari are warming ingredients. Pulses contain good levels of tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin), folates, fibre and carbs. They are also super economical. Carbohydrates also help to produce serotonin, so it's important to enjoy good
quality ones in your diet – organic and unrefined. Sweet potatoes contain more fibre than regular potatoes, are high in Vitamins A and C and have good amounts of potassium too, besides being versatile and very delicious. A grain porridge in the morning is a good idea: choose from oat groats or flakes, millet, short grain brown rice, buckwheat or quinoa, one part grain to three parts water, soaked overnight. Lastly nuts, seeds and their butters provide good protein and omega 3 essential fatty acids, but do be aware that we can overdo them! Brazil nuts contain selenium which enhances mood and assists detox – a few nuts a week is all you need. All these basic store cupboard ingredients and much more, are available at wholesale prices through OWBG.
Upcoming Grocery Final Order Dates: 10th Nov, 8th Dec
• How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website!
• What does membership cost? Free • What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307, email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk OWBG Website:owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group
Email: owbg@protonmail.com www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk
Showroom Unit 5 Red Post, Bude EX23
01288 381852
www.cblstoves.co.uk
Another year is almost over and our members are as busy as ever preparing for winter: tidying up, pruning and replanting containers with winter and spring bedding. We would love more help, whether or not you are experienced gardeners, an extra pair of hands or more are always welcome. Hopefully, we are going to begin work renovating the flowerbed outside S&G Carpets. This was completely replanted some years ago, with the local Horticultural and Garden Society taking over its upkeep. Sadly, since lockdown, this group has disbanded and although we have tidied up from time to time, the bed now needs a major refurbishment.
We are also seeking funding towards this, as it is the first block of colour that people see when approaching Torrington from the south/south-west via the A386. It is important that it looks good, wellstocked, colourful and sustainable.
Our volunteers are still working hard in the Secret Memorial Garden and Castle Hill Gardens. A great deal of renovation work has been undertaken and we are very fortunate that Torridge District Council allows us the free use of a green wheelie bin, in which to dispose of material that cannot be composted, and we very much appreciate their support.
Lastly, our AGM is going to be held Monday, 12 December at 7pm, Council Rooms, Castle Hill. If you wish to find out more about what we do at Torrington in Bloom, you would be welcome to come along.
We have always known that Rosemoor has a great biodiversity, but it is largely anecdotal and we wanted to take a more scientific approach by commissioning surveys, recording observations and collating them, so that we can form a basic understanding of what we have. This information will form the basis of management plans for biodiversity throughout the garden.
The key to biodiversity is to have a range of different habitats, and this is certainly the case at Rosemoor. Woodlands vary from deciduous to mixed to conifer plantations, and support populations of deer, badgers and foxes. Birds forage in our meadows and pick off seed from ornamental grasses. Bees and butterflies love borders of flowering shrubs and herbaceous plants and our wildflower meadows. Blackbirds, thrushes, crows, rooks and wagtails are frequently seen scouring the open grassy areas for insects and worms; swallows (often nesting in our potting shed) skim across the grass scooping up insects. Our lake attracts numerous animals including otters, little egret, kingfishers and herons. The small garden water features allow smaller birds to bathe safely and frogs to lay their spawn.
Surveys of bats, bumblebees and small mammals have already got underway. The Torridge branch of ‘Devon Birds’ will carry out bird counts in the winter and spring over a number of years and a bird ringer has started ringing birds in the woodlands.
Well-maintained hedgerows are especially valuable for numerous small mammals, birds, bugs and insects. They are used as a hunting ground for bats, stoats, weasels, badgers and foxes. During autumn and winter, we will survey our hedgerows with help from local students, supplementing their studies.
Then of course, there are observations reported by staff and visitors which are just as valuable as scientific surveys as it helps to give us an overall view of the biodiversity of Rosemoor. Records are sent to the relevant specialist organisations; contributing to national databases.
If you wish to help us, please send observations to sheiladearing@rhs.org.uk (photographs useful but not essential) or enter them on iNaturalist: uk.inaturalist. org. We hope to place a diary in reception in the near future where you can record your observations while they are still fresh in your mind.
Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer Image RHS/Sheila Dearing
