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FREE November 2023 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.

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Christmas Workshop

Join us for a fun afternoon on the 9th December 2-4pm, at The Castle Hill Community Centre, Great Torrington Make your own wreath or table decoration £30, refreshments included To book a place tel: 01805 938946 or pop into the shop Majority of proceeds towards The Community Gardens & Torrington in Bloom

Starting NEW in Torrington After school Art club Qualified and experienced teacher lead sessions

Venue: Castle Hill Community Centre and Gardens Recommended age: 7+ Time: Thursday 4 - 5.45pm Details and booking: https://zestlab.org/events

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Torrington & District Community News & Events

Contact us... Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 07443 491 972 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon. We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication. Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 (please note that this is a home number not an office) E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £26 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £51 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All adverts are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please. Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk Town Distribution: The Joy family & Esther Williams Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton

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. Would you like the Crier delivered in your village? 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.

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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.

What’s On at The Town & Community Hall to Celebrate the Christmas Season?

e hope you like the festive front page of the Crier this issue; it was produced for us by Chloe Langer, to advertise our Christmas Fayre on 18th November. The Town Hall will be full of festive spirit (including mulled wine!!) The first one was an outstanding success and with so many organisations also taking part on the day, there is something for all the family. We have some very talented suppliers who will spoil you with a range of locally-made gifts, food, and drink. Please come along and support them. The Town Hall Trustees and volunteers will be on hand for teas, coffee, hot chocolate, mince pies or something stronger- the choice is yours. Lots going on for all the Community. Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity will be holding their Distribution Day at the Town Hall on 1st December from 9.30am-2pm. Please see the information from the Charity and contact them if you have any queries. Town Hall Trustees will be on hand for teas/coffee and mince pies in the Undercroft. We look forward to seeing everyone. Our thanks to the Town and Lands Trustees for using our facilities for such an important day. December is party time! Not long before we welcome guests for various Christmas parties, with our own in-house bar staff, and the flexibility of choosing your own caterer or asking us for some ideas. Have a fun time folks, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy your evening in style. Swing into Christmas! The fabulous Paul Black is joining us for an evening of swing on the 8th December. Dance to the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé and more! Neil and Kerry from ‘Step into Swingtime’ will be there to show us the moves. There’ll be vintage clothes from Golden Days Vintage and a full bar. Call Paula 07793 241 555 for tickets and more information. Town Hall Christmas Lunches Enjoy a festive roast at the Town Hall 4 on Thursday 7th and 21st December with

greattorrington-townhall.org or phone all the trimmings, only £9.95 for two 07944 639 739. courses, music and an open bar! ALL PROCEEDS FROM EVENTS If you have any special celebrations ARE USED FOR THE UPKEEP OF THE due in 2024 why not contact us to BUILDING work out a package that best suits you. With various size spaces to consider in the building, it’s suitable for all sorts of bookings including, parties, christenings, dances, wellbeing sessions, charity coffee mornings. Our Undercroft, with the glass fronted space, is a popular place if you want to run a pop-up shop or coffee morning to raise money for your own charity. Cavaliers’ Christmas Give-away Saturday 16th December 10am-1pm Our wonderful Cavaliers will be getting right into the Christmas spirit, with Santa Great Torrington Book coming to visit the Town Hall Undercroft. Fair is Back! We can’t wait to see what the theme is Saturday 2nd December 10am-3pm going to be this year! Bring the children Castle Community Centre down to see Santa, all provided by the e are delighted to be Cavaliers free of charge! returning to the Castle Lights Switch On 2nd December Community Centre with our We will be serving tea/coffee/mince second ‘Great Torrington Book Fair’, pies and a festive drink for all you lovely which promises to be bigger and better people who come down to the Square for with a host of activities, workshops, the annual lights switch on. Please check talks and more for all ages. There will information from the Town Council for be a wide range of genres to browse, this event. and an exciting line up of authors Time for a Big Thank You to waiting to meet and chat. Torridge District Council Creative Writing Tutor Amanda The Trustees would like to White will be running two-hour long acknowledge the Grant TDC gave us workshops for just £8 each, with recently, towards some exterior painting limited spaces available so do book under the ‘Town Beautification Scheme’. early. Children of all ages can create We also took the opportunity to repaint their own character with an illustrating the walls in the walkway through the workshop and talk from Joseph Shambles, with anti-graffiti paint. Witchall, and for all you folklorists, we We hope residents have noticed the have Mark Norman from The Folklore improvement. This has been an extra Podcast with enchanting tales and talks cost to us, but regretfully there are just a from a mix of authors. small minority of people who do not treat You can email us at such areas with respect. torringtonbookfair@gmail.com or visit If you would like to know more about our Facebook page @GTBookFair to hiring the Town Hall, please check keep up to date with all the latest news, out our website www.greattorringtonauthors and activities. townhall.org, email admin@

07949 041 799 Sammoircarpentry@gmail.com

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TAAC Christmas Caper

17th December 2023 Twas the week before Christmas And all through the trees Capered hundreds of runners With cold, muddy knees.

you’re interested. What we don't sell online will be available on the day so it is possible to enter The marshalls were placed on the day if you By the icebergs so cold get out of bed and In the hopes that the runners fancy it. Would be strong and bold. The club donates much of Uphill and downhill the race proceeds Through forest and field to local charities They capered on bravely or causes, often Not one of them squealed! presented at Round The Tree While visions of puddings on May Fair. Danced in their heads Some practicalities: Some of them wished • The race starts at 11am, December They'd stayed in their beds! 17th at Torrington Rugby Club, with registration from 9.30am. Get there early if entering on the day. But crossing the line • Parking will not be possible on site but After 9 or 10 miles there will be plenty nearby. The Christmas runners • Food + hot drinks + bar will be open. Were now full of smiles. • Changing rooms onsite, but no muddy shoes in the clubhouse! So, if you're looking for fun Please see our Facebook page Just come on down or website to find out more about On December 17th the event and details on how To Great Torrington town! to enter: www.facebook.com/ TorringtonAmateurAthleticsClub; www. The Christmas Caper is a challenging torringtonaac.co.uk/christmas-caper BUT fun race where fancy dress is If this is not your scene but you’re strongly encouraged. There'll be a prize for the very best dressed runner, as there interested in running and keeping fit, we offer weekly club sessions and other will be for the overall winners and top three finishers in various categories. We events throughout the year. Please drop us a line at torringtonathleticsclub@ often sell out or get close to it, so don’t gmail.com and we’ll gladly talk you hesitate too long before going for it if

through it all.

The TAAC Team

Parish Church

ur Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday November 18th in the church, from 11am-3pm, with a variety of stalls and fund-raising activities. We are joining together with other organisations in the town, to bring you the opportunity to do all your Christmas shopping in Torrington. There will be events in various venues, and the town will be buzzing! North Devon Choral Society is performing Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus in the church on December 9th. More details next month. You are very welcome to join us for our sung Eucharist Service, every Sunday morning at 10am, followed by tea and coffee.

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Great Torrington Commons

he big news this month is that we now have a book shop. You will find us in Dartington Cystal next to the Pavilion Café. The shop is open seven-days-a-week: Monday to Saturday 10am- 4pm and Sunday 10.30am-4pm. We opened on September 26th, and it is doing really well. All the books on sale have been donated to us from people all over Torridge and North Devon, but we still need more please. You can drop off books, CDs, DVDs, jigsaws, Lego and vinyl records to us at the shop, so please visit and, while you are there, you can pop into the café for a snack and a drink. In November our Mayor Doug Smith will be conducting an official opening, I am not sure of the exact date yet. We are so grateful to Dartington Crystal for letting us use the space and all the funds are used to look after your Commons. We have recently introduced some new collection boxes in the town shops. This is where you can donate coins or even notes to help us, there is also a QR code on the label, this enables you to scan the code with your phone and donate online. So please look out for our boxes when you are in town. The Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow, with more members signing up each week. 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. This month, Instant Images became the latest shop to offer a discount or other benefit; I am talking to some other shops to see if they will join. The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you. Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple: Option 1: Cut out or photocopy the application form in the Crier and post it to the address shown. You can pay by standing order or cheque for £24. Option 2: Visit www. torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print a form to post in with a cheque. Option 3: You can 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 them. Andrew Giles, Vice-Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators

Current 365 Supporters Shops AHJ Builders 07977 668164 Attic Gems Antiques Fore Street Bokhara South Street Candles and Pearls in South Street Boom Tingz Burgerz Potacre Street Computer Works 07714 717055 Cornmarket Antiques Pannier Market Crafty Needles In the Pannier Market Dafforn and Sons New Street Dartington Crystal Duane’s Carvings & Gallery Pannier Market 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 Instant images embroidery South Street Java Gifts Cornmarket Street Jayne Poole Photography Cornmarket St Kitch ‘N’ Cupboard in the Pannier Market Lillian Rose Interiors Well Street Little Leaf Pregnancy 07714 717055 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 Squires Electrical in the High Street Steve Gladwin Family Butchers Fore St Tanya’s Beauty Studio Fore Street The Cabin in South Street The Puffing Billy The Whole Jar in the Pannier Market Torrington Framing Torrington Golf Club Torrington Museum Bookshop High St Torrington Refill Shop in South Street Torr Vapes in South Street Toy Swap in the Pannier Market Whiskers Pet Centre South Street Xanadu (In-store discount only) South Street

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LOGS FOR SALE Tel: 07971533 235 The Community Christmas Hamper Fund

he cost of living crisis is still in the forefront of many families’ minds in the build up to Christmas, and that’s why The Community Christmas Hamper Fund is back! In the last few years we have provided a hamper with everything needed for Christmas Day, including dinner ingredients, Christmas crackers, sweets, treats, games and stocking fillers, to nearly 1000 families who needed a helping hand. This year we are hoping to raise enough money to put together 200 hampers, which will be available for collection in Bideford, but available to anyone in North Devon and Torridge. Massive thanks once again to Tarka Self Storage who have offered a storage container in which to keep all of the nonperishables! There is no vetting process or criteria, just an honest need for help. If you can help, please donate to gofundme.com/ christmashamperfund23. We are not a charity, it’s just me and some friends trying to make a difference and spread some Christmas cheer. We have families and businesses so please bear with us. Tobias Kennedy-Matthews

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Artisan Christmas Show

ur next event takes place on Saturday 18th November 10am-4pm at Castle Hill Community Centre, South Street Car Park, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA. With Christmas just round the corner, thoughts of how to help keep things local are at the fore – we can help you with this by providing some original and creative gift ideas! Castle Hill Creatives are exhibiting and selling their members’ wares at their third annual Christmas event in Torrington. Entry is free and the onsite Fork and Feast Café will be open, alongside the local Little Torrington WI providing mulled wine and mince pies from 2pm, for a seasonal treat. Since its formation, 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 bring a very wide and diverse palette of artistic and creative skills to the mix, including paint, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, pottery, textiles, photography, carpentry, print, knitwear and glassware. During the past year, many of our members have been exhibiting across the region at some of its most prestigious art and craft shows. Our specially invited guest artist at this event is well known and highly

Library News

Library opening hours: Tuesday 10am-6pm Thursday 10am-5pm Friday 10am-1pm Saturday 10am-1pm Walk & Talk - Thursdays 10.30am Join our regular Walk & Talk every Thursday, for a gentle walk followed by tea or coffee and a chat. Arrive a bit earlier to register in advance of your first walk. We look forward to seeing you! One 2 One IT Support Our volunteer Perry is here to offer support every other Thursday morning (by appointment only). Please call: 01805 622107 to book if you would like some assistance understanding your smartphone, laptop or tablet. Bounce & Rhyme Storytime - Stay & Chat Tuesdays (term-time only) 10.30-11am followed by Baby Self Weigh Tuesdays regarded: local artist Lee Holman, (www.thecoastalcreative.co.uk) whose coastal paintings, drawings and prints have become sought after acquisitions nationally. Come along, support your local makers and buy your original gifts for Christmas! This show is in partnership with other Christmas events taking place across Torrington throughout the day, including at the Town Hall, Pannier Market and Parish Church. For more information please contact the team at chctorrington@gmail.com.

11.30am-4pm. Facebook @TorringtonLibraryDevon Follow us on Facebook to find out the latest information about library events and information. We post on our page regularly, so it is a good place to find out what’s going on and share it with your friends. Please refer to our website: www. librariesunlimited.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our services. For assistance with any queries please contact us by emailing torrington. library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or via our general telephone enquiries line is 0345 155001. Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity 1170092, Librariesunlimited.org. uk.

Warm Welcome Mondays in the Library Coming Soon!

he library will be opening once again on Monday mornings, starting in early December. There will be crafts, board games, refreshments, a chance to chat, and lots and lots of books. Everyone is welcome. Look out for more details in next month’s Crier. Friends of Great Torrington Library

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Great Torrington Calendar 2024

t time of writing photos have been sent in, selected, put into the calendar design process and we have just seen the printed proof. So in the nottoo-distant future the 2024 calendar will be available to buy. Once again, the submissions by photographers have been superb. Not an easy decision for two of our town councillors to review and make the final selections! Photographers featured in the calendar will receive their own FREE copy of the calendar by way of a ‘thank you’ - photos will also appear on the www.OneGreatTorrington.uk website. This year, the calendar is a larger format, with bigger photos and bigger boxes to write in. Get your copy for £8 or two for £15 (cash only please and exact money appreciated) from Whiskers Pet Centre, Duffy’s Home Hardware or Great Torrington Museum. We are also going to trial selling a small batch online, with a small additional charge to cover postage and packaging via the www.OneGreatTorrington.uk website. Keep an eye on our social media - www.facebook.com/onegreattorrington - for further updates. We hope that in future years the calendar will be self-sustainable and also provide a small amount of funds for projects around the town. Whenever you are out-and-about the town and surrounding areas, take your phone or camera with you, keep taking photos and send them in to gt.futuregroup@gmail.com! Without photographers sending photos in, the Town Council for granting some of the funds and two councillors for making selections, this year’s calendar would not be possible, thank you from the Futures Group! If you would like to get involved with any of our projects please let us know. gt.futuregroup@gmail.com. Ian Ashelford

Appledore Singers Charity Christmas Concert

In aid of Harbour ppledore Singers’ Charity Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday 10th December, 2.30pm at Northam Hall (top of Fore Street). The choir is looking forward to entertaining the audience with arrangements of festive music – both traditional and modern – and, as always, there will be the opportunity for audience participation. There will also be our annual Grand Raffle, and tea and mince pies will, no doubt, be a welcome treat during the interval. Tony Nicholls will compere the concert; the choir will be accompanied by Chris Beechey and conducted by our Musical Director, Pam Beechey. This year our chosen charity is Harbour (Charity Number 1135311). The aim of the charity is to promote social inclusion for the public benefit in the Bideford area of Torridge; to relieve the needs of those people who are socially excluded and to assist them to integrate into society – a very worthwhile cause. Admission is £6 at the door (U16s free), to include tea/mince pie. For further information contact Pam Beechey 01237 420652.

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Finding Calm in the Christmas Chaos

s we approach the holiday season, it is important to acknowledge that Christmas can be a source of stress for many people. The overwhelming lists of things that need to be done, presents to be bought and wrapped, food to be planned, ordered, cooked and all around end of school activities if you have children. So now is the perfect time to prioritise your own self-care and well-being in the lead up to Christmas. I understand that, up until now, you might have been wondering “how can I possibly carve out time for myself when there is so much to do?” Well, let me reassure you that by dedicating just a small portion of your time right now, I can guide you through two simple techniques that will help you alleviate the stress and overwhelm you might be experiencing EFT Tapping and Meditation! If you are ready to invest in your own well-being and enter the Christmas season feeling calm, rested and renewed rather than frazzled and exhausted then I invite you to sign up to receive the “Finding Calm in the Christmas Chaos” package via email. Only £7 with instant download. Head over to samanthahardwick.com/calm-christmaschaos/ So what can you expect when you tune into the meditations and tapping script? Get out of overwhelm so you can get more done in a calm manner; reduce stress and anxiety; stop the busy mind allowing you to think clearly; restore calm

Second Nature Electrolysis & Beauty Clinic is Celebrating 20 Years of Trading

o mark the occasion I am offering 20% off ALL treatments worth £20 and over throughout November 2023, PLUS FREE entry into a prize draw to win a beautiful SeaMagik Pro Spa Ritual Skincare Set, with every appointment attended in November. I have been so lucky to work in an industry I love for over 30 years and meet so many lovely people along the way. Starting my own business in my home town of Torrington was a dream come true, and I spent four happy years there until the opportunity came along to move to larger premises in Bideford, where I stayed for 13 glorious years. Then when the pandemic hit and the premises I was renting was sold, I thought that would be the end of my business altogether, but fortunately I was able to start up again back in my home town and get my business back on its feet. Since then, I made the decision to become a home-based salon and am now situated in the peaceful tranquil village of Weare Giffard, where I can continue to offer my clients all my regular services in a spacious room and quiet location with the added bonus of free parking. I offer a broad range of beauty treatments and specialise in Blend and Diathermy Electrolysis hair removal, Advanced Electrolysis for the treatment and removal of red thread veins, skin tags, moles and milia, Anti-Ageing Facials including microcurrent facials to tone and reduce fine line and wrinkles, microdermabrasion to treat acne, blemishes and fine lines and wrinkles plus wonderfully pampering SeaMagik spa ritual facials. I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all my lovely loyal clients who have stayed with me and supported my business over the years and I hope to continue to offer my services for many more years to come. Please see the advert elsewhere on this page for full details.

and feel peaceful. If you need further help with overwhelm, anxiety and stress, I invite you to book a free 30-minute discovery call to see how I am able to support you calendly.com/samanthahardwickcoach/3 0mindiscovery Wishing you peace, calm and joy as we move into the festive season. Samantha Hardwick

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

Mens’ Shed

e have had a very productive year so far in 2023. Our recycle storage towers are selling very well and we have also made various items for local people, such as garden benches made from donated pine beds. Barnstaple Bowling club commissioned a dozen drink holder caddies. We also had a great first year in the garden plot we have made, with potatoes, broad and runner beans, lettuce, sweetcorn, courgettes and tomatoes all producing in abundance. We would like to extend our gardening produce for next year, so we are erecting a donated lean-to greenhouse to give us a good start in the new season, and we will be clearing a second raised bed. As the year is coming to an end, we

Aspex of Ageing

are actively making our pallet Christmas trees and welly boot holders, people are also asking for hedgehog houses which we will make more of if there is a demand. Once again we are asking for new members to join us, particularly in the garden section, there is no membership fee. We are a very friendly bunch with a great tea room to relax in. Please see our Facebook page (Great Torrington Mens’ Shed) to see what we have been up to when we are not drinking tea. Contact Colin 07950 595 136 or Tony 07758 672 441 to find out more.

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What is this depressing, ageist thing That I now have to wear my spex suspended on string? When not perched on the end of my nose They dangle on a fancy chain when I’m in repose. I’ve noticed at meetings, that I’m not alone, For besides juggling with the obligatory phone Most folk wear glasses for long or short sight, As most need assistance to see or to write. Whilst some ladies’ spex chains are sparkly and glam Statement pieces saying “This is just who I am,” Some prefer beaded versions, and there’s more than a few, Whose chains resemble necklaces more than necklaces do! But the male of the species tend not to preen They favour dark cords which can scarcely be seen. But this is no ritual, or sly mating game, As we squint in old age we all look the same. But each faces the same dilemma as me I suppose, Do I need my spectacles on or off of my nose? Stef Easton

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From Your County Councillor…

nother month has gone by and, as ever, times remain busy in Torrington Rural and at County Hall. Over October I enjoyed visiting and volunteering for a few hours the ‘Dig the Castle’ project. It was nice to take a break from emails and council meetings to spend some time helping to excavate one of the trenches, and although I didn’t find anything myself of any historical worth, it was nonetheless fascinating to see the layers of history buried underneath the car park. I congratulate the Dig the Castle Team for their efforts and hard work and for giving us even more insights on our local history. Another local project I have been involved in has been working with the Community Development Trust in Torrington, to support their Climate Changing Room project. November will see the start of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) which will run from November 30 to December 12. In the face of growing, worrying evidence of climate change impacts, this COP is seen by many as an opportunity for countries worldwide to commit to making significant reductions in their carbon emissions. Here in Devon our Carbon Plan for reaching net zero can be read at devonclimateemergency.org.uk/ devon-carbon-plan/ (or Google Devon Carbon Plan). In Torrington, the Climate Changing Room project is developing a local facility to help people adapt to climate and environmental change. If you are interested in getting involved in this future-facing project, please email climatechangingroom@hotmail.com. One of the aspects of climate change I am acutely aware of is the impact on our Highway network. Clearly, in rural communities such as ours we will still need to use cars and vehicles to travel, and I am hopeful we will continue to see improvements in technology that will

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produce more environmentally friendly vehicles. Nonetheless, the ever-changing weather patterns do not make the already challenging job of Highways any less difficult. More extreme weather – be it intense, heavy rainfalls, freezing weather spells or summer heatwaves does take its toll on the network. We saw this only last winter with the epidemic of potholes we had, caused in large part by the freezing temperatures and rapid thawing. Trying to predict the weather patterns in the far future is always going to be a guessing game, but the County Council is looking and implementing ways of trying to mitigate this. At the time of writing (October), Mile Hill on the A386 is closed for major drainage improvement and upgrade works. Can I again thank all readers for their patience and forbearance while this closure is taking place. Nonetheless, I think in the long term we will be seeing more of this type of work taking place elsewhere on the network (albeit it hopefully not on this section of the A386!) as we will need larger gullies and pipes to take the increasing volumes of water that we now get in sudden and torrential downpours. As I’ve previously reported, the unseasonable weather we had over the summer had an impact on the ‘Dragon Patching’ works, and a small number of sites in St Giles in the Wood, Peters Marland and Dolton will need to be rolled over into the next financial year when the weather (hopefully!) improves again in the spring. Nonetheless, sites not able to be completed this year should be top of the list for next year, and in the meantime, any normal/conventional pothole repairs will still take place. Finally on Highways, DCC will be studying the Government’s proposals for Highways closely, following the cancellation of the Manchester section of HS2. It is expected that additional capital funding for resurfacing will be made available for local authorities as a result of this decision. But details remain to be confirmed, nonetheless, as readers will

know, I will fight hard to get as much as I can, not just for Devon but for Torrington Rural as a whole. As we enter the autumn and winter months, I am hopeful that our ‘Devolution’ negotiations with the Government will be successful and that we will be in a position to draw down extra funding, and also extra powers, to help us tackle some of our problems both locally and Devon-wide. As ever though, time will tell but once I have confirmed details I will let readers of the Crier know. As ever, if there are any DCC issues you’d like to raise you can contact me on Facebook facebook.com/cllrsaywell, ring 07886 446 560 or email andrew. saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Abbeyfield

ur monthly coffee mornings at Glen Tor, Villa Road are on the third Friday of each month, from 10.30am-12pm. You are invited to join staff, residents, and volunteers for a cup of tea or coffee and delicious cakes, at an informal get together and with the opportunity to find out more about Glen Tor. Our fund-raising Christmas Coffee Morning is on Friday December 1st from 10.30am-12pm. There will be a raffle, a book stall, cake stall and other activities. The proceeds will go into the residents’ comforts fund. We have a vacant room to let, please contact our House Manager to find out more. She is always happy to talk to anyone interested in accommodation, either for themselves or a loved one. Please call her on 01805 623605.

Langtree Indoor Market Christmas Fayre

Sunday 3rd December 10.30am-3pm Tables £7.50 payable when booking, maximum of two tables. Please contact Karen on 07775 772 692. Local traders will be there plus other fantastic stalls. Our raffle this year is for Chemohero based in Barnstaple.

Torrington Silver Band

orrington Silver Band is currently in the process of preparing for Christmas events and it is looking to be a busy festive season ahead of us once again. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year for a brass band, as we receive many requests to join in with local events. We do our best to get out and about in the community as much as possible, whilst also fulfilling our booked engagements as well. Throughout December, you will find us under the Town Hall on Saturday mornings from 10am till approximately 11:30am, playing Christmas carols. We are always happy to take requests, so please stop by to say hello and let us know what carol we can play for you. This year the Band is holding a Christmas draw with a first prize of £100! The draw will be done at the band’s Christmas Concert on Saturday 16th December. Draw tickets can be purchased at £1 a ticket from band members and from Dafforn & Son Funeral Directors (Mon to Fri, 10am3pm). They will also be available to purchase at the Christmas Coffee Morning and at the Christmas Concert (subject to availability). On Saturday 25th November, the band will be hosting a Christmas Coffee Morning at Howe Concert Hall. Come along between 10am and 12pm for a mince pie and a cuppa. There will be a raffle and games plus lots of Christmas items for sale, including decorations, small gifts, stocking fillers, and so much more. Finally, a date for your diary! Our annual Christmas Concert will take place on Saturday 16th December at Howe Concert Hall. The concert will begin at 7:30pm, doors will open from 7pm. Admission cost is £6 per person, under 16s free, we can now accept card payments so no need to worry about bringing cash. There will also be free refreshments throughout the interval and the Christmas Draw winners will be announced. It’s sure to be an evening of festive entertainment for all the family. We look forward to seeing you there.

Torrington Historical Society

ur next meeting is on Monday 13th November and Dr Janet Few and Chris Braund will be giving a talk entitled ‘Musket, Pike and Drum, Torrington During the Civil War’.

Both these speakers have travelled the world with their historical talks, taken part in 1646 enactments and are involved with the Devon Family History Society. The Battle of Torrington is a largely forgotten battle in the Civil War, and effectively marked its end. Remembered for the explosion in the church which was used to store munitions and prisoners, over 200 were killed. Janet and Chris will bring to life the events that night and enable us to imagine the carnage in the streets of Torrington. If you are interested, we welcome visitors £4, or if you would like to join us £15 for the year. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month, refreshments at 7pm and talks start at 7.30pm. We meet in the Methodist Church Hall at the top of Mill Street. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pauline on 01805 623089.

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Fabulous Freddie checking in, with the latest news from K9focus. Wow how can it be November already and well into autumn – it seems like we really missed summer altogether. November, of course, brings lots of fun for us woofs – big piles of leaves to jump in and scatter round (especially when they have just been swept up by Aunty Lynne!). The downside is the dreaded 5th, when many of us animals have to hide and, despite so many publications and pleas for it to be just one night, it seem to go on for weeks. So a BIG plea, as always at this time of year, do think not only about us woofs but the cats, wildlife, livestock and also many of our veterans who may be suffering PTSD. Be kind and if you must have fireworks please restrict them just to the 5th, and if it’s going to be a large display, inform the local community so they can make provision. That is the last of the grumbles, onto better news. October was an extremely busy month for the rescue with so many requests to take dogs in. Sadly the trend does not seem to lessen, and all rescues throughout the country are saying the same thing: lots of requests for surrender

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and less and less requests to adopt, resulting in kennel space becoming like gold dust. Where this will end, no one really has the answer, and the pending banning of XL Bullies is only going to add to the situation. Talking of which we have definitely seen an increase in the number of enquiries from owners to take this breed into rescue, I guess in anticipation of the restrictions that are bound to soon be imposed. K9Focus has been part of a national survey regarding the plight of XL Bullies and we would hope to bring you some updated information around the situation as soon as anything definite is known. On a brighter note, October also saw us finding homes for some of our dogs. Firstly, River the little black Lurcher, who seemed destined to remain with us for a while, now has his very own couch! Also Charlie the toy poodle! I have never seen so many people wanting him, so I’m not surprised he has trotted off to his new home. Personally, I was really pleased as he was being fostered in my home and I was a little worried that my mum and dad would be keeping him! As I write this, we also have meetings set up for our two little Coton de Tulear pups, Milo and

Jasper, together with Mona the older lurcher, and so I hope to bring good news about them next month. Talking about foster homes, I must remind you about our open day at The Voice Studios, Barnstaple (opposite the Bus Station) at 2.30pm on 5th November. Sadly I won’t be there, but Aunty Lynne will be to chat about the rescue and how fostering really can help us to help more dogs now that we don’t have our onsite kennels. (Coffee and cake has been promised by the way!). If you can’t foster but would still like to help the rescue in other ways, then you are also welcome to come along and learn more about the rescue and meet some of the team. I have had lots of people asking how my holiday in Scotland went and why there were no updates on my page. Well sadly it didn’t happen. The rescue was busy and the weather didn’t look great, and so the trip was postponed but I am sure I will get another chance to frolic on the beach now that the summer restrictions have been lifted, so do watch out for me especially at Westward Ho! I will be back next month with some lovely Christmas doggy recipes. Woofs & licks, Freddie

Torrington RFC

ome of you may have noticed that there wasn’t my usual contribution to October’s edition of the Crier. Technology got the better of me I’m afraid. By the time this hits your doormats another Rugby World Cup tournament will be over. England will have stood a slim chance of making the final, and my money would have been on Ireland lifting the trophy. Torrington will have no expectations as grand as lifting the William Webb Ellis trophy, but we do have our dreams. September was an unfortunate month for us. A massive injury list so early in the season meant that we were severely depleted going into our game against Topsham 2nds. However, The RFU have instigated a system called ‘Game On’, whereby a fixture can still be completed if there are only 10 players available. This was the case when we travelled to Topsham and, in a very sporting gesture, Topsham lent Torri some players to make it a 15-a-side game, we lost 50-5, but the game was played in the true spirit of rugby and, by all reports, it wasn’t half bad to watch. Crediton 2nds will have visited Donnacroft on 14/10, with Torri back to full strength and we should have made a game of it. Games are being played very much with the World Cup fixtures being taken into consideration. Meaning there are gaps in the fixture list where World Cup games are being given due deference. Five games against 2nd teams will test our resolve throughout November and into December. No mean feat in itself, given the strength of the opposition. Off the field a very successful quiz night was held to raise funds for our youth section changing rooms’ extension scheme. A good turnout for the quiz and very generous draw donations ensured a really good sum was raised, in the first of many similar fundraising occasions. As always our clubhouse is available for hire check it out TRFC1985@outlook. com. We will always welcome players, either new or returning. Training is Thursdays from 18.30 ish C’mon TORRI! Respect, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship, Teamwork & Discipline Mark Waterson

Torridge Walk & Talk

nice 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.

Torrington in Bloom

It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards n Tuesday, 3rd October, at the South West in Bloom Presentation Day, Truro Cathedral, our groups of volunteers who look after various parts of the town were awarded the following: Secret Memorial Garden - Advancing Town Centre Planters - Thriving Windy Corner (Torri Youth) - Advancing Castle Hill Gardens - Outstanding Rack Park - Outstanding Torrington Swimming Pool - Advancing Jubilee Wood Volunteers - Thriving These are very good results again for our volunteers, who work extremely hard year-round to keep our lovely town looking bright, colourful and welcoming to all. Congratulations also go to the Torri Youth and Jubilee Wood Volunteers, who entered the competition for the first time this year and achieved great results between them. There was no stopping them, either, because the following day, saw a mass bulb planting in Rack Park. Bulbs have now been planted in and around the lower entrance to the park, and other areas around the newly planted trees. Some may also notice one of the Silver Birch trees has been removed, that is because it had developed quite a ‘list’ and could pose a danger of collapse. There are still three in-situ and now more light can penetrate the area, they may grow more strongly. Well done everybody for such a marvellous effort. Cherry Hammon, Torrington in Bloom

Local Insights into Climate Change

n a rainy Saturday in July, the CDT’s Climate Changing Room team interviewed over 50 local residents, unveiling people’s depth of concern about climate and environmental changes. They are keenly aware of global and local climate issues, melting icebergs, flooding, rising sea levels and forest fires. Reliable information and improved education, especially for young people, emerged as crucial needs. Convincing climate sceptics of the issue's urgency was a shared concern, together with frustration at the lack of collective action, especially in rural areas. Interviewees stressed the importance of a united global approach while sharing doubts about government commitment and leadership. On a personal level, people described their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and make informed choices amid the challenges of a busy life. Tangible concerns included clean energy, water scarcity, electric vehicles, home adaptations and financial constraints. Discussion of options highlighted the complexity of climate actions, requiring solutions that embrace environmental, societal, and economic factors. Concerns for the future and for subsequent generations loomed large, reflecting a sense of responsibility and significant fear about climate change's potential consequences. Some expressed a sense of resignation, questioning the impact of their individual efforts in the face of such a monumental challenge. Despite the weather, interviewees showed a high level of community engagement and willingness to make changes to reduce environmental footprints. Many wanted to invest in technologies like heat pumps, electric vehicles, and property modifications. However, concerns about government policies, trustworthy information and access to funding often restricted immediate action. There was support for a community hub as a resource for knowledge, guidance, and networking. The Climate Changing Room project is based at the Castle Community Centre. It is developing as a local facility for helping people adapt to climate and environmental change. We welcome your views and your participation: contact us via ClimateChangingRoom@hotmail.com

Torrington Baptist Church

ervices on Sunday mornings at 10.30am followed by refreshments. Everyone is welcome to join our friendly, growing fellowship, as we seek to glorify God in our worship.

Little Torrington WI

ctober’s meeting had a fascinating and informative talk from Jane Jones on laser therapy on animals and humans. It was a great introduction, with a live demonstration on one of our members. Exploring the scope of treatments using lasers, which are non-invasive or pharmacological. November’s meeting is a presentation from Peter Hood on a proposed local project. A climate room being set up in Great Torrington, to highlight the environmental and climatic impact on our local area. Book Club is currently reading Neil Gaiman, ‘The Ocean at the End of The Lane’. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. The Ladies That Lunch met last month at the Puffing Billy, a favourite venue as always, great food and a walk before or after along the Tarka Trail. Next month the ladies are visiting The Old Farmhouse Kitchen, Dodscott. This will be the third Thursday of the month. We held a MacMillan Coffee morning on Saturday 7th October which raised £350. Thank you to WI members, friends and neighbours for your support. Art Classes with Emily will resume again on the 26th October for six weeks over Zoom, on Thursday evenings. The WI will be meeting on 12th November at the war memorial in Little Torrington, to lay the WI wreath for Remembrance Sunday. If any of the above sounds of interest please contact Jen Hood 01805 622433.

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GREAT TORRINGTON Your Council, Working for YOU

From Your Mayor…

was honoured to represent Great Torrington by supplying the commentary at the Massed Pipes and Drums event in Bideford, on their Carnival evening. It was fabulous to see the carnival filling the streets again, and the massed pipes and drums is a particular favourite of mine, given my

Scottish roots. I also attended the Okehampton Civic Service Parade, where the rain tested our brollies, but didn’t dampen our enthusiasm, though my heart went out to the town band whose instruments were no doubt capturing more than their fair share of water. The Cadets did a fantastic job and were a credit to their uniforms, despite their thorough soaking. The Barnstaple Fair proclamation and parade was one of those traditional events dating back hundreds of years, and which makes our local towns so special. Barnstaple’s Fair was no

exception, and my consort and I were treated to a true piece of history at the formal part of the proceedings, followed by a visit to the fairground, which I’d not done for many years. I must congratulate the Futures Group on their successful ‘Dig the Castle’ event in Barley Grove Car Park, where an exciting array of artefacts were unearthed. The event proved extremely popular across the community with youngsters from a good number of our local schools participating. Cllr Doug Smith Mayor of Great Torrington

O' Little Town of Great Torrington…

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oin us in the town centre on Saturday 2nd December 2023 from 5:30pm for this year’s CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON! Come along and celebrate the start of Christmas as the Mayor officially switches on the Christmas lights in the town centre. The event is scheduled from 5:30 ‘till 6:30pm. It will be full of Christmassy cheer and the children of Bluecoat School will be joining us for a lantern parade and a Christmas song. Hot and cold drinks will be available

to purchase for a small sum from the Town Hall Undercroft. For further details please look out for posters and check our social media nearer the time. Come along and join in the festivities as we once again light up the town centre in readiness for this special Christmas time.

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N TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Co-Option of Town Councillor

he Town Council has vacancies for three Co-Opted Councillors to join us. Becoming a Town Councillor will give you the opportunity to get involved with a number of projects and interests within the community of Great Torrington. If you are passionate about the town, prepared to roll your sleeves up and get involved, and meet at least one of the criteria below, we invite you to submit a written application outlining why you are interested in becoming a Town Councillor and what you believe you can bring to the role for consideration. If the answer to at least one of the below statements is “yes”, you are eligible to apply to be a Town Councillor: a) I am registered as a local government elector for the parish; or b) I have, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my cooption, occupied as owner or tenant, land or other premises in the parish; or c) My principal or only place of work during those twelve months has been in the parish; or d) I have during the whole of the 12 months preceding the date of my co-option resided in the parish or within three miles of it. Application forms can be obtained from the Town Council office or downloaded from our website: www.great-torrintontowncouncil.gov.uk One of our most recently appointed councillors, Cllr Dave Parish says; “I am proud to have been a Town councillor for 18 months now and have immensely enjoyed the experience and learned much in the process. It has been a pleasure to work with a truly dedicated team who contribute to make Great Torrington a ‘Great’ place to live. There so much more we can do. Be part of the future, ‘Come and join us.” For an informal chat with one of the team, please call the office on 01805 626135. Applications can be posted to or dropped in to our offices: Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA or sent by email to admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk, to be received no later than Tuesday 16th January 2024. Co-options will take place at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 1st February 2024. Jennie Smithson, Town Clerk

Christmas Window Dressing Competition

he Town Council is hoping that shop keepers in the town will help us celebrate Christmas by entering our Christmas Window Dressing Competition. We invite all businesses to create a beautiful window display with a Christmas theme and the Mayor will judge them and give out certificates in time for the Christmas lights switch on event on December 2nd. For further information or to confirm your entry please contact us at the Council offices on 01805 626135 or email admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk. you can also contact Cllr Bruce CallaghanMartin, Cllr.callghan-martin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk who is helping us organise this. All window displays should be complete by Tuesday 28th November, judging will take place on Wednesday 29th November. All shop windows that have been decorated will be judged, but if your shop is in a location that isn’t in the main trading area of the town do let us know you are taking part, as we don’t want to miss any displays. We look forward to seeing the town decorated for Christmas.

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service

Hedges & Boundaries

12 November 2023 his year Remembrance Sunday falls on the 12th November 2023. Great Torrington Town Council and The Royal British Legion will hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial in the Cemetery, commencing at 10.50am. th

There is a change of location for the forming up of the Parade this year, details below: 1. The Parade Route: The Parade will assemble in the driveway at Woodland Vale Care Home and parade ‘UP’ New Street to the Cemetery. Please note: There will be NO VEHICULAR ACCESS to Woodland Vale Care Home. LIMITED PARKING will be available at the Old Bowling Green; however, we encourage all participants to walk to the event if they are able to do so. 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 as last year. The order for dismissal will allow for those at the back to be the first to leave. 3. Standard Practice: Will take place at 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.

e get several calls at Great Torrington Town Council office on a regular basis, asking about the management of hedges, particularly those that border pavements and or public footpaths or lanes. It is a common misconception that these hedgerows will be managed by one of the local authorities, however it is in fact the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain these hedges, and if they become overgrown resulting in obstruction, the homeowner may receive a letter from Devon County Council in accordance with The Highways Act 1980. For further information on this issue please visit this link on the Devon County Council website: www.devon.gov.uk/ roads-and-transport/maintaining-roads/ trees-and-vegetation-2/overgrownvegetation/ If you would like to know more and are unable to access the website, do pop into our offices, upstairs at Castle Hill and we will access the information for you. Or give us a call on 01805 626135.

World Toilet Day

ovember 19th is World Toilet Day. Another ‘named’ day, what’s it to do with you? Did you know that the small but mighty toilet, often overlooked or shrouded in taboo, is fundamental to the health of people and the planet? But there are 3.5 billion people still living without safely managed sanitation services and 419 million people still practice open ‘defecation’. In these situations, diseases spread, killing 1,000 children under-five every day. This global situation poses a threat to nature and everyone’s health. For World Toilet Day, we encourage you to look after what you have got: • Flush safe • Fix leaking water and waste pipes, empty full septic tanks and report dumping of sludge • Stop polluting: don’t put the following down the toilet or drains: Wet Wipes Each day over 200,000 wet wipes find their way into our systems – enough to fill 30 double-decker buses a year. Use flush safe ones – better still don’t put those down the drain either. Food Waste The Council provide recycling bins for food waste. You could also consider composting if you have a garden. Fats and Oils These cause havoc in the system, especially when they mix solids to form rock-like formations called ‘fatbergs’ – ultimately causing thousands of blockages a year, which in turn can cause pollution and flooding.

Medicines Between 30-90% of the medicines we take pass out of our bodies unaltered. As our sewage systems have not been designed to deal with pharmaceuticals in our waste, this presents a problem. Sewage treatment focuses on what is termed ‘secondary treatment’, which includes removal of solid sewage waste (primary treatment) followed by treatment to remove dissolved biodegradable components from the liquid portion. Unfortunately, this does not remove most pharmaceuticals, leading to the constant release of a range of substances including antibiotics, painkillers, hormones and psychoactive substances into our rivers. However, it is the effects on the microorganisms (bacteria and single celled organisms) which are of particular concern. The release of antibiotics into the environment, from human sewage and farming, presents a genuine concern as we try to prevent antibiotic resistance spreading rendering these medications ineffective. Pharmaceuticals are essential for our health, but as our population grows we will need to

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invest in technologies to remove these from our sewage. In the meantime, to reduce their environmental impacts, don’t flush old medicines down the loo – bring them back to your pharmacist for disposal. REMEMBER ONLY– PAPER-PEE-POO DOWN THE LOO! Contact us via email: gtwaterforum@ gmail.com or Facebook – GreatTorringtonWaterForum.

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Torrington - a Special Town Part Six - The Torrington Cavaliers

he Cavaliers are a special and popular feature of life in Torrington. Taking their name from the Royalists who were occupying Torrington at the time of the Civil War, they are a band of men who do a lot of voluntary work in the community, but are best known for the structures they build on the commons every few years, including buildings, ships and trains – which are set alight along with a fantastic firework display. Thousands of people come from far and wide to see these enormous bonfires, and huge sums of money are raised for charity. In 1970 Plymouth City Council was preparing to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower to America, and many Devon towns were invited to join the celebrations. Torrington sent two floats constructed by a group of local men – Carnival Queen and attendants, and also a historical tableau involving the parish church – and the men dressed in hired costumes as Cavaliers and Roundheads. That event was the beginning of the Cavaliers and was marked, as all subsequent events have been, by imagination, hard work, a swashbuckling spirit and enthusiastic drinking. Some of their earlier antics and near accidents would horrify present-day health and safety officers! These have included sword fights, flying machines, a human cannon ball and a water carnival on the River Torridge. Cavalier bonfires over the years have

included: 1973 Battleship Bismark 1974 Viking Ship with sails made by girls at Sudbury’s glove factory. 1975 American Fort Dearborn. 1990 Houses of Parliament. Descendants of the Gunpowder Plotters, Fawkes, Catesby etc. came down to Torrington to join in the event. 1996 Torrington Church as part of 350th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Torrington. 2000 Great Fire of London (Pudding Lane). 2005 Nelson’s Victory, a truly superb half-scale model of the ship. 2010 Medieval Castle symbolising the one which once stood on Castle Hill. 2015 Trumpton, the village featured in the children’s TV programme, popular in the 1960s. The city of Plymouth was planning a year of events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower in 1620. The Torrington Cavaliers had started building a full-size replica of the Mayflower on the commons (see photo – not a very large vessel for a 66 day voyage across the Atlantic!) to be set alight at August Bank Holiday 2020, but Covid intervened and it was delayed until August 2021. As the sun set in the west, there was live music and a talk about the history of the Cavaliers and,

once darkness had fallen, the sky was lit up by a fantastic firework display set to music. Then the Mayflower was set alight and all the Cavaliers’ wonderful creativity and hard work went up in flames. The future of Cavalier bonfires is in doubt for a variety of reasons. There is the expense of putting on the show – building materials, fireworks, road closures, safety measures, etc. The main core of Cavaliers are now getting on in years, and fewer young men nowadays show an inclination to give up their spare time for about two years to build an edifice on the commons, which will be destroyed. Enormous bonfires are not seen as environmentally friendly these days and there is a certain amount of opposition to these events. However, the Cavaliers continue to be involved in helping with many aspects of life in Torrington. Moira Brewer

A Hele

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Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News

ur Microbes Talk in September was well attended, despite torrential rain and flooding. We were delighted to receive many messages of thanks for putting on such an interesting and helpful talk, and for the amazing lunch provided by OWBG members. Everyone enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and being able to network with like-minded people. New members joined us and we're also very happy to welcome Tracey Phillips to our core group, with the specific remit of ‘new member and refresher support’. Tracey's enthusiasm, along with her considerable experience in support and her caring personality, means she has a lot to offer. So if you're not sure how to get started, or even if OWBG membership might actually work for you, please do contact Tracey by emailing owbg@protonmail. com, fao Tracey. Did you know that OWBG offers benefits beyond the ordering of groceries at wholesale price? We have established discounts with a number of other suppliers, including gravity water filters, British-made organic vegan body care products, British organic vegan household products, UK sea vegetables and, of course, our live liquid probiotics for people, cleaning our homes, nurturing our garden and animal care. In addition, on collection days we have a small internal market where OWBG members offer handmade items such as ferments, snacks, eggs, herbal tinctures and body care products. On collection day after the orders are

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sorted, we sit down for a cuppa, a little shared food and a chat. You're always really welcome to pop up to the Rugby Club from 12.15-1pm. You'll find the dates on our website. We'd love to see you. Wellbeing Tip: As we go into winter we would all do well to heed traditional Chinese medicine's teachings that winter is the season to nurture our kidneys and bladder. These paired meridians and organs relate to the element of water and the emotion of fear. In TCM, when referring to 'kidney' one speaks of kidney, adrenals and bladder all in one, and the whole urinary system in fact. Our kidneys are the centre of our vitality, our will and our grounding. Understanding that our adrenals are part of our kidney energy makes it clear why caring for our kidney energy is so important with regard to stress, emotional and spiritual balance. The kidney and bladder meridians are long ones, running the length of the body, with important acupuncture points in the neck, low back knees ankles and feet, so it's especially important to keep these areas warm in winter. Why? Well kidneys absolutely hate cold and damp and are really adversely affected by them. So we can care for them best with slow cooked, warming foods and drinks, warm clothes and keeping snug. When I say warming foods, I mean more than just temperature, although that is important – foods that are warming and support kidney energy are aduki beans, black turtle beans, miso, millet, chicory, burdock, watercress, turnip,

celery, alfalfa, oats, quinoa, amaranth, sea vegetables in moderation. Flavours to emphasize are salty and bitter. Cook meals longer at a lower temperature and with less water for mellow warming nurturing flavours. Avoiding refined sugar and iced/cooled drinks or foods will mean you avoid unnecessarily weakening your kidneys, vitality and immune system. Chicory or roasted dandelion root make excellent lovely coffee alternatives – warming and relaxing and both great for your kidneys too! Upcoming grocery final order dates: 9th November & 13th December. How do I join? Via our Facebook page or website, full info on the website! What does membership cost? Free What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623307 email: mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk. OWBG Website:owbg.jimdofree.com; Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group; email: owbg@protonmail.com; www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk Mary

Torrington Baptist Church

e will be having a Light Lunch on Tuesdays at 12.30pm until about 2.30pm. There will be a suggested donation of £2. Anyone looking for lunch and some good company is welcome.

Tarka Valley Railway News

he dust had hardly time to settle from our inaugural ‘reopening’ event when, on 23rd September, we held a Model Railway Exhibition. This included two representations of Torrington Station as it appeared during the 1950s and 1970s and a ‘Dad’s Army’ layout, all of which proved very popular. We benefitted from good weather, as well as taking the opportunity to board our DMU 143617, we ran passenger rides throughout the day. It was another successful day and many thanks go to the model railway owners, stall holders and, of course, to our volunteers without whom none of this would have been possible. We are now well into autumn, but the fine weather continued through the rest of the month and into the first week of October, which enabled us to erect platform fencing with removable panels for when trains are present. Work has started on the brake van ceiling, the catch point has been fitted, vegetation clearance continues on the signal box site, and the fencing on the crossing route has been completed. We are still looking for volunteers to fill a wide range of roles, including site maintenance, HR and safeguarding as well as sales assistants and helpers in our shop during our opening hours. This is of particular importance, as we have been unable to open our shop on occasions due to shortage of volunteers. If you feel that you have the skills to help us out and can spare some time,

1st Torrington Scouts

e have been taken by surprise with some great fun at our Collard Campsite and the Scout Hut, by taking part in a District Worm Charming competition. Initially thought it would be a tricky task enticing the worms out of the ground with noise and vibrations only. However, to our surprise it works. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts brought along gardening forks, instruments, wooden spoons and other objects to tap the ground with. Torrington came 4th in the district competition, with 21 worms. We’re all looking forward to the Autumn Awesomeness to come. At the start of term Beavers created animation-inspired clay models. This was fun and the models went home once dried. Beavers then had to protect a daredevil egg, who liked jumping from big heights. To protect the egg, they used recyclable items and I am pleased to report that all eggs that jumped made a safe landing. Scouts also made some clay models, had lots of fun and ended up making more mess than the Beavers! Unfortunately, the Scouts had to tidy up after themselves. The following week they were set an at-home challenge. They had to learn about a sport and all its rules, as well as finding out about any famous athletes in that sport. This gained them a sports enthusiast's badge. They then went back to basics with some pioneering: they had bamboo sticks and some string to build a catapult to launch a bean bag as far as they could. We had some interesting interpretations on what a catapult was, but they all gave it a go and enjoyed launching a bean bag at the end of the meeting. The next week Scouts had a go at making mocktails: they had lots of fun mixing all kinds of fruit juices together to then present to the leaders (who were judging on presentation, taste and teamwork). Even the young leaders had a go, though theirs involved a lot of lemon juice. As always 1st Torrington is looking for more adult support, this is so we can provide the young people of the area with more opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact our group scout leader Jordon Whitear via email on jordon.whitear@gmail.com. please email tarkavalleyrailway@gmail. com or visit us at Torrington Station on a Thursday to find out more. Our Facebook and Instagram pages have latest news and regular updates plus our website has much more information. Do check it out: wwwtarkavalleyrailway.org. Robert Martin, Tarka Valley Railway

A Christmas Carol

Vintage radio play, live on stage. 2nd December 7.30pm, Castle Community Centre, Great Torrington. Up Close Theatre returns with the classic tale from Charles Dickens. Tickets £10 book online at bookwhen. com/upclosetheatre, also available on the door (card payment).

Dig the Castle

he dig has finished, the turf returned to the trenches and we are claiming some time out to top up on some sleep! Archaeologists Engage, Gt Torrington Futures Group and the team would like to thank the local community for its help, encouragement and support throughout the recent months. This project was put in place for two reasons: to engage the whole community in this unusual activity, and to strengthen the town’s knowledge about its heritage and especially its castle. We feel we have managed to do all of those things, and along the way confirmed the utterly amazing spirit of community help that this wonderful town provides. THANK YOU. When the finds have been collated and

recorded professionally, and the necessary reports written, we plan to have an open event in town to display some of the artefacts found and relay the information about the site. This event may be some way away, so please keep an eye out in The Crier and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages: digthecastle. Information and images from the dig period will continue to be uploaded over coming months. The completed project report and some of the finds will then be placed in the town’s Heritage Museum for all to view. As an aside, the Museum really needs all of our support – both financially and as volunteers, to enable the building to prosper and remain open. If you

believe that heritage and history makes an impact on people and place, please consider joining the volunteers who have done so much to refresh and rebuild the museum and help take it to the next level! Contact chair@torringtonmuseum.org. uk Dig the Castle website – www. onegreattorrington.uk/digthecastle/ Thank you again. Emily Wapshott, Dig the Castle

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What's on at Torri Youth

Autumn/winter for ages 10-17 years If you are interested in joining in any of our projects next term, please email, message via our Facebook or Instagram accounts or speak to one of our Youthwork team. Wednesdays Warm Wishes Project - 6 weeks on Wednesdays from 3rd November 3.30pm till 5.30pm The Warm Wishes project will run for 6-weeks and is an after-school session for ages 10-17, from 3.30pm till 5.30pm on Wednesday nights through November and December. This will offer young people opportunity to have a hot meal, which they can help prepare, arts and craft activities and an opportunity to chat to staff and let us know what projects they wish they could plan. Limited spaces, booking required on a weekly basis. To register or book a session please email paula.ftorriyouth@gmail.com Sexual Health and Relationships Project Discussions and C Card monthly collection for ages 14+. For registration for the C Card scheme text for an appointment. Wednesday 3rd November 7-8pm Wednesday 6th December 7-8pm Off-site Christmas trip to be planned by young people, details to follow. Please note our programme is subject to changes, due to volunteer staffing levels required on some activities. Have a great summer! Paula Fuller, Senior Youthworker

One Great Torrington Town Website

he town website has been live now for a few years and contains a wealth of information about the town's history, heritage, tourist attractions, accommodation, things to do, exploring the area with maps, walks and trails. We are regularly adding information so have a look and see what is new! Are you a new shop owner, trader, club, society, etc., in or around town? If yes, welcome! Are you aware you can get FREE advertising on the town website? Do you have a listing already, have you checked it recently or perhaps have updates or new photos to upload? Have a look at www. OneGreatTorrington.uk to log in to your account and to find your listing, you can do it online, anywhere at any time. If you are having problems please contact us via email gt.futuregroup@ gmail.com or via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ OneGreatTorrington.

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Slimming World Groups at Torrington’s Castle Community Centre Wednesday 9am & 10.30am

Debbie Summers 07796 945 039

The Crier Prize Crossword The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a FREE membership and a 12-week course at Slimming World on Wednesday mornings in Torrington. Please send completed crossword with contact details to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner for last issue is Francesca Brown. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 9th November and the solution and winner will be in the December/January issue.

Slimming World

ebbie joined her local Slimming World group in January 2003 after seeing a photo of herself on Christmas Day 2002. She went on to lose an incredible four stone by October 2003… “Walking through the door was daunting. I can still remember it now. But there was no need to worry, everyone was very friendly and I felt right at home. Learning that I could eat all my favourite foods, including curry and chips, and still lose weight felt too good to be true! I just had to learn to adapt them to the Slimming World way! I enjoyed the group so much that I wanted to make other people feel the way I did. I decided to become a consultant myself in January 2012. I really pride myself that all my Slimming World groups are warm and friendly, and we are all in this together. Supporting each other in the group is the very best way to lose weight. I have now taken over the Torrington Community Centre on Wednesday mornings at 9am and 10.30am. Call me for more details on 07796 945 039.”

Rolle 200 Ramble

n Saturday 7th October, in glorious sunshine, an intrepid band of some 50 people in sturdy walking attire assembled at RHS Rosemoor. The reason? To take part in the great Rolle 200 Ramble – a special, one-off event organised by the Rolle Canal Society to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the start of work on the Rolle Canal in 1823. The aim of the ramble was to walk the entire length of the canal from the Darkham Weir to the Sea Lock at Weare Giffard, a distance of 7.5 miles over some difficult terrain. One of the key attractions of the ramble was the fact that, thanks to the generous cooperation of private landowners, we were able to walk sections of the canal not normally accessible to the public. At 10.30am, we set off through Rosemoor woods down to the weir at Darkham, where the river Torridge - the original water source for the canal - was pouring turbulently over the weir, making a dramatic start to the walk. From here, the group trekked along a woodland track at the bottom of the river valley, which afforded frequent glimpses of the Torridge flowing swiftly on the left. A mile and a half further on, the Rosemoor lime kilns loomed into sight and we stopped here to view the restoration work carried out by the Society’s volunteers on the canal basin, the lime kilns and the old tucking mill. We then continued to Town Mills where, thanks to kind permission from owners Jonathan and Jackie Gilbrook, we were able to follow the course of the canal around the mill (with a fine view of the restored water wheel) and under the final, dark archway of the road bridge which now carries the A386 over the Torridge. This was a real highlight of the walk. The next challenge was a scramble up a steep bank before the group emerged onto the Rolle Road. After squelching through the mud of Rosemoor woods, the firm, dry walking conditions on the old toll road were a welcome change! Just over two hours later, the group reached the Puffing Billy for a refreshment stop, where our 28 volunteers dispensed welcome cups of

hot tea and coffee. From here, the canal originally took a sweeping westward curve through Staple Vale. This is now a private farm and there is no public access, but we were given special permission by John Reed, the present owner, to walk through his land. John gave us a brief, but very interesting, talk on the history of his farm and the area around Staple Vale. The drive to John’s farm was built over the canal bed. The canal then follows the hedge line of the adjacent fields to a point at which the railway cut across the course of the canal, making further progress impossible. Here we had to make a slight diversion via an accommodation bridge over the Tarka Trail onto the Commons, and down to the point where the Tarka Trail crosses the line of the canal. From here, we walked along the tow path around Furzebeam to the well-preserved roving bridge and then up onto the aqueduct at Beam. This superb piece of engineering is an instantly recognisable feature of the canal, and the group spent some time here taking in the lovely views of the river Torridge flowing underneath. (NB. The aqueduct now forms the entrance to Beam House and this stretch of the canal is not open to the public, but we were kindly given permission by the owners for access). At the end of the aqueduct, the canal took a sharp right hand turn and ran parallel with the present A386. Sadly, we decided that, on safety grounds, we could not take the group along this busy road, so we retraced our steps and clambered down onto the Tarka Trail, not far from Beam weir. From here, the railway pretty much obliterated the canal and there are only faint traces of its existence until reaching Ridd. We paused here to inspect the remains of the incline before leaving the Tarka Trail and descending to look at the old stable block. We then followed the faintly discernible line of the canal across

the water meadow to Annery Kiln. After assembling the group in the car park, it was then a short walk down to Sea Lock where a weary (but happy!) group of ramblers were plied with drinks and delicious hot pasties, provided by the Pannier Pantry in Bideford. It was really pleasing to see that everyone in the group, including some young children, completed the ramble without problems (apart, possibly, from some rather sore feet!). The wonderful weather was, of course, a real bonus and from the feedback we have received it seems that everyone enjoyed this unique experience. Our thanks to everyone who took part, and to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make it such a successful event. If you want to find out more about the history of the canal, please come along on our guided walks which take place every summer between May and September. For more information on the canal, please visit: www.rollecanalsociety.org. uk. Tony Nicholls

Property Market Place Tips

s we welcome in the cosy embrace of autumn, coming home takes on a whole new meaning. What was our place to entertain and recharge in the summer, is now our calm and soothing retreat from the bracing outdoors. If you’re a lover of all things bright and cosy, here are our top tips to renew your home this autumn. Cosy Scents While summer scents are light and airy like fresh linen and eucalyptus to reflect the outdoors, the most beloved autumnal scents are rich and heady like vanilla, cedarwood and pumpkin spice. Introduce cosy smells with soy candles, wax melts, and reed diffusers. You could even go one step further by simmering some fruits and herbs on the stove to capture the essence of autumn and mark your whole house with your favourite seasonal smells. Enrich your walls with artwork There’s no more seamless way to add some colour into your home than by hanging a piece of eye-catching artwork. Look for impressionist landscape prints for that soft yet colourful look, perfect for autumn. Prepare for the cold Blanket season is upon us, so get your sofas and beds ready with chunky cable knits, plaid blankets, and fluffy throws. If your bedroom is ill-equipped for chilly nights, layer up your bedding with throw cushions, blankets, and an appointed cuddly toy to tie the whole thing together!

Soften up the seating Autumn marks the beginning of home-cooked dinner season, so make sure the seats at your table are ready for frequent use. Assess the situation, could a few pillows provide better back support? Could a hard bench benefit from a fluffy throw? Would seat protectors add a nice touch of colour and comfort? Maybe take some inspiration from Scandinavian design, where hard meets soft to evoke a sense of cosiness. Refresh your carpet There’s nothing more inviting than a soft carpet or rug at your feet on a cold day, and the season of renewal is a great time to bring those fibres back to life. Baking soda is an excellent go-to solution for reviving your carpet or an old rug. Not only does it have cleaning properties, but it will also remove odours and bring up down-trodden fibres. Apply a generous amount and then use a stiff brush to work it in. Create a warm welcome Is your entrance in to your home ready for rain coats, thick scarves, and muddy boots galore? If not, set up an organised and welcoming space by cleaning out any shoe cupboards, setting up a coat stand and implementing some hooks and shelves. Finish the whole thing off with a durable welcome matt and you’ll thank yourself come winter, when guests pile in with the outdoors caked to the bottom of their shoes! Adrian Hardwick Webbers Local Director

Dowland Remembrance

Saturday 11th November 10.45am Come & join us at Dowland War Memorial, St Peter’s Church, Dowland, EX19 8PD. e are holding a short memorial service outside in the churchyard at our War Memorial, to remember the fallen from our own parish and worldwide. We are honoured to be joined again by the veterans from the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment who will carry the Regimental Standards. Our soldiers fought for a world that they would never know. We welcome you to join us in our Act of Remembrance, standing amongst a churchyard full of poppies. Everyone is warmly welcome to join us for refreshments afterwards.

Torrington Methodist Church

warm welcome from Torrington Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street. Sunday Worship 10.30am at Church. Evening Worship 6.30pm via Zoom email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request the link. Join us for our Bacon Butty Coffee Morning 10am-12pm, third Saturday every month. Our premises (various rooms, incl. wifi, projector) are available to hire, see website or phone Sheila 01805 622949. Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon.

november events at the plough The Creative Hub in Your Community A message from The Plough Arts Centre e continue in our quest to offer our community great creative opportunities and experiences. November’s programme is no exception, with plenty of exciting events and workshops for you to enjoy. We welcome an exciting new play from North Devon’s own Multi Story Theatre, with ‘Last Chance Saloon’. Multi Story’s performers/directors Bill and Gill are responsible for bringing us Fringe TheatreFest every year; this helps to support the work of local performers and theatre companies. They’re a local treasure and their work is always brilliant – we hope you can come and support them. The Torridge Film deal of just £5 a seat continues, thanks to funding from Torridge District Council. This makes a trip to the movies an affordable treat and a valuable shared experience with friends and family. Please do get in touch if you have any suggestions about films you’d like to see on our screen – we’re always listening! We are fortunate to have some exceptional course tutors offering

creative workshops. If you fancy developing a new skill with likeminded people then you might enjoy an ‘Introduction to Watercolours’ or possibly ‘Drawing from Natural Objects’. Our monthly Plough Writers group is perfect for those wishing to develop their writing skills. For those more musically minded, our Open Mic Night continues to encourage participation in a relaxed environment. Our Plough Youth Theatre continues to grow from strength-to-strength, empowering young people to grow in confidence. The groups are currently working on scripts, with some created by the students themselves. They are a true creative force at the heart of the Plough

Arts Centre. You can see their work in progress this month – we’re sure you will be impressed! Back by popular demand, local dance companies and individuals of all ages and abilities will share their passion for dance with ‘Inspire! A Community Dance Celebration’. Early booking is recommended for this one. We are here to serve our community and your continued support is so important to us. Finally, we hope you can join us for our AGM on Wednesday 22nd November 6pm! For more information or to book tickets, go to www.theploughartscentre.org.uk or call 01805 624624.

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Please note, a 5% fee will be applied to all bookings 1/11 10:30am Dance Studio, Plough Arts Centre, Workshop - Visual Arts: Introduction to Watercolours Six week course 7:30pm Film: Where Is Heaven? (cert tbc) (+Q&A) 2/11 2pm Multi Story Theatre present ‘Last Dance Saloon’, Plough Arts Centre 7:30pm Poetry/Spoken Word: Plough Storytelling Circle, ThePlough@StAnne's 7:30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town & Workhouse Haunted History Tour, ThePlough@StAnne's 8pm Theatre: Multi Story Theatre present ‘Last Dance Saloon’ Plough Arts Centre 3/11 2pm Film: Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny (12A) 7pm Workshop: Gong Bath Meditation, ThePlough@StAnne's 7:30pm Film: Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny (12A) 4/11 10:30am Workshop: Plough Writers, Plough Meeting Room 7:30pm Film: Mean Streets (18) 8pm Music: Sarah McQuaid, ThePlough@ StAnne's 5/11 2pm Theatre: The Wanderers, Plough Arts Centre 6/11 7pm Workshop: Moon Circle, ThePlough@ StAnne's 7/11 7pm Workshop: KAP Open Class by Juliet, ThePlough@StAnne's 7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella, Plough Gallery 7:30pm Film: The Great Escaper (cert tbc) 8/11 2pm Film: The Great Escaper (cert tbc) 8pm Talk: Martin Rowson – Giving The Gift of Offence, Plough Arts Centre 9/11 7:30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town, Park & Prison Haunted History Tour, ThePlough@StAnne's

8pm Music: Martyn Joseph, Plough Arts Centre 8pm Music: Plough Open Mic Night (in the Plough Gallery) 10/11 1pm & 7pm Theatre: Ben Garrod's Ultimate Dinosaur Show, Plough Arts Centre 11/11 10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Italic Script Workshop, ThePlough@StAnne's 7pm Workshop: An Introduction to the Ancient Art of Numerology, ThePlough@StAnne's 7:30pm Film: The Great Escaper (cert tbc) 14/11 7pm Dance Studio at The Plough Arts Centre, Workshop: Bioform Dance Workshop with Miranda Jankowska 7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella, Plough Gallery 7:30pm Film: My Extinction (15) 15/11 2pm Film: The Great Escaper (cert tbc) 16/11 2pm Film: The Great Escaper (cert tbc) 7pm Workshop: Reiki Sound Healing Meditation, ThePlough@StAnne's 7:30pm Workshop: Deep Rest Healing Meditation, ThePlough@StAnne's 17/11 10:30am Workshop - Visual Arts: Drawing from Natural Objects, Plough Gallery 2pm Film: Passages (18) 7pm PYT Seniors 'A Tale of Two Sisters' & 'The Best Life', Plough Arts Centre 18/11 10:30am Workshop - Visual Arts: Handmade Books: Chinese Books and Japanese Accordion, ThePlough@StAnne's 11am Poetry/Spoken Word: North Devon Poetry Stanza, ThePlough@StAnne's 8pm Music: Johnny & June Tribute (Roseanna Ball + Ian Holleran), Plough Arts Centre 19/11 10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Christmas Decoration Willow Weaving Workshop, ThePlough@StAnne's 10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Christmas Gonk & Decorations Pottery Workshop, ThePlough@ StAnne's

21/11 7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella, Plough Gallery 7:30pm Film: Passages (18) 22/11 1pm Theatre: Voloz Theatre presents ‘The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much', Plough Arts Centre 6pm Talk: The A.G.M of The Plough Arts Centre, Plough Gallery 7pm Workshop - Visual Arts: Create your own Natural Cleaning Products Workshop, ThePlough@StAnne's 8pm Theatre: Voloz Theatre presents ‘The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much', Plough Arts Centre 23/11 2pm Film: Oppenheimer (15) 7pm Workshop: The Magick of The Viking Runes, ThePlough@StAnne's 24/11 11am Film: Oppenheimer (15) 7pm Dance: Inspire! A Community Dance Celebration, Plough Arts Centre 7:30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothel Tour, ThePlough@StAnne's 25/11 8pm Comedy: The Comedy Store, Plough Arts Centre 27/11 6:30pm Workshop: Crystal Sound Bath Meditation, ThePlough@StAnne's 28/11 7pm Bioform Dance Workshop with Miranda Jankowska, Plough Arts Centre 29/11 10:30am Theatre: Quirk Theatre presents ‘Five Children and It’ by E.Nesbit, Plough Arts Centre 1pm Theatre: Quirk Theatre presents ‘Five Children and It’ by E.Nesbit, Plough Arts Centre 7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella, Plough Gallery 30/11 10:30am & 1pm Theatre: Quirk Theatre presents ‘Five Children and It’ by E.Nesbit, Plough Arts Centre 7:30pm Film: Peninsula (cert tbc) (+ Q&A)

In honour of National Poetry Day on 5th October, GTS ran its popular annual poetry writing competition: the theme this year was ‘Refuge’. We had so many wonderful KS4 Winner poems, which we will endeavor In the depths of my heart, I yearn to to share with you over the find, coming months. Here are the The love that once blossomed, so pure and kind. winning entries: KS3 Winner Comfort in Completion Hide if you must Seek a place to run You’re not that fussed And it’s comfy and fun Just don’t hide out of fear Laying there in your bed The dread will be near And it will get in your head So stop hiding away Face whatever comes And be brave today Show you’re not going to run Have a good nights rest It’s okay to have fear You will perform your best With your friends right here

You’re no longer concerned No need to hold your breath Your comfort has been earned You’re left with no regret Your loved ones who assisted People that make you feel safe You’re glad you persisted And you’re glad you could be brave. Alyssa Monk, Year 8

A love that painted colours on life’s canvas, Now a faded masterpiece lost in the vastness.

Born for the intention of new life and care, It rages with death and consatnt despair. A bond that held pormises, strong and true, Now etched with hate I hope not to renew. Through the whispers of the past, I roam, In search of a love that felt like home. A place lost in the sahdows, out of sight, Which once beaned with hope and radiant light. In the quest for refuge, I wander far and wide, Seeking a palce where dreams can reside. Through valleys deep and mountians high I search for an answer to my question: why? Rosie Littlejohns, Year 11

Staff Winner Look Out, Human About!

Wonderous world, our planet, our earth, Safeguard a precious piece of universe, Harbour nature’s beauty, adorn abundance, Magical places behold its performance. Habitats created wealth of provision, Seek refuge from danger out of vision. Diverse environments enabled all to thrive, From dark deep water to mountain high. This gift to mankind harnessed in gold, Wonderful land breath-taking, behold. But…. Thicket rich fauna shelter African creatures, Safe from humans, not climate features. Wonderful species chased out of their place, Need refuge, humans feeding sporting chase. Emissions by humans for prosperity, progress? Upshot melt ice caps, polar eradication distress. Vast oceans, Atlantis underground world, Humans’ wealth, abundant plastic hurled. Urban sprawl creeping across like prolific disease,

KS4 Runner Up by Isla Kingdon

Crushing landscape where all life should breathe. Vast devastation dominates war torn places, Human on human irreversible consequences. Twenty-eight thousand species for extinction, Human brute force greed drives deforestation. Human is safe taking refuge in residence. No, dark shadow within a sombre presence. Who made the human responsible for earth? Destroyer of nature, shelter, beauty & worth! Tanya Kevern, Teacher of Art

TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB Families Welcome

Cash Bingo on Mondays • Darts • Pool Skittles • Snooker • BT Sports & SKY Large function room for parties/weddings Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month Plus other entertainment Contact Sharon 01805 622543

Leave Your Leaves on the Lawn?

ovember’s icy blast makes the leaves fall thick and fast, so a little poem tells us, although this year a lot of leaves have already been blown down before they have even changed colour. However, wildlife experts are now telling us that we should not rake up our leaves (let alone not cut the grass), but to leave them in situ to break down naturally into the earth, provide shelter for bugs and small animals which, in turn, provides food for predators such as hedgehogs and birds, etc. As we all know, raking up the leaves is one of those more enjoyable jobs to do on an autumn afternoon and, of course, left in a heap to rot down, will make wonderful leaf mould for use as a mulch around your plants. Not only that, a heap of leaves can provide excellent cover for hibernating hedgehogs and other beneficial creatures. Leaving leaves on the lawn can pose other problems, too, in that if a very thick layer forms, this can prevent light from reaching the grass underneath and stop it from growing, sometimes killing it for good. This can then encourage mosses and lichens to form in its place, or make a slippery, muddy mess. Pests will also seek shelter in such piles and some fungal infections of grass can build up and spread, so deep piles of leaves should be cleared away. We all know that earthworms are very beneficial to the soil, some species actually draw down leaves into the earth and you can sometimes spot this on the grass, where leaves are poking up out of the ground. This does no harm at all and over time, helps to build up soil fertility. Worm casts can be swept into the grass by the use of a besom broom (you can make one yourself; all you need is a stout wooden pole, some hazel branches, which are then tied very tightly around one end of said pole, and off you go). All in all, a few leaves won’t hurt your lawn but too thick a layer can cause damage. Fleur

Pause for Thought

t a recent school assembly, the children were asked the question, “What rules do you have to remember to keep at school?” The answers varied from not hitting people to sharing toys, to being kind to others. One child’s response was, “You must listen to your teacher.” For Christians, Jesus is often referred to as our teacher. Throughout His life He taught by the example of His own life and actions. He reached out to the poor. He loved the outcasts of society. He showed compassion for the minorities. He stood up for justice and what was right and pure, often speaking out against the highly regarded religious leaders, who didn’t exhibit these traits. So, did Jesus also teach us any rules? One day, Jesus was asked, “Which is the greatest commandment (rule)?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.” What a simplistic approach this is and wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all listened to the teacher and lived this out. The Door of Hope team pray regularly for the people of our town and will continue to do so. If you would like to know more about Jesus’ teaching or the Christian faith, or if you have any prayer requests, please contact the Door of Hope team on 07702 589 799.

What’s On at RHS Rosemoor Winter Sculpture Exhibition Saturday 11 Nov Wednesday 31 January See the low, bright sunlight create long shadows cast by a specially curated collection of inspirational artwork by local and national sculptors, set against the backdrop of winter colour and texture.* RHS Glow Festive Illuminations Selected days Thursday 16 November - Saturday 30 December Make memories this festive season by exploring our gardens on a magical trail of light and colour with six uplifting soundscapes to guide you through our garden rooms, woodlands and open spaces, plus family entertainment every night! Pre-booking required: Adult: £8.95 £14.95, Child: £4.45 - £7.95 (ages 5-16) Magic of Christmas Craft & Food Fair Garden Room 16 - 18 November, 23 - 25 November, 2 - 3 December Browse beautiful goods and delicious produce from carefully selected artisan traders from around the West country and buy unique and wonderful gifts for family and friends.* SAVE THE DATES! ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ Christmas Pantomime 10 December, 2pm Join Jack on his adventure as he

climbs the beanstalk to an enchanted land where he must rescue his friends and family from the ‘Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum’ of one very hungry giant! Adult: £17, Child: £8.75 (ages 3+) A Victorian Christmas Carol Concert 16 December, 7pm Go back in time and enjoy a wonderful evening of carol singing complemented by mince pies, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, plus a guest appearance from Father Christmas. Adult: £20, Child: £10 (ages 3+) Children’s Christmas Party 21 & 22 December, 3pm Get ready to party with Project Dance at this family-friendly afternoon with games, dances, spot prizes, drinks, sweets and a special guest. Adult: £14.95, Child: £13, Under 5’s: £3 (Glow admission included) *Free with garden entry, free for Members

Beaford Village Hall Market & Café

eaford Village Hall Market & Café is held on the second Saturday of the month 10am12pm. Grab yourself a coffee and a bacon roll, and see what the market has to offer. The stalls vary, but we regularly have: The Body Shop, Usborne Books, Linda's handmade cards, Beaford Ladies Group, local honey, Spencer's Glass, Sam's Household and Stuff and others. Free car park! Follow Beaford Village Hall on Facebook, and follow us to keep up with all of our events!

Land Rover Specialists Repairs Servicing & MOTs Unit 1, The Old Works, All Makes of 4x4, Light Commercials & ATVs Holsworthy Road, Breakdown Recovery & Roadside Rescue Hatherleigh, EX20 3LR Email: badgers4x4@aol.co.uk 01837 810951 Visit: www.badgers4x4.co.uk