August & September 2025
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.
Drain clearing
Drain clearing
CCTV surveys Repairs/Relining
CCTV surveys Repairs/Relining
Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation
Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation
Tel: 07794 586039 or 01271 440251
07773 973 498
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.
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Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 07443 491 972
E: torrington.crier@gmail.com
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Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA.
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Would you like to be part of the Town Hall Team?
The Town Hall is owned by the Buildings Preservation Trust - a registered charitywhich consists of seven Trustees, all volunteers, who are charged with the responsibility of maintaining and securing the future of the building. As we are not government or council funded, we have to find our own ways of generating income and securing grant funding and we rely heavily on the help of willing volunteers/advisers.
Do you like meeting people? Do you have any particular talents e.g. painting/ decorating, IT skills? Have you got sales, admin or marketing experience? Retired with some spare time to fill? We would love to hear from you.
Local Resident Andy Griffiths is one of our volunteer advisers: “Being a voluntary advisor/helper at the Town Hall has been such a rewarding experience for someone who deeply cares about our community. I grew up in the Town, left in 1975, and then returned in 2002.
The Town Hall is not just a building –it’s a place where ideas are discussed, connections grow, and progress takes shape, and being part of that is a privilege.
What makes being an Advisor so special is its flexibility. Unlike some volunteer roles, it doesn’t tie you down with legal obligations and fits around my other interests. The Trustees value your thoughts and opinions, and you can get
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We are available to hire for civil weddings, bespoke ceremonies with a celebrant, and evening parties with a disco or live music.
Every wedding is unique and can be as simple or lavish as you want! Whether you're dancing the night away or saying “I do” in a civil wedding, we take pride in delivering truly personal attention. Just pop in for a chat with one of our wedding team so we can turn your wishes into a very special and memorable day.
We have received some lovely compliments:
“We just wanted to come in on the day, have everything set up, and just enjoy the experience - which we did!” “It was a perfect day in a perfect setting”. “Thank you to all the help you gave us to make our day, so special for us and our guests- nothing was too much trouble.”
And we had a very special thank you from Gill and Mick Storer, who married in the Town Hall earlier this year: “If you want your wedding day to be relaxed, special and exactly how you imagine it to be, I cannot recommend the Town Hall in Great Torrington more highly. After 30 years together my partner and I decided to marry. Although we do not live in Great Torrington, we chose to marry there as it is a place, which is special to both of us. We explained that we only wanted a quiet, intimate service for just us two, without fuss and guests. On the day itself the Oak Room was arranged perfectly with beautifully dressed chairs. The music we chose was playing as we arrived, and I even had a red carpet to walk down! What could have been a cold, perfunctory exercise was in fact a warm, loving and special ceremony.
We did not have a formal photographer, so the Town Hall team took photos and even a video for us - and after the ceremony they provided a wonderful cream tea with vintage china and Prosecco in the beautiful Great Hall.
This was all achieved by the attention to detail, hard work and genuine warmth and goodwill of the amazing Town Hall team - as a result, we were able to truly relax and enjoy our unforgettable day.”
With the intimate setting of the Oak Room for your ceremony, the grandeur of the Great Hall for your reception or celebratory party and a dedicated team on hand so you can relax and enjoy - it’s the ideal venue for your special day.
To help you create memories that last a lifetime in this beautiful, historic building just contact Helen on 0794 4639 739 or email admin@greattorrington-townhall.org.
involved in various activities, including welcoming visitors as part of the front of house team, administrative support, marketing, grant funding, and even improving the look of the space through painting or maintenance or bringing events alive.
Watching the community coming together, with the Town Hall playing its role in events such as May Fair, fills me with pride.
I would encourage you to find out more and help ensure the Town Hall thrives.” Andy Griffiths - Town Hall Advisor/ Volunteer
Learn more about how you can get involved - contact admin@ greattorrington-townhall.org or ring Sandra 07966 570 367.
Services 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.
What’s On:
Summer Book Quest - join us on a deep-sea adventure! The new challenge has launched. If your children haven’t signed up yet, just pop along to the library to register and pick up the free challenge pack
You can also find out about all our events and book tickets.
Dive into a deepsea adventure with characters Pip, Zena and Libro this summer.
Tuesday 12th August 2-3pm - Rainbow Fish
Create a colourful rainbow fish to decorate the library and/or take home! FREE. Drop-in
Friday 15th August 11.30am-1pm Devon Science - Sea Science Adventures
*Read what you love* complete fun sea-themed activities * collect stickers along the way* finish the quest to earn a certificate, keyring and finisher sticker * enter our prize draw for fabulous prizes. Summer events
This summer’s packed programme of children’s events includes:
Tuesday 29th July 2-3.30pm Underwater Print Workshop
Create an underwater world using our special sea creature stamps and paints. £2 per child. Drop-in.
Friday 1st August 2-5pm Fun Family Toy Photography
Bring along your action toys to star in their very own adventure photo story, created using your own smartphone or tablet. Suitable for children (of any age) they must be accompanied by at least one adult. The photo shoot will be on location (outside the library!) so please dress accordingly. If the weather is really unkind the activity will be moved inside the library. £8 per child, accompanying adult/s free! Refreshments included. Booking essential
Friday 8th August 10.30am-12pm - Clay Sea Creatures Workshop
Make your own sea creatures at our clay modelling workshop. £3 per child.
Join us for a deep-sea adventure at this hands-on science workshop! Make fluffy seaweed slime, deep sea potions and a magnetic fishing game. £16 per child. Booking essential via Devon Science www.devonscience.co.uk
Thursday 21st August 10.30am-12pm - Treasure Maps
Ahoy me hearties! Make your own authentic pirate treasure map. FREE drop-in
Friday 22nd August 2-3pm - Really Wild Learning
Learn all about some amazing amphibians and reptiles in this close up animal encounter with Kim Insull. £5 per child. Booking essential. Tuesday 26th August 2-3.30pmBeaded Suncatchers
Make a beautiful fish with beads. Jackie Dando will be showing you how to make these colourful suncatchers. £2.50 per child. Booking essential And for Adults!
NHS App Support - Thursday 31st July 10am-2pm
Learn how to use the NHS app on your smartphone or tablet to:
Book medical appointments; order repeat prescriptions; view your medical records.
Shelley Hartley, Primary Care Project Manager at NHS Devon will be here to show you how. Come along, no need to book.
Printmaking with Tetrapak - Friday 8th August 2-5pm
Tetrapak is the material typically used to make milk and juice cartons. Learn how to use it with a special method of
printmaking called ‘Intaglio’. Liz Wilde will demonstrate how to create beautiful tonal prints with simple tools where lines and shapes are cut into the plate. Ink is pushed into these grooves, then damp paper or fabric is rolled onto the top to ‘lift’ the image. It’s a great way of reusing materials and produces wonderful prints. Materials will be provided. Please bring disposable gloves and an apron. £15 per person. Booking Essential.
Raising Awareness of CybercrimeTuesday 12th August 10am-2pm
Learn how to protect yourself from scams and other cybercrime. Cyber Protect Officer Mick Harrison from Devon & Cornwall Police will be here to advise you. Free, drop in.
Craft Club - Alternate Thursdays 1.303.30pm
Craft Club meets on 14th & 28th August, 11th and 25th September. £1 per person to include hot drinks and biscuits. Bring your own craft to share over a cuppa and a chat. Drop-in.
Our regular activities continue over the summer, please contact us for details Email: torrington.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk or telephone 01805 622107. Or just pop in. Follow us on Facebook. We post regularly so it’s a good place to look and share with your friends. @TorringtonLibraryDevon.
Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity 1170092 Librariesunlimited.org.uk
Saturday 9th August, Diving for Pearls - 6-piece band. Doors open 7.15pm, tickets £12.
Saturday 6th September, 40s party night with Golden Coast Big Band, 7.30pm-11pm. Bar, raffle, refreshments. 40s attire encouraged - think military, land girls, suits, tea dresses. Tickets £12. Email hall@langtreeparishhall. co.uk or phone Sue 01805 601602.
Eight stone-built holidays cottages • Pretty countryside open gardens setting• Comfortably priced • 1-5 bedrooms • Spacious indoors & out • Somewhere for everyone to enjoy. couples, families, family celebrations • Outdoor summer pool, small animal farm, games room, playroom, fast wi-fi Torridge House Cottages, Little Torrington 07807 698 224 • www.torridgehouse.co.uk
On the 14th June Margaret Kimber-Zaharia (Mags) was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours, for her 30 years’ work in Romania supporting children and young adults with additional needs. With the support of her parents, Tilly and John Kimber, she founded a secure home for young people with additional needs in Cisnadioara, near Sibiu, in 1994 after caring for a little boy with hydrocephalus called Ionuts (John in Romanian).
The home, Little John’s House, was set up with the idea of taking some of the least fortunate children from large state-run institutions and providing a loving, secure home for them. With the help of some incredible volunteers and supporters, the charity also runs an annual summer school, catering for hundreds of local disadvantaged children, as well as an outreach program supporting very poor families in the area. Sadly, last year Margaret lost her dad, John at the age of 91, and then tragically her son Alec, who initially visited and subsequently volunteered at the summer school throughout his 20 years. Although this award should be a very happy occasion there is much sadness associated with it but, as trustees, we need to look on the bright side and hope that Mags being honoured with such a prestigious award will lift the profile of the charity and encourage much needed ongoing support for its work.
Over the past 30 years the charity has been supported by the amazing community that we live in. Unfortunately, given the poor economic climate in which we find ourselves, the charity is now struggling to raise the sums of money necessary to continue the good work and desperately needs more funds.
One of the best ways to support Little John’s House is by regular monthly donation. If enough people donated just £5 per month - not much more than one cup of coffee each month - we could support a future for many young people who haven’t had the best start in life. Please visit our website and see the amazing work we are doing.
www.littlejohnshouse.co.uk
PHILIP W TAYLOR LLB LEGAL CONSULTANT
Free initial consultation & estimate, no obligation.
Low rates (no VAT). Free home visits in EX38 area. Evening & weekend appointments available.
Contact me for a free consultation. Telephone: 01271 858482 or 07766 714503 Email: philipwardtaylor@outlook.com
As we enter high summer, the Commons are alive with butterflies, moths and all manner of insects, even some reports of glow-worms by Commons Lake path! The swallows and swifts were late arriving, but are busy raising their chicks, many of which have already fledged. Globally and nationally many of these species are in decline, so it is important that we maintain their habitat to help their populations in our little corner of Devon.
very supportive in allowing us to be there and they also have a great range of stock to look through while you are there. You will find us next to the Denby area in the main shop.
Keeping the paths open is a big job at this time of year. We try to keep the verges back enough that access is easy, but there are a lot of paths, so please let us know if your favourite walk needs some attention.
The river is very low at the moment, but is in good health with no more pollution events. We will be doing more invertebrate monitoring over the coming weeks.
Please go along and visit our bookshop at Dartington Crystal. We are restocking on a regular basis to replace the ones that we sell. We raise a lot of money for your Commons selling these donated books. Dartington Crystal are
Please come along and talk to us at our car boot stall on the Commons every Sunday morning if you want to know more about the Commons, or are interested in joining our small, but very friendly group of Conservators. The car boot sales continue until the end of September. Sellers can arrive between 7am and 8am and buyers can come from 8am. We get lots of sellers each Sunday, but we can provide space for even more and it’s a great opportunity to sell your old stuff. Remember that there are public toilets, free car parking, a great children’s playground, miles of countryside to walk, the refreshments wagon and from 11am Hockings ice cream. On our stall we sell DVDs, books, CDs, maps, cassettes and jigsaws. If you have any of these, please contact me Andrew Giles on 07956 366 390 or by email andrew.giles@ torringtoncommons.org to donate them. Or you can bring them along on the day.
The Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow, with more members signing up each week. We are into our fifth year since the project started, and we raise around
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£4,500 per year. With Gift Aid this increases to nearly £6,000. Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons.
As a Commons supporter you are also able to be a town supporter by using your membership card to get a discount or other benefit when you shop at the participating businesses.
The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you.
Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple:
Option 1. Visit the website www. torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque.
Option 2. You can email chair@ torringtoncommons.org, phone or text me on 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you. You can also collect an application form from the Post Office. Some of the shops in town also have application forms.
Andrew Giles Chair,
Great Torrington Commons Conservators
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• DBS • Business insurance • 30+ yrs experience • NVQ in Care Call 07796 917 236
The Great Torrington Common Conservators are looking for new members to serve as Conservators and Trustees.
• Are you a registered Torrington resident?
• Do you have a minimum of three hours a month to spare?
• Can you help us look after the Commons?
The Conservators are a statutory body and registered charity tasked with protecting and maintaining over 300 acres of common land around the town. We are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees.
As a trustee, you will play a vital role in the management and protection of the Commons. No previous experience is necessary – just a genuine interest in applying your skills to support this important local charity. This is a rewarding opportunity that can make a real difference in protecting this important local asset.
If you are interested in learning more or applying to become a trustee, please contact the clerk at clerk@ torringtoncommons.org.
The Globe project has been approved for Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
The Globe Hotel project has just been given the advance assessment from HMRC, that investment in their share issue qualifies for Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme tax relief!
This means that people who invest in the first £250,000 of shares will be eligible to reduce their income tax bill due by 50% of what they have invested - so, if you have invested £1,000, then you can reduce your income tax due by £500. You can also reduce any Capital Gains Tax due by 50% if you use a capital gain to make the investment.
The relief will be paid on income tax due to be paid for the current tax year 202526, but can be backdated to the tax year just gone. Project manager Rachel Kelly adds “We will be able to claim the certificates investors will need to claim the relief once we’ve spent 70% of the sums invested, which we anticipate will be once we complete end August/start Sept 2025. We believe this makes our shares a fabulous investment, tax wise – as well as a fantastic investment in our town!”
In addition to the reduction in income and capital gains tax, they’re also exempt from inheritance tax, and if the business were for some reason to fold, 50% of the value can be claimed as a taxable expense.
Example - if you invest 5K, you reduce your income tax by £2500. If you use a capital gain to make the investment which is due to be taxed at 28%, you can reduce the CGT to 14% too.
Rachel goes on to say, “You are free to increase your investment, given this news and the tax breaks - just subscribe again and the new amount will be added to your potential shareholding. As always - make sure you inform yourselves and you can read more about SEIS here www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-taxrelief-for-investors or speak to your accountant or financial advisor.
The tax benefit may be subject to future clawback by HMRC, dependent on the trading performance of the Globe, as we must stick within the parameters set out by HMRC (that hotel accommodation must be under 20% of our income – which our projections show it to be). She adds “As with all investment decisions, you should take independent qualified advice before investing. But this is a great bit of news for the project. Do get in touch with any further questions. Together, we can do this!” Rachel can be contacted on manager@theglobetorrington.co.uk.
Services include:
House sitting • Dog walking • Equine care • Emergency cover
Contact Isabel on: Tel: 07989 995935
Email: isabelspetsitting@gmx.co.uk Visit: www.isabelspetsitting.co.uk
It’s been another busy month as I learn the ropes and find my feet as your new County Councillor.
Following on from last month’s report, I want to add that the South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWASFT) has been called in for scrutiny by DCC’s Health and Adult Care Scrutiny committee, in relation to their decision to phase out the fire co-responder service. This is being held 14th July at County Hall. It was a shock decision for us which has caused great concern, particularly for those living in rural areas where ambulance wait times are often very long. The trust has been asked to provide the details of the decision which we hope can be reconsidered. It also provides the opportunity for members of the public to speak at the meeting.
to an ambitious multi-million investment programme to establish 12 new children’s homes; 20 specialist foster places; and up to four new therapeutic schools, over the next 10 years.
On a more local level, I was really pleased to visit a place where I have spent a huge amount of time in the past; both as a pupil and as a teacher! Great Torrington School. I want to thank headteacher Andy Bloodworth and chair of governors Ian Newberry for inviting me in, in my new role as County Councillor. They showed me around and I heard about the challenges and things that have changed since I was there six years ago. A big thing that I took away was the will and the need for more collaboration between Devon County Council and the school, and that is one of the things I will be working on over the next few years.
Devon County Council to be a bigger voice for our rural communities.
At our most recent cabinet meeting we presented a large number of reports which have all been reported on the DCC website. Most notable decisions include the agreement “to trial pothole repair blitz as part of £83 million road maintenance programme”. Our highways teams will carry out a repair blitz on potholes, where all potholes will be filled, rather than just dealing with safety defects, in a few trial areas of the county. Although the exact details are still to be agreed, this pilot would be used to establish the budget implications of changing maintenance procedures. I have suggested they might like to conduct this trial in Torridge! We also agreed to “Improve the outcomes of our most vulnerable children through new 10-year plan”. This is a new long-term plan to improve the outcomes of Devon’s most vulnerable young people by overhauling how they are supported and cared for. Councillors have agreed
I’m really enjoying having the role of cabinet member for rural affairs, and as a farmer myself it is something I am so passionate about. As county councillors we were all invited down to a farm near Ivybridge last month. This was organised by the NFU South team, it was a great way to build relationships between councillors and rural organisations and was a great opportunity for councillors to learn about the issues and recent challenges we are facing in the farming sector: the family farm tax, the closure of the sustainable farming incentive, and unfair trade deals, to name a few. As well as a presentation from the NFU and having a tour of the farm, we also heard from the Rural Affairs team at Devon & Cornwall Police about the different challenges in rural areas; from flocks of more than 100 sheep being stolen overnight, to GPS systems being stolen and ending up as far away as the USA and Mexico. These are highly organised crimes, and we were urged to report any suspicious behaviour that we see in the countryside to them. As cabinet member for Rural Affairs, I look forward to working together with organisations such as the NFU, sharing knowledge and information with fellow councillors, and helping us to make informed decisions, allowing
Finally… PLEASE if you haven’t already, can I ask you to consider supporting the Globe Hotel community project in Great Torrington. They held a well-attended public meeting in June, and they are well on their way to purchasing the building. They are now more than two thirds of the way to reaching the goal but still need your support! Once the amount is raised the hotel will be owned by the community and a grant of more than half a million pounds will be released by central government towards its renovation. The aim of the Globe project is to provide a training hotel to train young people in the hospitality sector. It would raise aspirations and would transform our town centre. Wouldn’t it be great to have a hotel right next door to our Plough Arts Centre! Community shares start at just £50. Please spread the word with everyone and encourage them to invest! If there is anything I can help with, please do get in touch either by email or phone. Have a lovely summer!
Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, County Councillor for Torrington Rural Email: cheryl.cottle-hunkin@devon.gov. uk; tel: 07495 367 801 Facebook: Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin for Torrington Rural
Following our previous editorial in the Crier advising that the League of Friends was to be disbanded, we are taking the various steps required to comply with Charity Commission rules, and our Constitution, to wind down the charity.
Thank you to all the people who have supported our efforts in the past to assist the hospital, and we hope the current hub will continue to help our residents.
Mrs A Ayre Chair-League of Friends Torrington Community Hospital
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Direct cremation has become increasingly popular, largely due to the multimillion-pound advertising campaign we're seeing all over our TV screens from a particular company, but also down to its affordability and fuss-free nature.
Many people don't realise that your local independent family-run funeral directors can and do offer a direct cremation service. Often significantly cheaper than the larger companies advertising on our TVs, online, or leaflet dropping your home.
A direct cremation arranged with us has many advantages over an online provider; these include:
- Your loved one will remain in North Devon.
- That you will make all arrangements directly with us.
- The cremation will take place in North Devon.
- There is the option to make chapel of rest visits.
- Small, attended cremations can be arranged.
So, is a Direct Cremation the right choice for you and your family?
- It provides a low-cost alternative to a traditional funeral.
- Some people cannot cope with attending a traditional funeral.
- The whole family are comfortable with this option.
Most bereaved people find they need a more traditional funeral service for a variety of reasons and find comfort and closure in gathering together at a funeral to reflect on a life lived and share memories with those in attendance.
It is important to discuss your funeral wishes with your family, to make sure everyone is comfortable with the type of funeral you wish to have. This way there are no surprises for any family members.
For more information on all our services, including direct cremations, you can make an appointment to discuss the options available to you with one of our team on 01805 622263, or visit our website for further information www.rpbfunerals.com.
Torridge Ramblers is a friendly group of walkers who originated in Torrington 40 years ago and now walk Torridge, North Devon and occasionally Exmoor and Dartmoor. More information and contact on our website – www.torridgeramblers.co.uk.
Upcoming walks
Thursday 7th August - Weare Giffard, 3.5 miles.
Saturday 16th August - Hatherleigh circular, 8 miles.
Sunday 31st August – Huish, 3-4 miles. Thursday 11th September - Torrington Commons, 3-4 miles.
Saturday 13th September - Bellever Dartmoor, 8 miles.
Sunday 28th September - Bucks Mills, 3-4 miles.
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Please contact Esther Williams on 07912 693 858.
very Thursday 10am-2pm. Band N foods always in attendance selling fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and bakery goods together with other stalls. More stall holders wanted! Tables £5 please ring Mo if you are interested 07747 453 774.
Popular cafe serving breakfast and lunch with reasonable prices. Come and browse and borrow a huge range of books from our community library, use the Milk Cart or facilities from the Post Office van (11.30am-12.30pm).
The Big Den Build Saturday 2nd August – Monday 4th August
Discover a world of adventure and join the Woodland Tribe co-creating an extraordinary adventure castle over three days in the woodlands at Rosemoor. The Woodland Tribe’s philosophy is all about letting children take control of their own play space. The supervised builds are a combination of hands-on construction and imaginative play, where the experience is truly memorable for every child and adult taking part. Simply put – it is not to be missed!
These family workshops aimed at children aged 4+ last around 90 minutes – advance booking essential.
RHS Rosemoor Flower Show Friday 15th – Sunday 17th August
Get ready for the ultimate summer day out at the RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show - this three-day floral extravaganza is not to be missed!
Featuring spectacular floral displays, fascinating talks and demonstrations, specialist plant nurseries, and live music; whether you're a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast, you'll find endless ideas to take home.
Learn from the best with daily talks and demos from leading names including Jekka McVicar, Joe Bagley, and Carol Klein. Discover how to grow herbs, care for houseplants, and design with nature in mind (see website for timings).
Speak with RHS experts and
passionate growers to get tailored advice for your garden – whether you're tackling a tricky shady spot or looking to introduce more pollinator-friendly plants.
Browse and buy from a curated selection of nurseries offering rare and unusual plants, perfect for adding something special to your garden. Then explore the trade stands for stylish garden furniture, tools, and accessories that blend beauty with practicality.
Marvel at the artistry of top floral designers and arrangers with live demonstrations and the Devon and Cornwall Floral Art Competition in the Garden Room. Everyone with an interest is encouraged to enter – request a form via email at rosemoorevents@rhs.org.uk
Don’t forget to leave time for a delicious lunch in the restaurant or pack a picnic to enjoy on Lady Anne’s Lawn while you listen to the wonderful schedule of live music!
The kids will have brilliant time too with circus skill workshops, The Great Woodland Adventure summer activities and the wonderful ‘Guess How Much I Love You?’ trail.
There’s only one other thing you need to know. All visitors, including RHS Members, need to book tickets in advance this year. RHS Members still enjoy free entry, but the booking process will allow the gardens to pro-actively manage parking effectively during the event.
Why not leave the car at home and
use the free shuttle service from Great Torrington (South Street and Great Torrington School car park), running between 9am–12 noon and 1–5pm?
Book your tickets now at rhs.org.uk/ gardens/rosemoor/rhs-garden-rosemoorflower-show.
Awarm welcome from Torrington Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street.
Sunday Worship 10.30am at Church. Evening Worship 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail.com to request link.
Mid-week Morning Prayer Wednesdays 9.30am (around 20-30 minutes) tea and coffee afterward, should you wish to stay.
Join us for our Bacon Butty Coffee Morning 10am to noon, third Sat every month, followed by ‘Warm Welcome’ noon to 2pm: soup, bread rolls, hot drinks, possibility of cake! (Warm Welcome at no charge.)
Come and relax, and if you wishchat and enjoy crafts as well. (Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.) Our premises (various rooms, incl. wifi, projector) are available to hire, see website or phone Sheila 07579 058 284.
Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon.
Slimming World Groups at Torrington’s Castle Community Centre
Wednesday 9am & 10.30am
Debbie Summers 07796 945 039
Can you handle it? Actually, probably not! We’ve all done it...
“Oh, look: we had one of these!” At which, the speaker picks up the object in question and a member of staff pounces on them. Please don’t make us tell you off for touching objects on display in museums. We don’t like doing it and it embarrasses you. But the important question everyone asks is why you can’t touch?
The trouble is museum objects aren’t the same as the similar ones we all have at home. Part of it is the fact that they aren’t just things: even the most mundane household item here has a special significance, which is why it’s on display. It may have been made in Torrington and is the only one left. It might have been owned by a local family and tell a particular story – and, if it’s damaged, simply replacing it with another doesn’t quite work.
We’re not the fun police (honest) and we understand that sometimes you really, really want to handle something to understand it better. If that’s the case, have a word with us and we’ll do what we can to accommodate you although it isn’t always possible, especially with fragile objects. There are certain handling techniques for different materials, some of which require specialist equipment and it’s our job to look after our collections as best we can for the long term, so it isn’t always possible to get fully hands-on, unfortunately. Sometimes, however, it won’t make the slightest difference if you pick something up: what’s important is that we know which is which!
We’re very excited about our new hands-on collection, which is a clearlylabelled box in each room with lots of things that you can really get to grips with and use to help you understand the room and the collection in it. You don’t even need to ask permission – just dive in. We’re enjoying watching adults and children alike exploring the everchanging contents and, most important of all, having fun.
There are lots of different reasons for
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not touching museum objects, and here are a few of the most important:
• The oils in skin do lasting damage, especially to metal, plastics, fabric and wood. They eat into metals and leave fat deposits behind which build up greasy marks. Think about a grimy shirt collar and it’s exactly the same process. That human grease (yuk!) also attracts pests which feed off it and then start to look around the museum for other food sources. It also creates a great environment for mould to grow and, by the time you see that mould ‘bloom’, it’s far too late.
• Constant handling causes permanent wear and tear. This is a pretty simple one, really. Look at the knees of that old pair of jeans or the toes of Dad’s socks and you’ll see what we mean.
• Many objects in museums are more fragile than they look. We never pick anything up by the handle, for example, because not all weaknesses (cracks, old repairs, soft joints) are visible, even to the trained eye. Most museum people get very wound-up watching Antiques Roadshow when they’re waving old pottery and glass around!
• No, your one little touch might not hurt by itself. But what if 1 in 20 people do that? For 10 years? We always wear gloves when handling objects unless it’s a requirement not to, in which case surgically clean bare hands are used under very controlled conditions.
• Perhaps you had one of those back in the day: but, when you had it, it wasn’t 50 years old and in a fragile condition.
• Acids in your skin do permanent damage to metals, especially brass and silver. Fingerprints can etch into the metal and yes, they can in most cases be polished out but polishing works by removing a layer of the metal which isn’t something we want to do if we can help it because then we’re going back to the wear and tear mentioned earlier.
Sometimes we don’t even realise we’re doing it. Leaning on things or accidentally stroking/brushing against an object is
completely human and understandable. We get that and we do it ourselves. Most of the time it’s not a problem but, if it is, we’ll gently point it out. We’re not one of those places where someone rushes over and shouts at you for inadvertently getting a bit close but equally, we don’t believe in hiding everything behind a glass case. If, on the other hand, you’re deliberately handling the collections when it’s clear you shouldn’t, we think it’s entirely reasonable to ask you stop –don’t you agree? Oh, and you know how you picked up that cooking pot/opened that drawer/looked inside that book when there was nobody around? We saw you on CCTV! If you did it more than once and a member of staff suddenly appeared and said hello as they hovered about… well, you can guess the rest!
Thanks for reading this. It’s a tricky subject to discuss without sounding old-fashioned and stuffy but we know you’ll understand. And if you really want to get up close and personal with our collections, come and join us as a volunteer. Just email enquiries@ torringtonmuseum.org.uk or pop in to see us, where you can pick up an application form. But nothing else, please…
Finally, a story from our Chair of Trustees’ former place of work which was dotted with 18th Century French giltwood chairs covered in silk, so fragile it took two trained conservators to move them.
(Me, very quietly and politely) “Excuse me? Can I ask you not to sit on these chairs, please? Thank you”.
(Visitor, looking indignant) “I haven’t been sitting on anything”.
(Me, still politely) “Sorry, but I’m not sure that’s quite correct”.
(Visitor, by now red in the face and raising voice) “And WHAT proof do you have, young man?”
(Me, still polite and rather enjoying being called ‘young man’ in my mid40s) “You’ve got a ‘please do not sit on this chair’ sign stuck to your bottom… madam”…
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Well, summer is finally here –guess what, for the third year running we had to postpone our Torrington Fun Day and Dog Show in July – not this time because of inclement weather, but because it was too blooming hot for us woofs! Fear not though as this has been rearranged for 16th August so don’t forget to put the date in your diary.
Talking of dates, I mustn’t forget to tell you that our new K9Focus Charity Shop and Community Hub opens on Saturday 2nd August at 10am, when we will be serving coffee and cakes all day until 4pm. The shop is easy to find as we are right next to The Plough in Torrington so no excuses! The purpose of the shop is not only to raise muchneeded funds for the charity, but to also provide a space where people can pop in and have a chat, bring their dogs in and generally relax, meet new people and socialise. We are still looking for volunteers to help run the shop and for any quality ladies clothing and bric-abrac. Space is limited and so we are not going to be taking CDs, DVDs, soft furnishings, duvets etc. and although we will not generally be taking books, we will be offering a book share scheme – bring a book and take a book! We are really excited about this project and hopefully we will see many of you on the opening
day, and of course it will be me
Fabulous Freddie cutting the opening ribbon!
August and September are going to be busy months as we still have plenty of events happening:
2nd August – Instow & Appledore Regatta
9th August – Black & White Gala Ball 16th August – Torrington Fun Day & Dog Show
13th September – Studio 38 Tattoo Day 21st September – Affinity Centre Fun Day & Dog Show
Wow, I am tired just thinking about it! Did you know that the Black & White Gala Ball is in celebration of our 15th Anniversary? Yes, 15 years of rescuing and rehoming dogs and cats! It promises to be a great celebration with a champagne reception, 4-course meal, fun casino and dancing to the fantastic ‘Soul Intention Band’ all for £40, a bargain. There are still spaces, but you need to book quickly as tickets are selling fast. Just email lynne@k9focus. co.uk to book your ticket.
Right onto news of the woofs and cats. As always it has been extremely busy, with requests to take both canines and felines in and it is so sad that in many cases we are simply unable to help due to lack of space. We are therefore not only appealing for volunteers for our new
shop project, but also once again asking for fosterers for both woofs and cats so that we are able to help more people. Just email Aunty Lynne to have an informal chat or come along to the shop opening where members of our volunteer team will be available to chat.
One of the lucky woofs this month was Scooby, and oh my what a handsome boy he is. I didn’t think he would be around for long and yep, he found his new home almost immediately. All our little boy kittens that we reported on last month will soon be off to their new homes, sadly leaving behind one little girl, although I am sure she won’t be far behind them! As they go out, just like the dogs, more come in and we have taken in a mum cat that has had four kittens and is only 11 months old – only a baby herself really. So please, if you are thinking of adopting a cat do bear in mind that they really do need to be neutered at an early age to stop these unwanted kittens that are just being abandoned.
Well, that’s about all the news this month, have a great summer and we’ll be back with you in the autumn, but don’t forget to come and see me at the shop opening on 2nd August!
Woofs and Licks, Freddie
The Beavers continued their environmental theme, bringing in recycled materials and natural items to make bug hotels, taking them back to their gardens to see what creatures will live in them. The Beavers planted sunflower seeds, taking them home to see who grows the tallest flower. Making the most of our lovely weather we then took bikes to the Tarka Trail, for a lovely evening ride in the sun while earning Cyclist Activity Badges.
After planning menus, the Scouts got to cook them, and over three weeks all groups took it in turns. This was particularly fun, especially the eating part! They made mozzarella sticks, banana cake, pasta bake, pancakes, pizza and chocolate cake, all very tasty! When they weren’t cooking, the Scouts got stuck into a DIY project of making birdhouses: from measuring and cutting the wood to assembly, they all got thoroughly stuck in and enjoyed it.
The Scouts have also been enjoying the Tarka Trail, though cycling a bit further than the Beavers. After a lesson on bike maintenance, it was to Watergate and back, which proved to be too easy, so we did some races to the bridge and back. That soon wore them out. With only one meeting left, and a summer camp, there is still more fun to be had.
The group needs your support. For more information, please contact our group scout leader Jordon on jordon. whitear@gmail.com.
Call or message Matt on: 07808 056 473 or Facebook: Matts-Garden-Services
Friendly professional lawn mowing and general garden maintenance.
Cutting, pruning, planting and weeding.
Garden waste removal and jet washing services also available.
These are the walks planned in August. Everyone is welcome to join us on a walk before deciding whether you would like to join the North Devon Ramblers.
Time-Out Tuesday walks will be continuing on the 5th August, starting from Barnstaple Clock Tower at 6.30pm, 12th August starting from Bideford Victoria Park at 6.30pm and the 19th August, which is the last one, from the Clock Tower in Barnstaple. All are welcome, dogs included! Saturday 2nd August - Brown Willy Circular (Bodmin Moor). Meet at Rough Tor Car Park at 10.30am for a 9.5-mile circular moderate walk with some steep ascents. Please note that this walk is limited to 10 places - you will need to book in advance with Vanessa.
Wednesday 6th August - A Wander round St Giles in the Wood. Meet at 10.30am for a leisurely 7.5-mile circular walk starting at the car park behind the church and next to the parish hall. Follow footpaths, tracks, woods and lanes.
Sunday 10th August - Dartmoor Delights, starting at Bellever Forest Car Park at 10.30am, this 8-mile moderate walk enjoys the delights of Dartmoor!
Wednesday 13th August - Amble around Brownsham, starting at 10.30am from Brownsham National Trust car park, this 7-mile moderate walk follows woodland paths and the SW coast path.
Sunday 17th August - Explore rural mid-Devon from Dolton village hall car park. Starting at 10.30am, this 8-mile moderate walk will pass Dowland and Westlake to Halsdon Nature Reserve.
Wednesday 20th August - Molland and Molland Common. Meet at Molland Church car park at 10.30am for a 7-mile moderate walk with the opportunity to visit the church and the pub, if open!
Saturday 23rd August - Grand Western Canal Old and New. Meet at Lowdells Lock car park for a 10.5-mile leisurely walk taking in different parts of the canal. Liftsharing as there is limited parking.
Wednesday 24th August - Arlington in Summer. A 6.5-mile leisurely stroll around the grounds starting from the National Trust car park at 10.30am.
Sunday 31st August - Down around Boscastle. Meet at 10.30am at a layby near Newton Farm on the B 3263 for a 9-mile moderate walk on the coast path and inland - some steep ascents and narrow paths, walking poles advised. As usual, further details can be found on our website northdevonramblers.org.uk.
We don’t take it too seriously! Come and have fun. Players aged 18 to 118. 7.30-9pm, Wednesdays at Little Torrington Victory Hall, £3. Please telephone Jen on 01805 622433.
Torrington Memory Cafe has been running for 13 years. It meets every second Thursday of the month. The cafe is entirely free to all who have memory issues and/or carers. Please come, join us and share the supportive, friendly atmosphere. New faces are always welcome. Perhaps you may wish to volunteer?
More information from Lorraine Pearce (Leader) 07377 363 477 or John Pitts (Secretary) 07986 586 799.
Would you like to meet others and find out about different groups, activities and organisations in our local area?
Come and enjoy a FREE cuppa and have a chat with the Social Prescribers from our local GP Surgeries.
All welcome! Hope to see you there. Phone for more information or just pop in! Justine 07377 176 457.
At The Market Café, 13 Pannier Market, Torrington, EX38 8HD. Every first Thursday of the month, 9.30-11am.
• Local Torrington author
• For lovers of the South West
• Fun, light hearted, amusing, fiction
Nearest stockists:
Gallery, Pannier Market Torrington
Walter Henry’s Bookshop Bideford Everything Westward, Westward Ho! Also available to order in Waterstones, Amazon & EBay
Sometimes in life we can overcomplicate things - nowadays you can’t just go for a walk or get out for a ride (wheels or four legs), instead the powers that be like to call it ‘active travel’ and then tie it all up with impenetrable guidance and strategies that punt simple common sense into the long grass.
From time-to-time it is worth taking things back to the basics (and hopefully a start point most can sign up to):
* Walkers, cyclists and horse riders, don't come off at all well if hit by a carthey go a bit squishy.
* Sadly, you cannot engineer or legislate poor driving out of existence, but you can try and limit the opportunity for dangerous behaviour.
* Better still, sometimes clear basic rules are there for a purpose and do actually work.
So on to the question in the title: why bother with speed limits?
Let’s clear one thing up first - speed limits were introduced long before speed cameras and fixed penalty notices, so with greatest respect to the conspiracy theorists out there poised over their keyboards, speed limits are not there to crush civil liberties or extract money from the poor oppressed motorist. They are there to try and stop those in the vehicle killing themselves and, more importantly, innocent bystanders.
Why pose the question in the Crier?
I suspect the last time the speed limits
in the Torrington area were properly reviewed was back in the MKII Ford Escort days, where even getting to 60 was a challenge and you knew full well that if you stuffed it, it was really going to hurt!
Roll forward to today - 60 is no longer a challenge, and if you stuff it the biggest risk to the driver and passengers is ringing ears from all those air bags going off.
Sadly walkers, cyclists and horse riders have yet to evolve their own air bags, and thus remain very squishy.
Our point:
* The Rugby Club - lots of folk regularly crossing the road here to the club and using the network of paths = 60mph.
* Hatchmoor Common Lane - lots of new housing and footpaths crossing here = 60mph.
* Puffing Billy/Station Hill - lots and lots of folk here, many on bicycles heading to and from the Tarka Trail = 60mph.
* Rosemoor/New Bridge/Town Millssquishy folk everywhere! Trying to get to work at Rosemoor. Locals trying to get to Rosemoor. Holiday makers trying to get to and from town. People trying to use the rights of way network = 60mph.
Looking elsewhere in the county shows, that the approach to speed limits and protecting the squishy folk of Torrington are well and truly stuck in the MKII Ford escort days.
We are not calling for draconian measures - just the right speed limit in
the right location - the sort of thing you see at Umberleigh when heading for South Molton: 60 to 40 to 30. Simple, cost effective and sort of works - happy days for all.
What do you think? We are happy to collect readers’ comments (good or bad) and pass them on to DCC.
Active Travel Torrington PS: We are not anti-car (I love my little car), we would simply love to see the squishy folk of Torrington get a better deal.
Held on the second Saturday of each month 10am-1pm.
Grab yourselves a hot drink and a breakfast roll and see what we have to offer.
The stalls vary each month, but we regularly have M & E Family Farm produce, fresh bread, handcrafted gifts, delicious preserves, Linda’s handmade cards, cake and Sam’s household stall and others.
Free car park. Disabled access and parking, books and jigsaw borrowing area.
If you’d like a stall, either in the hall or outside; please email elliepearce.77@ icloud.com. Visit our website for all our events www.beafordvillagehall.com.
As usual it’s been a busy month, but not one to easily report on, as much time has been spent on inhouse meetings and training. Obviously, as a Council, it is vitally important that we keep abreast and up to date with the latest developments. Training of all types ensures that we operate in a professional and knowledgeable manner when making decisions which may have an impact on the community which we serve.
But as they say, it shouldn’t be all work and no play, so a trip to Bude to provide support for members of our Torrington AAC competing in the annual Lifeboat Run provided a nice break. Well done to all who took part! Similarly on a sporting theme, it was a pleasure to attend Bideford's annual Rowing Regatta, and to meet the town's new Mayor Cllr. Peter Lawrence. Back to Torrington and a visit to St. Michaels Church Vicarage Fete is always fun, and despite rain preventing use of the vicarage gardens, the event taking place in the church proved a great success. This year's was not a disappointment! Elizabeth and I enjoyed meeting our May Queen Olivia and her costumed entourage and having the opportunity to chat with many of you. There was a superb collection of stalls and Father Steve’s hot dogs, cakes and Pimms all went down a treat! Also, my thanks go to Torrington 100/Torrington Together who organised the recent Community and Wellbeing Fair and all the various
organisations who participated. The event was very well attended and helped to bring focus to the important issues of living well and seeking support when needed.
In the near future I shall be attending an important meeting with our local police to discuss concerns about local crime and crime prevention. I'll be reporting back to you in the next edition of this publication.
On a much lighter note, I will also be involved in meeting those judging our town's “In Bloom” entries as part of the prestigious South West in Bloom competition. We did really well last year, so fingers crossed for this year. Unfortunately, this event clashes with my attendance at the Holsworthy Pretty Maids ceremony but I'm pleased to say that Elizabeth will be deputising on my behalf. In a few days’ time I will be paying a visit to the Children's Hospice South West in Fremington, which was one of my Mayor's charities last year.
As a Council we give serious consideration to all grant applications we may receive. We try to support local organisations whenever possible. Bearing this in mind we have made substantial contributions to both the re-development of our town's Globe Hotel, and towards operational costs of the adjoining Plough Arts Centre. We firmly believe that The Plough already makes a significant contribution to our town, and we expect The Globe to do the same once it opens, so it is of great importance that we support both of these organisations.
So, as usual, take care, have a lovely summer, and thank you for your continued support.
Phil Cloke, Mayor of Great Torrington
Mayor Phil Cloke is kicking off his fundraising for the Mayor’s charities for 2025/26 with the ‘Great Torrington Bake Off’. His chosen charities for this year are Torrington Rugby Club and The Bickford Centre. This event will be held in the Undercroft at the Town Hall on Saturday 20th September between 10:30am and 12:30pm.
This event is open to all ages, and we would love to see a wide variety of cakes, whether it’s a showstopper, a traditional sponge, a gluten free cake, a vegetable-based offering or a cupcake: we will leave it up to you to decide what to bake!
There will be prizes for ‘Best in Show’, ‘Tastiest Treat’ and ‘Best Bake by an under 16’. We will be selecting a panel of local expert judges, and there will be rosettes and certificates for commended entries.
The fee will be £5 per entry for adults and £2 per entry for u16s (cash only on the day please) and with the permission of entrants we would like to auction the cakes at the end of the event. All proceeds will be for the Mayor’s charities.
If you don’t fancy submitting an entry into the competition, we will be asking for donated cakes and treats to sell throughout the event and there will be tea, coffee and some soft drinks available to buy for a small sum, with all proceeds going to the same charities. Entry forms will be available to download from Great Torrington Town Council’s website: www.greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk, or to collect from the Town Council offices at Castle Hill or from Torrington Library.
The Plough Arts Centre
Great Torrington Town Council endeavours to support organisations and projects which it feels are essential to the community and will allow the town to grow and thrive.
One such organisation is The Plough Arts Centre.
The Plough is now under new management with a new Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees and a new direction with a strong focus on working smarter to ensure that it remains open as a thriving base for arts, culture, film, comedy, craft, food and entertainment for many years to come.
Emma Marston, the new Chief Executive, has an impressive background in radio broadcasting, including BBC Radio, Heart, and The Voice. She also has an excellent track record in working with local charities and turning them around. The new management has a clear strategy going forward, with a reduced programme focusing on live acts that will sell out. This strategy is already working and showing positive results.
The Plough hosts events which appeal to all ages and abilities, both within Great Torrington and across surrounding areas, as such it is one of the town’s main attractions encouraging visitors throughout the year.
You will have seen that the organisation has been awarded large grants from the Arts Council, however this funding has to be spent on specific projects and cannot be used to fund every day running costs.
Therefore, The Plough is in a funding crisis while they wait for the new business strategy to kick in and support their long-term sustainability. Reserves have been significantly depleted, and they have asked for a total of £60,000 to ensure that this valuable community asset and regional hub for arts and culture is able to keep its doors open and continue to deliver entertainment from local and national artists on our doorsteps.
At a recent meeting of Great Torrington Town Council, members voted unanimously to support The Plough with an emergency grant of £15,000. This will give the new management a chance to build on current progress and allow the new strategy to take effect. Members of Great Torrington Town Council see The Plough as an essential organisation within the community, which is at the heart of the regeneration of the town.
The Globe Project
The Globe Project Community Share offer is gathering pace as we speak, and signs are good that the target will be successfully achieved, with the deadline for purchasing shares extended to August 2025.
administration costs of the project. The council is committed to initiatives that encourage the regeneration of the town, and this project has a central role to play in encouraging visitors back into Great Torrington to eat, relax and stay. The project will also offer valuable opportunities for training and employment which will benefit local people
Community Grants awarded to local organisations from the Commons Allotment Charity & the Precept 2025/26: Men’s Shed; Torrington in Bloom; Commons Conservators; Torridgeside AFC; The Museum; Little Frogs PreSchool; Cavaliers; Friends of Torrington Library; CDT; Building Preservations Trust; The Plough Arts Centre; The Crier; Torrington Silver Band; Grosvener –Grow Baby; Army Cadets; Elska Yoga; Torridge Elite Majorettes; The Globe Hotel; Tarka Valley Railway; Torri Youth; Bickford Centre; North Devon Record Office; Girlguiding.
Earlier this year Great Torrington Town Council supported the project with a grant of £5,000 towards the
Each year the Town Council allocates a sum of money for grant applications that come in outside of the grant application period. This year there is £3,000 in this fund, so if you represent a local community group who need a small amount of funding, which is required in the current financial year, do get in touch.
Call: 01805 626135 or email: admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk for further information.
Come & enjoy the magic of Zumba!
Dance , exercise & most of all have fun! It’s more than a workout!
You will leave feeling happy & energised. It is for all ages & fitness levels, you don’t need to be able to dance... First Class Free - no tie in Thursday 6.15pm-7.15pm
Contact Wendy to book your free class t: 07787 607 322 e: wendy.cox@btinternet.com Scout Hall , Gas Lane Torrington EX38 7BE
Families Welcome
Cash Bingo on Mondays • Darts • Pool Skittles • Snooker • BT Sports & SKY
Large function room for parties/weddings
Check out our Facebook page for dates of upcoming live entertainment
Contact Sharon 01805 622543
Could your organisation or voluntary group benefit from a grant from the Commons Allotment Charity or Great Torrington Town Council?
Great Torrington Town Council administers the Commons Allotment Charity, and each year a small amount of funds is allocated to locally based community groups. In addition, grants are awarded from the council precept (money received by Great Torrington Town Council from Council Tax payments). To be eligible for either grant there are set criteria which are detailed on the application form.
Applications for these grants for the 2026/2027 financial year will open on August 1st, 2025, and the application form can be downloaded on the Great Torrington Town Council website (www.great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk), collected from the library or from the Council offices, which are upstairs in the Castle Hill Community Centre (above the library). The offices are open between 9am and 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; for further information call Charlotte or Jennie on 01805 626135 during these times, or email admin@great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk.
Applications should be completed and received by us no later than 12 noon on Thursday 25th September 2025.
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) takes place on Friday 15th August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War. While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. Victory over Japan would come at a heavy price, and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan surrendered on 15th August 1945, which ended the Second World War.
To help commemorate this important anniversary in Great Torrington, on Saturday 9th August between 10:30am and 12:30pm, Torrington Silver Band will be playing some wartime tunes in the town centre, outside the Town Hall.
On Friday 15th August 2025, Fr. Steve Turner from St Michaels and All Angels Church, who is Chaplain to the local branch of the Royal British Legion, will lead a short service at the war memorial in Great Torrington Cemetery at 11am. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For Residents of the Parish of Great Torrington
Great Torrington Town Council provides 40 allotments at Weare Trees, on the road to Weare Gifford. Each allotment plot measures approximately 7m x 21m and at present the cost for renting a plot is £18 per year. The site is very popular, the views are glorious, and it is a sunny spot.
We currently have some vacancies. To find out more please contact us on 01805 626135 or by email to admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk.
9th November 2025
An early reminder that this year Remembrance Sunday falls on the 9th November 2025. Great Torrington Town Council, supported by The Royal British Legion, will once again hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial in the Cemetery, commencing at 10.50am.
Further details will be included in the October edition of the Crier.
After the great success of the recycled poppy wreath project last year, Great Torrington Town Council is planning to repeat the initiative for 2025. We have approximately 20 poppy wreaths which will be available on a first-come-firstserved basis. The process will work in a similar way to 2024 with donations going to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Please let us know early if you would like to use a recycled wreath.
We will be in touch with organisations who laid wreaths in 2024 in the coming weeks. If you haven’t previously laid a wreath and you would like to this year, please get in touch on 01805 626135 or admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov. uk.
The Mayor, Councillor Phil Cloke, will hold his Civic Service at St Michaels & All Angels Church, New Street, Great Torrington on Sunday 12th October 2025 at 10am.
Councillors, uniformed organisations, representatives of local community groups and all residents are welcome to join the mayor for this service. Anyone wishing to join the parade please assemble in Sydney House Car Park outside the Castle Hill building no later than 9:30am.
STANDARDS should NOT be paraded.
The Globe
We are really pleased to hear that the window for buying shares in The Globe has been extended to 18th August and that investors are continuing to come forward. This is such an important project for Great Torrington, and we urge residents to support it if they can, so that the £526,000 of Levelling Up funding promised by the Government does come to Torrington.
The Plough
heard that grant awards from the Football Foundation are now in place alongside partnership funding to move forward with three new PlayZones in Torridge, including one on the former tennis courts site behind Torrington Football Club. Councillors have agreed to support the PlayZones project with £155,000 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the Council’s Capital Reserves. You can find out more about the Football Foundation PlayZones programme online at footballfoundation.org.uk/playzonesprogramme.
until the consultation period closes on 11th August. You can complete the survey online at www.torridge.gov.uk/lgr. If you need this survey as a paper version or large print you can request this by emailing customer.services@torridge. gov.uk or by calling 01237 428700 option 9. Paper copies are available at Riverbank House, Bideford.
Cllr Doug Smith, Councillor.smith@ torridge.gov.uk, 07970 636 199
Cllr Chris Bright, Councillor.bright@ torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909
We are also happy to report that TDC have committed to supporting The Plough Arts Centre with £45,000 of funding split over two years. Councillors at TDC’s Community and Resources Committee heard from The Plough’s CEO alongside members of the Youth Theatre, who spoke passionately about its immense social, cultural and economic importance, not only for Torrington but for the whole of the district. This funding package, in conjunction with support from Great Torrington Town Council, will provide a vital short-term financial buffer for The Plough as it continues to implement its longer-term revenue strategy. It has been wonderful to see the theatre packed at recent events and we look forward to seeing The Plough go from strength the strength with this local council backing.
PlayZones
At June’s meeting of Full Council, we
HAVE YOUR SAY on Local Government Reorganisation Discussions continue on the topic of Local Government Reorganisation. District and county councils across Devon are working on final proposals for what reorganisation should look like in our area ahead of the November 2025 deadline. TDC has expressed support for the 1-4-5 plan, which proposes:
1 Retaining Plymouth unitary authority.
4 A unitary combining the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay.
5 A unitary including East, Mid, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.
Although the Government will ultimately decide how local government is reorganised in Devon, you can help influence the final proposals. TDC has created a survey to gather the views of residents, partners and stakeholders, and you are able to add your comments
Cllr Lauren Bright, Cllr.laurenbright@ torridge.gov.uk, 07595659310
We have been on three successful trips so far this year. Sidmouth in May, Brixham in June and Seaton in July. Great venues and favourable weather. Our next trip is to Exmouth to board a boat, cross the harbour, up the River Exe, along the canal and into Exeter Quay. A reminder that we leave at 8.30am for this trip. Members can book now, but our number is limited to 90 initially, because we had to prebook the boat seats. The cost is £22, to be paid in full when booking at Whiskers Pet Supplies.
Our final trip is to Exeter Fair on Tuesday 25th November.
John Pitts, Secretary
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Dahlias have tended to drift in and out of fashion over the decades they have been grown. The reasons are manifold, but perhaps they were never really grown as herbaceous perennials, rather than in the kitchen garden or allotment, for cutting and/or showing. This is probably because they had to be lifted and stored somewhere dry and frost-free over winter, to be started into growth in early spring, then planted out once the threat of frost has passed. This is still the case to a large extent, so having to dig them out of the formal border every autumn is probably too much trouble: but no longer! With our climate changing, it is now possible to leave Dahlias in situ all year, providing some sensible precautions are taken.
The Genus ‘Dahlia’ is named after an 18th Century Swedish botanist, Dr Andreas Dahl, so they have long been in cultivation. Dahlias originate from Mexico, to as far south at Colombia, and the species are similar to modern cultivated forms, although species flowers are all single. Some species can be grown in the UK especially in milder areas, but they will all die back in the winter.
D imperialis – the Tree Dahlia, can reach a height of 17-25 feet (up to 8 metres). The flowers are pink to lavender, but it needs to be in a very sheltered, semi-shaded position. Worth trying for its spectacular appearance late in the season. D. tenuicaulis is another
tall species (up to 4.5 metres) but flowers earlier than ‘imperialis’ and the colour range is from lilac pink to almost magenta.
D. merckii – is smaller sized, up to two metres in height. Again, needs shelter, the flowers are white to purple.
D. coccinea and D. pinnata – are two of the main parents of most of our modern cultivars, D. pinnata having a wide colour range and flowers in early spring.
Modern dahlias come in all kinds of flower forms, colour range, including foliage colour and size, so choosing which kind to grow in the garden can be daunting! You will find them in the garden centres and catalogues in early spring, as packaged tubers. These tubers should be planted in pots of damp compost in a light and frost-free place. Don’t allow the compost to dry out but don’t overwater until you see growth starting to come from the neck of the previous year’s main stem. Give the tubers more light and start to harden off once the weather improves. At this point you can take basal cuttings if there are lots of new shoots coming along, by removing a shoot from the very base where it grows from the main tuber and potting it up like any other cutting. Otherwise, once all threat of bad frost is over, plant outside in compost-rich, moist but not waterlogged soil. Do not plant too deeply.
You can also grow them from seed
(which are easy to handle). Plant them individually in modules or small pots and transplant when the roots are poking through the bottom of said containers. Once the plants are growing away strongly, harden them off and plant outside.
With our climate gradually warming, we should be able to overwinter dahlias outside, but they require good quality, free-draining soil to survive our wet winters. To create such a border, you should incorporate plenty of grit mixed with well-rotted compost. Once any frost has cut back the foliage, remove it to the base of the plant and mulch with a really thick layer of straw or shredded bark.
The main pests of Dahlias are slugs and snails and earwigs which disfigure the flowers. Dispose of them as you see fit!
Fleur
Atraditional service of Holy Communion using the Book of Common Prayer is now being held each week at 8am in the beautiful village church of Alverdiscott. There is a sermon but no hymns. Anyone who appreciates the rich spirituality of the old 1662 service and King James bible, or anyone who has never used it but would like to give it a try, is invited to attend.
July is looking to be a very busy month for our residents at Glen Tor. Aside from all our in-house activities, we’ve loads of trips out planned. Thanks to our amazing group of volunteers we have planned trips to Westward Ho! (likely to include a Hockings), lunch at Fremington Quay, and plenty of other escapades. Please look at our Facebook page, as we often upload pictures of our days out. Our wonderful garden is in full bloom, and we are enjoying lots of lovely homegrown runner beans, rhubarb and gooseberries. The tomatoes are ripening and the cucumbers growing. One of our residents has taken over the veg garden, so a massive thank you to Keith, I never see him anymore, and he does love a fuchsia!
The next big event is our Summer Fete on August 16th 12-3pm. We are hoping the weather holds as we are planning an Hawaiian-themed day. Lots of cocktails and fun. We are charging £1 entry, which also enters you into a door draw! We will have our very popular produce stall, raffle, and a wine and chocolate tombola. Music, games and lots more on the day. Please look out for posters around the town and check Facebook for regular updates. A prize for the most colourful and authentic fancy dress may be in order as well!
Thank you all for your continued support
Glen Tor Family
Awarm welcome always awaits you. We are a friendly and inclusive community where everyone is valued, both regular worshippers or those visiting for the first time.
Services are held every Sunday at 10am and Thursday at 10.30am, we would love for you to join us in worship, prayer, and fellowship. You will find a place of warmth and friendship. We really look forward to seeing you soon!
We are pleased to announce that Roseanna Ball is returning to Little Torrington Victory Hall on Saturday 13th September 7.30pm for 8pm start. Roseanna is a very talented multi-instrumentalist singer/ songwriter and will be entertaining us with an evening of cover songs with some of her own original songs too. Come along and join us, this is an event not to be missed - tickets are £10pp. Please call Nicky to book on 07527 190 756 or 01805 439336.
The housing market has shown continued resilience, maintaining momentum after the pre-April stamp duty rush. While price growth is beginning to ease as supply increases, mover activity remains steady, reflecting a strong current of underlying market demand.
Buyer activity
After a busier-than-usual March due to looming stamp duty changes, monthly mortgage approvals declined by 4.9% in April alongside new buyer demand. This was an expected slowdown after the stamp duty rush and there are early signs of a bounce-back in May. Mortgage approvals are only marginally below (-2.1%) where they were last year, pointing to a steady level of demand and confidence in the market following the stamp duty deadline¹. Over half (53%) of agents say buyer confidence has improved compared to three months ago².
Rebound
high³. Strong demand, however, has been counterbalanced by an increase in homes for sale, up 13% year-on-year. With higher levels of supply, buyers will enjoy a broader range of options, helping to keep prices balanced.
Stronger economic performance
There is always a strong link between the overall health of the economy and the residential market. The latest GDP data for Q1 2025 showed growth of 0.7%; the strongest growth for a year and a marked improvement on the prior quarter (0.1%). According to the Office for National Statistics, this improvement was powered by stronger growth in the service sector and an increase in net investment. This translates into an annual average growth rate for 1.1%, very much in line with the consensus forecast for the whole of 2025.
¹Bank of England, ²Dataloft by PriceHubble (poll of subscribers), ³Zoopla.
The interest rate cut in May to 4.25% is helping support demand. The Bank of England announcement resulted in better mortgage rates and a flurry of press headlines on sub-4% mortgages. Housing market activity is regaining momentum following the end of stamp duty reliefs, with the number of sales agreed in May reaching a four-year
Rental dynamics
Average rents rose to £1,307 in May, up 0.8% year-on-year, with a stronger increase of 2.8% recorded outside London¹. The monthly increase from April was 0.7%, with all regions having seen small month-on-month rent prices increases. The supply-demand imbalance continues to impact the rental
market, with indicators suggesting that demand remains steady and in most markets, there continues to be a lack of supply. Testimony to the consistently high market demand, voids rates in May held stable for the third consecutive month at 21 days². Rental activity typically peaks later in the year, most notably Q3, driven by students, job relocations, and families moving before term starts.
Sources: ¹ HomeLet, ² Goodlord Adjusting market
Transaction levels in March reached 164,650- well above the 20-year average of 97,700¹. This made March the fifthhighest monthly rate for transactions in the past 20 years, driven largely by firsttime buyers rushing to beat the stamp duty deadline on 1st April. Transaction levels fell sharply by 64% between March and April due to some demand being pulled forward, however recent interest rate cuts are helping cushion any slowdown in market activity. Early signs suggest the market is adjusting to the higher stamp duty tax, with the level of agreed sales falling through holding steady and most buyers who missed the deadline still going ahead. Across Devon and Cornwall, the most active housing markets are currently those of the city of Plymouth, East Devon and South Hams, where close to one in every 31 properties has changed hands in the past year.
¹HMRC, ²Rightmove
Adrian Hardwick, Webbers Local Director
In the last issue we said we would explain water neutrality. Water neutrality is important because it helps ensure that new developments or house extensions do not put an additional strain on local water resources, promoting sustainable land use: by reducing water consumption and offsetting demand, water neutrality can help protect sensitive ecosystems and maintain water quality. There are three sequential steps to making a new building or development water neutral:
1. Reduce water use by designing housing/commercial/industrial developments to be as water efficient as possible.
2. Reuse water by installing systems like rainwater harvesting or greywater recycling.
3. Offset any leftover water demand by saving water elsewhere in the local area.
1. Reducing Water Use
The most important step is cutting down water usage from the start. This means using water-efficient taps, showerheads, toilets, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Smart home design can also encourage residents to save water.
A labelling system for energyefficient products already exists, but the mandatory water label system is still awaiting approval. Water labels on
products could be one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save water.
Building Regulations currently require homes built for 110 litres of water per person per day (l/p/d). With advanced technologies like waterless toilets, recycling showers, and smart taps, water use could drop to as low as 49 l/p/d. More realistically, homes can be designed to use 85–95 l/p/d using existing products and encouraging simple habits like turning off taps while brushing teeth and using eco settings on appliances.
Smart water meters are another useful tool - they help detect leaks, track usage, and show residents how changing habits affects their water bill.
2.
Once water use is reduced, water reuse should be considered. Water reuse generally refers to the capture, treatment (if required) and use of alternative water supplies for non-potable purposes. It includes rainwater and surface water harvesting, greywater recycling (typically the used water from baths, showers and hand basins) and wastewater recycling.
Water reuse technologies have the potential to save significant amounts of water. For example, 24% of water in the home is used for flushing the toilet and 4% externally in the garden meaning a water reuse system could save at least a quarter of demand if it was installed for these purposes. Depending on its quality and the system installed it could also be
used for washing clothes an additional 12% saving.
Consultants Ricardo reported in 2020 on the costs and benefits of rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse and identified that in a range of settings the benefits outweigh the costs, particularly when wider societal benefits in terms of flood risk reduction and carbon reduction are considered.
3. Offsetting
Finally, the remaining water requirement for the new home or development which can’t be satisfied with non-potable sources needs to be offset. This can be done by investing in schemes that save water in the local region such as retrofitting existing homes and buildings with water efficient devices or water reuse systems. The water saved through these schemes needs to be equal to the residual mains water usage of the new development in order to achieve water neutrality. The offset schemes also need to be within the same water resource zone as the new development.
In the end this policy not only saves water but saves the home owners money, some councils in England have already adopted water neutrality because it has been forced on them. Wouldn’t it be nice if our local authority did so before it’s too late?
Contact us @ gtwaterforum@gmail. com; www.facebook.com/great torrington water forum; www.linkedin.com
Discover the benefits of reflexology in a calm and welcoming environment at Hair We Are
Contact Taz today on 07884 358 932 or email info@heartandsolereflexologynorthdevon.co.uk
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• Decking/Fencing
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The winner of this month’s crossword will receive gift voucher for reflexology treatment Please send your completed crossword with contact details to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner for the last issue is Barbara Burgess. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 11th September.
Discover the benefits of reflexology in a calm and welcoming environment at Hair We Are. Taz is an experienced level 3 qualified reflexologist, offering both traditional and maternity reflexology, designed to aid relaxation, promote the release of tension, sleep and support overall wellbeing. Whether you're looking to relieve stress, ease tension, or would simply like to enjoy some time for yourself, reflexology can be a wonderful, natural way to restore balance in the body.
World Reflexology Week – Free Taster Day 28th September 2025
To celebrate World Reflexology Week, Taz is offering free 20-minute reflexology taster sessions throughout the day on 28th September. It’s a great opportunity to give reflexology a try if you haven't had a treatment before! Come along and experience the soothing effects of this holistic therapy and take home a goody bag!
Booking is essential. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Contact Taz today on 07884 358 932 or email info@ heartandsolereflexologynorthdevon. co.uk.
We all think we know about AI don’t we? All the myths of what it does and doesn’t do, the horror stories we hear of how it can invade our space in social media and online in general. And, of course, there are all the benefits we are advised that it delivers in the medical field.
On Tuesday 2nd September, Buckland Brewer Education Support Fund is hosting guest speaker Dan Debnam, who is also an expert in the field of AI and is CEO of Inovara AI. He will inform and enlighten attendees at a talk, possibly put some minds at rest, certainly inspire informed conversations and hopefully answer a few niggling questions.
The talk is free of charge to attendees and will take place in Buckland Brewer Hall at 7.15pm. This is a family show and whilst we are aware that school is restarting, we do hope that people of all ages and backgrounds will find time to come to listen, especially the younger ones as, after all, this will be their world. Modest refreshments will be served afterwards. There is plenty of parking at the Hall. For more information about the event please contact Jane Lowe, 01237 451193.
Buckland Brewer Education Support Fund is based in Buckland Brewer and gives grants towards the cost of studies for students aged 16+ living in Buckland Brewer parish. The fund is generously supported by a local donor and its own fund-raising activities, and we are grateful for donations from parishioners or others. For further information, contact the Coordinator/Treasurer, Patrick Blosse, Greenbank, Buckland Brewer EX39 5LU, e-mail pblosseedsupp@gmail.com, or Chair Jim Lowe email shortleg1@btinternet.com.
So far, in the three editions we have published, the town calendar has been successful in the aim of promoting the area in which we live. It has raised enough money to be self-sufficient, and there is a small amount of money in reserve to be distributed to good causes around the town.
It is now time for someone else to take this on if they wish. There is a bit of organisation involved to collect photos from contributors, to select photos for each month, get them printed, and out to shops to sell - it will soon be time to start that process again.
Please express your interest by emailing gt.futuregroup@gmail.com and we will happily go through it in a bit more detail, if not then the entire pot will be distributed to good causes, once the project is closed down. If someone does step forward to run with next year’s calendar, we will keep enough funding back to cover printing costs for the next round.
This outreach service is available around the towns and villages of West Devon and Torridge on a regular timetable, offering a free, confidential, and impartial service for people with a hearing and/or sight loss. What does the Sensory Outreach Service offer?
* Trained staff who understand the effects of hearing and sight loss and can provide support and advice.
* Demonstrate and short term loan of a wide range of equipment to help with everyday difficulties includinghearing the doorbell and smoke alarm, listening to the television and managing communication on the telephone. Lamps, tactile markers, and talking alarm clocks and watches.
* Manufacturers 'contact details and up to date catalogues. Help to order equipment.
* A wide range of information on hearing and visual impairment and services available locally and nationally.
* Information and referral to other services provided by Devon County Council or sources of other professional help.
* Maintenance of NHS hospital hearing aids. Batteries and retubing. Visits
The Bickford Centre, South Street. EX38 8AA on 1st Wednesday every two months: next visit 6th August.
Anne Humphreys, Rehab OfficerHearing Impairment Sensory Team 07966 596881 or 01392 386611
We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible funding news that marks a major turning point for The Plough Arts Centreand we want to celebrate it with you, our amazing community.
Over recent months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to secure the support needed to keep The Plough thriving through challenging times. Many of you will know that we made a request for £60,000 in emergency funding from Great Torrington Town Council and Torridge District Council. That journey has involved countless hours of meetings, reports, and some nerve-wracking presentations, but it was all worth it.
Last week, we were overjoyed to receive confirmation that Great Torrington Town Council had awarded us an extraordinary grant of £15,000. This is far above the norm - government guidance typically caps external grants at £2,000, so this gesture is a powerful vote of confidence in what The Plough brings to the town.
And it doesn’t stop there. At a key meeting with Torridge District Council, we presented our case (with the brilliant support of Inca and Jake from Plough Youth Theatre, huge kudos to them for speaking so passionately). The result? A further £45,000 awarded, spread across two years, which means we’ve secured the full £60,000 we originally requested!
The funding will go straight into our reserves, providing vital security as we implement exciting new strategies for the future. The overwhelming support from TDC was truly moving, seeing every hand go up in favour of our grant was a moment we’ll never forget.
But there’s more good news! Thanks to your generous support of our Buy-ABrick campaign, we’ve unlocked a further £245,000 from Arts Council England,
a transformational investment that will allow us to breathe new life into our beautiful but time-worn building.
Renovation is already underway: Our brand-new fire alarm system is nearly complete, new fire doors have been installed, we’ve purchased a scissor lift and have restored our lovely sash windows (no more drafts!) In the coming months, we’ll also be repairing the gallery roof and replacing windows, updating lighting, and refreshing our foyer and café flooring, conducting asbestos and air conditioning surveys and repairing guttering to keep us dry and weatherproof.
Thanks to all of you who have stood by The Plough, we are deeply grateful. These improvements will allow us to keep welcoming the community through our doors for years to come.
And what better time to visit than this summer? There’s a feast of film, theatre and exhibitions lined up, and something for everyone to enjoy.
August Bank Holiday Music Weekender
Craving that festival feeling without the mud? Join us for our Music Weekender, a toe-tapping, heart-thumping celebration of rock & roll legends. Think Freddie Mercury. Think Mick Jagger. Think David Byrne. Think surround sound, and the big screen. And better yet: Buy One Get One Half Price - perfect for sharing with a friend!
On Saturday 6th September, rewild your perspective and join us for a stunning celebration of local landscapes and wildlife by local filmmakers plus Q&A with experts. From beavers to butterflies and marine life this festival will roam through our local landscape and spark conversation about rewilding, regenerative farming, marine
conservation and south west temperate rainforests. Tickets just £12.50.
An evening with Simon Yates of 'Touching the Void' - My Mountain Life From Netflix blockbuster 'Touching the Void', get ready for gripping stories about life-or-death struggles, mountaineering, wry humour and incredible visuals. Simon brings his survival story to life in a way that will both inspire and entertain. Tickets only £19/£17.
So, whether you're here for great cinema, riveting talks, or just a coffee and a chat, we can't wait to see you. And remember we now serve food every Friday and Saturday evening in our bistro, so please come along and sample our delicious menu, see you soon!
Saturday 2nd 6.30-8.30pm. All welcome for the opening of The 20:20 Print Exchange - a national touring show featuring every print technique under the sun! Come and enjoy the array of 20cm x 20cm prints by over 600 UK-based artists throughout August.
Give it a Go!
Our Maker Station will be wheeling into The Plough Gallery for pop-up sessions for everyone to get creative during August. Keep an eye on the website to stay in the loop!
September
Gerard Lindley - The Plough is delighted to be hosting the colourful and vibrant mixed-media work of established local artist Gerard Lindley. Preview event Wednesday 3rd September 6.30-8.30pm.
Please note, a 5% fee will be applied to all bookings
Our Box Office opens Friday to Saturday 10am4pm & 6.30pm - close.
Our Cafe | Bar | Bistro is open Weds-Sat from 10am - 2.30pm and for evening events - please call 01805 625925 for details.
For details of the below events and more go to: theploughartscentre.org.uk
01/08
2pm Film: Fly Fishing - Film + Q&A with Richard Nickell
7pm Film: A Monty Python Double Bill: The Holy Grail & Life of Brian (12A)
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Live! Free Friday Music - Rameagle
02/08
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Terracotta Highland Cow Workshop
2pm Film: Lilo & Stitch (PG)
8pm Music: Silent Disco 03/08
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Terracotta Highland Cow Sculpture Workshop 05/08
6:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Plough Playwright Café 07/08
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Plough Storytelling Circle
08/08
2pm Film: Elio (U)
7:30pm Music: Fearlessly Taylor 09/08
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Workshop - Sunset in Acrylics
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, WorkshopExplore pattern making and create a cushion cover/bag
11am Film: A Toy Story Double Bill: Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (PG)
7:30pm Film: 42nd Street: The Musical (PG) 14/08
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple Town Centre: Northgate End Haunted History Tour 15/08
2pm & 7.30pm Film: Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning (12A) 16/08
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Bowl Basket Willow Weaving Workshop
2:30pm Theatre: Bubbles in Wonderland
7:30pm Film: The Salt Path (12A) 17/08
7pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Music: Ric Sanders & Vo Fletcher 21/08
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple Town Centre: Southgate End Haunted History Tour 22/08
2pm Film: Becoming Led Zeppelin (12)
7:30pm Film: Shine A Light -Rolling Stones (12)
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Music - Assorted: Sarah McQuaid 23/08
2pm Film: Stop Making Sense - Talking Heads (PG)
7:30pm Film: Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen (12) 27/08
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Workshop - Cake & Craft. Dreamcatchers 29/08
2pm Film: Elio (U)
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Music: Live! in Barnstaple - Closing Night - Per La Vita 30/08
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Stone Carving 2 day Workshop
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Bee Mosaic Workshop 02/09
6:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Plough Playwright Café 03/09
6:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Slow Stitching, abstract, Embroidery Hoop workshop 04/09
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Plough Storytelling Circle 05/09
7:30pm Film: Maya and The Wave (12A) 06/09
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Workshop - Characterful & Historic North Devon in watercolour
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Bird Bath Pottery Workshop
10:30am Film: Plough Earth - Film Festival 07/09
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Square Work Tea & Biscuit Tray Willow Weaving Workshop 10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Pumpkins & Toadstool Sculpture Pottery Workshop 11/09
7pm ThePlough@StAnne's, WorkshopIntroduction to Soap Making 12/09
2pm Film: Where Is Heaven? (12A)
7:30pm Film: Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary (12A) 13/09
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothel Tour 14/09
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Workshop - Natural skincare 17/09
6:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Wet-felting Introductory workshop 18/09
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town & Workhouse Haunted History Tour 19/09
2pm Film: Slade in Flame (12A)
8pm Where It All Began: A Musical Homecoming with Debbie Kent, John Bangham 20/09
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, WorkshopHarvest festival Still Life in Watercolours
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Workshop - Bread Basket Willow Weaving
8pm Talk: Simon Yates of Touching the Void –My Mountain Life 26/09
11am Filmed Live: Inter Alia
7:30pm Music - Standing Gig: Mad Dog Mcrea 27/09
10am ThePlough@StAnne's, Terracotta Dragon Sculpture Pottery Workshop
11am ThePlough@StAnne's, North Devon Poetry Stanza
2pm ThePlough@StAnne's, WorkshopHedgehog Mosaic
7:30pm ThePlough@StAnne's, Barnstaple Music - Acoustic: Swimbridge Consort “Love, lute and longing”
8pm The Comedy Store
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This month we have three more fantastic work experience reviews from our Year 10 cohort – it’s been wonderful to hear about the rich variety of their placements
and how much they’ve gained from going out into the world of work!
For my work experience I went to Atlantic Racquet Centre (ARC). ARC is a charity whose focus is to bring affordable fitness and sport facilities for the local community. At the centre they have six outdoor tennis courts along with three indoor, three badminton courts, two table tennis tables and two squash courts.
Alongside their racquet facilities they also have a fully kitted out gym with quality machinery as well as fitness classes in the social space which will eventually become a cafe. ARC has a very large variety of classes and coaching for all skill levels, ages and disabilities. All of the staff are inclusive very highly skilled and friendly.
My highlights of work experience were helping out with the Northam Care Trust and going to East the Water Primary School. Northam Care Trust is a charity whose focus is to support individuals with learning and physical disabilities. I was helping out with coach Lottie and had a great time playing tennis related games and activities with these individuals. The highlight of it was the people, they were all happy, bubbly and very funny. I also really enjoyed going to East the Water Primary School helping coach Katie run a two hour tennis session with year
sixes. The kids were all very energetic and all tried their hardest. I became partner to a young boy doing a rallying drill; we had a good conversation and a laugh. I can really see why people want to become coaches because the kids never fail to make you laugh.
Although it was very enjoyable it was not all plain sailing. It was very full on even with my lengthy one hour break. At the end of every day I was very ready for a sleep and this really made me respect the coaches because having to bring energy back-to-back all day to teach classes is very tiring. I really learnt this through my experience.
I felt overall it was very well organised and my timetable was clear and precise, yet I felt as though I wasn’t always the most useful in the classes and was just taking part. I think this could be improved by giving me the opportunity to get involved with the coaching with their help.
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Another Helen
This experience helped me learn to give advice and speak with all different people. It’s shown me how to be inclusive to all and tailor group sessions to peoples individual needs. I think this experience will help me to decide what I’d like to do in the future and understand what it’s like to work in a real organisation/company.
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When working in a vet, you would not expect there to be much more work than taking care of animals, but there is. At first, I wasn’t sure about the tasks I was given. Would you want to be sweeping the floor after every new dog or cat? Nope. But when I got to watch the operations, that is when it got fun. The first operation I watched was a dog getting neutered. Although, it was quite gruesome, I enjoyed the sheer thrill of watching an operation and learning what to do in some of the operations came natural to me. You might think that working in a vet is always serious when, most of the time you are actually having fun, listening to music, and making friends with everyone.
But even better than this, is watching the vets work under pressure. It’s a powerful moment when a vet saves a pet and I don’t think they are appreciated enough within our society, and I think that is wrong how they may be treated if they couldn’t save a pet, when they try their hardest just to by verbally attacked when it didn’t end well. Sometimes, working in a vet can be hard, as on my second day I came in to work just to see a corpse of a brown Labrador, its lifeless eyes staring at the door and it broke my heart to see it in that state. However, helping all the animals that day fixed my
For my work experience I spent a week at Torrington Dental Practice getting to know all the inner workings of the dentist. One of the things I realised is that dentistry is more than people think it is, it's not just fixing people's teeth. It makes people's lives more convenient, happier and much less painful. Our dental health doesn't just impact the way we look but the way we eat drink and even feel. A person’s smile is one of the most prominent features of their face; it shows how you’re feeling but when you don't like the look of your teeth or have problems with them it stops you from easily expressing the way you feel and can even hurt your confidence. Dentistry helps in so many aspects of a person’s life and spending time there helped me to better understand people and how their minds work.
Throughout my week there I got to see all of the many procedures dentists perform every day, from just regular check-ups to major procedures and I got to learn how it all works. My highlight of the week was learning about orthodontistry with Zena and Neah on the Monday morning. I enjoyed this because I found it fascinating to see how people’s teeth can change arrangement just by using a little bit of force overtime. My other favorite part of the week was watching a dental implant surgery with Ian, Lisa and Neah. A dental implant is a screw that goes through the gums and into the jawbone where someone is missing a tooth or two and a new fake tooth is re attached. This helps people to eat like they would have before their tooth was lost, so it’s essentially a replacement.
Overall, I would conclude that my work experience week was very beneficial for me. I would also like to thank all of the staff at Torrington Dental Practice for being so welcoming, teaching me so much and for showing me why they love their jobs. It has also helped and inspired me on my life decisions and what I would like to do some time in the future.
Heidi Mbabele
heart again; they get to do this all day and sometimes all night and some people say that they wouldn’t be able to handle that but I would be happy to work those hours if it meant I could help just one life let alone
countless more.
The gift of live is such a valuable thing and sometimes people take that for granted with their pets: beating, bruising, breaking them if they get angry with them but vets are always there to help any pet no matter the injuries, it’s a powerful skill, to save lives and they use it to help us all.
Finley Stewart
Midsummer Day has passed and, as I write, we are into the first week of Wimbledon already. This year has certainly flown by, and we are now looking ahead to our work and running schedule for the remainder of the year. The fine weather has helped us immensely.
Our mountain of ballast has now disappeared; main line ballasting and the safe walking route have been completed with the remainder laid under the TSO. This will enable us to fit the newly constructed coal dock gates. The compound at the rear of the TSO has also been tidied up.
At the end of June, we welcomed Devon County Council for a site tour to discuss our plans for Phase 2. A successful meeting took place and the existence of the cattle dock came as a surprise to our visitors. It is substantially overgrown, and its clearance and tidying will be an interesting winter project for the team as it was an important part of the history of Torrington Station.
Weekly progress reports and photographs are always available on our Facebook page showing how our various projects are moving forward. Please also visit our website www. tarkavalleyrailway.org for much more information on our history, rolling stock, how you can get involved and our ambitions for the future.
Robert Martin, Tarka Valley Railway
By the time this article is published, all the It’s Your Neighbourhood, Best Park and Best Business awards will be done and dusted, so all those community groups and business proprietors will be eagerly awaiting the results of their hard work, although this won’t be forthcoming until October.
Not only that, but the Grand Garden Open Day, which was held on the 20th July will have passed with, hopefully, a lovely day for all the visitors and those owners who kindly opened their gardens to the public in order to raise money for Torrington Rotary Club and Torrington in Bloom. Many thanks to all of you who have worked so hard to make your gardens look special on the day. The Rotary Club has assured us that monies raised from this special day will be spent on projects within the town itself.
Special thanks must be directed towards Stephen Saywell of the Rotary Club who, I am informed, at his own expense, produced the posters we all saw around the town, the guides, signs and even awarded medals to the garden owners for their hard work. There was also some light-hearted judging on the day, to see which garden outshone all the others.
Torrington in Bloom also would like to thank our Town Council and our lovely Mayor, Councillor Phil Cloke, for his on-going support, and to Andy and Colin, the Town ‘handymen’ who have helped with watering, grass cutting and general tidying ready for our judges and visitors alike.
Cherry Hammon, Torrington in Bloom
July’s meeting was a fascinating talk from Tom and Rob from the North Devon Biosphere, with their mission to engage local communities in the landscape around them. It’s about making space for nature, the environment, and sustainability in many different ways in daily lives. August does not have a formal meeting but a summer trip for members has been organised to Cleave Farm, Buckland Brewer. An amble around the gardens and a cream tea after.
In September meetings resume with a skittle practice and a catch up on our 80th anniversary challenges. A catch up for Ted on all his travels with our members so far.
In September there will also be a painting day with our resident artist Emily Clark. The theme is the night sky. Date to be confirmed.
Book group is currently reading ‘My Excellent Friend’, by Elena Ferrante.
The result of Sally, Ruth and Emily’s hard work on the WI flowerbed for Torrington in Bloom will be announced in September.
If any of the above sounds of interest, please contact Jen Hood 01805 622433.
In August, OWBG celebrates 10 years of service to our community!
During that time, we have fulfilled hundreds and hundreds of orders, raised awareness about health, wellbeing and ecological matters, run all sorts of workshops and events, made new friends and shared more with longstanding friends. We've served, eaten and shared delicious vitalizing organic food, saved our members goodly amounts of money on their regular food bills and helped them to source and afford treats and new foods. Our main supplier, Infinity Foods Wholesale, is a large 50+ year old cooperative and they know of no other buying group that offers the range of services that we do – in particular the opportunity to share whole cases and order from the entire catalogue of 5000+ items.
I've lost count of the many, many people who say what a brilliant idea this group is, but that somehow joining and ordering remains on their 'to-do' list. After 10 years of hearing this, my response is simply that all groups need new active members, otherwise they're simply likely to cease to exist. So, if you like the sound of what we offer, do get in touch without delay, join and come along to our free social on collection day, details below.
To recap what we're about: We're a Torrington-based group enabling members to order organic wholefoods from our wholesaler's catalogue of over 5000 items, at wholesale prices, i.e. at least 25% less than retail prices. Anyone is welcome to join, and our members include both single person households, families, the disabled, the young and the not-so young. Small businesses and therapists. Our aim is simply to make better quality food available at affordable prices to more people and to support our health and that of our families. You can find full information and become a member at no cost on our website, owbg. jimdofree.com.
At our order collection day social
and lunch, we have great discussions, sharing knowledge and supporting each other in our efforts to really invest in our own health and rise to any health challenges we may have. Our kitchens are our pharmacy, and we enjoy swapping recipes, techniques and tasting each other's dishes.
Anyone interested in finding out more about what we do and in joining OWBG is welcome. Guests very often say how much they enjoyed themselves, how lovely it was to meet such interesting people and to partake of delicious healthy food made and contributed by the members. If you would like to come – do! The dates and location are on our website and a quick email to owbg@ protonmail.com is very helpful so we are in the know about numbers. Wellbeing tip: Top phytochemical foods for degenerative disease - the pharmacy in our kitchen
Phyto simply means 'relating to plants'. Commercial interest and advertising have somehow derailed our faith and appreciation of food as medicine, but recent studies once again reaffirm the efficacy of plant medicine concerning degenerative disease.
The top four foods for this purpose are: green tea, pomegranate, turmeric and broccoli, all of which can be easily incorporated into our diet in palatable and enjoyable ways. Moreover, they are all available at wholesale price through OWBG.
Most people are familiar with green tea, which you may or may not enjoy, but have you considered buying it as a powder and incorporating it into smoothies? Very easy and enjoyable. Pomegranate is probably easiest to find and consume in reasonable quantities as juice. It has a simultaneous sweet, sour and astringent flavour and also makes a very good smoothie ingredient. The astringency is the very quality that cleanses our mucous membranes throughout the body, making it excellent for cardiovascular conditions.
Turmeric and its benefits are legion –found to be helpful with literally hundreds of conditions. Enjoy it in both savoury and sweet dishes (surprisingly good!) and of course also as tumeric latte, where you can also add other spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cardamon to good effect.
And finally, broccoli, easily available, delicious and easy to cook and incorporate into our meals in so many ways. Just divine with a little flax oil and red plum seasoning added at the table.
Mary
Upcoming grocery final order dates: 14th August, 11th September
* How do I join? Via our website, where you'll find all the info you need.
* What does membership cost? Free
* What if I need advice or have questions? Ring 01805 623 307/email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk
OWBG Website: owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group
Email: owbg@protonmail.com www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk
We warmly invite everyone to join us for our pancakes and tea/coffee mornings, held on the last Saturday of each month from 10:30am to 12 noon at St Michael’s Church. It’s a lovely opportunity to enjoy a friendly chat over some delicious pancakes and a hot drink – all are very welcome!
We’re also excited to announce the launch of our 100 Club – a fun and easy way to support the church while having the chance to win a cash prize! For just £12 per year, you’ll be entered into our monthly draw. If you’d like to purchase a ticket or learn more, please contact Ian at: sjf.stmichelstreasurer@ gmail.com
We hope to see you soon!
Regardless of opinions on the climate and shifts within it, as a gardener it is impossible to ignore the gradual changes that are without doubt happening with our plants, ground conditions and routines.
Something that I always say to home gardeners is to keep a garden diary, this not only acts as a memory jogger, but over the years it becomes a record of change. One of many examples of these changes (and a slightly positive one) is the colourful and slightly exotic looking Kniphofia. A native of South Africa, they struggled to thrive at Rosemoor when I arrived ten years ago, not enjoying the wet winter conditions. Fast forward to recent years and they are now relishing hotter, drier conditions and are a spectacular staple throughout the year.
Ateacher asked her class what picture came to mind when she said the word ‘chicken’. Responses varied; a farm bird, nuggets and a name given when someone backs out of a dare were just a few. The exercise was to demonstrate our differences based on our own experiences.
If you were asked what thoughts triggered at the name of Jesus, you may say, a baby in a manger, a name used as an expletive, or someone Christians revere and follow.
There are so many things we can do to help combat both the causes and effects of climate shift. Here are some suggestions:
* Planting any trees, shrubs and plants removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
* Increasing the range and diversity of your plants builds resilience to weather events and including plants for pollinators with differing flowering times will provide as much as possible for the longest period.
* Where practical, make use of technology, moving away from petrol powered tools, even hiring or sharing tools with others.
* Drought tolerant plants often have silver or grey/green leaves which help to reflect the rays of the sun and can have leaves and stems covered in fine hairs which trap moisture around the plant tissues.
* It is beneficial to plant smaller plants, in mid to late spring and add organic matter to the planting hole, this allows for acclimatisation to their environment. Hold back on the fertiliser as this could encourage vigorous growth, which may flop over in the summer.
Here is my list of tried and tested plants for a dry environment, all with an Award of Garden Merit.
Veronica pinguifolia 'Pagei' AGM, Perovskia 'Blue Spire' AGM, Eryngium × zabelii 'Big Blue' AGM, Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' AGM, Verbena rigida AGM, Eccremocarpus scaber AGM and Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' AGM. Richard Wilson, RHS Rosemoor
The Bible teaches that Jesus invited 12 very ordinary men, his disciples, to ‘follow him’ as he started his God-given ministry: which involved healing, showing compassion, demonstrating God’s love and power to all, before ultimately sacrificing himself on the cross as a redemption for our wrongs, and to make a path for anyone to have reconciliation between man and God.
The disciples spent three years alongside Jesus, during which they witnessed miracles, heard Jesus’ teaching, watched Jesus reach out to society’s unloved, and saw how he stood for justice and truth. They had front row seats. So, when one day, Jesus asked his disciples directly, “who do you say I am?”, they should have been well qualified to reply; and what was their response? Well, Peter, one of his disciples declared, “You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God”.
This remains the Christian message today. If you want to know more, give us a call. Contact Karen on 07890 132 081/ Trish on 07866 861 156.
A date for your diary: Saturday 9th August 12pm-5pm
The Climate Changing Room Project brings you Summer Breeze, a mini music festival in the grounds of Castle Hill Community Centre. We are raising money towards construction of the Climate Changing Room, a community facility which will support people in adapting to climate and environmental change. This is a free event, although donations towards the project will be very much appreciated. There will be live music featuring Ian Kevern (The Hoodoo Man), Quirk, Humans Reworked, Ploughcappella plus more to be announced. Food from Fork ‘n’ Feast, Beatz Cooking Kitchen and A Pita Greek, plus a bar and raffle. We also have entertainment for kiddies of all sizes! There will be an opportunity have a look at the plans for the building, to find out more about the project itself and, perhaps, get involved and to donate to our SpaceHive Crowdfunding campaign. We look forward to welcoming you on Saturday 9th August. For more information, scan the QR code below or go to: www.spacehive.com/ the-climate-changingroom-project.
TRIPLE J CONSTRUCTION
General Builders
Groundworks
Slabbing & Fencing
HS & E Tested
Call Jason t: 07968 825 811
Great Torrington, North Devon
TRIPLE J CONSTRUCTION
Painting & Decorating
Interior & Exterior
Contact Jason or Tony t: 07968 825 811 t: 07790 645 063
