Torrington Crier July 2019

FREE

JULY 2019 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.

Weare Giffard Fete Saturday 27th July 2019 2pm

Space Chase, Summer Reading Challenge 2019; an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Come along to the Library - sign up, then read six library books of your choice to collect special stickers and other rewards along the way – all for FREE. There’s a website to add to the fun too!

This summer children will help our super space family track down books nabbed by mischievous aliens!

As they read library books, they will solve clues and collect special stickers to complete their mission folder. Can they find the aliens in time to save the day?

Space Chase launches on Saturday 13 July 2019

Illustrations © Adam Stower for The Reading Agency

The Milkiosk

The Milkiosk is NOW OPEN in R & S Ware Butchers on South Street, Torrington.

Fresh, pasteurised whole milk produced locally, and plastic free!

Visit Facebook @themilkiosk for more details.

We hope to see you soon!

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We cover all aspects of plumbing, building, landscaping, kitchens, bathrooms, tiling and much more!

With fair pricing and a reliable, professional service, get in touch today to discuss your needs.

Mobile: 07481 615 253 Email: ashleyletcher@gmail.com Read The Crier Online

If you don’t normally get the Crier delivered, you can now view the latest issue and back issues online, including all adverts, which can be clicked on to visit their websites.

Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?

Contact us...

Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon.

We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 01805 601964 E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All adverts are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please.

Postal address: The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA. Website: www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk Town Distribution: Matt Joy Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Toptown, Barnstaple

Could You Deliver The Crier in Little Torrington?

We are looking for a volunteer to collect copies from Torrington Library and deliver door-to-door in Little Torrington. If you think you can help please contact Becky on torrington.crier@gmail.com or call 01805 603152.

The Crier is produced 10 times a year by The Crier Community Interest Company, a social enterprise, and aims to support the local community and local businesses, by providing a publication in which news, events and information can be shared throughout Great Torrington and the rural district.

Volunteers collect Criers from the Library each issue and drop them off in various villages. If your community doesn’t receive the Crier but would like to, and you can help, please contact Becky on 01805 603152, torrington. crier@gmail.com, or call in to Torrington Library. Thank you!

Disclaimer:

The Crier does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, legality or reliability of any information, product or service represented within our publication or on our web site. The information provided is for informational, educational or entertainment purposes only.

Anyone using the information provided by The Crier, does so at their own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify The Crier from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.

The Crier does not endorse or recommend any product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to The Crier belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Crier or its team.

Web site links from The Crier or its website are provided for convenience only. The Crier is not responsible for the content or availability of any external or 3rd party sites and does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information found on these sites.

Torrington Festival Art, Music, Heritage

Saturday 14th September 2019 e hope that you are saving this date in your diary for a great day and evening in Great Torrington!

We are excited to announce that Tankus The Henge, Jacob Terry and Stellar Fox will be performing on Saturday evening, at the Plough Arts Centre as part of this year’s festival!

The day will kick off in the Square at 12 noon, with a variety of acts and activities for everyone throughout the day, culminating with performances in the Plough. There will be a variety of music, circus skills, stilt walkers, face painting, dancing, drama and historical tours and talks.

As part of the festival we are also hosting a photographic competition with a focus on children and young people, as well as adults. The topic will be ‘summer fun’ and we will welcome photographic contributions with prizes for ‘under 11’, ‘11-16’ and ‘17 and above’. The winning photos will be displayed in the Town Hall. We hope to have lots of entrants, as individuals use their imagination to capture, ‘summer fun’.

Entry forms from: our Facebook page, The Plough Arts Centre & Torrington Library.

Deadline for photos to be dropped off: Tuesday 3rd September 2019 (details on entry form).

We still have opportunities for local acts and events which cover the strands of ‘Art, Music and Heritage’, with a focus on encouraging and celebrating local talent.

If you are musical and would like to be considered for a slot, please contact Dave Gibbons on dclaytongibbons@gmail.com. If you would like a stall or to get involved from an artistic/heritage point of view, or any other way, please contact Cathrine Simmons on cathrinesimmons@hotmail.co.uk.

Check out our facebook page on www.facebook.com/TorringtonFestival. Watch this space for more information!

Trefor Smith – Classical Pianist Concert at Church of St Michael and All Angels Friday 13th September 7.30pm We are very excited to announce that internationally renowned classical pianist Trefor Smith is performing at St Michael and all Angels Parish Church as part of Torrington’s Arts, Music and Heritage Festival!

Trefor has appeared in almost all Western European countries, as well as in Poland, Russia, India and Turkey, and for several years has performed regularly in many parts of the USA. He has made numerous recordings for radio as well as CDs and is Professor of Piano at the Musikhochschule in Hamburg.

There is no charge for tickets, but there will be a silent collection at the end of the evening.

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Bargain Bonanza at The Great Torrington Town & Community Hall

25th, 26th, 27th July 9am-4pm lease come along to our Popup-Shop in the Under Croft where we will be raising money to buy some more equipment for the Town Hall.

Can you help us by providing good quality clothes, bric-a-brac, baking a cake or supply a raffle prize? We would appreciate your help. Pop in and see Anne when she is working in the Town Hall or contact us on the following numbers: Anne Tattersall 07971 696 192; Helen Rumbold 07944 639 739.

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Torrington Food Bank

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e continue to be very grateful for all the support the town and surrounding villages give to us. The past five months have seen an increase in the number of people using the Food Bank. We would very much appreciate donations of tins of cold meat, stock cubes, tins of rice pudding and custard, UHT milk and bottles of squash, having said this, we are thankful for any tinned goods.

We have, on a couple of occasions, had donations of out of date items possibly from clearing out a relative’s larder when they have passed away.

Can we respectfully ask if you could check dates on items as we do not include out of date items in our food parcels.

Thank you for your support Torrington Community Food Bank

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Filo Project

Torrington Library News

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dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported.

The Great Torrington Dementia Friendly Community Working Group has been working across the community to raise awareness about living with dementia and memory loss. As a result of the work done by this team over the last 12 months, Great Torrington has recently been recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society as ‘working to become dementia friendly’. This is a huge achievement and the team would like to thank everyone who has been involved with this initiative for their help and hard work.

The work doesn’t stop here though!

We are continuing to schedule Dementia Awareness Sessions for anyone interested in becoming a Dementia Friend (see below for details) and we will soon be launching an Information Pack which includes an array of information about local resources and services for people living with dementia and their carers.

If you would like to become a Dementia Friend, please sign up to come along to one of the sessions below by contacting the Town Council, or if you’re not able to

Smugglers! Saturday 6th July 10.30am & 12.30pm North Devon Maritime Museum presents some of their exhibits. Drop by and engage with our maritime past Space Craft (4-11yrs) Saturday 13th July 10.30am-12.15pm Lego Club (5yrs +) Saturday 20th July 10.30am-12.15pm Paper Games Saturday 27th July 10.30am-12.30pm Spanish Story Time (pre- schoolers) Tuesday 16th July 2-2.30pm Hola amigos, Lucia will be with us.

Borrow Box Your audio library in one app! Borrow free eAudiobooks online.

Check out www.devonlibraries.org.uk or pop by the library for further details.

Junk Crafting In preparation for this year’s exciting Summer Reading Challenge we are collecting kitchen roll tubes, colourful leftover wool, ribbons etc. We are in the planning stage for craft activities so (clean) materials with potential will be gratefully received. (No loo rolls please!)

New RVS Volunteers We welcome new volunteers, covering the Shebbear and Sheepwash areas.

The Royal Voluntary Service supports the Home Library Service for users who are housebound or unable to access facilities. If you, or someone you know would benefit from library items (and a chat), including large print or audio books please contact the library during opening hours on 01805 622107 or email enquiries to torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org. We have volunteers covering the Torrington and District area so we welcome any enquires about this service. make one of these sessions, please do call us anyway to register your interest and we will then let you know when new sessions are scheduled. * Wednesday 10th July 2019 at 6pm in the Great Torrington Town Council offices, Castle Hill * Wednesday 7th August 2019 at 6pm in the Conservative Club, South Street * Wednesday 4th September 2019 at 2pm in the Great Torrington Town

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16 he Filo Project is a ground-breaking not-forin even earlier times: to the Roman profit organisation offering high quality adult millions day earned of dollars in royalties Enrico Caruso festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and care. Our service supports elderly individuals from the retail sales of the resulting (25thFebruary Year 10 1873 have –been flowers.

This tradition, symbolizing rebirth who are socially and intellectually isolated, most of 78rpm discs. In Italy in 1902-1903, he nd is particularly relevant to us today, asked to write August 1921)a perwhom are2experiencing symptoms associated cutwith five batches of records for the breathing new life into the winter of our suasive including review about Part 2 moderate dementia, memorya loss.community.

Gramophone and Typewriter What great there are for no fair shame orProject festival Company. laterwith heard from A day awith The Filo begins when clients are He Moreover, in was keeping thelive spirit of digital mastered recordingsassessment. of Caruso. their GCSE English theclients stage ofchildren the Metropolitan Opera collected from their own home by a host. The rejuvenation, are the focal point One cannot imagine how wonderful his Here Charlotte’s reminder House in theMuch first public radio spendis the day in the timely host’s home between the approximate hours of 10am-4pm. of the festivities. against Mr Gove’s voice of onewas. such should treasure. broadcast 1920. better Torrington’s schools are Group sizesfair are we small, generally a maximum of 4. wishes, Theinintimate home environment Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching Inand theconfidence next will you about closed to issue allowisI gently full tellnurtured. community is key;1895 no client subsumed by a large from to is1920, included 863 group some ofspace his operatic roles. participation.

What could beat ease, more Sending Out a Mayday Moreover, the small group size gives the time and for people to feel appearances at the New York Until then good listening appealing than watching the crowning of to flourish and to form friendships.

For Our Spring Fair Metropolitan Opera before he died of the May Queen? The procession of boys Dymond Apart a home-cooked lunch, what occurs in each groupBob varies and wefrom allow Torrington’s to anCan infection athaving the age of 48.tradition His fame and girls in brightly coloured costumes dwindle? verylasted much to depends on who is indespite a group, what the capacities and personalities are. has the present day, would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, Torrington W.I. picture comes and into your the mind ItWhat is limited a bespoke service.

However, focus skirts of anyskipping day, forand anythe group, to provide the marketing promotional bandisblasting: the when you think of Torrington’s May Fair?

Our Annual Meeting will take place the opportunity for high quality social interaction. avenues available to him. He was, maypole is ceremoniously woven.

For many it isinformation thea image the maypole, November.

We are will onJust Wednesday 9themail For more visit or call or onmaypole 01392 nonetheless, clientof ofwww.thefiloproject.co.uk Edward as the colours on the laughter and sunshine; it would be beFair electing new 982138; during info@thefiloproject.co.uk.

Bernays the latter’s tenure as a intertwined, so the May breaksadown difficult to imagine Torrington without it.

President and social barriers as it appeals press agent in the USA. – Publicity Day Care Hosts Needed Paid Rolein Yet today, our historic tradition is committee for the to everyone.

Choirs, dance Caruso’s relied on newspapers, We threat. are time looking for intelligent, versatile and empathetic hosts. You will be under It is easy to allow following year, groups and majorettes all particularly wire services, magazines, required, in your own homes, with a maximum the pressures of modern life to to meaningfully occupy and engage taking a alook back take to the stage: feast for photography and the telephone. of fourstrangle older people may be socially isolated and experiencing symptoms slowly our who cultural all ears. we Local have the eyesat and Caruso’s biographers, Pierre Key, associated moderate dementia, including memory loss. heritage.

In with this fast age of dignitaries are happily experienced in the last year and then Bruno and Stanley Jackson high-tech gadgetry, mass * TheZirato service operates between core hours of 9am-5pm peltedpreview in the of stocks and getting a sneak speakers attribute his fame not only to his voice media and isn’t essential instant but hosts must be; a good listener, gentle, able to * Experience subjected to duckings.

The booked for 2012.

Cups and prizes will and musicianship, but also to a keen gratification, there littlebe time ‘read’ people wellisand understanding Mayor has awho lavish lunch, to be awarded for those did best in business sense an embrace of left really matters: * for Full what training isand provided which many are invited.

The our optional monthly competitions, and community Today, more then in commerciallife. sound recordings, town crier be bellows as tea he * A DBS check is undertaken prior to workthere commencement. will, of course, time for than ever, it Many is essential to its infancy. well-known opera proudly and marches streets The Filo Projectcelebration is a lead provider for Devon County Council hoststhe enjoy and a natter. keep our historic alive.

Our singers of Caruso’s time rejected the his predecessors The Torrington excellent of pay festivity and on-going training.of Being rather nifty and at getting through week of rates annual phonograph (gramophone) andfosters their Silver details, Band pulsates like the01392 beating Please visit www.thefiloproject.co.uk for further or contact us the business side of things,on we will also friendship, a sense of belonging andbut a voices have been lost as a result, heart of the community.

982138 or email info@thefiloproject.co.uk. link withsingers our past.including We cannot let this Patti, die. manage a bit of time to welcome Bob other Adelina The grand finale of the May Fair week As you walk the cobbled streets of our Brewer, who will us the Francesco Tamagno and Nellie Melba is the carnival, a give spectacle of low-down light and ancient town, breathe antiquity.

The on the Cavaliers.

Winkleigh Singers Open Rehearsal exploited theyou new technology once sound. Fanciful floats journey through the May Fair links present-day Torrington We start the at in are the Methodist here will be a of Winkleigh Singers Rehearsal on 7pm Monday September they became aware the success of Open town whilst streets lined with with the past, transporting us to a bygone nd Church Hall, and prospective members cheering children.

In on thethepacked town 2 recording at 7.30pm at Umberleigh Christian Fellowship Church A377, the Caruso’s sessions. era – when life was simpler. are very welcome visit for free.

Any square, have noto choice buttenors to mingle Caruso made more that 260 extant Winkleigh Singers’ venue. They willyou particularly welcome and Torrington has hosted thepractice annual May new members paying their subs and make new friends. recordings in America for the Victor bassessince to join 1554. the choir!

Please letmany them know via the website or a choir memberthis if Fair However, months priceThe of ‘Uz get be 14 plaised to for zeetheee!’

Talking Machine Company, (later RCA you would like to come alongtheir for an informalmonth, trial. celebrations in England have origins 12.

How about that!

Mayor’s welcome banner in thick Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he

Children’s events this month See the front page for information on this year’s exciting event!

Great Torrington is Working to Become Dementia Friendly

through the village, a brightly-lit floats, inclu

Council offices, Castle Hill * Wednesday 11th September 2019 at 6pm in the Conservative Club, South Street Contact details: Charlotte Kirby, Assistant Town Clerk, Great Torrington Town Council; Telephone: 01805 626135; Email: admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk.

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Tel: 01805 624445 Mob: 07812 067199

th Devonian dialect is strung across the November there will be a On the 16 square – Torrington is known as a lunch at Barnstaple in aid of ACWW, friendly town and this is no better the Associated Country Women of the displayedValley than at the May Fair.News In this era Tarka World, of which Railway the WI nationally is a of social isolation, the MayofFair provides ith the advent mainly member.

Not widely known, the the medicine of friendship, inclusion and bright and sunny weather, ACWW has representatives from many support. The fair encourages community ourworking activitiestowards have notrelief of nationalities; life as the young and old join together for diminished; more ballast delivered poverty and sickness, promoting health the common good. Whatwas better way is and by and work hastogether? now and laid advancing education.

It’sbeen down-tothere to bring neighbours completed on thefrom vehicular access to to earth approach offers mutual support People come far and wide the Trail. More engineering work andTarka practical help to Fair. women and enjoy the delights of May They also communities across the world. bring theircarried money them! fair has been outwith on our twoThe locos, replenishes coffers ofonthe town – Torestoration find outthe about the ACWW the and continues the and brake providing a Institutes welcome to the local Women's nationwide, visit van and tank wagon. boost economy – around such a help in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk The area the blockhouse Businesses use about the carnival an Any queries Torrington has been cleared to enable us to as W.I. opportunity to advertise their wares. ring President, Joyce Ridgwell get a better idea of the extent of the on Charities also benefit: collection tins are 01805 623588. rebuilding work needed although it is soon full to overflowing. in Yet goodit enough condition is often structural argued that historic for celGreat Torrington use as temporary storage. ebrations are archaic and anachronistic.

Town Project andHall Bank Holidayfestivities OnThe theEaster contrary, Torrington’s By thethe time report in revitalise old this traditions.

In appears the current weekend brought good weather climate of apathy, laziness and The Crier, you will have noticed and many visitors, which resulted in indifference, theraising May Fair ourofspirits scaffolding has been put the sales team overlifts £500 and Torrington into a vibrant up totransforms facilitatefunds. the repair much-needed The fundraising community.

Despite the continual of the roofinand make the weekend Torrington brought in £400 development of modern technology and building water-tight for and we weretime successful in obtaining increasing spent computer the winter.

It will be atfrom £1,000 of building materials the screens, last year’s record-breaking enclosed in waterproof RGB Community Fund.

Many thanks to turnout shows there is still a place live sheeting to protect the workingforarea RGB and to those who voted for us. of entertainment.

Given the choice and to minimise any risk to the internal playing or diaries participating Finally,a avideo note game for your is our in fabric. At the same thtime, a thseries of the buzz of the fair, I know which I would and 14 July.

Itto Open Weekend on 13 photoelectric panels will be installed, choose… promises an interesting and fun-filled reduce running-costs, perhaps Today, the new ofand a large-scale weekend for income all theenemy family. provide an for the project by town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As Weekly updates and photos can be selling surplus power to thebe National huge crowds gather, it could argued found on our visit our Grid.there that is Facebook a danger page of anoraccident. website www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk Although this all work being carried Nowadays, with theisridiculous rules for information. outmore by the Townlands payment and regulations it is Trust, a struggle to Martin will be taken from funds setRob aside for organise anything.

In this age of countless litigation, our town is in Valley Railway the project, which Tarka would havehall included

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News from Little John’s House

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t has been 25 years since the foundation of Little John’s House in Romania. Set up in 1994 as a secure home for children with special needs living in the poorest conditions, our aim is to help and support them to live a better life.

This year has brought some changes to the house, the most significant being the loss of our long time cook and housekeeper, Tinca. Early this year she made the decision to leave us to be nearer her family in Germany and we wish her every good fortune in her move. This decision, however, caused quite an upset for Mags, as Tinca had become one of the LJH family, and a little panic for the rest of the trustees in trying to find someone to replace her. We have been fortunate enough to find a very capable husband and wife team to take care of the day-to-day management of the house, but are still struggling to fill the position of a full time cook.

For the past couple of years we have been on the lookout for a suitable plot of land, or property, from which to run a day-care centre and more respite for families. The need to support children and their families is still on the increase and we feel that LJH can grow and expand to address some of the ongoing problems faced by so many. Our new management in Romania is very supportive of this project, and is in the

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Torrington in Bloom

right place to access opportunities as they arise.

As we have been hearing from other local and national charities, costs are always rising and fundraising is becoming more difficult as the public are bombarded with requests. LJH is funded solely by generous donations and fantastic support from members of the public who participate in fund-raising events both locally and across the country. 100% of the donations go directly to the care and welfare of the children at LJH as everyone involved in the charity in the U.K. gives their time voluntarily. The generous people from Great Torrington and surrounding area have always been very supportive of our work, and so far this year have raised funds through a 12-hour yogathon, taking part in the London Marathon and trying to win a very large Easter Egg, but we are always looking for new ideas to raise funds to continue our work.

Like so many other charities we are grateful to all those who donate, give their time, organise fund-raising events or take part in the ones we try to organise. Later this year, 21st September, I shall be organising a walk – or run if you like – along 32 miles of the Tarka Trail from Meeth to Braunton. I will post more details of this event in the August Crier.

Liz Harris

Judging Dates for your Diary asn’t the year flown past – it’s now July and I’m panicking already!

Monday 15th July, from 10am for 2.5 hours approximately, a visit by South West in Bloom Judges.

The judges will be touring the Town Centre, the Secret Memorial Garden, the Conservative Club, Rack Park, Pannier Market. They will also be stopping at the flowerbed outside S&G Carpets and the bed by the swimming pool and the gardens at 1646 (being renovated by volunteers). We hope to include the churchyard too, and I understand there is going to be a tidy-up there fairly soon.

Perhaps those of you who live around the churchyard could brighten up your frontages with a display of baskets, etc.

New Guinea Bizzy Lizzie hybrids like shade, also Ferns and Hostas.

Please note, we shall be removing the Market advertisement sign that is wrapped around the planter by the Clock Tower, but returning it after the judges’ visit. The ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ entry from the Tarka Valley Railway will be judged separately, probably on the 1st August. Thursday 31st July ‘Best Garden’ competition judging day.

Sarah Chesters and members of TIBA will be touring Torrington gardens again, looking for that ‘wow factor’ display.

More young persons’ entries would be welcome. The closing date for entries is the 30th June. Perhaps the new Lions Wine/Coffee Bar in the old HSBC premises would like to enter…?

Cherry Hammon Torrington in Bloom 01805 625788

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Torrington Silver Band

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he band had a wonderful time taking part in this year’s May Fair and Carnival celebrations.

We would like to say a special thanks to our friends from other bands that joined us for the occasion. Here are a few words from our Junior Committee member, Emily Cooper, about the day: “For me May Fair Day is the highlight of the banding calendar. Every year I look forward to taking part in this historic Torrington event. It is great to have the opportunity to march around our hometown and play for the locals.

It is also a good chance for the junior members of the band to get together and socialise, and once it’s all over we still have carnival night to look forward to!”

Our charity concert in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust was a huge success and we were thrilled to hand over a cheque for £601.95 to the DAAT. The decision to host this benefactor event came about after one of our band members needed the help of the Air Ambulance 12 months ago. Brass player, Matt Hannam, had an accident at home and thanks to the DAAT and their fast response he has made a good recovery.

In the interval Matt’s son, Kieran Hannam, had his hair cut to raise funds for the DAAT too. We were delighted to welcome along the new Mayor of Torrington, Miss Keeley Allin, and her consort.

We would like to say a big thank you to our friends at Torrington Fire Station for their fundraising efforts at their recent charity event, The Everest Challenge. On Saturday 3rd May they climbed their appliance ladder 1,061

Bluecoat C of E Primary School Toy Service

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very year, to mark the Christian festival of Epiphany (also known as Three Kings’ Day) Great Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary School holds their annual Toy Service.

The event encourages children to reflect on the coming of the Wise Men who delivered their gifts to the baby Jesus, and in the same way are invited to donate a toy or game to a child less fortunate than themselves.

Mags Zaharia, Early Years SENDCo at Bluecoat and Founder and Director of Little John’s House in Romania, arranged delivery of the donated toys and games over the Easter break and they were met with much delight and appreciation. They will be distributed to several kindergartens across Sibiu, Romania.

Thank you to the children and families of Bluecoat for your generous donations.

times to raise money for the Band and the Fire Fighters’ Charity. They raised an incredible £1,063. Thanks to all the local businesses that donated raffle prizes.

Huge thanks also to Elite Scaffolding for supplying the staircase and to Webbers Estate Agents and Monkleigh Garage for sponsoring the event.

Over the coming months the junior members of the band will be getting busy fundraising for the band’s drum corp and percussion section. They are delighted to thank one of their own, Leah Cooper, who gave up chocolate for Lent and raised an incredible £170 to get their fundraising off to a great start. Look out for details of a Coffee Morning and lots more coming soon.

Date for your diary: This month you can come and hear the band playing at Atherington Fete on Saturday 6thJuly, 2-5pm at the Atherington children’s playing field.

Get Together Friends Dates for July

* Tuesday 9th - Lunch at the Royal Exchange, 12.45 for 1pm, cost £7.50.

Contact Marcia or Val for menu choices, booking and payment. * Sunday 14th - Beetle Drive at the Bickford Centre, 2- 4pm. No charge but remember to bring your bring and share tea. Please book in advance. * Monday 15th - The film at the Plough will be Rocket Man 2pm, £3.50 to include a cup of tea or coffee and cake.

Thank you to The Black Horse for hosting our lunch in May; it was excellent as usual.

There will not be any events in August. Marcia and Val will take a well-earned break. They can normally be contacted at the Bickford Centre on Wednesday mornings 10am-12 noon.

For all Club business, please use Marcia’s mobile number 07881 875 846.

Mollie Banfield

Massage & Sports Therapist Castle Street TORRINGTON EX38 8EZ m 07854 805336 e mbsportstherapy@outlook.com

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Grow Curious Babies and Curious Toddlers

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id you know that our curious babies and curious toddler experiences offer your little one an enviroment that is rich with sensory experiences? Sensory play offers the opportunity for children to understand the difference between solids and liquids, learn how to share with others, and help learn logic and order by using toys such as jigsaws and building blocks. Come along to one of our Grow curious babies or Grow curious toddler experiences and nurture your little one’s development through play and meet new friends. We run every Friday morning at Torrington Children’s Centre.

Grow ‘bump to baby preparation for parenthood’ helps to prepare you for becoming a parent. We don’t offer pain relief and labour advice; we leave that to the experts, midwives. We focus on your wellbeing in pregnancy, information and skills on things like how your baby’s brain and senses are developing in pregnancy, and give you the confidence to look after your precious new baby and to be a parent.

Grow Baby massage is a lovely way to get closer to your baby, strengthening the bond between you. Massage is a special time for you and your baby, its soothing and calming helping your baby to settle and sleep and it releases oxytocin which helps you and your baby to relax.

Through our Grow baby massage experience, you can show your baby they are loved and help them to feel more secure. It’s a wonderful and special gift you can share with your baby.

Coming soon: we are offering a follow-on baby yoga course for babies that are a bit older, or for those who have already been to baby yoga, come and learn new stretches, active movements for you and your baby, as well as rhymes, actions and sensory play. Each session last about an hour but we don’t rush at the end, enjoy one of our Fairtrade teas or coffees and get to know your new friends.

Once a month we will be offering a special group for all new parents and their babies, a place where you can relax, enjoy a lovely cup of tea, meet new friends and find support. A place where you can learn more about your baby’s development, bonding or attachment while your baby enjoys and explores sensory play experiences. Life as a parent can be tough at times, we want to make things a little easier for you, come and join us soon.

Get in touch through Facebook - Grow Devon, email us growdevon@ actionforchildren.org.uk, visit www.grow.org.uk or call us on 01271 371961.

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Singing for Health Group

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eaders may have been fortunate enough to see a recent BBC documentary presented by BAFTA Award winning actress Vicky McClure called ‘Our Dementia Choir’. She took viewers on a deeply personal journey to discover the true extent of music’s power in the fight against dementia.

It was a touching two part series where we shared the heartache of carers and the joy of all participants.

We witnessed the power of singing and how it benefits people in a positive way by aiding memory retention, reducing social isolation and building friendships.

We are lucky enough in Torrington to have our very own ‘Singing for Health’ sessions run by local charity TTVS under the TorrAGE Ageing Well project.

It brings people, often with dementia, together in a friendly, relaxed and stimulating activity. It can also provide an opportunity for a bit of respite for carers.

It takes place at Torrington Hospital, Calf Street every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month between 10.30am and around 12.30pm. Refreshments are offered and everyone is welcomed. Call TorrAGE Ageing Well on 01805 622666 for more details.

Christian Aid Thanks

Many thanks to the people who contributed to the Christian Aid collection and also to the collectors. As a result I was able to bank £150.

Thank you.

Beryl Oke, Treasurer

The Women’s Land Army in Torrington

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he Women’s Land Army was formed in 1917 during the First World War. In June 1939, with the threat of war looming again, the organisation was re-formed so that by September 1939, when the call came, 1,000 volunteers could immediately be sent into employment, many of them already trained.

Thelma was sent to Torrington in February 1944 to join the Land Army.

She was twenty years old and came from London where she had seen the first doodlebugs (flying bombs). She arrived by train and, as she emerged from the station with her luggage, it was raining and she looked up the long blank hill in dismay. ‘Where on earth have I come to?’ she wondered. As she walked into the town she didn’t see a young man standing outside Pope’s garage (where Lidl is now) but he noticed her and thought to himself, ‘She’s the one for me.’ As it turned out, he and Thelma got to know each other and, eventually, they married and had two children.

Thelma stayed with nine other girls in a hostel in New Street opposite the Royal Exchange pub, while some of the girls were billeted in private houses.

They came from various parts of the country and were of different ages and backgrounds. Ann Spenceley was the oldest at thirty-two, and was in charge of the canteen. Ann de Haviland was a member of the well-known aircraft family and was one of the drivers.

The girls did ‘gang work’ in a group of eighteen and cleared moors and planted them with potatoes or wheat.

They did four months forestry work at

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Okehampton, lopping off branches, and lived in freezing cold Nissen huts at Moretonhampstead. At other times they would do re-stooking work, picking up sheaves and leaning them against each other in stooks of eight to finish drying off. Walking all day on the stubble was hard work, but the feeling of camaraderie between the girls kept them going. They went down to Sidmouth and Countesswear to dismantle barbed wire coils and wind the barbed wire around ‘grannies’ (granary sticks).

They worked with gangs of boys and conscientious objectors who were billeted down near South Drive. They also worked with Italian POWs from the hutments by the senior school, who were ‘lovely’ and courteous, and with German POWs who were billeted out of town and driven to work by lorry. They were good workers but, unlike the Italians, weren’t allowed to talk to anyone.

Every day the girls had spam, jam or cheese in their sandwiches. Rationing wasn’t as hard in Torrington as in London and, although food was restricted, no-one went hungry. Land girls were allowed 12oz of cheese a week, whereas it was 2oz for other people. Chickens were kept to supply eggs and milk was available from local farms, although noone was allowed to make cream.

The only entertainment in town was the Saturday night dance at the drill hall (now the Plough) and the pubs. The Setting Sun at 24 Cornmarket Street was a favourite.

Three thousand Americans came to Torrington, virtually doubling the population at the time, and they were

good fun. They had lots of food and supplies from their quartermaster’s stores which seemed to stock just about everything. They were billeted at Porch House and at number 88 New Street, where a ‘Red Indian’ could be seen sitting in his window gazing out and smoking a pipe. The land girls cried when the Americans departed and later wondered if they had been involved in the disastrous operation at Slapton Sands, which happened soon after they left Torrington.

I asked Thelma how she felt, looking back, about her time as a land girl. She said it had been ‘bloomin’ hard work’ but they all liked the life, even though they were often muddy, soaked or sunburnt. It had been the first time away from home for all of them which was wonderful!

The Women’s Land Army was disbanded in 1950.

Moira Brewer

Michael Jecks

Author Visit Barnstaple Library

Tuesday 23rd July 2-3.30pm Barnstaple Library Michael joins us for a Talk and Q&A on his latest book, ‘The Dead Don’t Wait’, the fourth in Michael’s ‘Jack Blackjack’ series.

Michael will talk about his books, his career, and the life of a writer in the 21st Century. Tickets £5 to include afternoon tea. Book at the library.

Books for sale from Waterstones.

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GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS YOUR COUNCIL... WORKING FOR YOU!

From the Mayor…

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am delighted to be writing to you all as your new Mayor, just a quick update this month; more to follow in next month’s write up. My diary has been filling up very quickly and I have already represented the town at many different events. I was delighted to attend other towns’ Mayor’s Introduction Ceremonies and met the various Mayors that I will serve alongside over the next year. It is very important to build good relationships with other towns and I will be continuing Di Davey’s good work.

Lots has been going on in Great Torrington in the past few weeks, including a fundraising evening by the Torrington Silver Band, the TTVS Wellbeing Event in the Plough and a fundraising event held by the Boxing Club which included a three legged race! Of course, being one of my charities, I had to show my support by getting involved!

By the time this goes out, I’ll have attended a few more events on behalf of the council, I will keep you all updated in my next article and via my Mayor’s Blog on Facebook.

As always, please contact the council if you would like me to attend any events.

Keeley Allin (Mayor of Great Torrington)

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Mayor of Great Torrington

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n 29th May 2019 Great Torrington celebrated the introduction of the new Mayor for the forthcoming year, Councillor Miss Keeley Allin.

At the age of 22, Cllr Allin joins the handful of ‘youngest Mayors’ across the country. However, despite her age she certainly does not lack experience, as she has been involved with the Town Council from a very young age.

At the age of 12 Keeley acted as the Mayor’s consort for her mum, and has since had a serious interest in Town Council activity. Whilst at Great Torrington School Keeley sat on the School Council and was a senior leader in Year 11. In 2015 Keeley joined the Town Council as a Councillor, and since then has worked hard for Great Torrington, with the people the Council represents being her main priority.

Her proudest achievements are setting up the ‘Town Tidy’ Initiative, which sees everyone come together to tidy the town up before big events such as May Fair, and being part of a group who have worked hard to get a youth club back into the town.

Keeley said, “As Mayor of Great Torrington I am very much looking forward to a busy year ahead, with my diary already filling up! I have set up a Facebook page (Great Torrington Mayor’s Blog) where I will keep everyone updated and will continue to contribute to The Crier with the monthly ‘Mayor’s News’ article”.

“I feel very proud to hold the office of Mayor of Great Torrington this year and I’m really looking forward to supporting our town and various projects. I also hope that the lovely people of Great Torrington will feel free to contact me if they would like me to attend any events over this forthcoming year.”

Keeley has nominated 1st Torrington Scouts and Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club as her chosen charities for the forthcoming year.

At the Mayoral Ceremony, Pastor Tim Gilbert was welcomed as the Mayor’s Chaplain for the forthcoming year. The Town Council would also like to thank Reverend Peter Bevan for his service to the Mayor and Town Council as Mayor’s Chaplain over the past two years.

Command Sergeant Major Jimmy Birch was thanked for his service as Mayor’s Cadet for the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Mrs Di Davey and Cpl Holly Rice-Smith was welcomed as the Mayor’s cadet for the forthcoming year.

New Deputy Mayor

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n the same evening, the Council celebrated the

introduction of the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Doug Smith.

Whilst Doug is a relatively new Councillor, he has lived locally for the past 25 years and, now retired, is keen to put his energy to use for the community.

Doug has a wide range of experience and a passion for global sustainability, initiated by his personal experience in diving in oceans worldwide. This is also demonstrated by Doug’s governor’s role of Chair of the Sustainability Committee at GTS. Doug is also keen to raise the town’s profile in respect of historical heritage and work towards improving what is currently deemed as inadequate transport services, within, and to and from, the town.

Doug said, “One person cannot change the world but working together as a team, we can try to influence others and I am very much looking forward to working with Keeley and the Town Council as Councillor and Deputy Mayor over this next year.”

Council Awards 2019

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his year the Town Council has given the Howe Plate Award to Mr David Squire, in recognition of the voluntary work he does with Torrington in Bloom, and the work he tirelessly undertakes taking care of various flora projects across the wider community, which all bring so much colour to the town.

The retiring Mayor, Mrs Di Davey, has awarded her Good Citizen Award for 2019 to Mr and Mrs Duffy from Duffy’s Homeware shop in the town.

They rushed to the rescue of the community when we were left without a cash machine and arranged for one to be installed on the outside of their shop. In addition, they have very quietly supported a number of activities throughout the town, helping groups work together.

Great Torrington Town Council

Mayor’s Civic Parade & Service

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he Mayor, Councillor Miss Keeley Allin, will be holding her Civic Service in the Great Torrington Town and Community Hall on Sunday 7th July 2019 at 3pm.

Uniformed organisations are requested to assemble in Sydney House Car Park outside the Castle Hill building at 2.35pm. Councillors, Trustees, Conservators and the Presidents of the Chamber of Trade, Rotary and Royal British Legion and their Partners are requested to assemble in the Town Council’s Committee Room, Castle Hill at 2.30pm.

Standards should not be paraded.

Karen Chapman (Town Clerk) Great Torrington Town Council

Town Council Committee Members

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n last month’s edition we said goodbye to two long standing Councillors and introduced two new ones. At the Council’s Annual Meeting in May, each Councillor put themselves forward to sit on various committees. The list below sets out this information and we hope is informative to members of the public.

Attendance information will be presented on the Council’s Website Planning: Cllr K Allin; Cllr M Brown; Cllr D Davey; Cllr S Ford; Cllr C Miller; Cllr S Mills; Cllr D Smith; Cllr S Strode Environment: Cllr K Allin; Cllr C Bright; Cllr G Clayton; Cllr L Cooper; Cllr C Cottle-Hunkin; Cllr H Cox; Cllr J Insull; Cllr D Maisey; Cllr J Rose; Cllr D Smith Policy & Finance: Cllr K Allin; Cllr C Bright; Cllr G Clayton; Cllr L Cooper; Cllr H Cox; Cllr S Ford; Cllr C Miller; Cllr S Mills; Cllr J Rose; Cllr D Smith; Cllr S Strode

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Torrington Auction News

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he 8th June sale was very well supported in buyer numbers, plus there were many absentee bids left by people who could not make the sale itself. It was an unusual sale, as our normal Friday evening viewing was not possible, it was switched to Thursday evening and also during the day on Friday. The extended viewing seemed to be successful though, so we will look to offer that in the future!

Again, certain areas really performed well, with vintage vinyl rock albums once again getting multiple bids. Joining the appeal this time was a considerable collection of ephemera including postcards, cigarette cards, military and railway collectables, with every lot from this great collection selling well!

Silver also did really well, as did toys and militaria. In particular, a very fine example of a WW1 presentation tin complete with the original cigarettes and tobacco attracted multiple bids both in the room and from absentee bidders.

Also, a very good stamp collection in an over-stuffed album went much higher than reserve showing that even the most traditional collector’s items still have huge appeal.

Great Torrington Auctions have been putting sales on in the town now for a year. We have learned a lot from that time and have decided to take some months off to complete a few business changes. Auctions will continue from October, and every three to four months after that, and the new business will be in the same ownership with Wayne Stevens continuing to be your Auctioneer as usual.

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Headway North Devon

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eadway North Devon provides a day centre each Tuesday from 10.30am until 3.30pm at the Salvation Army Church in Barnstaple.

Staffed by volunteers, we provide a safe and friendly environment where people affected by a traumatic brain injury can feel welcome and enjoy a variety of activities.

During the morning we enjoy a range of activities, puzzles, games and general chat and laughter. After a two-course lunch provided by our wonderful cooks, we sometimes get a little competitive and try some quizzing. Alternatively, perhaps a game of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’ or the fun of a bingo session.

Once a month we have either an individual or a group visit to entertain us. We have tried felting, encaustic painting, flower arranging and creating Christmas decorations. Groups who have visited include: The Barnstaple Ladies Choir, The Torridge Shanty Singers, The Barnstaple Wailers, The Elderly Brothers along with many other individuals and groups.

In the summer we usually take a trip or two and have visited places as far apart as The Lost Gardens of Heligan to Bude or Lynmouth. Visits to zoos, alpaca farms and gardens such as Bicton and Knightshayes.

Here are a few testimonies from the people who come to Headway regularly, when asked the question: ‘What benefit do you get from coming to Headway?’

‘Headway has done me a lot of good. I am now more confident. The group is very special. A road accident when I was 7 affected me, I am now 32 and it is the one day I get really excited about.’ Amy. ‘After I had a brain haemorrhage followed by a stroke, Headway helped me to get my confidence back and gave me friendship. I do not feel isolated and on my own being with people who understand my difficulties as they have similar problems.’

Margaret.

Contact Headway North Devon on 07971 174 960 or headwayndmobile@gmail. com.

The next sale will be on October 12th and we will still be taking lot submissions throughout the summer months and right up to 4th October - so don’t delay in booking your items as there is limited space.

Time for a summer clear out! Check your stored items for anything old and unusual. Anything collectable and no longer loved or used such as jewellery

that is never worn, mid-20th Century toys gathering dust, ornamental items that no longer appeal or childhood collections that have been forgotten. Turn those space-takers into cash-makers!

Free auction appraisals are available by appointment so please contact the Auctioneer, Wayne Stevens on 07414 173 673 to book.

Rolle Canal Walk By The Old Milk Factory Site

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or our July walk we focus on the original headquarters and docks of the Rolle Canal Company at the bottom of Mill Street by Taddiport Bridge.

As one would expect, this is where the original Town Mills were situated that used water power from the Torridge to grind flour from locally grown corn to feed the people of Torrington.

When Lord Rolle built his canal in 1825, from the navigable Torridge estuary to bring goods inland from Bideford and abroad and to export locally grown and manufactured products from Torringon, he sited his canal docks and warehouses here by the bridge over the Torridge, at the foot of the main street up into the town.

The tradesmen of Torrington were concerned that their own businesses shouldn’t be undercut by imported goods, and stipulated that no goods could be brought in by canal that would compete with local produce.

This was a time of great developments in transport, with new Turnpike Roads being built for fast travel as well as the canal for heavy goods, although it was still fifty years before the railway arrived. New roads were built and old trackways upgraded to provide efficient transport links to Bideford, Barnstaple, Winkleigh and Hatherleigh, with New Town Mills and the new Rolle Bridge over the Torridge upstream of Castle Hill. These new mills were bigger and better and powered by water carried along a leat from the Torridge a mile upstream (which we visited on our June walk), and from lakes on Lord Rolle’s own Stevenstone estate to the east.

In the 20th century, with the canal having ceased to exist when the railway came to Torrington in the 1870s, a great new milk processing plant was established in the area where the canal headquarters had been. This in turn became derelict by the turn of the millennium, and remains so to the present day. Various regeneration schemes have been attempted but the latest is for a large housing development encompassing the whole factory site.

The Rolle Canal walk on Sunday July 14th follows the line of the canal through the derelict site and then takes footpaths on the Commons around the perimeter of the proposed housing development; across Limers Hill, and down narrow ginnels between Mill Street houses leading to where a pathway down Castle Hill once crossed the canal by a swing bridge to reach the Torridge.

The start is at 2:30pm from the parking area by the factory entrance near Taddiport bridge so it’s really convenient for Torrington and Taddiport residents to come and join in. All are welcome, no need to book, and the only charge is the donation of £2 per person towards the Rolle Canal Society’s work of restoring important features of the canal. The distance is under two miles and it will probably take about two hours. If you need further information, ring 01237 425357 or preferably email hassallc@ymail.com.

Chris Hassall, Walks Organiser.

Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society

A Wife For All Reasons Torrington Players

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ow do you fancy playing one of the most famous Queens in history?

Torrington Players are planning to stage “A Wife for all Reasons” a series of six monologues for the wives of Henry VIII, in the Oak Room (previously the Council Chamber) in October. It will be the first event of this kind to be staged in the newly refurbished Town Hall and since the Oak Room is now licensed to hold marriage ceremonies, what more appropriate venue could there be?

Casting is now taking place and we are looking for a Katheryn Howard (aged late teens or early twenties) and a Jane Seymour (mid - late twenties). If you are interested in taking part please contact Stephanie Easton (01805 622688) as soon as possible and she will be able to give you more details and forward you the necessary script.

Roborough Fest

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oborough Village Hall presents the first Roborough Fest, supporting our community on Saturday 20th July 4-10pm.

Feel the summer vibe and immerse yourself in great music this July, with live performances from Lily Beck, Natalie Simmons, Raw Ambition and Grouve Cat. Enjoy an amazing BBQ included in admission, beer and refreshment tent.

Adults £10; children 12-15 £5; under 5s free. Tickets available from Des Isaac and Committee Members. Tel: 01805 603301/01805 603949.

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Commons News

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he school holidays are the best time for children to get to explore the Commons. If you can sit quietly you may spot many types of birds including green woodpeckers, gold finches, blue tits and the wonderful buzzards soaring above. Or if you prefer to run about and climb, well there is plenty of room for that too!

This month we need to say thank you to Bill Grainger for running a very entertaining quiz in Taddiport Village Hall, with the proceeds coming to the Commons. It was much appreciated, and of course, thanks to everyone who turned up to support it.

One job you might see us out and about doing this month is Himalayan Balsam pulling. This non-native and invasive plant has become dominant in some areas near the river, and we aim to stop it spreading in to new areas, while chipping away at the larger patches. If you walk along the canal side path to the west of Reed’s field you will see some path work where we are raising a section of path which is more bog than path for much of the year. This will make the canal path much more accessible.

Dates for your diary include Sunday July 28th – Wild‘n’Woolly day! Come and meet some very friendly llamas as well as assorted stalls, nature walks and pond dipping. There will also be cake.

August 24th Cavaliers’ Fun Day – live music, beer tent, bouncy castles etc.

October 12th – Auction of promises. If anyone has any offers of any services or prizes we could auction please contact Sue Harrison on 07885 510 400.

Mandy Harrison (Chair GTCC)

Scams

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uestion: About five years ago my father-in-law was the victim of a scam artist who fleeced him out of £5,000. Once he realised, he was devastated and we were able to work with his bank to get some of the money back.

We thought it was all in the past but in the last six months he’s received numerous calls, letters and texts from what look like other scammers. We want to try and keep him safe as his memory isn’t the best, what can we do?

Answer: Unfortunately, falling victim to a scam once can increase exposure to further scams. Citizens Advice has found that once someone has responded to a scam, their personal details can sometimes be sold onto other criminals. This then opens the door to more scam mail, emails, phone calls or home visits.

If you recognise a pattern of unsolicited calls, talk to your father-in-law’s telephone provider and see if you can get these numbers blocked or if you can get something called a ‘standalone call blocker.’ If not, register your father-inlaw’s number with the Telephone Preference Service who can help you to handle unwanted calls.

If your father-in-law is receiving texts it’s important that he never replies, as sometimes there can be costly hidden charges. He can report the texts to his mobile phone provider who will be able to block the number. If he’s already been stung and call cost information wasn’t given, he should report it to Phone-pay Plus.

Mail scammers can often impersonate banks, the local council, or other established and legitimate organisations. You should advise your father-in-law against responding unless he’s sure it’s legitimate and was expecting a letter. If in doubt he should contact the organisation directly to check the letter’s legitimacy. He should be careful to not just ring up the number on the letter as it could be bogus.

In addition, to safeguard your father-in-law from unwanted marketing material or junk mail, register his name and address for free with the Mailing Preference Service which will take his name off some mailing lists.

Doorstep scammers can often be intimidating, and unfortunately they commonly target older and more vulnerable people. If someone comes to the door saying they are from one of his utility companies for example, he should ask to check their credentials. If in doubt, he should phone the company they represent or check online, but once again make sure to not just use the contact details they provide.

Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice For the most up-to-date advice, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk, pop into your local office or call Adviceline on 03444 111 444.

Visit Castle Hill, Torrington on a Tuesday 9:30am to 12:30pm or our Bideford Office in Bridgeland Street; open Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 10am-3pm. www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group

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ome of the most outstanding features of the Brittany landscape are the 3,000 or so prehistoric standing stones that are such a striking aspect of the fields around the village of Carnac, near the Gulf of Morbihan.

Hewn from local granite by the preCeltic people of the area, they were probably erected around 5,000 years ago at about the same time as Stonehenge.

But what were they for?

Some had obvious functions: the tumulus of Saint-Michel, for example.

With a base 125m by 60m and 12m high, and constructed from 35,000 cubic metres of earth and stone, it was found to contain funerary objects – stone chests, pottery and jewellery – having

been a tomb for members of the ruling class.

Dolmens, or cromlechs, consisting of large stones supporting a capstone and covered originally by a mound or cairn, are also thought to be tombs. In many cases, though, the mounds are gone and the bones long-since dissolved by the local acidic soil.

Fleur’s Best Trees

Pyrus salicifolia (Willow-leaved Pear) he Genus Pyrus covers a large family, including edible fruit bearing trees such as ‘Conference’, which is probably the best known dessert pear.

However, there are a number of ornamental pear trees that are ideal for the garden and the Willow-leaved Pear is probably one of the best.

Pyrus salicifolia is native to the Caucasus Mountains, Siberia, Iran into Asia and is widely cultivated as an ornamental, small tree. There is a distinctive weeping variety, ‘Pendula’, of which there is a good example in St Michael’s churchyard.

The height of the species is about 10m (30feet) with a domed crown. The main branches are horizontal with drooping, white woolly twigs.

The leaves are willow-like, alternate, grey-green with silver down on both sides at first, the upper sides becoming glossy green as they mature. Flowers appear in April and are like other pear blossom, white with five petals. The tree bears fruit which is inedible, sour, hard and gritty in texture, being brown when ripe and about 2.5cm in size (1 inch).

The variety ‘Pendula’ has branches which arch downwards naturally, creating a dome-like shape and the leaves are more silvery. It is a very attractive small tree planted as a specimen in the centre of the lawn. Being deciduous, early spring bulbs and flowers could be planted underneath.

Another interesting variety, but now rare, is the ‘Plymouth Pear’ (Pyrus cordata) which is native to Britain, France and the Iberian Peninsula. White flowers appear with the leaves in spring, in loose clusters, the leaves being oval to heart-shaped.

The fruits are pear-shaped, red and shiny when ripe. It is most likely to be found growing in ancient hedgerows or woods, reaching a height of about 8 metres.

Fleur

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Perhaps the most perplexing features are the arrangements of large stones known as alignments. In the Ménec alignment, eleven converging rows of menhirs – large stones –covering an area more than 1100 metres by 100, the stones are four metres high at the eastern and western extremes and barely half a metre in the middle. By contrast, the Kermario alignment forms a fan-like pattern of 1029 stones, arranged in ten columns and extending to 1300 metres.

Over the years, various theories

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Later, the idea that the stones served as astronomical observatories gained ground, although we may never know for certain exactly what they represented or what function they performed.

If you would like to know more about our group and our counterparts in Brittany, please call Nick on 01805 625765 or Antony on 01271 549454.

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15

What’s On in Great Torrington?

At a loose end? Need to find a new hobby or activity? There should be something here for you!

If you run a sports club or community activity in Great Torrington or the surrounding area, or the exisiting information we have needs amending, please send details in to: torrington.crier@gmail.com.

Monthly diary events are on page 12, making it easier to find what’s on!

SUPPORT & FRIENDSHIP GROUPS FOODBANK Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church and Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill Singing for health, for older people, those with dementia and their carers. 10.30am-12pm, Torrington Community Hospital. £1.50 donation per session. For details call 01805 622666.

(First & third Wed of the month) Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly coffee morning every 1st Wed of the month 10.30am-12.30pm @ Phase 1 Common Room, Ethelwynne Brown Close, East the Water Bideford Men’s Shed: Football Club, School Lane 9am-12.30pm.

Come and see us in action, every Tuesday & Thursday.

Contact Colin on 01805 624030 Memory Cafe 10.30am -12.30pm, Methodist Church at the top of Mill Street. Every second Thursday Torridge Gingerbread Group, every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com or find us on Facebook.

U.S. Social Group. Get out and meet new friends. We meet every Monday at 8pm @ the Panniers in Barnstaple (Weatherspoons). The age range is 40 plus. Varied interests

including skittles, dancing, meals out etc. Mixed social group for people on their own.

‘Hearing Loss Support Group’ Social group via our bus at Bideford Pill Car Park, (opposite the Burton Art Gallery), every first Thursday of the month between 2 and 4pm. Call 01271 373236 Torrington Friendship Club for town residents - over 65.

Weekly social event, every Thursday Methodist Church Hall 2-4pm. Contact Margaret Woodman 01805 622096 Anxiety Support Group every Friday 11am-12.30pm at Lincontro Coffee Shop, South St, Torrington, all welcome.

Facebook – Great Torrington & Surrounding Areas Anxiety Support Group Get Together Friends of Torrington (GTFOT) monthly meal, film, Beetle Drive for over 60s. Contact Marcia 07881 875 846 or drop into the Bickford Centre for coffee and a chat on Wednesday mornings.

Headway North Devon day centre each Tuesday for people with an acquired brain injury, at the Salvation Army Church, Oakleigh Road, Barnstaple, EX32 8JT. 07971 174 960 or email headwaynorthdevon@hotmail.co.uk for further information.

HEALTH, SPORT & FITNESS (ADULTS & CHILDREN) Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training above TVSC, Mondays 6.15pm boxers; Tuesdays 6.30pm Recreational boxers (fitness); Wednesdays 6.30pm carded boxers only; Thursdays 6.30pm Recreational boxers (fitness), Fridays 6.15pm boxers; Saturdays 9.30-11am Junior BoxFit (6 to 10 year olds) Running club every Monday & Wednesday at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm every Wednesday Wendy’s Fitness for Life classes every Thursday at the Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 Slimming World Join us at Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street.

Tuesdays 5:30 & 7:30pm. Thursdays 9.30am,11.30am & 5.30pm. Lisa 07515 256 965 Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am @ Libbaton Golf Club Fitness with Friends: Castle Community Centre Torrington, gentle exercise class, every Monday weekly in term time, 2 -3.30pm, £3 donation, 01805 622666 Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm juniors, adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 01769 561387 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon & Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre.

Outdoor Bowling at the Green, Castle Street, Castle Street.

Every Monday and Friday 2pm or 6pm. Visitors will be made most welcome. Secretary John Pitts 01805 439100 or visit www.greattorringtonbowlingclub.co.uk

REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES

Gt Torrington Parish Church Services: Thursdays 10.30am Said Mass, Coffee morning 11am-12.30pm; Fridays 8.30am Said Mass; Sundays Parish Church Eucharist 10am & Sunday Club Encounter. Modern worship, exploring faith, meeting with others. Encounter God. Great coffee and cakes.7pm High Bickington Community Centre. Every second Sunday.

Catholic Church of the Holy Family Mass every Sun 9.15am Torrington Methodist Church, services at 10.30am & 6.30pm every Sunday, please see diary for any changes.

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Hatha Yoga Thursdays 10-11.30am, Castle Community Centre, South Street, Torrington, 01805 93812 or 07789 020 668. Email: ruthchambers@gmail.com Pilates in Yarnscombe on Mondays & Tuesdays, contact: Sue 07896 326 024 email sue.spiritunleashed@gmail.com Function Fitness classes 01805 622719: Mondays: X-fit 7am, Spin 9.30am, Total Balance 10.30am, Spin 5.30pm, Pump 45 6.30pm, Hiit circuits 7.30pm Tuesdays: Pump 9.30am, Spin 6.00pm, Legs, Bums, Tums 7pm Wednesdays: X-fit 7am, Spin 9.30am, Youth Inductions 3.45pm, Boxfit 6pm, Ergo rowing circuit 7pm Thursdays: Pump 9.30am, Barre Concept 5.30pm, Spin 6.30pm, Pump 45 7.30pm Fridays: X-fit 7am, Spin 9.30am, Kettlebells & bars 10.30am, Spin 6pm, Pole Fitness 7pm Saturdays: Spin 8am, Pump 9am, Barre Concept 10.15am Sundays: Sunday Circuit 8am, Spin/core/stretch 9am Pilates with Lou Banfield ‘LB Movement’ @ Function Fitness: Mondays 12.15pm & 1.30pm, Tuesdays 6pm & 7pm, Wednesdays 1.30pm, 5.45pm & 6.45pm, Fridays 10.30am Authentic Wado-Ryu Karate-Do “Ken Shu Kan”, Function Fitness. Classes for beginners Mondays 7-7.45pm (12yrs+) Thursdays 6-6.45pm (6-11yrs) & 7-7.45pm (12yrs+) Saturdays 1.30-2.15pm (12yrs+), www.devonwadoryu.co.uk

Grosvenor Church Torrington, The Plough10.30am, with an exciting children’s programme. Every Sunday. Tim 07798 670 754.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bradford Village Hall, Holemoor, Bradford, Holsworthy, EX22 7AB. Sunday Sacrament service 10-11am Torrington Baptist Church, services every Sunday at 10.30am.

St Giles, Little Torrington all services at 11.15am

CHILDREN’S CLUBS, TODDLER GROUPS & PRE-SCHOOLS 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm l torringtondistrictguiding@ talktalk.net 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Rugby Club every Mon term time 6.30-8pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 623212 torringtondistrictguiding@talktalk.net 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.30-8pm Emma Keil torringtondistrictguiding@talktalk.net Beaford Guides at Beaford School Tuesdays term time only 7.15pm till 8.45pm Bridget Wade 07830 797 050 or email BeafordGuides@outlook.com Beaford Rainbows will meet at Beaford school on Tuesdays 4.15 till 5.15pm for more information please contact Leanne 07842344302 or Email rainbows@girlguidingbeaford.co.uk Beaford Brownies meet at Beaford School on Tuesdays 5.30pm till 7pm contact Bridget Wade on 07830 797 050 or email beafordbrownies@outlook.com 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 1st.torrington. guides@gmail.com SCOUTS IN TORRINGTON - All Scouts groups meet at the Scout Hall, Gas Lane. Contact for all groups is Kirsty Pells on 07887 557 574 or email kirsty.pells@btinternet.com 1st Torrington Beaver Scouts (age 6-8) meet during term time on Tuesdays 6-7:30pm.

1st Torrington Cub Scouts (age 8-10) meet during term time on Mondays 6-7:30pm 1st Torrington Scouts (age 10-14) meet during term time on Monday 7:30-9pm.

Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @ High Bickington Community

Centre ALLSORTS Children’s Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 6.30-8pm. School years 1-6. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 ALLSORTS Plus Youth Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 8-9.15pm. School years 6 and upwards. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 Little Otters Baby & Toddler Group, every Friday, 9am-11.30am, at The Clinton Hall, Merton Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Church every Thurs term time 9.30am -11.30am £1.50 per family.

Jill 01805 624387 Toddler Group 9.3011am every Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am-3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact - 07870 509 674 Little Otters Pre-School, at The Clinton School, Merton MonThurs, 9am till 3.30pm, with lunch club 12–1pm, term time.

For more details 01805 603357 admin@clinton.devon.sch.uk Grow Curious Toddlers, every Friday 9:15am. Grow Curious Babies, every Friday 11:15am, both at Torrington Children’s Centre to book visit grow.org.uk or call 01271 371961.

LEISURE, HOBBIES & ENTERTAINMENT (ADULTS & CHILDREN) Plough Workshops: every Monday: Yoga 6:30-8pm; Folk Orchestra 7-9pm; every Tuesday: Yoga 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30-7:30pm; Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm; every Thursday: French Conversation with Sylvie Guers 6-7pm; Sapta Dance 11am-12:30pm; Tai Chi 2.15-3.15pm. every second Thursday Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm; every Friday: Sarah Anne Westcott School of Dance 4-7.15pm; Art on Friday, twice per month 10.30am-2pm; every Saturday: Plough Youth Theatre 9:45am-5:15pm; first Sunday of the month: Plough Story Telling Circle 2.30-5.30pm Bideford Camera Club meets on Tuesdays, 7:30pm, at Bideford Methodist Hall, 60 High Street, Bideford. Phone: 01237 421391, email: enqs@bidefordcameraclub.co.uk.

Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4pm Doug 01805 622648 Beryl 01805 624294 all welcome (every second Saturday) Tai Chi 12.30pm every Thursday, Torrington Community Hospital. Ageing Well on 01805 622666. £2.50 donation Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm Tarka Pottery Adult Pottery Classes every Thursday in term time:10-12 noon, 1.30-3.30pm and 7-9pm 07931 306 414.

Every Tuesday in term time: 10-12 noon and 7-9pm t: 07931 306 414 Papercrafts & scrapbooking club every Thursday 7-9.30pm, The Owl Barn Studio, EX22 7LW, £2 bring your own project or try something new, 07853 319 250 or owlbarnstudio@ btinternet.com English Folk Dancing 8pm every Fri @ Northam Village Hall with Bideford Ceilidh Club. Info John 01237 476632 Writers Poets & Listeners every first Thursday 7.30pm Conservative Club Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meet every Thursday from 9am till about 3pm at Torrington Station (the Puffing Billy), unless weather is appalling. Variety of tasks. 07881 905 260.

Bingo at St Giles Parish Hall, eyes down at 7.30pm, last Thursday of the month Torrington Craft Group, every Monday 1-4pm in the

Methodist Church Hall £10 per month or £3.50 per session including refreshments, Jeanne Singleton 01805 622650 Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm £1.50 inc tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Probus Club meets at the Black Horse, High Street, Torrington, 10am. Every fourth Thursday.

Torrington Rotary Club meet weekly on Tuesdays at Torrington Golf Club (6pm for 6:30pm) - Secretary Rick Smale on 01805 622419. Prospective members, and members from other Rotary Clubs most welcome.

Learn Bellringing for free: Most Mondays 7.30pm at Monkleigh Church and Wednesday, 7.30pm at Torrington Church, contact - Clive Ward 0771078 885 or monk2364@icloud.com Art on Friday meets every second and fourth Friday at The Plough Arts Centre 10.30am-2.30pm. New members always welcome. Contact Hazel 01805 623757.

Great Torrington WI meets second Wednesday of each month excluding June (outing) & August (picnic). 7pm at the Methodist Rooms. Visitors & new members welcome.

Phoenix Line Dancing Club. Beginner/improver line dance classes at Weare Gifford Village Hall Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm.

All ages and abilities welcome. Ian 07833 720 050 or Marilyn 07825 278 405.

Dance & Tea with Mazzy B, afternoon tea, then an hour’s fun introduction to line dancing. Fridays 2-4pm Northam Community Centre 07825 278 405 Bideford Folk Dance Club 7.30pm Wednesdays in term time at Northam Hall. Further details from Chris on 01237 423554 Torridge Ramblers walk footpaths in the Torridge area with additional walks further afield. For details of the programme contact 01805 625485 or 01237 429080

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“Committed to top quality workmanship, professionalism and customer satisfaction” • Specialist finishes/effects • Wallpapering • Period properties • Tim Parkinson City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 Qualified • Fully insured Tel: 01805 623678 Mob: 07522 880 484 E: tiptopdecorating@outlook.com

Diary

Castle Hill Breakfast rolls, coffee and cake 10am to noon, meat raffle, 1st prize £25, 2nd prize £15, takeaway available. In aid of To place an entry in the diary, please Weare Giffard Village hall refurb/rebuild. email torrington.crier@gmail.com, or Plough Walk: Daytime Haunted History write your entry in the diary on the Tour at ThePloughStAnne’s, Barnstaple Library counter.

11.30am Diary entries are not created from articles Plough Music/Comedy: received, if you submit an article about Alistair McGowan: an event and would also like it feature in Introductions to Classical the diary section, please submit in diary Piano 8pm Plough Poetry: format.

Outspoken! Jackie Juno’s Stand-Up Poetry Show at ThePlough@StAnne’s 8:30pm

July 2019 Monday 1st

Sunday 7th

Plough Films: Pick of the Litter (PG) Plough Exhibitions until 3rd August Adult 3pm; Rocketman (15) 5pm; Against the Art Art Classes at Petroc on the Artists Tides (12A) 8pm Wall and Mark Rochester Plough Cruise: Haunted History Cruise at Ilfracombe 7pm Tuesday 2nd Foodbank Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Plough Storytelling: Plough Storytelling Circle 3pm Baptist Church Fun Family Dog Show High Bickington Plough Films: Rocketman (15) 3pm; Pick of the Litter (PG) 6pm;High Life (18) Community Centre, Pedigree, Family and handling classes, £1 per entry.

8pm Judging starts 11am, profits to Devon Wednesday 3rd Air Ambulance and North Devon Canine Plough Films: Birds of Passage (15) Association 5pm; Donbass (15) 8pm

Thursday 4th

Plough Dance: Inspire! 7pm Plough Walk: South Molton Ghost Walk at ThePlough@TheGeorge 7:30pm

Friday 5th

Plough Films: Tucked (15) 6pm; Rocketman (15) 8pm Plough Café: Pie & Pint Night 6-8pm Plough Music: Jim Causley ‘Traditional Songs of Devon’ at ThePlough@ TheGeorge 8pm

Saturday 6th.

Foodbank Saturday 10am-12noon at

Monday 8th

Plough Workshop: Introduction to Watercolours with John Piper 7-9:30pm, until 29th July

Tuesday 9th

Foodbank Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church Plough Films: Against the Tides (12A) 5:30pm; Tucked (15) 8pm Little Torrington WI 7.30pm in Village Hall, Churworthy Cheese making and talk/demo visitors welcome.

Wednesday 10th

Great Torrington WI Methodist Rooms

7pm. Simon Dawson, City Suits to Welly Boots. Visitors welcome.

Plough Films: Donbass (15) 5:30pm; Birds of Passage (15) 8pm Plough Open-air Theatre: Illyria: ‘The Tempest’ at RHS Garden Rosemoor 7pm

Thursday 11th

BINGO at Beaford village hall! Doors open 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm. Bar, tea and coffee available. Free parking and cash prizes. Second Thursday of every month Plough Theatre: Above Bounds: ‘A Tissue! A Tissue!’ (KS1) & families 10:30am & 1pm Plough Films: Dead Good (12A) 5:30pm; Rocketman (15) 8pm Plough Walk: Ghost Walk: Rail & River at ThePlough@StAnne’s 7:30pm Plough Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm

COPY DEADLINE AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER CRIER 12 NOON TODAY

Friday 12th

Plough Open-air Theatre: The Rude Mechanicals ‘Ikarus Inc’ at Tapeley Park 7pm Plough Music: Gigspanner Big Band 8pm BINGO Yarnscombe Village Hall, eyes down 7.30pm

Saturday 13th

Foodbank Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill Beaford Village Hall Market 10.30am to 12.30am tasty breakfast baps, coffee and cake and a chance to buy from a range of stalls. Car washing £5. New stall holders welcome, please ring 01805 603199 or 01805 603046 for details.

Plough Open-air Theatre: Illyria: ‘Ali Baba’ at Yarnscombe Village Hall 5pm

Plough Films: X-Men: Dark Phoenix (12A) 5:30pm; Rocketman (15) 8pm Plough Music: Hungrytown at ThePlough@TheGeorge 8pm

Sunday 14th

Rolle Canal history walk. 2:30pm start at Milk factory entrance by Taddiport Bridge. See article elsewhere in the Crier.

Plough Films: Power to Change 5pm; X-Men: Dark Phoenix (12A) 8pm Plough Music: Hungrytown at ThePlough@StAnne’s 7:30pm

Tuesday 16th

Foodbank Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church Plough Theatre: The Plough Youth Theatre Juniors: ‘Alice in Wonderland’ 7pm

Wednesday 17th

Plough Theatre: The Plough Youth Theatre Juniors: ‘Alice in Wonderland’ 7pm Plough Storytelling: ‘Dance of the Stick Fighting Warriors’ at ThePlough@ StAnne’s 8pm

Thursday 18th

Plough Films: Sometimes Always Never (12A) 5:30pm; X-Men: Dark Phoenix (12A) 8pm The Plough Quiz Night 8:15pm Roborough Fest 4-10pm. Live music BBQ, beer & refreshments. All welcome.

Sunday 21st

Thursday 25th Friday 26th

Plough Films: Aladdin (PG) 5pm; Men in Black International 8pm Plough Open-air Theatre: Illyria: ‘Ali Baba’ at RHS Garden Rosemoor 5pm BINGO Yarnscombe Village Hall, eyes down 7.30pm

Saturday 27th

Foodbank Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill

Plough Satellite: Andre Rieu Concert 3pm

Saturday 20th

Wednesday 31st

Plough Open-air Theatre: Heartbreak: Plough Open-air Theatre: Illyria: ‘Ali ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Castle Hill, Filleigh Baba’ at Hartland Abbey 5pm 6pm Plough Satellite: RSC Live: ‘Measure For Measure’ 7pm

Plough Open-air Theatre: Illyria: ‘Frankenstein’ at Fyne Court, Somerset 7pm Plough Music: Limehouse Lizzy (Standing Gig) 8pm

Friday 19th

Monday 29th

Plough Films: Secret Life of Pets 2 Plough Films: Sometimes Always Never 11am; Rocketman (15) 5pm; Sometimes Always Never (12A) 8pm (12A) 3pm; Dead Good (12A) 5pm; Rocketman (15) 8pm Tuesday 30th Plough Cruise: Haunted History Cruise Foodbank Tuesday 10am-12noon at the at Ilfracombe 7pm Baptist Church Tuesday 23rd Plough Films: Secret Life of Pets 2pm; Foodbank Tuesday 10am-12noon at the Aladdin (PG) 4pm; Sometimes Always Baptist Church Never (12A) 8pm Plough Open-air Theatre: Illyria: Plough Workshop: Stop Motion Studio ‘Frankenstein’ at Lapford Mill 7pm Animation Workshop 10am & 1:30pm

Foodbank Saturday 10am-12noon at Castle Hill Plough Walk: A Walk Back in Time – Barnstaple at ThePlough@StAnne’s 11:30am Plough Theatre: Knitbone Pepper Ghost Dog at ThePlough@StAnne’s 4pm Plough Satellite: Andre Rieu Concert 7pm Coffee Morning Beaford Village Hall 10:30am

Plough Music: Trade Roots (Wren Music) 7:30pm Plough Walk: Torrington Ghost Walk 7:30pm

Plough Open-air Theatre: Box Tree: ‘The Legend of King Arthur’ at Arlington Court 6pm Plough Film: Men in Black International 8pm

Sunday 28th

Plant Swap

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here will be a Plant Swap on Saturday 14th September 10am-12am at the Torrington 1646 garden, which is just off South Street Car Park.

Bring along your plants, swap them and take home some real gems. There will also be some plants for sale if you haven’t any to swap.

The event is organised by Torrington Labour Party for the Torrington community and surrounding area.

Heavy Duty Gardening Compact Tractor & Loader Flail/Topper Mowing Rotavating, log sawing/splitting Wood chipping, hedge trimming etc.

Garden overhaul and tidy Small/odd jobs done around the farm 18

Michael Harris, Petrockstowe 01837 811283

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Why Advertise in The Crier?

Nick Marsland Building Surveyor

FREE Online business directory entry FREE Clickable adverts to your website in the online Crier FREE colour cover advert with 5 large adverts booked Your special offers promoted FREE on our Facebook page Affordable rates and FREE design of your advert Call Esther on 01805 601964 Email torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com

From Your County Councillor…

I

t has been another busy month representing you on Devon County Council. One of the main projects I’ve been working on these past couple of months has been the launch of a new Youth Group within Torrington.

Thanks to the support of volunteers, the Town Council and the work of the Youth Genesis charity, a new youth club is being run every Friday during term time at the Methodist Church. Having been present at the planning for this, and having helped fund the training of the youth workers through my Locality Budget, I thought I should ‘put my money where my mouth is’ and lead by example and volunteer to be a youth worker myself!

As a County Councillor, I take a close interest in youth provision and the welfare of our young people more generally. We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of Devon, but equally growing up in a rural or town community can bring its own challenges.

That is why I volunteered to be a youth worker with this project and it is great that we now have this Club up and running in Torrington. I hope in time it will attract young people, not only from the town, but also the surrounding rural communities too.

The launch of this new youth club coincides with the recommissioning of Devon County Council’s youth services.

As a member of the Children’s Scrutiny Committee I have been involved in

some of the early discussions, and I was pleased that Devon will be retaining a universal offer that will be boosted by targeted outreach work to support more vulnerable young people. I’ve also made representations that the rurality of Devon is considered during this recommissioning. While large youth centres in Bideford, Barnstaple and Okehampton do a great job in those communities, for some of the villages I represent these towns are a very long way away. We shouldn’t ignore the needs of young people in our villages simply because they don’t live near a large town.

In other news, Devon County Council has launched a new series of community grants. These have largely replaced the old ‘Town and Parish’ funds and there are three new grants. There is the ‘Doing What Matters’ fund which offers one off funds between £5,000 to £25,000 for community based projects that are 25% match funded. The second fund is the ‘Crowdfund Devon’ which is set up to support crowdfunding initiatives from community groups, start-up businesses, charities and individuals. And finally, there is the ‘Making the Connection’ fund which offers one off grants of up to £300, to provide small amounts of grant funding to community led schemes that bring people together and achieve, relatively quickly, the small but important things that matter to them.

I know several projects within Torrington Rural have already benefited from funding from these schemes, and if you would like more details please email me and I will provide you or your group

Instant Images Embroidery We work closely with our customers to offer quality embroidered and printed garments.

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46 South Street, Torrington Tel: 01805 938002 instantimages.devon@btinternet.com www.instantimagesembroidery.co.uk

For all your quality bespoke wooden Gates, Sheds, Stable Blocks & Timber

Get Ready for Summer with our Garden Furniture and Accessories

Do come down and see us at Victoria Sawmills, Merton EX20 3EG, 01805 603429 www.torridgegates.co.uk

with more information.

Over the summer I will be out and about in both Torrington and our villages, let’s hope the weather will be as good over the summer as it was last year! As ever, if there are any County Council matters you are concerned about, you can ring me on 07886 446560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.

Perfect Pooches!

H

i I’m Katrina, a professional dog groomer with many years’ experience. I am now very pleased to announce I’m available for bookings at ‘The Classy Canine’, working alongside Kayleigh in her lovely salon.

As well as many of my regular customers, I am now taking on new clients so if you would like to make a booking or speak to me regarding your requirements, please contact me.

I look forward to seeing you. Call 07522 133 180.

Pannier Market News Please Support Your Market!

P

lease support your weekly markets on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am-2pm. ‘Use it or lose it’! The next food markets are on June 29th and July 27th.

Attention Traders! Pitches are available at a new lower price of £5 a day, and if you trade on a Friday you get Saturday free! Please contact Kay on 07398 234 579 or email torringtonpanniermarket@gmail.com.

Professional Dog Groomer Tel: 07522 133 180

4 Well Street, Torrington, EX38 8EP

NDM Designs 01271 345922 07899 071270 ndmdesigns@outlook.com

Architectural services for planning and building regulations

Milk from the Farm in Torrington!

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he Milkiosk is a family-run business providing fresh, whole milk through milk vending machines. The idea of The Milkiosk came to me when a man stopped at the farm and asked if we sold milk, which set the ball rolling. I looked into the feasibility of this and really liked the idea of giving people the option of food with greater traceability, low food miles and the ability to reduce their plastic consumption (glass bottles available to purchase).

The milk sold from our two machines has only been pasteurised at 63°C for 30mins, meaning its taste is very similar to raw milk, without the potential hazards associated with raw milk. Another difference is that we haven’t homogenised the milk, meaning that the cream will rise to the top, which some people love on their cereal, if not, shaking the glass bottle will mix the cream evenly. Our milk also hasn’t been standardised meaning that what the cows produce is what you get. Standardisation is the process by which all fat and protein is removed and added back to make a standard litre.

Standardised milk is approximately 3.8% fat whereas ours will vary slightly from day to day but is usually 4.2% fat, so still low. This shows how processed this milk is, compared to ours, undergoing only one gentle process.

Our cows are Holsteins and are grass fed in the fields during the summer when the weather is good, then housed during the winter when it is too wet for them to go out. Their accommodation has cow mattresses for them to lie on, an all you can eat buffet, and they listen to BBC Radio 2.

Our philosophy is: ‘healthy and happy cows produce the best milk’.

Milk and bottles are available in Ware’s Butchers on South Street.

Architectural Design Service

N

DM Designs was started by Nick Marsland in 2006, offering an architectural design service to residents in the North Devon area.

Nick has always had a passion for producing accurate drawings which started way back in the era of using a drawing board and a pen. Nowadays of course, methods have modernised and he uses computer aided design, but the ethos of the accuracy of the plan remains.

He began his career working for an architectural practice in Derbyshire, and soon after worked for the National Trust tasked with creating a portfolio of drawings of all their farm properties in the High Peak Estate in Derbyshire.

Having worked as a Building Surveyor for the last 30 years, employed by the Local Authority and more recently by a Devon based multi-disciplinary property consultancy, there has always been the need to complete accurate surveys leading to producing accurate drawings.

Nick specialises in producing drawings for planning and building regulations, covering a wide range from house extensions, barn conversions, garages, loft conversions right through to new builds for the domestic market, and is happy to consult with owners on any type of development project.

Nick has accumulated a vast experience of the building industry and keeps his knowledge up to date with the latest innovations. He offers a free initial consultation where he will look at the feasibility of a potential project with the client, and provide a fee quote for the necessary works.

If you think Nick may be able to help you with a project please contact ndmdesigns@outlook.com or tel. 07899 071 270.

Please remember to support our local businesses and ‘Think Local First’! To feature in these pages is free for advertisers, please contact Esther Williams on torrington. crieradverts@gmail.com 01805 601964 for information.

Torridge Gates & Timber Products

S

tarting out as a two-man show working out of a farmyard, to taking on the lease of the regionally-famous Victoria Sawmills in Merton, Torridge Gates has been growing organically through passion and reputation and having built a team of conscientious professionals we understand customer care and flexibility.

Whether you are looking for beautifully handcrafted wooden entrance and pedestrian gates or field gates, we offer many different styles. We can build bespoke garden structures, sheds, summer houses, stables and garages, erect fencing and have a full range of garden furniture to choose from, and if you like we can copy furniture you may have seen.

It doesn’t stop there, providing fire logs, kindling and stocking a full range of timber, gate and fencing accessories; we are happy to provide businesses and individuals with their requirements.

Full-service delivery and installation of all our products can be arranged.

With decades of experience and a passion for quality, you will be in safe hands.

See advert for more information.

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TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport

Ring and Ride services operate in the following areas: Mondays from Westward Ho! and Bideford Tuesdays Torrington Wednesdays from Hartland Thursdays High Bickington and south of the area.

Fridays Bideford

Further details from: Shirley Davies 07776 414740

From Your District Councillors

T

he first item

on the agenda at this month’s Community and Resources committee meeting was a petition submitted to the council to protect the starlings roosting under Bideford Long Bridge from the effects of the town’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Members of the public spoke about witnessing the starlings, distressed by the firework display, flying into buildings, people and the river itself during last year’s event. The option of a ‘silent fireworks’ display did not offer a suitable solution and it was decided that alternative locations for the New Year’s Eve fireworks would be investigated.

The second issue of the meeting was over the provision at Bideford Higher Cemetery for the burial of Torridge residents of faiths other than Christianity.

It was agreed that a small, separate area of land should be allocated for this purpose.The next Internal Overview and Scrutiny committee will be looking at Westward Ho! park again after plans to develop it were halted in March, since this decision was ‘called-in’ by four anonymous councillors before the election, with no reason given. We have suggested that the rules for such call-ins might need attention when the constitution is reviewed.

At the next External O&S meeting we will be hearing from the NFU and in

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

Probus Member Honoured in Berlin

From Your District Councillor

T

orridge District Councillors have now settled into the Committees they wish to be members of, making decisions for the whole of the District area. Most of them have three minutes for public speaking, so please get engaged in exchanging views, which are most welcome.

For me it is the most controversial Planning Committee that most shy away from, and also the Standards Committee, making sure that the Code of Conduct is always at the fore of Councillors’ work.

We have had some very important planning applications recently, that attracted a huge response from our community, and the grass roots knowledge has been so important in challenging them both at our Town Council planning meetings, and sending responses to Torridge. All letters are read and site visits are made by the Committee. Please do come along to the local meetings or send a letter, let us know if you support applications or why you cannot do so.

Changes in the car parking meters have been quite a challenge for many users in local car parks and we now need to read the notices carefully before pressing the ok button, also in place is the charging point for the electric cars that need to top up.

Our Pannier Market continues to have problems with flooding, this is being addressed by TDC ,however it has not detracted from the increasing support of our community and the very busy days where you can get a cup of tea and purchase locally-grown and home-made produce and meet friends for a chat.

Here for you.

Margaret Brown, email: Margaret.Brown@ torridge.gov.uk,01805 624375 particular about the potential effects of Brexit on agriculture. We’re also looking at items/agencies to put on the forward plan and would welcome suggestions. A follow-up meeting with representatives from the 1610 leisure trust is scheduled for later in the year, and we hope to hear about improvements.

After an incident in Torrington, it was brought to our attention that Emergency First Responders have been using the pay and display machines when parking their cars before getting to the emergency, which slows them down. We

followed this up with TDC and they have confirmed that they would never issue a ticket to a First Responder on a call out; they have asked that First Reponders instead display official notices on their dashboards, meaning they will now be able to get to the people in need that little bit quicker.

To tell us about concerns in your area, please email or call us about it.

E-mail: Cllr.Cottle-Hunkin@Torridge.gov. uk; 07495 367 801 E-mail: Councillor.Bright@Torridge.gov. uk; 07936 325 909

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orrington Probus member Bob Mather was among 16 veterans of the Berlin Airlift invited by the authorities in Berlin to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ending of the Russian blockade.

The trip included a tour of the city and on the day before the ceremony, they were escorted with police outriders to The Allied War Museum for a lavish celebration which included an enormous cake in the shape of a Hastings aircraft and where, you were not allowed to hold an empty glass! Towards the end of the evening speeches were given by the German Defence Minister, the British and American Ambassadors and the Commander in Chief of NATO, after which the veterans were escorted down an avenue of soldiers holding flaming torches to a small stand in the corner of the square containing seats bearing their names. Facing the stand was a large band with more torch bearers standing behind. In front of the band was a long narrow dais on to which all the dignitaries filed, all standing with their backs to the veterans. All the military attaches followed and stood behind them at ground level, again with their backs to the veterans. Bob said “We were not sure what to make of this”. However, the band played an appropriate programme of music which ended with the German national anthem and then to the veterans’ surprise all the dignitaries turned to face them, bowed and applauded them for quite some time.

Bob’s comment “Very moving experience.”

The ceremony itself took place in Luftbruckeplatz the next morning and was attended by 50,000 Berliners. In which wreaths were laid at the giant memorial to the 76 fliers who died in the airlift and whose names are engraved in copper plates round its base A sumptuous lunch in the old Tempelhof airport building followed with an exhibition mounted on the airfield. The tour was completed with visits to the British Cemetary at Charlottenburg where there are 1,600 graves, (about 80% of them RAF aircrews shot down in the Battle of Berlin) and the Havelsee where the Sunderland flying boats landed bringing in the salt.

There were last day farewells before embarking for London and another night at the Doubletree by Hilton before the journey home to Devon.

For Probus membership: Mike Evans 01805 601166.

98th Umberleigh Garden Show, Fête & Dog Show

Saturday 3rd August 2019 2.30pm Umberleigh Village Hall Bar, cream teas, crafts, live music, games, children’s activities and much more.

Download your show schedule from the Umberleigh Village Hall website: www. umberleighvillagehall.co.uk.

Admission £1, children free. (Dog Show commences 2.15pm)

Torrington RFC

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n apology… In the paragraph of award recipients, in last month’s edition, I forgot to include Sam Gilbert. Sam was awarded the Coaches’ Player Trophy. So apologies Sam. This is a traditionally quiet time for the Club as it is very much closed season.

With players and coaches resting from the rigours of the season gone, but quietly preparing for the new season and all that it should bring.

At the end of the season we hosted a touring side from Westbury RFC. Hospitality was provided at the club and beyond, as many of the tourists enjoyed a good weekend. A game of rugby was played too. A scratch team of players, ex-players and invited players gave a good account of themselves and a good game was played. The scoreline became an irrelevance as players swapped jerseys to play for the other side in a good natured, true spirited game.

With little else to report, enjoy the sunshine, when it happens.

C’mon Torrie Respect, Discipline, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship & Teamwork Mark Waterson

The Café and Garden @1646 Delicious organic soups, locally made bread and cakes All meat supplied by RS Wares. Free range eggs.

High Teas 2 days pre-order £12.95pp 2 for £25, £5 non- refundable deposit DOGS ON LEADS WELCOME IN THE FOYER ADJACENT TO THE CAFÉ & IN THE GARDEN. FREE WIFI. Open daily 9am-4pm, Wednesdays 10am-2.30pm, closed on Sunday

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Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626146 Email: 1646@great-torrington.com

Howe Concert Hall, Castle Street, Torrington Tuesday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Thursday 9:30am, 11:30am & 5:30pm Contact Lisa 07515 256 965

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FREE SCRAP METAL COLLECTION Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Cookers, Microwaves, Car Batteries, Boilers, Alloys etc.

Collect from Torrington, Bideford, Barnstaple, Holsworthy & surrounding areas Contact James on 07714 819 415 Licensed Waste Carrier No: CBDU269392

Vintage Tractor Run

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n 19th May a memorable Vintage Tractor Run was held to raise money for the St Mary’s Church Atherington Regeneration Fund. The event, which was organised by Harold Jennings and a team of volunteers, started from Umberleigh Village Hall. The 26-mile route, which covered Umberleigh, Atherington, Tawstock, Yarnscombe, High Bickington and back to Umberleigh again, raised the amazing sum of £1806 (which included £412 from the raffle).

The tractor drivers and their passengers started the morning with a welcome hot drink and a selection of homemade cakes. The weather was perfect: not too hot, with some sunny intervals and a gentle breeze. There were 57 tractors taking part and they followed the prearranged route which Harold had meticulously prepared.

The convoy was led out by Tony Drayton, with Harold (who was wearing a jaunty bowler hat) at the rear, to ensure that no problems occurred en-route. Marshals were placed along the roads to guarantee that everyone followed the correct course.

On the days leading up to the event, a team of volunteers were busy shopping, cooking and preparing the dining hall. In addition to the many cakes at the start of the Run, the finish consisted of a cooked lunch of cottage pie with accompanying vegetables, plus an incredible choice of homemade desserts (or a selection of cheeses and biscuits for those who preferred it).

Harold and his team would sincerely like to thank everyone involved who helped to make this such a successful and unforgettable day. This includes the generous donations of meat, potatoes, cheese, draw prizes, cakes, puddings - and to all those who willingly gave of their valuable time. A big thank you also to Umberleigh Village Hall and Atherington Pavilion.

Futures Group Update

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he funding for the new town website has been awarded (via Awards for All) and members involved will be designing and building the site within the near future.

The new site will replace the previous site built by the Town Team and run by the Chamber of Trade - ‘This is Torrington’- and will hope to become the ‘front cover’ of the main website for (in particular) tourists and visitors to find and use.

It will also hope to signpost ALL other relevant organisation websites that work or are active within Great Torrington, linking to their own websites.

We will be approaching organisations (both voluntary and business) for information concerning links, content, headings and website needs, so here is our first ask: Websites look and feel out of date very quickly, keeping it up to date and alive helps reflect well on both your organisation and the town and gives visitors a sense of confidence in the area’s organisational provision.

I hope this will become available online before September.

John Eeles /Ian Ashelford for the Great Torrington Future Group gt.futuregroup@gmail.com

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RHS Rosemoor Events

ose Festival: With two of the largest and most beautiful rose gardens in the UK, consistently voted one of the top ten places to enjoy the sights and scents of Britain’s best loved flower, join us in this, a five-week long celebration of the rose.

Rosemoor’s Garden Kitchen will be celebrating roses throughout with a series of rose-inspired and roseinfused treats, from rose meringues, rose and rhubarb cakes, to the restaurant’s much-lauded Turkish Delight Coffee.‘Rosemoor Late’ evening openings in July until 9pm with live music. Enjoy the gardens at dusk as the roses release their evening perfume and listen to live music wafting out across the formal gardens as you enjoy a glass of wine or Pimms’. Rosemoor’s Garden Kitchen restaurant will be open for pre-booked dinners.

Every Wednesday, an expert florist will demonstrate flower arranging techniques featuring roses.

Normal admission charges, for full event listings visit www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/rosemoor Summer Holidays Family Fun 20th July-1st September Family Fun Garden Adventures with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Come and explore the garden, find fabulous flowers and spot wonderful wildlife on the family garden trail (available daily). Join in with drop-in craft workshops and have lots of fun as The Very Hungry Caterpillar chomps his way around the garden this summer.

Private Reginald Percy Marley

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orn in Exeter in 1890, Reginald Marley was part of a well-travelled family. The 1891 census finds the family having moved to Scanes Court, St Thomas, Exeter. His mother, Elizabeth Jane heads up the household. With Reginald being recently born, he is the youngest of the household of four more siblings, George, Edith, Winifred and Victor.

By 1901 we find the family living in Totnes with them residing at 8 Fore Street. Head of household, Elizabeth, has an occupation listed as ‘refreshment house’, which presumably refers to their establishment, especially bearing in mind the address being centrally located in the traditional shopping area. The family members also have a range of jobs including painter, draper’s assistant and carpenter’s apprentice for William, Edith and Albert. Winifred, Victor and Reginald (called Percival in this document) are all of school age. It is worth noting from the birthplaces of the children in the household that they would have lived in Liverpool for a number of years, which adds to the number of moves the family would have undertaken.

Finding the whereabouts of Reginald by 1911 has proven difficult and, as far as I’m aware, no record exists of his movements at this time. Indeed, the same can be said for his mother, although there are later reports of her living at Fore Street in Totnes. His elder brother, William, can still be found living in Totnes, this time at 3 Bridgetown Road. As well as his new wife, Bertha, familiar faces from the family can be found living at the same address, including his siblings Albert, Winifred and Victor. However, we do know that between this time and the beginning of hostilities, Reginald would begin work as a chauffeur for the proprietor of the Globe Hotel, Mr Parnell, and lodged with a Mr R Ebsary in Great Torrington.

Having joined the colours shortly after the outbreak of the war, Reginald was aligned with the 8th Devons, his service number being 10630. Following the standard basic training, he was shipped to France and was in country for about four months before the commencement of the offensive at Loos. Reginald would be a victim in the first day of fighting at the Battle of Loos on 26th September 1915. Although initially reported wounded in mid-October, it would not be till November that his family in Totnes would be officially notified of his death. It was also reported that he was one of four brothers serving in the forces. Reginald is commemorated at the Loos Memorial. His name can also be found on the Totnes war memorial, as well as the memorial in Great Torrington.

Although I have found the above photo of Reginald, I have not been successful in tracing any family members for more information. I would be grateful for any assistance.

Michael Newcombe

Torrington Memory Cafe

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big thank you to Di Davey for nominating the Memory Cafe as one of her chosen Mayor’s charities for 2018-19. We received a cheque towards running our service which was much appreciated. Also thank you to everyone who supported her fund raising events. The Memory Cafe is an independent organisation which relies entirely on donations and fund raising to provide this valuable service for the people of Torrington and surrounding areas. If you would be interested in running a fund raising event on behalf of the Memory Cafe then please contact me.

The meetings for July are on the 11th and 25th In August there is a meeting on the 8th however on the 22nd August the cafe will be closed as we have an outing to Lundy Island.

We meet at the Methodist church from 10.30am till 12.30pm.

Check out our website for further information and useful links on www. greattorringtonmemortcafe.weebly.org.

Contact Pauline 01805 625969.

Atherington Summer Fete

Saturday 6th July 2pm Atherington Children’s Playing Field Really Wild Learning, fancy dress competition, Torrington Silver band, cream teas, stalls, games, vintage vehicles and more!

We welcome offers of help, donations of prizes for the raffle and tombola, and cakes, plants and produce for the stalls.

Traders welcome - £10 per plot.

Contact Becca on 07702 792 598.

Lizzy’s Larder

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You will be sure to receive a warm welcome when you visit Blackberry Farm.

In our tearoom you will find some of Devon’s finest Entry is FREE produce, with beautiful Dartmoor views.

Open 7 days a Our traditional family run farm shop is full of week.

01409 261440 delicious homemade food, local crafts and gifts, and Milton Damerel don’t forget to visit our friendly animals or join us on one of our farm tours.

Nr Holsworthy Visit: www.Blackberryfarmshop.co.uk EX22 7NP

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FREE QUOTES

6-7.15pm Loose covers, recovering, and full re-upholstery of antique, modern and automotive furniture.

Please call WENDY on 07787607322 or email wendy.cox@btinternet.com Class includes optional weigh in, motivational talk and 45 minutes of Zumba Fun

Torrington RFC Youth Section

Grow Glorious Grasses

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Three Cheers for Volunteers!

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f you haven’t made ornamental grasses a part of your garden, (I’m tempted to say ‘your life’), then I passionately suggest that you do! I’m a believer; a convert who’s gone from mercilessly mowing the green stuff to seeking out ornamental grasses and integrating them into different garden spaces.

Some of the easiest for beginners include Molinia, Stipa and Panicum.

Molinia caerulea is a lovely grass, with subtle panicles of purple flowers in summer; leaves turning golden yellow in autumn. M. caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Variegata’ AGM is just 60cm tall with fan shaped light yellow to creamy white foliage, and flowers carried dramatically above, accentuating the effect. Our native purple moor grass, M. caerulea subsp. arundinacea, is a real gentle giant at over two metres tall. Despite its height it has a graceful elegance, moving with every breath of wind. We use them in the Foliage Garden, either side of the path, so you brush against them as you walk onto the lawn.

We use the beautiful oat grass, Stipa gigantea AGM, in exactly the same way.

Flowering in June this similarly tall, yet more upright grass, has golden flowers carried high above the foliage. These change colour as they seed and last into early winter. Its little relative, the Mexican feather grass, Stipa tenuissima is evergreen and gives a delicate, fountain-like effect. It’s best in full sun and a lighter soil.

Some of the best grasses to create distinctive colour themes are the panicums; Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ at up to two metres tall, is an amazing sight, bolt upright with bright blue-green foliage. P. virgatum ‘Hänse Herms’ in contrast is smaller, gently weeping and with leaves taking on dark red and burgundy tones in autumn, lasting into winter.

If you want to learn more, come along to our grasses weekend with Neil Lucas of Knoll Grasses on 20th & 21st July when there will be walks, talks and drop-in advice.

David Squire Horticultural Team Leader. Image RHS/Sheila Dearing

ver 40 voluntary and public sector and socially minded businesses came together at The Plough Arts Centre on June 6th to celebrate community wellbeing, and the wonderful work and difference volunteers make to Torrington and the surrounding areas. Part of National Volunteers Week, this event was organised by the Transitions project and TTVS. The vibrancy of the gathering really spotlighted the strength of community spirit and collective endeavour in the town, and how much good work is achieved through the hard work of volunteers: the care of our Common, Museum, parks, befriending and social activities for older people, community transport, arts, support for those facing hardship, youth club the list is enormous. As for variety of volunteering opportunities on offer, it is incredible: from helping with open air theatre performances (The Plough), to restoring a steamship (SS Fresh Spring), to woodwork and repair (Men’s Shed), helping reinstate a railway line (Tarka Valley Railway) and promoting community learning at the local library (Libraries Unlimited). big thank you to the many individuals The organisers would like to say a and organisations that helped make the day a success.

Mayor Keeley Allin for opening the event, Cllr Cheryl CottleHunkin and baby Theo for helping to promote the event, MadeWell CIC for supplying the free cream teas, the Torrington Co-op for the enormous fruit bowl and

refreshments, Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch for the toe tapping entertainment from the Shanty Singers and The Plough for organising a pilot film project (Short Shorts) with Martin Pailthorpe (film maker). This enabled The Torrington Commons, Food Bank and Museum to make their own promotional films about volunteering, all of which were premiered at the event to a big round of applause.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities and/or receive a report about the event and a contact list of all the organisations involved please contact Paul Huxtable at TTVS, Group Development Worker, Tel: 07901865 817. Email: paul@ttvs.org.uk.

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o we have come to the end of our second, but very enjoyable, season since the youth section was reformed.

April was a busy month with all the age groups playing in various festivals and matches across Devon.

For Torrie’s last senior game of the season, the youth section supported the 1st team by doing their own Super Saturday, even providing a guard of

honour for the men to enter the field. A cracking day supported by the players of all ages and all supporters throughout the club.

For the first time, the youth section entered the community events across May Fair weekend. First up was the Round the Tree race organised by the

running club. Thirty three young players from across all the age groups put on their trainers to take part and complete their own shortened run, finishing in the town square and cheered into the town by the oncoming public.

The following day we took part in the Carnival proceedings. Walking around the route performing kicks through the posts and getting members of the crowd involved as they went! A fantastic experience for all the players, and they behaved exceptionally well.

The season was then capped off by the annual awards evening at the club.

Another excellent turn out, not just by the

players but from all family members.

It really was a great celebration of an outstanding season, which shows how far we have come in just two seasons!

Congratulation to all those that received awards (see below) from their coaches, but also to everyone that played.

U7 Coaches’ player of the year Dylan Hinchcliff Players’ player of the year - no award Trainer of the year - Charlie Hoare Most improved player of the year Harry McConnachie U8 Coaches’ player of the year Bruno Quance Players’ player of the year - no award Trainer of the year - Joe Sands Most improved player of the year Freddie LeFort U9 Coaches’ player of the year James Heard Players’ player of the year - Lincoln Bott Trainer of the year - Allanah Most improved player of the year Alfie Fisher U10 Coaches’ players of the year Charlie Bradley Players’ player of the year - Will Vowles Trainer of the year - Ryan Buckingham Most improved player of the year Leon Gardiner U12 Coaches’ players of the year Jack Hoare Players’ player of the year Billy Williams-Rice Trainer of the year - Harry Price Most improved player of the year Hayden Dayment

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the coaching staff, committee members, volunteers and all the parents that transport their children around every week and in some awful conditions!

If you have sons, daughters or even grandchildren that would like to get involved, contact chairman Adrian Avery on agavery81@gmail.com or 07780 665 378.

I hope you all have an excellent summer and relax before the season gets underway again. First session back is Sunday 8th September!

Adrian Avery, TRFC Youth Chairman

The Northam Care Trust’s Annual Summer Fete

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he Northam Care Trust (formerly Northam Lodge) will be holding their annual Summer Fete on Saturday 13th July from 12-4pm in the grounds of the Rose Hill Activity Centre, Heywood Road, Bideford EX39 3PG. There will be stalls to browse, fun and games for all ages, pillow bash, classic cars and a fire engine. Satisfy your appetite with hot dogs, an ice cream parlour and our own delicious cake stall. Entertainment will be provided by the Dance Fit Belly Dancers, the Atlantic Racquet Centre will be holding a tennis demo, and Moo Music will be providing moosical and sensory fun for all ages.

Fundraising is essential for us at The Northam Care Trust. This year all money raised at the Fete will go towards the sensory developments of our external garden areas to improve access for our clients. Please save the date and come along for a fun afternoon and support your local charity.

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Delivered To Your Door

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n September 1833 Barney Flaherty, a 10-year-old boy, did something historic, not that he knew it at the time. Or at all during his lifetime. But in delivering the New York Sun to a home address he became the first newsboy.

Newspapers of different kinds have been sold on the street since the 1700s, though as the children doing the vending did not have the privilege of ‘sale or return’, as newsagents have today, there was an overriding incentive to sell every newspaper they purchased from the publisher, which did not make them everyone’s cup of tea. ‘They rend the air and deafen you with their shrill cries. They surround you on the sidewalk and almost force you to buy their paper’, commented a contemporary writer.

To recruit delivery staff the New York Sun ran an advertisement in their paper – ‘To the Unemployed a number of steady men can find employment by vending this paper’. I dare say 10-year-olds were numbered amongst the unemployed back in 1833.

I believe a child (or should that be young person) needs to be 14 before they can apply to become a deliverer of newspapers. Not that so many of them choose to earn extra pocket-money this way anymore. A decade or so ago the Newsagents Association conducted a survey to discover the cause of the decline in newsboy (and newsgirl) recruitment that suggested parents were giving their children too much pocket money and thus taking away any incentive for them to start the process of making their own way in the world.

Personally, I suspect the decline set in when newspapers of the calibre of the Times and Telegraph locked horns in the battle to see which could publish the heaviest (by weight) newspapers. It would be interesting to know if men who had delivered newspapers in their youth, are more susceptible to hernias at a younger age than those who have never delivered newspapers.

Ironically, the job most associated with being the first paid employment, is now more likely to be the last paid employment in the life of men and women. Today, for newsagents to make a profit from delivering newspapers the rounds must stretch far beyond their home town, requiring transport of greater velocity than a pedal bike.

Where once the two-hundred-year tradition of delivering newspapers to home addresses provided children with exercise, routine and discipline, it is now the over sixties, as a rule, who benefit from working alongside the dawn chorus in the glorious Devon countryside.

If you, like me, appreciate a newspaper to read in the early morning, and are in need of supplementing your pension or main income, or if you are fit and simply want a relaxing keep-fit regime, I know as fact that Crawford’s Newsagents in South Street, Torrington will welcome enquiry from anyone wanting to know more about what newspaper delivery entails.

Keith Knight

Torrington Garden Society

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peakers: In May we had our last speaker for the Winter/ Spring session. Sally Nex who writes for the RHS Magazine ‘The Garden’ gave us a fascinating talk on pests and diseases. As a result I am now using copious quantities of bran on my tubs to lure slugs away from the plants, make the slugs explode (oh yes) and provide safe food for birds.

Brilliant! Our autumn session starts in September. On Tuesday 3rd at 7.30pm in the Methodist meeting room, we shall hear Tim Ellis expound on ‘Ponds and Bog Gardens’. New members always welcome, as are visitors Garden Visits: In June we have our first visit to the gardens open at Bovey Tracey as part of the National Gardens Scheme. In July we shall be visiting Hole Farm Ashmansworthy on Sunday 21st. If you wish to join us meet in South St carpark at 1.30pm where someone is bound to have a space in their car. Cost of garden entry is £4.

Practical Gardening: We continue to tend the flower bed at the junction of Well St and New Road. The cardoons have put on immense growth and are about to flower, but the annuals have suffered from the dry weather during May. However, it is now raining heavily and we are delighted. Judging under the Britain in Bloom ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ group is in July, but we have no date yet. Just keeping our fingers crossed and trowels and secateurs at the ready.

Sally Ramsden Hon Chair 01805 623154

Recycling Levels Soar to 51% In Torridge Thanks to Resident Recyclers

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n June 2018 Torridge District Council embarked on a major change to its waste and recycling collections with the introduction of fortnightly black bag collections. At the same time the Council extended and improved kerbside recycling collections, including food waste from all households, and the extension of an optional green garden waste collection service made available to all properties for the first time.

A year on and the figures speak for themselves, with recycling rates in the district soaring to 51% from the 41% achieved previously. The Councils figures show that around 3,600 tonnes of black bag waste has been diverted from landfill, which equates to around 360 lorry loads that are now being recycled and the same reduction in lorry movements that those trips would normally entail.

Residents have also helped in being prepared to sort their recycling prior to collection, which has allowed the Council to operate more efficiently on rounds and to keep the cost of collection down from the 2.5 million household collections and 8 million receptacles emptied each year.

People’s efforts have also contributed to the high quality of materials collected with low levels of contamination.

Demand for this type of ‘cleaner’ waste is high, and as a result the Council have been able to work exclusively with UK companies meaning the material has less far to travel before it is reused and

reprocessed. Aluminium to new cans, cardboard to cartons, plastic pots trays and bottles to garden furniture, wheelie bins, food packaging and plastic milk bottles are just a few examples of how this waste has been reused.

Councillor Chris Leather - Lead Member for Waste said: “Many people will forget that back in 2018 we were one of the last Councils to move to a fortnightly black bag collection in the Country. At the time, and maybe even now, this was opposed by some in our community.

However while the costs of maintaining a weekly collection was a factor in our decision making our main goal, to encourage more recycling and less waste ending up in land-fill, was absolutely the right thing to do for the environment and for future generations.

In real terms the jump in recycling represents an amazing 25% improvement from where we were just a year ago with an emphatic reverse in the decline we were previously seeing year on year. This would not have been possible without people embracing the new service and it is perhaps no coincidence that this is now also being championed by our younger generations concerned about plastic pollution and climate change.

We can still do more, and

our focus will now be on areas of the district where participation has been harder to improve. We will also look to find ways to introduce further materials that we can collect. But in the meantime I would like to thank all of our residents who have participated in this success and try to encourage others to take up the challenge and reduce our landfill figures even further from the 2 million bags we still bury in the ground each year.”

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Money for Torrington Methodist Church Devon 10.30am Rolle Canal &Nothing Northern hereHillare trillions ofKen plastic bags Rev Stephen 6.30pm Rev Waterways Society Guided Walk Morgan on earth. Most are in the bellies new season's programme The The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter of ofafternoon marine animals mistaking Sunday walks starts on 26th Day Saints meetlike @ Bideford College them forwith food Jellyfish.

The plastic May a visit to the site Abbotsham Rd, Bideford, EX39 3AR of the bags, if not eaten by animals, spread Inclined Plane at Ridd.

This is the Sunday Sacrament service at 11.50ampollution and can sea levels place where theincrease Rolle Canal 1pm and global warming.

Because was raised up about 43 feet Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 3pm @ The of the marine animals eating our plastic, we from the valley floor near Plough actually intake small amounts Weare to a Film 'Argo'Giffard (15) 7pm @level The Ploughof plastic Comedy 'Russell Kane' @ Devon from most fish.

Though plasticHall bags are in the side of the valley 8pm that coulduseful be maintained incredibly - and without them

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TREE REMOVAL AND PRUNING, INCLUDING HEDGES

Call Stuart 07971533 235

TEL: 01805 622868 - MOB: 07876 454361 EMAIL: davestegg@hotmail.co.uk

could be as simple as a£1.blue depending on the season, may well be £2(this per child – under 1s £1 – siblings Saturday 13th

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TheySurgery and families Price includes crate healthyturned snack & drink for Advice Geoffrey Coxbecome MP. a 10cm x 10cm hole cut in one of The start which of the at Annery children & hot drink for adults is walk muchis459001 money for thethewith for homeless an appointment ring 01237 or Leach 01769 685. the short sides and560 a weight on top) Kiln, the Weare GiffardTAXES! road email to on tellgeoffrey@geoffreycox or via by economy to pay.

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Memorial 11am £2 (see to article) the Rolle Canal Plough seriously ill.

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First of all, the continued use of plastic the plastic bag will still be in the ocean Plough Peter Whatton 6.30pm Mrs Vivienne that usually in Mass landfill funded ‘Life's Journey’ project has Rev St. Michael’s Churchend 10amup Sung topolluting leave a message. bag:'Argo' the carbon footprint of plastic bags Sheriff it or getting eaten again. The  British Hedgehog Preservation Film The Plough and selling forroom profit for Ignatius Sunday Clubthem in upper produced(15) a 5pm new@pathway from the Chris Hassall Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough Society 01584to890801 are more than half than of paper bagChurch causes10am harmful smoke Michael’s Sung Mass donation aChurch charity.

Torrington Methodist 10.30 Tarka Trail down to thethat bottom of theor St. plastic Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room  North Devon Hedgehog Rescue cotton.

A plastic bag expends 40% less during production.

The ozone layer is Rev Ken Morgan 5pm Circuit Service @ For this piece of writing students Inclined Plane where two illustrated Tuesday 9th 'The Sessions' & 7pm @ Our Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!!

01271 522a359 energy to make andhave paper bags dispose Film thin already and(15) the3pm production of plastic Parkham information boards been installed were816989 askedorto07964 tackle really Film 'Lincoln' (12A)waste 5pm @than Theplastic.

Plough Thebags Plough Anni Nicholls Hedgehog Awareness Week is on global its Torridge 70% more solid will destroy it more; causing Ramblers afternoon walk they to 'Hitchcock' describe the saltmarsh habitat When by tricky question in which Film (12A) 8pmplastic @ The bags are way but why wait until then to 01237 451820  Torridge Hedgehog Rescue someone tells you that warming which again will kill marine the Torridge and the workings and needed to evaluate the use of Plough 'Les Miserables' (12A) 3pm @ The help?

As 15th springartic is animals here (working with and ND Hedgehog bad for the tell them the Monday animals, birds, and land Film plastic purpose of environment, the Rolle Canal.

It is now bags decide if we Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm High and hopefully thewarming weather@ Rescue) Angela Hodge alternatives worse! animals.

Global would also Plough possible toare10th gain a far better Bickington ought to get rid of them Wednesday Community Centre Film 'I Give it a 486 Year'509 (15) 7pm @ The for improves our spiky friends 07884 In addition, paper bags produce 8and Mini rise sea Dance levels.

Only 1 in 200 plastic of Said theMass lay-out good.

Finley considered all sides Stunderstanding Michael's Church 8.30am Mover Session for under 5's Plough will be are up re-used. and about again.

Please look out for events in workings the inclined plane bags. boat lift 9.30-10.30am moreof space than plastic bags That’s 5 in 1000. intimes St James Chapel @ Bickington Community of the debate before Hedgehog drawing and It’s been an extremely your area during thanmeans wasW.Ipreviously case.

This you have tothe have moreThe Centre This a minute amounttough and is pitiful and Monday Torrington @ Methodist Hall 7pm th conclusion th justifying his own 22nd winter for them.

The to 11 May. and Awareness Week 5 upper basin of 8pm the then canal atPlough the top and of lorries to transport; more traffic abominable.

Film 'I Wish' (PG) @ The Mini Mover Dance Session for under 5's did it in a really eloquent way! changeable and wet weather the means incline has been will cleared scrub Tuesday that the roads wearofquicker; Overall,16th I think plastic bags should not 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington has made it difficult for many of sufficiently enable the outline of the its 'Hearing Thursday for You' Social for the useful Pets As Therapy and then theto11th petrol is used more so be banned.

They aregroup extremely Centre them to find food or hibernate properly Community banks to be clearly seen, and the way Pets Alistair As Therapy is a8pm @ The of hearing.

Every 3rd Tues 2pm @ Stprices Michael's Church Said Mass Comedy McGowan go up and crude oil use is still a hard and there are next to no alternatives over the past months so many are now the railway subsequently cut through national charity founded The Bickford Centre call 01271 373236 10.30am in St James Chapel followed by productive, laws and bans than a small Plough problem. that would effectively Plastic weak and High need help. Ifwork. you know that the northern end, destroying the top of Youth Club Bickington Community Walsingham cell in vicarage in 1983.

It is unique in Gallery Gig The Pete Canter Trio selection of people on a small selection 5 trillion plastic bags are used a year. you bags cana be re-used so it’s not the Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm The now Centre had the incline.

This canal @ basin for 11+resident @ 5-7pmhedgehog in your 8.18pm that it provides therapeutic @ The Plough of beaches collecting insignificant They have been used this much since plastic fault they justforget have a bad area lastbags year don’t Clubplease 7pm Juniors 8pm to put Plough supports an increasing population of Badminton visits to hospitals, nursing amounts of plastichospices, that will save a few 2004. That’s around 75 trillion plastic reputation.

I think we should take a bowl of water and some food out baby for Tuesday Adults @ Bickington Community Centre Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Early Purple Orchid and Twayblade (a andfish.care homes, special needs 23rd For some reason we are killing the bags.

The effort level to collect this and steps like increasing the price to 15p. them, placing it inside a feeding station Youth pairs competition @ Torrington Beast 2pm @ The Ploughorchid) green flowered which, Cribbage schools a variety of@High other venues Cluband for 11+ 5-7pm oceans and the world by not recycling stop'Cloud productions is too This is because the 5p charge made Film Atlas' (15) 7pmmuch. @ TheThe price Arms 8pm Bickington Community Centre the plastic bag. and time too start high.for Thousands 63% of people in the save at least 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pmUK @ to The Plough noteisearly long film if not Film Badminton Club 7pm Juniors 8pm Finley Naylor, Year 7 early start forneed long film a million of people will not have a job. Plough one note plastic bag.

We bigger, more Adults @ High Bickington Community CRIER COPY DEADLINE for Centre

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Last month we shared some creative writing from Year 7, who were imagining their trip to Shakespeare’s Globe in Elizabethan England. In this piece, Daisy successfully takes on the perspective of one of the groundlings

My Trip to the Globe Theatre 1599

I

travelled the tiring, unending journey by foot to The Globe – but it was worth it, after all, it was my first sighting of a real play in the glorious venue, Shakespeare’s Globe. Excited, but on my own, I passed the beggars clutching at my unwashed dress begging for money desperately, even though I was penniless, except the little I had saved to watch the play – no doubt they needed it, one without a leg, the other had a deep cut across its mouth that was beyond infected. The smells were glorious, the blood red roses being sold, which almost looked like they had been carefully painted to perfection. Fresh loafs of bread took pride of place out in the front of the market, the scent of bread wafting through the air. This is it. I thought. I made it. This felt like the chaotic London I’d known when I visited the city for the first time before – the sea of disgusting waste that filled the streets and rivers, and the sickening way the lords and ladies parade their wealth, with their expensive clothes and sullen attitude. Despite the revolting feedback I gave to London, a sense of happiness and joy washed over me from head to toe, reminding me that I better head on to watch the play; I mustn’t be late for my first ever sighting of a real performance.

I dashed around the corner, and all I could see was what I had been waiting for for what seemed like a lifetime.

There. Standing right in front of me was Shakespeare’s Globe. I couldn’t believe it. My life begins here, I thought, where I belong. Consumed with astonishment and tears, I pushed past lords and ladies,

forcing them to tumble to the ground, completely destroying their insanely expensive clothing, cursing under their breath. What was I doing? I couldn’t stop myself!

I held up the ends of my filthy dress, my grubby hands rubbing against the fabric. I wanted to look my best, at least display a more presentable appearance.

I knew I was a groundling of course, but I was at the Globe! I weaved my way around fellow groundlings, and hawkers who were carting around apples and nuts, I was eager to get the best view possible of this play. Before I knew it, my hands were already gripping tightly around the stone-cold railing, my icy blue eyes glued to the stage. It almost felt like someone had moulded me into this position. Standing up on my tip toes, I could see the actors practicing their lines, nervous with dripping sweat.

Of course, I understood some of the actors were probably new, and weren’t used to big audiences. But I just couldn’t wait for the performance to start, and as I glanced over my right shoulder, I could tell people were thinking the exact same as me, because apples and nuts were being thrown at such force across the stage just to get the play started.

Finally, after a series of apple and nut throwing, the sound of boots clopping echoed across the whole of the theatre, and everyone started to turn their heads to where the sound was coming from.

Was it? I took a glimpse of a figure with two black high - knee boots, and a plum cloak edging closer to the front of the stage. It was William Shakespeare. I

watched in amazement as he acted out his part with his engaging presence.

For the remaining time of the play, I barley moved an inch; taken aback in admiration for the incredibly pure talent I was witnessing before me. I closed my eyes and dreamt of myself upon that stage, I longed for a life where I could be who I wanted to be; an actress, with glorious clothing and gleaming jewellery, I would have fame. But I was back to reality, my ragged dress hanging on my body and drooping on the floor. I found myself lost in the crowd.

When I opened my eyes, everybody was heading for the exit. That’s when I realised, I had missed the ending of the play. But I wasn’t devasted about missing it, in fact, I was the opposite. Despite not seeing it, I was grateful I saw most of it, and I had the best view anyone could get, well I think anyway. I thought it was time to leave the theatre, so I made my way out, my hand touching the end of the stage. One more glance, and I had left. My experience at The Globe was fantastic, and I loved every second of it.

An honour to watch from start to finish.

If I had the choice to do it all over again, count me in, I’d do it 100 times, maybe more.

My journey back was pleasant, although I was incredibly tired. I saw many groundlings enter pubs, probably to celebrate the good day that they’ve had. But for me, I just wanted to go home. I wanted to remember everything I had experienced that day. My life had just begun. What was I waiting for?

Daisy Bray, Year 7

Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon

St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Wednesday 24th ee eJames inFrSt stimates Chapel St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am & friendly ad Short Tennis vice HNC @ High Bickington in St James Chapel , NVQ and Institu Centre 4.30-5.30pmProviding for 5+ quality but WCommunity Short Tennis @ Highaffordable Bickington ood Prese te of rving & Legion 3rd Weds of every Royal British Damp -Pro Community Centre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ ofing accountancy and taxation services. month @ GT Conservative Club qualifi7pm Film 'Fire in the Blood' (PG) 8pm @ The ed Film 'No' 8pm @ The Plough Plough Atherington Acorns, fun, friendly group www.pgdaccountants.com Gallery Gig 'Judith Christie & Diane for parents & children aged 0-5 25th Hickford 623376 Calvert Contact 8.15pmColin @ The Plough C.S.R.T—Tel 01805 Tel: 01271 Thursday 268082 Mob: 07810 448 618 9.30am-11am @ Atherington Pavilion St Michael's Church Said Mass Mob: 07976 936 465 Email: hickford208@aol.com every Wednesday term time.

today pleaseWorks  Damp Surveys & Remedial  Woodworm & Rot Treatments Friday  Kitchen 12th & Bathroom Design & Fitting StMichael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Property Maintenance in St James Chapel  Extensions Theatre Scottish Falsetto Puppet  Landscaping Decking Theatre 7pm @&The Plough

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Unit 2C Hatchmoor Industrial Estate Torrington EX38 7HP Open Tuesday to Saturday

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K. Sheppard

The Castle Community Centre

Plasterer

Tarka Pottery

Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Now available for hire!

General Building Maintenance Ceiling Specialist, Internal Alterations, Re-skims & Artex Removal

Pottery classes, potter’s wheel, family activities, pottery painting, children’s & hen parties, holiday club, hand & foot prints, experience vouchers Little Torrington Tel: 07931 306 414 www.tarkapottery.co.uk email: info@tarkapottery.co.uk

8 Clinton Gardens, Merton, Okehampton, Devon EX20 3DP

01805 603016

07813 257 471

A multifunctional room with garden, based at Castle Hill, Torrington Ideal for private parties & group meetings.

• Adjacent to public car park • Self contained kitchen facilities available • Wifi available • Catering by Café @1646 • Regular bookings welcomed • Competitive rates For booking rates & details contact Susie and John Golightly 07917 651 938 Genesis (Great Torrington) Ltd, Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626100 (Admin office Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.30am–12.30pm)

The Crier Prize Crossword This month’s prize is a Tarka Pottery Potter’s Wheel Experience Voucher. Please send completed crossword with contact details, to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner of last issue’s prize is Jane Duffy! The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries.

Deadline for entries is Thursday 11th July and the solution and winner will be in the August/September issue.

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At Tarka Pottery, we have activities to suit all ages.

Regular Classes. Come and discover the secrets of clay when you sign up to our regular adult day or evening classes. We’ll help you to realise your potential and show you how exciting working with clay can be.

New for 2019 - cut or tear out paper shapes to tell a story, add words or letters to a tile of any shape you fancy. We’ve been making flowers, fish and even a teapot. Take a look at Pottery Picture Plaques on the Clay Activities page of our website.

Holiday Projects. Every week in the holidays we plan a different clay activity that we think kids or adults would enjoy.

Projects coming up this summer include making a leaf texture bowl with creepy crawlies and others are inspired by Toy Story and Pikachu.

Parties. If you’re looking for a kids or adult birthday party that will be talked about for ages, get in touch to find out more.

Whether a mixed family group, friends aged between 5-15 or part of hen party weekend, you can have a go on the wheel, make wall hangings, characters and lots more.

Experience Vouchers. Treat family or friends with an experience voucher for any activity you think they’d like. Or you can simply buy a voucher of any value and we’ll do the rest.

Enter this crossword today and you can be in with a chance to win a Potter’s Wheel Experience Voucher. To find out more about what’s on offer, visit our website www.tarkapottery.co.uk or call 07931 306 414.

H

i Everyone – Fabulous Freddie calling in. Well I don’t know about ‘Flaming June’ more like ‘Soaking June’ at the start. I know I am a Labrador and supposed to like water, but that’s water to swim in not get soaked every time I go for a walk! Still, I am convinced that this month is going to be much brighter and bring out the glorious sunshine for our next show. Talking of which our next show is a new venue for us at Beaford Village Hall Field on 7th July commencing at 12 noon. Lots of classes as normal, and I have no doubt that there will not be many dogs that will beat me in the sausage catching class! It is all for fun so no matter if you have never been to a dog show before come on down: your dog(s) will love it and a great way to get younger dogs socialised.

It has been even busier than normal at the kennels now that our ShepView Doggy Daycare has opened. Great fun for me, as I get to see lots of dogs

coming in and enjoying our agility equipment and secure paddocks. The sad thing though is knowing that when they go home all our rescue dogs are still here, and craving for a home of their own. Last month saw two of the GSD puppies go to their new home, but Candy the last sibling is still waiting, and feeling very sorry for herself as no one seems to want her. The pups were quite poorly when they came in, with the boy spending two nights at the vets on a drip, so it was lovely to see them bouncing off to their new forever home with not a backward glance - just a heavy vet bill!

We also have had Basil returned to us who was rehomed two years ago, who is a very gentle boy but doesn’t particularly like other dogs and so will need to adopt a human who is happy walking him on a lead with a muzzle. Such a lovely boy in the home who loves nothing more than curling up for a nice cuddle. Percy our Lakeland Terrier arrived needing a haircut but has scrubbed up really nicely

Email: genesis@great-torrington.com

now, and looks so handsome. He is full of energy and so will need an active family. He is good with other dogs and has lived with a cat so don’t suppose he will be waiting very long.

Some of the dogs went for a stroll in the local woods, and sadly when they came back were carrying extra passengers in the form of ticks. You may already be aware about ticks and the disease they bring to dogs (and humans), but thought it was worth a mention as they seem to be everywhere at the moment. Aunty Lynne bought me a collar that I wear all the time and so none jump on me. They are not particularly expensive and you can get them from your local pet shop, or of course online at Amazon (don’t forget to shop through Amazon Smile as this raises money for the kennels).

Do keep following us at www.facebook. com/K9focus and sharing all our stories, as sharing our dogs needing homes really does help. Hope to see you all at Beaford on the 7th and as normal around town – always looking for a treat.

Love & Licks, Freddie

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Breaking News (& Waves!)

The Plough Arts Centre Goes Offshore!

Plough Visual Arts

F

rom Saturday 29 June to Saturday 3rd August we will be showing paintings of local scenes by the exceptionally popular painter, Mark Rochester.

Mark Rochester trained at Central School of Art, and worked for over 30 years as a leading textile designer. His work is used for home furnishing and wallpapers by quality UK and USbased companies such as Colefax & Fowler, GP & J Baker, Brunschwig & Fils (New York), Osborne & Little and Sanderson.

Mark has always sketched and painted, but in recent years, his return to his native North Devon has rekindled his interest in working from nature, which has fuelled his passion for working ‘en plain air’ in some of Devon’s most breath-taking scenery. th

“I continue to paint outdoors responding to my environment. Wherever it leads me, from the back garden to the moor and on to the vertiginous cliff side.”

For more information visit Instagram @ markrochesterpaintings.

The Main Gallery is officially open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. If you would like to visit outside those times please contact Box Office on 01805 624624 and they will let you know if it is possible. It is often open in the evenings and Sunday/Monday, but sometimes there are events and meetings.

Downstairs in the Plough Cafe we will have work from Adult Art Classes at Petroc - a collective project consisting of handmade bunting, with all students from the Level 2 Art & Design courses creating individual pennants using a variety of media.

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e are delighted to be teaming up with The Ilfracombe Princess Pleasure Boat and The Haunted History Tours of Devon to bring you Haunted History Cruises!

Cruise around the stunning Ilfracombe coastline hearing tales of real people, how they lived and died, often in tragic and unexplained ways; the ghosts, murders, harlots and witches ways.

Please note that these cruises are not suitable for younger children due to the content.

Sunday 7th July, 7pm Sunday 21st July, 7pm Sunday 4th August, 7pm Wednesday 21st August, 10am Tickets £17 each from The Plough Box Office 01805 624624 or online: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/event/ haunted-history-cruise-ilfracombe.

Fleur’s Gardening Forum Really Hardy, Easy Plants

I

refer to those plants that our grandparents and great-grandparents would recognise as the mainstays of our gardens, many of which are still firm favourites. These plants are tough enough to survive summer droughts, winter storms, frost, heavy rain, snow, and provide colour and interest from spring into autumn. These are the plants that have stood the test of time and the vagaries of our unique climate; they are most likely to be those which will always survive somewhere.

Let’s start with Erysimum (Wallflower), which are mainly hardy biennials but if left in situ will prove to be short-lived perennials if trimmed back after flowering.

Wallflowers will grow almost anywhere and the old varieties have the best perfume, such as ‘Cloth of Gold’ or ‘Vulcan’. ‘Bowles Mauve’ is about the best true perennial wallflower there is for flowers and reliability.

Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), sometimes called ‘Dame’s Violet’ because of the flower colour, although it also has a white variant. ‘Hesperis’ refers to the name of the Evening Star or Venus, in that the flower perfume is best during that time and the white flowered Sweet Rocket almost shines at dusk.

Geraniums – here, I am referring to the hardy perennials and there are too many to list, most of them are really tough, some like a bit of shade, some prefer sunny borders. They also seed themselves about and many flower from late spring well into autumn.

Digitalis (Foxglove) – need I say more! A biennial native, although a large plant can sometimes survive another year. Cut out the main flowering stem as soon as it starts to set seed and you will get smaller side-shoots. They cross and re-cross to create beautiful variations, and the white form lights up a shady border.

Aquilegia (Columbine) is another native from which hundreds of cultivated forms have been bred. Grow a mixture in your own garden and they will quickly multiply and provide some interesting variations of their own making!

Then there are the late summer ‘toughies’, such as Helenium with their gold, russet and red shades, Argyranthemum (Shasta Daisy), Michaelmas Daisies in shades of lilac, soft pink, violet and rose tones, all of which provide colour and interest into autumn.

These plants are also very attractive to bees, butterflies, moths and other endangered insect species, which many modern cultivars are not. We should grow more of them.

Fleur

Parish Church News

A

big thank you to everyone who supported the Parish Church pop-up shop in the Town Hall Undercroft and in South Street. We raised much needed funds to help with the maintenance and ongoing costs of Great Torrington’s historic Parish Church. We do hope you can join us at our next events: * Saturday 13th July 7pm we are very much looking forward to a return visit by the talented French pianist Christophe Vautier, playing piano works

by Granados, Debussy, Rachmaninov and Grieg. Admission is free. * Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July Taddiport Chapel Flower Festival 10.30am-5.30pm * Sunday 14th July 11.15am Frithelstock Parish Church Joint Benefice (Great Torrington, Little Torrington, Taddiport and Frithelstock) Communion Service (No service at St. Michael’s Parish Church this morning) * Sunday 21st July 6pm Evening Praise Service at Taddiport Chapel * Saturday 27th July 12-4pm Parish Church Summer Fete in the Vicarage Gardens, Calf Street. Free admission.

Stalls, games, tombola, refreshments and more. We will be joined by lots of local organisations promoting good causes – do come along! * Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 12.30pm Organ Recital by David Read playing a complete performance of C.M.Widor 5th Organ Symphony including the famous Toccata.

Admission is free. Light lunches available.

TORRIDGE VALE SOCIAL CLUB Families Welcome

Cash Bingo on Mondays • Darts • Pool Skittles • Snooker • BT Sports & SKY Large function room for parties/weddings Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month Plus other entertainment 34

Contact Sharon 01805 622543

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W

e’ve had a really good time in the community recently across all ages, and we helped raise money for local projects too!

Roly helped to organise everyone for Round the Tree race, we had a really good turnout and our under 10s ran the route together with the coaches and collected sponsors for it.

On 8th June we held our annual fundraiser, organised and thought up by coach Wayne Hill and family. This year it was a three-legged race with the aim to get as many people walking tied together as possible! Many thanks to everyone who joined in, to everyone who donated money and to everyone who made and bought cakes. Together with the sponsors from Round the Tree we made over £800, which is absolutely amazing and is going towards transforming the park in the town (Calf St play area).

On the evening of the fundraiser we held our awards ceremony at TVSC and the winners are as follows: Best recreational boxer: Kim Spear and Andrea Magarotto Best junior boxfit boxer: Riley Cooke Most improved boxer: Joe Fields Boxer’s best boxer: Matt Arnold Coaches’ best boxer: Nicole WafforneLock We’d like to say a big well done to everyone for their hard work, dedication, determination and for setting such a great example to everyone in the town, we are so proud of you all, keep up the good work!

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin

Making Tax Digital

Frequently Asked Questions MTD for VAT is now in force and even if you have yet to file a return under the new system you should be well under way with book-keeping in preparation for that first return.

Some questions we have been asked include: Q. What if I’m not VAT registered or have a taxable turnover below the threshold?

A. MTD for VAT is only mandatory for businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT registration threshold which is currently £85,000. Also, businesses who are voluntarily registered but below the threshold don’t have to comply with MTD, although they can choose to do so voluntarily.

You will however need to monitor your taxable turnover, you will be required to register for VAT and start complying with MTD if: * At the end of the month, the value of your taxable supplies in the previous 12 months or less is over the registration threshold; or * At any time, if you expect the value of your taxable supplies in the next 30 day period alone, to go over the registration threshold.

Q. What if I go over the registration threshold but only temporarily?

A. Once you have reached the VAT registration threshold you must comply with the requirements of MTD. This is still the case even if your taxable turnover subsequently falls below the threshold, unless you meet one of the other exemptions detailed in HMRC VAT Notice 700/22: Making Tax Digital For

VAT. Q. What information does my business need to provide to HMRC under MTD? A. The same information is submitted to HMRC as shown on the VAT return form i.e. that on boxes 1 to 9.

Q. Has HMRC issued any updates recently?

A. HMRC updated Notice 700/22: Making Tax Digital For VAT on 3rd May 2019.

The Notice includes useful guidance on the new system and the action you need to take to be compliant.

The Notice can be found at www.gov. uk/government/publications/vat-notice70022-making-tax-digital-for-vat/vatnotice-70022-making-tax-digital-for-vat Q. What records need to be kept in a digital format Under MTD? A. The list is shown in VAT Notice 700/22 and includes business information including business name, address of principal place of business, VAT number and details of any VAT Schemes used.

In addition, for each invoice/supply made by you, you need to keep the date of supply, the net value of the supply and the VAT rate used to calculate the VAT. For each invoice/supply received by you, you need to keep the date of supply, the value of the supply (including any nonreclaimable VAT) and the amount of VAT claimed.

All MTD compliant accounting software packages will allow this information to be entered.

Q. What if I need to make adjustments to the figures in my software?

A. All adjustments must be made within

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Puppies, Teenagers and Adult Classes for all skill levels Trainers formerly from Puppy Gurus Nurturing the bond between you & your canine companion through force free, positive training For more information please call Rachael: 01409 282814 thehavendogcentre@gmail.com

the accounting software. The adjustment itself must be recorded digitally but not the calculations used to arrive at this.

Have Another Question?

Berrys, Chartered Accountants can provide help and advice. We work with many MTD compliant software packages including Sage, Quickbooks, Xero and Kashflow.

For more information email keith.berry@ berrysaccountants.co.uk or call 01805 628122.

Keith Berry FCA

Abbeyfield News

T

he Flower Festival at Crediton was enjoyed by residents and volunteers alike.

We celebrated Abbeyfield Week with a special event attended by our mayor, Councillor Keeley Allin, who presented the house with the Abbeyfield Quality Standard certificate. This has been awarded by the Abbeyfield National Charity to the South West Society, following an assessment in November.

We are the first Society in the UK to be awarded this new standard.

Our Summer Garden Party is at Glen Tor, Villa Road, on Saturday August 10th from 12-3pm. Please put the date in your diary and watch out for further details. We are planning a barbecue, stalls and entertainment.

We have a vacancy at Glen Tor and if you would like to find out more about Abbeyfield, for yourself or a loved one, please give our house manager a call on 01805 623605 to arrange a visit. You can be sure of a warm welcome.

• Crafty Needles • Odds & Sods • The Jewel in the Town • Toy Swap Shop • Times Past

GREAT TORRINGTON PANNIER MARKET

Retail Outlets, Craft Workshops & Café Open Monday to Saturday all day

Friday & Saturday General Market 9am-3pm Last Saturday of every month - Food Market (pitches still available for the general market) Tel: Kay Ashton 07398 234 579 • British Red Cross • Elftree • The Market Café • Fiddlesticks •

For Socks etc. • Town Museum • Kitch ’n’ Cupboard

Dog Training Classes at Taddiport Village Hall

• Duane’s Carvings • The Wiszen Way •

Boxing Club News

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visited a climbing wall in Barnstaple.

The Cub Scouts have been learning all about the human body and healthy living and eating. As part of their personal challenge award they have all Beavers, Cubs & Scouts set themselves a n May we saw a team of six of our challenge to complete District Scouts take part in the Ten at home over a two Tors event on Dartmoor. Having week period, with ideas been training every other weekend since ranging from washing January, they have been committed up, looking after pets to to learning all they need to know to making a three course participate in this very challenging event. meal. The second week of June was The team completed their 35-mile route our annual Cub camp, which was held in record time for the Torridge Explorers at Skern Lodge in Appledore. This was and they all received a bronze medal the weekend of the weather from the Army. We are extremely proud warnings, rain and wind! of them and must say a huge thank you Despite this camp went ahead, to all of our Scout Leaders who give up the Cubs were oblivious to the their weekends for five months each year weather and their tents held to train these young people. fast, however The Beaver Scouts two of our have been busy outside Leaders’ and were recently visited tents did not

by Plastic Free Torridge survive and on the Commons, who contingency explained to them all plans were about the issues of put in place; plastic and how to help sleep in the the environment. They car. The sun shone were all then involved for us on the Saturday in litter picking on the and everyone had Commons, which they a fantastic time with loved. They have also kayaking, high ropes been learning about what and crate stacking. We life can be like with a were so grateful to have disability and how this our brand new marquee can change your daily tent, which we purchased with a grant life and went crabbing in Appledore and from Torrington Town and Lands charity,

I

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which kept us all dry and warm during the downpours and strong winds.

Our Scouts have been having equal amounts of fun. One evening they visited Encompass Training, Merton, where they also enjoyed crate stacking. They have been looking at International Scouting, as well as an evening in Appledore crabbing and they have been learning pioneering skills and knots. One of the group was lucky enough to attend a Scout Aero camp where she learned about flying skills, weather related to flying, and was able to go up in a plane and take the controls for a short while whilst flying over Cornwall – a memory for life.

Finally many of the Group took part in a sponsored walk on Saturday 15th June from Bideford to Torrington along the Tarka Trail.

The summer term is such an exciting one for our young members, giving them the opportunity to be outside, learning new skills and having lots of fun.

If you have a son or daughter who may be interested in joining Beavers (age 6-8), Cubs (age 8-10), Scouts (age 10-14) or if you feel that you may be interested in helping in any way - please contact Kirsty Pells on 07887 557574 or email kirsty.pells@btinternet.com.

Beaford Garden Festival 8th & 9th June

D

espite gales on Saturday and heavy downpours on Sunday morning, the people who wandered around the 12 open gardens enjoyed the variety of styles and selection of plants, as well as the opportunity to chat to the owners.

Delicious home-made cakes were available at two locations and plants were available at another two gardens.

A huge thank-you to all those who contributed to making this a happy and worthwhile event, resulting in £566.67 being raised for St. George and All Saints Church, Beaford.

Thornhillhead Methodist Church

Woodland walk with treasure hunt Sunday 7th July At Hembury Castle, Frithelstock EX38 8JT, from 2pm onwards.

There will be refreshments and cream teas. If you are unable to walk, please come for a cream tea and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Dogs welcome on a lead. Please contact Rosemary 01805 624303 or Stuart Faulkner 07747 704 364 if further details are required.

By kind permission of Richard & Rosemary Goodburn.

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Meet, chat and enjoy some company for the day

Heanton t Providing... s e W

• Purpose built hall • Freshly cooked meals • Local transport available • Over 60’s • Dementia Friendly • Wide range of daily activities

T: 01409 281 754 F: 01409 298 160 E: enquiries@westheanton.co.uk Visit: www.westheanton.co.uk West Heanton, Buckland Filleigh Beaworthy, EX21 5PJ

NEW Day Care Service

Residential Care, Sheltered Housing, Day Care & Domiciliary Care

Recruiting Now! Interested? Apply today.

Part time or full time jobs@westheanton.co.uk

Approved Dealers for Clearview, Westfire, Fireline, TermaTech & Heta Stoves

Mark Broadhead Ltd Kenwyn Stove & Chimney Co. 6 Cornmarket Street, Torrington www.kenwyn-stoves.co.uk

• Experienced fully qualified installers • All quality stoves supplied • Cast iron inserts and fire surrounds • Chimney lining specialists

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Showroom open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm Saturday 9am to 12pm

TEL: 01805 623521

We are a family run business, established in 1980, with a reputation for quality workmanship and customer service second to none.