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.
If you don’t normally get the Crier delivered, you can now view the latest issue and back issues online, including all adverts, which can be clicked on to visit their websites.
Would you like the Crier delivered in your village?
Editorial Enquiries: Becky Huxtable, 07443 491 972
E: torrington.crier@gmail.com
Copy deadline: Second Thursday of each month, 12 noon. We prefer all submissions and enquiries to the email above but handwritten articles can still be handed in at the Library. All articles are subject to editing, particularly those over 300 words, it is not possible to inform contributors of this prior to publication. Submission does not guarantee publication.
Advertising/Accounts: Esther Williams, 07912 693 858
E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com
Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £28 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £54 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
Proof reading: Sam Williams
Town Distribution: Esther Williams
Rural Distribution: Torrington Library & the community
Printers: Hedgerow Print, Crediton
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 07443 491972, torrington.crier@gmail. com, or call in to Torrington Library.
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.
Website links from The Crier or its website are provided for convenience only. The Crier is not responsible for the content or availability of any external or 3rd party sites and does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information found on these sites.
Bespoke • Alterations • Sewing
Personal fittings • Tailored to fit 21 Chingswell Street, Bideford EX39 2NF
Monday-Tuesday - 10am-1pm 2-3pm
Thursday - 10am-1pm 2-6pm
Friday - 10am-1pm
07885 440 143 (text only)
...and Cinderella shall go to the ball
It’s all systems go at the Town Hall as we get ready for Christmas!
There’s always a little tingle in the air as we prepare for the festivities, and this year is no exception.
First things first – we must talk about our new bar! We now have draught lager and cider alongside real ale on tap, adding a touch of cheer whenever you visit.
The Cavaliers’ race night marked our official launch, what a night it was, full of fun, fantastic energy and of course the chance to raise money for the Cavaliers, so thanks to everyone who came along. So, what’s coming up in the next few weeks for you to enjoy?
By popular demand Neil and Kerry from Step into Swingtime are running a new session of their popular courses, from 16th October to 20th November - call Neil on 07722 321 838.
The Haunted Halloween Dance – Saturday 31st October 7.30pm till late. Join us for a spooktacular night, with the amazing Diving with Pearls! Admission FREE and the bar will be open. Fancy dress optional (but definitely encouraged!). If you haven’t seen the group yet now’s your chance, as they make very few appearances in North Devon! The Hall acoustics make every performance unforgettable, don’t miss out!
The Torrington Players are back in action! We welcome the Players on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November at 7.30pm for the comedy murder mystery written by their own very talented writer Valerie Howes. Come and see if you can identify the murderer and tell them who did it and why and what has Fig chutney got to do with it! Our bar will be open while you try to solve the mystery. Tickets on sale at Duffy’s and Whiskers pet shop.
Our third Annual Christmas Fair Saturday 15th November 10am-3pm. It’s the perfect chance to tick off your Christmas shopping list right here close to home. With local drinks, delicious food
and gifts at all prices, there’s something for everyone. Treat yourself to a mulled wine, soak up the cosy atmosphere and spend time with family and friends. Don’t forget to pop into the Pannier Market too, which will have lots of stalls to browse. The Methodist Church will be open from 10am-12pm (don’t miss their bacon butties!), St Michaels Church 10am-4pm and Castle Hill Creatives at the Castle Hill Community Centre 10am-4pm so lots going on! We will all be joining together to make it a real community day. Plus, free parking in South Street car park after 12 noon!
enjoy live Christmas music with your delicious afternoon tea. Booking essential, call 07793 241 555
Black and Gold Group, playing outside the Town Hall during the Christmas period, Friday afternoons to add a sparkle of festive cheer! The collecting tin will be out, all donations go towards the upkeep of the Town Hall.
Cavaliers Christmas Grotto Saturday 20th December 10am-1pm. Bring your little ones down to see Father Christmas in his grotto. Music by the Silver Band, what could be better!!
Nikki Kitt’s Psychic Mediumship evening Thursday 27th November 7.30pm. Nikki is back with her ever-popular evening of insight and connection. Tickets go fast.so book early at psychicmediumnikkikitt.com.
Town and Lands Charity Voucher Day – Friday 5th December 9.30am1.30pm. We look forward to seeing you in the Undercroft where you can catch up with old friends, have a hot drink and mince pies and collect your vouchers. Please check all the information provided by the Town and Lands Charity in this issue to see if you are eligible.
Winter Warmer Dance Saturday 6th December 7.30pm. We are really looking forward to the return of Paul Black serenading us with smooth crooner classics – perfect for easing us into the festive season. DJ the Sultan of Swing will be there – FREE ADMISSION - and our bar will be offering a full range of drinks. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of reasons to celebrate with us.
Festive Afternoon Tea in the Undercroft - Saturday 13th December 2.30-4.30pm. Take a break from the hustle and bustle, relax with friends, and
Remember, The Town Hall is the perfect venue for your own Christmas celebration. The Oak Room is ideal for an intimate, Dickensian-style dinner, while the Great Hall is ready to welcome larger groups. We can arrange buffets, music, and offer a fully stocked bar.
If you are planning a special event or wedding in 2026, please contact our Events Team for an individual quotation and friendly, helpful advice: admin@ greattorringtontown-hall.org or 07944 639 739.
Maintaining such a historic building is no small feat: it’s a costly labour of love to preserve its character and legacy for generations to come. When you hire the Hall, you are making a vital contribution towards the conservation of this Grade 2 listed building.
Finally, thank you to Chloe Langer who produced the amazing Crier Cover for us - a very talented lady!
Karaoke is back by popular demand, look out for posters.
Back on Nights is coming again soon, plus a date for our Xmas Bingo!
TVSC Committee
We have a busy programme of extra events in the library during November. What’s on for families:
Spooky Stories with Roz - Saturday 1st November 11-11.30am
Come along to listen to some spooky (though not too scary!) stories in the Children’s Library. Dress up in a fancy dress costume if you wish. Drinks and fruit will be available. FREE although donations always much appreciated to our charity.
Hettie Nettle’s Winter Tales with Claire Barker - Saturday 29th November 11am
Author of the ‘Knitbone Pepper’ and ‘Picklewitch and Jack’ books, Claire will be telling some of Hettie's winter stories for us. Come along to meet her. She will also be introducing her lovely new children’s book ‘Hettie Nettle’s Handbook for Hedgewitches’. Books will be available to purchase which she will be happy to sign. What’s on for adults:
Mudlarking and More from the River Taw - Thursday 6th November 7pm
Kevin Shaddick, antique collector and dealer, will be here to tell us all about the fascinating objects he has found in and around our local river. He will talk about the history of bottles and how he goes about dating artefacts. Items include bottles, wonderful North Devon pottery and clay tobacco pipes. £5 per ticket to include light refreshments. Booking essential.
Capturing Torrington - A Photography Course - Friday 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th November 10am-1pm
Come along for four sessions of relaxing walking photography for adults. Community and stock photographer John Insull will encourage you to explore and create stunning images in and around Great Torrington. Chat about your results over a cuppa. Bring your camera phone, tablet or digital camera. Photographers of any ability, including beginners welcome. Spaces are limited, booking essential, £20. Energy Saving Advice Session - Friday 14th November 10am-12pm
Anderson Jones from Devon Communities Together will be here again to help you save money on your energy costs as the weather turns colder. He can give advice on accessing financial support; how to use energy efficiently at home; the energy market and energy costs; smart meters; and Devon Oil Collective. FREE drop-in. *NEW* Elevenses - Starts Saturday 15th November 11am
We are excited to announce that we will be starting a new fortnightly event called Elevenses. Come along to chat about what you’ve been reading, favourite authors, your week or just the weather! A free cuppa and cake will be on offer. Open to all. Introduction to Needle Felting - Friday 21st November 2-5pm
Learn how to make a needle felted keyring with Fizz Designs Arts and Crafts. With Christmas fast approaching you could make a jolly robin, Christmas pudding or penguin to give away or keep for yourself! £8 per person to include all materials and light refreshments. Booking essential.
Up Campaign – Rotary Club of Torrington : The coat rail is now in place in the hallway of the building Castle Hill (opposite the Post Office). Coats have already been donated and re-homed to those that need them. Thanks to Torrington Rotary Club for organising this campaign. If you would like to donate clean coats, please come along to the library, put them on the rail in the hall or drop off at The Bickford Centre.
Contact details: email: torrington.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk. Tel 01805 622107. Follow us on Facebook @TorringtonLibraryDevon and Instagram @ torrington.library. Or just pop in!
Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity 1170092 Librariesunlimited.org.uk
New hair & beauty salon in Well Street, Torrington Offering a range of services, with spaces for new clients!
Heart & Sole Reflexology North Devon AP Nails & Lashes
Lynsey B Lash Artist
Kim Hair & Beauty
Call/WhatsApp 07853 768 144 aurasalon.lbla@gmail.com
With lovely photos of our town and surroundings and big boxes to write in, get your copy for £8 or two for £15 from Whiskers Pet Centre, Duffy’s Home Hardware or Collectability and Lilian Rose Interiors (cash only please and exact money appreciated).
We are also selling a small batch online, with a small additional charge to cover postage and packaging, last year some calendars went as far as New Zealand and the USA! Please contact us for international postage/delivery by email.
Thanks to everyone who sent photos in - please keep submitting your photos for next year’s calendar and we will hold them for consideration. Get involved, gt-calendar@hotmail.com.
Martyn Butler
There was a special band of brothers, Elusive, some might say, Who worked hard for our community, And we remember them today.
Men with old fashioned values, Men who enjoyed a song, Men who raised money for charity, Men who have now passed on.
There's a seat placed on the Old Bowling Green in their memory, sit and reflect What these men of Great Torrington achieved, Pause, and show them some respect. Their mantle has now been passed To a younger generation, Who are still dedicated to these aims And deserve our admiration.
So as we say a fond farewell
Our thanks at last expressed, Honour these past 27 Cavaliers Some of this town's very best.
Stef Easton
Torri Youth celebrates after receiving National Lottery funding to support Youthwork in Torrington
Local community group, Torri Youth is celebrating after being awarded £19,600 in National Lottery funding to support its work with young people. The group, based in Torrington, will use the money to continue to provide activities for young people aged 1017. To meet young people’s needs and interests within their community giving access to quality youthwork with a now-
"Torri Youth is celebrating after being awarded £19,600 in National Lottery funding to support its work with young people."
paid qualified leader in charge.
Torri Youth has been running since 2022 and is staffed by 10 volunteers and a voluntary committee of members. It was set up by local community members, following a withdrawal of youthwork provision in the town in 2022. It is a nonreligious group, based at the Methodist Church hall, Mill Street, Torrington.
The projects run mostly on a Friday evening but are flexible in design offering both generic and detached projects, supporting various venues within the community.
It looks to support local businesses, charities and has formed partnership with schools, Torrington Town Council, Police, Torrington Rotary Club and District Councils. Torri Youth has run over
30 different projects and well over 600 young people have participated and engaged in positive sessions in the past three years.
These have been everything from fundraising, arts and crafts, cooking and sewing to music, dance, off-site trips, surfing, theatre and sports as well as community projects, Torrington in Bloom, Dig the Castle and Rotary Youth apprentice challenge. There are also detached sessions in the park, graffiti workshops, nerf wars and laser tag. They offer regular training opportunities food hygiene, First Aid and other online courses. It has created and supported peer educators leading projects and offers sexual health and information through the Doink scheme.
Torri Youth is pleased to see a longterm partnership project come to completion with the start of the building of a community shelter in the Calf Street park, which was instigated by young people!
The funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will ensure Torri Youth can have access and maintain youthwork in our community till at least 2027.
Castle Hill Creatives
Christmas Art & Craft Fair
Saturday 15th November 10am-4pm
Castle Hill Community Centre
Torrington EX38 8AA
Castle Hill Creatives is a wellestablished group of artists and makers known for the high quality of their work. All are locallybased professional artists and much of their work reflects the beauty and distinctive qualities of the local environment. The group’s first event was held in the Autumn of 2020 and there have been two events each year since, held in May and November.
A wide variety of art and craft will be on display, all made locally. Ceramics and jewellery will sit alongside glass work and paintings, print and textiles, knitwear and sculpture. You will meet the artists and by ‘buying local’ will have something to cherish from your visit.
There will be around 20 exhibitors, and Little Torrington WI will be raising funds by serving mince pies and mulled wine from 11am.
For further information please contact either Gill Hedge on gillhedge@gmail. com (07792 188 128) or Sue Meager on sue.meager@icloud.com (07834 773 944).
Drain clearing CCTV surveys
Drain clearing CCTV surveys
Repairs/Relining
Repairs/Relining
Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation
Septic Tank and Treatment plant installation
Tel: 07794 586039 or 01271 440251
The trees are changing their colours from green to the spectacular autumn shades of gold, orange and yellow. When I look out from the back of my house you can see the enormous varieties of trees that we have on the Commons. Our Tree Trail map lists 55 different native trees, as well as 15 non-native types. The Tree Trail map is available to buy from the Post Office in town, they are only £1 each.
We have three events booked in for our famous ‘Water, Wine or maybe Cider’ stall in the next three months. The first one at the Tarka Valley Railway Spooktacular Halloween ghost train on October 25th, then on November 15th in the gardens at Castle Hill Community Centre with Castle Hill Creatives. The third one will be in the Barnstaple Pannier Market on December 14th; this one is hosted by K9 Focus.
The proceeds from these events go a long way to covering our day-to-day expenses to look after your Commons.
Eight stone-built holidays cottages • Pretty countryside open gardens setting• Comfortably priced • 1-5 bedrooms • Spacious indoors & out • Somewhere for everyone to enjoy. couples, families, family celebrations • Outdoor summer pool, small animal farm, games room, playroom, fast wi-fi
Torridge House Cottages, Little Torrington 07807 698 224 • www.torridgehouse.co.uk
"For the events mentioned above we rely on volunteers. We do have quite a few people who regularly help us on the stalls. Many others do litter picking as they walk around the commons."
For the events mentioned above we rely on volunteers. We do have quite a few people who regularly help us on the stalls. Many others do litter picking as they walk around the commons. If you would like to help in some way, please contact Sue Crawley on friends@ torringtoncommons.org.
Please go along and visit our bookshop at Dartington Crystal. We are restocking on a regular basis to replace the ones that we sell. We raise a lot of money for your Commons selling these donated books. There are thousands of books to choose from. Dartington Crystal are very supportive of the Commons in allowing us to be there. They also have a great range of stock to look through while
you are there, a great café and the visitor centre. You will find us next to the Denby shop area in the main shop. We are always looking for the following items that we can sell to raise funds. DVDs, books, CDs, maps, cassettes, coins, stamps and jigsaws. If you have any of these items please contact me, Andrew Giles on 07956 366 390 or by email andrew.giles@ torringtoncommos.org to donate them.
To raise money to pay for looking after your Commons we have the Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group, which continues to grow with more members signing up each week.
The Torrington Commons 365 Supporters group continues to grow, with more members signing up each week. We are into our fifth year since the project started, and we raise around £4,500 per year. With Gift Aid this increases to nearly £6,000. Please, consider applying to be a Commons 365 Supporter if you can, the funds will be used to continue our goal of maintaining, improving, and protecting the Commons.
As a Commons supporter you are also able to be a town supporter by using your membership card to get a discount or other benefit when you shop at the participating businesses.
The 365 Supporters just pay a £2 per month or a £24 annual donation which can be increased with Gift Aid by 25% if you are a taxpayer. You can let us know at the application stage if this applies to you.
Joining the 365 Supporters group is simple:
Option 1. Visit the website www. torringtoncommons.org and navigate to the 365 Supporters page where you can apply online. Here you have the option of paying by PayPal or standing order annually or monthly. You can also print an application form to post in with a cheque.
Option 2. You can email chair@ torringtoncommons.org, phone or text me on 07956 366 390 and I will get an application form to you.
You can also collect an application form from the Post Office. Some of the shops in town also have application forms.
Andrew Giles, Chair, Great Torrington Commons Conservators
• Kitchens
• Custom built furniture
• Storage solutions
07949 041 799 Sammoircarpentry@gmail.com
• Decking/Fencing
• Cladding
• Timber repair
• General home improvements
• External painting
Free initial consultation & estimate, no obligation.
Low rates (no VAT). Free home visits in EX38 area. Evening & weekend appointments available.
Contact me for a free consultation.
Telephone: 01271 858482 or 07766 714503
Email: philipwardtaylor@outlook.com
Current 365 Supporters Shops
AHJ Builders 07977 668164
Attic Gems Antiques Fore Street
Bokhara South Street
Boom Tingz Burgerz Potacre Street
Candles and Pearls in South Street
Collectability Well Street
Computer Works 07714 717055
Cornmarket Antiques Pannier Market
Crafty Needles In the Pannier Market
Dafforn and Sons New Street
Dartington Crystal
Duane’s Carvings & Gallery Pannier Market
Fine Floral Design in South Street
Fork ‘n’ Feast at 1646 Castle Hill
Hair We Are in South Street
Hogwash Soap Castle Street and online
Ian Coote Architecture 07883 067899
Instant Images embroidery South Street
Java Gifts Cornmarket Street
Jayne Poole Photography Cornmarket St
Kitch ‘N’ Cupboard in the Pannier Market
Lillian Rose Interiors Well Street
Little Leaf Pregnancy 07714 717055
No. 5 Hair and Beauty in South Street
Not Just Travel Gillian Farr on Facebook
Proseprints online and craft fairs
R&S Ware Butchers in South Street
Samantha Hardwick Lifestyle Coach
Squires Electrical in the High Street
Steve Gladwin Family Butchers Fore St
Tanya’s Beauty Studio Fore Street
The Cabin in South Street
The Puffing Billy
The Whole Jar in the Pannier Market
Torrington Framing
Torrington Golf Club
Torrington Museum Bookshop High St
Torrington Refill Shop in South Street
Torr Vapes in South Street
Toy Swap in the Pannier Market
Whiskers Pet Centre South Street
Xanadu (In-store discount only) South St
FREE Online business directory entry
FREE Clickable adverts to your website in the online Crier
FREE colour cover advert with 5 large adverts booked
Your special offers promoted FREE on our Facebook page
Affordable rates and FREE design of your advert
Call Esther on 07912 693 858
Email torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com
• PRE-ORDER:
DM on Shed in the Hedge Facebook page or email mel@welcombemeadow.co.uk
• Collection or delivery - pay via Sumup shop, selecting delivery or pick up option. (QR link or welcombe-meadow-cookery.sumupstore.com/shed-in-the-hedge)
• Deliveries free within 15 miles - delivered Thursdays late afternoon or by arrangement What3Words: supported.light.orchids
Small business owners across Devon are being urged to act now to avoid a surge in staff sickness this autumn and winter – or risk losing productivity, missing deadlines, and facing spiralling costs.
HR consultant Tracy Madgwick, who runs Crafnant HR in Devon, says sickness absence and unplanned leave almost always climb in the colder months, particularly during school term time. Without clear policies and proper tracking in place, many firms find themselves firefighting by November.
Absence tends to creep up, a day here, a day there, until suddenly it’s a serious issue and no one’s quite sure how it got that bad. This seasonal spike can catch business owners off guard, especially if they’ve already been struggling with lateness, short-notice leave or unclear rules around calling in sick.
It’s not just the sick days themselves, it’s the last-minute cover, the overtime, the delays to client work and the frustration that builds in the rest of the team when it feels unfair.
To get ahead of the problem, Tracy recommends three quick wins:
1. Review your absence data – even if it’s just a spreadsheet.
2. Make expectations clear – so staff know how to report time off.
3. Track absences consistently – to spot issues before they escalate.
A little prep now can save you a lot of stress later.
Tracy helps local businesses put practical HR systems in place that save time, reduce disruption, and make it easier to plan through the busy season. You can contact her at tracy@crafnanthr.co.uk or call 07899 665 506.
Crafnant HR started in 2011 and works with small businesses around Devon, helping owners hire better, reduce hassle and keep their teams performing.
Please help our local businesses and 'Think Local' whenever possible.
Think Local editorial is free for advertisers! Please contact Esther Williams on 07912 693 858.
Fully qualified tradesman
• 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
Hi, I’m Mel! After 18 wonderful years as a catering teacher, I’ve taken my love of food beyond the classroom. Together with my husband Bob, we run a charming glamping site, Welcombe Meadow, just outside High Bickington, but my real passion lies in the kitchen.
From our 5-star food hygiene rated farmhouse kitchen at Welcombe Farm, I’ve launched my own catering business, offering everything from hearty homemade meals to indulgent treats. Whether you’re popping by our honesty shop or placing a pre-order for delivery, you’ll find food made with care, flavour, and a dash of countryside charm.
I also run cookery workshops in local villages, sharing the joy of creating good, honest food from scratch. It’s about more than recipes, it’s about community, confidence, and connection.
We offer free delivery within five miles from High Bickington or if further within North Devon I will add on a small charge. So, whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a gathering, or just fancy a delicious bite, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a little taste of what I make: pies, bread (sourdough, focaccia), cheese straws, one pot meals (casseroles, stews, curry and more), shortbread biscuits, cookies, cakes, seasonal soups, sausage rolls, pesto, hummus and more…
Bob & Mel Burrows, welcombemeadow.co.uk; mel@welcombemeadow.co.uk 01769 560309; 07733 117 399
All garden & landscape work undertaken, large & small, by experienced & qualified landscaper & designer, plus LOGS FOR SALE Tel: 07971533 235
Open for takeaway & eat-in
Monday 5-9pm
Tuesday to Saturday 12-2pm, 5-9pm
Open on Bank Holidays
NEW MENU AVAILABLE!
Phone orders welcome!
Taffs Fish & Chips shop providing quality fish & chips since 1958. Thank you for your continued support.
Set in the heart of Great Torrington, Taffs has been a wellestablished business for over 65 years. It was founded by the Taffs family, who ran it with heart and soul - truly earning Taffs its place in town and its surroundings, where it continued to run successfully under the family care for 63 years.
Fast forward to 2021 - under new ownership, and new management in 2023, Taffs is as full of happy energy and buzzing with life as ever. In the past two years we have revamped our menu, bringing in fresh local butcher products, and fresh green salads from local shops such as Wares and Xanadu. Giving choice and freshness and offering specials as a great way to try something different. New menu boards and online ordering are available for a quick and easy collection. We have not only been in the top 40 Fish and Chip takeaways for two years running, but have also completed our Quality Accreditation, these are great rewards for our hard work and team effort.
industry; we realise it is not just about producing great food, it’s much more. By providing exceptional quality and freshness, Taffs shows that when you put passion, care and love into your food, team and workplace, it shows in the end product.
We don’t rest on our laurels or take our success for granted. The Torrington community plays such a huge part of our success,
We have the biggest team yet, with 19 members of staff, each playing an important part to get Taffs to where it is today. Days start as early as 4am, when product preparation begins. We are very passionate about the fish and chip
we are so pleased to be able to give back and sponsor so many local events and clubs. We have built up and earned the trust of our loyal customers, bringing people to our wonderful town. We all help each other and that’s the way it should be.
We have loved our new journey here at Taffs and hope this is just the beginning.
General Builders Groundworks
Slabbing & Fencing
HS & E Tested
Call Jason t: 07968 825 811
Great Torrington, North Devon
We hope to continue to grow, succeed, and most importantly be part of this amazing town and community. We want to take this opportunity to thank all our staff and customers for their continued support. We wouldn’t be here without you.
Painting & Decorating
Interior & Exterior
Contact Jason t: 07968 825 811
Alistair McMillan specialising in
Got equipment you can’t use properly?
We offer a friendly step-by-step instruction service
With over 35 years’ experience in the North Devon area
Phone Ali on 01805 804626 or 0797 781 00 88
Our lovely Torrington Library will have a rail again this year with pre-loved, good winter coats for those in need… It’s part of a Rotary UK-wide project that Torrington Rotary has joined, to collect good coats that are no longer worn and redistribute them to those who need one. Please come along to the library and take a coat if you need it or donate one if you have a spare. Please come along to the library and take a coat if you need it. Coat donations please take to the collecting box in the Bickford Centre. We are collecting men’s, women’s and children’s coats.
Wrap Up This Winter - Give What You Can, Take What You Need. Cold days, warm libraries
Jan Bungay, Secretary, Torrington Rotary Club Email janbungay@gmail.com for information
There’s lots happening at St Michael’s and we’d love you to be part of it!
Join our 100 Club! For just £12 a year, you’ll be entered into our monthly prize draws — with great cash prizes to be won each month! It’s a fun way to support the church and maybe win a little extra yourself.
American-style pancakes – last Saturday of every month. Come and enjoy delicious American-style pancakes served with tea or coffee. It’s a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, food and friendly conversation, everyone is very welcome!
Christmas Fair Saturday 15th November, 10am-2pm. Join us for our muchloved Christmas Fair! There will be Holy hot dogs, mulled wine with mince pies, a bouncy castle, games, crafts, tombola, and much more. A fantastic time for the whole family, we can’t wait to see you there!
Our regular services. Join us for worship and fellowship: Thursday at 10.30am and Sunday at 10am.
We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Monday, 1st December in the Great Torrington Town Council offices at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.
Barry Cubitt, Chairman
You can now check out a blood pressure monitor from Torrington Library with your library card!
We have partnered with Devon County Council Public Health and NHS Devon to bring blood pressure monitors to all the libraries in Devon. The kits can be borrowed for up to three weeks and include a monitor, a simple instruction leaflet, a blood pressure diary to record the readings, and advice on what to do if numbers are high.
We hope this will help people to regularly check their blood pressure in the comfort of their home and take control of their health. Doing this and submitting readings to your local GP surgery could save your life.
The Great Torrington Branch of the RBL will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 19th November in the Community Hall at Castle Hill. It will commence at 7pm. Do come along and see what your local Branch of the RBL has been doing over the past twelve months.
Peter Hooper, Chairman
Hi everyone, Fabulous Freddie here. Can’t believe where this year has gone – it is flying by and soon I will be able to mention the ‘C’ word – but more about that later! Firstly, I have some amazing news. After four months our little Bramble has found a home – how good is that?!! It just goes to show that failure can’t cope with persistency and that K9Focus never gives up. Thanks to all our supporters, but especially the volunteers and fosterer who have been relentless in trying to find the right home for this little girl. Bramble, be good! It does, however, show how important it is for us to find more and more fosterers now that we don’t have kennel facilities and so, please, if you have space do consider offering a foster home – remember fostering is not for life but it does save a life!
pups are really happy and their mum is looking after them so well. We also have a litter of black kittens who are adorable (even I think so!). We tend to get lots of offers of dog food and, at the moment, we have plenty, however we are short of cat and kitten food both dry and wet. If anyone has any to spare, please email lynne@k9focus.co.uk, drop into our shop in Torrington (next to the Plough) or to Claire Sherbourne in Barnstaple Pannier Market (Kooky Clothing, ThursdaySaturday).
Now that Bramble has a new home we are concentrating on our other two long stay pups: Diesel and Baby. We appealed last month for Baby (the pocket bully x English bulldog) but she is still waiting, as is Diesel our Husky X. Both are now extremely urgent so please do contact Aunty Lynne if you are able to help or foster.
The demand to take dogs and cats in is as busy as ever and our volunteers are really being stretched at this time. We now have a litter of puppies which will be coming up for adoption and can be reserved, but are not yet ready to leave for their loving homes. They are Patterdale x Border Collie and all five
I did say earlier that it was almost acceptable to mention the ‘C’ word – CHRISTMAS! That means that we are gearing up for our Victorian Christmas Fayre on 14th December in the Barnstaple Pannier Market which promises to be great fun. We have craft stalls, raffles, Victorian-themed dog show, children’s fancy dress and our friends at Kalm Supported Living will be singing carols for everyone to join in.
Services include:
House sitting • Dog walking • Equine care • Emergency cover Contact Isabel on: Tel: 07989 995935
Email: isabelspetsitting@gmx.co.uk Visit: www.isabelspetsitting.co.uk
Sounds like a Christmas hoot! Just before that we also have on 21st November our BIG North Devon Pub Quiz with pub teams competing against each other – keep a watch out for your local and more details can be found on our Facebook page and website. Before both events we have the head shave, where two of our brave volunteers will be lopping their locks to raise funds for us, on 1st November at our Torrington Shop at noon. Do come along and support, we have coffee, cake and music! Think the girls might need some encouragement and, of course, you can sponsor them on the day or visit our Just Giving page – (www.justgiving. com/campaign/headshave).
Lastly, it would be remiss of me not to mention the dreaded bonfire night. Do remember to keep all us woofs and felines indoors and safe. Sadly, it is not just on the 5th that the bangs and flashes take place but often for days before and after so do bear that in mind. OK that’s it for now - keep safe and warm. Licks & woofs Freddie
This month has been a very varied one, covering everything from highways issues to national debates on health and rural services. I also spent a day out and about in the Highways van with the Neighbourhood Highways Officer, looking at a range of local concerns on the ground! It’s always invaluable to see issues first-hand, to meet residents and parish councillors together to discuss them.
Following recent protests outside the asylum hotel near Exeter, I joined the Leader of the Council in visiting the site to meet staff and local organisations supporting asylum seekers. We wanted to show solidarity and compassion to those who have already endured so much trauma to reach safety. The hotel houses women and families, including many babies, from more than 20 nationalities. On a personal note, my own children made cards and friendship bracelets for some of the children there, and we are encouraging others to send in messages of support. Small acts of kindness really can make a big difference.
At the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee on 22nd September, the
Come & enjoy the magic of Zumba!
Dance , exercise & most of all have fun! It’s more than a workout! You will leave feeling happy & energised. It is for all ages & fitness levels, you don’t need to be able to dance...
First Class Free - no tie in Thursday 6.15pm-7.15pm
Contact Wendy to book your free class t: 07787 607 322 e: wendy.cox@btinternet.com Scout Hall , Gas Lane Torrington EX38 7BE
South Western Ambulance Service (SWAST) returned to give an update. The committee remains very concerned about service levels, and I spoke again, against SWAST’s decision to phase out the fire co-responder service across Devon and the wider South West. We are worried that this decision puts rural lives at risk. The County Council is urging SWAST to retain both the firefighter co-responders and community volunteers alongside, recognising the huge value of both amazing services in our communities.
"Local organisations can apply for up to £3,000 to support new groups, activities, or projects. The fund is deliberately simple to apply for, does not require match funding..."
from 40 different primary schools got hands-on experience learning about food and farming, from farm to fork. The event was full of excitement and inspiration, showing the power of education outside the classroom. At Devon County Council we are calling on government to embed food and farming into the national curriculum, and to see more events like Farmwise across the country.
Devon County Council has submitted a response to the Government’s Post Office Green Paper. We emphasised how vital our post offices are – not just to the local economy but also as a social hub, often the last remaining service in rural communities.
I have been inundated with emails from residents about the lack of NHS dentistry provision locally, particularly following the loss of an NHS dentist in Great Torrington, where patients – including children – have been automatically moved to private care. I have raised this urgently with our MP and written to the Chair and Chief Executive of the NHS Integrated Care Board, to press for immediate action.
We had an incredible day at Farmwise Devon at Westpoint, where children
Finally, I want to emphasise again the brand new grant fund from Devon County Council, designed by young people, for young people. Local organisations can apply for up to £3,000 to support new groups, activities, or projects. The fund is deliberately simple to apply for, does not require match funding, and can even cover some wages if needed. Applications are assessed by the Devon Youth Council alongside myself and the DCC grant team, and we are keen to see fresh ideas from across our communities. Please do share this opportunity widely with any youth groups you know and encourage them to go for it!
Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs County Councillor for Torrington Rural cheryl.cottle-hunkin@devon.gov.uk; 07495 367 801
Facebook: Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin for Torrington Rural
Open daily from 11am Wednesday Curry Night 6-8pm • Sunday Roast 12-2pm Takeaways Available Function Room available for all occasions
For bookings please contact: 01805 622280 or via
Our autumn season of walks is well under way. So far, we have enjoyed Geoff Hocking talking about the history of his family ice cream production in Appledore and Sharon Snell talking about the history and exciting future plans for Seafield House in Westward Ho!
On Monday November 10th we have a special guest who is very local to Torrington. Several members of the group wanted to know more about the history of Torrington Commons and about the day-to-day work that is needed to keep everything in order. ‘Big Al’ knows every inch of the patch and is our guest on that evening. He is sure to bring along some of the objects he has found over the years, and I am sure he has many stories to tell. Talks about the local area are always popular, we are always pleased to see visitors, please give Pauline a ring to reserve a place. Or why not consider joining us and be kept regularly up to date about meetings and events. Membership is £15 per year.
We meet monthly during the autumn and winter at the Methodist Chapel in Mill Street at 7pm for refreshments and chat, talks start at 7.30pm. For more information contact Pauline on 01805 623089.
Maggi Rogers
Every Thursday 10am-2pm. Band N foods always in attendance selling fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and bakery goods together with other stalls. More stall holders wanted! Tables £5 please ring Mo if you are interested 07747 453 774. Popular cafe serving breakfast and lunch with reasonable prices. Come and browse and borrow a huge range of books from our community library, use the Milk Cart or facilities from the Post Office van (11.30am-12.30pm).
Upcoming events… Saturday 1st November, The Elton Experience, doors open 7.30pm, Lee Quincey as Elton John. Tickets £15 - hall@langtreeparishhall.co.uk or phone 01805 601602. Sunday 23rd November 11am-4pm Christmas Craft Fair. Lots of stalls featuring unique items. Food and drinks available to purchase. Plenty of free parking.
An illustrated talk by Diana Goodacre on return from her recent travels to Albania. A country known for its many castles, Heritage Sites and diverse ecosystems that support wolves, bears, lynx, pelicans and sea turtles. Wednesday 12th November Dolton Village Hall. Adults £2.50 Children free. Raffle and refreshments.
CHURCH STREET STORES
Tel: 01805 804205 Open
Monday to Saturday 6.30am - 8.00pm Sunday 8.00am - 7.00pm
Convenience Store & Post Office
www.churchststores.co.uk for our latest offers
Another Helen
Losing your sight can mean that other things go as well, the ability to keep up to date with your community, reading the obituaries, and the more joyful things in your area, and you can feel increasingly cut off.
The Torridgeside Talking Newspaper provides a free service to people with sight loss, sending a memory stick with extracts from the North Devon Journal and the Gazette each week. Each week a group of volunteers gather to read from the papers, we admit that there might be a bias, two of us always read anything to do with the lifeboats, and another always reads anything to do with the museum. Near election time, we read out all the statements in the papers from the candidates and do this without comment.
If you, or someone you know, would like to try our service, please contact Shirley or Alan on 01271 861032. The service is free, but you will need a device which can take the memory stick, Alan is happy to give advice about this.
Registered Charity No 289676
We watch September Bideford with visiting the UK. Barnstaple supported Gang” tradition kind as the declaration Fair was formal finished, It was frock’ ‘South We still day to and delighted that the won silver). traders hard Great the opportunity to find – our Our
Merton 01805 603924
www.themaltscoop.co.uk/info@themaltscoop.co.uk
Excellent home-made food served every day 12-2pm/6-9pm
Personally Supervised by Andrew & Janice Gist 01805 622364
Great selection of wines, real ales, ciders Open fire and snug rooms
Would you like to meet others and find out about different groups, activities and organisations in our local area?
Come and enjoy a FREE cuppa and have a chat with the Social Prescribers from our local GP Surgeries. All welcome! Hope to see you there. Phone for more information or just pop in! Justine 07377 176 457.
At The Market Café, 13 Pannier Market, Torrington, EX38 8HD. Every first Thursday of the month, 9.30-11am.
Firstly, the Torrington Foodbank would like to say a big thank-you for the support you have given to us and continue to do so. Without your kindness we would be unable to help those in need, especially now with the rise in the cost of living. Obviously, it has become more difficult for many of us, but we would like to ask if you are able to donate just one item it would be much appreciated. We are having to purchase more goods ourselves, which is considerably shrinking our funds, so could you please remember us when you are shopping. Could we please ask that you do not put any out-of-date items in our collection baskets, as we cannot use these.
We are open at the Baptist Church in New Street on Tuesday and Saturday mornings 10-12 noon.
Please note there will be no Foodbank on Saturday 22nd November, it will be held on Friday 21st
The Torrington Foodbank
Next Concert at the Parish Church of St. Michael and all Angels in Great Torrington on Saturday 6th December at 7.30pm, Donizetti Requiem, Lotti Crucifixus, Schubert Mass in G.
Tickets £20 - free for children and students, available from Torrington Jewellers, Walter Henry’s Bookshop, Bideford, Tarka Books, Barnstaple and also from choir members, at the door, or by phoning 07414 255 500 www.northdevonchoral.org.uk. For any further press details contact John Hedge 07414 255 500.
North Devon Choral Society has also announced the two other concerts in its 2025/6 programme
Saturday 28th March 2026, St John Passion - J.S. Bach at Torrington Church. Conducted by John Hobbe with professional soloists and a full orchestra.
Saturday 4th July 2026, Elijah – Mendelssohn Church of St John the Baptist, Newport, Barnstaple 9DT EX32. Conducted by John Hobbs with professional soloists with proceeds to choir and to church funds.
House Clearance • Office Clearance • Garage Clearance Garden Clearance • Scrap metal clearance
For any kind of clearance, please call, text or pm anytime for a no obligation quote. Thank you!
Collect from Torrington, Bideford, Barnstaple, & surrounding areas
Contact James on 07714 819 415 Licensed Waste Carrier No: CBDU269392
Early in September I had the pleasure of presenting prizes at Torrington Library to mark the end of the Summer Reading Challenge. It was great to see how enthusiastic these youngsters were, and the pleasure they gained from reading a variety of books. It was great to meet so many children and chat to them about the books they have read and how much they enjoyed them. In mid-September we attended the opening of Barnstaple Fair, where we heard the history and origins of the fair, and the importance of keeping the old traditions alive, a great day despite the awful weather!
who had gathered to witness the unveiling. My sincere thanks go to the Chair of the Cavaliers, Darren Nudds and organiser of the event, Dave Kelly, for inviting me along. Their touching recollections in memory of the Cavaliers named on the surround of the bencheach with their own unique contribution to the Torrington Cavaliers historymeant a few tears were shed and the whole event was quite emotional. But in true Cavalier style a great celebration followed at the Torrington Arms, with an excellent buffet and a few renditions of the Cavalier song to round off a busy but excellent day!
surrounded by horses, chickens, ducks, hamsters, ferrets and Daisy the therapy dog, what could be better? I spoke to most children, and they were loving the opportunity to play and enjoy the safe outdoor environment. I've already booked a return visit and wish Freddie and Miles of Smiles every success for the future.
Saturday September 20th really was a very busy day! It began with my first fundraiser of the year, the Mayor's Bake Off. I was a little disappointed at the low number of entries, but the weather was particularly bad all morning. The cakes that were entered were excellent! It was a pleasure to taste them all! Some winners even received a ‘Paul Hollywood’ handshake! Thanks to all who helped and took part, and especially Cllr. Keely Allin who was an excellent judge. This was followed by a special event at the Old Bowling Green; I was honoured to say a few words and officially unveil the new Cavalier bench, which was also blessed by Father Steve Turner. This lovely bench and its impressive wooden surround serve as a poignant reminder, to honour those Cavaliers who are no longer with us. Elizabeth and I were joined by many family members and friends of Cavaliers past and present,
Later in the week I attended the Bickford Centre for tea and cakes, to celebrate the purchase of their new chairs. It was marvellous to hear that the centre is going from strength-to-strength and is now being used by different organisations. Well done to all involved, and please give support whenever you can, especially as this is one of my named charities this year.
Last Saturday (Oct. 4th) myself along with Cllrs. Parish and Mills visited the new Dig the Castle site. We really are fortunate to have this exciting excavation taking place on our doorsteps. There have already been some interesting finds, and I'm sure that Torrington’s own brilliant archaeologist, Emily Wapshott, and her team will soon be unearthing further delights, the national recognition of this project has attracted is very well deserved.
Now firmly into October I rounded off my activities firstly with a visit to Miles of Smiles. Well, what can I say?! Brilliant is the first word that comes to mind! What Freddie Ware - and her team - have managed to create (initially off her own back) is truly amazing. All the children present were having a wonderful time,
Following this, I attended the Harvest Festival and Supper at the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalen in Taddiport with my consort Elizabeth. Father Steve took the service to a full congregation; my thanks go to everyone who helped make this evening so special. If you haven't visited this chapel, please try to do so. It really is a small, but hidden gem!
Well, that's all for this month, and as usual, take care and thank you for your continued support.
Mayor of Great Torrington, Phil Cloke
The Town Council is hoping that shop keepers in the town will help us celebrate Christmas by entering the Christmas Window Dressing Competition. We invite all businesses to create a beautiful window display with a Christmas theme; the mayor will judge them on Thursday November 27th
For further information, or to confirm your entry, please contact us at the Council offices on 01805 626135 or email admin@greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk
If your shop is in a location that isn’t in the town centre do let us know you are taking part, as we don’t want to miss any displays.
We look forward to seeing the town decorated for Christmas.
9th November 2025
This year
Remembrance Sunday falls on the 9th November 2025. Great Torrington Town Council and The Royal British Legion will hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial in the Cemetery, commencing at 10.50am.
The location for the forming up of the Parade will remain the same as last year, details below:
1. The Parade Route: The Parade will assemble in the driveway at Woodland Vale Care Home from 10:25am and parade UP New Street to the Cemetery. Please note: There will be NO VEHICULAR ACCESS (no exceptions) to Woodland Vale Care Home. LIMITED PARKING will be available at the Old Bowling Green; however, we encourage all participants to walk to the event if they are able to do so.
2. Dismissal at the end of the Service: Following the National Anthem at the end of the service, the Mayor will thank the Parade, who will then be dismissed in the cemetery as last year. The order for dismissal will allow for those at the back
to be the first to leave.
3. Standard Practice: Will take place on Friday 7th November 2025 at 6:30pm in the Sports Hall at Great Torrington School.
As detailed in last month’s Crier we are encouraging the use of recycled wreaths this year to reduce the use of single use plastic. Many organisations have already been in touch to organise the collection of their wreaths and to discuss the process for donating to the Poppy Appeal. Recycled wreaths can be collected from the Town Council offices (above the library) during the last week of October and the first week of November.
If your organisation is new to attending the ceremony you can order a wreath in the traditional way directly from the Royal British Legion in plenty of time. A wreath can be ordered by contacting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, please call 0300 123 9110. The wreath will be posted out to you.
Please note the main issue we have had at this event for the past few years is the amount of cars dropping people off at the Old Bowling Green (Lidl previously), this causes a great risk to the pedestrians in the parade, many of whom are children, therefore we ask that you walk to the event wherever possible and supervise all young children while they are waiting for the parade to begin. Last year we were lucky with the weather which was dry, and the Old Bowling Green was opened for cars. If it is raining this will not happen, as it will damage the ground. So please get your big umbrellas and raincoats out and walk to the event where possible.
Cllr. Margaret Brown:
Iwas elected to Great Torrington Town Council in 1997 and quickly got involved in local issues, the most controversial being the awful smell from the local rendering factory. I was chair of the Residents Association on Dartington Fields at that time, and with their backing and the late Peter Copp we persuaded the District Council to employ a lawyer to take the problem to the High Court. We won fresh air for Torrington, which we all now enjoy in our town.
I have a keen interest in planning issues, and I still view all the local applications to date keeping an eye on how they affect our Town.
In 1999 I became a District Councillor and was Chair of TDC for four years and enjoyed sitting on the Planning Committee. I served a total of 25 years with TDC.
Housing and local needs is another area of interest, and I was involved in the transfer of Torridge Housing to Westward Housing Association, bringing properties up to standard, whilst also recognising the need for affordable homes.
My greatest honour was being awarded Freewoman of Great Torrington by our Council in March 2023, the award is now framed and has pride of place on my wall along with some special photos of my times as Mayor.
Torrington Town Council is certainly a forward-looking Council, exploring how to improve services and the well-being of all our residents for the future. I have so far completed 28 years as a town councillor, which has gone by in a flash, but I’ve enjoyed every minute.
Scything a whole field in one 58-minute episode? Well, we are looking for an additional scyther to join the team working on our community meadow. You don't have to be a Poldark to join up...
Our men and women volunteers use smaller Austrian scythes, are given basic training, including health and safety and work with us on a few sessions a year. The work is not heavy, but you can expect to be happily tired after a scything session; good posture rather than big muscles carries the day.
Interested? We can provide free training plus a scythe adapted to your individual requirements.
For more information contact Great Torrington Town Council on 01805 626135 or email admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk
Training and equipment are funded through a grant from Wild About Devon.
Come along and celebrate the start of Christmas as the Mayor officially switches on the Christmas lights.
Our Christmas light switch on event is scheduled for Saturday November 29th, from 4:15-6:15pm and will start in the Pannier Market at 4:15pm, before moving into the town square from 5:456:15pm.
It will be full of Christmassy cheer, and we invite families to join us for a Christmas disco, Christmas crafts, face painting, a lantern parade and a Christmas sing-along accompanied by Torrington Silver Band in the Pannier Market. Children will have the opportunity to make lanterns and then parade from the Pannier Market into the town square for the light switch on at 6pm.
Hot and cold drinks will be available to purchase from the Market Cafe.
For further details please look out for posters and check our social media nearer the time.
Come along and join in the festivities as we once again light up the town centre in readiness for this special Christmas time.
Apartnership between two Devon charities, Devon Communities Together and Wellmoor, has launched a new initiative to offer free support with everyday online tasks to people in Devon’s rural and coastal communities.
Digital Skills Devon, which is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, provides personal, tailored support for individuals who are lacking skills and confidence in performing particular online tasks. What people receive help with is up to them – it could be doing an online food shop, using the NHS app to access healthcare, checking energy use or joining an online chat to connect with friends and family. People will be asked what matters to them when they apply, and their support will be personalised accordingly, with up to five hours in-person support available.
The project offers people the chance to have individual 1:1 support, advice to be able to support a member of their family or friends, or organisations the chance to receive bespoke advice tailored to them.
For more information or how to access support, please contact Devon Communities Together on 01392 248919 or email info@devoncommunities.org.uk.
In March, Torridge District Council was awarded £20,700,000 by the Community Regeneration Partnership (previously Levelling Up Partnership) which is to be used on projects to deliver lasting benefits to the district.
Across the district, there are 11 projects being researched, including the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, Holsworthy Agri-Business Centre, The Globe Hotel (granted £520,000 thanks to the successful Share Scheme) and Hatchmoor Industrial Estate for Great Torrington.
We were glad to hear that the Hatchmoor project was being given £1.6M to design the site, and complete works to install the services and infrastructure to the site. This being the biggest stumbling block of starting any industrial development, and TDC were going to fund the construction of 480m2 of commercial units and we thought this was great news for the town.
However, the Bideford Business Park discussions reached an end when the landowner decided that they did not want to sell the required land. This left £2.6m of the CRP’s funding unspent. Not wanting to waste this funding opportunity, it was decided to reallocate the funds to the other planned projects. £2m of this was awarded to the Hatchmoor Site. The fact that TDC already owned the land was a big plus.
This allowed us to progress with plans for construction of an additional 600m2 of commercial units!
In total this project is going to cost £6.95m. £3.6m from the CRP, and £3.35m from TDC itself. And there is opportunity for further expansion within the site at a later date. We know that the Hatchmoor project is going to be a great asset for Great Torrington, where more employment opportunities within the town are desperately needed. So we are really chuffed to have this situation fall in Torrington’s favour.
As always, if you have any concerns in your area, please do get in touch.
Cllr Doug Smith, Councillor.smith@torridge.gov.uk, 07970 636 199
Cllr Chris Bright, Councillor.bright@torridge.gov.uk, 07936 325 909
Cllr Lauren Bright, Cllr.laurenbright@torridge.gov.uk, 07595 659 310
Everyone is welcome to our friendly, growing family church as we journey together to know Jesus and make Him known.
We meet every Sunday at 10.30am followed by a cuppa and biscuits. The third Sunday of every month is 10.30am Breakfast Church, when our time together starts with bacon and sausage butties, vegetarian and gluten free are available, plus fruit, a lot of chatter, and followed by a shorter meeting.
We now have a recycle point for your old ink cartridges. Please bring in your cartridges, we will recycle them and donate to Little John’s House. Thank you.
Torrington Memory Cafe has been running for 13 years. It meets every second Thursday of the month. The cafe is entirely free to all who have memory issues and/or carers. Please come, join us and share the supportive, friendly atmosphere. New faces are always welcome. Perhaps you may wish to volunteer?
More information from Lorraine Pearce (Leader) 07377 363 477 or John Pitts (Secretary) 07986 586 799.
Walks every Tuesday and Wednesday, a variety of routes at different levels each lasting about an hour.
Free walks led by trained walk leaders, full details are on our website torridgewalkandtalk.co.uk.
Or contact Steve on 01237 421528.
Winter Sculpture Exhibition Saturday 15th November - Saturday 31st January
At RHS Rosemoor’s Winter Sculpture Exhibition you can admire artwork by artists from all over the country, large and small, set against a beautiful backdrop of winter textures. This year, to mark the start of the residency, a special opening weekend of events is planned for 15-16 November. Head to the Garden Room to meet some of the exhibiting artists to learn about their inspiration, work and processes. Each artist will have some of their work on sale, so you will have the opportunity to buy a piece to take away with you, knowing how your sculpture was made. On Saturday you can also join in free dropin clay sculpture making workshop to make your own piece to take home whilst on Sunday, Marvellous Eventures entertaining 'Living Statues' return from 11am-3pm – keep a look out for them and interact with one of the five statues as you wander around the garden.
Magic of Christmas Food and Craft Fairs: Friday-Sunday 21st - 23rd & 28th - 30th November, Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th December
Don’t panic about your gift list this year – just bring it to one of the three weekend fairs in the Garden Room, packed with exhibitors comprising the best artists and producers in the Southwest. Browse and buy beautiful crafts and handmade delicacies for your friends and family (and treat yourself while you are at it).
Glow 2025 selected dates from Friday 21st November - Tuesday 30th December
Explore our striking light installations with family and friends to create magical memories and your brightest Christmas tradition yet! As twilight falls, RHS Garden Rosemoor is transformed into a world of magical winter wonders - prepare to be dazzled by thousands of glittering lights and festive music to lift your spirits. In an experience like no other, discover striking sculptures from our Winter Sculpture Exhibition beautifully illuminated, and keep a look out for picture-perfect moments to become the stars of the show. Plan ahead and pre-book a two-course Glow Simple Supper to enjoy before exploring the trail and receive a £5 voucher to spend in the restaurant between 6th – 31st January 2026. Last year’s event sold out so book today to avoid disappointment.
Festive Mosaic Wreath Workshop, Saturday 22nd November, 10.30am–4.30pm
Decorate your very own mosaic wreath to display on your front door at this relaxed workshop using templates provided for inspiration or creating your own winter florathemed design under the expert tuition of Adela Webb of Moon Hare Studios.
Awarm welcome from Torrington Methodist Church EX38 8AL, top of Mill Street. Sunday Worship 10.30am at Church, Evening Worship 6.30pm via Zoom, email sarahrichards185@gmail. com to request link.
Join us for our bacon butty coffee morning 10am-12pm, third Saturday of most months, followed by - Warm Welcome 12-2pm, homemade soup, bread rolls, hot drinks and the possibility of cake! (Warm Welcome at no charge.)
Come and relax, chat and enjoy crafts as well – if you wish. (Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.)
Our premises (various rooms including Wi-Fi, screen mirroring/ projecting) are available to hire, see website or phone Sheila 07579 058 284.
Blessings from us all, hope to meet you soon.
We will be having a Light Lunch on Tuesdays at 12.30pm until about 2.30pm. There will be a suggested donation of £2. Anyone looking for lunch and some good company is welcome.
For all your quality bespoke wooden gates, garden furniture & timber needs, inc all fencing materials.
Do come down and see us at Victoria Sawmills, Merton EX20 3EG, 01805 603429 www.torridgegates.co.uk Dry Seasoned, Ready-to-Burn logs Now available!
As readers of the Crier know, the Torrington or Lord Rolle’s canal was opened in 1827 and ran from a tidal Sea Lock on the river Torridge at Landcross, to its terminus at Darkham Weir near Rosemoor. The Rolle Canal Society now works to preserve and restore where possible the fragmented remains of the canal, abandoned in 1871 and replaced by the Bideford-Torrington railway, now the Tarka Trail. One of these areas is ‘Middle Wharf’. This is an area above the lower wharf at Sea Lock, added some time after the canal started use. This new wharf greatly extended the area available for ships to dock to transfer their loads to the tub boats using the canal. The ships brought limestone and culm (coal) from Wales, under Bideford Long Bridge, and up the river on high tides to the canal. Their load was transhipped into tub boats and taken in trains of up to six tub boats to the limekilns along the route.
On Saturday 15th November, Torrington Silver Band will be hosting a special concert at St Michael & All Angels Church, in memory of longtime band member and former Drum Major, Sid Adams.
Sid was a member of the band for many years. In his time with us, he played cornet and Bb bass before later becoming the band's Drum Major. Sid received great respect from everyone within the band, especially his Drum Corps, who were always at the top of their game come May Fair day, Carnival night or concert evening.
In 2021 the A.I.A. awarded a grant of £12,000 to the Rolle Canal Society for the restoration of the wall of the Middle Wharf loading area, up to the trackway that crosses the canal bed. Many tons of mud were removed from the canal bed and through all weathers and the COVID pandemic a growing band of volunteers eventually restored over 600 feet of canal bank. The initial phase was completed by Christmas 2022, after 18 months and over 1000 hours of volunteer effort.
Since the funding was not exhausted, the Canal Society was granted permission to extend the scope to cover the length of the wharf wall beyond the track crossing. This is a significantly longer stretch of wall. The work was finally completed in May 2025 after a further 2000 hours of volunteer effort. Sadly, project manager Adrian Wills did not see the completion, as he died of a heart attack in the evening of 6th August 2024 after working on the canal with the team that day. The section of the middle wharf reached by 6th August was marked by a slab of slate inserted between the coping stones. The Society will place signage at this point to reflect Adrian’s huge contribution to restoration work on Lord Rolle’s canal, and the generous contribution of the A.I.A.
This area of the canal is affected by the tide. To establish a permanent water level in this pound, the Society has a project to restore the spillway that sets the water level. This is the slot that can be seen in the picture near the wharf wall in the distance. We are also working to obtain engineering drawings for a set of modular steel gates for Sea Lock. This involves removing lots of mud from the lock so we can get to the bottom of it!
If anyone is interested in helping with this or the Society’s work at other sites along the canal, please get in touch with our Chairman, Ian Harrison on 07557 478 371. Michael Elliott
We invite you all to join us for this special evening at St Michael & All Angels, Great Torrington. The doors will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets will be available on the door at £8, free entry for under 16s. As always, there will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes, and refreshments will be available during the interval. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Royal British Legion, a charity that was a very large part of Sid's life.
Atraditional service of Holy Communion using the Book of Common Prayer is now being held each week at 8am in the beautiful village church of Alverdiscott.
There is a sermon but no hymns. Anyone who appreciates the rich spirituality of the old 1662 service and King James bible, or anyone who has never used it but would like to give it a try, is invited to attend.
We don’t take it too seriously! Come and have fun. Players aged 18 to 118. 7.30-9pm, Wednesdays at Little Torrington Victory Hall, £3. Please telephone Jen on 01805 622433.
No, I’m not talking about hibernating, although it’s tempting now the evenings are dark and there’s a chill in the air! I’m referring to what growers call winter bedding displays, which I think is something of a contradiction of terms because it’s really about preparing beds, containers and hanging baskets for next spring.
Having said that, there are now plenty of bedding plants available that will flower quite happily during milder periods in winter, to create a colourful display even on the dullest days. What these plants don’t like is to be subjected to heavy and continuous rain, which often spoils the flowers, and if the soil is waterlogged the roots can quickly rot, so consideration must be given to what to plant and where.
Firstly, whether you’re buying from a garden centre, on-line catalogue or shop, you will need to harden off these plants before you create your displays. A tray of bright, perfect pansies or violas, or those pretty little cyclamen, look delicious under cover but planted out immediately to face our winter winds and wet will soon ruin them, if you’re not careful.
For bedding displays in a formal border setting, you should buy those which are not necessarily flowering; if there are blooms or buds forming, you should nip them off (sacrilege, I know!) but you want the plants to put down good roots and
establish before they start to flower. Wallflowers and polyanthus are two of the toughest for border displays and, of course, you can intersperse them with bulbs, daffodils, tulips, or crocus at the very front of the bed for lengthening the flowering period.
Winter pansies are tough plants for containers or more sheltered areas but the large, flowered varieties can spoil in the rain. Violas may be better for hanging baskets and you can purchase trailing cultivars nowadays. Make sure you dead head regularly, otherwise they will go to seed and cease flowering after a while.
The little cyclamen that are on sale now are fine but not overly hardy. They are certainly not the same species as those you grow outdoors permanently. They are frequently used as an annual, which is a shame because it is possible to keep them going once they stop flowering, by bringing them under cover, allowing them to die back, then in late summer, restart growth by gentle watering and you never know! Again, dead-heading prolongs the flowering period. They definitely don’t like being exposed to heavy rain or over-watering, or hard frosts.
Primulas and polyanthus are similar, but the former have one flower per stem and the latter multiple flowers per stem. They are all hardy but polyanthus, having
thicker and longer stems, frequently put on a better show than the sweet little primula – sometimes, these flowers can almost disappear amongst the foliage. Keep dead-heading and remove yellowing leaves. Watch for slugs and snails hiding under the leaves, too.
Bellis perennis, the cultivated form of our sweet little daisy (of the same name), flowers being in shades of pink and white, contrast nicely with blue pansies or other pink flowers such as tulips and myosotis (forget-me-not).
Watch out for vine weevil grubs which love nibbling at cyclamen and primula roots!
And don’t forget to water containers that are under your eaves or porch, even after heavy rain!
Fleur
Torridge Ramblers is a friendly group of walkers who originated in Torrington 40 years ago and now walk Torridge, North Devon and occasionally Exmoor and Dartmoor. More information and contact on our website – www.torridgeramblers.co.uk.
Upcoming walks
Saturday 8th November - Riddlecombe, 7-10 miles
Thursday 13th NovemberPeppercombe, 3-4 miles
Sunday 30th November – Umberleigh, 3-4 miles
Also oak posts, beams, lintels & boards available for sale.
T: 07886 465 668
What we're about: We're a Torrington based group enabling members to order organic wholefoods from our wholesaler's catalogue of over 5000 items, at wholesale prices, at least 25% less than retail prices. Anyone is welcome to join, and our members include both single person households, families, the disabled, the young and the not-so young. Small businesses and therapists. Our aim is simply to make better quality food available at affordable prices to more people and to support our health and that of our families. You can find full information and become a member at no cost on our website, owbg. jimdofree.com.
At our order collection day social and lunch, we have great discussions, sharing knowledge and supporting each other in our efforts to really invest in our own health and rise to any health challenges we may have. Our kitchens are our pharmacy, and we enjoy swapping recipes, techniques and tasting each other's dishes.
Anyone interested in finding out more about what we do and in joining OWBG is welcome. Guests very often say how much they enjoyed themselves, how lovely it was to meet such interesting people and to partake of delicious healthy food made and contributed by the members. If you would like to come –do! It's the best way to discover if this is for you and how to get started. The dates
and location are on our website and a quick email to owbg@protonmail.com is very helpful so we are in the know about numbers.
Sea vegetables have many medicinal uses and carrageen is no exception. Otherwise known as Irish Moss, it has traditionally been used to heal urinary tract disorders, respiratory conditions and diarrhoea, but it's also wonderful for clearing colds and coughs, of which there are plenty going around in the autumn and winter. Very importantly it should not be confused with carrageenan, which is a synthetic, toxic food additive derived from carrageen. When we use the whole plant, we benefit from the complete balance of phytochemicals that it contains.
Carrageenan is made by the food industry to cash in on the plant's gelling properties, in a way that is patentable and therefore a cash cow. It's also used in pharmaceutical drugs even though it's carcinogenic and has a range of other known negative health effects.
Getting back to natural carrageen, it has good levels of minerals, especially iodine and a good supply of Vitamin A. It's used as a thickener in soups, stews and sauces as a nutritious and therapeutic alternative to potato, arrowroot or flour. It makes a softer gel than agar and can be used to make mousse-like puddings. When we've had
heavy colds, I make a medicinal drink with it, and I have to say the results have been truly amazing – coughing was drastically reduced after the first day and mucous cleared away much more quickly and completely. Here's the recipe.
Carrageen chest and cough tonic –ingredients: 10-20 g carrageen; 600ml water; 6 cloves; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 1" grated ginger; 1" cinnamon stick; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp manuka honey (or other organic raw honey if you don't have manuka); 2 tsp raw cider vinegar. Method - soak carrageen in warm water for 15 mins, drain and rinse well to remove any stray bits of shell, add carrageen to pot with the water, lemon, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. Simmer on a low heat for 30 mins. Strain, cool 15 mins, then add the honey and cider vinegar. Keep in the fridge for up to five days and take a little four times per day. We keep carrageen and a wide range of other sea vegetables in OWBG stock so that it's available each month for members to buy at just £3.50 for 50g. Upcoming grocery final order dates: 13th November, 17th December How do I join? Via our website, What does membership cost? Free. Questions? Ring 01805 623 307/email mary@marycrailwellbeing.co.uk
OWBG Website: owbg.jimdofree.com Facebook: Organic & Wholefood Buying Group
Email: owbg@protonmail.com www.marycrailwellbeing.co.uk
The winner of this month’s crossword will receive a £20 voucher to spend at Horwood Christmas Tree Farm. Please send your completed crossword with contact details to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or email to torrington.crier@gmail.com. The winner for the last issue is Will Ashworth. The winner for this issue will be picked at random from correct entries. Deadline for entries is Thursday 13th November.
Horwood Christmas Tree Farm, located between Bideford, Barnstaple and Torrington, is the largest ‘Pick your Own Christmas Tree Farm’ in North Devon. We opened to the public in 2014 and have been growing from strengthto-strength since. As third generation Christmas tree growers we talk Christmas all year!
We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our 11-acre Christmas Tree Farm in Horwood village, just 8 miles from Torrington. Wander the fields at your leisure, find your perfect tree and we’ll chop it down for you to take away. There is nothing fresher than that!
We offer low needle drop and traditional varieties alongside our handmade wreaths. We also offer bags of Christmas tree foliage for those that like to get creative themselves! Need a stand? We’ve got that sorted too!
Open 7-days-a-week from Friday 21st November to Monday 22nd December 2025. More information is available on our website www. horwoodchristmastreefarm.co.uk.
We look forward to seeing you soon! Dan & Laura, Horwood Christmas Tree Farm
Did you take part in the Great UK WaterBlitz? This initiative aimed to assess the health of our water bodies, and the results from my sampling of the Torridge River, indicate a moderate ecological status. The nitrate levels ranged from 0.5 to 1 mg/L, and phosphate levels were between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/L. While these figures suggest a moderate status, elevated phosphate concentrations can lead to algal blooms. Interestingly, some tributaries feeding into the Torridge had much higher figures. These values are expected to fluctuate throughout the year due to weather patterns and land use changes, highlighting the need for more frequent sampling to understand the river's true condition.
One aspect we did not sample for was ‘forever chemical’ contamination. Known officially as PFAS (Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), these chemicals have been used in various industrial and consumer applications since the 1940s. They are found in products like waterproof clothing, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, and food packaging. PFAS are chemically stable, which means they resist degradation and persist in the environment, potentially contaminating drinking water, groundwater, and aquatic ecosystems. The UK has identified over 10,000 high-risk sites where PFAS contamination is likely, including industrial areas and landfill sites.
Wednesday 9am & 10.30am
Alarmingly, nearly all rivers, lakes, and ponds in England tested for PFAS exceed proposed new safety limits, with 85% containing levels at least five times higher. Out of 117 water bodies tested by the Environment Agency, 110 would fail the safety standard, according to analysis by Wildlife and Countryside Link and the Rivers Trust. They also found that levels of PFOS, a banned carcinogenic PFAS, in fish were on average 322 times higher than planned limits for wildlife. Consuming just one portion of such freshwater fish each month would exceed the safe threshold of PFOS for people over a year.
For the general public, the main sources of PFAS exposure are from drinking water and food, such as eating fish, eggs, or milk, or livestock that has fed on contaminated land. Direct exposure can also come via cosmetics, sprays or dust from consumer products, but little is known of the impacts through these pathways.
But to fall foul of the worst effects of PFOS or PFOA, you would need to be exposed for a sustained period of time to pretty high concentrations of the substances. That’s why most PFAS health scandals have been related to contaminated drinking water supplies.
These findings do, however, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring and regulation of PFAS to protect both human health and the environment.
Debbie Summers 07796 945 039
Water reuse involves taking wastewater, treating it, and then using it again for various purposes like irrigation, industrial processes, or even drinking water. This process helps conserve water, reduce pollution, and support sustainable development. Right now, we don't have enough skilled workers or supply chain capabilities to meet the growing demand for water reuse systems, which are crucial for addressing water shortages and supporting new housing developments. Good news if you are leaving school and looking for a career.
Contact us gtwaterforum@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/great torrington water forum; www.linkedin.com.
It’s Your Neighbourhood Category Castle Hill Gardens; Jubilee Woods; Little Torrington WI bed; Rack Park; Secret Memorial Garden; Town Centre planters - all achieved Level 5 Outstanding!
Swimming Pool bed achieved Level 4 Thriving.
Business, Tourism & Leisure
Category
Fine Floral Design Gold
Kitchen ’n’ Cupboard Gold Castle Hill Gardens was shortlisted by the Judges for the ‘Gordon Ford trophy for Best Community Garden’ and awarded 1st place.
The Plough’s Café | Bar | Bistro provides the perfect warm and welcoming space to relax, refuel and reconnect. Join us Wednesday to Saturday for delicious light lunches, homemade cakes, and hot drinks. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Bistro comes alive with a menu of warming and delightful dishes and special Supper Club nights.
Don’t miss our Autumn Acoustic Sessions - evenings of great local music paired with wonderful food and drink on Wednesday 13th November and Wednesday 11th December. Book early to avoid disappointment. Follow The Plough Café | Bar | Bistro on Facebook or call 01805 625925 to reserve a table.
With Gallery renovations continuing, we’re bringing our festive market downstairs! Join us for two special Sunday Christmas Makers Markets in the main auditorium on Sunday 7th and Sunday 14th December, 10am-4pm.
Expect a day full of festive cheer with carol singers, live music, a children’s grotto, and a wreath-making workshop (Sunday 7th booking required). The Plough Café | Bistro will be serving up a Christmas roast dinner on Sunday 7th, and hot roast filled ciabattas on Sunday 14th - alongside mince pies, mulled wine,
and our usual bar serving hot and cold drinks.
November has a jam-packed line-up of fantastic live events. John Smith brings his mesmerising guitar work and deeply personal songwriting on Wednesday 5th November, 7:30pm (£20 supporter / £22 advance / £24 on the door).
Supported by the ethereal dream-folk crystalline vocals of Georgia Mooney, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. Get ready to relive some classic anthems with The Phonics, a stellar tribute to Stereophonics. Expect gritty guitar riffs, powerhouse vocals, and singalongs aplenty. Saturday 8th November, 8pm, £20. The month continues with Bottled Blondie, a dazzling celebration of one of music’s most iconic bands. Packed with energy, glamour, and timeless hits, it’s the ultimate tribute to Blondie. Saturday 22nd November, 8pm, £20.
Prepare to laugh out loud this month with an incredible line-up of comedy talent. Will Adamsdale kicks things off with AI AI Oh (or how I wrote a hit sitcom with ChatGPT but we’re not talking now) - a face-achingly funny tale of bots, writers’ block, and creative chaos. Friday 7th November, 8pm, £12 Full / £10 supporter.
Mathew Horne (from Gavin & Stacey) joins us for a live In Conversation evening - a rare and hilarious insight into one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms. Sunday 16th November, 7:30pm, £28.
Kirk Field’s Rave New World Live takes audiences on a nostalgic, high-energy journey through the 90s rave scene with spoken word, visuals, satire, and storytelling. “Thoroughly recommended” – Fatboy Slim. £15 full / £14 supporter. Finally, Rich Hall rounds off the month with Chin Music - sharp, quick-witted, and sublimely improvisational comedy from one of the best in the business. Friday 21st November, 8pm, £22.00 full price / £20 supporter.
From live music to laughter, festive markets to cosy evenings at the Bistro, there’s no better time to visit The Plough Arts Centre. For tickets, menus, and event details, visit theploughartscentre. org.uk or call 01805 624624.
Gallery Exhibitions
A reminder that whilst our Gallery upstairs is closed for renovations during November, we still have our artist’s wall downstairs. During November we have artist Lorna Green displaying a wonderful collection of Fibre Arts. Opening with a private view on Wednesday 5th November.
7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella with Rosa Rebecka
14th November
2pm Film: NT Live: Mrs Warren's Profession 15th November
Our box Office opens Friday to Saturday
10am - 4pm & 6:30- close. Monday 7-9pm (during term time)
Our Café | Bar | Bistro is open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 2:30pm and for evening events. Please call 01805625925
Please note that a 5% fee will be applied to all bookings. For details of the below events and more go to: theploughartscentre.org. uk
The Plough, Great Torrington 1st November
7:30pm Film: NT Live: Mrs Warren's Profession
3rd November
7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella with Rosa Rebecka
5th November
7:30pm Music: John Smith
7th November
8pm Comedy: Will Adamsdale: AI, AI, Oh (or how I wrote a hit sitcom with ChatGPT but we're not talking now)
8th November
10:30am Workshop: Plough Writers
8pm Music: The Phonics 10th November
7:30pm Dance: Inspire Dance Festival 16th November
7:30pm Comedy: Mathew Horne: In Conversation 17th November
7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella with Rosa Rebecka
20th November
7:30pm Talk: Rave New World Live! 21st November
8pm Comedy: Chin Music: Rich Hall
22nd November
8pm Music: Bottled Blondie
24th November
7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella with Rosa Rebecka
28th November
2pm Film: NT Live: The Fifth Step
7:30pm Film: NT Live: The Fifth Step
29th November
8pm Comedy: The Comedy Store
The Plough@StAnne’s Barnstaple 1st November
10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Terracotta Seated Dog Sculpture Workshop
10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Winter Hare in Watercolours
7:30pm Music: Swimbridge Consort "The Winding Road" 4th November
6:30pm Workshop: Plough Playwright Café 6th November
7pm Workshop - Visual Arts: Festive Soap Making Workshop
7:30pm Poetry/Spoken Word: Plough Storytelling Circle
8th November
10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Beautiful Beads - Jewellery Workshop
10:30am Workshop - Visual Arts: An Introduction to Art
1pm Workshop - Visual Arts: Beautiful Beads - Jewellery Workshop
9th November
10am Workshop - Visual Arts: Weave a Willow Stag or Deer Head
10:00am Workshop - Visual Arts: Highland Cow in Watercolours
13th November
7:30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Town Centre: Northgate End Haunted History Tour
7:30pm Music: Wayward Winds: Vive La Difference!
15th November
10am Workshop - Storytelling: Unpacking Your Suitcase
10am Workshop - Storytelling: SUITCASE A one-day Festival of Stories
12:30pm Poetry/Spoken Word: Family Feast of Tales
2:30pm Workshop - Storytelling: Repacking Your Suitcase
7pm Poetry/Spoken Word: Daniel Morden plus support from Suited Storytellers
17th November
7:30pm Workshop: Ploughcappella with Rosa Rebecka
20th November
7:30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple
Town Centre: Southgate End Haunted History Tour
21st November
7:30pm Music - Folk: Nex'T'Nothin 22nd November
10am Workshop - Visual Arts: 'Smiling Basket' Willow Weaving Workshop
7pm Music: Pattern Recognition presents: Keith Seatman & Bellprover with SHIN and The Burning Trestle
26th November
6:30pm Workshop: Reiki Nidra
27th November
7:30pm Haunted History Tour: Barnstaple Bygone Brothel Tour
28th November
7:30pm Music - Assorted: Westerly 5 or 6 29th November
10:30am Workshop - Visual Arts: Bags of Fun! Wet Felting Workshop
11am Poetry/Spoken Word: North Devon Poetry Stanza
Year 11s are busy preparing for their English GCSEs and have been honing their creative writing skills. They were given the task which has led to some fascinating responses: “Write a description of life 200 years in the future.”
I take a step out of my house, a fairly new building – rebuilt after the last war a few years ago. They rebuilt everything, made it all look shiny and new. They tried to make us feel at ease after being emotionally and mentally scarred by the traumatizing visions that are war and death. Nothing worked. I start finding my way into town. The buildings are tall and made of glass, the cars on the recently laid roads hum gently as they glide past. The businesses are made to look like they’re thriving, not drowning in their deep debts and their owners not miserable.
The people I walk past keep their heads down. No eye contact, no friendly smiles or waves. Just anti-social, self-involved people, heading to work in the buildings made to look inviting. Their behavior is very strange sometimes. No one says anything to each other, even shop owners say very little. Everyone walks, heads down, eyes on screens, no contact with reality. It's usually quiet here. There are not enough animals left in the world for one to be seen, too much new technology and video games for there to children running, jumping, hopping, skipping or laughing in the deserted parks. Everyone is lifeless, robotic, and have lost all sense of existence. They slowly move around each other as if they’re all half dead.
No one is really living here. I’d say it’s more like surviving. There’s not enough money for those who need it. The government took what they needed for the rebuild after World War 5, used money from locals and didn’t give enough back. What's the point in having sparkling new buildings and expensive new gadgets if we haven’t even got the money to support ourselves, our families or the businesses?
Our healthcare systems are a trainwreck. Too many patients, too many issues, too little doctors. Whoever had the bright idea of training AI robots into healthcare rather than students who are qualified is ridiculous. I believe we shouldn’t rely on all this technology. Especially as the government has the power to stop it all with a single press of a button. There are rumors travelling that they’re only trying to reset the town to let us get knocked down again. They want to do it to take more of our money. I just want to know what money they plan on taking – no one has any left anyway
The world will soon be taken over. By AI robots, the government or just one country running it all. Everyone is hiding away to avoid the sharp sting of reality slapping them in the face.
Holly Cooper, Year 11
It’s the year 2222. A giant, burning meteor struck the Earth 50 prolonged years ago and the once bright, sparkling blue world is now covered in a blanket of darkness. The old, towering skyscrapers that once stood tall and proud are crumbling over the long abandoned streets that still have debris and cars littered over the worn and cracking pavements.
I wander through the maze of never-ending alleyways, the flickering streetlights my only company and howls and whimpers of starving stray dogs the only haunting sounds heard for miles.
The unbreathed air was suffocating me. The heat scorching my raw throat through my worn red and white head scarf. Only with the accessory could I breathe freely without the harsh dust invading my lungs. I need food, that’s all I’m thinking. Or I’ll be starving like those bone thin pups with ribs like cages, sat on the deserted bins just looking for a few scraps to stop their hunger.
I turn and try to imagine what the desolate city square used to look like. Bright colours that have now faded and bustling crowds that soon dispersed, did they ever think their precious sanctuary would be destroyed and ravaged.
The air shifted. And I felt a pair of eyes watching me. Another person maybe, who has miraculously survived as well. Maybe that means I don’t
have to be alone anymore. I cautiously pivoted and shifted on my feet wearily when I saw no one. Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught my eye. A tall figure in all black leaning against a collapsed wall watched me with fascination. He started to walk towards me so I tried to retreat into an old apartment building, the only one still half standing, and began to run up the endless spiral of stairs. I reached the highest point of the building and peered over the broken ledge.
If I fell now I’d die and would’ve lived for nothing. I could hear footsteps creeping up the metal stairs, each one more terrifying. A woman with molten chocolate hair appeared and slowly said to me, “We’ve been looking for you...”.
Megan Fisher, Year 11
Year 9s have been studying the poetry of WW1 and experimenting with writing their own war poems. Freya’s response is stunning:
The question of war isn’t when but why
When will the peace we long for replenish the soil of sorrow?
And when we pierced each other's skin with hate,
Forgive us for the greed we bled into you, Mother Earth.
Please sing back to me a song, An excuse,
For the suffering we caused Let the song sob to me
With a hidden intention
To hide the harsh truths, they forged
No birds were near and nothing to hear but cries
Cries of the soldiers, who were pressured to fight
Fought with fright and false hope
Hope that they would return home, A home that is no more.
To a family that awaits them, Hope and hopelessness shadows their thoughts.
Nothing but traces, Are left behind by rubble
The distant resonance of laughter, Rings in their heads, For the last time. Before they're left to rest,
And guides their minds
To a scene that can only exist, In their memories once more.
Fear floods the hearts
Of the bearers of our crops
And the fire engulfs their last hint of existence
Including any trace of humanity
The sound of destruction screams to them
In their last moments of thought
Why must animals that have shared their home
Bear the faults of our actions?
Where the red poppies grow, The purple ones follow.
They say the war was to end all wars, If the power of war be for peace
Should it not just start with peace? Afterall, all wars are really for greed. We must skip all wars and strive for peace.
Freya Lo, Year 9
To start the term all three groups came together for a badge presentation. Where we were lucky to hand out 200+ badges to all our members.
The Beavers and Cubs then did some team building games, where they had to work together to achieve a goal. These were tricky tasks, but they had a lot of fun along the way.
The Beavers moved onto their space badge, where they got to learn about constellations, making them out of beads and pipe cleaners. They also learnt about our solar system and made an example using themselves, this proved to be great fun.
Cubs have been out and about exploring the Commons going for a walk along the old canal path, where we also did some geocaching, which they very much enjoyed. As we were on a bridge, a Pooh stick race was inevitable!
Scouts have also been busy bees, doing their pioneering badge using breadsticks and strawberry laces! A much better way to learn knots, as you can eat it once you are done. We also had the opportunity to go up to Waghorns Wheels to start our mechanics badge, we learnt how to change a tyre
As winter approaches, it’s a good time to dress up warmly and get out for an invigorating walk in our beautiful countryside. You are welcome to join the Ramblers for up to three walks before committing to joining. After that, you can join in with as many walks as you like!
Wednesday 5th November - meet at the Countryside Centre in Caen Street car park at 10.30am for a 7.5-mile leisurely walk from Braunton to Ash Barton and beyond.
Wednesday 12th November - meet at the Jack Russell pub in Swimbridge at 10.30am for a moderately paced walk around Swimbridge. Free parking in the village or come by bus (155) from Barnstaple bus station.
Saturday 15th November - a choice of morning walks from Weare Giffard village hall. The longer walk of 6 miles will leave at 10am, while a shorter walk of 5 miles will leave at 10.30am. Both will be back by 1pm in time for the AGM at 2pm.
Wednesday 19th November - meet at the Westleigh lay-by on the B3233 at 10.35am for a moderate walk of 6 miles visiting Westleigh, Huish and Instow. Travel by bus from Barnstaple possible.
Saturday 22nd November - meet at Lynton Town Hall at 10.45am for a moderate 8-mile walk to Lynmouth, Watersmeet and Hillsford Bridge returning via Summerhouse Hill and Lynbridge. Travel by bus is possible from Barnstaple train or bus station.
Sunday 30th November - meet under Chelfham Viaduct next to the Growford Project at 10am for a 5.5 mile leisurely walk to Shirwell returning via Cunnilear Camp, an iron-age fort.
We do hope that you can join us for one or more walks. Please check our website: north devonramblers.org.uk for further details and up-to-date information as walks may be cancelled at short notice due to severe weather conditions.
and windscreen wipers as well as how to check liquid levels in a car. This was a great experience, and we can’t thank them enough. The Scouts have also been out and about exploring as they walked from Torrington to Bideford, where we were joined by 2nd Bideford Scouts. We were lucky with the weather
and had a lovely evening chatting as we walked along the Tarka Trail.
As term continues, we have plenty of activities, games and challenges to join in with. If you are interested in joining or helping out, please contact Jordon (Group Leader) on jordon.whitear@ gmail.com for some more information.
Fun, light hearted authentic fiction set on the South West Coast Path, Paperback
Local Author
Signed copies available at Lilian Rose (The Square) and Gallery (Pannier Market) Torrington
£9.99 - Ideal Christmas Gift
ovember the 5th - Guy Fawkes, bonfires glowing and fireworks lighting up the dark autumnal sky.
This year it will also mark the 30th anniversary of my baptism - where have the years gone!
There is a lovely children’s story about a young barn owl named Plop, who is frightened of the dark, quite a challenge for a nocturnal bird! His fear resonates with many of us. Darkness can feel disorienting, oppressive, even overwhelming. Yet, no matter how deep the darkness, even the smallest flame can make a difference. It can light up a space, show a way forward, and begin to change everything.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. (John 8:12)
After 30 years, I can testify to the truth of this promise, both physically and spiritually. Does it mean that life has been free of dark, difficult, or challenging times? No, of course not. Christians are not promised a life free of such things. But we are promised something far greater: that Jesus will never leave or forsake us. He shows up every day. He is the light in the darkness, bringing spiritual clarity, peace, and discernment into our daily lives.
As Christmas approaches, what better time to pause and reflect on these truths? The birth of Jesus was the dawning of light in a dark world. May this season remind us not only of His coming, but of His constant presence with us now and the eternal hope we have because of Him.
If you would like to know more about Jesus and how His light can lighten your life, give us a call for a no strings chat - Karen on 07890 132 081 or Trish on 07866 861 156.
Do you want to break the taboos around death?
Do you think that talking about dying is a natural part of life?
Then come and join us in an open conversation about all things death related at the Great Torrington Death Café.
Recently we've discussed the difficulty some people have in being open about death, the effects on everyone when a young person dies and how lovely it is to talk about a loved one who died several years ago.
On Friday 21st November 7-9pm at the Bickford Centre on South Street, Torrington, and Monday 15th December, venue to be decided.
This outreach service is available around the towns and villages of West Devon and Torridge on a regular timetable, offering a free, confidential, and impartial service for people with a hearing and/or sight loss. What does the Sensory Outreach Service offer?
* Trained staff who understand the effects of hearing and sight loss and can provide support and advice.
* Demonstrate and short term loan of a wide range of equipment to help with everyday difficulties includinghearing the doorbell and smoke alarm, listening to the television and managing communication on the telephone. Lamps, tactile markers, and talking alarm clocks and watches.
* Manufacturers' contact details and up to date catalogues. Help to order equipment.
* A wide range of information on hearing and visual impairment and services available locally and nationally.
* Information and referral to other services provided by Devon County Council or sources of other professional help.
* Maintenance of NHS hospital hearing aids. Batteries and retubing. Visits
The Bickford Centre, South Street. EX38 8AA on 1st Wednesday every two months: next visit 3rd December.
Anne Humphreys, Rehab OfficerHearing Impairment Sensory Team 07966 596881 or 01392 386611
Is the current system of selling and buying property about to change?
The government has announced that it is consulting on new proposals to transform the home buying and selling process in England and Wales.
As part of the proposed reforms, estate agents and sellers must publish information from searches and surveys before a property listing is published.
The idea is to allow buyers to see the physical condition, characteristics, and flood risk of the property online. The government hopes it will enable buyers to make informed decisions sooner, and sellers will benefit from faster transactions.
The full list of proposed mandatory upfront information includes: tenure, council tax band, EPC rating, property type, legal and transactional information such as title information and seller ID verification, leasehold terms, building safety data, standard searches, property condition assessments tailored to property age and type, service charges, planning consents, flood risk data, chain status, and clear floor plans.
Binding contracts could also be introduced to stop people walking away from agreements after buyers spend months in negotiations. Estate agents, letting agents and management agents will need mandatory qualifications.
The Government also recommends deploying the use of digital property logbooks, digital ID verification, and
standardised data sharing – enhancing transparency and security for buyers and sellers.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the changes will help halve the number of failed transactions and suggested hundreds of thousands of first-time buyers will save £710 on average when buying a home, along with vital time and energy.
With the average time from instruction to completion at more than five months, the Government estimates these reforms could reduce this by around four weeks. A full roadmap to fix the broken system will be set out in the new year.
Commenting on the announcement, Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said: “Propertymark welcomes the UK Government’s renewed commitment to reforming the home buying and selling process, with a clear focus on digitisation, transparency, and stronger consumer protection – all underpinned by mandatory professional qualifications for property agents. Embedding recognised standards is essential to raising professionalism, giving consumers greater confidence, and ensuring consistently higher levels of service.”
For those of us who have been in the industry for more time than we care to remember and are already qualified, members of Propertymark, and have passed trading standard approved training schemes, it seems we are going
Held on the second Saturday of each month 9:30am-12pm.
Grab yourselves a hot drink, cake and/or a breakfast roll then see what we have to offer.
The stalls vary each month, but we regularly have M & E Family Farm with their meat products, handcrafted gifts, delicious preserves, farm-fresh eggs, Linda’s handmade cards, cake, Sam’s household stall and others.
Free car park, disabled access and parking. Books and jigsaws available to borrow.
If you’d like a stall, either in the hall or outside; please email elliepearce.77@ icloud.com.
back to the classroom to add yet more qualifications to the ones we already hold. As the phrase goes, ‘every day is a school day’!
Putting humour to the side, anything that can be done collaboratively between all the different parties involved in this outdated transactional process must be welcomed, to speed it up and gain more commitment to see a successful outcome.
Adrian Hardwick MNAEA, Webbers Local Director, Great Torrington
As the winter months draw in, it’s not all grey skies and rain. In the garden at this time of the year there are still striking colours to be found, the winter classic Ilex (Holly) comes into its own this time of the year, evergreen leaves adorned with brightly coloured berries, proving irresistible for our local blackbirds.
Rosemoor has a Plant Heritage National Collection of Ilex that are planted throughout the garden, some have variegated foliage, adding yellow to the evergreen leaves which can complement or clash with the berries, depending on your taste. Some have yellow berries, some red, and in rare cases like Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' orange berries, which are displayed on the bare stem of this non evergreen species.
It’s not just the Ilex which are showing off their berries at this time of the year. Callicarpa showcases iridescent purple fruit in the winter. Callicarpa is literally named after the striking fruit it produces, the name is derived from the Greek words ‘Kallos’ meaning beautiful and ‘Karpos’ meaning fruit. A deciduous shrub which means the berries stand out even more without foliage to obscure them. Growing to roughly three metres in height and width they will produce a better display if planted in a sunny position. The most common and easily available cultivar is Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii 'Profusion', and there is a reason for this, it is a reliable heavy fruiting cultivar.
If all this colour is just not enough, on selected dates from the 21st November through to the 30th December, RHS Glow, our stunning annual illumination event is back. After hours the garden is transformed, giving the chance to see the structures of Rosemoor trees in a completely different light and experience the winter trail in all its technicolour glory.
Sam Southgate, Horticulturist
The residents are looking forward to a busy calendar going into the Christmas holidays. We’ve many great festive trips out planned, including the Crediton Christmas Tree festival, Sam’s cider in Winkleigh, Merry Harriers for Christmas shopping and our Christmas ‘thank you’ meal to the Hunters Inn, Newton Tracey. All our residents, staff and volunteers get together and enjoy an early Christmas lunch to say a massive thank you to everyone that makes Abbeyfield Torrington the amazing place that it is. We still have our regular coffee mornings on the third Friday of every month from 10.30-12pm. There is no charge just a friendly warm space to pop along and see what all the fuss is about!
Abbeyfield Torrington 01805 623605. Glen Tor family
We are holding a Christmas craft fair in the Northcote Hall, Iddesleigh, on Friday 5th December, starting at 4.30pm. Supporting North Devon Hospice and other local charities, including Farms for City Children.
There will be mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy. Craft stalls, Christmas wreaths, cards, jewellery, handmade decorations, craft stalls, preserves and a tombola.
Call for a free quote: Office: 01237 459193 Mobile 07971 173170 enquiries@atawindows.co.uk
