FREE March 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.
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Torrington Contact us&...District Community News & Events 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: Dy Darch Rural Distribution: Sue Crane & the community Printers: Toptown, Barnstaple The Crier is produced 10 times a year by The Crier Community Interest Company, a social enterprise, and aims to support the local community and local businesses, by providing a publication in which news, events and information can be shared throughout Great Torrington and the rural district. Production costs are covered by advertising income. We would also like to thank Great Torrington Town Council for their support. We would be very grateful if you could please ensure you inform any advertiser of where you saw their advert.
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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.
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Drain clearing CCTV surveys Repairs/Relining Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation
Eight great holiday cottages • Prettily situated Comfortably priced • 1-5 bedrooms • Spacious indoors & out Gardens for play and relaxation Outdoor summer pool, table tennis, pool table, wi-fi Torridge House Cottages, Little Torrington 07807 698 224 • www.torridgehouse.co.uk
May Fair Celebrations 2019
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n just a couple months, May Fair will be upon us and we are sure that you, like us, are getting excited about this: wondering what the theme for the May Fair costumes will be, worrying whether the weather will be okay, or looking forward to our friends and family returning to Great Torrington from across the globe to join in with our celebrations. It is the biggest and best time of the Great Torrington year, I’m sure you’ll all agree. Perhaps you are already planning what your Carnival entry will be, or wondering what exciting entertainment the Town Square will offer this year. For many, May Fair starts months before the day. The May Fair and Carnival Committee start work on the 199 tasks that need to be actioned. The Town Council prepares for the
to be done, it has become increasingly difficult. Before Christmas we used Facebook to ask for help with some of these tasks and managed to get one volunteer: a huge thank you to Sue Harrison, who is going to organise the May Fair Draw. However, we still need help for tasks both big and small. Examples are as follows:
“If you have some spare time and could help with one or more of activities, please get in touch with the May Fair Secretary...” * Help with moving the heavy ticket booth from the Town Hall across the road at 9.30am, and back again at 12.30pm, on Thursdays, Fridays and
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
* May Fair: For health & safety purposes, can wheelchair users assemble early in The Square on May Fair day please * May Fair: Volunteers are needed to put away chairs after the May Fair celebrations from 4.30-5pm * Carnival: Entry forms can be found at Xanadu, the Great Torrington Town Council website, the May Fair Facebook page, and from paulinebaker3@hotmail.co.uk * Carnival: Absolutely NO THROWING OF COINS at the Carnival floats and walkers, and NO ALCOHOL * Carnival: Remember that from 6pm on Saturday 4th May, there will be disruption on the roads around Great Torrington until the end of the Carnival at 8pm.
Christian Aid Lent Lunches
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Proclamation Ceremony/Parade and the post May Fair event in the Plough. The Bluecoat CofE Primary School start practising their Maypole dancing, and elect the May Queen, attendants and heralds, as well as practising their singing for the pre-May Fair service in the Square. The GTS Carnival Queen is chosen, the Town Band start practising and, of course, we must not forget the Cavaliers, who put up the bunting and “Us be plaised to zee ‘ee” banner, so familiar to locals and visitors to the town; we’re also sure they’ll be planning some form of entertainment for our enjoyment. This is just a handful of the plethora of people who are involved. Great Torrington’s May Fair celebration takes a lot of hard work and commitment from all involved. The current May Fair and Carnival Committee works with just a small group of people, and with 199 tasks needing
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Saturdays throughout April to enable draw tickets to be sold * Help with practical matters for, and during, the Wednesday evening practice session * Help with stewarding on May Fair day * Help with putting chairs away on May Fair afternoon * Help with stewarding at the Carnival These are all very practical needs, and we really do need help from the town’s people to make sure that May Fair continues. However, these events can only keep going for our children and grandchildren if volunteers come forward and get involved. If you have some spare time and could help with one or more of activities, please get in touch with the May Fair Secretary either through a message on our Facebook page, or by email: gill61clayton@gmail.com.
he first Lent Lunch will be held on Friday 8th March in the Methodist Church (top of Mill St) between 12 noon and 1.45pm, with a choice of homemade soup, rolls, butter, cheese, chutney, and a cup of tea or coffee for £3.50. Please see the Crier diary or posters for the venues for the next five lunches. These lunches are hosted by the Baptist, Holy Family, Church of England and Methodist Churches. All are welcome, so please come along and help support the work of Christian Aid. Torrington Christian Aid Committee
Dartington Fields and East Torrington Residents’ Association
Due to the success of the Dartington Fields and East Torrington Residents’ Association, it now has £560.62 to give to charity. We have a suggestion of the Children’s Hospice South West and seek the agreement of those members of the above association to go ahead with this. If we receive no response to this notice in the next six weeks, we will go ahead with the donation. Margaret Brown, Chair
Torrington Library News
Children’s events this month Craft Club (4-11yrs) Saturday 9th March 10.30am-12.30pm Lego Club (5yrs +) Saturdays 10.30am12.15pm, 2nd, 16th & 23rd March Paper Games Saturday 30th March 10.30am-12.30pm Spanish Story Time (pre- schoolers) Hola amigos, join Lucia and enjoy this fun session with fellow parents/carers and children. We look forward to seeing you. Tuesday 12th March 2- 2.30pm Half term Quiz. The competition (for two age groups) closes on Saturday 9th March – so if you haven’t picked up a quiz sheet yet, there is still time to take part! Paper flower workshop – Crocuses Wendy will be with us again on Tuesday 5th March 10.30am-1pm. Tickets £3, booking essential as places are limited. 01805 622107. Torrington.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk Overdue items Did you find a pile of overdue library items in your child’s room during the halfterm bedroom tidy? If you did and you can’t make it in during opening hours, please note that we have a ‘drop box’ outside the library door for returning items when we are closed. It is important for us to have as many items as possible to offer for loan so, rather than hold on because you are in fear of the fines, please return the books etc. as soon as possible for the benefit of other library users and pay later. Thank you. Kate Greaves Library Supervisor
Town & Community Hall Thanks
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Gt Torrington Town & Community Hall
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t’s all hands on deck now, and everybody is working flat out to finish the work on our Town Hall. After such a long time, and so many questions from residents saying when is it going to open, it is great to be able to say we will be ready to show our wonderful building off to the community on Saturday 30th March (please see details below). My thanks to everybody who has made this day possible; Trustees, funders, schools and voluntary organisations who have supported us. We can’t wait to show you around,so do pop in and see for yourself!
Open Event
Saturday 30th March 10am to 2pm Please join our Trustees and view our fully restored building which is now available for hire. Disabled entrance/lift available. We look forward to meeting you! Richard Rumbold, Gt Torrington Buildings Preservation Trust & Town and Community Hall Project
aving read in the February edition of the Crier that the renovations on the Town Hall are nearing completion, I think the town owes a great vote of thanks both to those who began all the hard work in 2003, and the present members of the Community Hall project. There have been many hours given in researching grants and form filling to obtain them. Due to the commitment of the committee, our community will have a well-equipped building in the centre of the town which will prove to be a great asset both now, and in the future, thank-you to all involved. Shirley Bere
Torrington Auction Supporting the Museum
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he monthly Torrington auctions are proving to be a great addition to our community. Another priceless asset is our museum. We believe that our heritage should be free for all to browse, but unfortunately the bills exceed the amount dropped into our donation box. This means that we have to close during the winter (except for pre-booked groups) as we cannot ask our wonderful volunteers to endure hypothermia. Next time you submit a lot to the auction, could you generously say that it is on a 50/50 basis with the museum? Your help would be so much appreciated. Thank you. Sue Scrutton
6-7.15pm
Please call WENDY on 07787607322 or email wendy.cox@btinternet.com Class includes optional weigh in, motivational talk and 45 minutes of Zumba Fun
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Tarka Pottery
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
A Drive for Sustainability at Bluecoat
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ustainability is one of the key uniform sale and book swap on the first curriculum drivers at Bluecoat Monday of the month. C of E Primary School and Alongside the Hub activities, Bluecoat they are certainly demonstrating that has an enthusiastic team of pupil with their recent activities and efforts to Eco-Ambassadors from across the reduce waste and year groups, promote recycling. led by teacher Bluecoat has Sarah Hogan, established their who are driving ‘Waste Not Want sustainability Not Hub’ which is and identifying partnered up with new campaigns local Co-op Stores and initiatives to to take advantage support the cause. of the Co-op Food The school is Share Scheme. The now a registered scheme is designed TerraCycle to reduce waste by Collection donating surplus Point and is food to charitable participating with and community the Walkers Crisp organisations, and Packet Recycle forms part of the CoScheme, which op’s wider strategy collects all brands on driving down food of crisp packets. If waste. you would like to Staff at the school prevent your crisp are making regular packets going to collections from landfill just rinse “The scheme is designed to the stores and the them out and drop reduce waste by donating produce, including them off at the surplus food to charitable and school so that they bread, pastries, fruit, vegetables community organisations, and can be recycled into and flowers, is forms part of the Co-op’s wider a watering can, a made available strategy on driving down food bench or perhaps a to families via the plant pot. waste.” Hub. The initiative Co-op Food has received very positive feedback Share is the largest food redistribution from families, with many commenting scheme to be offered by a convenience how surprising it was at the amount of retailer and aims to support the 1,500 ‘waste’ supermarkets produce and how communities in which its 2,500 stores good schemes like this are to reduce it. are located. Sarah Pester, Business Manager and The Co-op already works with co-ordinator of the scheme at Bluecoat hunger fighting charity, FareShare, to commented “Whilst sustainability is redistribute food from its depots. Since the ultimate driver, we hope that the 2013 it has provided enough food for produce provided by the Co-op will go over three million meals. some way to support those families Groups, good causes and charities, that need it. We are delighted at the who can commit to collecting food response and are grateful for this regularly and provide meals for people partnership opportunity. We’re really in the community on a not-for-profit pleased to see the food being taken basis, can apply to be a part of Co-op each day. “The ‘Waste Not Want Not Food Share by registering their details Hub’ also hosts a monthly pre-loved at: www.coop.co.uk/foodshare
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Torrington Music, Arts & Heritage Festival Saturday 14th September
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ur AGM went well and we have some new committee members. Now we need good ideas from you so do get in touch. We hope to have a good headline band for the event in the Plough and will be able to use the Town Hall, so what would you like to see there? Perhaps a photographic exhibition, a dance or something else? We wish to give local talent a chance so if you have a particular performance skill, please get in touch. Contact Cathrine Simmons on 01805 622409 or cathrinesimmons@hotmail. co.uk.
Time on Your Hands?
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ant to do something interesting and useful? The Great Torrington Community Development Trust and the Great Torrington Futures Group work on projects for the economic and community improvement of the neighbourhood. Our projects are based on local consultation and currently include the appearance of the town; signage and information; developing a new town website; gardening; tourism; fundraising. We are always looking for help with our work and, if you are not interested, perhaps you know someone who might be. The commitment is flexible depending on your availability and project preferences. For further information and an initial discussion, please contact Phil Topham on 01805 628 219 or philtop@ hotmail.co.uk.
Please Support North Devon Hospice & Big Breakfast 2019!
Please come along and support your local Big Breakfast at: New Inn, Roborough - Saturday 16th March 9.30am11.30am Delicious breakfast for £6 including tea/coffee. Vegetarian option, raffle draw Please pop in or phone 01805 603247 to book your place,or everyone welcome on the day! Black Horse Hotel, Torrington - Saturday 23rd March 9am-12pm Come and enjoy a tasty Big Breakfast, £6.50 donation including tea/coffee, toast, vegetarian option too. Please pop in or phone 01805 622121 to book or everyone welcome on the day! Langtree Parish Hall - Sunday 24th March 9am-12.15pm £6 donation for a delicious Big Breakfast: £3 child. £16 for family breakfast (two adults, two children). Everyone welcome on the day. You can be sure of a warm welcome, so please support our generous Big Breakfast organisers if you can. The money raised through Big Breakfast, which is generously sponsored by Phillip Dennis Foodservice, will help North Devon Hospice care for local people who are suffering from the impact of cancer and other lifelimiting illnesses. All hospice services are provided completely free of charge, but it costs over £5 million each year to care in this way. For other Big Breakfasts in North Devon and Cornwall borders, please visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk.
Michael Sampson
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would like to pay a tribute to Michael Sampson, a good friend who sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday 13th January. Michael was very well known in both Little Torrington and Great Torrington; he dedicated all of his time helping people and was on many committees. He also helped a lot of us when working for Lloyds Bank for many years. He was a very active person with the British Red Cross, everyone knew him at the medical loans shop in the Pannier Market, but he did many other different things for them over approximately 40 years working tirelessly in the background, but occasionally stepping forward to speak for the truth and right. He loved his life here in Great Torrington, and he will be missed very much by all who knew him. All ourt thoughts are with his wife Jo, son Andrew and family at this very sad time. Ian Dagg, British Red Cross
Dog Mess at Donnacroft We Need Your Help!
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’m very sad to be writing this, but feel we need to ask for help. I’m a regular visitor to Donnacroft, as both my sons play football there, but I am most upset to see how much dogs mess there is everywhere! On the public footpath, the car parking area and on the grass to the rugby and football pitches. There are serious health risks to our loved ones/children/ grandchildren, such as Toxocariasis. Donnacroft, as you all know, is a recreational field; our youth and adults use the pitches most weekends. If you are exercising your dogs, please be responsible and make sure you clean up after them. There are dog bins, so please use them! A Concerned Parent
Michael Sampson
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he Crier team send their condolences to the family of Michael Sampson, who has been a stalwart supporter of The Crier and the local community for many, many years. Michael had been delivering the Crier door-to-door to Little Torrington, even though he had moved into Torrington in recent years. He will be sorely missed.
Boxing Show in Torrington!
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orrington Police Amateur Boxing Club is holding their next home show on Saturday 23rd March, 7pm at Torrington Sports Hall. Licensed bar, hot food, and a great night guaranteed, please come and support our Torrington boxers. We are still looking for sponsors so if you would like to sponsor our boxers please contact Wayne Hill on 07814 147 603.
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Instant Images Embroidery
The Castle Community Centre
We work closely with our customers to offer quality embroidered and printed garments.
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
46 South Street, Torrington Tel: 01805 938002 instantimages.devon@btinternet.com www.instantimagesembroidery.co.uk
Chamber of Trade News
Grow Curious Babies
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row by Action for Children is inviting parents with a baby or toddler in the Torrington area to come along and join us for a free fun event on 8th March at Torrington Children’s Centre between 9.15am and 10.15am where you can: * Come and explore and encourage your baby or toddler’s natural curiosity * Make a beautiful keepsake with your child * Receive a discount voucher for a Grow experience * Find out more about baby massage or baby yoga * Enjoy one of our organic or fair-trade refreshments * Meet other parents and their babies and toddlers * Enjoy our interactive storytelling All children will be given a little gift from Grow. We offer quality and ethical experiences from pregnancy to pre-school delivered by qualified and very experienced early years practitioners. We will be offering weekly curious babies and curious toddlers sessions at the children’s centre every Friday morning, and regular baby yoga and baby massage experiences. At Grow, we are committed to: * Helping you to grow together from bump to baby and into toddlerhood and beyond * Supporting you and your baby to discover the world around you * Giving you an insight into your baby or toddler’s development, helping them to reach their milestones * Developing your baby or toddler’s interests, letting them discover the fascinating world around them where wonder leads to curious, imaginative babies and toddlers * Helping you to feel more confident as a new parent, understanding that your child is a unique individual and we know that at times being a parent isn’t easy * Helping you to recognise and understand your baby’s unique cues so you can give him/her what he/she needs Confident babies are free to explore and learn because they know they are loved. Confident parents are happier and more content with everyday life, ready to face the challenges. Grow… arrive curious, leave inspired. For more information on our experiences please go to www.grow.org.uk. Places are strictly limited so please contact Lyndsey or Helen on 01271 371961 or email growdevon@actionforchildren.org.uk today for more information and to reserve your place.
Mollie Banfield
Massage & Sports Therapist Castle Street TORRINGTON EX38 8EZ m 07854 805336 e mbsportstherapy@outlook.com
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Sports Massage Deep Tissue Massage Hot Stone Massage Relaxation Massage Ultrasound Kinesiology Taping Biomechanics & Mobilisation Trigger Point Therapy
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he Chamber of Trade would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported Grinchmas in December. There were throngs of folk enjoying the day, Mother Christmas and the Grinch were kept busy, and the carol singing around the tree got us all in the festive spirit. This mood continued right up to Christmas, with many shoppers choosing to stay local. So thank you to all of you who choose to shop in the town, our lovely independent shops rely upon your business to keep their doors open and our community thriving. Pannier Market The weekly markets on Friday and Saturday continue to develop, and the regular traders must be commended for turning out at the coldest time of the year. We are lucky to have a new market manager now concentrating on trying to drive the market forward, and there are many new and exciting events planned in the coming months. Saturday March 16th Food Fair and Saturday March 30th Flea Market. The plan is for these to become regular events, so please come along and help to make them a success!! For information on events or to book stalls for the weekly markets please contact Kay on 07398 234 579 or via the Great Torrington Pannier Market events page on Facebook. Great Torrington Chamber of Trade
Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Now available for hire!
FREE QUOTES Loose covers, recovering, and full re-upholstery of antique, modern and automotive furniture.
Genesis (Great Torrington) Ltd, Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626100 (Admin office Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.30am–12.30pm) Email: genesis@great-torrington.com
Chamber Philharmonic of Europe Concert in Bideford
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ideford Music Club’s last concert this season sees the return of the Chamber Philharmonic of Europe, whose last visit a few years ago was highly acclaimed. The orchestra was founded in 2006 in Cologne, and engages over 60 of the most talented young musicians from 18 European nations. Its outstandingly high artistic level is apparent from the many concerts and festivals at which the orchestra has played throughout the continent, as well as the acclaim of press and critics. Nine orchestra members are touring the UK in March this year, and will perform at the Methodist Church in the High Street in Bideford on Wednesday 6th March at 7.30pm. The varied and engaging programme includes: Vivaldi - Concerto in G minor RV 157 Albinoni - Trumpet Concerto in E flat major Suk: Serenade for Strings Bach - Violin Concerto in E major Albinoni - Adagio in G minor Nielsen - Little Suite Tickets are available at the door. Children and students have free entry. All welcome! (Please note that this is a revised programme)
Devon Sensory Outreach Service
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he Devon Sensory Outreach Service visits Torrington on the first Wednesday of every other month offering a free, confidential and impartial service for people with hearing and/or visual impairment You can talk to us about your hearing and sight loss and the problems it causes. We offer advice and training in using equipment to help with everyday difficulties such as hearing the doorbell, telephone and television and with lighting, reading newspapers, books and telling the time. The equipment can be for demonstration, trial and loan. We also offer simple maintenance of NHS hearing aids, including supplying batteries, cleaning and re-tubing. The service has a regular timetable covering Mid, West, North and South Devon. This service is provided by Devon County Council. Next visit to the Bickford Centre Torrington is April 3rd between 11am and 3pm no appointment necessary. Current timetables and sensory team information available online at: www. pinpoint.devon.gov.uk and new.devon.gov.uk/care-and-health/disabilities/physicalsensory/sensory-disability-services. Sensory Outreach Service contact number: 07966 596 881.
Primary Town Task Force Safer Parking Campaign
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n Friday 8th February Great Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary Schools Town Task Force hosted their first event as part of their ‘Safer Parking’ campaign. After school the Task Force sold cakes to fellow pupils and parents to raise money for parking signs to put up around the school, to remind parents and carers to park sensibly and safely during the school run. The Town Task Force were delighted to be joined by Torrington Mayor Di Davey, Torrington Town Councillors, County Councillor Andrew Saywell and Firefighters from Torrington Fire Station. We would like to say a big thank you to all of them for taking time to join us, we really appreciate the support. Thank you to all the parents and pupils that baked cakes, with your help the campaign is off to a great start and raised £65. Town Task Force
Rotary Club Update
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n December we held a street collection in aid of The Great Torrington Community Foodbank. The weather was atrocious with strong winds and torrential rain, but despite this we collected £325 and with the donations that came in later, and a contribution from our charity account, we handed over a cheque for £500. A special thank you to the brave souls that made donations on the day and to the collectors for braving the elements. Rick Smale AUTHENTIC WADO-RYU
KARATE
Wayne Hill Painter and Decorator Fully qualified tradesman
Function Fitness • Castle Street • Torrington “Learn and experience the true spirit of the martial arts with one of the area’s most respected, genuine and established groups”
• Interior and exterior painting • Paper hanging • No job too big or too small For a friendly reliable service from a local tradesman ring:
T: 01805 625238 M: 07814 147 603
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For booking rates & details contact Susie and John Golightly 07917 651 938
Structured Classes For All Levels & Ages Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Children • Adults • Families • All Welcome with
PETER HILL
7th Dan Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy Japanese trained and graded to present level Professional Karate-Ka with 47 years experience
~ FREE FIRST LESSON WITH NO OBLIGATION ~ Established dojo also located in: BARNSTAPLE, CREDITON & OKEHAMPTON For further information or details please
Tel: 01805
624568 / 07983 174499
www.devonwadoryu.co.uk
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• Duane’s Carvings • Just 4 Kidz •
GREAT TORRINGTON PANNIER MARKET
Retail Outlets, Craft Workshops & Café
Open Monday to Saturday all day Tel: 01805 626110 • genesis@great-torrington.com
Friday & Saturday General Market 9am-3pm • British Red Cross • Elftree • The Market Café • Fiddlesticks •
For Socks etc. • Town Museum • Kitch ’n’ Cupboard
• Crafty Needles • Odds & Sods • The Jewel in the Town • Toy Swap Shop • Times Past
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
Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626146 Email: 1646@great-torrington.com
GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
YOUR COUNCIL... WORKING FOR YOU!
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he clock tower structure has been repaired following damage sustained last autumn. It took some time to do as the damage was at the base of the tower and the structure needed to be taken down and re-built by specialist stonemasons. We are now in the final stages of arranging for the clock to be fixed and hope this will be completed in the next month or so. The Town Council’s technicians have been busy over the past couple of months; they have painted the railings opposite the Methodist Church and the outside of the Museum, and cleaned railings and cut back an overhanging hedgerow at Rack Park. Benches in the town centre and football posts at Greenbank have been also been reconditioned - as well as ongoing park checks and keeping the churchyard tidy. They have already started grass cutting! Budgets and Grants Council awarded grants to local groups/charities for 2019/20 to the sum of £4,950 from the Commons Allotment Charity and £26,300 as Precept Grants. A list of these can be found on the Town Council’s Website. The Council agreed a budget for 2019/20 and the precept arrangements reflect an increase of 4.63% on the Town Council element of your council tax bill. This equates to an increase of £3.54 per annum for a Band A property and £4.13 per annum for a Band B property compared to last year. Full details of increases for all bands can be found on the Council’s website. Councillors and Community Councillors have recently been involved in various community meetings/ liaison opportunities with Torridge District Council, Devon County Council, members of the public and other community groups as well as the Post Office and Lloyds Bank.
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Great Torrington Leisure, Recreation and Community Forum In December the Town Council was represented at the first Great Torrington Leisure, Recreation and Community Forum organised by James Jarroudi from Torridge District Council (TDC). James hopes that the group will serve as more than just a ‘talking forum’ and that issues, concerns and thoughts arising from the group can be used as a formal, evidence-based platform to assist and promote any regeneration, developments or projects within the town in respect of leisure, recreation, sport and play. It is hoped also that the group will serve to bring the community together and enable groups and organisations to work between themselves and assist one another. If you would like to come along to the next meeting, it will be held on 21st March 2019 7pm in the 1646 Building, Castle Hill, Great Torrington High Street Funding opportunities At the end of January Councillors met with Chris Fuller from TDC, along with the Chamber of Trade and the Futures Group to consider the opportunity for TDC to bid for new government funding from the ‘Future High Street Fund’. It was a good opportunity to air numerous ideas and this has been taken back to TDC for further consideration. Election We are in election year and we wait to see if there will be an election for the Town Council. If there are more than 16 applications from electors wishing to become a Town Councillor, an election will be held. Please contact the Town Clerk if you would like more information about becoming a councillor. Other help at the Town Council offices The Town Council offices currently host a weekly Citizen’s Advice session on a Tuesday morning, along with the ‘Let’s Talk’ project mentioned on the opposite page.
Torridge Training Voluntary Services (TTVS) have begun a three month pilot based in the office every other Wednesday from 9am-1pm. TTVS’s aim is to provide support to voluntary and community groups with the following; funding advice, promote volunteering, group development and governance, helping groups set up, help develop projects, advice around legal structures, employing staff, insurance, finances and the roles and responsibilities of Trustees. They will also support and register individuals looking to support the community through volunteering. Please keep an eye on the Town Council’s website/Facebook page and in the Crier for more information on these and other activities. Cllr Mrs Di Davey, Mayor of Great Torrington
Town Council Award
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ach year the Town Council gives an award to the person or persons whom it feels has provided local public service of the highest order. Such service can be of many years’ duration or something extraordinary that was for a short time. The essence is that the time given is voluntary and the people benefiting are within the parish of Great Torrington. The Town Council invites you to submit nominations for consideration which should be accompanied by a written explanation as to why you believe the person or persons should be considered, what they have done, how long for and who has benefited. Please limit explanations to no more than one side of A4 paper. Please send your nominations to the Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA or by email to admin@great-torringtontowncouncil. gov.uk, to be received no later than Thursday 14th March 2019. Karen Chapman, Town Clerk
From your Mayor...
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ur Council hope to hear the result of the recent consultation of the proposal to move the current post office and incorporate it into the SPAR shop very soon. I’m sure all will agree that we must have a post office in our town, and the opening hours of 8am ‘till 8pm will be so useful for everyone. Cllr Andrew Saywell recently advised that Devon County Council has set out a proposal to re-pave the town square in the next financial year. This would be very welcome as the bricks are sinking in places making it uneven. There are continued concerns about Torrington swimming pool, run by 1610 but owned by TDC. This facility is very beneficial for the health and well being of everyone in our community, but the problems must be addressed. Please report any issues to the Town Council and we will follow up with TDC. Cllr Margaret Brown and I were given a tour of Little Bridge House in Fremington, which is one of three children’s hospices here in the South West. The aim of this tour was to inform supporters and the general public how donations and fundraising money is used to support families with children who have life limiting illnesses. This month has been the Pantomime season, and to date we have been to support ‘Snow White and the Magnificent Seven Dwarfs’ presented by the Cavaliers, a spectacular show indeed with the horse stealing the show! Equally enjoyable was the Little Torrington Players with their ‘Snow White and the Dwarf’ well done everyone, a great community spirit. Both these performances shared the same Snow White (Kimberley Crocker) who has such a lovely singing voice.
COMMUNITIES TOGETHER FUNDING
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ommunities Together Funding: There has been a lot of activity over these past few months. The Town Council directed their allocation of ‘Communities together funding’ (grants from Devon County Council and Torridge District Council) to three local projects; Let’s Talk, Dementia Friendly Community and Jubilee Wood projects. Let’s Talk: The ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions are being run initially as a one-year pilot, and have run from the Town Council offices since November. The group, held in a safe and confidential environment, is facilitated by two highly experienced counsellors from the mental health charity, Clarity. It offers support to local residents who may be experiencing mental health or emotional issues. The group aims to improve quality of life, increase self-esteem and relieve isolation and loneliness, through counselling and shared experiences. If you would like to attend, please contact Clarity on 01271 267474 for a chat. Jubilee Wood is an area of four hectares of land below Trafalgar Drive that was passed from the District Council to the Town Council in 2016. The Town Council is working with volunteers to develop this land into a natural woodland and meadow environment. The funding will provide additional trees and shrubs. Planting has started already and by spring, we hope to have planted in excess of 200, maybe up to 250 trees. Volunteers are currently working on the path that will connect Trafalgar Drive with the Conservators’ Barmaids Path - clearing scrub and seeding where necessary. Dementia Friendly Community: The Town Council is currently working with ‘Friends of the Library’ and other volunteers from the community on a project to obtain accreditation from the Alzheimer’s Society for Great Torrington to be a recognised ‘Dementia Friendly’ community. Work is currently underway on producing appropriate leaflets/advice and funding has been used to facilitate this work. The working group is also focussing on arranging Dementia Awareness training for businesses and groups in the community, with sessions already started. If you or your group would like to attend a training session, please contact the Town Council. Cllr Mrs Di Davey, Mayor of Great Torrington
Preparations are full steam ahead for our May Fair and Carnival celebrations, our committee is working hard to make sure it will be a great occasion for everyone. The Carnival Queen and Attendants have been chosen and we are in the process of choosing winning May Fair programme covers, designed by the children, a well as the May Queen, Crowner, Heralds and Attendants. Once this is done the dressmaker will design the outfits, in complete secrecy, so that on the day it will be a great surprise to everyone watching; including me! Cllr Mrs Di Davey
Annual Parish Meeting
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otice is hereby given that Great Torrington Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 11th April 2019 at 7pm in the Town Hall, Great Torrington. The Mayor of Great Torrington will submit a report on the Town Council’s activities during 2018/19. Consideration will be given to any matters raised by Registered Electors who reside within the parish of Great Torrington. Karen Chapman, Town Clerk
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Lizzy’s Larder
* Freelance Florist - Locally Based * Bespoke Wedding Flowers - Free Consultation * Beautiful West Country Seasonal Flowers * Special Occasions * Corporate Events * Funeral Flowers * Environmentally Friendly Funeral Tributes * Free delivery within 10 mile radius Tel: 01805 938946 Mob: 07533891380 • 27 South Street, Torrington, EX38 8AA Visit: www.tinahodgson.com Email: tina-hodgson@hotmail.co.uk
Small But Perfectly Formed
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lpines are the jewels of the plant world. You can grow these gems in containers; they look particularly good in stone troughs or sinks, the perfect way to provide the welldrained soil conditions and open sunny position they need to thrive. If you don’t have a genuine stone trough, you can make your own; instructions on the RHS website advice pages. Once you have found a suitable sunny position, away from the drip line of trees, raise your container off the ground by about 5cm, cover the drainage holes with broken terracotta pot and fill with a compost consisting of equal parts John Innes No.2 and coarse grit. Don’t forget to leave a gap of 2cm for a grit dressing around the plants and finish off by arranging a few architectural rocks. Try and select plants that will give a variety in texture of foliage as well as flower. Mix in some bulbs for winter/early spring interest such as choice snowdrop and Narcissus species, Crocus and Cyclamen coum AGM. Later flowering bulbs include Anemone blanda AGM, Chionodoxa and Hepatica nobilis. As for perennials, evergreen saxifrages are a good place to start, other good plants include Lewisia, Phlox, Silene and Erodium. Trailing plants such as Helianthemum oelandicum or Cyananthus microphyllus AGM will soften the edges. On 23 March, Rosemoor is hosting the South West Alpine Garden Society Show. If you can’t make it, then check out our advice pages at rhs.org.uk/advice. Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer
Beavers, Cubs & Scouts
Great Torrington Neighbourhood Plan Share Your View
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otice is hereby given that Great Torrington Town Council, as the relevant qualifying body, has submitted the Great Torrington Neighbourhood Plan proposal to Torridge District Council in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended). The Great Torrington Neighbourhood Plan establishes a vision for the evolution and long-term sustainability of Great Torrington and provides policies and proposals to guide development within the designated area over the period up to 2031. In accordance with Regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), representations on the neighbourhood plan are invited from interested parties during the period from Thursday 14th February until 12 noon on Thursday 28th March 2019. Late representations will not be accepted. The neighbourhood plan and supporting documentation can be inspected throughout the period set out above: * online via http://consult.torridge.gov.uk/ * at the following locations during normal opening hours: Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG: Torrington Library, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA Representations should be made in writing and may be submitted: * online via http://consult.torridge.gov.uk * by email to localplan@torridge.gov.uk * by post or in person to Planning Policy, Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG A representation may include a request to be notified of the local planning authority’s decision on whether to make (adopt) the neighbourhood plan. Any personal information submitted as part of the consultation will be collected, stored and processed in accordance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) and Data Protection Act 2018, with further information available at: www.torridge.gov.uk/privacypolicy. The information collected as part of this consultation is to support the process of neighbourhood planning, with the lawful bases for processing personal information being legal obligation and public task. Representations received as part of the consultation cannot be treated confidentially, will be passed to the person appointed to examine the neighbourhood plan and may be made publically available via the Council’s website and consultation portal.
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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
Orchadia Hats
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unding and Refurbishment for Scout Hall - 1st Torrington Scout Group owns its Scout Hall and as you can imagine this comes with ongoing costs for maintenance and upkeep. The hall was built in 1986 and since then it has received minimal change to the original build. However, the original heating is now more or less on its last legs and the original single pane windows are by no means heat efficient. Since last summer, we have been looking at different funding opportunities to carry out refurbishments to the hall, to include the above and also replacement lighting to modern day efficient LED, all of which should help to reduce our energy consumption. We have recently received fantastic news that we have been successful in
our application to the Coastal Recycling Community Fund, which provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund. We applied for approximately £13,000 which will cover the cost of all of the above. The application exercise was well worth the effort as we are now in a position go ahead with the refurbishments. We must also say a huge thank you to Andrew Saywell, Devon County Councillor, who has also provided funding of just over £1,000 towards this project from the Investing in Devon and Locality budgets. The hall is used not only by the
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, but also other local youth and community groups on a regular basis, as well as by members of the community for events such as children’s birthday parties. The improvements will make such a difference to the hall and its users. The hall is an amazing facility set in the
“We are hoping to continue with our plans to refurbish the hall, our future projects are the kitchen and toilet facilities.” heart of our town and, with improved facilities; we feel that other members of the community will be able to benefit from using it. We are hoping to continue with our plans to refurbish the hall, our future projects are the kitchen and toilet facilities. Our members have been busy so far this year, with the Beavers enjoying activities to gain badges for Space, Emergency Aid and Faith Awareness. They also had an archery evening, which was very exciting. Our Cubs have been having fun learning new skills to gain their Naturalist, Astronomer, Emergency Aid and Disability Awareness badges and they finished the term with a visit to St. Michael and All Angels Church to start their Faith awareness badge also. Thank you to the Vicar and his team for hosting us. The Scouts have been busy making shelves for their DIY badge, learning
about navigation and they finished the term by visiting Rock & Rapid to have fun and challenge themselves on the climbing walls. Lots of fun and new skills for all. Coffee Morning Alert – we will be holding a ‘Coffee Morning’ at the Scout hall on Saturday 30th March from 12:301:30pm. There will be a raffle, tombola, cake stall, treasure map plus lots more. Please come and join us to raise funds to support our group. 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.
Health and Wellbeing Event at Torrington Hospital
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orrington Hospital is hosting a Health and Wellbeing Event on 27th March 10am-2pm. This will be an opportunity for local people to attend and see what services are available in and around Torrington. Some of the groups that will be attending are: Ella Cann - County Time Broker for Devon Time; Sheila Ballard - Over 18’s skills and apprentices; Sallie - Fire Advisor; Rose Hunter- Wiser£money partnership; Homestart Paul Huxtable TTVS; Marion Fanning - 361energy Lorraine Harris - Active Devon; Katrina Joseph - Torridge Volunteer Cars
Spring Sale
Wednesday 20th March Selected quality fascinators and hats up to 50% off Call/text 07472 564 198 01237 474162 www.orchadia.co.uk
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Torrington Commons
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lovely thing to go and see on the Commons at the moment is the little wild daffodils that grow at the top of Castle Hill and down by the river and there have been many reports of otters playing in the river recently. You never know when you’re going to be lucky enough to get a glimpse! Last month we were busy taking down the remains of some long-dead elms on Coronation path. The young elms continue to regenerate, but because of Dutch elm disease die off before growing to their full size. We’ve also cleared a patch of hillside that was reverting to scrub above Commons Lake pond. These South facing slopes are important for our rare butterfly populations and the piles of logs left behind also make great habitat piles for all kinds of invertebrates, further supporting birds and small mammals higher up the food chain. We’ve also cut back the hedge that was encroaching on the meadow behind the cemetery, keeping the tree trail free of brambles and a barrier has been put in place to stop cars driving along Rolle Road. We’ve also had some problems to deal with: a number of trees came down in the high winds and have been removed from blocking paths. Vandalism of our signs, illegal camping and fly tipping (including the dumping of large numbers of dead pheasants, as well as builder’s waste and bags full of dirty nappies) all taking up time and resources we’d prefer to spend elsewhere! However we do ask that people continue to report these issues and we will deal with them as best we can. Thanks to everyone who supported our quiz night at The Torrington Arms on February 1st. It was a brilliant night, hosted by the humorous quizmaster Stuart Davey, and with tasty food supplied by the pub. Such was the success; we are planning another in November so watch this space for the date. We are joining the Cavaliers on Saturday March 2nd at Torridge Vale Social Club to raise money for our charities by hosting a race night. Why not come along and join the fun? It starts at 7.30pm. We also have lots more exciting fundraising events planned. One for the children you may want to pop in your diary is Sunday July 28th when we will be holding a Wild’n’Woolly day on the Commons where we will have guest alpacas and sheep in attendance! If you would like to get involved in helping out with the Commons, or see anything you would like to report (good or bad), please contact clerk.conservators@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Torrington Commons. Mandy Harrison - Vice chair GTCC
Fisheries News
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he Torridge has flooded recently on several occasions, which has held up work on the access steps and seats which we are installing along the river. We will continue when weather allows. A good head of salmon entered the river at the end of last October and headed for the spawning grounds upstream of Torrington. More than 30,000 young salmon fry were raised in the hatchery upstream and they have been released into the feeder streams. South West Water is continuing their improvement work on the sewers and drains and we can happily report that there were no recorded pollution incidents in our stretch of the river in 2018 or so far in 2019. The fishing season opens on 1st March, spinning and fly fishing is permitted in March. Fly fishing only from 1st April to 30th September. All salmon must be returned before the 16th of June. Remember that only those on the Great Torrington Borough Electoral roll may fish in Great Torrington Commons Waters. Please ensure your rod license is up to date! Please contact Alan at fishing. conservators@gmail.com if you have any queries about fishing on the Commons. Alan Crawley – Fishery Warden GTCC
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Please call Melissa Baker on 07846 857 933 36 Bur�ood Road, Tor�ing�on, Devon EX38 7NE.
Woodburners & Thatched Properties
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his is another combination that insurers, installers and wood burning stove owners find difficult to comprehend. Insurance companies base their premiums on statistics which, in the case of house fires related to the installation of a wood burning stove, are of a very high risk indeed. But, the statistics don’t tell the whole story. If they used the statistics to tell them what percentage of those fires were as a result of poor installation or incorrect operation of the stove or, indeed, incorrect choice of stove, then the results would be more useful. In terms of operation of the stove, slumbering the fire over long periods of time is the number one cause of a chimney fire. That in itself is a worry, but if the installation was not fitted correctly this fire can easily lead to the total loss of a property. If you have a chimney fire and the thatch catches light on the outside from burning embers dropping onto it, then firefighters use a technique which involves cutting the thatch completely from the roof. The house is left in a state but the fabric of it is saved. If, however, the heat from the chimney fire catches light to the thatch below the surface there is little that can be done to save the property. By the time the fire brigade arrive the inside of the property would already be gutted. This is because a temperature of only 180 degrees centigrade is all that is required for the older drier thatch to ignite lower in the roof. There are a number of ways to prevent conduction heat from causing a fire. Building regulations state that the chimney must be at least 100mm thick (standard brickwork thickness) but, the inside of the flue must be at least 200mm away from the outer side of the stack. So an unlined brick chimney is not compliant unless it is two bricks thick. From this
you can see that if you have a flexible liner which is 150mm diameter you would need a stack to be at least 2.5 bricks x 2.5 bricks to possibly be compliant if the liner is supported centrally. If it is less than that, then twin wall insulated flue of the type normally seen running up the outside of a property - needs to be used inside the chimney. This only requires as little as 50mm clearance from combustibles, which makes the lining as safe as it is possible to achieve. Another solution is to create a 40mm air space between the thatch and the chimney stack but, this is not so easy to achieve. Building regulations also state that the chimney must terminate 1.8m above the level of the thatch which can become a sticking point with your conservation officer if your property is listed. With the introduction of DEFRA approved stoves, essentially wood burners that burn so clean they can burn wood in a smokeless zone, there has been a positive side effect. If they burn clean they are much less likely to build up a soot deposit in the chimney which, in turn, significantly reduces the risk of a chimney fire. With the even stricter regulations being introduced by the Government called Eco Design 2022, no new wood burner can be fitted that does not comply with this new standard from January 2022. This new standard restricts particulate emissions to only one quarter of that currently required to comply with DEFRA standards. This will result in even less soot build up, as manufacturers have made the stoves so that you cannot slumber the fire. There are new rules also being introduced that mean wood has to be correctly seasoned before being offered for sale. With both these regulations being enforced, or at least followed, chimney fires could, potentially, become a thing of the past. Mark Broadhead, Kenwyn Stoves
Torrington RFC Youth section
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ames have been coming thick and fast for the Torrie boys since Christmas, although the weather has stopped play for the last couple weeks. Hopefully it will dry up a bit and we can get the ball rolling again. We now also have an U13 girls’ team, which took part in their first round of games at Okehampton recently. Although very new to the game, they played really well against girls from both Okehampton and Ilfracombe Rugby Clubs. It’s great to see the girls not only playing at GTS, but now also under the banner of Torrington RFC. Hopefully England’s outstanding performances so far in the Six Nations will encourage more potential players to come along and give it ago. Boys and girls from all age groups are welcome. We are always in need of more volunteers; especially coaches or any parents that would like to get involved with an age group. It is very rewarding seeing these kids out and being active in the rugby environment. So if you would like to put your boots on and help out with any of our boys or girls age groups, please contact the Chairman, Adrian Avery on 07780 665 378 or email agavery81@gmail.com. We would also like to recruit a community events organiser to help us engage with events in and around Torrington, to spread the love of youth rugby! If you fancy being this person, please also contact Adrian on the above contact details Adrian Avery Chairman Torrington RFC Youth
Newton Tracey Cricket Club Youth Training
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ewton Tracey Cricket Club is starting youth indoor sessions shortly at Park School Barnstaple, from 6.30-7.30pm on Fridays, starting March 1st to April 5th inclusive. Ages 7-15. Please contact Graham Moore for details. 07760 197 550.
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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 The Jolly Dollies is a social support network for widows, offering support and understanding in a social setting. Meets twice monthly in Torrington. For further information please go to www.thejollydollies.com to discover more about us. Torrington Friendship Club for town residents - over 65. Weekly social event, every Thursday Methodist Church Hall 2-4pm. Contact Margaret Woodman 01805 622096
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. Short Mat Bowling at the Clubhouse, Castle Street. Every Monday and Friday 2pm or 6pm. Visitors will be made most welcome. Secretary John Pitts 01805 439100 or visit www.
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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greattorringtonbowlingclub.co.uk 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 1.30-3.30pm 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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Plough Music: Sound of The Sirens at the Plough Arts Centre. All members with flowersWalk The start of the Morgan for an appointment ring walk 01237i Sunday 24th th in even earlier times: to the Roman Devonian dialect is strung across the The new season's programme of to Kiln, Annette Asteraki on 01805 603552. ThePlough@TheGeorge, November there will be a On South the 16Molton earned millions of dollars in royalties welcome. Plough Train Your Enrico Caruso water bottle Whibble!” events celebra The Church of Jesus Christ ofFilms: Latter How To place an entry in the diary, please on the to Weare Giffa email to tellgeoffrey@geoffrey Parish Church 10am followed th festival of retail Flora, sales goddess of fruit and square – Barnstaple Torrington inis known as aEucharist th Sunday afternoon walks starts on 26 Plough Theatre: Makeshift Ensemble 8pm lunch at aid of ACWW, from the of the resulting Dragon: Hidden World (PG) 3pm; Day Saints meet @ Bideford College That joke was told to me on a balmy Diamond Jubilee in J Halfpenny Bridge, at website www.geoffreycox.co.u either email torrington.crier@gmail.com, (25 February 1873 – by Annual Church Meeting & Parish Year 10 have been flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth friendly town and this is no better Tuesday 12th May with aBideford, visit Destroyer to EX39 the site of 7pm present ‘Sofa’ 8pm the Associated CountryLunch Women of the 78rpm discs. In Italy inSaturday 1902-1903, he (15) Abbotsham Rd,Wednesday 3AR Coffee Morning aidThe of Wem dis Sunday 26th May. and warm in 1976 bythe WO2 Bingo atin Roboroug call 01805 603152, or write your entry in particularly relevant to us today,16th displayed than at the May Fair. In this era asked to 10am-12noon write Baptist August 1921)a per-at theiscut 2ndFoodbank Inclined Plane at Ridd. This is the World, of which the WI nationally is a five batches of records for the Plough Music: Hannah James & Toby Sunday Sacrament service at 11.50amChurch @ Chulmleigh Town over a mile but with plen Plough Films: A Private War (15) 3pm; Thursday 7th Mick O'Neill when every day was filled take place on the 6H Foodbank at Castle Hillthe May Fair provides breathing new life into the winter of10am-12noon our of social isolation, the diary on the Library counter. Church suasive review about a Part 2 place where the Kuhn Rolle atCanal member. Not widelyCanknown, the Gramophone and Typewriter ThePlough@TheGeorge, South 1pm cakes,with produce, drawprizes prizes aa and discuss is likely You Ever Forgive Me? (15) 7pm Parish Church coffee morningsWhat everya great good with laughter, and being a British community. the medicine of friendship, inclusion and Plough Music: Sound of The Sirens 8pm Plough Workshop: Making Silver Rings there are for no fair shame or festival was'Hitchcock' raised up(12A) aboutMolton 43 feet 7.30pm Film 3pm @ The ACWW has representatives from many Company. He was laterwith heard live from Major Draw. Walker MCofCeremony Thursday 11am-12.30pm couple hours. A Moreover, in keeping the spirit of support. The fair encourages community Eyes down at soldier was the best job in the world; using Precious Metal Clay with Mary digital mastered recordingsassessment. of Caruso. Tuesday GCSE English from the valley floor near 17thlife Plough nationalities; working relief26th of the stage ofchildren the Metropolitan MemorialPlease 11am Plough Films: Vice (15) 5pm;their Island of £2 (see to article) the R rejuvenation, areSunday the focalOpera point as the young and oldtowards join together for Myers 10am-4pm see future being paid to a fulfil an adventure One cannot imagine how wonderful his Foodbank 10am-12noon at'Argo' the Giffard Baptist Friday 1st Weare to Plough Film: Green Book (12A) 8pm Film (15) 7pm @level The Plough Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4.30p poverty and sickness, promoting health House in the first public radio the Hungry Ghosts (12A) 8pm of the festivities. Much against Mr Gove’s the common good. What better way is Society's fund Plough Film: How to Train Your Dragon: for events in 2012. seemed unnecessary. Six Hall years later voice was. Church World Day of Prayer service at Comedy 'Russell Kane' @ Devon in the side of the valley Doug 01805 appreciated 622648 or Beryl 0a we World should(PG) treasure. and advancing education. It’s down-tobroadcast in 1920. Plough Music: Chris Wood atof one such fair better wishes, Torrington’s schools are there to bring neighbours together? Tuesday 19th Hidden 5pm he was killed dealing with an IRA car Plough If Beale8pm Street Could Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching World Day of Prayer Torrington Baptist Church 7pm that could beTalk maintained 624294 earth approach offersfar mutual Films: support In the next tell community you about ThePlough@TheGeorge, South Molton closed to issue allow I will full People come from wide to enable the Soc Foodbank 10am-12noon at the Baptist Talk: included Power, Politics bomb, leaving ato family and many (15)and 5.30pm; All is True (12A) 8pm from 1895 Plough to 1920, 863 andsome of his operatic roles. st Plough Music Climax Blues Band 8pm; 8pm all the way inland the Film 'Great Expectations' 7.30 and practical help to women and Friday 1 March participation. What could be more enjoy the delights of May Fair. They also Sending Out a Mayday Church volunteer work Revolting People: 800 years of the friends remember a good man Orchard Family Gypsy Music Night at appearances at the New York Monday 8th Bickington head weirwho at Rosemoor. communities acrosswith world. The fair 27th Until then good listening appealing than watching the crowning bring their 5.30pm; money them! here will be aHigh service held atCinema Plough Films: of All is True (12A) IftheWednesday Charter of the Forest and our Common promote and maintai For Our Spring Fair Friday 8th who as they be forever the ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple 8pm Metropolitan Opera before he died of Historical Society AGM & Talks 'Beam Music Coope Boyes & Simpso Manywill, people will say, have seen (12A) the May Queen? The procession of boys replenishes coffers of the Films: townthe –All is True To(15) find8pm outthe about thePlough ACWW and BobStreet Dymond Beale Could Talk Rights 8pm Torrington Baptist Church at Future wa Rolle Canal. Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12-1.45pm Can we allow Torrington’s tradition to House & Quay' & John Oatway The smiling twenty-seven-year-old I thePlough an infection at the age of 48. His fame this site on previous walks but this year th 5.30pm; Burning (15) 8pm and girls in brightly coloured costumes providing a welcome boost to the local Women's Institutes nationwide, visit Saturday 2nd will be 16 7pm on Friday 1st March, toJune, 28th J Methodist Church £3.50 pleasedwindle? seelasted toWednesday Wednesday Torrington Clockmaker 7 for 7.30pm @over has the present day,13th despite remember. there have been developments Senior Citizens AGM 2pm would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, 20th economy – such a help Torrington in difficult times. www.theWI.org.uk Breakfast rolls, coffee and cake 10am article & posters further details which all are Brennan welcome.August. For W.I. Theatre: What picture comes into promotional your mind Maynard, an TorringtonPlough by Rob use the at Methodist Great Torrington WI Jane 14th the limited marketing and the winter that will make William it well worth a Sunday skirts skipping and the band blasting: the ‘Flesh’ Businesses as W.I. an Church. the Methodist Join orChurch help Silver Band Op to noon, meat raffle, 1st prize £25, 2nd Any queries about carnival Torrington email: hassallc@ymail.co when you think of Torrington’s May Fair? The service, under the title ‘Come Plough Talk: ‘Breaking The Mould: The Our Annual Meeting will take place Film 'Wreck it Ralph' (PG) 2pm @ The Drummond 7.30pm illustrated talk on Central Asia, The Silk Methodist Churc avenues available to him. He was, maypole is ceremoniously woven. repeat visit. The Heritage Lottery Torrington opportunity to advertise their select our wares. tripson for the year. prize £15, takeaway available. In aid of th Have you ever thop ring President, Joyce Ridgwell 01237 425357, you'll For many it is the image of the maypole, Suffragette Story in North Devon’ by Pam Road. - Everything Ready’ has been We are will onJust Wednesday 9 November. Plough 7pm. Visitors Rev Peter Whattonbut 6.30pm M nonetheless, a Methodist client of Rooms Edward as the colours on Thursday the maypole Charities also benefit: collection tins are funded ‘Life's Journey’ projectis has Weare Giffard Village hall refurb/rebuild. Vass 1pm & 7.30pm 21st 01805 623588. a brass instrument o to leave a message. laughter andwelcome. sunshine; it would be Thursday 28th Film 'Argo' (15) 5pm @ The Plough be electing a new prepared by the women of Slovenia, Sheriff Bernays during the latter’s tenure as a intertwined, so the May Fair breaks down soon full to overflowing. produced a new pathway from the Plough Talk: Ghost Walk No 5: Rail Foodbank 10am-12noon at Castle Hill previously? If you difficult to imagine Torrington without it. Theatre:‘Drip Plough Talk: Ghost Walk 2: Prisons, Plough Music: John Adams (in the agent FilmNo 'Lincoln' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough President St. Michael’s Plough Theatre: Pipeline the smallest youngest Church 10am SC social barriers it appeals Yet it is often argued that historic celpress in the USA. Publicity in Tarka of Trail down toone the of bottom of the and andasRiver atand ThePlough@StAnne’s, Plough Music Manran 8pm local band, come alo Yet today, our historic tradition is theanachronistic. River Taw and outer edges Gallery) 8.15pm Great Torrington Ignatius Sunday Club in upper Drip Drip’ 8pm committee for the countries in Europe. to everyone. Choirs, dance ebrations are archaic and Caruso’s time relied newspapers, Inclined Plane where two illustrated Barnstaple 7.30pm Plough Comedy: Andrew Lawrence at under threat. It is easy on to allow the town at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Howe Concert Hall, Bingo Yarnscombe Village Hall 7.30pm Tuesday 9th Film 'The Sessions' (15) 3pm YoC following year, Town Hall Projectfestivities groups and majorettes all ‘Flesh’ On the contrary, Torrington’s Webeen will become of a Hedgehogs worldwide Need particularly services, information boards have installed partOur th Plough Theatre: by Rob Thursday 14th ThePlough@TheGeorge, South Molton the pressureswire of modern life tomagazines, Barnstaple 7.30pm Nov onwards, on 14 Film 'Lincoln' (12A) 5pm @ The Plough The Plough taking a look back Hedgehog Awareness W By the time this report appears in take to the stage: a feast7.30pm for revitalise the old traditions. In the current Saturday 9th. ‘Day of Prayer’ in over 120 photography andour theat telephone. Drummond to describe the saltmarsh habitat celebrated by BINGO Beaford village hall! Doors 8pm slowly strangle cultural All Things Film 'Hitchcock' (12A) 8pmVintage, @ The at all we have the eyes and ears. Local climate of apathy, laziness and way but why wait until th The Crier, you will have noticed Friday 29th Beaford Village Hall Market 10.30am Caruso’s biographers, Come and join us if you can. the Torridge and countries. the workings and open 7pm, eyes down Key, 7.30pm. Bar, tea Great Torrington Fairtrade Group meet heritage. In this fast age ofPierre Plough 22nd Monday & Kitsch! dignitaries are and happily indifference, the been May Fair lifts our Aid spirits experienced in the lastFriday year then help?Alison As 15th spring scaffolding has put Christian Lent Lunch at the ofRetro coffeeZirato Bruno Stanley Jackson andand coffee available. Free parking and two Windward Island banana growers in to 12.30am tasty breakfast baps, purpose the Rolle Canal. It is now Biggs is here high-tech gadgetry, mass th Christian Aid Lent Lunch at the Baptist Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm pelted in the stocks and and transforms Torrington into a vibrant getting of speakers the weathe Methodist Church (hostedpossible by TheNovember Holy up to facilitate the repair from a his and This 24a , come along to and hopefully cash Second of every a sneak preview The Plough Gallery 5-6.30pm. Free entry and cake and a chance to buymedia attribute fame prizes. not instant only to his Thursday voice to gain far better 12-1.45pm, £3.50 see Wednesday 10th Bickington subjected toChurch duckings. The community. Despite the continual Family) 12-1.45pm, £3.50 please seeRed booked for 2012. Cups and prizes will improvesCommunity our spikyCentre friend range of stalls. Car washing £5. New of the please roof and make the month the British Cross charity shop in and musicianship, but also to a keen understanding of the lay-out and gratification, there is little time Abbeyfield Spring article &lunch, posters St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Mini Mover Dance Session Sunday 3rd Mayor has awho lavish to development of modern technology and article & posters stall holders welcome, please ring 01805 be awarded for those did best in will be up and about agaf building water-tight for Plough Films: Free Solo (12A) 5.30pm; Torrington. Weinclined have plane everything from business sense andmatters: an embrace of workings of the boat lift left for what really Plough Gallery Preview: Radical in St James Chapel 9.30-10.30am @ Bickington C Plough Workshop: Storytelling Circle which many are invited. The increasing time spent at computer Coffee Morning Plough Music: Flash: A Tribute to 603199 or 01805 603046 for details. It’s been an extremely tou our optional monthly competitions, and the winter. It will be Green Book (12A) 8pm community Today, more commerciallife. sound recordings, then in than wasW.Ipreviously theHall case. The Centre Ladybird storybooks to vintage Torrington @ Methodist 7pm Landscapes and John Moat 6pm & 8pm 2.30pm town crier bellows as he screens, last year’s record-breaking he Abbeyfield Spring Coffee Queen 8pm; Saskia Griffiths Moore at winter for them. T Foodbank 10am-12noon at Castle Hill there will, of course, be time for tea enclosed in waterproof Music: of The Sirens at The Christm than ever, itPlough is essential toSound its infancy. Many well-known opera upper basin of 8pm the canal atPlough the top of crockery and beautiful clothing Film 'I Wish' (PG) @ Thevintage Bingothe Yarnscombe Village shows Hall 7.30pm Plough Talk: Afternoon Tea with Jenni proudly marches streets turnout there is the still aworking place forarea live Morning is on Friday April 5th ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple 8pm changeable and wet wea and a natter. Plough Music: Jon Boden & The ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple 8pm sheeting to protect keep our historic celebration alive. Our As you are aware, the incline has kitsch been cleared of scrub Tuesday singers of Caruso’s time rejected the to wonderfully homeware. 16th Plough Film: Free Solo (12A) 7.30pm of Being his predecessors The Torrington entertainment. Given the choice of at Glen Tor Villa Road, from has made it difficult ma rather nifty and at Saturday getting through23rd and to minimise any risk to the internal Remnant Strings 8pm week of annual festivity andfosters Saturday 30th Thursday sufficiently to11th enable the outline of itsand is provided in for the phonograph (gramophone) their The event will run for three days 'Hearing for You' Social grouS Silver Band pulsates like the beating playing a video game or participating in 10.30am-12noon. There willtobe stalls, Tuesday 5th them find foodinorthe hibern Foodbank Castle Hill the business side of things, we will 10am-12noon also friendship, a sense of belonging and a Concert by Jim Crawford (Acoustic fabric.atAt the same time, a series of APRIL DEADLINE banks to be clearly seen, and the way voices have been lost asCRIER a result, but positioned ro Foodbank 10am-12noon at Castle Hill will beChurch open Said until 8pm on the hard ofAll hearing. Every 3rd Tue St we Michael's Mass heart of the community. the buzz of the fair, I know which I would refreshments and first a raffle. Foodbank 10am-12noon at the Baptist Church Singers over theare past months so m withsingers our past.including We 12 cannot let this Patti, die. manage a bit of time toParish welcome Bob Winkleigh Blues Singer) Buckland Brewerlink Hall photoelectric panels willParish be installed, toNorth Devon NOON TODAY the railway subsequently cut through Church Choral other Adelina tower. This has caus The Bickford Centre call 0127 10.30am in St James Chapel followed by day. So why not come along and The grand finale of the May Fair week choose… welcome. the cobbled streets of our Church Plough Spring Concert 7.30pm As you&walk weak and High need help. If yo 7.30pm. In aid of Buckland Methodist Brewer, who will us the reduce running-costs, perhaps Concert -Stabat Mater the northern end, destroying theatop Francesco Tamagno and Nellie Melba Youth Club Bickington C Walsingham cell in vicarage traffic coming into th is the carnival, a give spectacle of low-down light and Today, the new enemySociety ofand a large-scale have a7.30pm look, try something on ofand We have vacancy at Glen Tor, and Friday 15th Plough Theatre: Chocolate, Mischief & Plough Workshop: Radical Landscapes ancient town, you breathe antiquity. The you had a resident hedge Parish Churches. Tickets £10 in advance on the Cavaliers. provide an income for the project by Plough Films: All is True (12A) 5pm; Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm @ The the incline. This canal basin now Centre for 11+ @ 5-7pm exploited the new technology once sound. Fanciful floats journey through the town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As been suggested tha enjoy a glass of bucks fizz, you might if you would like to find out more about Christian Aid Lent Lunch at the Parish Mayhem! 11.30am Talk: A Walkselling Back insurplus Time power Destroyer May Fair links present-day Torrington 01237 451437 or bucklanddave1953@ area last year please don’t We whilst start the at 7pm inPlough the lined Methodist to thebeNational (15) 8pm Club 7pm site Juniors Plough supports increasing population of Badminton they becameChurch aware 12-1.45pm, of the success town streets are with huge crowds gather, it could argued more suitable wo even sayan “I used toAbbeyfield, have one of forthose"! yourself or a loved one, £3.50ofplease see Plough Films: Island of the Hungry at ThePlough@StAnne’s, Barnstaple the past, transporting us to a bygone btinternet.com or £12 on door.with Light a bowl of water and some Church Hall, and prospective members Grid. Plough Music: Thunderbridge’s Nick Adults @ Bickington Commun Theatre Multi Storey: Beauty & The Early Purple Orchid come and Twayblade (a Coffee Morning cheering children. In the packed town that there is a danger of an accident. Caruso’s recording & sessions. be by the Town H along to the posters Ghosts (12A) 5.30pm; Vice (15) 8pm era – when lifearticle was simpler. 11.30am refreshments, bar & raffle. them, placing it inside a fe are veryyou welcome visit for Any Cribbage pairs competition @ Although with this all work being 2pm8.15pm @ The Ploughorchid) G-M & Tallcarried Paul Gallery) square, have notochoice but free. to mingle green flowered which,manager Nowadays, theis ridiculous rules(in the Beast Caruso made more that 260 You extant or give our house a call on Green Lan (near the Plough Films: Can Ever Forgive Torrington has hosted the annual May Poetry/Spoken Word: A Yarn Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ The Bingo at Roborough Arms 8pm newmake members paying Plough their subs this Scouts Coffee Morning 12.30-1.30pm, out by the Townlands Trust, payment and new friends. and regulations it is a struggle to Sunday 10th recordings in America for the Victor 01805 623605 to arrange aCafé). visit. You (15) However, 5.30pm; A Private (15) Before mak Fair since Me? 1554. many Warmonth, Wednesday 6th Erzee Narrative &of otherorganise Radical Landscapes Film 'Cloud Atlas' (15) 7pm @ Plough note early start for long film treasure map months theee!’ priceThe will be taken from funds settombola, aside ‘Uz get be 14 plaised to for anything. Inraffle, this age for ofcake stall, Plough Music: Steve Harley Acoustic Village Talking Machine Company, (laterorigins RCA can Hall be sure of a warm welcome. any decision regard celebrations in8pm England have their Parish Church Ash Wednesday 5pm-7pm Plough note early start for long lots more. Lane. 12. How about that! banner in thick Mayor’s welcome countless litigation, our plus town hall is inScout Hall, Gas the project, which would have included Trio 7.30pm Victor) from 1904 to 1920, and he A Roborough Diamond Jubilee Club the future position of CRIER COPY DEADLINE for has been formed to raise funds for Christmas17th tree, th Wednesday Professional Builder, Carpenter & Damp Specialist ‘MAY 2013’ by 12noon St Michael's Church Said Ma today pleaseWorks Damp Surveys & Remedial ee James Chapel inFrSt
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Torrington in Bloom is Going Tropical!
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his year the Torrington in Bloom Association is asking that you go ‘Tropical’ in your planting style and selection of plants. A colour scheme that matches a Caribbean sunset, a turquoise sea, golden sand, purple and red sky! Or perhaps the vibrant colours of an Indian festival, pinks, vivid greens, oranges, crimsons. Or you could grow some exotic plants; Agave, Agapanthus, Lab-Lab Beans, Caladium, Sweet Potatoes, Aubergines – whoops, getting a bit carried away now! Fuchsias originated from far-off South America. Datura, Lilies, Cannas, Aeoniums also create that tropical ‘look’, too. We would ask politely also that those of you who live and/ or work in the Town Centre itself, please jolly up your shop/ flat windows with colourful displays, or plant up beautiful baskets with exotic looking blooms. Let’s wow the tourists, shoppers and, of course, the SW in Bloom Judges! Restoration work is slowly progressing in the old Physic Garden at 1646, and the beds and knot garden already look tidier. Some replanting will be going on throughout the spring and summer. The entire garden is quite large and could do with some further support… hint, hint! Rack Park will also be undergoing further renovation work during the spring and summer, with RHS Garden Rosemoor helping us out again. We have also been assured of a further £300 grant from the Teignbridge Fund and we have to show them what we are doing. Cherry Hammon (Tel: 01805 625788)
Local Elections 2019
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very four years local elections are held for Town and Parish Councillors and District Councillors. The local election will be held this year on Thursday 2nd May 2019. The Town Councillor role is an exciting one, which would facilitate those who are passionate about this great town to get involved, in a variety of different ways, as we go forward over the next four years. The nomination process will start no later than 26th March 2019 and will close at 4pm on the 3rd April 2019. This means that anyone wishing to apply must ensure that a nomination paper is submitted to the District Council no later than the 3rd April 2019. Applicants must be 18 years of age and above and meet at least one of the qualifications set out below: * on the Electoral Register for the council area for which you wish to stand; or * a person who during the whole of the twelve months before nomination as a candidate occupied land; or other premises as owner or tenant in the parish; or * has, during the same period, resided in that area or within three miles thereof; or * has during the same period, had a principal or only place of work in that area. If you would like to discuss the role of Town Councillor, please call in to the Council offices or phone/e-mail the Town Clerk. Contacts Castle Hill, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA, 01805 626135; admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk Karen Chapman, Town Clerk
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Reflexology Feet First Tara Gibson Dip Ref. M.A.R. A.O.R.
Memories are Made of This Dementia Group
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n October 2017 the Rotary Club of Barnstaple Link initiated the above programme for those living with dementia, including carers. It is designed to stimulate the parts of the brain affected by the dementia (quiet stimulation with an experienced volunteer is offered where required). We started with approximately 20 members, and this number has grown over the last 16 months by 50%. Members are invited to participate in memorabilia exercises, seated exercises, craft activities and light quizzes. Live music of various kinds is well received and singalongs and film clips are attractive to our members. We provide light refreshments We meet at Roundswell Community Centre, on the site of Sainsbury’s Supermarket every third Thursday in each month from 10am to noon (next dates March 21st April18th). Please come and join us, you are most welcome and there is no charge. There is no greater buzz one can experience than when one of those attending comes to you at the end of a session and says, “Thanks for today, I got my husband/wife back for a couple of hours”. Please feel free to contact any of the following for further information: John Silver 01271 861535 Mike Warner 01598 710613 Richard Smith 01271 344640 Rotary Club of Barnstaple Link
Plant Swap 1646 Garden Saturday 27th April 10am -12 noon
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ut the date in your diary, and start potting up some of those spare plants you have in your garden or are growing from seed! Bring them along to swap and return home with some great new plants for your garden!
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 for information.
Weddings, Accommodation, Celebrations, Parties & Events
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eaconside House, a large Victorian country residence, nestles within a beautiful twenty-five acre estate and offers fabulous facilities such as ‘The Beacon’, our stunning oak beamed wedding and events barn with fully licensed copper bar and ‘The Glasshouse’ with wonderful open views across the Devon Countryside, just perfect for indoor wedding ceremonies and more intimate private parties. We also offer accommodation for up to fifty guests, have indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, games room and acres of private ancient woodland. Your pets are welcome too! We pride ourselves in genuinely caring about our guests and creating a unique, relaxed and stress-free environment for your special event; be that a beautiful wedding, private celebration, corporate event or party! Wedding Fayre 30th & 31st March Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st March sees the launch of Beaconside’s very first Wedding Fayre. Not your standard Fayre either! Free admission with live music, therapies, lots of inspiration, hog roast, entertainment for the children and licensed bar, this is going to be a fun and fabulous weekend! * For weddings please call Daisy on 07951 142 114. * For events please call Bryony on 07864 113 768. We look forward to welcoming you at Beaconside!
Relaxation with Feet First
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eflexology brings relief to a wide range of acute and chronic symptoms and it is suitable for all ages. This gentle therapy uses a specific type of massage working on various points of the feet and/or hands, massaging all the reflex points which correspond to all the organs and systems of the body. This helps to release tension and unblock vital energy pathways which have become impaired through stress, illness, disease or injury; encouraging the body to try and heal itself at its own pace. In this way Reflexology can help to increase energy levels, improve mood and sleep patterns and increase well-being. I have been a Qualified Reflexology Practitioner since 1995, and I am a full member of the Association of Reflexologists and hold the relevant indemnity insurance. I have worked in various clinics in South & North Devon, nursing homes and independent living homes. Hot Stone Reflexology involves the use of basalt hot stones which are used to massage all the reflex points on the feet, it is deeply relaxing and has the ability to work overall on a deeper level. It is highly recommended by my clients! I am also a practitioner of Indian Head Massage, this is a deeply relaxing massage to the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face whilst the client is seated in a chair. Reiki sessions and diet and nutritional advice also available. All my work revolves around adapting to the individual needs, I practice in Torrington or provide mobile home visits if preferred. Reflexology/ Indian Head Massage is an ideal combination treatment for pamper parties. Tara Gibson, Feet First. 01805 439253 or 07876 050 892
Scrap Collected for Free!
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re you having a new washing machine delivered but don’t want to pay to have the old one taken away? Do you have an old cooker, radiator or wood burner that you need taking to the dump but can’t fit it in your car? Have you got an old car battery sitting in the garage but you’re worried that you will need to pay to get rid of it? Having a spring clean of the garage and garden but don’t know what to do with it that old bike, lawnmower or off-cuts of pipe? If an item is at least 50% metal I will happily collect it, along with batteries, from you, free of charge. Please call James on 07714 819 415. Licensed waste carrier number: CBDU269392.
Great Torrington Fairtrade Group
Fairtrade Fortnight 25th February - 10th March e are delighted to be welcoming Simeon Green MBE and Veronica Browne to Great Torrington during their visit to the UK, to co-incide with Fairtrade Fortnight. They are farmers from the Windward Islands in the Caribbean, and will be telling us something of their lives as banana growers, how the crops are grown and harvested, problems they experience with disease and pests, and how the fruit they produce reaches our shops. We hope you will join us for this free event to be held at The Plough Gallery from 5-6.30pm on Saturday 2nd March. If your copy of The Crier is delivered to your home or business, you will have received a copy of the new Great Torrington Fairtrade Guide. The purpose of the guide is to point you in the direction of stockists and users of Fairtrade in the town, as well as to give you a brief explanation of how your support of Fairtrade helps farmers and producers in developing world countries. greattorringtonfairtradegroup@gmail. com.
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All Shines Window Cleaning Services Windows • Gutters • Soffits Conservatories Wall & Cladding Cleaning (soft method), Roof de-moss • Patios • Driveways, etc.
01805 938502 07711 079 577 What is that Derelict Factory Down in the River Valley Below Torrington? Part Two
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he demise of the Torrington milk factory started in April 1984, when the Common Market decided to bring in milk quotas. From then on, unlimited milk production could not continue and a brake was going to be put on to reduce the butter and powder mountains. Quotas meant that milk production was going to be capped to a lower level than 1984 production, and farmers were not going to be able to expand their businesses. Milk prices are never very good for farmers and many of them gave up milk production, so the amount of milk produced in the British Isles started to reduce. Consequently, in the next ten years there was a situation where too many milk factories were chasing a reducing supply of raw material. Milk factories were becoming less efficient and so several rounds of closures occurred within all dairy companies. Torrington hung on longer than most because of its size and the large milk field around it. The management at Torrington, seeing the future of the industry under quotas, tried desperately to bring new ‘added value’ products to the site. A UHT cream dessert was tried first and then Clover. The latter was very successful but, eventually, because the site was so far away from the main markets and because Dairy Crest needed to make savings to protect its future, with the demise of the Milk Marketing Board, Clover production was transferred to a site in the Midlands. The production of clotted cream had, unfortunately, been disallowed for a period as part of the
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sale agreement between Unigate and Dairy Crest. The factory closed for production on 30th March 1993. ‘The milk will be transported to creameries outside the area, but it doesn’t seem quite natural to have no dairy in the middle of all those dairy farms,’ said an article in The Guardian. Unemployment in the town rose sharply and families who had several members working at the dairy faced hard times. In 1998 a co-operative of 50 local farmers, under the name of Torridge Vale Ltd, took over part of the building. They wanted to set up a small operation to manufacture all their own milk to retain more profit for themselves. A very good brand was created called
‘Definitely Devon’. They wanted to produce more added value products, like clotted cream and soft cheese, but it proved much more difficult than anticipated. What had once been a thriving hub of activity and a major employer in the town has been, for many years now, a blot on the beautiful North Devon landscape. The building has been vandalised, is riddled with asbestos and rats and, tragically, has been the site of two suicides. Over the years various plans have been drawn up for the dairy site (some at great expense) but, as yet, none of these plans has come to fruition. Moira Brewer
What is Devon Time?
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evon Time is a whole community initiative aiming to support the exchange of time and skills through a reciprocal sharing system called ‘Timebanking’. Timebanking is about people using their skills, doing things they enjoy, and having flexibility in how frequently they offer their time. Timebanking can be an alternative to traditional volunteering or complement and enhance it. Timebanking works on Time Credits - for every hour of time given by an individual, they receive one Time Credit which can be spent on enlisting the support or assistance, company or expertise of another member for an hour per credit. Credits can be spent on activities organised through the Timebank such as workshops or courses, or donated to local or wider community pots so other people can use them. What is Devon Time doing? We are currently working in Torrington, Bideford and Ilfracombe to support the community to incorporate Timebanking into existing and future volunteering opportunities, as well as forming community led Timebank branches funded through Awards for All (The Lottery). We’re becoming regulars at Torrington Pannier Market on the third Friday of every month, where we have an information stall and usually bring along another organisation or service and some activities. In January we did an ‘Unwanted Christmas Present Swap’ and had ‘One Small Step’s’ Mark
alongside us with information about getting more active, reducing smoking and drinking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are lots of exciting guests planned for our stall during the next few months including Wiser Money, One Small Step, Drink Wise Age Well and Chemo Hero. Future projects? From feedback, observation and suggestions, it has become apparent that there’s a great interest in focusing our attention on reuse, repurposing, recycling and reducing waste and single use plastic. The Repair Café movement is one which has become very well aligned to encompass many of these ideas and opportunities, and is something that we appear not to have locally. We’re trying to evidence need, interest and opportunity in a robust manner to base plans on community voices and give narrative to prospective funding sources. What are Repair Cafes? Repair Cafes happen in communities, for communities and are sustained by communities. They’re meeting places where people enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake whilst getting an item repaired.
Skilled volunteers are on hand to take a look at items and fix where they can. The volunteer fixers can often show others how to mend and fix things - so there’s an opportunity to learn and exchange skills. People bring common household items in for repair such as household electrical and mechanical devices, computers, bicycles, clothing, small items of furniture etc. Repair Cafes enable communities to have a reuse and repair, recycle and repurpose ethos. This helps to save money and stop as many items being sent to landfill. The other benefits of course are a sense of community, helping each other out and being part of something. The Survey: Our survey is to establish if there’s enough interest and need locally to enable the Repair Cafe(s) to start up and sustain in the North Devon and Torridge area. The survey will help us to identify how we can support communities in achieving this. Please do complete our survey, share it among your contacts, groups and communities - spread the word: www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8XGRWPY. Paper versions available on request. Contact: ellamccann@edp.org.uk mobile: 07912 731 238 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Devontimebank Devon Time is a Whole Community Initiative of EDP Drug & Alcohol Services which is a registered charity: 297370
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The Winkleigh Singers
Torrington Swimming Club Gets Cash for New Competitive Timing Equipment
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orridgeside Amateur Swimming giving their swimmers Club (TASC) in Torrington more opportunities for is the latest recipient of a competitive swimming, community grant from Torridge District and for the youngsters Council totalling nearly £8.5K. The to train and get used to bid sponsored by three Torrington competitions within the Councillors, Margaret Brown, Cheryl supportive environment Cottle-Hunkin and Cathrine Simmons, of their home base. By has gone towards the funding of being able to host more events at home new electronic timing equipment for it will also reduce travel costs to away competitive swimming events. galas, which sometimes require an The club has gone from strengthovernight stay. to-strength in recent years and has a The equipment, which uses electronic large membership of around 172 people boards at the end of each lane, is ranging in age activated from six years “The new timing equipment will now allow by the start the club to hold their own competitions to adults. All gun and will which will be open to other clubs and forms stop at the of the club’s part of their ‘swim for success’ project.” activities are end of the run entirely by race when 20 volunteers who make up the swimmers make contact with coaching staff, committee and the board. Linked by computer helpers. to an electronic scoreboard the Punching above their weight system will instantly display in recent competitions, the club the times achieved by each is very active in the competitive swimmer and split times during swimming world. Last year saw 23 longer races. swimmers attend the Devon County Torrington Ward Member - Councillor Championships and seven swimmers Cathrine Simmons said: “With the in the regional finals. They were also support of my colleagues we were really well placed in many other competitions happy to support this application, which including winning the Devon mini will benefit a great number of swimmers league - beating the likes of Barnstaple, both local and visitors alike. We look Crediton, and Illfracombe. The new forward to the continuing success of the timing equipment will now allow the club and welcoming many more people club to hold their own competitions to the town to attend future galas, which which will be open to other clubs and will probably benefit the local economy forms part of their ‘swim for success’ as well.” project. The benefits will include
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Tarka Valley Railway News
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here is a great deal of news to report since my last update. The level crossing has now been completed and, by the time this article goes to press, the crossing gates will have been installed and a start will have been made on laying the next three track panels. Please come down and take a look at what we have achieved over the winter period despite some typical cold and wet weather. Our volunteers have been busy across the site; restoration of Torrington Cavalier and the brake van interior continues, overhanging shrubbery has been cut back revealing the old ‘block house’ near to the site of the old signal box and general maintenance tasks carried out ready for spring. Finally, our next big fundraising effort is to install a ‘king point’, the main turnout to Torrington Yard. The start costs of development are always the most expensive and any contributions will be very welcome. Cheques payable to Tarka Valley Railway CIO can be sent to Jan Welch c/o The Puffing Billy, Station Hill, Torrington EX38 8JD. Weekly updates and photos can be found on our Facebook page or visit our website www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk for more information. Rob Martin Tarka Valley Railway
he Winkleigh Singers next concert is on Saturday 23rd March in St Michael and All Angels Church, Torrington at 7.30pm. This has some interesting and lesserknown works and will be a treat for the choir to sing, and the audience to enjoy, accompanied by very distinguished soloists. On the programme is Mozart Benedictus sit Deus, Bach Cantata 84, Poulenc Gloria, and Arvo Part Littlemore Tractus. The professional soloists are well known to the choir, and will without doubt enchant the audience. DonnaMarie Broomfield is a classically trained soprano and her beautiful voice will take the audience on a thrilling musical journey from the classical through to the more modern works. She is the founder of the West Country Opera Society and a Chamber Choir director and teacher. David Davies grew up in Wales and being drawn to music, he won a 6th form scholarship to Eton College followed by an Organ Scholarship to Oxford. He trained as organist, pianist, and conductor at the Universities of Oxford and Yale. He has held many positions as church and cathedral organists and most recently as Assistant Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral. He is a freelance classical musician and organist to the University of Exeter. His musical career is diverse and in addition to his interest and work in classical music, he writes and lectures on liturgical music and cultural history. We as a choir are truly fortunate to offer a programme with such eminent soloists, and expect the concert to be a
Ever Thought About Being a Councillor? Prospective Candidates’ Evening 6th March
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he 2nd May 2019 is going to be a busy day in the elections calendar, and it is fast approaching! This is the time that local elections for District Councillors will be held for all 36 seats across the Torridge area. It’s the day our residents have the chance to choose who they want to represent them as District Councillors for the next four years, sitting on Torridge District Council. If you’ve ever considered standing for election then this could be your opportunity to put yourself forward at the ballot box? To discover more about the role and what is involved, we would like to invite anyone with an interest, to come along to our Prospective Candidates’ Evening. The open evening will be at Bideford Town Hall, and there is no need to pre-register, just turn up on the night. Briefings on the night will go into more detail about the role of being a Councillor, as well as how to complete the nomination process and put your name forward. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and nomination papers will be available to take away on the night. The Council’s ‘Thinking about being a Councillor?’ guide is now available online under the elections section of the Torridge Website. Councillor Jane Whittaker – Leader Torridge District Council said: ‘There are many reasons why people become Councillors, for me it was a natural progression as a consequence of spending many years working in the Voluntary and Community sectors throughout Torridge and North Devon. While cuts in central government grants have made recent times somewhat challenging, we still have a real ‘can-do’ team spirit amongst the Councillors here at Torridge and long may that continue! We need people from all walks of life to represent their communities, so I would encourage people not to pre-judge whether they might or might not be suitable for the role. Just come along and find out about what is ultimately a great way of giving back. And then seriously consider taking part in helping to shape the future of your area.’ So if you are just contemplating the idea, are already committed to applying, or are just intrigued about the role, please make a date in your diary for 6th March. Both officers and Councillors look forward to welcoming everyone on the evening. sell-out. Tickets at £15 can be purchased from choir members, online at www. winkleighsingers.org.uk or on the door. Under 16s are free. The choir is holding an open rehearsal at its practice venue in Umberleigh
on Monday 25th March. Singers are welcome to attend, particularly tenors and basses! See the website or speak to a choir member and let us know your interest so we know how many to expect.
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Making Tax Digital for VAT How & When to Sign Up
Sergeant Major Bertram Furseman
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hen and who? - VAT registered businesses and organisations with a taxable turnover over the VAT threshold (£85,000) will be required to maintain their accounting records and file their VAT returns using MTD compliant software, from the first VAT period starting on or after 1 April 2019. When to sign up? - Businesses should not register for MTD for VAT until they are satisfied that they are fully prepared to meet the obligations of the new system. Once a business is registered it is obliged to use the new system to file all future VAT returns. How to sign up - submitting your own returns - You will need MTD compliant software and to check that this has been enabled for MTD. If you are unsure about the MTD status of your software, you should speak to your software provider or seek professional assistance.You will then need to sign up - this link gives guidance and a link to the signing up page:- www.gov.uk/guidance/ use-software-to-submit-your-vat-returns How to sign up - using an agent - If for example, you are using the services of a suitably qualified accountant, they will need to go through certain steps to be able to act on your behalf for MTD. Business Tax Account - do I still need one? - Although MTD compliant software will now be used for the submission of VAT returns you will still need access to your Business Tax Account in order to deal with certain matters even if you are represented by an agent. Where can you get advice and help? - For HMRC guidance follow:www.gov.uk/government/news/hmrcpublishes-more-information-on-makingtax-digital Speak to an advisor. Berrys, Chartered Accountants have produced a help sheet and will be running a series of surgeries. For more information email keith.berry@ berrysaccountants.co.uk or call 01805 628122. Keith Berry FCA
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Visual Arts at the Plough
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ntil Saturday 16th March we continue with our exhibition of paintings by Joy Wolfenden-Brown. A rare opportunity to see the work of an award-winning local artist who normally exhibits nationally - and an exhibition downstairs by John Lane (1930 - 2012), who was a painter, writer and educationalist. He was Chairman of the Dartington Hall Trust, founding director of the Beaford Arts Centre and instrumental in the creation of Schumacher College. The John Lane memorial lecture will take place on Friday 15th March at 7pm (tickets £6) and will be given by Professor Sam Smiles on Samuel Palmer (1805-1881), one of the key English artists associated with romanticism and a great influence on John Lane’s work. Then from Saturday 23rd March we will be presenting an exhibition of calligraphy by the late Madeleine Dinkel, working with the poetry of John Moat - a local poet who co-founded the Arvon Foundation, and ‘Radical Landscapes’ a remarkable show of nationally acclaimed language artists curated by Camilla Nelson; including Hanna Tuulikki, Richard Skelton, Lawrence Upton, Alec Finlay, Judith Tucker and Harriet Tarlo. We will be hosting a series of events associated with the show, including a daylong creative workshop with Camilla Nelson on Saturday 23rd March from 10am - 4pm, designed to explore language at its limits in relation to the landscape of Torrington Commons. Inspired by the artwork on display at the Radical Landscapes exhibition in The Plough Arts Centre, you will experiment with the sound, movement and mark-making techniques being used by exhibiting language and landscape artists. The work will mostly take place outdoors, so participants should come prepared for all weathers and bring a notebook, something to write with and/ or a favourite sketchbook, everything else will be provided. (Tickets £30) All participants are warmly invited to stay on for the chance to perform their own work in the Gallery as part of ‘An Evening of Radical Landscape Poetry’ from 5-7pm, where Camilla Nelson will perform from her new book of poetry, ‘A Yarn Er Narrative’. (Tickets £5) Please see the Plough website www.theploughartscentre.org.uk for further details.
Probus Mourn Their First Lady
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pproximately 200 people attended the funeral of Bernice Kathleen Taylor, affectionately known as ‘Binnie’ Binnie was the first lady member of Torrington Probus and served in the RAF with her sister Bobby, both were flight lieutenant nursing sisters and both saw much action. Binnie’s husband Bob has been a member of Probus for many years and with the rest of the club will miss Binnie greatly. The impressive and relaxed civil funeral service was conducted by Chris Howe, and featured ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ by Catherine Jenkinson, followed with ‘Reflections’ by Nat King Cole, ending at Binnie’s request with the RAF March past. Bob Mather
ertram Furseman was born in Great Torrington in 1881. He was the son of a road contractor, John Furseman, who was born in 1846 and originally from Langtree. His mother, Elizabeth (nee Hearn), born in Frithelstock in 1851, worked as a gloveress. In 1887, Bertie would be enrolled into the Great Torrington Council School for boys. At the start of the century his family are still resident at 93 Mill Street. Bertie had made a career in the military, which took him to the Royal Field Artillery, where he was stationed with the 34th Brigade Ammunition Column. He held the service number 1276. He had enlisted in Devonport. In 1910, Bertie married Jessica Stella Walsh, who was born in Crewe, but lived locally with her grandparents in 1 Castle Street. She worked as a ‘silk glove maker’. They had a daughter together who was also named Jessica. Jessica Jane Olivia was born on 10th September 1911. Bertie is stationed at the garrison town of Bordon in Hampshire and the exact address is at the Louisberg Barracks of the Royal Field Artillery with the 136th Battery. A newspaper article from 1915 reports that his father has received a letter of congratulation for having five sons and a son-in-law in the armed service. Three of these are in France: Charles in the Royal Engineers, John in the Pioneers and Bertram in the Royal Field Artillery. Stanley is in India with the 6th Devons, whilst Arthur has joined the Army Service Corps. Fred Bangham, who is his son-inlaw, is in the navy. Bertie, who had risen to the rank of SergeantMajor, was killed in action on September 16th 1917. Unfortunately, at this stage I have not been able to locate his exact whereabouts or the operation he was involved in. We do know that he had been in the army for 18 years and was aged 36 at the time of his death. It is also reported that he would have shortly received a commission. In the letter to his wife, his Captain notes that he was a “splendid fellow and much beloved by those associated with him in the Army.” He was survived by his wife and daughter and his wife would not marry again. At the time of his death the family were resident at 18 Castle Street. By 1939 they can be found living in Barnstaple at ‘The Croft’ in Clinton Road. His wife would pass away in Barnstaple in 1983 whilst his daughter, who had been living in Teignbridge, died in 1996. Sergeant- Major Furseman’s grave can be found at the Canada Farm Cemetery in West-Vlaanderen, Belguim where it lies amongst 909 gravestones. His grave is marked with the words “Thy Will Be Done”; words chosen by his wife. I have been able to locate the Furseman family who still live in the North Devon area. They were able to provide me with the two photos of Bertram. The top photo was taken at the start of his military career, whilst the bottom photo was taken some years later. To learn more about the Sergeant Major’s life, please go to www. greattorringtonremembers.co.uk. Michael Newcombe
Great Torrington Auction Report - Vinyl Selling Well!
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am very pleased to say that the auction on 2nd February attracted a lot of eager viewers on both the Friday evening and on the day of the sale itself, with a good mix of local bargain hunters and dealers attending the sale. A wide choice was on offer, with everything from very interesting antiques and collectables to quantities of new gaming T-shirts! Tables of ceramic ornaments and tableware, some very interesting original art, cigarette cards, horse brasses, stamps, jewellery – all attracting varying bids and with some real bargains obtained. One of the star lots was a rare 7” vinyl single from 1968 that was bid up to £60 on its own, and goes to prove that the retro movement towards nostalgic vinyl is very much alive and well in Torrington. However, do not be fooled that all vinyl is desirable, for like most things the vast majority have very little value. If you have an old album or single record collection in the loft that has not seen a needle for decades, then why not have a sort out and get it into the next auction? We have eager record buyers wanting to add to their own collections, and good examples of sought after titles can bring surprising results. Have a look especially for any Beatles, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, or many other major bands and artists of the 1960s/70s as these are what get the best prices. Free, no obligation auction appraisal mornings Great Torrington Auctions is offering free, no obligation auction appraisal mornings at the 1646 Café every Tuesday from 10am, where you can bring your items to get an idea what goes well at auction and what is best left at home. Booking is essential as places are limited each week, so please contact the auctioneer, Wayne Stevens on 07414 173 673 if you have something you are thinking about putting into the auction and would like an opinion on it beforehand.
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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
Fleur’s Best Trees The Rowan Tree or Mountain Ash
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robably one of our best loved and most easily recognised trees, Sorbus aucuparia, is native throughout Europe and the British Isles and is ideal for growing in smaller gardens. The name ‘Mountain Ash’ describes the leaves, in that they are arranged in opposite leaflets along the stem, similar to those of the actual Ash and ‘mountain’ because the Rowan is often seen growing in more inhospitable situations, in almost any but permanently waterlogged soils. It is commonly grown as a ‘street tree’ for its decorative effect and manageability, reaching a height of between 5-20 metres. The Rowan is a deciduous tree, shedding its leaves in a blaze of ochregold in autumn, but it also provides yearround interest with heads of tiny, creamywhite flowers in spring with a strong, heady perfume and, in autumn/winter, sprays of vermilion berries beloved by thrushes and blackbirds. There are a number of other species of Rowan, some with pink berries (S. vilmorinii), or better autumn leaf colour (S. hupehensis); S. sargentii has larger red berries and S. cashmiriana has
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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
Torrington-Roscoff Exchange Group
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e held our group’s Annual General Meeting last month. Every now and then organisations, large and small, have to put aside the fun stuff for a bit and do the boring things! Actually, all cynicism aside, it was a great opportunity to get the majority of our members together over a coffee, to take stock of what we’ve achieved in the past year, and discuss our plans for the future. It was good to know that our finances are in excellent shape, thanks to the firstrate stewardship over recent years of our Treasurer, as well as to the fund-raising efforts of the group as a whole. You may wonder why we need to raise funds as both French and British contingents pay for our passage across the Channel and stay in each other’s homes. There is a simple answer to that: we do it so as to give our guests the heartiest welcome that Torrington can offer. Torrington already has a special place in our visitors’ hearts. They like to come during May Fair week for the events and the atmosphere. During their stay we also lay on lots of social activities and visits around the area, and for the past two years we have entertained them at a concert at the Plough. We want them to take home memories of a delightful time spent among friends and, above all, the warmest hospitality. So we have a fund-raising plan for the coming year that will include, among other things, a stand at the church fete, a yard sale (weather permitting, of course) and another of our popular quizzes. Do look out for them, and if in the meantime you would like to know more about the exchange group’s activities, please get in touch by calling Nick on 01805 625765 or Antony on 01271 549454.
creamy-white berries. The Genus Sorbus itself covers a range of other familiar trees such as Whitebeam and the much rarer Service Tree. Many folk myths are associated with the Rowan - if you grow it in your garden you will never be bothered by witches or demons! In Wales especially, the Rowan used to be planted in churchyards to ward off evil spirits. Rowanberry jelly is a rather bitter tasting condiment which goes well with game and pies, if you can pick the berries before the birds eat them! Fleur
‘Time For a Cuppa’ Friday 8th March
Please come and join us at The Black Horse from 10am – midday, for cake and a cuppa. Gillian and I will be baking lots of different cakes, including gluten free, to tempt you! Our hope is to raise lots of money for Dementia UK. Please pop the date in your diary and be sure to come and see us on the day. Thanks to Bev for providing the venue. Hope to see you all there. Sue Harrison & Gillian Saich
Into 2019 with Torrington Rotary Club
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hy not come and meet us at our Open Evening on April 4th, 7pm at Torrington Golf Club? You can find out what Rotary is all about at this informal event; have a drink and a bite to eat whilst you have a chat with some of our members. To attend all you have to do is ring Rick Smale on 01805 622419 and Rick will book you in, or you can send an email to secretary@ torrington.rotary1175.org saying you are interested in our open evening and giving your name and phone number so we can get back to you. We would say it’s open to everyone and just come along but we will need to know approximate numbers for our catering ladies so if you could let us know in advance it would be appreciated, we look forward to seeing you there. Torrington Rotary has had a busy year under the leadership of president Charles Inniss. One of our successful fund raising events was our pop up shop next to the Plough, with everyone from Rotary getting involved. We met both old and new friends and had all kinds of goodies going at knock down prices. There were even two Harrier Jump Jet navigation contraptions sold, and if you missed them give Rick a call because there are still one or two left! The good thing to report is that after we gave a sizeable donation to the Air Ambulance we were still left with funds for use within the local area, and all of this because the people of Torrington were generous both in providing items for us to sell in the shop as well as buying them. A couple of things planned for the coming year is firstly a digital photographic competition to produce a Torrington Calendar for 2020 which will also celebrate Torrington Rotary’s 50th anniversary, so will all you budding photographers get snapping. There will be a prize of £100 for the best picture open to anyone and a prize of £50 to the best picture taken by someone under 16, there will also be a framed certificate to all entries that are chosen for use in the calendar. This competition will close on the 30th September 2019 and photographs should be emailed to Stephenhsaywell@hotmail.com (notice the “h” in the middle of the email address). Needless to say we are looking for pictures with a connection to Torrington. Secondly later in the year there will be a competition for all those with cake decorating talent. We will be looking for the best decorated Christmas cake, let your imagination run riot. Details of this competition will be announced around August time in the Torrington Crier but again there will be prizes to be won, first prize being £75, second prize £50 and third prize £25 with the competition open to anyone young or old, and with this event being some months away you will have time to practice. Please note it’s the decoration we will be judging, you can use any cake, even a fake Styrofoam one if you like!
Torrington Garden Society
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ur first meeting of the year was well attended. We were saddened to hear of the death of Bill Cleave. He was a long standing member of the club and a keen and experienced grower. Nicky Scott had driven from Chagford to explain the ins and outs of making compost. He has made the subject his life’s work, and can be found demonstrating good practices on YouTube. Many of us had light bulb moments realizing where we had been going wrong! Our quiz team had already been active, attending the inter-club quiz at Landkey. A snowy night increased the challenge, but we came a creditable second to Winkleigh. The tulips planted back in November are making good progress in their pots, and will be planted out into the flower bed (near S&G Carpets) in March, at which point we shall have a better idea on which plants have not done well over the winter. However it has been mostly mild and the Cardoons are looking good. We shall be entering SW in Bloom ‘It’s your neighbourhood Award” this year. Next month Howard Wills will be whisking us away to the Yellowstone National Park. Howard will be sharing his insight into this fascinating area. We meet at the Methodist Hall on Tuesday 5th March at 7.30pm. Visitors and new members are most welcome, Sally Ramsden Hon Chair 01805 623152
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From Your District Councillors
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t’s been a few months since I last wrote in here and I’m pleased to say that we’ve brought our lovely baby boy Theo Edward into the world and he’s a treasure! I was unable to attend meetings right after having him; but I still managed to do a lot of council work electronically and over the phone. During that time, myself and other like-minded councillors ‘called in’ two decisions made by the Community and Resources Committee. The first regarding the Annual Parking Review when councillors refused to make Barley Grove Car Park free on Saturday afternoons and Sundays (as in Sydney House/South St Car Park). I’m disappointed that after being scrutinised and hearing from local businesses, they decided to refuse it again. The second decision was the refusal of a recommended ‘play strategy’ for all of the play areas owned by TDC. We are still waiting to find out whether C&R will change their mind on this one. After many years of being forgotten on Torridge’s list of capital bids, I’m pleased to say that this year Great Torrington has four specific projects being recommended by officers for 2019/20. At the time of going to print, these still need to be decided by Full Council on 25th February, so fingers crossed... We are also in the early stages of
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looking at the viability of a milk vending machine and community larder in the town centre, which is an exciting prospect. I really hope we can get it off the ground; plastic-free, supporting local farmers, reducing our carbon footprints and reducing food waste. I am pleased to have been part of the group organising a new youth club for the town, and have donated £500 of councillor grant money towards equipment. I also hope to be able to volunteer at some of the sessions which start in the next few months. On a more negative note, I have been receiving complaints regarding the increasing amounts of dog poo around the town, and the lack of improvements
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am pleased to report that after strong debate at TDC the following projects are now in the capital program and I’m happy that my speech helped to achieve this. 1. Pannier Market - upgrade the surface water system to prevent further flooding 2. Artificial Sports Pitch at GTS school to be refurbished 3. Torrington Sports Hall to be refurbished 4. Repairs to the front wall of Torrington Library, due to movement 5. Required major works to the roof of the Town Hall 6. Calf Street play area, phase 1 contribution
at the swimming pool. TDC are willing to train people who could authorise fines to people for not picking up after their dogs; I think this is probably what needs to happen if we want to see a change in behaviour, unless anyone has any other ideas that might work? 1610 has made some improvements to the pool since our meeting with them; working lockers, new benches and fixing loose tiles, but there are still problems which need to be resolved and we will follow these up. As always, please get in touch if you have any concerns or suggestions for our wonderful town. Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin 07495 367 801
The not so good news... Great Torrington’s request for free parking at Barley Grove to be the same on Saturdays and Sundays as at Sydney House Car Park fell on deaf ears at the Community Resources Committee meeting, despite strong debating previously. This is the reasoning. The changing role of the high street and retail trends were referred to, along with how reasonable parking charges are more beneficial to town centres than free parking (as spaces fill with residents and workforce rather than shoppers). Discussion with the Chamber of Commerce and Bideford Town Council had led/should lead the Council into ways of getting visitors to stay (tariffs, events, things to do) rather than providing free parking to increase footfall and spend.
From Your County Councillor...
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t has been another busy month on the County Council. Writing this article in February, this time of year in the Local Government calendar is dominated by budget setting meetings. While the figures are yet to be finalised, the Council is looking to increase its overall revenue budget from £479 million to £494 million. The revenue budget is what the Council uses to fund day-to-day activities, for example employing social workers and filling in potholes. In other words no support for our town and parking tickets putting visitors off, but £60,000 will be found to change the doors on parking meters to allow card and contactless payment to be made because Sydney House is a prime source of income for TDC. Pardon my cynicism, but money appears to be of more importance than saving our high street and its needs. The Council Tax increase of £5 for Band D is noted, all adding to the misery of a community already suffering from low wages and having to take advantage of the our foodbank service, many thanks to the volunteers giving their time on Tuesdays and Saturdays . I am happy to discuss any local concerns you may have. Working for you. Margaret Brown 01805 624375 councillor.brown@torridge.gov.uk
Within that overall budget there are increases for Children’s Social Services, Highways and Adult Social Care. Children’s Services have, in particular, come under pressure in the last financial year so the proposal to increase this budget by nearly £12 million is welcome. I am also pleased that the County Council is looking to invest some of the income generated from being part of the Business Rates Retention Pilot, into developing an ‘edge of care’ strategy for vulnerable children, preventing them from having to go into care and having a better quality of life as a result.
“While I am well aware of the challenges we face locally, county wide and nationally, I believe that we are making progress...” The overall Adult Social Care budget will increase by just over £4.5 million (after a substantial £13 million increase last year); while there is also a small rise for Highways, which has benefitted from a Central Government grant of £18.75 million for Capital Funding projects that I described in last month’s article. It is likely though, that Devon County Council’s share of the Council Tax precept will rise by 3.99% overall – 2.99% for general services and 1% for adult social care. I know that Council Tax increases are not welcome, but this increase will allow the Council to maintain and sustain the vital services that it provides. I realise when we look at the state of some of our roads, or if a bin collection has been missed, we can sometimes wonder ‘what am I paying my council
tax for?’ Often though, it is for services that we may not necessarily see, but we nonetheless need. Last year I spent some time shadowing our Children’s Services Social Workers and I saw them dealing with cases from severe mental health issues, through to neglect, as well as suspected cases of child sexual exploitation. We have over 700 children in care in Devon and we have legal, as well as a moral obligation to support these children. I have also spent time out in the field with our Adult Social Workers as well, seeing some of the difficult cases they have to deal with too; particularly with vulnerable adults who live with dementia. I am hoping that with more money now coming into the system we can offer more support to local community and voluntary groups, as well as seeing closer working together of the three tiers of local government (Town/Parish, District, and County) alongside the NHS in supporting those with health needs in our community. While I know how frustrating it can be when the pothole in the road doesn’t get repaired, we ultimately have a duty of care to our vulnerable children and adults first. While I am well aware of the challenges we face locally, county wide and nationally, I believe that we are making progress and I am determined to do all I can to help make Torrington Rural an even better and heathier place in which to live. As ever, if there are any County Council issues you would like to discuss, you can ring me on 07886 446 560 or email andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk.
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01805 804626 or 07977 810 088 Organic & Wholefood Buying Group News
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ur Twitter account has just been 18th &19th May, 13th & 14th July, 16th & verified, so by the time you read 17th November. this we’ll be up and running! Qi Gong, Hua Gong style, with Dario Follow us @owbg1 or use the hashtag Gerchi, with a choice of morning taster, a #owbg. workshop day or the complete weekend. OWBG events include Dario will teach us many many different aspects special techniques to of health and wellbeing, maintain and improve and raise funds for our our health and wellbeing. activities and the cost of We’ll practise the basics serving our members. as well as a varied Just now many people range of therapeutic are becoming increasingly movements for particular concerned about organs. Each the prospect of “Microwave radiation depletes the weekend will 5G. I recently nutritional value of food, and toxic feature one of came across the Five Animals chemicals migrate into food from this quote from a Frolics: come and plastic packaging or containers.” Wireless Safety meet the Bear in Educator “With a little education people March! are beginning to connect the dots as to Hua Gong enhances creativity of all why they or their children don’t sleep kinds, so on occasion Dario may include well anymore, why they have skin music, chanting and overtone singing, rashes/ tingling, headaches, nosebleeds, and of course his handmade organic ringing in the ears, irregular heart beats, vegan superfood raw chocolates! fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, Suitable for everyone, fit or not so fit, depression, behaviour issues etc. – all with a warm welcome. Take advantage of can be caused by exposure to wireless earlybird prices on offer until two weeks radiation. Many are thrilled to discover before any event. that their health issues disappear, or go Well-being tip: way down when they choose to reduce Convenience versus Health wireless radiation exposures. But we Most homes have a microwave cannot turn off a 5G cell tower.” and consider it a great boon and If you would like to find out how to convenience. But I was shocked to make wise technology choices, based discover that every time we turn a on a better understanding of the health microwave oven on, we’re exposing issues with EMFs and 5G, contact ourselves to microwave radiation me now as we will be inviting those densities thousands of times higher than interested to a private talk demonstration a mobile phone. Microwave radiation and discussion. Contact details below. depletes the nutritional value of food, Qi Gong Dates: 9th & 10th March, and toxic chemicals migrate into food
from plastic packaging or containers. In all his years of doing electro-pollution surveys, my colleague Dario has never yet found a single microwave that did not leak radiation into the home - often a considerable distance, much to the horror of the homeowners when they see the EMF meter readings and audio for themselves. We all know that a baked potato from the microwave tastes nothing like as nice as one baked in a gas oven. That’s because the kind of energy we cook with matters, microwave energy is weakening and living flame is strengthening and nurturing. Time to reconsider perhaps? Bi-monthly grocery order dates: 18th March/20th May. Contact me now so you’re primed for the new catalogue on 1st March. Buying Group FAQ’s * How do I join? Ring or email Mary as below * What does membership cost? Free * Must I order a minimum amount? No * Must I order every month? No * If I don’t order, can I still apply to share someone else’s order? Yes * How do I pay? BACS or cash on collection * What if I need advice or have questions? Ring me now 01805 623 307 or email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk. Here to help Facebook: ‘Organic & Wholefood Buying Group’ and ‘Mary Crail Biofeedback & Wellbeing’ Website: MaryCrailWellbeing Mary
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i everyone Freddie here again – (something we saw once he was in a how quickly it comes round. kennel). He totally shut down and had As we head into the madness no interest in the world. Now just four of March, the rescue is getting ready for weeks on, having received appropriate its very first ‘Woofinar’ at The Grosvenor veterinary treatment, he has found a new Church, Barnstaple on 13th March, 6.30- zest for life and the sparkle in his eyes 9.30pm. It promises to be an evening when he saw grass for the first time was of discussion, fun and food. In fact amazing. So happy to see him off to a everything you would like to know about new life where he will receive the love he dogs and owning one, plus some lovely so deserves. Check out his story on our stalls to spend your money and spoil website where you can see pictures of your favourite pooch. Tickets are just him through his journey to health – such £15 which includes a buffet, and can a brave boy. be bought online at www.k9focus.co.uk With the new Welfare Act now in force, or at Vets4Pets in the Barnstaple Pets many puppy farms are being closed at Home Store. All funds raised will go down and as a result we are finding towards helping more stud dogs and dogs like me to have “...we can’t pick it up ourselves! So bitches are just a very secure and this month I am asking everyone being abandoned. loving future. to be vigilant, carry a poo bag and If you are thinking Looking for a of buying a puppy ‘Pick It Up for Freddie’.” second chance is then do ask to see little Bobby who came in as a stray in a the parents to make sure that they are dreadful state, has now found a home healthy and happy dogs; better still go of his very own. It is assumed that to your local rescue and adopt a dog like he had been used as a stud dog on a me! puppy farm and abandoned when he It’s that time of year when there is became too ill to be useful. Covered lots of chocolate around the house so in lumps and warts, and with fur that a gentle reminder that it is poisonous was so matted it had to be shaved. His to us dogs. If you find that your toenails were curled round, meaning he naughty dog has managed to help was in pain every time he walked. He themselves to some, then do phone had a growth on his eye and his teeth your vet immediately as they will be were ground down flat, which we think able to tell you what to do. I am quite was from chewing at the kennel bars naughty myself when it comes to food
and chocolate, but Aunty Lynne always makes sure that it is out of my reach! Many of you know that I often go for a stroll around Torrington, and I love to sit on the bench in the square as I get so many treats from people who come and say hello. I am sad though that while walking through the town, I see so much dog mess that owners haven’t picked up. It really does give us dogs a bad name as we have to go somewhere, and we can’t pick it up ourselves! So this month I am asking everyone to be vigilant, carry a poo bag and ‘Pick It Up for Freddie’. Right that’s me signing off for another month. Have fun and don’t forget to buy your tickets for our Woofinar – they are selling fast! Freddie
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Our Year 8 pupils have spent the first term in English studying fiction and literary non-fiction on the topic of ‘childhood’ and applying their learning of writers’ craft to their own autobiographical and creative writing. Here’s Alfie’s engaging piece about a family snowboarding holiday:
My snowboarding trip to the French Alps
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ur holiday had been amazing; we’d been waiting a whole year. When we arrived at the chalet, we got a huge welcome by the staff! We’d been having snowboarding lessons but finally, we were ready for the black run – the hardest slope at Tignes, France. But little did I know, things didn’t turn out as I thought… We had all done incredibly but we finally arrived at the flat area. If you didn’t know before, to make it past a flat area you must have lots of speed, otherwise you’ll have to trek the rest of the way, carrying a heavy board. If you just go down the mountain on heel-edge (the most controlled way to get down a mountain), you’d get no speed and your legs would start to ache from being in the same position for a long time. It is better to do the heel-side turn where you keep switching from heel-edge to toeedge (going backwards); this gets much more speed. Confidence filled me as I glided across the pearl-white snow, gathering speed. Around me were snow-covered trees that danced in the wind and small puddles of water that shimmered in the bright sunlight. Across the snow, the bitter, icy wind violently blew against my face, as if someone was slapping me with an ice cube. Although my face was as cold as Antarctica, the rest of my body was warm from the layers of clothing and the amber sun. Suddenly, I lost control of my snowboard; it wobbled, then wobbled again. My board tilted on its side. I flew up into the air, somersaulting and losing all sense of direction and control. Landing on the glacial snow, CRUNCH! I hit the hard snow. I face-planted the ground, my mouth filled with dirty, ice-cold snow; I spat it out. A bucket-tonne of agony burst through my shoulder; was it broken? “MUM!!” I shouted from the bottom of my lungs. I lay motionless. I felt paralysed in pain. It seemed like hours I lay there in the snow but it was only seconds. Strangers were snowboarding and skiing past me – no one stopped to help or ask if I was alright. Shortly afterwards, my mum glided towards me and helped me up. Devastated, I limped back to the chalet; the distance seeming to grow further and further away. Finally making my way back, I sat down to have a delicious hot chocolate by a warm, golden fire. Alfie Williams-Rice, Year 8
Here’s another of the fabulous entries we had for our poetry competition on the topic of ‘change’. I loved Joel’s original and emotive response to the theme.
A Change of Heart Hunched over, dazed and confused, boy slumped, staring far below at the water, carless to whether or not the wind would make a hasty choice. Adding a stream of cursed, youth tears to the wise, experienced ocean, debating, debating: selfish boy. Edging millimetres to the merciless demise, daring the entertained wind to howl greater. Watching out of the corner of his eye, innocent seagull. Innocent seagull departed from the flock warily stood metres away from suicide relating to BOY. After realising his mystic presence, boy turns to spectate seagull soar and re-join another, different flock. As should he relate also, boy has a change of heart, selfless, boy returns to his life. Joel Cooper, Year 9
The Frankenstein LBacc challenge continues to be a roaring success with our Year 7 pupils. Here are three brilliant monologues, crafted and performed by the pupils as part of their final piece.
Dead Beloved My dear, dear, Elizabeth, How I am possessed, By sorrow and guilt. My never ending love for you, Is strong and passionate. My secret project, Of which I was careless, Went atrociously wrong. I was aspiring for a human clone, Instead I created a heartless, emotionless, monster The feeling of contrition lingers, Through every second of my day. So now I must go. Erase my wrongdoing, As I will track down and destroy, The lifeless oaf. He took the love of my life, Now I shall take that monsters own life. With all my love, I apologise sincerely, Please forgive me!
Monster? Was I created this way? Was I created as evil and twisted as this? Was it my fault? Or was it their fault? So many questions that I have had, Why, oh, why did he have to die, before I could ask him anything! All I wanted was not to be alone, But my actions made me evil! Or maybe not… Maybe it was him that did it, Maybe it was him that made me this way, This evil, twisted way… Those people, those people, That made me feel like, maybe, just maybe, I could fit in, but then crushing that feeling like an ant in a vice! And of course I reacted, I burnt that feeble house to the ground! And the worst part? I enjoyed it.
Hayden Dayment, Year 7
Stanley Irvine, Year 7
Victor Mother O Mother, Why must you die? God if real why is disease a thing? For I, I Victor Frankenstein must care for one family, I a mere boy of youth, Must slave for one family of wealth! Why must death be incurable, Why…? For I shall create and bring back to life humanity, like the father in heaven... You, have you ever dreamt about having gods powers? For I will be able to create the fame of a second Adam and unlike God, no Satan will obstruct my ability AND I WILL BE BETTER THAN GOD!!! Tobias Shadbolt, Year 7
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Browns No 37 Coffee, Tea & Deli
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The Crier Prize Crossword This month’s prize is a sharing board and two drinks at a pre-booked cheese and wine night at Brown’s No 37. 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 C Brown from Northam. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 14th March the solution and winner will be in the April issue.
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Brown’s No 37 (Formally Brown’s Delicatessen)
Claire and I took over back in August, and we’ve been learning lots and getting useful feedback from regular customers. Claire previously worked in a care home for 20 years as a senior nurse, while I owned my own catering business back in Kent, while managing other companies and working for English Heritage in some of their tea rooms. We always had a dream to own our own place. Brown’s No 37 is perfect for us: a small cafe and lovely family home in a great town - which will enable us to live our dream. Since August we have changed a few things in the café; making a small area ‘dog friendly’; a new barista machine, and have added a few more items to the menu (catering for more allergens ). We are also hoping to do private parties and evening meals, and open the garden in the future. I am planning to offer more local products in the shop and have tried to reduce all plastic; using bottles and jars for stock; take away cups, soup containers and deli pots are all compostable, and deli items are now in paper/grease proof bags. We are looking forward to spending a long time in this lovely town, providing a service for the community and the surrounding areas. If you haven’t been in since we took over, please do pay us a visit, everyone is very welcome! Jaime & Claire
North Devon Choral Society Dvorak Stabat Mater
7.30pm, Saturday 30th March 2019 at Church of St Michael & All Angels, Torrington t the Royal Albert Hall in 1884, Czech composer Dvorak himself conducted an early and hugely successful performance of his Stabat Mater, with a choir of 250 sopranos, 160 altos, 180 tenors, and 250 basses, and an audience of 12,000. North Devon Choral Society can’t match those numbers, but we will do our best with a chorus of 100, at Church of St Michael & All Angels, Torrington, on 30th March. Based on a 13th century poem describing the anguish of Mary at the Cross, sorrowful but filled with grace and consolation, this work is one of the towering monuments of choral music. Rehearsals are currently in full swing, and chorus members are finding the music stunningly beautiful. Conducted by John Hobbs, accompanied by Andrew Millington on the Father Willis organ, soloists will be Heloise West, Rebecca Smith, Paul Smy and Julian Rippon. Tickets are £15, children, students free, from Torrington Jewellers or call Janet Sharp on 01805 628262. More details on www.northdevonchoral.org.uk , and don’t forget, the church has made the pews really comfortable, with luxurious cushions. Janet Sharp, Publicity Manager, North Devon Choral Society
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Qualified & Experienced Landscape Gardener For all your gardening needs large or small Call Stuart 07971533 235 Fleur’s Gardening Forum - Vegan Gardening
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lthough I am not a vegan, I have been giving serious thought to how you can guarantee that the plants that you eat have been grown in a veganonly environment. How do you know if the plants you purchase have not been raised in soil fertilised with manure or other animal products (even organicallygrown food uses fertilisers such as blood, fish and bone). What type of liquid feed is watered on to the plants? Are chemicals used to kill pests? The only sure way of guaranteeing animal-free food is to grow your own, create your own composts and use only plant-based fertilisers. You could do what people did many years ago, and that is to dig a trench two spits (spade depths) deep in the autumn and gradually fill it in with your kitchen waste (leafy stuff or peelings only). To stop the trench from smelling, mix the waste in with some of the soil. Continue to do this until you have filled the trench completely (it may look heaped up but this waste will subside as it rots). Once one trench is filled, start another, and so on. Legumes, potatoes, squashes and brassicas will grow happily in such ground. Or, of course, you can create your own compost heap/bin! What are the best feeds that vegans can use in their gardens? Again, creating your own is best and is relatively easy. One of the best to turn into liquid feed is Comfrey and is easy to grow from seed, or ask someone who already grows it for a few rhizomes; they will probably be very obliging because this hardy plant is invasive. Once Comfrey starts to grow strongly and before it sets seed, cut it back and chop up. Place in a large container, preferably one with a secure lid and add a little water to the clippings. Leave somewhere out of the way and allow it to rot down over several weeks but be warned, the smell of ‘fermenting’ Comfrey is disgusting! You will find it creates a rich mixture which you can use like other liquid feeds, i.e., a couple of tablespoons in a gallon of water. Keep adding chopped leaves to the mixture as necessary and you will have an on-going supply of fertiliser. Stinging nettles can be used in similar fashion and provide a high nitrogen feed. Another fertiliser that vegans can use is seaweed and, if you are lucky enough to live close to the seashore, you can (possibly with permission from the authorities) remove seaweed from the beach and spread it over your vegetable patch in the autumn. The winter rains will quickly wash out any salt and you can then dig it in during the early spring. Liquid seaweed fertilisers can be purchased from any garden centre. Controlling pests can be problematic, especially if you are particularly zealous and give all creatures equal rights. However, do remember that you are growing crops for you to eat, not other animals! The only way to limit damage is to create barriers and there are many types, from netting to deter birds, fencing to keep out larger animals, grit to deter slugs and snails. Making your garden inviting to beneficial wildlife such as hedgehogs, ladybirds and wasps (which eat aphids early in the season) will help keep pests at bay, too. Fleur
Volunteer Tour Guides Needed
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ould you welcome visitors on board SS Freshspring? Would you enjoy learning and sharing information about the ship? We’re keen to give our visitors a first class experience and wondered if you’d like to be part of it? No previous experience is needed as full training will be given, but you do have to have an enthusiastic and friendly nature, with a talent for communicating. Want to know more? Please contact Hayley Buscombe, Educational and Project Officer. hayley.buscombe@ ssfreshspring.co.uk The Steamship Freshspring Society is a ‘not for profit’ organisation based in Bideford, whose aim is to return SS Freshspring to operation. Visit www.ssfreshspring.co.uk for more information.
Music & Dance Night Thanks
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would like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended the Music and Dance evening at the Torrington Arms on January 19th, with music by the fantastic Ronnie Del Rio. A special thank you to Sally and Roger and staff of the Torrington Arms, and to everyone who gave draw prizes. When all the money was counted, including donations etc., the grand total of £422 was raised for the Mayor’s Appeal, which is for the North Devon Hospice and the Torrington Memory Café. Once again a big thank you to all Dick Matthews
Torrington RFC
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here did that month go? No sooner had I read the latest edition of The Crier than here I am again compiling another round up of latest events. Our 1st XV continue their battles in the Tribute Devon League 1. The anticipated derby with our friends from North Tawton was a good game. Considering how Tawton are riding high at the top of the league, holding them to a loss of 7-24 was a very respectable scoreline! Our next game involved travelling down to Plymouth and playing Old Plymouthian & Mannamedian. (I don’t know why either!) A tight game in very wet conditions gave us a hard earned win 5-3. We should have travelled to Dartmouth for a rearranged fixture, but this time the freezing conditions meant that travel was not a safe option. Yet again the fixture was postponed. When the weather had improved from cold to wet again, Old Technicians paid us a visit. This time Torrington were victorious by the decent of margin 26-5, avenging the defeat we suffered on the away trip. These results leave us comfortably smack bang in the middle of the table. Our 2nd XV have not fared so well of late, having to cancel three consecutive matches due to a lack of players, a disappointing situation to be in as numbers were good in the first half of the season. Hopefully this can be
resolved soon. Our juniors continue from strength-tostrength, with many trips to other local clubs. A welcome always awaits you at Donnacroft, with many exciting games to be enjoyed. The bar is open on match days from 1.30pm, with games from the Gallagher Premiership and currently the Six Nations being shown on the big screen. The clubhouse is available for hire when available. See you next month. C’mon Torrie! Respect, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship, Teamwork & Discipline Mark Waterson
Torrington Memory Cafe
T
he February meeting was on Valentine’s Day so we were serenaded by the ‘3 or More’ choir as well as having the opportunity to reminisce by looking at old photos of Torrington, taken by Ravilious. In March we have an information and advice session second and fourth Thursdays from 10.30am till 12.30pm. The cafe is held in the Methodist Church meeting room. You don’t have to have been diagnosed with dementia to attend the cafe - there are numerous reasons for memory loss; stroke, head trauma or age related memory loss. Just come along and talk to our trained volunteers and meet other people with similar issues.
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