Crier March 2016 by The Torrington Crier

March 2016

The Crier is produced for the community, supported by advertisers, Great Torrington Town Council, and the Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity. 5800 copies are distributed throughout Great Torrington and the rural district, with a readership of 14,500

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Great Torrington Town Council Budget Changes

Crier’s New Website & Facebook Page - There for You!

lease visit The Crier’s brand new website where you will find the latest news and events and our new local business directory where you can search for local trades, services and more by category and alphabetically. There is also a local information section for community groups and organisations, sports clubs, youth clubs, health and wellbeing, leisure activities and more. If your group isn’t included please email Editor Becky Huxtable on torrington.crier@gmail.com. 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. We also now have a Facebook page to share community news and information, with the opportunity for readers to post their own events, news and appeals, so please search for ‘Torrington Crier’ and like our page. So if you miss The Crier’s deadline, we can now still promote your event or share your news! Don’t forget, we want to hear your news and views so please get in touch! Visit www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk.

Why Advertise in The Crier? • 5800 copies delivered door-to-door in Torrington, across the rural district and through Lidls, with a readership of 14,500 • FREE entry into our new online business directory for regular advertisers • Every issue can be viewed online with clickable adverts to your website • 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 Editor: Becky Huxtable, 01805 603152 E: torrington.crier@gmail.com Advertising: Esther Williams, 01805 603023 E: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA

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he Town Council budget has once again been kept to a 2% increase. However whilst the budget that the council spends on your behalf has only increased by an average of £1 per property, your council tax bill will suggest a greater increase. For 2015/16 Torridge District Council gave £12,485 towards the Town Council budget. For the next financial year that contribution has reduced to £5,972. Therefore even if the Town Council budget was not increased, the Town Council would have to increase the amount of money it raises from the council tax to meet this reduction of £6,513. In real terms the Town Council is only increasing its budget by £2,810 but adding the £6,513 to this gives an overall total of £9,323. The vast majority of properties within the parish are within the Council Tax bands A and B where the average increase in the Town Council part of the Council Tax bill will be circa £2.70 for the year. About the cost of 12 eggs! For Band D properties the increase will be circa £3.74 for the year, which is just more than a pint of beer. So whilst the Council Tax bill might suggest otherwise the actual Town Council budget has only increased by 2%. Cathrine Simmons, Mayor of Great Torrington

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From Your Mayor…

anuary was a quiet time but there is much to look forward to with the forthcoming May Fair celebrations and the Queen’s official 90th birthday on Sunday 12th June. I attended the Northam Civic Service at St Mary’s Church in Appledore in midJanuary, with my Beadle Dave Humphrey. There was lovely singing by the local Primary School and the band made the whole occasion very cheerful. Recently, I visited the Bluecoat School Council and the representatives from each year told me what they would like see in our refurbished Town Hall. They also gave me plenty of ideas for improving the town, and a climbing wall was one. They told me that they wanted local things to do so as not to have to travel and I will be circulating the ideas to the next town council. Councillor Mrs Brown will be our next Mayor with Councillor Sue Mills the new deputy. Our Carnival Queen this year is EllieLouise Curley, with attendants Isabelle Webb and Molly Magarotto, we had 12 applicants for this role which was better than usual. I was impressed with the high standard in the interview process and all the applicants did very well. There were four people on the interviewing panel and we hope that this experience will be helpful when they apply for future jobs. I am sorry to say that Old Dairy site is not progressing. The applicant is appealing the slowness of the decision and he has also put in a new application which is very similar to the old one. It is one of our priorities to see this eyesore gone but not sure when it will happen. I am busy planning a Review in the Plough on Friday 1st April at 7.30pm. We are showcasing Torrington’s talent and calling it ‘Torrington’s Got Talent’. It is not a competition, and the tickets are £6 each, profits from this will go into the Mayor’s Charity Fund. For news and information visit the town council website www.greattorringtontowncouncil.gov.uk. My telephone number is 01805 622409, email cathrinesimmons@hotmail.co.uk. Cathrine Simmons, Mayor of Great Torrington

Great Torrington May Fair – Thursday May 5th 2016 Wheelchair Users

ny wheelchair user/disabled person who wishes to come and see the May Fair celebrations are advised to be in the Square by no later than 10.15am. We do try to keep seats for disabled persons outside the Green Lantern, which are allocated on a first-come-firstserved basis. Due to Health & Safety Regulations, it is very difficult to get wheelchair users/disabled persons into the Square after 10.15am. Following the celebrations on May Fair day, help is required to put away the chairs that have been used. Anyone prepared to help, should meet in the Square at about 4.30/5pm. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Great Torrington Carnival – Saturday May 7th 2016

Entry forms for the Torrington Carnival are available from Xanadu, South Street, Torrington. • Please note all vehicles MUST carry the appropriate insurance. • No intoxicating drinks will be permitted on any of the floats, or by walking entries that take part in the procession. • Would all road users please note that various roads and streets in Torrington will be closed for a short time between 6- 8pm whilst the Carnival is proceeding through the town. • Please bear with us but do expect some delay if your journey takes you through Torrington at this time. • Please do not throw coins at the floats. Natasha Batty, Secretary Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival Committee

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations Children’s Party in the Square, Sunday 12th June

ommunities have been asked to celebrate the Queen’s official 90th birthday. So in Great Torrington we are going to have a children’s party in the Square on Sunday 12th June 3-5pm. We would like to invite children of primary school age and under. It will be ‘bring and share’ event, so you will be able to bring your favourites things to eat. There will entertainment and more, but we need people to come and help us on the working group which is meeting regularly on Wednesdays. The Town Council is organising the road closure and it has booked the Pannier Market should it be wet. The Cadets have already offered their help and the Bluecoat School is asking the children for their ideas, it will be a fun occasion for the town! There will be an update in the next Crier, but please put this date in your diaries. Do get involved and call the Town Council to find the date of the next meeting on 01805 626135 or email admin@ great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk if you are able to help. Cllr Mrs Cathrine Simmons, Mayor of Great Torrington

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Torrington Community Hospital Fight Still Goes On...

lthough the days are dark and wet as I write this letter, the STITCH group is as determined as ever to ensure that the true story of the ongoing injustice to Great Torrington by the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust since July 2013, continues to be heard. The closure of inpatient beds at the Community Hospital has had a huge impact across Devon, with red and black alerts an everyday occurrence. This could have been avoided had these beds still been open. They provided safe recuperative care until patients were well enough to go home, and released beds at the main hospitals to provide vital primary care. Care in the Community does not provide enough carers and nurses, which means that they cannot do the job to the standard they may wish to, as they have to limit both the length and frequency of visits. Did you know that Virgin now employs our health visitors and have done so for the last 18 months? No announcement was made to the media - privatisation by the back door is gaining momentum. It is reported that the Trust has no money available to provide any new services, yet it is claiming that it is providing lots of new

services at our hospital. In fact the small scanner is the only new service. All the other so-called ‘new services’ have been in place there, or at the Health Centre or other venues across the town, over the years. Two further causes for major concern: 1) The minor injuries service at Bideford

“The closure of inpatient beds at the Community Hospital has had a huge impact across Devon, with red and black alerts an everyday occurrence.” is being reduced. Why? It provides an excellent service and treats patients whose only other option would be Barnstaple A & E - which we know is clearly already under pressure. 2) The ear, nose and throat service is closing in Barnstaple - Why? These patients are, in the main, young children who now have to be seen at Exeter. Many parents are going to struggle to keep appointments, given the travel issues plus the timing and financial implications. According to figures provided by the CCG, our surgeries in Torrington deal with nearly 2000 ENT

referrals a year - so you would expect it to be a priority local service. At the last Council meeting we heard that it is likely that we, Great Torrington STITCH, may well be able to address the next Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny meeting at Devon County Council. This is regarding the request by the Town and District Council that a letter is sent to the Secretary of State, requesting that he examine our case against the NDHT and the harm done to all patients, due the withdrawal of our beds without proper engagement with the Community. So maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel and justice will be done - we fervently hope so! Your ongoing support is apparent when we meet in the street, and we appreciate this as we continue to fight on. Should you wish to make contact with any concerns or comments, please call me on 01805 624375, confidentiality is assured. Despite this gloomy weather, it’s great to see the snowdrops and daffodils to brighten us up and we look forward to lighter days. Good health to you all and best wishes. Margaret Brown

Response from the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust he closure of community beds has had no impact on the alert status at NDDH. Unlike other hospitals across the south west, NDDH has never reported a black alert and has reported fewer red alerts this winter than in recent years, and when we did we were able to de-escalate quickly. The teams at Northern Devon Healthcare Trust have worked phenomenally hard this winter to ensure that people could be confident of accessing emergency and urgent care services a NDDH, or urgent response service in their own home. We learnt a lot from our experiences last winter, and applied those lessons this winter to great effect. Despite seasonal pressures, and an increase in patients through the doors and on our community caseloads, your local health and social care teams did a fantastic job. You can be very proud of everyone you know who works in your local health and social care services. We go into escalation when there is not enough capacity available across the whole system for the new patients needing our care. It is often only a matter of hours before this situation alleviates. The successful test of change in Torrington, where we replaced 10 community inpatient beds with enhanced community services, which help people avoid hospital and stay at home, is a key part of what is making the ‘system’ work better. Home-based care is tried and tested and has proved to be safe and effective across Devon. Nurses do not have to limit the length and frequency of their visits, and stay for as long as necessary. Feedback from our Friends and Family Test consistently shows that nearly 100% of patients would recommend the service they receive in their own homes. The additional services that are now run from Torrington - strength and balance classes, audiology clinics, ultrasound and transfusions mean that hundreds of people a month no longer have to travel to Barnstaple. There will always be short term pressures to our services like ENT and MIUs, with all Trusts affected by the national shortage of nurses and doctors. Like every other part of the NHS, we put the patient first and are doing our best to attract new clinicians to the area. Please join us by promoting northern Devon as a great community to live and work. Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust

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Common News

Please Help us Fight the Litter!

he Friends of Torrington Commons are a group of local folk whose main objective is to keep the Commons free from litter. If you like being outdoors and walking the Commons, possibly you have a dog to exercise, then perhaps you would like to join us? We can provide you with a litter picking stick and a hi-viz jacket. After such a wet and miserable winter, during which Al Mitchell and his band of volunteers have done such splendid work cutting back the trees and undergrowth, it would be a pity to have it spoilt by an array of discarded bottles, cans and other rubbish. I’m sure we all want our commons to be displayed at their best for visitors. The Friends will be getting together for their annual ‘Pick ‘n Pint’ before Easter so why not join us? Phone me on the Conservators’ number 01805 462463 and I’ll get back to you. We would also like to thank all of you who help by picking up litter on the Commons on a regular basis when you’re out and about. Stephanie Easton, FoTC Coordinator

Play Park News

We have received over 500 responses to our public consultation, asking you what kind of play park you would like to have at the Old Bowling Green, so our campaign is off the ground. We are currently commissioning a plan for the site and looking into sources of funding. Sadly we have had to close the existing play park for safety reasons. Our annual inspection showed nothing dangerous but a few things that need expensive maintenance or replacement, and we feel it is not economical to invest in the current equipment when we are intending to start from scratch. It will take time before we can build the new park and we are sorry for the inconvenience but it will be worth the wait in the long term. Clive Whalley, Chairman

Town Council Needs Your Views on Calf Street Play Area

reat Torrington Town Council is considering the future of the play area at Calf Street. If enough money can be raised, the Town Council will apply to Torridge District Council for ownership of the site to be transferred to the town. New equipment to suit all ages will then be installed, but only if the funding can be found first. The Town Council wants to know what play area users would like to see provided. To this end, the Council’s website and Facebook page have details for you to consider and respond with your choices. Swinging, bouncing, sliding, climbing, spinning, rocking, below-ground trampolines, wheelchair roundabouts and basket swings can all be considered. Please only tick a maximum of six items, but also suggest anything that is not listed.There is also an intention to include some picnic tables. Michael Tighe, Town Clerk

COMMONS CONSERVATOR VACANCIES

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Community It sounds a long way off Is the Health and Social Care seen. Roe deer seem to be thriving Torrington th But please make a diary note amongst our 18 mammals, but the November there On the 16 earned millions of dollars in royalties Food Bank Supporting upwilltobe a Enrico by volunteers with Caruso their own Purpose? friendly, who find reading stressful. Steering Group Fit for Great Torrington To come and share theinthings we do th lunch at Barnstaple aid of ACWW, from the retail sales of the resulting success of the adder in our four temperament-tested and 1873 vaccinated Come and see us at Green Lanes Five Families a Week February – n my(25 opinion the Great Torrington The imaginative tote Memory Café th the Associated Country Women of the 78rpm discs. Italy in 1902-1903, he reptiles is notIn popular with some. nd

dogs and cats. Shopping Centre on Sunday 19 May Health and August Social Care1921) Steering 2 cut five of records the Apart frombatches occasional meetings with 10-30am-4.30pm. Enquiries; K for Moore Since beginning over 22,000 PAT Group be considered unfit Part 2 it’sshould G r a m o p h o n e a n d T y p e w r i t er wasp nests, we know little about our 01805 624739 North Devon Area Codogs have registered into for purpose. Itbeen appears to be going What a great shame there areinthe no Company. He was later heard live from insect population together with other Ordinator PAT. Pets Asmastered Therapy scheme. Every year the same direction as News the Oversight digital recordings of Caruso. the of the Metropolitan Opera Common invertebrates,. The stage Crier welcomes readers’ letters some of these retire andwonderful newondogs, One cannot imagine how his Group. For those of us who sat that House in the first public radio East Woodlands Farmhouse, On The Common we have Especially interesting would be a any local issue. Please email having firstwho been examined passed voice and was. group resigned en and masse, this onbroadcast in 1920. identified over 300 species of wild Alverdiscott, Open Garden on health, temperament, suitability and survey of our ponds and streams, torrington.crier@gmail.com, send Caruso’s 25-year career, stretching does particularly ring true, in that thewe In thegarden next issue I will tell youforabout flowers. There must be some that stability grounds, join Pets As Therapy. This be opening the this alsowill provide information ourwould Facebook Page ‘Torrington from 1895 to even 1920, included 863 community, and councillors, still do via some of time his operatic roles. have missed, but due to their second as part of thepollution. National Today there are currently around Crier’, or post to The Crier, Castle Hill, regarding water quality and appearances at the New York not get adequate feedback. No minutes Until then good on listening prominence whenvisiting flowering, the list Scheme 8th and 4,500 active PAT dogs 108 EX38 8AA Saturday IGarden know that Torrington Junior School Metropolitan before heand died or even notes Opera which would allow for of Torrington, th Bob Dymond must be Sundayused 9 oftoJune 2013 from 2-5pm PAT catsfairly at complete. work in the UK. pupils regularly go stream an infection the age of 48. HisEvery fame discussion orat debate. The Tree Trail contains 52 despite kinds each day.must have week these calm friendlyday, dogs and has lasted to the present dipping. Other schools Is this smoke and mirrors in order to deflect the harm that been NE caused Torrington W.I. cats giveagain more than people, Fivehas miles of of native trees and130,000 we promotional have 21 the limited marketing and used the fine habitats to explore the to the healthcare provision of Great Torrington and its environs, since the enforced Our Annual Meeting will take place Great Torrington, five miles south of both young and old, the pleasure and introduced species on other parts of avenues available to him. beds He was, ecology of the area. CanOur weDevon have th and illegal closureand of inpatient at Torrington Community November. We will on Wednesday 9Hospital? Barnstaple off the B3232 at Windmill chance to cuddle talk toofthem. The Common. know of The 40 nonetheless, a We client Edward your discoveries please? County Council representative informed Torrington Town Council, at of aelecting recent be atrack new bedsides that are visited each year Cross along one mile singlefull different grasses, sedges, nine Bernays during the 11 latter’s tenure as a Michael Collingham council meeting, that Devon County Councilroad. now has damning evidence againstand President Postcode EX31 3PP number a staggering half million. press agent the USA. rushes and 15inferns. We doPublicity howeverin both thepatients CCG and the feel NDHCT. for the Richard and Ann committee welcome you to Sick often and Caruso’s relied on isolated newspapers, have muchtime more limited knowledge It was quite heartening to hear that the STITCH Campaign gardens, Group was following year, their sculptured extending to even the most withdrawn seem to open particularly wire services, magazines, about other types of plant. A list and congratulated by the Task Group, Health andjust Wellbeing of DCC, the taking a on look back over anScrutiny acre. The gardens were up andtoletfungi theand barriers down when photography telephone. guide is the underway, but their any hard work of gathering of evidence over a long period of time. The independent at all we have regular Pets As Therapy visiting dog is created in 2006 from a blank Caruso’s information biographers, would Pierre Key, additional be evaluator, demanded by STITCH to ensure scrutiny, recently gave a scathing experienced in have the last year and then landscape and been transformed around. dogs bring everyday life Bruno These Zirato Stanley Jackson welcome – as inand other areas such as getting a sneak of speakers into a hidden oasispreview of swaying grasses, closer and with not it only allrequested the happy account inhis another report by DCC. attribute fame to his voice mosses, liverworts lichens. booked forthe 2012. Cups prizes will associations fortheand them home spectacularly architectural bamboos Let’s hope that truth willof come out for the sake of health andand wellbeing and musicianship, but also to a keen Our The diversity be awarded for those who did best in and cool-to-hot terraces. Little garden comforts. constant companionship our community, and of the healthcare staff who have worked over and above their business sense and an embrace of Torrington Amateur Athletic Club’s of butterflies is animal, that gives our optional monthly competitions, and rooms create hidden gems where the of an undemanding job descriptions, and who in many instances are unable to speak out for fear of commercial sound recordings, then in annual Christmas Caper Race on well known, with is often one of the there can will, sit of and course, for tea visitor enjoybethetime tranquillity unconditional retribution. its infancy. love, Many well-known opera Sunday 18th December 2011, starts at 30 species andthe a natter. of garden as it blends with the most missed aspectstime of rejected their lives. Diana Davey singers of Caruso’s the 11am. Registration begins at 9.30am described. Being rather nifty at getting through Pets As Therapy was formed to help rolling, tireless views. A pond area phonograph (gramophone) and their at Torrington Rugby Club Especially the business things, weinwill also (unfenced) andof stillSteering its make this bearable voices haveloss been lost as aSimmons, result,and butChairSee A response frommore Cathrine of the Healthside and Social torringtonaac.org for further welcome are the manage a bit ofstages, time to welcome Bob developmental provides an speed recovery. other singers including Adelina Patti, Group and Mayor of Great Torrington. details. Brewer, willfor give us the low-down area of who shade gunnera and bog Buttons was Pet Nellie As Therapy Fritillaries, but the the firstand Francesco The HealthTamagno and Social Steering Melba Group meets every two months and agrees the on the Cavaliers. plants. A potager’s delight. in North Devon and Josie the first in High Brown has exploitedat its thenext new technology once minutes meeting. The last meeting was onTogether the 12th January and it will We start 7pm Again in the Methodist Entry costsat £3.50 and teas will be Torridgeside. Thereofforthe have been not recorded tenthen years. theybeen became aware meet again in mid-March, it issuccess thatofthe minutes will be put on the Town Council It’s that time ofand thewill year again Church Hall, prospective members available. There also be plants for outstanding results with theand Read2 Eighty kinds of birds come go, Caruso’s recording sessions. website. I agree that progress to increase services may appeartoslow, but more For you towelcome remember are very visit for free. Any sale. programme in our schools, which has and as with national trends, some of Caruso made more that and 260 services are being provided I extant am sure matters will improve now that there “Torrington Together” new paying their subsis this no sponsorship conditions and has For members further information about East recordings inbecoming America for the Victor these are more rarely th a designated member of staff responsible. I am saddened that STITCH has not for On the 7 of December month, get garden 14 months for theopen price of Woodlands and others helped children to learn to read. Talkingmany Machine Company, (later RCA attended any recent although invited, there hasGarden been no Scheme one to putvisit 12. so How about that! the National The dogfrom acts as meetings ato non-judgmental Victor) 1904 1920, and he their pointand of view across. www.ngs.org.uk listener offers comfort to those

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hank you fornationally is a ofWorld, all the societies March’s memory oftown’s which the WI your generous their commitment for café went Not with atheir roles member. widely known, the donations of food Parkinson’s, caring buzz despite having ACWW has and representatives from many which have to Alarms and enabled Football goals to cancel theus nationalities; working towards relief of Golf andup Exhibitions support to sickness, five families activity. poverty and promoting health for youth aSocieties week, including those A presentation took place John and advancing education. It’s for down-toAnd many more,has all sonow worthwhile Portman who retiredsupport from requiring long-term support. earth approach offers mutual Truly I practical say,Volunteer forsooth being our Fundraiser and and we and to assistance women We continue tohelp provide to 7are forstill 7.30 trying toTorrington recruit this post, so communities across thefor world. families from the area; however Wednesday, if number youfind would like the to 7ACWW be part of the a To out about and the of December people needing assistance Torridge Vale Social Club committed team of volunteers to Women's from us over Institutes Christmas nationwide, and January visit was Enjoy a bitthis of heaven.service www.theWI.org.uk provide valuable then lower than welocal expected, and therefore VJT please get in touch. We are also Any queries about Torrington W.I. we have excellent stocks of items such looking for volunteers to help with ring President, Joyce Ridgwell on as pasta, baked beans, cereals and memory café – have if youvery canlarge spare two 01805Where 623588. In Remembrance soup. we stocks month then please contact Lord a and Ponsonby ofhours items they getwas closean to absolute their me. sell/ We are looking forward to this Great Torrington tartar made his servants an use by who dates, we pass them on live to other month’s Town meeting where Annieharshest Brierley absolute dog's life. His Project organisations suchHall as local food banks or will be reading short forstories and treatment was his faithful By the timereserved this appears in Bideford Harbour, thus report avoiding having to poems. This will invoke memories and butler Whibble. It was get my The anything Crier, you will“Whibble have noticed throw out. We are still in need raise discussions and should be a very “Whibble, me aand whisky!'' scaffolding has instant beenget put ofboots gravyoff!” powder, soup, tinned enjoyable activity. Whibble this and Whibble that, all day up to facilitate the repair vegetables (other than sweetcorn). Dementia Awareness week takes long. evening of the One roof and makehis thelordship came Are you aware of anyone inwith need? place in May. Along the home from his club after building water-tight for a particularly Alzheimer’s Society we are planning to If you are aware of anyone in need lavish dinner and the winter. It barked, will be “Whibble, runof have an information giving presence in ame helping hand, then please encourage a bath!” In due course he slipped enclosed in waterproof rd May the town square on Thursday 23 them tointo visit the Food Anyone gently theprotect soapy water. Feeling the sheeting to the Bank. working area so do come of along and find outpassed more. who to make will after-effects dinner, andistostruggling minimisehis any risk ends to he themeet internal The theme of this week is “Worry receive help, with a gift of food donated by wind a the manner of an fabric.in At samereminiscent time, a series of changes nothing. Talking changes the Torrington community. Icelandic geyser and promptly fell photoelectric panels will be installed, to everything”. Torrington Community Food Bank sleep. Just then the door burst openis reduce running-costs, and perhaps May’s café willattention, be on and there to here to help, run meeting bystood, the community provide anWhibble for the project for by th income when Davidcall Clinch will be Thursday 9 water with a hot bottle. Lordship the community. Please either selling surplus power toHis theinto National playing guitar us exploded, “Getand outpipes man,to Ientertain didn't ring Castle (over the Library) on Grid. Hill Building all. Do come along and join in the fun I don'tmorning want goisaway”. “I beg Although this you, work being Church carried aand Saturday or the Baptist as differ well asTownlands being able accessI sir, my is toperfect. by Street the Trust, payment intoout New on hearing a Tuesday morning. relevant heard information and discuss distinctly you say, what about a will are be taken from funds set and aside for Both open between 10am noon. concerns with professional NHS staff. the project, which would have included Alternatively you can ring01805 Shirley Bere on Contact: Pauline Page 625969 01805 623887.

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How Old is the Drinking Fountain in Torrington’s Square?

he drinking fountain in the High by Derrick Reed (along with the church Street was a gift from the lord of clock). Colin Beer took over from him, and the manor, Mark Rolle, in August Colin Davies is now the clock winder. 1870. It bears the inscription: ‘Presented Next to the fountain in the pavement to the Town of Torrington by the is a small manhole cover, which is 16ins Honourable Mark Rolle, 1870’, and ‘This (40cms) square. This covers a well which fountain was restored by used to feed the fountain. In public subscriptions during the mid-1990s this well was the Mayoralty of Thomas J. explored by Pete Sawyer, Dyer, 1928-9’. son of the then publicans at It was restored and the Black Horse. It is hard cleaned in the 1970s, and to imagine an adult being again in recent years, and able to squeeze through the Gabriel, son of the vicar, opening, but Pete somehow Jeremy Hummerstone, managed it. His diving equiprepaired some of the ornate ment was handed down to stonework. him once he was through I’ve been told by someone and he climbed down a ladwho was a teenager in der the fire brigade had let Torrington in down into the “In the mid-1990s this well was the 1980s that well. I had heard explored by Pete Sawyer, son of the tales that he’d dis‘everyone climbed the fountain on then publicans at the Black Horse. It is covered arches New Year’s Eve!’ hard to imagine an adult being able to and tunnels which The fountain squeeze through the opening, but Pete were part of the is built of stone sewers, rather somehow managed it...” and granite and than the secret consists of a Gothic style square with a tunnel that many people believe runs uncrocketed spire of carved stone, and a der the square from the church to Castle round basin for drinking water on each Hill. I’d also been told that, before Pete face. It no longer functions as a drinking went down, the well had been ‘seeded’ as fountain and these four basins are now he’d found the skull of an animal and a filled with flowers, which were maintained pair of glittery red scanty knickers down for years by local florists, Ken and Irene there! However, I learnt from Pete himDaniel. They handed over this duty to Val self that in fact the well went straight down and Mick Knight. The structure is 18ft into the earth. He’d hit water at a depth of (4.5m) high and approached by two rows two metres and silt at about 6 metres. His of steps. In the higher portion is a clock main memory of the experience was how with a face on the north and south sides. very black and mucky it was down there. The clock needs to be wound twice a Moira Brewer, week and this was done for many years an extract from Torrington Uncovered.

Need to Raise Funds for Your Club or Organization? Rotary Megadraw 2016

he Rotary Club of Torrington is offering voluntary organizations in the Torrington area the opportunity to take part in Megadraw 2016. This is a North Devon draw, with major prizes, which will be drawn next November. By selling Megadraw tickets, you can raise funds for your own organization. All the funds raised by the sale of tickets are kept by your own organization, for its own purposes. The Rotary Club of Torrington simply provides the tickets and the paperwork. The Barnstaple Link Rotary Club has the tickets printed, has obtained the licence, arranged the prizes, and will organize a spectacular draw night in Barnstaple in November. There is no catch. EVERY £1 YOU TAKE YOU KEEP. All that is asked is that you register the receipt of tickets provided, return the counterfoils of sold tickets and return unsold tickets. In 2015 Megadraw ticket sales raised over £2000 for Clubs and Charities in Torrington, and over £20,000 throughout North Devon. Megadraw is organized by Rotary Clubs in North Devon as a service to voluntary organizations in the local community. If you are a leader, secretary or treasurer of a local organization and are interested in this opportunity, then contact Rick Smale (Torrington Rotary Club) on 01805 622419 or by email rick@ricksmale.com. He will be pleased to provide you with more details and arrange for the handing over of Megadraw tickets. Rick Smale, Rotary Club of Torrington

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Torrington in Bloom

arch sees the beginning of our school potato growing competition, which continues to go from strength to strength. We shall be distributing the pots and potatoes just before the Easter holidays, so get ready Year 4 of Great Torrington Bluecoat C of E Junior School! I believe there are about 60 pupils eligible this year. Our Best Garden competition will probably be judged towards the end of July, and Sarah Chesters has very kindly agreed to be our judge again. Hope to see more new entries this year. Don’t forget that this year’s theme is ‘Growing Gold’, both to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and also the Brazilian Olympics being held in Rio. Someone suggested to me the other day that we should have royal purple and gold which seems a great idea… watch this space! We are hoping to obtain permission from the County Council’s highways people to install four planters at the entrances to Great Torrington, (although we may only do three because of flooding and manhole problems at the bottom of the hill at Town Mills). The Men’s Shed has agreed to build and install them for us, which is great news. Let’s hope the County Council doesn’t take too long to decide! Cherry Hammon, Chair Torrington in Bloom, 01805 625788

New Audio Points Help Tell The Tarka Trail Story

he installation of twenty-one new audio posts has just been completed along 48km of The Tarka Trail between Braunton and Meeth in North Devon. An information plaque on each one briefly explains the area’s special significance, and users can scan its QR code with a smartphone to download an audio clip that provides more detail. QR codes are the familiar arrays of square black dots on a white background, and free apps to scan them are available for any smartphone. Each audio clip provides fascinating local information recorded by experts in their field. Subjects include: Fremington Trade, Tides, Salmon, and, of course, Otters. Look out for posters about the new audio posts at outlets and businesses along The Trail – how quickly can you visit and tick off all 21 locations? All the MP3 audio clips can also be downloaded to any device from: northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/audio-guide-downloads.html Funding for these new posts was secured by the Biosphere from Devon County Council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund

Busy Times for Torrington Silver Band

e would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us over the Christmas period by coming to our concert, donating draw prizes and putting money in our collection buckets whilst we played carols in Torrington Square and outside Tesco Extra in Barnstaple. With your help we are happy to say that we have raised £1904.40, which will help our funds immensely.

Torrington Silver Band Amnesty!

Are you or is someone you know a former member of the Band? Do you have any instruments or items of uniform lurking in a cupboard gathering dust? If so, you can return them to us with no questions asked. Just drop them into The Bickford Centre in Torrington any time during the day. Thank you for your support.

And Then? Did Your Ancestor Survive WW1?

ortunately most of the Great Torrington men who took part in WW1 came home. If your ancestor was one of them, could you please spend a few minutes jotting down what happened next. Who they married, where they lived, their jobs, whether they were damaged in mind or body. At the museum we are trying to turn names, dates, and numbers into the people who walked our streets. Please either pop a note through our letterbox at 14 South Street or send an email to sscrutton@yahoo.co.uk. These brave men earned the right to be remembered.

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Please try to Think Local support our local businesses whenever possible! This page is available for all advertisers to promote their business. For information contact Esther on 01805 603023 or torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com.

Jack and Molly’s

here have been a few changes at Jack and Molly’s. As well as the quality toys, cards, books and chocolates, they have been joined by ‘Hogwash Soap’ and Jackie’s ‘Paint and Stick’. ’ve struggled with my weight all my life, but a turning point for me was two Hogwash Soap is hand made in years ago when my husband secured a job in Torrington and I was left up north Torrington using traditional methods. It’s in Lancashire, trying to sell our house so I could give up my job and move to free from Palm Oil and 100% natural. Devon also. I was lonely and missed him terribly. I also have a hereditary kidney problem which There’s a range of gifts, bath and means I will need a kidney transplant in the next couple years. It was then I decided skincare, too. Pop in and have a test! Bespoke gifts and wedding favours to join my local Weight Watchers group, primarily for company whilst my husband available. was away, but also to get some weight off and be healthier ready for my transplant. Jackie’s Paint and Stick makes Having a healthy eating plan to stick to gave me a new focus, and by the time everything was in place for me to make the move to Devon, I was three stone lighter wooden bunting, boxes and gifts. Jackie takes personal commissions, (a child’s and halfway through my weight loss journey. name, wedding bunting etc.). Come in Excited to be reunited with my hubby and loving the Devon way of life, I was dismayed to find there wasn’t a Weight Watchers group in Torrington. So I set about and see her on Fridays. Craft workshops, are also running on to change that and trained as a leader, opening the Torrington group at The Plough the first Wednesday of the month. They Arts centre (a favourite place of mine). are a chance for a cuppa, a chat and I am delighted to be able to share the wonderful Weight Watchers Smart Points a bit of cake, and to learn a new craft. plan with my members, plus all the hints, tips and tricks I have learnt on the way. It’s a fantastic holistic plan that combines healthy eating, movement and wellbeing. Planned workshops are: beaded window hanging, cards, origami, bath bombs, I love seeing my members succeed and so far, since we opened in the New Year, decoupage and crochet. Just £10 the group has lost a staggering 62lbs. including all materials, tea and cake! I’ve still a little way to go to reach my goal weight, but this time I know I will Book in the shop, places are limited. succeed. The plan is so flexible, I have made it a way of life and still enjoy all my 16 High St, Torrington, Devon EX38 favourite foods, but I now make healthier choices and I’ve discovered the joy of walking on the beach, and the commons, and the feeling of wellbeing motivates me. 8HN, 01805 624150 If you’d like to come and see what we are all about, we meet every Wednesday at The Plough Arts centre at 5:30pm. Helen Kenny

Weight Watchers in Torrington!

Chi – Mind, Body & Spirit & Retreats & Holidays Ltd

n established holistic and spiritual centre, continually evolving, focusing on teaching and self-development. We offer workshops (healing with colour and crystals, Tarot I & II, animal healing, energy, auras and chakras), meditation, holistic and eastern training, Reiki training levels I, II & III and spiritual development, both awaken and high dimensional groups. We welcome everyone whether you are ‘new’ to self-development, self-healing or spiritual development or if you are an established practitioner or spiritual teacher, connecting to like-minded souls. For many years we offered local retreats within North Devon, but in 2010 we launched Retreats & Holidays Ltd, providing regular UK/Glastonbury, Greece and India/Goa Retreats. Founded by Tracee Cullen in 2004, Higher Vibrational Teacher/Mentor, Eastern/ Western Reiki Master & Retreat Facilitator, Intuitive Readings (& Skype), Mentoring, Past Life Regression/Soul Contracts, Healing & Chi Holistic Therapy. Telephone: 01769 560118, email: tracee_chi@yahoo.co.uk. Visit www. chimindbodyandspirit.co.uk Chi – Mind, Body & Spirit, North Road, High Bickington, Umberleigh, EX37 9BB.

Wayne Rowtcliff Plumbing & Heating

have been working as a plumber in Torrington for over 25 years, carrying out all general plumbing work; from a tap washer to a complete new build. I specialise in professional bathroom/wet room installations and tiling. I undertake work ranging from tiling kitchen splashbacks to full bathroom refurbishment, or just adapting your bathroom to make it more accessible and user friendly for the disabled and elderly. From start to finish, I will take care of all your installation requirements - whether it’s supply and fit or just fit only. I deliver a high quality service and customer satisfaction. For free consultations and estimates, call 01805 623865.

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Good Year for Great Torrington Golf Club

ell, 2015 was a good year for Great Torrington Golf Club, with the mens’ team winning the North Devon League, and coming second in the Palairet Plate. Young Reece Andronik (then still a junior) took the course record (previously held by one of the Seniors, John Smith), and Steve Baker and Mark Hill got through to the fifth round of the Daily Mail Foursomes.

Coaching for Juniors

Our aim for this year is to try to attract some younger players – we can arrange coaching and the loan of clubs for anyone interested in ‘giving it a go’, so please give us a call at the Club (01805 622229). Once the weather picks up a bit, we will arrange some social evenings (quiz nights, race nights, etc.) and don’t forget our excellent restaurant is open to the public for lunches and special evening functions. Sue Membery, Club Secretary

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New Mobile App Advises Devon Parents on Common Childhood Illnesses

HS organisations in Devon have launched a new mobile app which will give parents in Devon up-to-date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. The HANDi paediatric app – developed by Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – is now available to download for free onto any Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. The app has been designed as a way to reduce the number of children and young people who visit A&E but need no treatment. It has been developed by paediatric consultants and will give parents access to home care plans, as well as GP and hospital clinical guidelines, for the most common childhood health care concerns. The app contains information about when and how to ask for help, along with what to expect when your child is being assessed. The conditions covered are: * Diarrhoea and vomiting * ‘Chesty baby’ illnesses, such as bronchiolitis, asthma and croup * ‘Chesty child’ illnesses, such as wheezing and asthma * High temperature * Abdominal pain * Common newborn problems The app takes parents through a series of questions about the symptoms their child is experiencing and then advises on the best course of action, whether that’s to treat at home, to make a GP appointment, to go to a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre, or to head to A&E.

Rotary and GTS Success!

he Rotary Club of Great Torrington and GTS congratulate our marvellous ‘Youth Speaks’ team of Trinity, Lillith and Megan, who spoke so well at the heat held at GTS in February, and also our ‘Young Musicians’ Rees (drums) and Rose (vocals) who reached the District Devon & Cornwall finals, performing admirably in a very strong field. Our thanks to GTS, and all those parents and friends who supported them. We’d also like to thank the marvellous audience who attended the Charity Choral Concert at GTS on Friday 5th February, in aid of the Special Baby Care Unit at NDDH and Edukid. The GTS Choir was superb; the ‘Rejoice the Voice’ acapella choir from Barnstaple was inspirational and let’s not forget the hardworking Rotary team, who catered with refreshments too. We raised over £750 which will be divided between the two charities- so a big thank you to everyone. If you’d like more information about Rotary, please do visit our website www.torringtonrotary.org. We’d love to hear from you! Pat Grimwood-Taylor, email: pat@grimwood-taylor.com

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Community Information Centre

(opposite Sydney House Car Park, next to 'Panamart') We are delighted to announce that the 'Esteem' group - to support those suffering with mental health difficulties, What Can fatigue, Torrington depression, pain or anxiety has been awarded grants from the Children’s Centre Rural Devon Trust (through the Devon Community Offer You? Foundation) and from Awards espite For All.the ongoing We can laptops, rainnow andbuy wind we enabling the group to use the internet in order have been experiencing over to the help them become an integrated past few weeks, it has been great toand see accepted part of our community. They so many families heading down to the will be able to engage a support worker Children’s Centre to access some of our to assist with form-filling, producing a fun and informative CV, searching for sessions. education courses Our will‘Incredible and be able toYears’ searchcourse for localfor families with primary school aged children voluntary or paid work. The group has isdrop-in in full swing, and parents reported days three times ahave week, (see getting greatinclude deal outa of the course diary) a which 'listening ear',so someone from sessions the community who is far. Messy play on Wednesdays happy to sit than and chat, those are messier ever,for and the feeling children lonelyloved and low. have exploring knee deep in water, The also offers free legal paint andCentre squidgy pasta. advice, and tenancy and The team are trying to getdebt out advice, visiting a by appointment, (see diary). Rev. number of settings in the area, providing Graham Slingo comes in for a coffee ‘Bookstart’ themed sessions, so your child and chat, and we have started a book may bring some fun resources home! club for young people (read a book Don’ta forget up-to-date with over week to or keep fortnight what is going on at the Children’s Centre then come in and chat by visiting our website simply type ‘Action about it over a drink and for Children Torrington Children’s Centre’ cakes) on Thursdays after into s c hyour o o lsearch / c o l l eengine. ge. On Why not gents like our page Saturdays, can Facebook sit and read with a coffee, or to keep up ‘Torrington Children’s Centre’ books our charity tobuy date with from sessions and information for bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their you and your children? Kayleigh Stringer, Service Co-ordinator Action for Children, Torridge Area Children’s Centres

carnival queen and her attendants. wives shop to their hearts’ content! in Torrington Dolton’s three pubs are all expected The CentreChurches is available to Together hire for th to benefit from the carnival atmosphere meetings, after 4pm, through into the Palm 20 March: Sunday an influx of visitors. There will be a evenings on most days,9.15am and also onat theand Mass Catholic Church roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, occasional Saturdays for smallBlessing events of Palms 9.30am in the Square barbecue, andatcandy wagon. or training days. seePassion Kiz orreading 10am SungPlease Mass with for voices the Parish Church email: kizangell@btconnect.com 10.30am Breakfast Special service at the Baptist Church Your Vote Counts! 10.30am Morning Service at the Methodist Church Charity Xmas Cards & Gifts 6pm Burraton Choir at the1stMethodist Church Torrington Scouts have registered Cards for good causes and Fair with Nat West Community Force, 24th March: Maundy Thursday Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s which invites people to 8pm Sung Eucharist of the Lords Supper with foot washing and nd church Bideford from 2 November to vote for a local charity/ Vigil at the Parish Church 10am7th December, Monday to Friday cause of their choice, 4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. 30 Good Friday with the winner and two 25th Over March: charities to select12your cards fromofand r uChurch nners-up being noon Stations the Cross at the Catholic an interesting selection awardedfollowed a grant. Please 1pm Liturgy of the of daygifts at thefrom Parish Church, by hot cross bunsgo to many parts of the world. www.communityforce.natwest.com/ at the Parish Church and typeChurch 1st Torrington Scout 6pm Good Friday meditationprojects/ at the Methodist Group into the project name box, Dolton Carnival 26th March: Easter registerSaturday and vote for us. Please get as Flaming torches, 8pm drummers, bands First Mass of Eastermany at theofParish your Church friends and family to do and fireworks will give a small Devon th so as well, as if we are successful we 27 March: Easter Sunday village a blaze of publicity be able to continue our program of 9.15am Mass at thewill Catholic Church next month. to Scout HQ, not only 10am Sung Mass at refurbishment the Parish Church Dolton’s annual carnival, benefitting the Scout group, but all 10.30am Holy Communion at the Baptist Church which dates back to Victorian hire the hall. 10.30am Holy Fawkes Communionthose at thewho Methodist Church times, will be on Guy Fran Ashton th N i g h t , 6.30pm S a t u Songs r d a y of 5Praise at the Methodist Church November, which gives the

festivities an extra of Funding Available For spark Torridge Residents Ode to Derek Stamp interest this year. Living Cold Homes Derek Stamp is 60, Farmer In Ralph Gent, one of the key

milestone in his life, figures behind the Dowland country fair toAthe ouseholds could get connected gas grid And we’ve this far together and dogand show in June, is organising a central heating system, check if you arecome eligible! As devoted man and wife. the spectacular finale in £1,600Who qualifies forwhich the fund? worth fireworks light be: up the * Theofhouse mustwill either not night yet connected to the gas mains but gas must be He’s always there to holdsystem. my hand, sky. close by; or connected to gas, but have no installed central heating And kiss me when I’m sad, The Pipe & Drum Band, Samba * If the house is currently heated with electric storage heaters, at least one of them My soul mate for so many years, Band and Torrington Allstar Majorettes must be broken or not working properly. Best friend I’ve ever had. will all be taking part in the parade * The person/people living in the house must own or privately rent their home through the village, along with many (landlord’s must be given) and must either in receipt of particular benefits We met be when I was “just 18”,New Buildings brightly-lit consent floats, including this year’s and be able to provide evidence of this; or on a low income (<£16,010 pa gross) and or Reno R.PITTS Then call yo referred by a health professional because they have a long-term health condition thatFriendly “BUILDING & RENOVATIONS” is exacerbated by living in a cold home Rolan For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/cosydevon or callor 0800 612 9301. New Buildings Renovations?

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01805 603324 water bottle Whibble!” That joke was told to me on a balmy and warm Wednesday in 1976 by WO2

events to celebrate 11Jun Diamond Jubilee in Bingo at Roborough

With the warmest of welcomes we invite youto our beautiful pub in Roborough. We very much look forward to seeing you whether it’s for a meal or just a tipple & a chat

Coming up @ The New Inn

The New Inn, Roborough, EX19 8SY, Tel: 01805 603247 Email: info@thenewinnroborough.co.uk

From Monday 1st February - Fixed price menu @ The New Inn. Available Mon-Tues 6-8pm, Wed -Thurs 12-2pm/6-8pm, Menu changes monthly Booking essential: 1 course £7.95/2 courses £10.95/3 courses £13.95 Wednesday 9th March: Lunch Club & Supper Club 2 course set menu £6. Booking essential Wednesday 23rd March The Rough hill Curry Carnival from 6pm. Booking essential *** Christmas in July Saturday 16th July*** 4 course Christmas menu £30 per person. Book early to avoid disappointment. £10 per person deposit. For more information please see our our website or drop in, www.thenewinnroborough.co.uk Monday & Tuesday 5pm – 11pm; Wednesday & Thursday 12pm-3pm; 5pm – 11pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 10.30pm

Diary

A Listing of Community, Social and Fundraising Events in the Torrington and Surrounding District Areas.

To place an entry in the diary, please either email torrington.crier@gmail.com, call 01805 603152, or write your entry in the diary on the Library counter.

March 2016 Tuesday 1st

Plough Film Sisters (15) 8pm Plough Workshops every Tuesday: Yoga 2:30-4pm; Adults ballet 6:30-7:30pm; Ploughcappella 7:30-9pm Market in the Pannier Market 9am-4pm new stall holders reqd. looking for crafts, foods, books jewellery, clothes, Kate 07596 742 909. Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm £1.50 inc Tea & coffee Sylvie 01805 601485 Food Bank 10am-12pm every Tues @ Baptist Church 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 1st Torrington Beavers and Cubs at Scout Hut, Gas Lane Tuesdays during term time 5.30pm - 7pm, Fran Ashton 01409 281246. Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm @High Bickington Community Centre Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm Juniors, Adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 01769 561387 Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit

Wednesday 2nd

Plough Theatre: Platform 4 presents ‘The Legend of the Holy Drinker’8pm Torrington Hospital ‘The Meeting Room’ 10-11.30am Coffee Morning every Wednesday Plough Workshops every Wednesday: Adult English Class 6:30-8:30pm; Latin for Beginners 7-8pm; Tai Chi 7:30pm - 9pm Parkinson’s UK Torridge Branch monthly coffee morning every 1st Wed of the month 10.30am-12.30pm @ Phase 1 Common Room, Ethelwynne Brown Close, East the Water Bideford 3rd Torrington Brownies at Torrington

Baptist Hall, every Wed term time 6.30-8pm Shirley Lee 01805 625965 Free English Course for Adults every Weds 6-8pm @ The Fire Station. Learn the basics or aim towards L2(GCSE=) qualification. Rosemary Dymond 01237 472462 Langtree Reunites Netball Club High 5 training (sch yrs 3-6) 6-7pm, Junior training (sch yrs 7-9) every Weds 7-8pm evening (Juniors 7-8pm and Seniors 8-9.30pm) @ Torrington sports hall. Visit www. langtreereunites.hitsnetball.co.uk Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-8pm carded boxers only Running club every Wednesday at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym Rugby Training 6.30-8.30pm at Donnacroft St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel

Thursday 3rd

Plough Music: T’Pau Songs & Stories 8pm Plough Workshops every Thursday: Sapta Dance 11am - 2:30pm; Tai Chi 2-3pm. Writers Group 7:30-9pm (first Thursday of the month), Life Drawing Sessions 7:30pm-9pm Tai Chi 12 -1pm and 1-2pm for beginners or those requiring a seat every Thursday, Torrington Hospital. TorrAge Ageing Well 01805 622666 Pannier General Market every Thurs 8am–5pm St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel. Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Church every Thurs term time 9.30am -11.30am £1.50 per family. Jill 01805 624387 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Thurs @ High Bickington Community Centre Wendy’s Fitness for Life classes at the Scout Hall Gas Lane 07787 607 322 Slimming World Join us at TVSC every Thurs at 5.30 & 7.30pm Norah 07789 632166 Toddler Group 9.30-11am every Thur @ High Bickington Community Centre Writers Poets & Listeners 7.30pm Conservative Club Torrington Craft Group, Every Thursday 1-4pm @ the Methodist Church Hall £2 per session inc refreshments, call and see us for a chat or call Jeanne Singleton 01805 622650 Merton Meal & Market in The Clinton Hall, Merton, every Thursday from 10am2pm. Local produce, food and gifts and a community café. Come and join us! www. mertonmealandmarket.weebly.com

Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 8-11, 7-8.30pm ladies boxfit Tarka Valley Railway. Volunteers meet every Thursday from 9am till about 3pm at Torrington Station (the Puffing Billy), unless weather is appalling. Variety of tasks. All welcome. 07881 905 260.

Friday 4th

Christian Aid Lent Lunch, 12-1.45pm Methodist Church see article & posters Plough Music: Geoffrey Lakeman 8:30pm Art on Friday - 10.30am-2.30pm ‘Book of Kells – Illuminated Manuscript’ New members welcome - contact Hazel: 01805 623757 St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel Plough Workshops every Friday: Sarah Anne Westcott School of Dance 3:307:30pm Pannier Market every Fri 8am-5pm ALLSORTS Children’s Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 6.30-8pm. School years 1-6. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 ALLSORTS Plus Youth Club at Bluecoat Primary School, Fridays, 8-9.15pm. School years 6 and upwards. Phone Morag on 01805 625510 English Folk Dancing 8pm every Fri @ Northam Village Hall with Bideford Ceilidh Club. Info John 01237 476632 Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 11+, 7.15-9pm seniors

Saturday 5th

Rosemoor Spring Antiques & Collectables Fair Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 4pm Breakfast rolls, coffee and cake, meat raffle at Weare Giffard Village Hall, 10am till noon, raffle tickets from Tracy:01237 478043 Torrington Fairtrade Group: Coffee Morning 10 am-12 noon at St Michael’s Church. Plough Films: Room (15) 5pm; The Hateful Eight (18) 8pm Plough Workshops every Saturday: Plough Junior Jazz 11am - 1pm; Plough Youth Theatre 9:45am - 5:15pm Torridgeside Saturday Football Fun Club - 10am - 11am in the Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary School MUGA. Every Saturday. Pannier General Market every Saturday 10am–4pm Food Bank 10am-12pm every Sat @ Castle Hill, (1st floor) Torrington Junior Golf Training every Sat 9-10am @ Libbaton Golf Club

Sunday 6th

Plough Films: The Assassin (12A) 3pm; Room (15) 5:30pm; The Big Short (15) 8pm Torrington Baptist Church Messy Church for the children and Morning Service at 10.30am Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Mass every Sun 9.15am St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Mr John Dennis, 6.30pm Rev Stephen Hill, Holy Communion Grosvenor Church Torrington, Bluecoat Junior School 4pm. ‘No Ordinary Birth Plan’, with an exciting children’s programme, refreshments at 5pm. Tim 07798670754. Every Sunday. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Abbotsham Rd, Bideford Sunday Sacrament service at 10-11am Grosvenor Torrington Church Sunday Brunch Every 1st Sunday 10.30am 12noon Bluecoat School Hall. Food and fun for all the family! 4pm ‘An extravagant act’ Tim Gilbert 07798 670 754 Car Boot Sale Tesco Rose Lane. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm cars £5 - vans £7. Sellers 9am. Maureen Beauchamp 07999 445 489. Fundraising for Diabetes UK.

Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club training, above TVSC, 6.30-7.30pm juniors age 11+ 7.15-9pm seniors. U.S. Social Group. Get out and meet new friends. We meet every Monday at 8pm @ the Panniers in Barnstaple (Weatherspoons). The age range is 40 plus. Varied interests including skittles, dancing, meals out etc. Mixed social group for people on their own. Running club every Monday (except Bank Holidays) at 6.15pm meet at GTS gym

Tuesday 8th

School miniature daffodil competition judging. Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4pm all welcome Doug 01805 622648, Beryl 01805 624294 Torrington Fairtrade Group: Big Breakfast 9 am-11 am at Torrington Baptist Church. Continental-style using Fairtrade produce. For details and to book phone 01805 624678 or 624232. Plough Music: Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders 8pm

Sunday 13th

Great Torrington WI Peter Christie Local Historian Methodist Rooms 7pm Plough Films: The Assassin (12A) 8pm Plough Talk: Peter Villiers: The Easter Rising - Dublin 1916 8:15pm St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel

Plough Films: Youth (15) 3pm; Trumbo (15) 7pm St. Michael’s Church 9am Choir Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Grosvenor Torrington Church Bluecoat School Hall 4pm ‘An extravagant act’ Tim Gilbert 07798 670 754 Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Ken Morgan, 6.30pm Mrs Vivienne Sheriff

Thursday 10th

Monday 14th

Plough Film: The Revenant (15) 8pm

Wednesday 9th

Torrington Fairtrade Group meets 7.30 pm at The Plough - new members welcome. For details contact Kathy 01805 624678 or Myra 01805 624232. Plough Worksho: Painting Landscapes with Watercolour ‘Modern composition in painting and drawing’ 10:30-3pm Monday 7th Plough Film: Youth (15) 8pm GTS Year 10 Eclipse National Theatre Plough Poetry & Music: Open Mouth Connections Production in P1. Tickets 8pm £4 adults / £2 Students 7th, 9th, 11th March St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass 6pm - 9pm (Performance at 7pm) in St James’ Chapel. Plough Workshops every Monday: Yoga 6:30pm - 8pm; Folk Orchestra 7pm - 9pm Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45amCOPY DEADLINE FOR 3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, APRIL CRIER 12 NOON contact - 07870 509 674 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ Friday 11th High Bickington Community Centre Christian Aid Lent Lunch, 12-1.45pm 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15- Methodist Church see article & posters 7.15pm Emma Keil emmakeil@talktalk.net. Easter Prize Bingo @ Atherington Pavilion. Doors Open 7pm. Raffle. 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Refreshments available. All Proceeds Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6pmAtherington Children’s Playing Field 7.30pm Kathryn Masterson 01805 623212 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout Hall Plough Film: Spotlight (15) 8pm Plough Quiz: ‘Furrowed Brows’ 8:15pm every Mon term time 7.30-9pm Plough Comedy: Lee Nelson: Suited and Peter 01409 281246 Booted (Devon Hall) 8pm Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon Torridge Gingerbread Group, Saturday 12th every Monday, 10-12 noon, Bluecoat Rosemoor Spring Flower Show Centre, Beach Room (usually) email: Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 4pm, torridgegingerbreadgroup@outlook.com or Focusing on Camellias, Early Magnolias find us on Facebook. and Rhododendrons. Torrington Bluecoat

Historical Society 7.30pm Methodist Church Hall Sundials by Judith Brock visitors and new members welcome

Tuesday 15th

Plough Film: Trumbo (15) 8pm ‘Hearing Loss Support Group’ Social group for the hard of hearing. Every third Tues 2pm @ The Bickford Centre. Call 01271 373236

Wednesday 16th

Royal British Legion meeting 7pm Conservative Club Plough Music/Film: North Devon Refugee Solidarity Fundraiser 7:30pm Cribbage pairs comp, third Wed of the month, Torrington Arms 8pm St Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in St Jame’s Chapel

Thursday 17th

Easter Bingo - St. Giles Village Hall Eyes down 7.30pm. Plough Film: Spotlight (15) 8pm Plough Music: A Retro Musical Soiree – A Gallery Gig 8:15pm Plough Workshop: Open Mouth Music & Poetry 8pm (every second Thursday) St Michael’s Church 10.30am Said Mass in St James’ Chapel.

Friday 18th

Christian Aid Lent Lunch, 12-1.45pm

served in the RAF as a flying instructor and survived the war. He now lives in retirement in North Devon

ploughing, rolling, harrowing and drilling; corn will be cut with a binder

they feel accepted for who they are, it is important to resist the temptation to judge and criticise. These are often

TORRIDGE COMMUNITY MINIBUS SERVICES

Run by Ilfracombe & District Community Transport CHURCHCounties STREET RingWestern and STORES Ride services Heavy operateHorse in the following areas: Society Annual 'Working Day' Mondays from Westward Ho! and Bideford DOLTON th EX19 8QE Tuesdays Sunday 18 AugustTorrington 2013 Tel: 01805 804205 Wednesdays from Hartland Leigh Barton, Eastleigh, ThursdaysCrediton, High Bickington EX17Open 6BJ and south of the area. 11am 5pm ‘Going Outto and About’ Club runs on Fridays Monday Saturday 6.30am - 8.00pm

8.00am -free 7.00pm Adults £5,Sunday children parking Further details from:and Karl Williams 01271 549680 Convenience Store & Post Office Contact Paul Richards 01823 491518 www.churchststores.co.uk for our latest offers

Baptist Church see article & posters 10.30am. Every third Sunday. Morning St Jame’s Chapel Plough Music: Hi-on-Maiden (Standing worship with Messy Church for the children Torrington Methodist Church 6pm Rev 8 Gig) 8pm 10.30am Ken Morgan * Announcements * * on News *at Events *ofClubs * Announcements * Events * NHS: Clubs this work. Reinstatement the interior on a daily basis in * theNews shop and how it “Don’t wait until flu is Art Friday the Plough 10.30amfollowing the New devastating dry-rot operates. You can also have a chat to 2.30pm ‘Cartoons’ members welcome circulating – th protect yourself Monday 21st Saturday 26 3EQ. Plenty of free parking. a family of pipemakers in the area by SHEBBEAR AND BUCKLAND will 01805 follow,623757 and this will be Easter our volunteers, andworkshop if you likeNortham what you Rosemoor - outbreak contact Hazel: basket floral Bees in the Garden For more information or to book a the names of Pardon/Pearn. The pipes now” Stpaid Michael’s 8.30am Said Mass in for fromChurch Townland Trust funds. see, even consider us! FILLEIGH £5.50maker's – joining booking essential withThe BeeNHS CraftinSaturday & urging those in call Janette Newell 01805 603604 Library found2-4pm also have marks Devon is Ststall Jame’s October we received a letter 01237 On 10thChapel Whether it’s learning a new skill or Sunday, 475111 or northam.library@devon. 1pm 4.30pm Website or to book a vehicle call Tony on 01805 suggesting this family. There is ‘at risk’Films: groups to visit their GP and get posted in Malaysia at the beginning of gov.uk meeting new people, please pop in for Plough Goosebumps (PG) Theflu website for Shebbear and 603400. therefore a strong possibility of finding a free vaccination. Saturday A Bigger Splash (15) 8pm the month. 19th Inside was a neatly a cup of tea and a mince pie and see 5pm; Buckland Filleigh canO’Shea be found a kiln -this would be a first in Devon ThisMusic: year, pregnant Hobby Horse Fundraiser, with of Tuesday Debbie - A at Gallery wrapped £1 Racing coin very reminiscent what the Red Cross Shop can offer Plough Friendship Club 22nd www.shebbearvillage.co.uk please do and is a really exciting prospect. women are to be offered Bovver Boys & Ploughman’s supper: 7pm Gig 8:15pm theThere recently-retired Viper. you. If you need any information Easter Eggstravaganza Great Torrington isVillage a clubHall, outing set of forDevon Air log on and see allfor the the news and latest This is a North Devon Archaeological the vaccination Umberleigh inread; aid The message please Primary call Diane or straight Kitty onafter 01805 Bluecoat School, Wednesday 22ndwith Mayit 01769 leaving560556 Merton goings on in both th villages. Anything Society project but we will be happy to Ambulance & RNLI £10. first time. Sunday 27 The Viper old and shed his last 625051. school (3:20pm) Square at is 10am. We are going to skin, you would like in to say or contribute take on some local volunteers if there North Devon Choral Concert People who are the St.that Michael’s Church 9am Choir And now it’s time for him to give in, Plough Theatre: Studio Theatre WillowStand Wetlands at Taunton. please get inSung touch. 7.30pm Michaels Church is interest. We can accommodate all clinical ‘at risk‘ groups Practice,10am Mass Ignatius Sunday Ilfracombe presents ‘Old, Bold and Won’t So noware undercover he’s found a World Challenge or some Scraps, There some seats available General Knowledge Quizstill Night Email: tyrella@btinternet.com skill and fitness levels and Club in upper room are 11 times more likely be Told’ 7:30pm brother to ensure you’ll be if you would like to always come along Suds and Souks? 7 and for 7.30pm at Huntshaw Village Tel: 281968 Grosvenor Torrington Church Bluecoat training will be given where necessary. to die01409 if they get flu than Easter Coffee Morning, Abbeyfield Glen ‘Quids pleaseIn’ contact our outing organiser, Hall. In July 2012 I am embarking on a School Hall 4pm ‘An incredible There will be various roles, from a “healthy” person. For day’ Tim Tor Villa Road 10.30-12 noon IRoy hatched last year drinking amore Parent/Carer Toddler on 01271 forcheese £5 per Watts, person, max 6 while per325453 team, incl Gilbert 07798 670 754 World Challenge trip to Morocco with cataloguing to finds washing to gentle some groups, like those with chronic beer with theand Viper out ofCash a tin!prize Methodist Church 10.30am board, pickles biscuits. details. Play and Stay Sessions Great Torrington World digging to planning, soSchool. please don't be Torrington degenerative neurological diseases, Wednesday 23rd So don’t be bitter, you’ll not find me on Rev Ken Morgan Holy Communion, 6.30pm for the team. All are proceeds to the Ourwinning next meetings as follows: Challenge organises educational Wednesday 9.30–11.30am put off by the thought of heavy that risk rises to 40 times. Easter Bingo TVSC Doors 6:45pm Eyes st twitter, probably on aMary bin ...Ford Songs of Praise Friends ofbut Berry Booking essential. Maysat – Mrs Wednesday 1Castle. expeditions in the developing world, (term timeatonly) mattocking. Surface finds suggest Clinical risk includefourth those 7:30pm all welcome in aid of Streetz Baptist Church Holygroups Communion And so to continue taskor …07515 th Emma Barrow 01805 623266 476 down will be giving a talk the entitled ‘My Goats’. with the aim oflotteaching life skills and April 2013, From Wednesday 17 there will be a of artefacts to with; a heart problem; a chest Fundz. Sunday th The 295 (entry fee payable on night). June –the a Grass talk onSnake the Wednesday 5Signed eprocess. x p a nYouth d i n g Theatre m i n d sSrs:o National utside the Little Bears or Pre-School is welcoming complaint breathing difficulties Is this aSurvivalists re-incarnation the Viper Plough Rosemoor Fair of Roadford Reservoir classroom. Whilst in Morocco I will be Theatre Connections 500 7:30pm parents/carers and aged 0-3 If you are interested could you let th children including, bronchitis, emphysema; Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 4pm so 28 perhaps? We certainly missed him and Stspending We welcome new members Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in Monday six days trekking in the (older siblings are also welcome) to our Philip Collins of Barometer World kidney disease; lowered immunity due Introducing people to livingand off the land he Cream Teas in Weare Giffard Village from his cheery messages St01805 Jame’s603443/603656 Chapel please just come along or if thought you want foothills of hethe 2.30pm know and fun and friendly play and stay to disease or treatment (such as Plough Film: Dad’s Army (PG) 8pm to 5.30pm. All welcome must settledplease to live contact quietly for the more have information Atlas will pass on details to me. Mountains, ssessions. t e r o i d Each m e d iweek c a t i oJane n oand r cJo a nwill cer Plough Music: JiminWattsA Gallery Gigare rest of his life Towcester. We Christine Wickett on 01805 603258. All ThursdayMany 24th and undertaking a th on Thanks, Chris Preece use play to 29 focus an element fromof 8:15pm treatment); liver disease; a history Tuesday overjoyed to are have a the philanthropic Easter Bingo Burrington Parish Hallproject eyes our meetings held in Clinton community the Early Years Foundation stage stroke or a transient ischaemic attack Plough Theatre: Lyngo Theatre presents serpent back ‘the team’ofand MONKLEIGH 8pm Hall on the firston Wednesday the look down for another six ‘The profile todiabetes; encourage your child’s 4pm (TIA); a neurological Sunday 20th Curious Adventures of Pinocchio’ forward a long 2pm. and fruitful GTS E&I School Musical 42nd Street monthFilm: andtocommence Pre-School days. The project Plough learning. The sessions aim to be8pm Plough Dad’s Army at (PG) 5:30pm & Film: A Bigger Splash (15) condition e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) association. Production. Tickets £4 adults / £2 could involve a local school or village, 8pm friendly, fun and stimulating and Monkleigh Pre-School will open its or cerebral palsy; and a problem with, Excavation - May 2013 March 6pm - 9pm (Performance Please note that the AGM date has Students thspleen Torridge Ramblers we findinout nearer the time, opening resources Wednesday parents/carers can meet new people doors September. Initially or removal of, their e.g. sickle th afternoon walk Ring th 30 at 7pm) been changed to and Thursday Starting onfor 11details May running 24 01805 622183 are as and when they anddisease. enjoy a coffee and a chat. fromallocated 9.15am–12.15pm Monday to are Plough cell Films: Goosebumps (PG) 3pm; A Youth Theatre Srs: National November, and be held in the Plough until the 26thChurch , therewill will beChoir an St. Michael’s 9am needed. Special Day (12A) 8pm There are places available at the Pre Friday, and if there is enough interest The flu vaccine is free to everyone in Theatre Connections 500 7:30pm Methodist Church Hall at 7pm. archaeological excavation of an area Practice,10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Part Club of the challenge to afternoon raise all, or Senior Citizens AGMit inisMethodist Church Probus meets at theis Black Horse, -School, and children aged three and extending to lunchtime and these groups and also offered free Negotiations forbeen a new Club in upper room known to have usedChairman for clay are High part of the cost the trip, which is 2pm Street, Torrington, Every fourth over can receive funding Devon sessions as well. of 10am. of charge to: people aged from 65 years and Grosvenor Torrington Church Bluecoat well underway. tobacco pipe production. There have Thursday. £1000. Inare order to do County Council for up to 15 hours a or Places limited, so if you are over and the main carer of an older School Hall 4pm ‘A terrible denial’ Tim Harry Cramp already been a number of clay pipes st Stthis, Michael’s Church 10.30am I have been Thursday 31 week. Families who are on a low interested in a place for yourSaid childMass disabled person. Gilbert 670 Chairman incleaning found07798 as well as754 parts of the vessels St James’cars Chapel. Bingo at St Giles Parish Hall, eyes for £5, income have a 2 yearDavies old atdown Preplease phone the school on 01805 Dame and Professor Sally said: Torrington Methodist 10.30am used when firing theChurch pipes. Whilst a at“People 7.30. may which is If helping School also receive up to 15the flu Mr David Watson, 6pm Burraton Choir 623269. youthhavemy any questions often don’t think about number C17 and C19 Open kilns have BritishofBaptist Red Cross Day! Friday Miracle Theatre presents fund. I am to give us a ring! Plough Torrington Church informal hoursTheatre: funding and should the – please However, do25 not hesitate vaccine until the virus is contact circulating been the Cross UK,and evidence from in Sthoping Michael’s Church 8.30am Said Mass in ‘Zonk FM’ 8pm The BritishinRed charity time for found ‘Bacon Butties’ a chat, shop from to boost funds

the C18 is scarce. suggest Torrington is very Documents well supported by further by organising a the local community collection of good quality clean clothes, and all the money bedding and curtains. My aim is to fill r a i s e dTreatment h e l p s Services Cedek Water 100 bags by 5th December. pWelcome r o v i d e628080 If you would like a bag to fill, Orders Phone aid PropertyCentral Maintenance Pvc Fascias & Guttering Heating &01805 Plumbing services humanitarian Torrington Library has kindly agreed to Open 8.30-4pm Mon-Fri & 8.30-2pm Sat& Decorating Renovation Painting & Extensions Boiler Service/Installations/Maintenance Work both in the UK and be a collection point (my Mum works Fresharound homemadethe ﬁllings for;Bathroom Patios & Decking  Legionnaires Control Specialists Specialists world. there, it’s always good to have The shop, which Free has been Plumbing in someone on the inside!) and I will Roofing Quotations Torrington for 16 years, recently arrange collection of the filled bag from * All Day625645 Breakfast, Sausage * 01805 email: cedek.co@virgin.net underwent a small refit, giving it& aBacon newBaps624382 your home. Alternatively if you would 01805 * Italian Coﬀees, Teas, Cakes,07857 Mlik Shakes, *like your car cleaned I can be lease of life! Mobile: Chris 767 579 st Chocolate whipped cream & marshmallows * 01805 Steph 07791 019 we would like you464623223 On 1* HotDecember contacted on 01805 622539. "No job too big or too small" available forGas take-away orwhat eat-in to come andAllfind out more about Natural & LPG Registered Henry D’Alberti-Nicholson we do as an organisation; what we do for property 'TLC' phone TPS

Slice of Life, High Street Torrington Total Property Services



TPS T



Pre-School morebe information. but by then itforcould too late. It takes five to ten days for the vaccine to take effect so it is important to get the flu jab before flu is about. I’d urge everyone eligible for the flu vaccine, particularly those in the clinical at risk groups, to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Protect yourself early to minimise the risk of getting flu. Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for those in an ‘at risk’ group. It can result in a spell in hospital, and sadly flu kills. The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated.

Pre-school Spaces Available at • Parkham School Open all day from September

• Exciting new facility with large play areas • Fully equipped indoor and outdoor learning spaces • Highly qualified and friendly staff with a fully qualified teacher • Opening times: Mornings (9-12) Afternoons (12-3) Three year olds are entitled to 15 hours of FREE pre-school time Additional sessions: £9 Please call the Head teacher Gina Finch on 01237 451334 Visit: www.parkham.devon.sch.uk

Artists Needed for Simonsbath Festival

he Simonsbath Festival is calling for West Country artists to submit 2-D work their Art Exhibition. The theme of the exhibition is moorland and coast, its wildlife, culture and landscape and it is open to all West Country artists. If interested in submitting work, please contact Sandy at artexhibition@ simonsbathfestival.org.uk The Art Exhibition is part of the Simonsbath Festival that runs from Monday 2nd May through to Thursday 16th June. The Festival is now in its fifth year and is firmly established in the Exmoor Calendar, the programme offers opera, jazz and classical music concerts and all sorts of other events, including talks, walks and poetry. Last year the exhibition attracted work from 23 West Country artists, many of whom are based on Exmoor and its

fringes. The 66 pieces of work shown were varied, interesting and all related in some way to wild moorland landscape, its wildlife and culture, or the rugged North Devon coast. There were watercolour, oil and acrylic paintings on show and a number of prints (wood cuts, lino prints and collographs), both framed and unframed. All the work was for sale, many pieces at very reasonable prices, making original art accessible to everyone. The exhibition is held in Boevey’s Tea Rooms in Simonsbath, right in the very heart of Exmoor and is surrounded by stunning, wild landscape. Red deer are often to be seen grazing on the hillside opposite the Tea Rooms and birds of prey hunt along the edge of the River Barle. Check out the website www. simonsbathfestival.org.uk for full details.

Volunteers at the Library & Tourist Information Centre

ew and exciting changes are proposed for our Library and Tourist Information Centre (TIC) that will see them collaborate to offer a ‘One Stop’ library and information service to the community and visitors, from the present library space at Castle Hill. TIC staff and volunteers will support ‘Library Extra’ sessions on days when the library is currently closed, enabling library members to access to borrow, renew and return books and other items using a selfservice kiosk. If you are interested in applying to volunteer for this exciting new venture, please see Kate Greaves (Torrington Library Supervisor) or Penny Podmore (Torrington TIC Manager) for further details and a role description.

Tarka Valley Railway Events

e are now putting together our programme of events for the year and are pleased to announce that the first of these will be:A Quiz Evening at the Puffing Billy on Friday, March 18th 2016 at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Entrance £5 per person for teams of 2-6 people to include snacks. Please phone the Puffing Billy on 01805 623050 to reserve your table. There will be a raffle on the evening to raise funds for a second loco. A Book Fair in the carriage on site on Easter Monday 28th March 2016 from 11am to 4pm. We have a good stock of railway books – very many newly acquired ones, as well as other books and jigsaws. All at bargain prices. Our first Open Weekend will be on Sunday and Monday, 1st and 2nd May 2016 from 10am to 4pm. We should have a good selection of stands and exhibits to entertain everyone. Weather permitting, we hope to have our locomotive ‘Progress’ back into her original ‘Lincoln Green’ livery by then and giving demonstration runs up and down the platform. Her mechanical overhaul is now virtually complete and we are eagerly awaiting some decent weather so that we can show her off properly. Thursday is our working day on site, when the hardy team gets to grips with a myriad of jobs and the carriage is open for sales, information and membership enquiries. So if you are looking for a change, the opportunity of meeting some new people and finding out more about us, come along, have a cuppa, and meet the team. You will be made most welcome. Rod Garner, Tarka Valley Railway

Christian Aid Lent Lunches

lease continue to support the work of Christian Aid by attending the Lent Lunches between 12- 1.45pm on Friday 4th, 11th and 18th March (see Crier Diary or posters for venues). As usual a choice of homemade soup will be available along with rolls, butter, cheese, chutney and a cup of tea or coffee for £3.50. Barbara Down, Treasurer

Jazz at Weare Giffard Medieval Hall 8th & 9th April 7.30pm

An evening of trad and swing with the The Alan Lewis ‘Rarebits’. Tickets £15, including refreshments. In aid of Weare Giffard Church Funds. For tickets call 01237 475168.

Coffee Morning @ St Michaels

11am to 1pm every Thursday

Everyone is welcome to come along for delicious coffee and yummy cake.

X ANA D U

North Devon TV, DVD & Appliance Repairs

Stockists of health foods, wholesale suppliers to the catering and retail trade, local daily deliveries

At home or in the workshop

Top Quality Greengrocers

24 South Street, Torrington, EX38 8AA Tel/Fax: 01805 622709 giles.stacey@btconnect.com

Call The Repairguys on Torrington 01805 628099

Torrington Army Cadets’ Thanks to the Cavaliers

orrington Detachment Devon ACF were kindly donated £570 from the Cavaliers’ Bonfire Fund, which was money raised from the Trumpton Bonfire. The money will be used to refurbish both Detachment Standards and accessories. A big thank you goes to Great Torrington Cavaliers for their kind gesture and continued support. The picture shows cadets from Torrington Detachment Devon ACF receiving a cheque from Great Torrington Cavaliers. Torrington Army Cadet Force meets every Friday evening from 7-9.30pm at the Detachment Hut, which is in the grounds of Great Torrington School. Young people aged between 12-18 years of age are more than welcome. If you’re interested in joining, or would like further information on what the Army Cadet Force can offer you, please feel free to contact 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Sanders on the below details. Email: matt.sanders@armymail.mod.uk. Telephone: 07463 818187 M Sanders, 2Lt, Detachment Commander

Torrington-Roscoff Exchange

Xanadu’s 30th Birthday

e would like to thank our customers who have supported us over the last 30 years. We moved into the business on the 3rd Mach 1986 and have seen many changes. We buy as much local produce as possible, and further supplies are delivered daily from Bristol market. Our wholefood range includes flours, pulses, nuts, soya products, dried fruit and much more. Products not stocked can be obtained from our wholesaler within days, we also give 10% discount on full cases purchased and welcome all enquiries. During the first week in March we will have many special offers to mark our 30th anniversary. Giles Stacey

he Torrington-Roscoff Exchange committee is busily organising a visit from the good folk of Roscoff for Torrington’s premier celebration, May Fair 2016. Plans are in hand for enjoying May Fair Day itself, gatherings and entertainment Help Stop Irresponsible in The Black Horse and The Plough on Friday, and an exclusive visit to Hartland Abbey on Saturday 7th May, before our French friends return home on Saturday Dog Owners afternoon. n the December/January edition of We are holding a pub quiz in the Torrington Arms on Friday 8th April to help with the Crier Torrington Police, jointly with the costs of entertaining the French visitors. Please come and join us. Just make up Torridge District Council, were asking tables of six at £4 per head. It is advisable to book your table by calling Nick or Anne for your help in catching dog owners that Roberts on 01805 625765, as Torrington Arms pub quizzes can be very popular. We’ll do not clear up after their pets. This is see you there on the 8th April. still happening and not many names are being passed on. If you see someone, or Torrington Senior Citizens Association AGM even have your suspicions, then please orrington Senior Citizens Association AGM will be held at 2pm on Wednesday let us know. It is awful that our local rugby 30th of March 2016 at Torrington Methodist Church. team had to stop play recently, to remove All members welcome. At the meeting the new Chairman and officers for dog mess from the pitch before continuing 2016 will be elected, and there will be reports and discussions of places to visit in their match. Please help us catch these 2016. Your Association looks forward to meeting with you as we look forward to visiting inconsiderate and irresponsible owners. great places in 2016. Thank you for your support Ron Sussex, Chairman, Roger Darch, Vice Chairman 01805 628148 Torrington Neighbourhood Policing Team

• 14 The Gallery • Computers at Torrington •

GREAT TORRINGTON PANNIER MARKET

Retail Outlets, Craft Workshops & Café

Open Monday to Saturday all day Tel: 01805 626110 • genesis@great-torrington.com Thursday to Saturday General Market 8am-5pm •

Mon & Tues Crafts & Food 9am-4pm Call Kate 07596 742909

British Red Cross • Sheena’s Sweetshop • The Market Café • Fiddlesticks

•

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

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

Can You Help Torridgeside AFC?

orridgeside AFC is looking for some extra volunteers to help the club with administration in conjunction with the club secretary. We are looking to appoint a Respect Co-ordinator and a Charter Standard Co-ordinator to help the club develop in these areas. These roles can be carried out in your own time, at home, and will report in to the Club Secretary Tricia Clement. Can you spare a couple of hours a month to help the club? If you can please get in touch for more details: Email - torridgesideyouthfc@hotmail.co.uk, phone - 07544 025 232 Torridgeside AFC Committee

Haydn Nelson Mass and Cherubini Requiem in C Minor

Saturday 19th March at St Michael and All Angels, Torrington, 7.30pm

aydn’s work was originally called Mass for Troubled Times, written in 1798 at a time of intense fear - Napoleon Bonaparte had defeated the Austrian army in four major battles, crossed the Alps and was threatening Vienna itself. Just as the work was completed, news came that British had dealt Napoleon a stunning defeat in the Battle of the Nile, and Horatio Nelson was heralded as the ‘saviour of Europe’. The work gradually acquired the name Nelson Mass, which became firmly fixed when Nelson himself visited the Austrian court. It is stunning music, arguably Haydn’s greatest single composition Our other piece in this concert, Cherubini’s Requiem in C minor, is quieter and more sombre than the Haydn. It was written in 1816 to commemorate the anniversary of the execution of King Louis XVI of France, and was an immediate success. Greatly admired by Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms, it was played at Beethoven’s funeral. Conducted by John Hobbs, soloists will be Tina Gladwin, Rebecca Smith, Gordon Pike and Matthew Cann, with Andrew Dhaldorph on the church’s lovely Father Willis organ. The choir is greatly looking forward to singing these wonderful works. Tickets are £12, children and students free, available from Sheena’s Sweetshop in Torrington Pannier Market, or call 01805 628262.

North Devon Choral Society Workshop on Vocal Technique Saturday 12th March 2016 10am-4pm, Christ Church, Bear Street, Barnstaple EX32 7BU

o you want to improve your singing technique? Come and join us in a workshop run by Helen Porter, composer, singer, vocal coach and musical director. No need to bring any scores, just your voices. Everyone is welcome, not just NDCS members. Cost is £15. To book your place, or for more details, see our website www. northdevonchoral.org.uk or call 01805 628262.

LWhiskers Pet Centre

l Local Driving Instructor l Beginners or partially trained For your one stop pet shop, A large stock of pet food, Toys, Cages, l Nervous pupils welcome Bedding, wild bird products, l Discounts for block bookings Medical items etc.... l Dual controls Alan - DSA ADI (Car) l Refresher lessons Find Edwards us at 20 south street, Tel: Torrington 01805 622972 Great Torrington 01805 622859 l Pass Plus Mobile: 07818 667 074

How Can Great Torrington Memory Café Help You?

he ‘sing a long’ activity held in January went extremely well. Everyone enjoyed the music which brought back memories of the past. Thanks to Theresa for coming along and facilitating the activity. The March meeting will be on Thursday 10th when Sarah Jane will be running an art and craft activity. We will also be holding a coffee morning at the Methodist Church on Saturday 12th March. The Memory Café provides access to support services for people who have dementia, memory loss and also to their carers. It is a good place to socialise and meet others with similar problems and get advice about coping with memory loss. People who attend the cafe are from all walks of life and of varying ages. Some people may have had a recent diagnosis of dementia, whilst others may be worried about their memory and want advice. People who attend find that they continue to come along and value the cafe for its welcoming, informal and relaxed atmosphere. The Café offers a listening ear and a couple of hours break from the regular days’ routines. The Memory Café is held at the Methodist Church meeting room from 10.30am till 12.30pm on the second Thursday of each month. If you need any further information about the Memory Café and the services we offer, then please get in touch with Pauline on 01805 625969.

Whiskers Pet Centre For your one stop pet shop, A large stock of pet food, Toys, Cages, Bedding, wild bird products, Medical items etc.... Find us at 20 south street, Great Torrington 01805 622859

The Café and Garden @1646 Delicious organic soups, locally made bread, cakes and sausages, Cornish cured bacon and free range eggs. Local stockists of The Bay Tree Company award winning chutneys & Jams, all made in the West Country. DOGS ON LEADS ARE WELCOME IN THE FOYER ADJACENT TO THE CAFÉ AND IN THE GARDEN FREE WIFI Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA Tel: 01805 626146 Email: 1646@great-torrington.com

How to Start Researching Your Family Tree Part 8

Supported sheltered housing for people aged 55+ at Abbeyfield Glen Tor, Villa Road, Torrington. Please phone 01805 623605 if you, a family member, or a friend is interested in becoming a resident, or look at the website: www.abbeyfield.com Email:abbeyfield.torrington@btconnect.com Exempt Charity registered as an Industrial and Provident Society No 23413R and with the HCA No H3383

e are looking at secondary World War 1 sources to build your family Few families history. We have mentioned can have failed to family photos, but there is also a local have been touched archive of photos at the Beaford Archive. by this war. There This used to be at Barnstaple Record are two main sites to concentrate on Office but I have a suspicion they had before getting into too much detail. The to hand it back due to Commonwealth War “All these records were space constraints. It Graves Commission preserved in a depository is indexed on-line and (CWGC.org) records in London and in WW2 a even if there are no all the burials of allied photos of family, they German bomber dropped an soldiers around the do have a wonderful incendiary on it, only about world (and maintains archive of images 40% of the records survived their graves in posterity). that bring life to the The other is service in some part or other.” background of your records/pension records ancestors. of the serving soldiers. These Military records are indexed and available Basically, army records from all the usual sources. start in about 1800 and If your ancestor was an naval records in about officer in the British Army, 1650 (Samuel Pepys you should be able to gets my vote as the find a complete record person who started of their service. If they them). As usual you were an ‘other rank’ you will find they are held have to be lucky. All these nationally at The National records were preserved Archive, mostly. Again, in a depository in London as usual, there are and in WW2 a German exceptions to that. For bomber dropped an instance, the guards’ regiments have incendiary on it, only about 40% of the their own archive in Windsor. Many of records survived in some part or other. these holdings are available on-line, at Most of the surviving records are at least least as an index. Just browsing through singed. There are stories of other records some of the sites can be a very revealing still existing, but I understand that every experience when you find all sorts of last scrap of burnt paper is now available oddities. I recall coming across a list of to us on-line. women volunteering to be nurses in the More next month on WW1 records. Jon Frayne Boer War once.

Bitten by a Cat? Do Not delay!

f you are bitten by a cat do not delay, please seek medical attention straight away! Cats have bacteria in their mouths and when they bite these bacteria can sit in your tissue or joint and, if left untreated, can travel through your bloodstream causing serious problems in other areas of your body. When a cat bites, its needle sharp canine teeth puncture the skin, leaving a small but deep wound. These puncture wounds quickly seal over, trapping the bacteria. A study by doctors has found that one in three people who are bitten by cats have to be hospitalised and two-thirds of those will end up needing surgery!! If you are bitten by a moody moggy do not delay, however small and insignificant a cat bite may seem they should always be treated very seriously. Go to your doctor straight away as a course of antibiotics can prevent a serious problem. Hatchmoor Vets

Red Cross Shop Now Open on Sundays

he British Red Cross in Torrington is now open on Sundays and will be accepting suitable donations. On Sundays only there will be 100 items heavily reduced, with these items changing every week. We are currently recruiting new volunteers, can you spare a few hours a week? For more information please come in and see Richard or Diane. We would also like to thank all our customers and donators for their continued support.

New Spring Programme at The Plough Arts Centre

t last! Spring has finally arrived and our new programme is hot off the press. As you would expect, this brand new exciting programme will be showering you with big name events to suit all tastes and ages which will take you well into the summer months. We are also delighted to announce the launch of our re-designed website and new computer booking system, so you will now be able to book your tickets online if you are unable to get in to The Plough. Please take some time out and acquaint yourself with what’s on offer throughout the year. From live theatre, film, music and a wide variety of workshops there’s sure to be something that appeals to everybody. Live music sees such greats as Andy Fairweather Low & The Lowriders, Hi-on Maiden, Maddy Prior, Dr Feelgood, Tom Robinson, Buddy Holly & The Cricketers, Paul Young & Los Pacaminos, Simon & Garfunkel tribute, Bookends, the amazing Blues Band, The Producers and The Searchers to name just a few! If theatre is more your thing then why not come and see Lyngo Theatre’s ‘The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio’, Miracle Theatre’s ‘Zonk FM’, lovable rogues Blofeld & Baxter, and Soupsoap Theatre’s ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’s Treasure of Nonsense’. Don’t forget our ‘live by satellite’ screenings too – big name productions straight from the National Theatre, RSC and Glyndebourne. Comedy is well catered for with the likes of Lee Nelson, Joe Lycett, Andrew Lawrence and a mystery comedy night in June – keep an eye out for who it will be! With our continually expanding workshop and outreach programme, there will be something to tempt all you artistic folk out there. We have printing courses, musical workshops, painting and sculpture workshops for all ages and abilities. Our exhibition programme in the Gallery is now well established and attracting well-known local artists and local schools. Each exhibition is displayed for a calendar month, with the opening view in the company of the artist on the first Friday of each month at 7pm. Call the Box Office on 01805 624624 to book tickets or check our website www. ploughartscentre.org.uk to book online.

The Plough Youth Theatre Spring Term

ith fun and friendly weekly workshops and exciting performance opportunities, PYT is the place to be! Learn new skills, make friends and take to the stage! The Plough Prism, our exciting weekly drama group for adults with disabilities is now on every Tuesday 10.30am-12.30pm at The Plough Arts Centre, £3.50 per participant. 23rd February - 22nd March & 12th April - 21st June (excluding 31st May). Please contact Sophie to book your space or to find out more: 07527 544 694 / 01805 624624 sophie@theploughartscentre.org.uk. Meet Me At The Plough - a creative craft skills sharing group for older people. This group is held every third Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm at The Plough Arts Centre. Come along to experience wire craft, painting, sketching, decoupage and more. If you have a skill or talent which you would like to share, it would be most welcomed! £3.50 per participant. March 15th, April 19th, May 17th, June 21st

Visual Arts in March

e have our fantastic annual school’s exhibition in the gallery during March, and this year some of their work is inspired by the January ‘Animated Stills’ exhibition with a focus on animation and movement. The exhibition includes work from Great Torrington Bluecoats, Langtree, Beaford,

Clinton, Dolton and Winkleigh. Exhibition runs from Tuesday 1st to Saturday 19th March. On the café wall we have paintings by Zoe White-Chambers. Zoe is an artist and musician from North Devon who works in oils on a variety of wooden surfaces; from old floor boards and cupboard doors to the inside of cuckoo clocks and suitcases. You may have seen some of her paintings up in the craft fair during December. March sees our new programme out and a new season of visual arts workshops. There’s lots to choose from including: drop in knitting workshop on the first Saturday of each month, a 6-week self-portrait drawing course; life drawing sessions; lampshade making workshop; cold process soap making; drawing into painting watercolour workshop; hand patchwork & quilting; silver jewellery workshop with precious metal clay (PMC); willow basket making and folk art painting. For more info check the programme and website.

Fleur’s Gardening Forum Planting a Hedge

hedge can be an attractive garden feature, if planted with thought and carefully managed – you may need to prune from time to time, but you never need to paint! Growing a hedge is an excellent way to attract wildlife into your garden because many animals need hedges in which to build nests, shelter from predators and inclement weather, roost, hibernate, or forage for food. Hedges also provide shelter for garden plants, creating a natural windbreak whereby the wind is filtered through the branches; a fence can cause damaging eddying and also be blown down with consequent costs and problems. Make sure that any hedge is planted within your own garden boundary. Measure accurately, not only to ensure non-encroachment into your neighbour’s property but also to keep a straight line - inserting poles and using string should keep the line straight! Hedges can be used to create ‘rooms’ within the garden itself, creating a sheltered ‘nook’ where you can relax in private. Hedges can also be planted to enhance or enclose a vista. The best way to purchase hedging plants is by way of ‘whips’, which are usually one to two year old plants. They are very small and twiggy, but much cheaper to buy and are much easier to plant and establish. To get your hedge off to the best possible start, you should dig a narrow trench and incorporate some well-rotted compost together with a bit of blood, fish and bone

fertiliser. Fill in the trench and firm down lightly. Your plants can then be inserted at the recommended distance, (whips can be more densely planted), but more mature specimens need 60-90cms between each plant. Dig a suitable hole, if the soil is dry water the hole and allow to drain, insert the plant making sure it is nicely placed and water again before backfilling and firming in. Whips can be popped into a slit trench, (basically, you insert your spade, create a ‘slit’ in which you plant the whip, then firm in well), which saves a huge amount of effort but again, water the whips in well. Suitable plants for hedges are Yew (Taxus baccata), Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Box (Buxus sempervirens) for evergreen interest, Hazel (Corylus avellana), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Sloe/Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Guelder Rose (Viburnam opulus), Elder (Sambucus nigra). Amongst these few choices are plenty of colourways, both in leaf, flower and berry and all are easy to establish. You could even plant a ‘hedge’ of cordon fruit trees perhaps to divide your vegetable plot from the rest of the garden. Just remember that most new boundary hedges need to be kept to a height of no more than two metres (approx. 6’ 6”), possibly lower if situated close to a busy road junction. Fleur

Rosemoor Wins Silver in South West Tourism Excellence Awards

HS Garden Rosemoor, who recently won Gold in Devon went onto win silver in the ‘Large Attraction’ category at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The awards night, attended by nearly 500 people, took place at Exeter Cathedral. Sally Charleton, Head of Site at RHS Garden Rosemoor, said: Many thanks to all the wonderful staff at Rosemoor whose hard work and dedication made this possible. This fantastic news will surely drive further visitors to enjoy the stunning horticulture highlights of the garden with its many fabulous events to look forward to”. For more information about RHS Garden Rosemoor, please visit www.rhs. org.uk/gardens/rosemoor or telephone 0845 265 8072.

Rosemoor Survivalists Fair 19th & 20th March 10am - 4pm

ntroducing people to living off the land, treading more quietly and understanding more about nature and the ability we all, people and plants, have to survive ever changing situations. We will be offering up amazing living ‘off the grid’ ideas for everyone from small holders to gardeners, ecologists to horticulturists. A great fun and educational day for all the family! Normal Garden Admission.

Pause For Thought

any world religions practice some sort of sacrifice in order to find favour with their god. In the Old Testament we read of the sacrifices made in order to find favour with God; one being Abraham who was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar which he had built, God intervened and Isaac was spared. We read how Temple Priests would slaughter the best lambs on the temple altar as a sacrificial offering. They would start at nine in the morning and finish by three in the afternoon; when completed they would come outside the Temple hold up their blood covered hands and say “it is finished”. God gave His son Jesus as the final sacrifice, He was nailed to a wooden cross and hung up in the blistering heat; His side was pierced, adding to the agony He was suffering. This started at nine in the morning and at three in the afternoon He held up His head and said “it is finished”, then He died. His broken body was placed in a tomb, on the third day He arose from the dead and ascended to heaven. This is briefly the story of Easter, and why, as Christians, we remember His death but rejoice and celebrate that He arose from the dead, and is alive today in the hearts of those who have committed their lives to Him. So what was the point of all this? Jesus was the final sacrifice for us, so that through Him our sins may be forgiven and we can have true fellowship with God our Father. May we, as we celebrate one of the greatest Christian festivals this Easter, never forget the human sacrifice that was made for us all. Vernon Andrew

The Big North Devon Wedding Show Sunday 13th March at The BIG Sheep

he BIG North Devon Spring Wedding Show will be held at the BIG Sheep’s EWEnique event’s arena on Sunday 13th March. The first 50 brides to register in advance will receive a wonderful wedding goody bag full of very special treats. They will also be welcomed with a delicious glass of bubbly for themselves and their groom. Event organisers Nicola Alder and Lucy Lane are looking forward to meeting and greeting brides and grooms from across the South West. As well as 60 exhibitor stands, Nicola and Lucy will also be introducing an exciting new pop-up wedding shop in collaboration with CLIC Sargent Barnstaple and Nicola adds, ‘Our brides will be able to try on a range of beautiful dresses featured in some of the UK’s top catwalk shows. Our pop up shop will give our brides a wonderful opportunity to see what particular shapes and fabrics they look best in and help them to choose their own sensational style.’ Doors to the show will open at 11am, closing at 3pm, and entry to the event will be free for Brides and Grooms. Brides and grooms attending will also benefit from gaining free entry to all of the attractions within the BIG Sheep attraction on the day too. Guests of the Bride and Groom can join them for a day of planning and inspiration for just £3pp, with discounts offered to visit the BIG Sheep attraction.

Your Opportunity to Join the Appledore Singers!

adies – do you like singing? Would you like to belong to an excellent local choir and perform to an audience? Well, now’s your opportunity! The Appledore Singers are holding an ‘Open Rehearsal’ on Monday 4th April, 7.30-9pm, at our normal rehearsal venue of Appledore Baptist Church, where you can meet the choir, chat to our Musical Director and join in with a rehearsal. During the year we perform a wide repertoire of pieces, ranging from Mozart to Mamma Mia! and everything in between! We have appeared at the Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple, and regularly perform for WIs and other clubs and organisations in churches and village halls, near and far. Our recent Christmas concert at Northam Hall was a sell-out and raised over £1000 for Devon Freewheelers. You don’t have to be able to read music to join our choir – just a willingness to learn is all we ask. As one recent recruit put it, “I never knew rehearsals could be such fun!” So why not come along and see for yourself, you’ll be made most welcome! For further details contact our Musical Director, Pam Beechey, on 01237 420652 or visit our website: theappledoresingers.co.uk or Facebook page. ‘Seek a Smile Thro’ Song’

Tanya’s Holistic Beauty & Nails Studio

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Bonnie’s Home Help Regular or one off House Cleaning

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Hope for the North Devon Record Office

ou may recall that in the autumn and the chief executive of the South West all seemed lost, closure looked Heritage Trust. The aim is to provide to be inevitable, with the County some stability for that period and look Council moving into the premises of the forward to a more long term solution. NDRO and all the records due to be The total shortfall in funding is £61,000 sent to Exeter. In the event this did not per annum, however DCC and South happen! West Heritage Trust have contributed DCC discovered, belatedly, how much most of this and the remaining gap is the moves would cost and that the annex approximately £22,000 per year, of which to the Civic Centre was both sufficient Barnstaple Town Council have pledged for their needs and a substantially £10,000. The remainder is being sought cheaper option. from the towns “I would urge everyone to lobby Barnstaple Town and parishes. The Council belatedly their councillors urgently (budgets meeting agreed, in realised what was are being finalised now) to make a principle, to make happening, and grant payment towards keeping the this up between the that their records various councils NDRO open” were to be taken present. It was to Exeter. In the event the Town Council thought wiser to ask for grants from each moved quickly and led moves to raise body in a single lump sum rather than emergency funding of £22,500 to secure ask for continuing funding agreements the NDRO until the spring of 2016. Local over three years. Each council will now parish and town councils provided grants have to decide whether to agree to make as well as a substantial one from DCC. such a grant according to their means. Recently there was a follow-up meeting This is an opportunity to keep the record chaired by Barnstaple Town Council, office and all the cultural gems it contains at which some parish councillors and in North Devon, where it belongs. If the representatives from most of the major records go to Exeter, we can be sure towns in North Devon were present, they will never come back to us. I would including the Mayor of Torrington, plus urge everyone to lobby their councillors the South West Heritage Trust, the local urgently (budgets are being finalised museum and the Athenaeum. At the now) to make a grant payment towards meeting it was agreed to look for funding keeping the NDRO open. for the next three years. Papers were Jon Frayne presented by the Barnstaple Town Clerk

Return of Exciting Quartet

hree years ago the Piatti Quartet gave a concert for Bideford Music Club; their performance was so full of verve, excitement and expertise they have been asked to return and give the last concert in the Club’s current season. The quartet has won numerous prizes and awards and has performed in all the foremost venues in the country, including a live BBC Radio 3 broadcast from the Wigmore Hall. It has also appeared in concerts throughout the world with national broadcasts on ABC (Australia) RTE (Ireland) France Mustique (France). Last year they jointly won second prize in the 2015 Wigmore Hall International (formerly the London International) String Competition as well as the Sidney Griller Award for the best performance of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Contusion and the St. Lawrence String Quartet Prize. They will be playing pieces by Schubert, Ravel and Beethoven and the concert will be on Wednesday 9th March at 7.30 pm at Bideford Methodist Church Hall, High Street. Tickets available at the door £13, students and children free. Any other information 01237 423112 or 01237 477242

Don’t Go On Overload!

lectricity is a major cause of accidental fires in homes. Faulty electrics, appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year. Many people have extension leads in their homes, often using 4-way bar adaptors to increase the number of sockets available. Although there is space on an adaptor to plug in four appliances, this does not mean it is always safe to do so. Different electrical appliances use different amounts of power. The Electrical Safety Council has created an easy-to-use calculator where you can plug in some typical household appliances to see the effect on the load. The calculator is intended to help you understand how you can avoid overloading your sockets and reduce the risk of fire. To use the calculator please visit our electrical safety page at www. dsfire.gov.uk .

Top tips for plugs and sockets

• Watch for signs of dangerous or loose wiring such as: scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that often blow, circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reasons and flickering lights. • Don’t overloaded sockets - plugging too many electrical appliances into one socket can lead to overheating. • Certain appliances, such as washing machines, should have a single plug to themselves, as they are high powered. • An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take, so be careful not to overload them to reduce the risk of fire. Appliances use different amounts of power - a television may use a 3amp plug and a vacuum cleaner a 5amp plug for example. • Look out for signs of badly wired plugs - any coloured wires sticking out could come loose and debris could also get into the plug making it a fire hazard. • Never cut sealed plugs off to use them again. To request free Home Safety advice call free on: 0800 0502999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit our website www. dsfire.gov.uk

Oakwell

01805

Kitchens Ltd 622614

Torrington Rugby Club

www.oakwellkitchens.co.uk

Little Torrington WI

fter the celebrations ofatChristmas, Dog Mess on the Pitch Hatherleigh Com Mayor’s carnival DiaryNew queen and herwas attendants. wives shop to their hearts’ content! th Community Information Year and our 70 Birthday, t is with regret that I have to start this month’s column is available toare see many of their re Another hectic month has passed. Dolton’s three pubs all expected The Centre to hire for Centre we settled down to an interesting with a disturbing trend that has made us stop some Community Awards. T

have torepresented benefit from the the carnival atmosphere meetings, after 4pm, Helen throughand into I the (opposite Sydney House CarofPark, talk by Jax Williams on the North Devon theThere awards wea have games recently; the removal dog mess evenings from the pitch! Townand at anmany civic influx of visitors. will be on most days, and also on next 'Panamart') Mediation Service. It was good to hear which recognise A massive part ofto being a dog owner is pickingoccasional up after them. including roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, peop Saturdays for small eventsevents, We are delighted to announce that that separating can get impartial to the made a difference The recreational pitches at Donnacroft (rugby and football) church servicesand forcouples the barbecue, candy wagon. or training days. Please see Kiz or the 'Esteem' group - to support those help at a very fraught emotional It wastime, lovelytoto at las are for people to play on, not for exercising email: dogs. kizangell@btconnect.com It is not Chairs of North Devon suffering with mental health difficulties, sort out arrangements for their children, be involved with, the District Council public land for this purpose, whereas Torrington has a lot of Your and Vote Counts! depression, fatigue, pain or anxiety their property, even the dog, in a nonFather Lawrence MacL st District public footpaths whichfrom can be exercising Charity Xmas Cards & Gifts Torridge 1 Torrington Scouts have registered has land beenand awarded grants theused for he and his family will b adversarial environment. Council. your pets. We have concerns people using thefor roadgood around the rugby Cards causes and pitch Fair with Nat West Community Force, Rural Devon Trustno (through thewith Devon our town,Meeting and the Chu We are preparing for the Group We enjoyed a trip to Bideford to asCommunity a footpath, but please keep animals on a lead and off all playing areas. This is a Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s which invites people to Foundation) and from th Vicarage tackling was a good op nd in April, their Regatta and on 10 massive and hygiene issue to all those church that useBideford these pitches facilities. November to competition from watch 2and votethis for month a local charity/ Awardshealth For All. all tothe meet them. th the craft aspect. We tackle floral art September watched the spectacular 7 December, Monday to Friday 10amcause of their choice, We can buy laptops, enabling Playing andnow Training The Co-op and aspect in March Bideford Massed Pipes and Drums, 4pm,bySaturday 10am-1pm. Over 30 with the winner and two the group to use the internet in Games have, unfortunately, stillorder beentoaffected our lovely wet winter weather, arranged March a Harvest F with visiting bands coming frommeeting all over Our next charities to select your cards from and r u is n non e rTuesday s-up being help them become an integrated and although we have managed to play a game. th Pannier Market on the UK. 8 awarded at 7.30pmain grant. the Victory Hall. Philip interesting selection of Day gifts –from Please go to th accepted part wet of our community. On an awfully day, the 1st XV They put in anan excellent display for Ladies’ not September. the 11 Barnstaple Fair is always a wellWalters (Kivells) is helping us run an parts of the world. willmany be able to engage a support that ventured out to actually worker watch any many of it due to the weather! A steadyday, 30-6 withwww.communityforce.natwest.com/ This competition, was the first supported all the “Chain Antiques Roadshow. Torrington Scout projects/ and type 1stThe to assist with form-filling, producing a win against Buckfastleigh maintained our contact with the top of the Gang” league.out Our in long one organised and I force to celebrate the appropriately, is “It belonged to box, my Group into the project name CV, searching forderby education coursesIlfracombe wasDolton Carnival awaited return local game against again cancelled last week; it think it will become a tradition of the Fair. The weather wasfor and register and vote us. potential Please get as Grandmother”. Visitors new will be able search 12 forth March. local Flaming torches, drummers, regular event on the is and now pencilled in fortoSaturday kind as we bands walked members around town, whilst many ofare your friends and family to do most welcome. voluntary or paid The group hasfor yourselves? and fireworks will give a declaration smallkick Devon Torrington calendar. Why not come upwork. and watch a game Normally athe 2.30pm off,of the opening of the so as well, as if we are successful we Shelia Kerslake is organising a coach drop-in days three times a week, (see village a weather). blaze of publicity Finally, we tried to a I’ve listed a few games below, (although subject to change due to Fair was read. Immediately after the will be able to continue our program of trip to the Lost Gardens of Heligan on diary) which include a 'listening ear', next month. formal Macmillan coffee morni March 12th – Away at Ilfracombe , Devon League game, re-arranged for thepart second of the27threfurbishment proceedings had to Scout HQ, not only April. A big coach has booked someone from the community who is Dolton’s annual andbeen in fact ended up time. finished, carnival, we dashed down to Newquay. benefitting theto Scout group, but be all happy to sit and chat, for those feeling and this is open all, so should you which dates back to Victorian th This is a wonderful cha It was time for Helen those to putwho on ahire ‘posh March 19 – Home against Devonport HSOB, Devon League game. the hall. lonely and low. interested in going please get in touch. times, will be on Guy Fawkes nd surprising that it’s so frock’ for a reception celebrating the AprilThe 2 –Centre Home against Salcombe, of the season. Fran Ashton also offers free Final legal Devon LeagueNgame Our April meeting is also to all. ight, S‘South a t u r d aWest y 5int h Bloom’ Afteropen all those coffees competition. Anyone interested in playing is more than welcome to attend on Wednesdays at advice, and tenancy and debt advice, Devon County Council is anxious to November, We which gives the Soap Kitchen shop to still had to wait until the following Donnacroft, 6.30-8pm(see for training (07780 665 378) for further by appointment, diary).or contact Rev. Adrian Avery improve road proud safety, hence the Phillips Devon who festivities anday extra spark Richard to hear the of results, and were details of games. Graham Slingo comes in for a coffee Ode to Derek Stamp interest this year. Travel at Clyst St business Mary. on 3 years of and delighted when it was Academy announced th and chat, we have30started a book Ladies’ Day,and Saturday January 60, coming Farmer Ralph Gent,that onetheof Torrington the key Representatives are to Littleto you b Congratulations inDerek BloomStamp team is had club for young people (read a great book support This day went ahead with some from our ladies. A massive thank Torrington A milestone hismeeting life, figures behind the Dowland our I on lookTuesday forward to hea won acountry Silverfair Gilt (last yearforit in was over a weekCockwill or fortnight th you to Belinda for arranging this entertaining your support is And we’ve come this far together and dog day, show in continued June, is organising you have an or a April 12 , to explain how we can go event on silver). Thank you to the committee, then come in and They chatalso raised an impressive very much appreciated. £145.45 for the club’s chosen As devoted man and wife. the spectacular finale in which £1,600want to tell me about driving Safer for Longer. In a rural area, traders and individuals who work so aboutthis it year, over Ups a drink and thank you. worth of fireworks will light up the night charity & Downs, 01805 625662, with surroundings an increasingin dependence on our or hard to enhance our cakes) on Thursdays after He’s to hold hand, If anyone would like to become involved on sky. or off the pitch, pleaseGreat contact me. You own Pauline at Watch the Council o transport, this is a my must. Torrington. We willalways soon there haveone s chire h o oour l / cfacilities o l l e g eor . sponsor O n us in a variety of And kiss me when I’m sad, The Pipe & Drum Band, Samba can ways, all help is, as always, greatly 626135. posters. the opportunity of for meeting the judges Saturdays, gents can sit Mydo soul mate for so many years, Band and Torrington Allstar R appreciated. to find Majorettes out how we can even better For more information please ringCouncillor our and read friend I’ve everRyder, had. on 01805 will all be taking part in next the parade C’mon Torrie.with a coffee, or – our challenge isBest GOLD!! Secretary, Sheena buy books from our charity through07976 the village, Rob Bewes, 066 440,along Club Chairman. Ourwith lastmany out-of-town 439087.engagement bookshop 'Book Relief UK', while their We met when I was “just 18”,New Buildings or R brightly-lit floats, including this year’s Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship. 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et Together Friends continue to 9 here were a good number of us for this month’s meeting. monthly TBC). lunch with and Our topic wasand ‘Treasure’ and we heard a£1.50 diverse soft toys, curtains bedding (not theirtheir experiences to understand about their natural selfwas in 21,share enjoy Players w And Der time Thurs 9.30-11.30am, perrange film events and Marcia and Val treasures. Our first offering was a piece of duvets oforliterary pillows). You can use any sustainable technologies like PV relation to the natural world is a really Marks instead of We’ve been together all these years, family. Wendy 01805 623214 also held couple ofstoves, ‘Beetle Drives’, bin bag tointerest, donate tracing your items. panels, internal aspect historical the jewels of Henry sixth wife,of child development. beetle design, an And we have ahave grown upwood son.a burning Rosemary Conley dietimportant &VIII’s exercise Bags2School will followed be collecting from andtoexternal wall insulation, secondary Children will about develop greater due their success there include is another e 10am-5pm @ Little Catherine. This was by a short, butYears powerful, poem ancient Peruvian Fairtrade Class, Bluecoat Early Centre Great Torrington School on Thursday glazing and more. Although many knowledge and understanding of the ory Hall,child hot sacrifices snacks planned at the end of March/beginning of Grou to the gods, whose mummified bodies have been found preserved in The next We’d like to have a special day 6.30-7.45pm every Thurs Wendy st May at 9am. Please bring your 16thhigh people can be put off by the words world around them; ranging from 5 622304 April look out for event notices displayed November. Tuesday 8th Nove On the 21 the mountain areas. In a very different mood was our next piece, a sweet tale of 01237 424787 bags to girls the school car park at the rear and sustainable, growing seeds and old watching them zaar 2pm @little Chulmleigh A day that’s just like him, PloughthisArts C inrenewable the Bickford Centre. two searching for treasure on the beach, helped by a kind man who keptspecial, Slimming World TVSC every Thurs of book the sports hall and Sara-Jane weekend of dates: open homes isalong, set to lift turning fruit heand avilion,treasure to table will long remember. or for m Future diary in his hotel to5.30 behelp placed there forRoberts them to 01805 find. into flowers, Which & 7.30pm Bev st money towards her trip. We will that concern. vegetables to understanding why 0723 raise Emma on 01805 “Simple Pleasures” 624955 was a poem urging us to value the simple things in life that 1 March - lunch at Torridge Vale (change do often a collection for such anyone bookofaLangtree) visit to see one of these worms and important Being such man, fromTo venue Rugby Training Donnacroft every bees we take forservice granted, as who theatglory of a setting sun. Aare post-war tale ofinaa quiet is unable to to bring their bag7pm, or bags to wenature. to theour website Heevacuated doesn’t want ast March fuss, - film go Thurs clubhouse open 8pm 21households club at Plough, woman going find her ‘treasures’, which are led to believe are her two ethodistthe Church school car park by phoning 01805 www.bidefordsustain.org/seeinggreen Through hands on interaction, But we really ought to celebrate, Writers,she Poets children, or family members hadand lost Listeners touch with,7.30pm was then read to us. Another showing the new Dad’s Army film. Martin Goord, 7pm 624787. Please phone prior to the or call Jolene on 01237 474Centre 123. on a children will develop a great sense of the Cos means World to us. Plough Please visit the Bickford offering then urged us@tothe treasure our senses, and all the joys they offer us he in life. A collection date. empathy with the natural world and will lovely @ poem considered treasure as the welfare of mankind, rather than wealth, using Tuesday to book either of the above. e 10am-5pm Little I would appreciate Fri your2 help to raise learn to truly appreciate Love and respect you Der Aikido Black Belt for GTS Student GTF is going well and unfortunately, the analogy of Jesus healing the paralysed man and the miracle of health he was ory Hall,funds, hot snacks for me to be Pannier able to go on this Market the very beautiful Bric-a-Brac every Fri place we call home, Ros & Hamilton School student Ollie dueGreat to itsTorrington own success, it has been blessed with. “The Ghost Road” is a beautiful poem about the paths we take and the s 01805 622304 ‘once in a life time’10am-4pm World Challenge Torrington. Staines has become the first junior suggested that the lunches may have to choices make. final piece that we heard wassessions about treasuring those we love O' Connor - Blujawe tour+ adventure. . . . TheAllsorts The began on Thursday Childrens’ Club, Bluecoat member of Torrington Aikido Fairtrade th be offered first to those over 60yrs living in who are no longer with us, and how we often wish we’d said things to them while we heds) 7.30pm @ The 25 1.30– 3pm. Infants Thank Schoolyou, every FriApril 6.30-8pm, club to obtain his with blackMarcia belt. As part of aTorrington, successful ‘Wine and but please check had the chance. Sara-Jane Vanstone If you are interested in signing up to School years 1-6 Morag 01805 625510 Fund R recently completed his Wisdom’ evening, theOllie as Fairtrade spaces may be available Our next meeting will be on Plus Thursday 3rdPersons’ March 2016 Torrington Conservative become partat of Grow ‘Little Buds’ each month Allsorts Young Club, In aikido grading on Saturday Steering Group for suggestions all. (If only we could find larger venues Club at – 7.30pm, when the subject will be “The of March” Bluecoat or “March winds”. For forasked th please contact Children’s Bluecoat School every Friwinds 8-9pm years Grow ‘Little Buds’ The March and is now the 16 for in town!) furt her r by Torrington Girl Also Fairtrade watch out for a table top further information please contact01805 our website torringtonwriters.co.uk. Centre on 01805 625830. 6-9 Morag 625510 proud owner of 1st Shodan black belt. Growing plants and promotions in Torrington. Chemot @ The Pannier Market sale being held soon next month. Nikki Whiting Christmas Fair 5-7pm @ Torrington in 2006 and trains New discovering nature is a One Ollie ideastarted was Aikido reducedstalls, tombola & loads Junior School stalls £5 Seeing 01805 623240 Green times tea a week wonderful way to spend pricethree Fairtrade and in both Therethewill be me Volunteers River Health Check Barnstaple and Torrington time with yourGive children, coffee for clubs and staff- club. How Can You Make Local Talent Night atStone Village H Sat 3 as theynetwork marvel ofin 50 thelocal volunteers is now rooms. This is something November 10am Pannier General Market every Sat Energy Efficient? Your Home The Clinton Hall im' (12A) 8pm @ ThetheDevon miracle of natural helping Wildlife Trust to survey we are keen to do, especially as one of for the new chem Getting Older? 10am–4pm Many people are worried about their he goals Clintonis Hall, Merton world. In ‘Little we will be theGrow health of Buds’ the River Torridge. The the Fairtrade Town to Good isquality Finding It Harder To Hear? Christmas Fair stalls, fuel coffees, bills,lunches worried about how they can hosting a ‘Local Talent Night’ growing collected many different edible plants samples by 10am-2pm the volunteers are helping encourage clubs, societies, community books, bric-a-bra St Michaelsafford Church Come along and join the Hearing to heat their homes during the (and flowers!) our garden over the and lighttosupper Friday 1st groups and staff-rooms use on home-made identify pollutioninincidents and inform the future light Loss Support Group in Torrington winter. Bideford Sustainability Group is (U) 8pmseasons @ The Plough and exploring Fairtrade refreshments. April at 7.30 pm. Come along be be and available. of river restoration work. Sun how 4 to use enjoy a cuppa and friendly company. helping you find the answers to this them healthy recipes. ComeChurch along So, our special offer is a by £5 local package entertained talent. Among Sincein the Riverfly Partnership begantoof in the 2013, Catholic Holyimportant Family Informal monthly ‘get together’ at the the most question. Over the Bluecoat Children’s Centre to enjoy tea entertainers bags, a jar of Devonshire th th containing 100many Mass every Sun 9.15am we have with the support of –Devon Wildlife Trust and Par For Th and 19 May, many Bickford Centre on the third Tuesday weekend 18 someDevon healthy outside time, andsamples help coffee, 100 sugar sticksbyandAndrew a packetMillman from Baptist Church 10.30am Creative around Bideford Dialect North Biosphere, over 290 have householders and its every month at 2pm. Book creategathered. and taste your edible of biscuits. TheWoolsery. normal Tickets cost of are these st th £7.50 per18person been We’reChurch now own looking forwardsurroundings to another successful May, are opening up their Next quarter dates:- 21 My new sportin garden. items would be over £8, so this is a Michael’s Church Sung Mass & you to be booked advance forworld catering season in 2016. This St. work forms part of our homes Northern Nature 2013 June, 16th Julyin to Devon show what can be done of Devon g ral MarketChildren every Thurs will be able to play, explore, significant saving. Please contact us purposes. contact The Clinton Improvement Area. IfSermon people every wouldSun like10am totofind out more, get consumption Lyn - SeePlease Hear Centre reduce your or energy Over which was discover and learn about the beauty of offer. Torrington Community Church Hall 01805 603300 or Janet Nancekivell involved in the Torridge Riverfly Project, they from can email Izzy Moser at to take up this special Office: 01271 373 236 the grid. Village Cricket C Toddler Group nature at as they interact with the wild We will be holding a Fairtrade ‘Beetle Bluecoat Infants School every 0180507831 603271. imoser@devonwildlifetrust.org. Mobile: 515 809 ThereSun are numerous householders th on Lords. tist Church termandevery natural world. Supporting children November, 7pm (venue Drive’ on 12 11am Karen 01805 622866 Visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org. seehearnd@livingoptions.org generously giving up their time to

011

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Wed 6.30-8pm Shirley content! Lee 01805 carnival queen and her attendants. wives shop to their hearts’ Fri 4 Information yyour the evening way itCommunity had recycle their cardboard -625965 place it in safely for future generations. will been be Dolton’s pubs areMarket all expected The Centre is available to hire for Pannierthree Bric-a-Brac every Fri Centre omevolunteers of their poems your new brownisbag and put out for The committee now working hard our alonghave all Weight Watchers @ The to benefit from the carnival atmosphere meetings, after 4pm, through into the 10am-4pm (opposite Sydney House Car Park, lay in the Plough. Their collection with your bottles, cans and raising funds for some bright new urage and ensure your Conservative every 6.30and an influx of visitors.Devon There will be a evenings on mostClub days, andWed also on Allsorts Childrens’ Club, Bluecoat Roselyn, Shebbear. next was well written that newspapers. curtains to give the hall a7.30pm, fresh new es. so There’s a walk fortoI 'Panamart') Berni 01837 811172 roundabout, trampoline, fish and chips, occasional Saturdays for small events Infants School every Fri 6.30-8pm, delighted to As announce that note can I wish efforts should beof Community, a parting Aare Listing Social look. mir five toWe18 miles! Free English Course for Adults GTS barbecue, and candy wagon. or training days. Please see Kiz or School years 1-6 Morag 01805 625510 thecircle. 'Esteem' group - everybody to support those yhments a wider I Fundraising have a May Fair and and Events in happy the Why not come and join interm-time the fun on will be provided Weds 7-9pm. Learn the email: kizangell@btconnect.com Allsorts Plus Young Persons’ Club, arch already – where on earth has time gone? It has been frantic in the suffering with mental healthApril difficulties, ed them to come along to Friday keeping my fingers crossed for towards L2(GCSE=) for 7.30pm) when 26th (7 your walk, Stagecoach Torrington and Surrounding basics or aim Your Vote Counts! Bluecoat School every Fri 8-9pm years rescue, with lots of requests to take dogs in. It is even busier than usual depression, fatigue, pain or anxiety the Planning – and warmth! st wesunshine are celebrating St George’s Night. be on hand atCommittee the endDistrict qualification. Jayne Doyle& 0797 687 Areas. Charity Xmas Cards Gifts 6-9 Morag 01805 625510 1 Torrington Scouts have registered at this time of year, and it’s really disappointing for Aunty Lynne and her has been awarded grants from the Best wishes you all. Council, present their You will be assured of7985 ato or warm ck to yourtostarting point. 01237 Concert @what Wembworthy Cards for good causes and dogs Fairaway, with Nat West Community Force, volunteers to have to472462 turn so many not knowing their futureParish will be. Rural Trust (through the Devon Cllr Mrs Margaret Brown in person. Arrangements welcome and fun-filled evening with are hoping toDevon provide Langtree Unites Netball Club Weds th Church 7.30pm free entry, collection Trade gifts will be on sale in St. Mary’s which invites people to Community Foundation) and from Mayor of Torrington April at ade for this on 24 Can you give Dixie a retirement home? With no vet bill worries… nd 7-8pm, Seniors hot food and entertainment. All for from long the way and more eveBideford term-time (Juniors for church funds, 01769 580241 November to church 2 vote for a local charity/ Awards For All. (If each. you have views on of theour useold of favourites Dixie, (formerly Foxy) has . The by future is theirs, and £7.50 One th details). (Seeany diary for ses’ some of our 8-9.30pm)@ Torrington sports hall. Music 'Glencause Tilbrook' The December, Monday to Friday 10am7the of 8pm their @choice, can hands now buy funds laptops, enabling from the sale ofsadly Eric Palmer t it will be We in good been returned to the rescue, as her owner for the Tessa 07971 083 510 Plough 4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. Over 30 with the winner and two the group to use the internet in order to Tue 1 Centre, and would like to share them in to the ideas they have past 15 months isSilver now seriously ill and is unable to look as proved to be very Torrington Band 8Torrington Uncovered Exhibition charities to select your cardspractice from and runtil u n nSaturday e r s - u p 26th b eNov. ing helpyear them become an andon Story time 10–10.30am in Library Theintegrated Crier, please send letters to e hope this will be after her, so she is now living in Aunty Lynne’s office. I a grant. 9.30pm, Nick 01805 622150 st th The Cucumber Sunlight Company an interesting selection of gifts from awarded Please go to A New Book accepted part of our community. They Tues of every month for under 5's 1 torrington.crier@gmail.com, or drop Isure was again y 30SoMarch, er. make you am amazed atofhow is, being 12 or 13! She will 'The Hedgehog' (12A) 8pm @ 'Unguiding' preview 7pm tonight @ The many parts the active world. she www.communityforce.natwest.com/ Cheeky Charlie is the name, My book about Torrington isFilm finally will be able to engage a support worker Fitness League taster classes every them into the Library, thanks) gh for the Dream Kidz friends, family and play ball ages, and then, being somewhat projects/ of anPlough older Thefor Plough and type 1st Torrington Scout onThe its to assist with producing a Tues 10-11am @ Plough Michele and looking for his aform-filling, home isway! the game! dof getJoseph your registration lady, she sleeps for most of the day, especiallyGroup if she can into the project name box, searching courses I I’m have written as aThu series 422195 07527406743 Dreamcoat. Sold forfor oreducation My01237 bags are packed, ready to go it Town Dolton Carnival 3 of close Great Torrington Council ong withCV, your entryout fee. Satand 5 vote for us. Please get as curl up somewhere to you and get the odd cuddle! register and will be able to search for local questions that newcomers are likely to 1st Torrington Guides every Tues at ery performance, this was the time goes slow Flaming torches, drummers, bands Waiting in kennels Pannier General Market every Thurs otocopy the forms and Pannier every Unfortunately she doesn’t like other dogs very much, Notice of Annual Meeting of the many of yourGeneral friends Market and family to Sat do ask about Torrington and itswill give a small Devon orand work. The groupfun has Torrington Club 7-8.30pm Linda and 10am–4pm evening of and fireworks All Imusic want ispaid aRugby cuddle and some ound tovoluntary friends 10am–4pm probably because she is frightened of them. Other than so as well, as if we are successful we Town Council days three times a in week, (see the answers, surroundings and of Toddler Masterson 01805 623212 byregister the drop-in young of running village a blaze Group of publicity Out ofpeople prison and the sun Little Fishes an and pay onFilm 'Crazy, Stupid Love' (ctba) 8pm that, she isthose the perfect companionatfor someone who will be able to continue our program of diary) which include a 'listening ear', Notice is herby given that: varying length and detail, to Beaver Group boys & girls 6-8yrs e really are very lucky to next month. Torrington Baptist Church every termSo many people have passed me by ightwalk.co.uk. Please @ The Plough has a secure garden, doesn’t want to walk too much but refurbishment to Scout HQ, not only someone from the community who is questions. There are 64 sections on The Annual Meeting and every term-time Tues @ Scout Hut, lent‘Early in Torrington. The so I know not why Dolton’s annual £1.50 carnival, time Thurs 9.30-11.30am, per I try entry to be fee good 10 Bird’ benefitting the Scouthome group, all would like some If you are able to offer her a6retirement thenbut please happy to the sitof and chat, for those feeling different topics and 160family. black andcompany. Inauguration of theover Mayor of the above 4.30-5.45pm Anne Lewis, ding till ovations at end which dates back to Victorian Sun Wendy 01805 623214 dogs but I love aBeaver hug April and ame 1st Scared those who hire the hall. do ring Aunty Lynne on 07971 461 806. Dixie (or Foxy as we still call her) will be – and low. named Town Council will be held at the white photographs. I hope that, astimes, well 01805 601580 ormances and there are will be on Fawkes Catholic Church of the Holy Family Rosemary Conley dietGuy & exercise fee willlonely beLeader £15, so How can you resist my cheeky mug? Fran Ashton th covered by our 4EverFocus foster scheme, which means that K9focus will cover all The Centre also offers free legal as providing a guide for visitors, this Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington Spiritual Healing 3-4.30pm & 7-9pm. hem on another i g h t , Early S a t uYears r d a yCentre 5 Mass every Sun 9.15am Class,NBluecoat entry putting in fast! Call Charlie on 07825 314 475 or visit th vet bills so no need to worry on that count. advice, and tenancy and debt advice, book will contain plenty of material that May 2013 at 7pm. on Tuesday 14 Frithelstockstone, 01805 622883 in June for those that November, Baptist Church 10.30am Creative 6.30-7.45pm everywhich Thurs gives Wendythe www.k9focus.co.uk 2016 isthe going to be an another busy year for K9focus, with events including our dog ofThe interest to townspeople. by to appointment, (see diary). Rev. meeting is open to public Bingo Taddiportis Village Hall every ky enough get tickets festivities extra spark of Church 01237 424787 prung atGraham th comes in are forlike a coffee I would towelcome. take this opportunity toWorld who most show andthis fun year. day on 10TVSC Julyevery at Castle Hill House, Filleigh. was a great event last& Tues, eyes down 7.30pm nd. A huge thankSlingo you to to ItDerek Stamp interest St.Ode Michael’s Church Sung Mass Slimming Thurs ton and chat, and we have started book Tighe, Town Clerk thank all thea Michael local who have Rugby Training at Donnacroft everypeople year, despite the dreadful weather, and with The Voice radio again this year, ston and Liz Harris and Derek Stamp isjoining 60,Sunus10am Farmer Gent, one of the key Sermon every 5.30 &Ralph 7.30pm Bev Roberts 01805 Dolton Fair clubTues for Spring young (read bookthis itbook rops have helped me awrite bybehind giving 7pm promises to bethe a great day. We also fair have our annual ballinbooked Barnstaple e production team for allpeople A milestone his life, at TheChurch figures Dowland country Torrington Methodist 624955 th me olton Village is 8pm overFilm a week or Hall fortnight ek primroses generously of providing 'Troll Hunter' (15) @ their The time, and effort. Hotel on 19 November, which is going to have a Hollywood theme, so if you6.30 are And we’ve come this far together and dog show in June, is organising Great Torrington May Fair 10.30am Rev Mark Gilberson, Rugby Training at Donnacroft every come withchat informationst and lending me their clubhouse holding its Spring Plough cheof daffodils fundsthen from the salein of and thinking of somewhere to go for your Christmas party, look no further – book early as As devoted man and wife. the spectacular finale in which £1,600th Rev Graham Slingo Thurs 7pm, open 8pm & and Carnival Everyone 1 to 4 IMay 2013 thphotographs. about it received over a 16 drink top of have spoken Fair on Saturday, April erthe Centre, I have worth of fireworks will light up the night tickets sell fast. Film 'Way of the Morris' (12A) 4.30pm Writers, Poets and Listeners 7.30pm Great Torrington’s May Fair & cakes) on 2Thursdays after oaching the Wed has shown an interest in the project from 12-3pm. Thereto will of letters, e-mails and He’s@ always there to hold hand, and sky. Theincome Plough Our charity shop at Appledore brings much-needed into themy rescue, @ the Plough Carnival is a time for fun, laughter Little Tadpoles stay & play session s burst casking h o oof linto / cstalls o l lae gselling e and . n enjoyed bout tobe IO have talking toChristmas you all.toand alls all Father lots plants, sweets, And kiss meare when I’m sad, The Pipe &everyone Drum stalls Band, Samba Bazaar teas 2so thank you who &has donated items. We in need of volunteers to we all hope great weather!! However, every term-time Wed 1-3pm Mon 7 for so Torrington Uncovered will Torrington beMethodist Saturdays, gents can sit play of spring colour. reconsider the decision jewellery, paintings, and01805 My soul mate years, Band and Allstar Majorettes 3.30pm @ Hall £1 entry both promote the shop and work with ourtostudents – especially on many Mondays, Tuesday itcards can also bemuch a time when we see an 622747 Stretch &each Tone every Mon at The and read with a coffee, or has hit the Victory Hall available from the weekend following e Trustees. Town Best friend I’ve ever had. will all be taking part in the parade more, The together with aincrease cafe selling hot include refreshments, morning and Fridays. If you can spare a couple of hours week then please do antilaunch social behaviour, 3rd Torrington Brownies atin the Plough 10.30-11.30am, Samina 01837 buy books from our charity fireproof doors to the May Fair, after on Saturday agreed to write on behalf through the village, along with many drinks and delicious snacks. Sellers, to Film 'Kill List' (18) 8pm @ The Plough call and let us know. It is fun and the added bonus is that coffee and cake is thrown in! drinking, violence and Torrington Baptist Hall, every 682811 or 07974 43318”, 156 bookshop 'Book Relief UK', their May atwhile the term-time Plough. rds been installed 4thunderage nity.have met when was Woofs “just brightly-lit floats, including thisSee year’s book a table contact 01805 804108. you nextWe month. LicksI and Miss NewJessica Buildings or R criminal damage! Moira Brewer re Parish can Records R.PITTS in the Torridge now Then cal

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Please Support North Devon Hospice & Big Breakfast 2016!

ig Breakfasts have been popping up all over North Devon, giving you the chance to enjoy the most important meal of the day with family, friends, neighbours or colleagues, whilst also raising vital funds for your local hospice. Please come along and support your local Big Breakfasts at: Langtree Village Hall Sunday 13th March 9am-12.30pm, delicious Big Breakfast including cereal, fruit, tea/coffee and toast. £7 donation, everyone welcome. Laurels Inn, Petrockstowe, Saturday 2nd April 9.30am-2pm, £6 donation for tasty Big Breakfast, including tea/coffee and toast, everyone welcome. You can be sure of a warm welcome, so please support our Big Breakfast organisers if you can. The money raised through Big Breakfast, which is generously sponsored by Phillip Dennis Foodservice, will help North Devon Hospice care for local people who are suffering from the impact of cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. All hospice services are provided completely free of charge, but it costs £4million each year to care in this way. This is only possible thanks to the ongoing support of the local people of North Devon, so by attending your local Big Breakfast event, you will be helping us support people in your own community. For more information, please visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk, or call Gerard Fawcitt on 01271 347224.

Are You a Military Veteran?

Have you got experience of mental health services?

ilitary veterans across the South West are being asked to share their experiences of mental health services to help the NHS uncover and treat problems better. Issues such as anxiety, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be common among ex-forces personnel. But they continue to have a stigma attached, meaning some don’t access the NHS treatment they need in civilian life. To raise awareness and improve the dedicated care available in the area, NHS England is asking local armed forces veterans and their families to complete an online survey. Dr Jonathan Leach, Chair of NHS England’s Armed Forces and their Families Clinical Reference Group, said: “On leaving the armed forces, most people successfully transition back into civilian life. But some individuals can experience very traumatic situations whilst serving in the military before facing the additional challenges of moving back into civilian life, all of which can take a severe toll. We are asking for feedback from veterans, their families and NHS specialists so that the right care and support is available early and easily for those who need it.” Visit: www.engage.england.nhs. uk/survey/veterans-mental-health-services. The deadline is 5pm on 31st March 2016.

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Thanks from the Friends of Torrington Bluecoat

he Friends of Torrington Bluecoat would like to extend their thanks to the local businesses that made donations towards their Christmas Fayre. S&G Carpets, Budgens, Tarka Outdoor Pursuits, The Globe, Squires Electrical, The Soap Kitchen, Royal Exchange, Dotty’s, Torrington Jewellers, Instant images, Obsessions, Hair We Are, Steve Gladwin, Bond Oxborough Philips, The Classy Canine, Waghorn’s Wheels, Jayne Poole, Torrington Tandoori, Kiora Fish and Chip shop, Yau’s House, Ray Toms and Kat’s Cakes The fayre was a great success and raised over £1800, an amazing result! We had a fantastic performance from Streetz, a debut performance from the Torrington Bluecoat Primary School Choir and a wonderful collection of festive songs from Torrington Silver Band. We were delighted that Santa was able to make time in his very busy schedule to come along and make the evening complete. We were also very lucky to have the Mayor come along and support our charity for which we were very grateful. All funds are ploughed straight back into the school to help with subsidising trips and experiences. We were also delighted that on this occasion some of the money raised went towards improving the school Yurt and making it usable for the children. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole community for their continued support and wish you all the best in 2016. FoTB Committee,fotb@bluecoat-primary. org

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British Native Wild Flowers to Grow in Your Garden Iris pseudoacorus

his is one of our most handsome wild flowers, commonly known as Yellow Flag, and when seen growing en masse it can be a spectacular site. Tall and stately, up to 150cm (60ins), the bright yellow flowers appear in twos or threes, up to a dozen or so per stem, from May-July, the outer petals or falls sometimes delicately veined with purple. The leaves are typically sword-shaped and evergreen. Yellow Flag is an iris of marshy ground, stream-sides, bogs and lakes, where it flourishes and it can be found growing on Torrington Common. It is a robust perennial, with fleshy rhizomes which have adapted to grow in waterlogged soils where there is little or no oxygen available. A black dye can be obtained from the rhizomes. Like all rhizomatus irises, Yellow Flag can become over-crowded after a few years and should be dug out and divided, keeping the strongest rhizomes and discarding the older, weaker parts. If your garden has an area that is poorly drained, or if you are lucky enough to have a stream flowing through, then Yellow Flag would make an impressive addition to the area, alongside other moisture-loving plants such as Meadowsweet and Purple Loosestrife. There is another native iris, Iris foetidissima, commonly called the Stinking Iris or Roast-Beef Plant and is a much smaller plant, up to 60cm (24ins) in height. The flowers are greyish-violet or occasionally pale yellow and the plant has conspicuous scarlet seeds. This iris is most commonly found growing on sand dunes, scrubby areas, woods and hedgerows in the south-west, so a completely different environment from Yellow Flag. Fleur

Great Torrington WI

esolutions time again! Our Institute has voted for “Appropriate care in hospitals for people with dementia”, but it is how women make their choices across the county that will decide what Devon will finally vote for at the NFWI AGM at Brighton in June. This month there is a cooking demonstration and two course lunch at Petroc Tiverton on the 2nd March, and a beginners watercolours course on the 5th at Halwill Junction. A literary lunch “The Spirit of John Betjeman” at Uplowland on the 15th March and mosaics at Barnstaple on the 20th are also available. There will be no ‘coffee and chat’ this month as the fourth Friday is Good Friday. You will find us though, at 7pm on Wednesday March 9th at the Methodist Hall, Torrington where you will be welcome to join us for one of Peter Christie’s informative talks. Please ring our President Daphne Metherell on 01805 622876 for more details.

Farming Charity Plough Service

congregation of a hundred were at Torrington Methodist Church on Sunday January 10th for the Farming Community Network Devon’s Annual Plough Service. The Chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr. Christine Channon, the Deputy Mayor of Torrington and the Chairman of Devon NFU, Mr Jim Stephens of Crediton, gathered with local farming families and friends to enjoy this celebration. The service was led by Rev. Ken Morgan, the Minister, and the speaker was Rev. Philip Wagstaff of Okehampton. Local YFC members carried the plough into the church. A collection of over £400 was given for both FCN’s work in Devon and the Farming Rural Fund, which supports farmers and the rural community throughout the county. The service was followed by a wonderful tea provided by the ladies of the Methodist Church. Colin Reed FCN Service Secretary

Torrington Library’s Christmas Surprise Winner!

he lucky winner of the hidden £10 book token in our ‘Christmas Surprise’ books was Pauline Everingham. We wrapped some carefully selected library books to tempt our members to try something different and had a positive response with some readers requesting further titles by their ‘surprise’ author. Lisa D’Alberti, Torrington Library

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Sun 20 Firstly, we’d like Torrington Methodist Church to say well done 10.30am Rev Peter Whatton, 6.30pm to Daisy Grundy Rev 9 David in Year whoMorris has Torridge afternoon walk 5 been chosen Ramblers to miles 01409 253462 play in the Junior Film 'Midnight in Paris' (12A) 7pm @ Devon Chess Team. The Plough What an amazing Tue 22 We achievement. Film 'Sylvia Pankhurst Everything is are all very proud Possible' 8pm @ The Plough of her. Wed 23 Watching North Devon Humanists meeting at

Fremington Parish Hall (Annex) Watching 7.30pm Barry 01237 474225 or David 01237 477851 (no meeting in You are my role model, December) My eyes are glued to you. Seasonal Bingo Parent Friends Harmonized to you. Assoc. GTS, Wherever you@go, I go.doors open 7pm, eyes down 7.45pm finish 9pm approx I am your tail. I am your shadow.

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Watching Probus Club meet 10.15am @ The Horse SinceBlack my eyes unlocked and your sky eyes Abbeyfield Xmas Coffee Morning were on me, @ Glenholding Tor, Villa It has 10.30-12pm never been gravity me Rd down AGM Buildings Preservation Trust - it’s you! (Town Project) Methodist People say itHall is good when7pm sisters get on. Church So, I am good. Red Cross Shop vintage retro 3-day Watching event I would watch become mermaid Film 'Theyou Salt of Life'a(12A) 8pmin @an underwater world. The Plough You would vault into the shimmering Friwater 25 and laugh, sapphire Christmas Bingo eyes down 7.30pm As you had fun with others. @ Torrington I craved to join in. Junior School Theatre ' Fannying Around'- A Fanny Doing is for life and not just Christmas 8pm Toddling, to the tonight andedge. tomorrow night @ The Coming to join you. Coming to become a mermaid too. The water called me in… Drowning

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time Thurs 9.30-11.30am, £1.50 per InPlough Year 8 Drama with MrorPluckrose, each class is duvets pillows). family. You can use 01805 anyexploring relationthe to the natural wo Wendy 623214 social oftoadonate fictional ‘end society’ disaster such bin bag your items. of Conley aspect of child Satand 26 human aspects Rosemary dietimportant & exercise as aTable viralTop zombie outbreak, alien invasion or robots taking control.will Bags2School will be collecting from Children devel Sale 10am-5pm @ Little Class, Bluecoat Early Years Centre Each group Victory then focuses onTorrington one key School moment of this and creates aand understa on Thursday knowledge Torrington Hall,Great hot snacks 6.30-7.45pm every Thurs Wendy performance from focusing empathy 9am. Please bring your 16th Mayonatcharacter, world around them; r available 01805 622304 01237relationships, 424787 to the school car park at the rear growing seeds and w andChristmas social habits in2pm a bags world where there is no law, no government Bazaar @ Chulmleigh Slimming World TVSC every Thurs of book the sports hall and help Sara-Jane turning into flowers, Field Pavilion, to table andPlaying no moral consequences. In their home Scott and Olivia 5.30 &learning 7.30pm Bev Roberts 01805 raisereal money towards624955 her trip. society We will has vegetables Paul 01769fictional 580723 and researched situations where broken to unders do a collection service for anyone who worms and down. Rugby Training at Donnacroft every bees are

Sun 27

is unable to bring their bag7pm, or bags to nature. Thurs clubhouse open 8pm

Torrington Methodistthe Church school car park by phoning 01805 Through hands Writers, Poets and Listeners 7.30pm Film 10.30am Rev Martin Goord, 7pm

on 624787. Please phone prior to the children will develop a g @ the Plough tInspire is not a coincidence that many children’s films warn us about the breakdown of collection date. empathy with the natural society. It isSale their 10am-5pm way of trying teach morals to the younger generation for the Table Top @to Little I would appreciate Fri your2 help to raise learn to truly appreciate benefit of all. Nor is it chance that theytooften mirror life this events and near misses. Torrington Victory Hall, hot snacks funds, for me be Pannier able to real go on the very beautiful Bric-a-Brac Market every Fri place w In Wall E we are warned about people too 10am-4pm many earth’s resources, creating too available details 01805 622304 ‘once in a using life time’ WorldofChallenge Torrington. much wasteHazel and industry causing world these areClub, veryThe real problems began Music O' Connor - Blujapollution. tour+ adventure. . . . In today’s sessions Allsorts Childrens’ Bluecoat (Tensheds) @solutions The that support society currently has7.30pm very few to. Infants Thank 25th 1.30– 3pm. Schoolyou, every FriApril 6.30-8pm, Plough Outbreak shows us the very real reality of the devastating effects viruses, either Sara-Jane Vanstone If you are interested in School years 1-6 of Morag 01805 625510 natural or man-made. This has been evidenced in history Plus with the outbreak of theClub, Plague become part of Grow Allsorts Young Persons’ Mon 28 please contact (Black Death) in 1347 whenGrow more –than 20 million people died. In more times parts Blueco Bluecoat School everyrecent Fri 8-9pm years ‘Little Buds’ Christmas Fair by Torrington Girl Centre on 01805 625830. 6-9 Morag 01805 625510 of the world 6-8pm have seen thePannier destruction toplants life caused by Ebola. Growing and Guides @ The Market Christmas Fair 5-7pm @ Torrington It is Santa's well known thatstalls, meteors hit the&earth, in factisit is what wiped discovering nature a believed that this was grotto, tombola loads Junior School stalls meteors £5 Seeing 01805 623240 Green out all the dinosaurs when the atmosphere was changed after huge struck the wonderful way to spend more, all welcome time children, earth. Many films have used thiswith as ayour plot, Deep Impact shows us the moral struggle of Make How Can You Sat 3 Tue 29 as well as that as of they marvelman. in the those in power everyday Pannier General Market every Sat Energy Eff Your Home Nim' (12A) 8pm @of Thethe natural miracle BothFilm Meet'Project the Robinson’s and Robots make a point about the greed of a Many few and their 10am–4pm people Plough ‘Little Buds’ we will This be is demonstrated in are worrie need for power and control world. leadingIntoGrow the breakdown of society. Christmas Fair stalls, coffees, lunches fuel bills, worried about growing edible plants of millions across WW2 when30 Hitler and the Nazi partymany causeddifferent the10am-2pm death and suffering St Michaels Church afford to heat their hom Wed (and flowers!) terror in ourwould garden the across the world. Europe. we hadn’t(U) won the haveover spread winter. Bideford Sustaina FilmIf'Tomboy' 8pm @war, TheHitler’s Plough seasons and exploring how to use Sun All of these lessons are taught to us from a young age,4but do we learn helping from them? you find the an them in healthy recipes. ComeChurch along toof the Holy Family Catholic Scott Year 8 questio mostDaniel, important Bluecoat Children’s –Centre to enjoy th Mass every Sun 9.15am and 19th weekend 18 some healthy outside time, Church and help Baptist 10.30am Creative around Bid householders Syria create and taste Church your own edible surroundings are open a good example of why a society might breakdown. Thuhe1crisis in Syria is garden. St. Michael’s Church homes Sung Mass & you what to by show Bashar Al-Assad, Syria’s president, is a dictator who controls his country Pannier General MarketChildren every Thurs will be able to play, explore, Sermon every Sun 10am to reduce making the people discover do things and against their will.the President Assad doesn’t thinkyour the energy 10am–4pm learn about beauty of Torrington Community Church from the grid. Little Fishes Group at nature as ofthey interact the Syrian people are Toddler entitled to freedom speech whichwith is aInfants basicwild human Bluecoat Schoolright. every ThereSun are numerous every termandbecause natural world.people Supporting children The Torrington society hasBaptist brokenChurch down some that president Assad is a 11ambelieve Karen 01805 622866 generously giving up t bad man and shouldn’t be in power. These people are known as rebel forces and they fight for change and their rights, against President Assad’s army. This breakdown in society has caused a civil war which has resulted in many innocent civilians being killed and towns and cities ruined. Thousands of Syrians have fled their country because of fearing for their lives and quality of life. Olivia Seward, Year 8

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27 and Free Advice 21 13 Contact Geoff Williams on: chapters of Jasper’s novel? community once again The Denys Yonge Trust OPEN 10 – 4few MOST DAYS , May Fair, Carnival & Bank Holidays mobile phones. appearance of the car park (South selling cakes, prese New National Police Non- St)404406 01805 623157 / 07971 in a position to announ The Churchwardens, trustees of the The number to call much improved and more welcoming drinks. So please come Barry 01805 iswww.monkleighgarage.co.uk 622 604 Emergency Telephone success in the near fu

Denys Trust, likeLuckily to his hasSquadron not changed. to visitors; beds would maintained by good causes your supp to be ‘the boring stuff’, he would get Yonge a those couldn’t find them. Number Huge recognition ha inform the readers of The Crier, in case the Traffic Control Officer (Colin) are For further informatio hen Ted was younger he would mere 10 hours’ flying experience and Leader had seen them and was flying on th Fr om 19 Se pt em b er 20 11 , all the volunteers th in tolast month’s also much improved’. The Commons 01237 423292, lie in his field and he would then he would be sent to thethey frontwere line. misinformed a course intercept the invaders. As Ted Torrington P across North (next & Slave West trustees and other m Two students from communities Year 9walk at Great that the Denys Yonge Trust is anearer, ship Tree was interesting year email imagine he was up in the The first time he got inside aissue, plane he and his comrades got theynorthamswaps@ could It's here! This m Devon will able to dialHeinkel committee who, ove Torrington School have church-based come runners-up Condensation rising from or charity. The funds sky flying with the buzzards that circled felt excitement pulse through him. Themake identify the planes as He 111s, we shall them walkbe it!). visit Choice'. If this youproject have in a national writing competition: 101, a new national have seen Strong ebony diamonds available to the Trust have come above him. He would watch the buzzards previous evening he had talked to some Junkers Ju 87, andfrom Messerschmitts BF up. The d Well done everyone who helped out www.northamcommuni tickets, hurry ‘Copywrite’, run by the National Schools police non-emergency Beaten to a pulp. through planning and soaring around the sky with ease, who had flown a Spitfire, whoof told and Eric 110s. Atyear the sightand of allbox these the sale the 109E former G rthee a t veterans – start thinking about nextPalmer numbe Partnership. Harley Carter and Reuben telephone number; and now onHe tooffice construction wind fluttering at their wing tips. Those him Musgrave that you don’t so much as ‘get into’ a different aircraft Ted gazed in awe. Centre. This building was owned by (Diamond Jubilee/ Olympics)! entered their poems ‘Slave front The men come and t h e suddenly c u rtook re n trather n onervous n Volunteers Needed birds fly sobyhigh that they Spitfire you ‘wear it’. Make When they said into thisParish felt at the sight of Torrington Church and this is Torrington Another presentation place on Ship’ and ‘Don’t Promises’ the include ‘Floral display’ can containers, hanging baskets, 1. would Bestsuddenly floral display a business into Take people up eat m rof g ethe n c yfunds n uwill mwhen b ebe r th couldn’t be seen from the ground. They he didn’t understand, they explained them. Might but I take this opp why the majority competition whenbut they were in Year 8 eRHS October 20 window boxes, ornaments. Plants need not be bedding WeRosemoor hear screams perso 08452 777444 will be would then drop down from their hidden that when you flew a Spitfire, it felt part of Dog-fight a plea to anyone out and this term have heard that they are used for the repair and restoration of canTorrington include fruit, herbs, perennials, shrubs. 2. Best floral display bySchool a public house in vegetables, BloomAnd Association held they come down The phased out. position in the sky to swoop down on their you runners and he would soon experience just ‘Best there was a war he had to involved up. Both boys are and to get Artificial flowers are notSince allowed! All covered in cuts the Parish Church. However, to on,like itsdelighted, own Garden’ awards workin People who are deaf, have a £50 Amazon voucher unsuspecting prey.display Their movements how smallwon the interior of thereiterate, cockpit felt. ignore his feelings. While was thinking Red blood drips. to make the conta 3. Best floral by an individual (best garden)* iteach. will be announced that ceremony. Details of the winners willa heproject d The English department is very proud of hard of hearing orabout speech impaired will mesmerised Ted. Most of his childhood he Later that week he found out that he this, his CO dived intoundoubtedly the * category 3 must be able to be viewed from thewill road or be significant donation will be made, to down be published in the December issue of Allma Harley and Reuben and thinks it is They don’t say a word be able to text phone 18001 101. had4.always wanted to fly but never had had passed and was going to fly Spitfires enemy formation. Ted followed his leader pavement, ie, local front community. garden. Best by aKatie’s group,miniie, scouts, school, blood to help equip o benefit the We startfloral this display month with Thework Crier. memo wonderful once again, done they enough money for flying lessons. at RAF Biggin that, Hill fighter squadron. and it appeared that the Germans While When 999 inis down aLikewell-recognised neighbourhood** the skills they will ne saga. John Downing Cherry Hammon Englishat Biggin lessons win so national hadButtoned packe Torri upthem, theirof lips. A few years later war broke out and it he arrived Hill itcan was dark, notaseen and heGreat was through **‘A group’ must consistemergencies, of minimum twobecause people any number to report the this (of project Secretary, competitions. Henry The Depths would onlyback aFrom matter of time until Tedonly)***there would be no flying for that day and flying a Spitfire he was told to deal with the age). 5. be Best garden (photograph Christmas Crime Survey found that equipping theUmpleb build They’ve been in The2010 Crier British before, but Torrington inWhere Bloom Association are we going Town Hall News played by Joe Nothing seen; my pupils he could get some rest. Seven was called up to could join thebe armed forces. hours later fighter escort. He managed to drop behind only 54% of the public knew which The Torrington Town here are the two winning poems: management of it on On this never ending trip? 01805 stretched out chance like or big glassy learning his lines, ***telephone category 5number photographic must be625788 a photograph of ityour Best vegetable garden**** The6.war wasallotment Ted’s to fly. Itballs. was aLight it was dawn and there was probably going one of the 109s and closedholding in on until Great Torrington Hall… toTown call ifththey wanted their secondfinC the community. November, Our AGM will be on 14 up ahead seemed to be further, further, amusing own garden, ensure your name and is Then on anecdotes clear day in the summer of 1939 and Ted to be an attack, but strangely he felt noplease he was within 10 metres of in its tail. project part financed byabout the address to A speak tofear their local police Torrington's Pann No-one knows This first stage is A wind flushed down the corridor. 7pm at the(2Conservative Club, Southrange(see th below). Hobson's of photo photos are allowed) 7. further. Best floral a public decided to join the display RAF to outside help defeat the building about being killed. Insteadback he felt excited. he fired at point-blank and the European Agricultural Fund for policing, non-urgentDoes crime andcare? antiDecember s Sunday 4wing anyone necessary structural Don’t make promises I was whipped about like a tiny boat on a St, new membersstarted welcome. (fireHe station, offices,office etc.) Maggie, the Chairma sensible Luftwaffe. went tocouncil the enlisting First mission to disintegrate, tearing itself from European Development 2007-2013: Human faeces everywhere social behaviour issues. Ian Roome, Alone in my room, nothing but me. rough, choppy sea. A screaming the floor of the large ****category 6 can public allotment or a private Pruce, her younger, 'bm at Rotherham to get into the RAF. was just comfortable one of be the German as if made ofgarden tissue Europe investing inaofrural Project The in introduction theareas. 101aircraft number Appeal, will besafely there ac to thegetting door from downstairs. pounded toattrymy eardrums, wanting to HeI heard that it can and can contain vegetables and fruit. It cannot be a 8. Best floral display by a young person (under 16) The part he was most dreadingthoughts was being the lads used when waiting paper. are Sarah Ford andw Charity Sale Do Top the men like I heard my name being called, breakthrough. Unwanted tiptoed the deckchairs being delivered with Defra as thethis? provides one Table easy toalive speak and sizeif the and afternoon type of as ev commercial enterprise butway can be group individual askedcautiously how old heinto was: was only and for action when suddenly the scramble bellCommunity When heSwaps looked back see anyone Fordham appears Northam areorto “Someone’s on the phone for you!” myhehead and 16 bounced Managing Authority. directly with local police to report and Square with of theitChristm demanded in the effort. It must be your own allotment/garden, or group 9. Best floral display small garden Quick! Shh!him, he knew thatmy he brain. had to be 18 to join the rang, which was the signal tohosting take offaand had followed was relieved to see (the hero). Frazer Moo Table Top Saleheon around discuss /garden all Charity non-urgent police-related turned on by this work canTorringto beVickie carr allotment which you are an active than 20ft x 20ft approx.), balconydefend or courtyard. th Here they come forces. (less the country. He ran like the wind to of the skies were empty. As participant. hehoping looked down I picked up the phone, the voice said… Something’s coming. to marry at Northam Saturday November 12 issues. It will not change the way the at 5.15pm. or within the undercr No more thinking. “Hellowhich Son, how doing?” It’stold coming getwould me......and He was that to they let himthere’s know no histhplane wasare justyou being started by he was surprised to see the 109, smoke plays Hepworth an Hall cut (junction of entry Atlantic Wayand and Fore police non-urgent calls orin to Do Mrs your The closing forsoALL categories 30 air Please off your to details belched hand the first signs you’llwith se ItJune was a2013 voice I Unluckily haven’t heard inrespond years. way out. date if he was accepted and he went home is: the mechanics. he was the and flames from its30th engine, as Christmas appearance Street) from 2-4pm. connect people to a large national call They take a man browse amongst someT addresses supplied. Make sure youbeen keeplit. a note of which It was voice know. commencing will An echo replaced thedays air, the echo feeling apprehensive. A few later he that last one toatake off,I used so heto felt worried that if a fire had just The 109 was Much a newer mem The charities notbe charged And abeing woman Completed forms may be Ministry. left following addresses: you have entered! centre. Calls willare still received selling variety g onlyacould be the beating of at mythe panicked undercroft areaTony isoffenc received letter from the Air When he wouldn’t do it right. categories plummeting downmake toby earth in a vertical talented are to attend, in order to help them Wonder what will happen. Whiskers Pet Shop, Vicarage Nursery or Ferry’s Home I said, “I’m fine, how’s you?” call handlers in police control rooms. heart. whilst being entertain The stagePutti wi he opened it he found out that he had been Fortunately his take-off was amuch success dive. He would have liked toMackay, havesecond seenSteve the as money possible. Acontact: diverse you have any queries, please Hardware voice said slowly,If“I’m fine, thanks The End. The number isas already infreezing use inwaterTorrington’s Allstars the current inadequat accepted. He was overjoyed and the next evenThe though his Spitfire veered off-line plane hitsee theblack but he became The Great Torrington Can bodies Wood. Not forgetting R variety of organisations bein Bloom for asking.” The End. Cherry Hammon, Secretary, Torrington Hampshire, the Trust Isle ofwill Wight Girl Guides andit others. and replace withve day he went to collect his uniform. to the right while he was onWales, the ground, distracted another flashed Buildings Preservation very As far aswhen myare eyes can 109 see. moves from being The End. Judging will take place on Tuesday 6th August 2013. Association, on 01805 625788. represented, including Appledore and Sheffield and will his be sights. rolled out knowing The Town w Once...whispered he was issued uniform he because the centrifugal force the across Without it heto Square structure include pleased to announce that theLodge, long Thenof the voice said very veryfrom slowly… intowith my his ears. I felt around, Child's Christmas inride W RNLI, Guide Dogs, Northam across the rest of the country by the children’s fun-fair had totouching train to fly Spitfires. He caught a spinning propeller. When he was in the air, had already shot down the German craft; Man at my foot, whack! facilities and much-ne works to renovate and re-open “I will be coming in next awaited week…” the ice cold stone walls, fingers Scottish Dr MacFarlan David Rundle Trust, Moon Bears, The end thisofyear. roast and more. sensation tenderoutstretched down to theinairfront training aerodrome managed to catch up with theof rest the are TedCut watched the pilot bale out and then be then to admin me. Someone or he2013 our Town Hall due to commence I/we wish to enter the of Torrington in Bloom Competition: Name/Group: …………………………….……………. But ofspace, course there Donkey Sanctuary and The Friends oflaunch.Come My leaking. Calls 101 will costfoot 15p call, th and see Fath and there, all lined up, were a squadron and settled himself atMay the back picked up by aper rescue Ted thought Six weeks past, since I heard theto voice. something entwined their fingers in mine. squadron necessary internal 2013. We have to thank on 6 show without all the Smyrna Children’s Orphanage. Water drips from my eye.his irrespective of how long it may last. of Spitfires. Before he taking could get in my one,body; I of the veeI formation. As they flew across ‘lucky devil, his war is over’ as he realised Then said to myself… Grotto, and ent Something was over renovations to bring North Devon + for helping deliver the Category: …………………...Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………… behind the scenes. Iw NCS’s ‘kitchen team’ will be in action “Never make promises you can’t keep.” wasn’t sure I was anymore. This cost applies to landlines and he would have towho report to the Squadron the English Channel his Flight Commander the German would be sent to a P.O.W Torrington Town Trade this historic building Leader 4 Funding that firstfather. Wantallows mother.the Want st Harley Carter, camp. Katie Huxtable, called out “Bandits 12 o’clock high.” Leader and pass the theory test. into the 21 century. stage of this important renovation to Man and whip dangerous ………………………………………………………Post number: ……………………. 9 Year 8 Ted tried to Code:…………..Contact After he had completed what he viewed look up to see them but Year hetelephone Jasper Hemsworth, Year 8 three Finally, Stage

Torrington In Bloom 2013 Competition Entry Form

CATEGORIES:

GUIDELINES/RULES

commence. will provide the buildin The contractors engaged for the Telephone level presence it so d project are WMS and it is being by enclosing much o managed by our appointed architects 01805 area with a frameless Trewin Design Partnership, so we’re and prominent centra doing our best to keep the project and Torrington’s only independent Builders 626333 which will transform th the jobs it supports local in North Hatchmoor Industrial Estate the building making it Devon. Due to complete over three key of our historic town ce stages; further funding is still being INSTALLATIONS - MAINTENANCE - REPAIRS We have started sought to allow all three stages to TEL: 01805 624558 MOB: 07816 600677 website so everyone c reach final completion before the fully how this project is renovated Town Hall can completely re PROP: ROBERT TAYLOR Opening hours: Mondayintend - Fridayto7.30am - 5. publish -open and become a focal point for our

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Notes from the Rosemoor Allotments

s spring approaches then so does our community allotment course. For the past four years we have welcomed ten keen amateur vegetable growers to join us for a nine month, hands on practical course, to gain a good grounding in vegetable growing basics. Now in 2016 we have been joined by our fifth group of keen novices, who are ready to learn the basics on their own plot, measuring on average around 25 square metres. For a small one-off charge, everything is provided; including work boots, tools, compost and seeds to name just a few items. At the end of it all, the veg that the group grows is theirs to take home and enjoy, and we hope their new found knowledge will enable them to take on a patch of their own, with confidence. Each month, one of the fruit and vegetable team will join the group for a two-hour practical lesson on seasonal vegetable garden tasks, as well as being on hand to answer any questions and give guidance in the weeks between lessons. In February, our new group joined us for their induction to the course and were supplied with their boots, seeds, and seed potatoes to begin chitting (the process of promoting young strong shoots to give the potatoes a head start when planted). They also received their first lesson on soil cultivations; looking particularly at double digging, which is often considered a hard and laborious job. We find it an invaluable method for incorporating wellrotted manure into the soil, especially on our heavy clay, with the emphasis on ‘you can’t just take something from the ground without first having put something

07813 257 471

Fundraising Coffee & Cake Morning and Nearly New Clothes Sale

Saturday 19th March 2016 10.30am-2.30pm at Horwood Church

in’, (in this case hard work and wellrotted manure). The results soon become apparent as the season progresses, with good healthy crops. Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain during January and February, the soil was far too wet to work on, so the plot holders had to hold back their enthusiasm and wait for drier weather before they could get going. Other lessons include planning the plot, seed sowing, planting out, plant supports and pests and diseases. As the course continues throughout the year, I will continue to keep you up-to-date with how the group’s plots are progressing. Elsewhere in the garden, we have been busy mulching all the beds with composted bark bought in by the ton, which translates to tens of trailer loads throughout the garden. It all has to be unloaded into wheelbarrows and spread on the beds, being careful not to damage emerging spring bulbs and perennials. It is just as well that this is a job not affected by rain, otherwise it would never get done. Peter Adams Horticulturist

aising funds for the Brain Tumour Charity, in memory of the late Ken Fuller. Those of you who knew Ken, who worked with schools and families in his role as an Educational Psychologist over many years, will, like my own family, miss him enormously. We decided to plan an event to raise funds in memory of him and help with the financial costs of research, which is continually striving to find ways to halt this dreadful cancer. I hope you will join us and stay for coffee and cake, or even a light lunch, which will be served in the ‘Café’! Could you bake a cake for us? This would be very welcome. If you’re having a ‘spring’ (hopefully!) clothes clear out, please think of us. Wendy Jones and Di Crowe will be organising this and can be reached on Di 01271 858355 or Wendy 01271 858734. One of us will collect if necessary. You will be very warmly welcomed. Horwood Village is between Newton Tracey and Eastleigh. Many Thanks Anne Vanstone 01271 858642

Easter Fun! BIG Sheep Easter Eggstravaganza Festival Friday 25th March - Sunday 10th April

oddler Takeover Days, Easter Breakfast and an attraction choc-o-bloc with chocolate eggs, the BIG Sheep has it covered this Easter. So if you want an Easter outing full of fun for all the family a visit to the South West’s favourite Easter Festival is a must! A series of Toddler Takeover Days will run before Easter on Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th March, and an exclusive Easter breakfast will be held on Bank Holiday Monday 28th March. As well as having over 30,000 chocolate eggs to find, there will be something for all the family to enjoy. Everyone will have their own favourite place to search for three tiny chocolate eggs which are needed to trade for a large chocolate egg; with over forty acres of landscaped park there will be plenty of places to search. Easter is the time when many of our new born lambs arrive and you may see a one take its first steps and help bottle feed some of our orphans. Our animal barn is full of lovely friendly animals –chicks, rowdy roosters, pygmy goats, adorable pups, perky piglets and fluffy bunnies. Visit www.thebigsheep.co.uk for more information.

Active Kidz Holiday Programme 29th March to 8th April 2016 Torrington Pool

aster holiday fun at your local 1610 leisure centre’s holiday play scheme. With a range of different activities offered each day, including arts, crafts, games, dance, sport, inflatable play and much, much more. Our action packed programmes are bursting with fun and energy and guaranteed to keep boredom at bay! Check out what’s happening at your local centre this Easter at www.1610.org. uk/events

Find the Easter Chicks at Clovelly

Saturday 19th March to Monday 28th March hildren will receive a village map on entry, on which to mark the location and number of Easter chicks perched up and down the tumbling cottages along the High Street to the Quay. Return the map to the Visitor Centre reception if you spot at least 10 chicks, to win an Easter egg and a bigger prize if you spot all 15!

Easter at Rosemoor 19th March – 10th April

The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Easter Trail

chance for families to explore the gardens in all their Spring glory and find wonderful flowers, beautiful views and the iconic Lindt Gold Bunny! Hop along the Lindt trail and solve all the clues to be rewarded with a delicious Lindt chocolate treat. Please check the website for details, activities vary daily. Every day, 10am - 4pm

29th March Easter Craft Workshop

WOW Recreate with Mrs Recycle. Tuesday, 11am - 1pm and 2-4pm. Dropin craft workshop for families

30th March Drop-in Craft Workshop 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm

31st March Willow Work Workshop

Thursday, 11am - 1pm and 2-4pm. Normal Garden Admission applies to all events unless otherwise specified

‘The fun, friendly, ﬁt gym! New early morning bootcamp starting March 2nd, A ﬁtter you in 4 weeks!

Call to book! email: torrington.crier@gmail.com www.great-torringtoncrier.co.uk 01805 603152

Torrington & District Community News & Events

Editorial: torrington.crier@gmail.com

The Crier Diary, for community and fundraising events only, is available on the Library counter, please enter details yourself. Please include event, venue, time and a brief description if required. Or email: torrington.crier@gmail.com.

Becky Huxtable: 01805 603152

If possible, all submissions and enquiries to the email above - 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: torrington.crieradverts@gmail.com Esther Williams: 01805 603023

Costs & sizes: Small advert: 9cm wide x 5cm deep, £24 per issue. Large advert: 19cm wide x 5cm deep, £48 per issue. 10% discount for a run of five adverts. All advertisements are accepted in good faith. Single adverts to be paid in advance, please. Deadlines: All copy by 12 noon on the second Thursday of the month before publication.

EDITOR/PRODUCTION ADVERTISING/ACCOUNTS PRINTED BY DISTRIBUTION RURAL DISTRIBUTION TYPING ONLINE CRIER

Becky Huxtable Esther Williams Toptown Printers Alan Blamire/Sue Crane Community Jenny Hearn Steve Young

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Crier Team.

Castle Hill Opening Hours Library Book Renewals

01805 622107 0345 155 1001

New Opening times Tues 10am-6pm, Thursday 10am-5pm, Fri & Sat 10am-1pm

Café & Garden @ 1646

01805 626146

Open Mon – Sat 9am-4pm

Tourist Information

01805 626140

Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am – 4pm. Wed, Fri & Sat 10am – 1pm

Torrington Town Council

01805 626135

Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm answerphone available

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Torrington

03 444 111 444

Tues 9.30am-12.30pm drop in

Community Development Trust

01805 626100

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Genesis/Pannier Market Admin

01805 626110

Tues, Wed, Thurs morning

Heritage Museum & Archive

Contact Sue Scrutton 01805 622391 or Val Morris 01805 622306

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Crier Team