Simonsbath Festival springs into action on Bank Holiday Monday May 7th with May Day celebrations for all the family on Exford Village Green. Over the following six weeks to Midsummer an exciting mix of classical, jazz, opera and world music concerts, talks, walks and an art exhibition take place in the village of Simonsbath in the heart of Exmoor.

This year’s concerts start on a high note on Saturday May 12th at St Luke’s with the renowned Wellensian Consort performing a unique programme of uplifting traditional and contemporary piec- es, including a new choral work by a local composer based on the poetry of an Exmoor farmer.

Other highlights include the prestigious duo of outstanding opera singers Alaudiae, with a selection of songs from past to present celebrating love; vintage Brazilian music from Radio Rio; gypsy jazz from the exciting Kamao Quartet from London; Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera The Mikado, performed with fun and flair by Opera Anywhere.

Speakers include Sarah Bryan, chief executive of Exmoor National Park, who will be exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by post-Brexit Britain; Revd David Weir, Rector of Exmoor, who talks about a lifetime in the Church of England, with stories of some colourful local characters from the past; the ever-popular Rob Wilson-North, who shares his seemingly infinite knowledge of the Knight family who made Exmoor; TV wildlife expert and conservationist Chris Sperring, who sheds light on the owls of Exmoor. To buy tickets and for full details of the programme visit the web- site www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk and you can follow the Festival on Facebook and Twitter. To receive a full colour, printed festival programme email [email protected] or to find out about becoming a Friend of Simonsbath Festival and enjoy priority booking while also supporting the Festival, email [email protected] or call 01643 831343. 5 STAR The Cheese Larder RIVERSIDE Purveyors of Fine West Coun- CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARK try Cheese AND COUNTRY CLUB

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Beaford Arts presents the Gwyneth Herbert CHITTLEHAMPTON VILLAGE HALL Duo at Kingsnympton Parish Hall on Thursday With the existing hall needing substantial sums 3rd May, 7.30pm (01769 572414), Chittlehamp- spent on it to bring it up-to-date and with some ton Parish Church (01769 540581) on Friday 4th describing it as 'past its use-by date' and in need May, 6.45 for 7.30pm and W Buckland Village of demolition, a small group has been consider- ing the best way forward. Hall on Saturday 5th May at 7.30pm (01598 The Village Hall Committee is to consult with lo- 740437). cal people and in early May. A questionnaire will Talented composer and lyrist Gwyneth Herbert be delivered to all houses in the parish, seeking has toured across four continents with a varied their views. There will also be 2 open days at the and original programme. hall, Friday 18th May, 2pm to 7pm and Saturday Tickets are also available, with a booking fee, 19th May 10am to 2pm when parishioners will www.beaford-arts.org.uk. have the opportunity of returning their question- naires, viewing art-work by children from the vil- South Molton Bowling Club lage school, showing what facilities they would like to see in their hall and discussing the way are again running their successful open evenings ahead with members of the committee over a during May and June. cuppa and biscuits. Why not come along and try flat green bowls. When the questionnaires have been analysed a If you enjoyed watching the curling at the Winter newsletter will be sent out followed by a village Olympics then bowls is similar but hopefully public meeting to discuss the future of the hall. played in a warmer climate. Peter Bradshaw Village Hall Chairman 01769 Bowling is an activity for both men and ladies of 540036 email:[email protected] all ages and provides an excellent opportunity to stay active, have fun and make friends. Plant Sale Come along on a Monday evening during May Chittlehamholt Village Hall on Sunday 6th May, and June at 6.30pm. All equipment will be provid- 10am-12.30pm. Free admission. ed but we do ask you wear flat soled shoes if For more than 25 years Chittlehamholt has held possible. Coaching will be available. an extremely popular plant sale. It brings togeth- If you decide to join the club, membership is re- er nursery men and women producing a very di- duced for those new to bowls to £10 for 2018 verse range of plants. As growers they also bring which allows you to play outdoors for the summer a wealth of practical knowledge. The formula has and short mat bowls during the Autumn. been successful both for growers, who appear Should Monday evenings be not convenient for year after year, and purchasers. This year’s sale you please telephone 01598 740457 to arrange is on Sunday 6th May. As well as the plants there another time. Hope to see you. will be a cake stall, refreshments and a draw. The proceeds from these, plus the stall holders Popup Opera in South Molton fees, go the Village Hall Restoration Fund. Innovative touring opera Popup Opera bring Bastien & Batienne and the Impressario by Mo- Ramblers Walk About Festival zart on 30th June at 7pm at St Mary Magdalene Step out for a walk with the Ramblers and dis- Church. Doors open 6pm. Find out more at cover local hidden gems from 26 May to 3 June. www.popup opera.co.uk/about-us/. This is a Everyone is welcome on four free walks with a charity fundraising event for the S Molton Church wide choice of distance, pace and terrain. Protect Appeal. Tickets are £20 (£15 for the un- If you cannot join the festival walks there are lots der-18s), available online at https://www.ticket more walks on offer, just visit our website at source co.uk/date/ 477976, from the Amory Cen- www.ramblers.org.uk/north-devon our Facebook tre, or John Walker. page or ring Joan Long on 01271 376274. Chimney sweeping

Hetas and APICS registered Brush & vacuum Certificate issued Insured

Call: Taylor Made Projects on 01271 900450

'Wash, squash Calling for artists for Art Trek and pop the cap on' Open Studios 14-30th September! Many people are unsure if they should leave lids Open to any artists and makers living or working on recyclable containers when they recycle from in North Devon, Torridge and West Exmoor. For home or make use of bottle banks and House- further information and an application form please hold Waste Recycling Centres. contact [email protected] Recycle Devon has been working with Devon This successful and friendly event sets out to authorities, including North Devon Council, to help artists and the public come together in the make recycling as easy as possible for residents. relaxed settings of the artists’ homes, studios, Following on from industry advice, you can now workshops and other venues. Developing rela- leave your caps, tops and lids on both your plas- tionships between artists and visitors brings won- tic and glass bottles and jars. Simply give the derful insights into the artists' ideas and their cre- bottle or jar a rinse, squash plastic bottles, put ating processes. the top back on and recycle as you normally Artists taking part in the open studios have the would – even it’s a metal lid on a glass jar. opportunity to create a dialogue with the visiting Replacing lids, caps and tops will not only ensure public and show any work in progress, sell origi- they are recycled and Devon maintains its recy- nal artwork and hold demonstrations and work- cling rate, but will reduce volume in recycling bins shops throughout the event. and recycling lorries. Printed Art Trek brochures will be available a All local councils in Devon will collect your plastic month before and during the event, from White bottles - including ones from your bathroom - in Moose, Trinity Street, Barnstaple, EX32 8HX and your usual household recycling service. Most from Tourist Information Centres, Galleries, Mu- authorities - including North Devon Council - will seums and various businesses across N Devon. collect your glass bottles and jars. Residents can check Recycle Devon's website Maclins Quarry for specific recycling information in their area. Recycling Centre EX36 3EB More information on what you can recycle is also Summer hours at our local tip are: available on www.northdevon.gov.uk Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm Please note that trailers over 1.8m (6 feet) inter- New Chairman for nal/body length are no longer permitted at this North Devon Council site. For more information call 0345 155 1010 Cllr John Moore has been elected to serve as Chairman for the next 12 months, taking over the Families for Children Trust is a Specialist role from previous Chairman, Cllr Sue Croft. The Adoption Agency and charitable trust. We place new vice-Chairman is Cllr Frank Biederman. Cllr vulnerable children from all over the UK with new Moore has been a South Molton Independent adoptive families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, councillor at North Devon Council since May Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. We have a 2011. He also served as a District Councillor from growing number of older children, sibling groups 1987 to 2007. and children with disabilities waiting to be adopt- As well as presiding over Full Council meetings, ed and we are looking for more adopters to come the Chairman represents the Council at civic and forward quite quickly. Come and learn about ceremonial events and promotes the work of the more and how we can support you for life on Fri- Council to the local communities it serves. For days, 18th May and 15th June 10am-12noon at more information about your local councillor go to The Garden Flat, Castle Hill Estate, Filleigh, www.northdevon.gov.uk/councillors. Barnstaple, North Devon. EX32 0RQ.

111444 & every Thursday Seated Yoga, Parish Church Hall, S Molton, 11 & every Thur Thursday Craft Group, Age Concern, S Molton, 2-4pm 01769 575952 and every Thursday Radio Devon Book Group, S Molton Library, 3-4pm Anstey WI, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 7pm Gwyneth Herbert Duo, Parish Hall, Kingsnympton, 6.45 for7.30pm 01769 572414 Beaford MAY Sequence Dance Club, Parish Church Hall, S Molton, 7.30-9.30 All month: Celebration of Devon Villages, photograph exhibition 4 -6 Live Rock and Roll, Riverside, S Molton 01769 579269 1 -4 May National Gardening Week, RHS Rosemoor, Torrington 4 Knit and Natter, S Molton Library, 4=5.30pm 1 Baby and Toddler Group, Parish Hall, Kings Nympton, 9-11am Quiz and Carvery for Rotary Club Charities, Sportsman’s and every termtime Tuesday Inn, Sandyway, 7 for 7.30pm book 01598 711835 S Molton Meddlers, Pannier Market 9.30am and every Tues Gwyneth Herbert Duo, Parish Church, Chittlehampton, Coffee morning, Old School, N Molton, 10-12 & every Tues 7.30pm 01769 540581 Beaford Yoga, Parish Hall, Bishops Nympton, 10.15-11.45am 01884 5 Pannier Market, S Molton 8am-1pm & every Saturday 253229 and every Tuesday Sat Coffee morning, Chulmleigh Society, Town Hall, 9-11am Bounce and Rhyme, S Molton Library, 10.30-11am Coffee morning, S Molton Parish Church, 10am-12noon S Molton Visually Impaired Gp, Amory Centre, 10.30-11.30am Plant Sale and Swop, Streamside Garden, Parish Church, Energy Clinic, 361 Energy, Amory Centre, S Molton, 2-5pm Swimbridge, 10am-12noon 01271 830587 S Molton Hearing Loss Group, Age Concern Pop-in, 2-4pm Lego Club, S Molton Library 10-12am & every Saturday Town Clerk surgery, Amory Centre, S Molton, 2-4.30pm & Spring craft session, 6-10yrs, S Molton Library, 10.30am-12 every Tuesday noon, book 01769 572124 Keep Fit Demo, Marika, Parish Hall, Kingsnympton, 5.30 and Spanish Language Group, S Molton Library, 10.30-11.30am 6.30pm 07939 595829 Dance for Hall funds, Village Hall, Knowstone, 8pm Meditation, Simon Millward, Rose and Crown, S Molton, 6 Eat Dirt on Exmoor, cycling, for Calvert Trust, 8am-2pm 6.30pm 01769 579829 and every Tuesday 01598 763221 Zen meditation, Being Well Clinic, S Molton, 7pm 01769 Car Boot sale, old Tesco, Barnstaple 10-2 07999 445489 and 540135 and every Tuesday every Sunday Bishops Nympton Dance Club, Parish Hall, 6.30 & every Tue Flea Market, Pannier Market, S Molton, 10-3pm 01837 83098 Badminton, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 7-8.30pm 01398 341507 Plant Sale, Parish Hall, Chittlehamholt, 10am-12.30pm American Square Dancing, St John’s Community Centre, Town Tour, Heritage Centre, Dulverton, 3-4.30 07969 243887 Barnstaple, 7-9pm 01769 579680 and every Tues Silver Spurs Tea Time Church, Parish Church, Mariansleigh, 4.30pm Phormiums, H Wills, S Molton and District Flower Club, Commu- 7-21 June Simonsbath Festival, see front page nity Infants School, North Rd, S Molton, 7.15pm 7 Bank Holiday Ballroom Dance class, Filleigh Village Hall and every Tuesday Open Day, West Buckland Sch from10 register 01598 760178 2 Litteratzi litter pick, Pannier Mkt, S Molton, 9.30 & every W ed S Molton Striders walk from Square 10.30am 2 miles Coffee morning, Chapel Schoolroom, Burrington, 10-11.30am Stream Dipping, Tarr Steps, 11am-3pm 01398 323841 and every Wednesday Spring Walk, Filleigh History Society 01769 572683 Community Coffee morning, Methodist Ch, Brayford, 10.30-12 May Day celebrations, Village Green, Exford, 2pm Coffee morning, Parish Hall, Knowstone, 10.30am-12noon PointtoPoint races, Stevenstone, Vauterhill, High Bickington, 2 Computer/Gadget Help, , 10-12 & every Wed Teddy Bears’ Picnic, marmalade sale, W Anstey Hall, 3-6pm S Molton Men’s Shed, Scout Hut, 10am-12noon & every Wed Open evening S Molton Bowls Club, 6.30pm 01598 740457 and Cook & Eat, U3A, Parish Hall, Bishops Nympton, 10.30pm every Monday book 01769 550296 Shortmat bowls, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 7pm Writing Group, S Molton Library, 2-4pm 01769 572124 8 Trades and Industries, Story Collecting Workshop, Pop-up S Molton Volunteer Bureau, Amory Centre, 2-4 01769 573167 Museum, Bridge Chambers, Barnstaple, 11am Badminton, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 7pm U3A coffee morning, Village Hall, Filleigh, 10am Just Sing community choir, Scout Hut, S Molton, 7-8.30pm Musical Memories, Age Concern, S Molton, 2-3.30pm 07971 963943 Chulmleigh WI, annual mtg, Town Hall, 7.30pm 01769 580374 Ballroom Dance class, Filleigh Village Hall 01769 572384 and 9 Invasive Species, Tarr Steps car pk, 10-2.30 book 07973 727469 every Wednesday Coffee House, Methodist Hall, Oldways End, 10.30-12noon Short Mat Bowls, Parish Hall, Bishops Nympton, 7.30pm 07772 Children’s Yoga, 4-11yrs, S Molton Library, 4-5pm 757124 and every Wednesday Bingo for Church, Oxham Hall, Mariansleigh, 7.30pm Social Badminton, Parish Hall, Kings Nympton, 7.30-10pm Evening of Poetry, S Molton Library, 7.30pm 01769 580581 and every Wednesday 10 Ascension Day 3 Country Market, Pannier Mkt, S Molton 8.30-1 & every Thurs Ascension service, Hancock Froude Stone, 6.30am N Devon Voluntary Services drop-in, Amory Centre, S Molton Grassland UK, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallett 10am-1pm 07531 447222 & every Thursday Memory Café coffee morning, Assembly Rms, S Molton10-12 Royal British Legion Welfare drop-in, Amory Centre, S Molton, Beaford Archive, Devon History Soc, Old Assembly Rooms, S 10am-12.noon 0808 802 808017 Molton, 2pm book devonhistorysociety,org.uk S Molton Foodbank, YMCA, 10am-12.30pm 07422 651253 and Exmoor Postal Routes, Exmoor Society, Congregational every Thursday Church Hall, 7.30pm 01398 323954 Citizens Advice Bureau, Amory Centre, S Molton appts 03444 Whist Drive, Church Funds, Oxham Hall, Mariansleigh, 7.45

at Woody Bay Station on the A39 (EX31 4RA) between Blackmoor Gate and Lynton

Under 5’s travel free! Pay once - ride all day www.lynton-rail.co.uk 01598 763487

11 Anthony's Quiz Night, Parish Hall, Brayford Quiz and Carvery for Exmoor Benefice, Sportsman’s Inn, Sandyway, 7 for 7.30pm book 01643 831330 Ferret Racing, Bishops Nympton School PTA, Parish Hall, 7 for 7.30pm Dominick’s Close, Parsonage Lane, South Molton Finding your Feet (12A), Rural Cinema, Pavilion, Chulmleigh, 7.30pm 01769 580005 Voodoo Room, George, S Molton, 8pm 01805 624624 Plough 12-13 Spring Gala, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, Woody Bay Beetle Drive, Parish Hall, Knowstone, 7pm Station 01598 763487 I am a Tree, Jamie Wood, Village Hall, George Nympton, 12-28Art Exhibition, Old Pottery, Simonsbath, 10am-4pm 7.30pm Beaford Arts 12 Coffee morning, Chulmleigh Garden Soc, Town Hall, 9am Charity Dance, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 8-12midnight Sat Plant Heritage Sale, RHS Rosemoor, Torrington, 10am-3pm Nightwalk, ladies walk for N Devon Hospice 01271 347232 Plant Sale, Victory Hall, N Molton, 10am-12noon 20 Whit Sunday/Penecost Village Market, Village Hall, Brayford, 11am-1pm Messy Church, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 11am Wellensian Consort, St Luke’s Simonsbath, 7.30pm 01643 Combined Service, Pannier Market, S Molton, 10 for 11am 831343 Simonsbath Festival Village Fun Day, Social Club, Witheridge from 12 noon 13 Breakfast Church, Parish Church, Bishops Nympton, 9.30am Point to Point and Pony races, Dulverton West Hunt, Bratton Three Church Service, High Bray, 11.15am Down from 1pm 14 Annual meeting, S Molton WI, Methodist Church Hall, 2.pm I am a Tree, Jamie Wood, supper, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, Yoga, YMCA S Molton, 6.30am 07808 663021 & every Mon 7pm 01398 341615 Beaford Arts S Molton Meddlers, Pannier Market 9.30am and every Mon Rebekah Brinkley, St Luke’s Simonsbath, 7.30pm 01643 Coffee morning, Parish Hall, Rose Ash, 10am-12noon 831343 Simonsbath Festival S Molton Community Connections, Amory House, 10am-1pm 21 S Molton Visually Impaired Gp, Amory Centre, 10.30-11.30 01769 572501 and every Monday Short mat bowls, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 7pm and 28th Short Mat Bowls, Parish Hall, Bishops Nympton, 2pm 07772 Bingo, meat/food prizes, Village Hall, Chittlehampton, 7.30 757124 and every Monday 22 Coffee Break, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 11am-12.30pm S Molton WI, Methodist Hall, 2pm S Molton Town Council Meetings, Town Hall, 6.30pm Badminton Club, Village Hall, Filleigh, 7.30pm and every Mon Folk Dancing, W Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill 01398 341993 Amnesty International meeting, George, S Molton, 7.30pm 23 Big Breakfast, N Devon Hospice, Village Hall, Filleigh, 8.30-12 Withypool Village Hall AGM, 7.30pm Children’s Yoga, 4-11yrs, S Molton Library, 4-5pm Roses, E Van-Huysse, Chulmleigh Garden Soc, Pavilion, 7.30pm Walking Sticks, B Conibear, Filleigh HistorySoc, VillageHall, 7.30 Short Mat Bowls, West Anstey Hall, Yeo Mill, 8 &everyMon Sarah Bryan, Exmoor National Park talk, St Luke’s Simons- 15 Deadline for June’s edition of the Community News bath, 7.30pm 01643 831343 Simonsbath Festival Land and Sea, Story Collecting Workshop, Pop-up Museum, 25-27 Dunster Festival Bridge Chambers, Barnstaple, 11am Live Irish Bands, Riverside, S Molton, 01769 9269 Autobiography writing class, S Molton Library, 2-4pm 25 Barclays Bank, S Molton closes 16 Coffee morning, Chittlehamholt Elaine Ravenscroft from Honiton, Molton Organ and Keyboard Book Group, S Molton Library, 2.30-4pm Club, Methodist Hall, S Molton, 7.30pm 01769 574677 Mayor Choosing, Town Hall, S Molton 26-28 Flower Festival, Colours of Exmoor, Parish Church, Brush- Umberleigh Village Hall AGM, 7pm ford, 10am-4pm 01398 323376 Rev D Weir, talk, St Luke’s Simonsbath, 7.30 01643 831343 26-3 June Ramblers Walk About Festival 01271 376 274 Knowstone/Rose Ash Garden Club, Village Hall, Rose Ash, 8 26 Book Sale, S Molton Library, 9am-12noon 17-19 Devon County Show, Exeter 01392 446000 Sat Elmer Day, S Molton Library, 9am-1pm 17 Market Stall, Air Ambulance, Pannier Market, S Molton Alaudiae trio, opera, St Luke’s Simonsbath, 7.30pm 01643 See Hear on Wheels, Winkleigh Square, 10am-12noon, South- 831343 Simonsbath Festival ley Road, S Molton, 2-4pm 01271 373236 Dance, Victory Hall, N Molton, 7.30pm Dementia Awareness Information, S Molton Library, 2-3pm Gilmore and Roberts, folk, George, S Molton, 8pm 01805 Town Tour from Heritage Centre, Dulverton, 3-4.30pm 624624 Plough 18-19 Chittlehampton Village Hall open days 01769 540035 27 Farmer's Market, Lion Car Park, Dulverton, 10am-4pm 18 Plant Sale, Knowstone and Rose Ash Garden Club, Parish Psychic and pamper day, Pannier Mkt, S Molton, 10am-3pm Hall, Knowstone, 10am-12.30pm 28 Bank Holiday Half term begins Families for Children adoption advice, Garden Flat, Castle Duck Race, Brayford Bridge Hill, Filleigh, 10-12noon Midnight Gang, Heartbreak Th, Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh, Puddings and Songs, High Bray Church, 7pm 4pm, 01805 624624 Plough Quiz and Carvery for Filleigh School, Sportsman’s Inn, The Knight Family, Rob Wilson North, talk and meal, Simons- Sandyway, 7 for 7.30pm bath House Hotel, 6.30pm Simonsbath Festival Bingo, for Hall Refurb, Village Hall, Ashreigney, 6.30 for 7.30 29 Bog Plants, Blackpitts, Simonsbath, 10-3pm book 01398 315012 Harmony 4, Parish Hall, Kings Nympton, 01769 581397 30-2 June Royal Bath and West Show, Shepton Mallett 19 Royal wedding day, Windsor 30 John Knight, guided walk, Ashcombe, Simonsbath, 10.30-12.30 Sat Molland Moor Cuckoos, Exmoor Soc, Molland/Anstey Gate, Laughter Club, S Molton Library, 1-2pm 01769 572124 10am-12noon 01398 323335 RD Blackmore at Blundells, talk, Heritage Centre, Dulverton, Spanish Language Group, S Molton Library, 10.30-11.30am 3.30pm 07969 243887 Royal Wedding Family Crafts, S Molton Library, 10.30am-12 31 Activity Day, Exmoor Pony Centre, 11am-3pm 01398 323093 BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES at FILLEIGH VILLAGE HALL

waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, tango, rumba, cha cha cha, salsa, jive, and modern sequence

Learn to dance in a Artisan Breads friendly and informal atmosphere Tues and Wed Call: 01769 572384 or 01271 325800

North Devon Hospice South Molton Amnesty Group Please come along and support Children’s Flute Orchestra will be at the your local Big Breakfast at: George, South Molton in aid of South Filleigh Village Hall on Sunday 27th May from Molton Amnesty Group on Wednesday 8.30am- 12 noon. £6 for a Standard Breakfast; May 23rd, at 4.15pm. Tickets £3 to in- £8 for a Large Breakfast including juices, hot clude refreshments. Free entry for children. drinks. There is also a draw. Come and enjoy delicious food for a good cause! The money Dead? Or Dead Slow? raised through Big Breakfast, which is generously The British Horse Society has released figures sponsored by Phillip Dennis Foodservice, will highlighting a rise in incidents between horses help North Devon Hospice care for local people and vehicles in Devon. Between the 2016-2017 who are suffering from the impact of cancer and and 2017-2018 years, incidents in Devon rose other life-limiting illnesses. All hospice services from 7 to 17, the highest figure in the South are provided completely free of charge, but it West. There are 1.3 million regular riders in the costs £4million each year to care in this way. UK, and in total 230 horses and 39 riders have been killed since 2010. RFU Junior Vase Victory The British Horse Society has urged drivers to be Congratulations to the South Molton aware of these four messages to minimise the Rugby team who go to Twickenham for risk of accidents when they see a horse on the the final of the RFU Junior Vase after road: their victory over the Chipstead team from Sur- •Slow down to a maximum of 15mph rey. The S Molton team meet Yorkshire Club Old •Be patient – do not sound your horn or rev the Otliensians at Twickenham on Sunday 6th May. engine •Overtake only when it is safe to do so, ensuring Spanish conversation group to leave at least a car’s width between the vehi- Is now twice a month on the first and third Satur- cle and the horse days of the month 10.30-11.30am in the South •Drive away smoothly Molton Library. For further information please From Devon County Council contact Mary [email protected].

PHOTO COMPETITION Throughout 2018 the Country Land The 2018 South Molton Vintage Rally will be held and Business Association (CLA) is running a on 2nd & 3rd June at Combsland Cross South photo competition as part of The Countryside Matters campaign, offering fantastic prizes in- Molton (EX36 3NW). cluding £1,000 for the overall winner. We are Exhibitor entry forms have been circulated. How- asking you to capture the rich diversity of our ru- ever if you have a vehicle or machine that you ral communities, our wildlife and the iconic fea- would like to show at the rally, please ring for an tures that make up our wonderful landscapes in entry form. There are tables in the Craft marquee England and Wales. In addition we want to cele- and general trade stalls available. Please ring for brate the people who make the rural economy information and a booking form. tick, so we have a special award for the best Call 01271 378019 for details/forms etc. photograph of people working in the countryside. The nominated charities for 2018 are the Devon A monthly winner will be announced in each edition of Land Air Ambulance Trust and Chemo Heroes. How- & Business. Deadline for entries is 12noon on the 12th day of each month. The final deadline to submit entries is 12 ever, we do hope that with favourable weather December 2018. and your support we can also help other local For details see www.cla.org.uk/photocomp2018 worthy causes. TURNER FRAMES Citizens Advice Peter Turner, friendly & personal bespoke picture framer South Molton Citizens Advice is Mount Cutting-Framing-Box Framing-Glazing-Repairs at the Amory Centre on Thurs- days from 10am to 4pm, Call me for a free no obligation quote, no job too big or too small Call 01769 572501 or 03444 111 444 to make an appointment. Paintings-Prints-Textiles Memorabilia-Photographs-Certificates For more information see www.citizensadvice.org.uk Tel: 01769 581615 Mobile: 07802 256349

Gardening Tips for May New IT system to access  Beware of late frosts, protect any tender plants housing services and seedlings  Last chance to plant potatoes. Earth up any A new IT system has been introduced making it you have manged to get going already easier to access housing services for the home-  Plant out summer bedding plants if you reckon less. Improvements to North Devon Council's IT it’s warm enough in your garden system mean that people in the North Devon  Clean out the water but and start to store water district who are homeless or at risk of becoming for that sunny, dry summer we hope to have homeless, can now register for support at a time  Keep on top of the weeds, take a hoe to weed that suits them. The new system available on seedlings regularly the council website asks questions so that coun-  Don’t forget to open up frames and greenhous- cil officers can assess someone's needs more es on warm sunny days quickly and provide them with the right level of  Mow the lawn very regularly support for their need. Anybody who doesn't  Do check for nesting birds before cutting hedg- have access to IT can still visit council offices es and shrubs and speak to an advisor who will be able to help  Lift, divide and replant spring-flowering bulbs them complete the form online or do it for them. such as daffodils Officers are also available on the phone.  Sit in the sun and enjoy it Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor Des Brailey, says: “The system has been live for a A Big Thank You week with many customers using the new self- To all the parishes who have helped us during service portal. If somebody is homeless on the the last financial year. Bishops Nympton, Bray- day then they should come into our officers and ford, Chittlehampton, Filleigh, Meshaw, Racken- in person and speak to one of our duty officers ford, Romansleigh, Twitchen and West Anstey as soon as possible. If it is over the weekend or have all supported us generously, thank you very outside of office hours please call us on our out much! of office number on 01271 388240.” We are also very grateful for the support of South The improvements to the IT system are part of Molton Town Council, North Devon Council and the council's commitment to the Homelessness North Devon Homes for their help, encourage- Reduction Act 2017 which requires local authori- ment and support in kind. ties to assess and provide more meaningful as- sistance to all people who are eligible and Lest We Forget homeless, or threatened with homelessness. This month’s local The council has committed to supporting the War Memorial com- new legislation by maximising its efforts to assist memorating those lost those in need as quickly as possible, working in the First World War: collaboratively with other organisations to pre- vent and relieve homelessness. Any support Do you know where it provided by the council will follow an assess- is? Answer next ment of the eligibility and needs of the applicant. month….

Umberleigh Garden Show 4th August Last month’s memorial Once again, the Umberleigh Garden Show will was in East Anstey. be hosting its popular Photographic Competi- Photo courtesy of South tion, so now's the time to start hunting for this Molton Museum year's "Perfect Picture"

Personal Injury Claims Landlord & Tenant Disputes and Litigation Conveyancing Debt Collection Trusts, Wills & Probate Court Representation Business Advice and Contract Divorce & Family matters matters THURSDAY & SATURDAY from 8am-1pm

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What is the WaterCare tariff? South West Water has a WaterCare tariff which could reduce your bills if you are on a very low 125 East St, South Molton EX36 3BU income. You’ll need to apply and meet all of the 9am-5pm Monday-Friday 01769 572501 following conditions to qualify for this tariff: Citizens Advice Bureau 03444 111444 1: You are on a meter or on assessed charges Thursday, by appointment only 01769 572501 2: You or someone in your house receives Community News 01769 575528 Housing benefit, Income support, Income based Councillors’ surgery Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income based Employ- 2nd Saturday 10am-11am 01769 57250 ment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Energy Clinic, Energy 361 (Guaranteed Element), Universal Credit (Housing 1st Tuesday 2-5pm 01271 599361 Library 01769 572128 Element). Tuesday 9am-5pm 3: Your ‘equivalised’ weekly income, after hous- Wednesday 9am-1pm ing costs, is less than £295 Thursday 9am-5pm There's more information on S West Water Wa- Friday 9am-6pm terCare page - www.southwestwater.co.uk/bills/ Saturday 9am-1pm struggling-to-pay/watercare-tariff/. Member of Parliament surgery Quarterly by appointment 01271 327990 North Devon Council Customer Advice New Regional Adoption Agency Mon, Tues, Thurs 9am-5pm 01271 327711 Local authority adoption services in Royal British Legion welfare drop-in Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and Somerset are join- 2nd Thursday 10am-12noon07884 886050 ing forces to become a single regional adoption S Molton Community Connections service, under the banner Adopt South West. Thursday 10am-12noon 01769 572501 The move, required by the Government, is ex- South Molton Town Council pected to improve the adoption process; making it Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm 01769 572501 South Molton Town Clerk Surgery simpler for adoptive parents, and quicker, so chil- Tuesday 2-4pm 01769 572501 dren awaiting adoption are waiting for less time. South Molton Volunteer Bureau Council adoption services,152 of them nationally, 1st Wednesday 2-4pm 01769 573167 have tended to operate independently to a large extent, with individual budgets and with variation Visitor Information is available in reception at in the levels of support offered. At present, they the Amory Centre 125 East St, South Molton match children in their care to potential adopters from within their own pool of adoption-ready par- COMMUNITY NEWS S Molton & District ents. And where they can’t find a suitable match Please get news, advertisements and events for there, they make the placement with adopters in our June issue to us by 15th May. other Council areas. And as well as the sharing To advertise in the 24 parishes around S Molton and development of good practice, it also means or to contribute items or diary dates, please write that all adoptive parents within the Adopt South to us, or drop off messages, at the Amory Centre, West area will receive the same high level of 125 East St, S Molton EX36 3BU, call 01769 575528 (answerphone) or email us at mol- quality support from professionals. tonnews @hotmail.co.uk. If you’re interested in finding out more about Events can also be entered in the Events Diary adoption, please visit the Adopt South West web- at the Amory Centre reception. site or freephone 0800 0832227. Thank you all for your support!

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