Hello from the Mayor Since last writing to you I have attended various events. On Saturday, 16th March I spent the morning with Bideford Town Council to celebrate the age-old Manor Court ceremony. This is where members of the public ask questions of the Council, in the manner of a jury, about making improvements around the Town. There was also an interesting talk given about the local pottery. That same evening I attended a celebration of St Patrick’s Day at the Plough with Big Al and his band playing Irish folk tunes. Some visitors from France, along with their delightful children, danced around with adults in Leprechaun costumes. It was a fun evening’s entertainment and was well supported, as Ann Tattersall’s events always are. Yet another of her successful fundraising events for my chosen charities this year, The North Devon Hospice and the Plough. On 27th March our children at the Junior School invited Cheryl and I to receive a presentation on the regeneration of our Town and their visions for the future. This was the result of their viewing the recent Inside Out programme. They spent many weeks interviewing towns people in the square, visiting local shops and they also visited the old creamery site at the bottom of Mill Street. I was so impressed by the way it had been conducted. Some of their poems have been on display in the Plough. Their presentation was so well written that I decided their efforts should be recognized by a wider circle. I have therefore asked them to come along to a meeting of the Planning Committee of the Town Council, to present their findings to us in person. Arrangements have been made for this on 24th April at the Town Hall. The future is theirs, and I am confident it will be in good hands after listening to the ideas they have put forward. On Saturday 30th March, I was again at the Plough for the Dream Kidz production of Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat. Sold out for practically every performance, this was a fabulous evening of music and entertainment by the young people of the Town. We really are very lucky to have such talent in Torrington. The kids had standing ovations at the end of their performances and there are rumours of them putting on another performance in June for those that were not lucky enough to get tickets this time around. A huge thank you to Stephanie Easton and Liz Harris and the rest of the production team for all their hard work and effort. On the topic of funds from the sale of the Eric Palmer Centre, I have received many copies of letters, e- mails and telephone calls all asking Father Lawrence to reconsider the decision made by the Trustees. The Town Council has agreed to write on behalf of the Community. Everyone in Torridge can now recycle their cardboard - place it in your new brown bag and put out for collection with your bottles, cans and newspapers. As a parting note can I wish everybody a happy May Fair and keeping my fingers crossed for sunshine – and warmth! Best wishes to you all. Cllr Mrs Margaret Brown Mayor of Torrington (If you have any views on the use of funds from the sale of the Eric Palmer Centre, and would like to share them in The Crier, please send letters to [email protected], or drop them into the Library, thanks)
Great Torrington Town Council Notice of Annual Meeting of the Town Council Notice is herby given that: The Annual Meeting and Inauguration of the Mayor of the above named Town Council will be held at the Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington on Tuesday 14th May 2013 at 7pm. The meeting is open to the public who are most welcome. Michael Tighe, Town Clerk
Great Torrington May Fair & Carnival 1st to 4th May 2013 Great Torrington’s May Fair & Carnival is a time for fun, laughter and we all hope great weather!! However, it can also be a time when we see an increase in anti social behaviour, underage drinking, violence and criminal damage! Obviously the Police take these offences very seriously and it is a concern for all residents. We would therefore like to ask everyone to consider their behaviour and actions over this period and ensure it is a time of enjoyment for everyone. Continuing on this theme we would like to advise parents that there will be zero tolerance for any underage drinking and we would request parents support us with regard to this. We hope you all have a great May Fair and Carnival. Torrington Neighbourhood Beat Team
Great Torrington May Fair Thursday 2nd May 2013 Wheelchair Users Any wheelchair user/disabled person who wishes to 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-first-served basis. Due to Health and 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 used during the day. Anyone prepared to help should meet in the Square at about 4.30/5pm. All assistance will be greatly appreciated. Great Torrington Carnival Saturday 4th May 2013 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. Melissa Baker, Secretary, May Fair & Carnival Committee
May Fair Flower Festival and Big Hymn in St Michael’s Church As usual the annual May Fair flower festival will be held in St Michael and All Angels Church from Thursday 2nd May to Saturday 4th May.The theme this year is music. The church will be open from 9am to 5pm each day and refreshments will be available all day on May Fair day. The flowers will remain in church until after the Big Hymn on Sunday afternoon. Come along at 3pm on Sunday and sing your favourite Hymn. We look forward to seeing you. Tea and cake will be available afterwards.
Open Sesame to Castle Hill Last December when you entered Castle Hill to visit the Library, Council Offices, Tourist Information Office or the 1646 cafe, you would have been pleased to find new automatic doors, new carpet and redecorated walls. These improvements were due to funding from ‘Awards for All’, which is a lottery grant made available to improve community facilities. Great Torrington’s Community Development Trust gained this funding and then managed the changes. The Trust is grateful to Kate in the cafe for her help, to S & G Carpets and to Mike Steer for the building and decorating. We now have doors which keep out the weather and keep in the warmth. Doors which make access a great deal easier for anyone who does not have free hands, especially the disabled and people with young children. So when you are next disappointed that you did not win the lottery, comfort yourself with the thought that your money has gone towards a number of good causes, Castle Hill’s foyer refurbishment being just a small but very welcome example. If you are interested in the work of Great Torrington’s Community Development Trust and might like to be involved, contact: Ian Lovell 01805 626100 or [email protected]. Dianne Nicholson, on behalf of all the CDT trustees.
The Denys Yonge Trust The Churchwardens, trustees of the Denys Yonge Trust, would like to inform the readers of The Crier, in case they were misinformed in last month’s issue, that the Denys Yonge Trust is a church-based charity. The funds available to the Trust have come from the sale of the former Eric Palmer Centre. This building was owned by Torrington Parish Church and this is why the majority of the funds will be used for the repair and restoration of the Parish Church. However, to reiterate, it will be announced that a significant donation will be made, to benefit the local community. John Downing
Town Hall News Great Torrington Town Hall… A project part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for European Development 2007-2013: Europe investing in rural areas. Project being delivered with Defra as the Managing Authority. The Great Torrington Buildings Preservation Trust are very pleased to announce that the long awaited works to renovate and re-open our Town Hall are due to commence on May 6th 2013. We have to thank North Devon + for helping deliver the Leader 4 Funding that allows the first stage of this important renovation to commence. The contractors engaged for the project are WMS and it is being managed by our appointed architects Trewin Design Partnership, so we’re doing our best to keep the project and the jobs it supports local in North Devon. Due to complete over three key stages; further funding is still being sought to allow all three stages to reach final completion before the fully renovated Town Hall can completely re-open and become a focal point for our community once again. We hope to be in a position to announce more funding success in the near future. Huge recognition has to be given to all the volunteers that make up our trustees and other members of our committee who, over several years, have seen this project from conception, through planning and development and now on to construction. Volunteers Needed Might I take this opportunity to make a plea to anyone out there who would like to get involved in this important project to make contact with us, as we will undoubtedly benefit from new blood to help equip our members with the skills they will need in managing this project through construction, to equipping the building and on to management of it once re-opened for the community. This first stage is to make all the necessary structural improvements to the floor of the large main hall in order that it can safely accommodate any size and type of event likely to be demanded of it in the future. Much of this work can be carried out internally or within the undercroft area, so the first signs you’ll see that work is commencing will be when the undercroft area is fenced and secured. The second stage will be to demolish the current inadequate rear extension and replace it with a larger modern structure to include a lift, new toilet facilities and much-needed storage and admin space, then to carry out all the necessary internal renovations to bring this historic building into the 21st century. Finally, Stage three will provide the building with the street-level presence it so desperately needs by enclosing much of the undercroft area with a frameless glazed surround and prominent central front entrance which will transform the appearance of the building making it a central feature of our historic town centre. We have started to update our website so everyone can keep track of how this project is progressing. We intend to publish images of the renovation as it takes shape, but in the meantime you can see some artist’s impressions of how our Town Hall might look, for which we’re very grateful to the talents of Pippa Jenkins who many of you may know from her involvement at The Plough Arts Centre. Visit: www.greattorrington-townhall.org Want to get involved?... Contact the Chairman: [email protected] Richard Phillips, Chairman Great Torrington Buildings Preservation Trust
Wind Turbines Coming to Torrington's Favourite Viewpoint! Some people like to see wind turbines standing prominently on the hillsides when they are enjoying the views of the countryside, but many others find they spoil the tranquillity of the natural landscape. Torridge District Council has been inundated with proposals for wind farms and large single wind turbines. Currently 43 single turbines have been approved/operational; another 21 are in planning and there are dozens and dozens in screening and scoping, which would bring total numbers up to over 100, if all were approved. And of course there are the wind farms themselves – six currently either already built or in planning. Indeed the Darracott wind farm, just off the Barnstaple road, was among the first to be erected in Torridge. The scenery and landscape that Torrington is best known for is the fine view across the Torridge valley to the hills and vales, meadows and forests. However, a screening request has now been entered on the TDC planning website for two turbines, each 40 metres high to the tip of the blades (130ft) and the site of these turbines is described as Servis Farm. The application reference number is 0020/2013/SCR but no other details are available at present as this is what is termed a ‘Screening Request’. TDC are not asking for comments or opinions at this stage; they will merely advise the applicants what they need to submit in the way of surveys and assessments to accompany a full application in due course. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) have pointed out to TDC that Servis Farm is very prominent in the all-important views of the countryside across the valley from the town and the commons, and this landscape is considered of great significance for its history, geomorphology and sheer natural beauty. At present there is no indication of the actual site for the turbines, except that it is to be Servis Farm, but the whole of this landscape is a great tourism asset to the district and we have requested that TDC need a full Landscape Impact Assessment to be carried out by an independent professional consultant and submitted with any full planning application that may follow. It is to be hoped that, if the proposal is not squashed at this early stage, the developer will, in the next few months, organise some public consultation events in Torrington, so we urge everyone to keep their eyes open for any such event and to go along, find out more details and make their views known. In addition, there is another screening request for a large 500kw turbine at Frizenham Farm, Taddiport - 1/0015/2013/SCR. Again, little information is yet available on the Torridge District Council website, but being 500kw this turbine is likely to be in the 70-80m height range. Penny Mills, Chair, CPRE Torridge District Group
Reeds Field References to ‘Reeds field’ on the Commons has been made in several recent editions of The Crier. As a member of the Reed family, who have resided in the locality for the last 200 years, I thought readers might be interested in a brief history and in the origin of the land concerned. As some local residents may be aware, Torrington Commons, constituting some 370 acres, was given to the burgesses (people) of Torrington by William, Baron de Toriton in 1194. However, intense poverty and deprivation in Torrington in the mid 1700s led to the Torrington Charity Trustees giving 50 acres of Commons (between the present golf course and the River Torridge) to William Callon (a London merchant) to build a wool manufactory under the 1777 Staple Vale Manufactory Act. The purpose was to provide employment for local workers and to use the profits to feed the starving children of the town. The enterprise went into liquidation under Callon soon afterwards and was bought out by the Rolle family (now the Devon Clinton Estate). Bryan Reed was put in as tenant to run the wool manufactory business c1800. Initially this was successful, but the onset of the Industrial Revolution c1840 meant that wool manufacturing had to cease. However, wool continued to be bought from local farmers, graded and sold to large industrial factories in Yorkshire for the next 120 years. These developments meant that the people of Torrington had lost 50 acres of Commons land and received very little benefit in return. This resulted in the Torrington worthies becoming involved in a series of legal arguments with the Rolle Estate in the mid-late 1800s, which led to the 1889 Commons Act being enacted. This Act restored some 25 acres of land situated on the Commons side of the then new railway line to the Commons again, after having been farmed by the Reed family as tenants since c1800. As the country was only 40% self-sufficient in food prior to the onset of World War II, the people would have starved if the Government had not taken steps to force farmers to plough up all available land for food production. This led to JB Reed, as the nearest farmer, being told to take over nine acres of Commons land adjacent to the railway for arable crop production in 1943. Italian Prisoners of War were used to clear the scrub, remove the residual hedges, drain the land and fence it from the adjacent Commons land. The land was returned to grazing in 1951 and restored to the Commons for a second time in 1956. The writer remembers very clearly how the Commons were regularly grazed by sheep and cattle owned by farmers and smallholders living within the parish of Torrington during the 1930s and 1950s. Following the cessation of grazing, gorse and bracken have gradually taken over many parts of the Commons - an unfortunate development in the writer’s opinion. H C B Reed, Staple Vale, Torrington
Torrington in Bloom We are busy planning for this year’s Britain in Bloom competition, the judging of the town being sometime between the 4th and 18th July. Anyone living within the town boundaries are kindly asked to ensure that their front gardens, etc., are neat and tidy on the day - we’ll inform you in a later Crier of the actual date. Hanging baskets can be purchased at reasonable cost from Barry at the Vicarage Nursery. We did really well last year, not far off achieving gold standard according to the judges, so let’s try our best to take those last few steps for Torrington. The Torrington in Bloom Association would also like to thank the Rotary Club of Torrington for their kind donation of £200 towards the costs of planting the baskets in the Pannier Market. There are also plans to improve the look of the town square itself, and we are hoping to purchase new planters. We shall also be designing and planting up the flowerbed at Windy Corner. Further, if any group in Torrington has started, or hopes to start, a community gardening project of some sort, please speak to us about it; we can offer advice and possibly some funding towards purchasing plants, etc., (although we have only a limited budget ourselves). Cherry Hammon, Secretary Torrington in Bloom Tel: 01805 625788
Year 10 have been asked to write a persuasive review about a fair or festival for their GCSE English assessment. Here is Charlotte’s timely reminder of one such fair we should treasure.
Sending Out a Mayday For Our Spring Fair Can we allow Torrington’s tradition to dwindle? What picture comes into your mind when you think of Torrington’s May Fair? For many it is the image of the maypole, laughter and sunshine; it would be difficult to imagine Torrington without it. Yet today, our historic tradition is under threat. It is easy to allow the pressures of modern life to slowly strangle our cultural heritage. In this fast age of high-tech gadgetry, mass media and instant gratification, there is little time left for what really matters: community life. Today, more than ever, it is essential to keep our historic celebration alive. Our week of annual festivity fosters friendship, a sense of belonging and a link with our past. We cannot let this die. As you walk the cobbled streets of our ancient town, you breathe antiquity. The May Fair links present-day Torrington with the past, transporting us to a bygone era – when life was simpler. Torrington has hosted the annual May Fair since 1554. However, many celebrations in England have their origins in even earlier times: to the Roman festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and flowers. This tradition, symbolizing rebirth is particularly relevant to us today, breathing new life into the winter of our community. Moreover, in keeping with the spirit of rejuvenation, children are the focal point of the festivities. Much against Mr Gove’s better wishes, Torrington’s schools are closed to allow full community participation. What could be more appealing than watching the crowning of the May Queen? The procession of boys and girls in brightly coloured costumes would melt any heart. Ribbons rippling, skirts skipping and the band blasting: the maypole is ceremoniously woven. Just as the colours on the maypole are intertwined, so the May Fair breaks down social barriers as it appeals to everyone. Choirs, dance groups and majorettes all take to the stage: a feast for the eyes and ears. Local dignitaries are happily pelted in the stocks and subjected to duckings. The Mayor has a lavish lunch, to which many are invited. The town crier bellows as he proudly marches the streets of his predecessors and The Torrington Silver Band pulsates like the beating heart of the community. The grand finale of the May Fair week is the carnival, a spectacle of light and sound. Fanciful floats journey through the town whilst the streets are lined with cheering children. In the packed town square, you have no choice but to mingle and make new friends. ‘Uz be plaised to zee ee!’ The Mayor’s welcome banner in thick Devonian dialect is strung across the square – Torrington is known as a friendly town and this is no better displayed than at the May Fair. In this era of social isolation, the May Fair provides the medicine of friendship, inclusion and support. The fair encourages community life as the young and old join together for the common good. What better way is there to bring neighbours together? People come from far and wide to enjoy the delights of May Fair. They also bring their money with them! The fair replenishes the coffers of the town – providing a welcome boost to the local economy – such a help in difficult times. Businesses use the carnival as an opportunity to advertise their wares. Charities also benefit: collection tins are soon full to overflowing. Yet it is often argued that historic celebrations are archaic and anachronistic. On the contrary, Torrington’s festivities revitalise the old traditions. In the current climate of apathy, laziness and indifference, the May Fair lifts our spirits and transforms Torrington into a vibrant community. Despite the continual development of modern technology and increasing time spent at computer screens, last year’s record-breaking turnout shows there is still a place for live entertainment. Given the choice of playing a video game or participating in the buzz of the fair, I know which I would choose… Today, the new enemy of a large-scale town event is ‘Health and Safety’. As huge crowds gather, it could be argued that there is a danger of an accident. Nowadays, with all the ridiculous rules and regulations it is a struggle to organise anything. In this age of countless litigation, our town hall is in danger of being lost. This must not deter us; we must accept risk in order to live life to the full. We cannot allow the bureaucracy to stop our yearly tradition. Therefore, why not volunteer to show your support? Our May Fair relies upon a dedicated army of volunteers, why not join the ladies sewing the Maypole costumes over a cup of tea? Perhaps you would like to help decorate the floats with papier mache, or you could marshal. Your help is needed; the more you contribute, the more you gain. Historically, fairs have always been the highlight of every community – Torrington is no exception. The painstaking months of planning and preparations bear fruit. Just as new blossom appears on our trees, so the annual May Fair brings spring to our town. Despite the distractions and difficulties of modern-day life, the May Fair is still of relevance to us today. It is our moral duty to treasure, preserve and enhance our historic celebration for future generations. We all need to participate and partake of this joyous occasion. See you there! Charlotte Evans, Year 10
Here is Catharine’s persuasive speech, also for GCSE.
Buy British and Support Your Local Farmer As a British farmer’s daughter I am passionate about the countryside, supporting our industry and educating our consumers from young to old. In safeguarding our food and farming industries, one of the many things I hate and would eradicate, would be inaccurate labelling on food products. For example, if something says it’s ‘British’, it should be British! With correct labelling the buyer then knows the truth about the product, not only its origin, but what is in it! For example, the horse meat scandal where horse meat has been found lurking in products labelled as beef. Since this incident 44% of buyers now spend more time looking at the ingredients labels on food products. Secondly, another aspect of the food industry I would change is ensuring customers know where their food comes from. More people should eat British meat, supporting the local farmers. British beef is produced to some of the highest welfare standards in the world. No growth-promoting hormones are fed to beef cattle in the UK and any antibiotics are administered only under veterinary direction. Customers also need to understand that only certain crops can be grown and harvested at certain times of the year. They should learn to accept this instead of transporting foreign foods across the world when they should just buy in-season products. Our British farmers also look after and preserve the countryside keeping it looking as stunning as it is. My third and final change to ensure the best from our farming industry is we should be paying our farmers a fair price for their food products such as meat, cheese, vegetables and milk. We all know it is currently tough times recovering from the recession, however, some supermarkets pay less for farming products, especially milk, than it costs to produce! Supermarkets then make huge profits whereas farmers are in debt. If things continue as they are, traditional dairy farms will disappear from Britain altogether. For instance, 20,000 dairy farms have already disappeared leaving only 14,500 farmers left in Britain. We are a nation of overweight people; quality of food, rather than quantity, is essential, especially with buying local and fresh food which also supports our British Farmers. So, think about it. Think about the food you eat. Insist on accurate labelling on your food products so you know exactly what you are eating and where it comes from. Remember, if it is British it is of the highest quality. And finally, if you do want to have best British products to eat, think about what you buy and where you buy it from, and if your local farmers have been paid a fair price for the food they have produced. Catharine Herniman, Year 10
My Little Sisters I have two sisters, one good one bad.
My good sister loves cuddles and stories of every kind.
My bad sister is a pain in the bum.
She is loud and bossy and we argue all the time But I know I’m always right! She talks and talks even when she is asleep.
But all the arguing doesn’t Stop us from loving Each other. Lewis Stacey, Year 7
BEAFORD New Toddler Group Caterpillars is the name of a new group meeting between 9.30-11.30am on Tuesdays in the Village Hall kitchen. After dropping off your children at school why not come along with pre-school children, grandma and even uncle for a cuppa and a chat. The group, organised by Clare Heard and Shelly Nymmo, is open to everyone and costs £1.50 per family.
Jumble Sale Beaford Village Hall committee, along with St George and All Saints Parochial Church Council will be holding one of their ever popular jumble sales in the hall on 11th May. It’s time to spring clean the cupboards and let any jumble help raise funds in support of the hall and church. The sale will start at 2pm and the usual selection of delicious home-made cakes and refreshments will be available throughout.
Annual Parish Meeting The annual parish meeting will be held on Monday 13th May at 7pm in the village hall. Village organisations have been invited to attend and participate in the meeting. The parish council will present the latest information on phase 3 of the parish local plan. Parishioners will have an opportunity to offer their views on the plan.
Social Bridge Group There are a number of people who are interested in starting a social bridge group and will welcome others with a similar interest. If anybody would like to join, it doesn't matter whether you are a total beginner or a more experienced player, come along and join the group. Please contact Ian or Joan Lovell on 01805 603256.
BUCKLAND BREWER Plant Sale Plant sale on Saturday 11th May from 10am–3pm and Sunday 12th May 11am –3pm on the Village Green Safari Lunch On Sunday 12th May from 12.30pm at the Methodist Chapel, tickets £7 from Enid Booth (01237 451655) with proceeds for the Methodist and Parish Church, the Village Hall and Churchyard.
FRITHELSTOCKSTONE New Bus Shelter On Tuesday 26th March 2013, the bus shelter that Frithelstockstone has patiently awaited for many decades, was finally installed. Its provision has been made possible by kind donations from Councillor Sam Robinson (Devon County Council) and Councillor Philip Pennington (Torridge District Council), both of whom contributed from their allocation of Locality Funds. The shelter was supplied and erected by GoShelters of Southport, Lancashire.
HUNTSHAW Fundraising Lunch Sunday 12th May - Fundraising two course lunch and coffee for Huntshaw Parish Church at Jenny Staines' Pound House Barn, Huntshaw,Torrington, EX38 7HH at 12.30pm. Ticket entry only £12. Telephone 01805 624490 asap as limited places.
MERTON Vintage & Classic Vehicle Rally & Summer Fayre Sunday 5th May 2013 11am–5pm Come along to this great family day out with lots going on for everyone, a perfect way to end May Fair Week! Entrance: £2, U16’s £1, U5s free. Find us on the A386 between Torrington and Hatherleigh. EX20 3EQ. Plenty of free parking. For more information or to book a stall call Janette Newell 01805 603604 or to book a vehicle call Tony on 01805 603400.
Friendship Club There is a club outing set for Wednesday 22nd May leaving Merton Square at 10am. We are going to Willow and Wetlands at Taunton. There are some seats still available and if you would like to come along please contact our outing organiser, Roy Watts, on 01271 325453 for more details. Our next meetings are as follows: Wednesday 1st May – Mrs Mary Ford will be giving a talk entitled ‘My Goats’. Wednesday 5th June – a talk on the Roadford Reservoir We welcome new members so please just come along or if you want more information please contact Christine Wickett on 01805 603258. All our meetings are held in the Clinton Hall on the first Wednesday of the month and commence at 2pm.
Excavation - May 2013 Starting on 11th May and running until the 26th, there will be an archaeological excavation of an area known to have been used for clay tobacco pipe production. There have already been a number of clay pipes found as well as parts of the vessels used when firing the pipes. Whilst a number of C17 and C19 kilns have been found in the UK, evidence from the C18 is scarce. Documents suggest a family of pipemakers in the area by the names of Pardon/Pearn. The pipes found also have maker's marks suggesting this family. There is therefore a strong possibility of finding a kiln -this would be a first in Devon and is a really exciting prospect. This is a North Devon Archaeological Society project but we will be happy to take on some local volunteers if there is interest. We can accommodate all skill and fitness levels and some training will be given where necessary. There will be various roles, from cataloguing to finds washing to gentle digging to planning, so please don't be put off by the thought of heavy mattocking. Surface finds suggest there will be a lot of artefacts to process. If you are interested could you let Philip Collins of Barometer World 01805 603443/603656 know and he will pass on details to me. Many Thanks, Chris Preece
MONKLEIGH Pre-School Monkleigh Pre-School will open its doors in September. Initially opening from 9.15am–12.15pm Monday to Friday, and if there is enough interest extending to lunchtime and afternoon sessions as well. Places are limited, so if you are interested in a place for your child please phone the school on 01805 623269. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give us a ring!
SHEBBEAR AND BUCKLAND FILLEIGH Website The website for Shebbear and Buckland Filleigh can be found at www.shebbearvillage.co.uk please do log on and see all the news and latest goings on in both villages. Anything that you would like to say or contribute please get in touch. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01409 281968
Parent/Carer Toddler Play and Stay Sessions Wednesday 9.30–11.30am (term time only) From Wednesday 17th April 2013, Little Bears Pre-School is welcoming parents/carers and children aged 0 - 3 (older siblings are also welcome) to our fun and friendly play and stay sessions. Each week Jane and Jo will use play to focus on an element from the Early Years Foundation stage profile to encourage your child’s learning. The sessions aim to be friendly, fun and stimulating and parents/carers can meet new people and enjoy a coffee and a chat. There are places available at the Pre-School, and children aged three and over can receive funding from Devon County Council for up to 15 hours a week. Families who are on a low income and have a 2 year old at Pre-School may also receive up to 15 hours funding and should contact the Pre-School for more information.
Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society Guided Walk The new season's programme of Sunday afternoon walks starts on 26th May with a visit to the site of the Inclined Plane at Ridd. This is the place where the Rolle Canal was raised up about 43 feet from the valley floor near Weare Giffard to a level in the side of the valley that could be maintained all the way inland to the head weir at Rosemoor. Many people will have seen this site on previous walks but this year there have been developments over the winter that will make it well worth a repeat visit. The Heritage Lottery funded ‘Life's Journey’ project has produced a new pathway from the Tarka Trail down to the bottom of the Inclined Plane where two illustrated information boards have been installed to describe the saltmarsh habitat by the Torridge and the workings and purpose of the Rolle Canal. It is now possible to gain a far better understanding of the lay-out and workings of the inclined plane boat lift than was previously the case. The upper basin of the canal at the top of the incline has been cleared of scrub sufficiently to enable the outline of its banks to be clearly seen, and the way the railway subsequently cut through the northern end, destroying the top of the incline. This canal basin now supports an increasing population of Early Purple Orchid and Twayblade (a green flowered orchid) which, depending on the season, may well be flowering at the time of the walk. The start of the walk is at Annery Kiln, on the Weare Giffard road by Halfpenny Bridge, at 2.30pm on Sunday 26th May. The distance is little over a mile but with plenty to look at and discuss is likely to take a couple of hours. A donation of £2 to the Rolle Canal Society's funds will be appreciated and helps enable the Society to keep volunteer work going to promote and maintain features of the Rolle Canal. Future walks this year will be 16th June, 28th July and 18th August. For further details if required: email: [email protected] or phone 01237 425357, but you'll probably have to leave a message. Chris Hassall
Our Hedgehogs Need You!!!!!! Hedgehog Awareness Week is on its way but why wait until then to help? As spring is here and hopefully the weather improves our spiky friends will be up and about again. It’s been an extremely tough winter for them. The changeable and wet weather has made it difficult for many of them to find food or hibernate properly over the past months so many are now weak and need help. If you know that you had a resident hedgehog in your area last year please don’t forget to put a bowl of water and some food out for them, placing it inside a feeding station (this could be as simple as a blue mushroom crate turned upside down with a 10cm x 10cm hole cut in one of the short sides and a weight on top) which should stop any local cats enjoying a free meal. Cat biscuits (not fish flavour) are an ideal food to put in the feeding station but please never bread and milk as it can make them seriously ill. If you find a hedgehog out during the day, wobbling and unsteady or you’re worried about one that visits your garden, place the hedgehog in a high sided box with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and cover with the cloth that you used to pick it up with then please ring any of the following who will be more than willing to give advice or take to one of the local vets. British Hedgehog Preservation Society 01584 890801 North Devon Hedgehog Rescue 01271 816989 or 07964 522 359 Anni Nicholls Torridge Hedgehog Rescue (working with ND Hedgehog Rescue) Angela Hodge 07884 486 509 Please look out for events in your area during Hedgehog Awareness Week 5th to 11th May.
Pets As Therapy Pets As Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983. It is unique in that it provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues by volunteers with their own friendly, temperament-tested and vaccinated dogs and cats. Since it’s beginning over 22,000 PAT dogs have been registered into the Pets As Therapy scheme. Every year some of these retire and new dogs, having first been examined and passed on health, temperament, suitability and stability grounds, join Pets As Therapy. Today there are currently around 4,500 active PAT visiting dogs and 108 PAT cats at work in the UK. Every week these calm friendly dogs and cats give more than 130,000 people, both young and old, the pleasure and chance to cuddle and talk to them. The bedsides that are visited each year number a staggering half million. Sick patients often feel isolated and even the most withdrawn seem to open up and let the barriers down when their regular Pets As Therapy visiting dog is around. These dogs bring everyday life closer and with it all the happy associations for them of home comforts. The constant companionship of an undemanding animal, that gives unconditional love, is often one of the most missed aspects of their lives. Pets As Therapy was formed to help make this loss more bearable and speed recovery. Buttons was the first Pet As Therapy in North Devon and Josie the first in Torridgeside. There have been outstanding results with the Read2 programme in our schools, which has no sponsorship conditions and has helped many children to learn to read. The dog acts as a non-judgmental listener and offers comfort to those who find reading stressful. Come and see us at Green Lanes Shopping Centre on Sunday 19th May 10-30am-4.30pm. Enquiries; K Moore 01805 624739 North Devon Area Co-Ordinator PAT.
East Woodlands Farmhouse, Alverdiscott, Open Garden This garden will be opening for the second time as part of the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of June 2013 from 2-5pm each day. Five miles NE of Great Torrington, five miles south of Barnstaple off the B3232 at Windmill Cross along one mile of single track road. Postcode EX31 3PP Richard and Ann welcome you to their sculptured gardens, extending to just over an acre. The gardens were created in 2006 from a blank landscape and have been transformed into a hidden oasis of swaying grasses, spectacularly architectural bamboos and cool-to-hot terraces. Little garden rooms create hidden gems where the visitor can sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the garden as it blends with the rolling, tireless views. A pond area (unfenced) and still in its developmental stages, provides an area of shade for gunnera and bog plants. A potager’s delight. Entry costs £3.50 and teas will be available. There will also be plants for sale. For further information about East Woodlands garden and others open for the National Garden Scheme visit www.ngs.org.uk Great Torrington Memory Café March’s memory café went with a buzz despite having to cancel the activity. A presentation took place for John Portman who has now retired from being our Volunteer Fundraiser and we are still trying to recruit for this post, so if you would like to be part of a committed team of volunteers to provide this valuable service then please get in touch. We are also looking for volunteers to help with memory café – if you can spare two hours a month then please contact me. We are looking forward to this month’s meeting where Annie Brierley will be reading short stories and poems. This will invoke memories and raise discussions and should be a very enjoyable activity. Dementia Awareness week takes place in May. Along with the Alzheimer’s Society we are planning to have an information giving presence in the town square on Thursday 23rd May so do come along and find out more. The theme of this week is “Worry changes nothing. Talking changes everything”. May’s café meeting will be on Thursday 9th when David Clinch will be playing guitar and pipes to entertain us all. Do come along and join in the fun as well as being able to access relevant information and discuss concerns with professional NHS staff. Contact: Pauline Page 01805 625969
Diary
A Listing of Community, Social and Fundraising Events in the Torrington and Surrounding District Areas.
May 2013
Wednesday 1st May Fair Rehearsal & crowning of carnival Queen St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Little Tadpoles stay & play session (only £1.50) every Wed term time 1-3pm Scout Hall 01805 622747 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 6.30-8.30pm @ The Plough. 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 Short Tennis @ High Bickington Community Centre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805-622150 Film 'Post Tenebras Lux' (18) 8pm @ The Plough
Thursday 2nd May Fair Day Flower Festival, theme music, Parish Church open all day for refreshments Pannier General Market every Thur 8am–5pm Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Church every Thur term time 9.30-11.30am £1.50 per family. Wendy 01805 623214 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ High Bickington Community Centre Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Class at Scout Hall, Gas Lane 6.30 - 7.45pm every Thur. Wendy 01237 424787 Slimming World Join us at TVSC every Thur at 5.30 & 7.30pm Bev Roberts 01805 624955 Rugby Training every Thur 7pm start Writers Poets and Listeners 7.30pm at the Plough Film 'Song for Marion' (PG) 8pm @ The Plough
Friday 3rd St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Pannier Market every Fri 8am-5pm Allsorts Childrens’ Club at Bluecoat Infants Sch every Fri 6.30-8pm School years 1-6 Morag 01805 625510 Allsorts Plus Young Persons’ Club at Bluecoat Sch every Fri 8-9pm years 6-9 Morag 01805 625510 Music The Jongleurs & The Dambuskers 7.30pm @ The Plough The Floating Globe present Roving Crows winners of Top Celtic Fiddle Player @ Umberleigh Village Hall, doors open 7.30pm, music 8.30pm, tickets £10 from Murch's Emporium Umberleigh 01769-540644 Exhibition Jane Yates & Bob Devereux preview 7pm @ The Plough on until Sat 25th May Music 'Cloudbusting' - Kate Bush Tribute 8pm @ The Plough
Saturday 4th Carnival Day Pannier Market every Sat 8am–4pm Farmers Market 1st Sat of every month 9am-3pm @ 1646, Kate 01805 626146 or 07596 742 909. Food Bank 10am-12pm every Sat @ Castle Hill, (1st floor) Torrington Parish Church Mayfair Flower Festival 10am-5pm theme music Big Breakfast £5 @ TVSC 9am-12noon in aid of Devon Freewheelers Charity, All Welcome Music Show of Hands @ Devon Hall, Bideford 8pm Music Will Benson - The Kind (Gallery Gig) 8.15pm @ The Plough Film 'Stoker' (18) 8.30pm @ The Plough
Sunday 5th Commons Conservator Boot Sale on Old Bowling Green, 8am-1pm, £5 pitch, every Sunday till 29th Sept. for details 07840 0105 355 Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Mass every Sun 9.15am Baptist Church Family service 10.30am St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Community Church Bluecoat Infants School every Sun Karen 01805 622866 Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Stephen Hill 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Abbotsham Rd, Bideford, EX39 3AR Sunday Sacrament service at 11.50am-1pm Classic & Vintage Vehicle Rally 11am-5pm @ Clinton Hall, Merton. £2 Adults, £1 children, under 5's free.lots to do. Parish Church Big Hymn, 3pm favourite hymns with refreshments Film 'Song for Marion' (PG) 3pm &7pm @ The Plough
Monday 6th Mini Mover Dance Session for under 5's 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington Community Centre Little Frogs sessions Mon – Fri 8.45am-3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact - 07870 509 674 Little Tadpoles stay & play session £1.50 every Mon term time 9.30-11.30am at Scout Hall 01805 622747 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ High Bickington Community Centre Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm Linda Searle 01237 451302 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6pm-7.30pm Leanne Wade 01271 377094 Torrington Seniors, at Torrington Rugby Club every Mon term time 7.30-9pm Sandra Nevard 07729 065 556 Zumba Pollyfields E-the-Water 6.30-7.30pm 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout Hall every Mon term Time 7.30-9.00pm Peter 01409 281246 Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon
Tuesday 7th Food Bank 10am-12pm every Tues @ Baptist Church New Market in the Pannier Market on 9am-4pm new stall holders reqd. looking for crafts, foods, books jewellery, clothes, Kate 01805 626146 or 07596 742 909. 1st Torrington Guides at Torrington Rugby Club every Tues 7-8.30pm Linda Masterson 01805 623212 Spiritual Healing every Tues 3-4.30pm & 7-9pm Frithelstockstone 01805 622883 Rugby Training every Tues 7pm Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm Juniors, Adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 01769 561387 Hobbies Arts & Crafts Group Langtree Parish Hall every Tues 10.30-12.30pm £1.50 inc Tea & coffee Sylvie 01805-601485 Zumba GTS Gym 8-9pm Theatre Little Soldier Productions: You and Me 8pm @ The Plough
Wednesday 8th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am Gt.Torrington Care Forum at the Early Years Centre: Lunch 11.45am-12.25pm: Forum 12.30pm-1.30pm GT W.I Speaker on Lundy 7pm Methodist Rooms Film 'Caesar Must Die' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough
Thursday 9th St Michael's Church Said Mass 10.30am in St James Chapel followed by Walsingham cell in vicarage Memory Cafe 10.30-12.30pm @ The Plough Torridge Ramblers evening walk ring 01237 451508 Comedy 'Al Murray' 8pm @ The Plough Open Mouth Poetry Night 8pm @ The Plough
JUNE CRIER COPY DEADLINE by 12noon today latest please
Friday 10th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Film 'Stoker' (18) 8pm @ The Plough
Saturday 11th Advice Surgery with Geoffrey Cox MP. for an appointment ring 01237 459001 or email to tellgeoffrey@geoffreycox or via website www.geoffreycox.co.uk Plant Sale 10am-3pm on village green, Buckland Brewer Taddiport Tea Dance 2-4.30pm details Doug 01805 622648 or Beryl 01805 624294 Open Gardens 2pm @ The Old Glebe Gardens Eggesford with refreshments also open tomorrow 12th May Hedgehogtastic Hedgehog activities info & items for GT Rescue Society 9am-1pm under Town Hall Film 'A Late Quartet' (15) 8pm @ The Plough
Sunday 12th St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30 Mr Jim Wood 6.30pm Rev Peter Bolt Plant Sale 11am-3pm on village green, Buckland Brewer Safari Lunch from 12.30pm in Methodist Chapel, Buckland Brewer. Tickets £7 from Enid 01237 451655 Fundraising 2 course lunch & coffee for Huntshaw Parish Church ticket entry only £12 @ Jenny Staines Pound Barn, EX38 7HH 01805 624490 ASAP limited space Film 'A Late Quartet' (15) 3pm &7pm @ The Plough
Monday 13th Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High Bickington Community Centre Mini Mover Dance Session for under 5's 9.30-10.30am @ High Bickington Community Centre
Tuesday 14th Bideford & Torridge Macular Support Group meet every 2nd Tues of month @ Burton Arts Centre 10am- noon
Wednesday 15th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Royal British Legion Meeting 7pm @ Conservative Club Film 'Hors Satan' (15) 8pm @ The Plough
Thursday 16th St Michael's Church Said Mass 10.30am in St James Chapel 6.30pm Choir practice Comedy Richard Herring 8pm @ The Plough Music The Happiness Calculator (Gallery Gig 8.15pm @ The Plough
Friday 17th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel. 7.30pm Concert: Peter Wright organist & choirmaster @ Southwark Cathedral Music Chris Millington 8pm @ The Plough Film 'To the Wonder' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough
Saturday 18th Coffee Morning & cake sale @ TVSC 9.30am-noon, all welcome in aid of Devon Freewheelers Charity St Michael's Church concert @ 7.30pm The Winkleigh Singers Open Gardens 2pm @ The Old Glebe Gardens Eggesford with refreshments also open tomorrow 19th May Mark Thomas 8pm @ The Plough
Sunday 19th St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Ken Morgan 6.30pm Rev Ken Morgan Christian aid week service Torridge Ramblers day walk ring 01237 451643 Music Fummi Olawumi 7.30pm @ The Plough
Tuesday 21st 'Hearing for You' Social group for the hard of hearing. Every 3rd Tues 2pm @ The Bickford Centre. call 01271- 373236 Theatre 'Snap Catch Slam' 8pm @ The Plough
Wednesday 22nd St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Film 'Searching for Sugarman' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough
Thurday 23rd St Michael's Church Said Mass 10.30am in St James Chapel Film 'Trance' (15) 8pm @ The Plough Music Tracey Nicholson (Gallery Gig) 8.15pm @ The Plough
Friday 24th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Comedy The Boy with Tape on his Face 8pm @ The Plough
Saturday 25th Music Radical Dance Faction (Standing Gig) 8pm @ The Plough
Sunday 26th St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room Torrington Methodist Church 10.30 Rev Ken Morgan (Baptism) 7pm Ignite Rolle Canal Walk 2.30pm from Annery Kiln to Inclined Plane, Industrial History & Wild Flowers all welcome, £2 donation for info 01237 425357 (see article) Film 'Trance' (15) 3pm & 7pm @ The Plough
Monday 27th Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High Bickington Community Centre Film 'Jack the Giant Slayer' (12A) 2pm & 7pm @ The Plough
Tuesday 28th Film 'The Croods' (U) 5pm @ The Plough Film 'Jack the Giant Slayer' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough
Wednesday 29th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Film 'Jack the Giant Slayer' (12A) 2pm @ The Plough Film 'Reality' (15) 8pm @ The Plough
Thursday 30th St Michael's Church Said Mass 10.30am in St James Chapel 6.30pm choir practice Music Jon Sevink & Dan Donnelly 8pm @ The Plough
Friday 31st St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Film 'The Croods' (U) 2pm @ The Plough Film 'The Host' (12A) 8pm @ The Plough Music Seth Lakeman 8pm @ The Plough
June 2013
Saturday 1st Pannier General Market every Sat 8am–4pm Torridge Ramblers day walk ring 01598 760419 Hatchmoor Nursing Home Summer Fayre 2pm-4pm lots of stalls & Raffle Farmers Market 1st Sat of every month 9am-3pm @ 1646 Kate 01805 626146 or 07596 742 909. Food Bank 10am-12pm every Sat @ Castle Hill, (1st floor) Torrington St Michael's Church Organ concert 7.30pm
Sunday 7th Commons Conservator Boot Sale on Old Bowling Green, 8am-1pm, £5 pitch, every Sunday till 29th Sept. for details 07840 0105 355 Catholic Church of the Holy Family – Mass every Sun 9.15am Baptist Church Family service 10.30am St. Michael’s Church 10am Sung Mass Ignatius Sunday Club in upper room & 3pm Big Hymn Torrington Community Church Bluecoat Infants School every Sun Karen 01805 622866 Torrington Methodist Church 10.30 Rev Stephen Hill 6.30 Rev Ken Morgan The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meet @ Bideford College Abbotsham Rd, Bideford, EX39 3AR Sunday Sacrament service at 11.50am-1pm
Monday 3rd Mini Mover Dance Session for under 5's 9.30-10.30am @ Bickington Community Centre Little Frogs sessions Mon–Fri 8.45am-3.45pm term time, Gas Lane, Torrington, contact 07870 509 674 Little Tadpoles stay & play session £1.50 every Mon term time 9.30-11.30am at Scout Hall. 01805 622747 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ High Bickington Community Centre Singing for Fun 7.30-8.30pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 1st Torrington Rainbows at Torrington Rugby Club every Monday term time 6.15-7.15pm Linda Searle 01237 451302 1st Torrington Brownies at Torrington Baptist Hall every Mon term time 6-7.30pm Leanne Wade 01271 377094 Torrington Seniors, at Torrington Rugby Club every Mon term time 7.30-9pm: Sandra Nevard 07729 065 556 1st Torrington Scout Group at Scout Hall every Mon term Time 7.30-9pm Peter 01409 281246 Zumba Pollyfields E-the-Water 6.30-7.30pm Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805 622150 Cash Bingo TVSC 7.30pm every Mon
Tuesday 4th New Market in the Pannier Market on 9am-4pm new stall holders reqd. looking for crafts, foods, books jewellery, clothes, Kate 01805 626146 or 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 Spiritual Healing every Tues. 3-4.30pm & 7-9pm. Frithelstockstone 01805 622883 Youth Club for 11+ 5-7pm every Tues @High Bickington Community Centre Badminton Club every Tues 7-8pm Juniors, Adults 8-9pm @ High Bickington Community Centre 01769 561387 Rugby Training every Tues 7pm Zumba GTS Gym 8-9pm
Wednesday 5th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Little Tadpoles stay & play session (only £1.50) every Wed term time 1-3pm Scout Hall 01805 622747 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 6.30-8.30pm @ The Plough. 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 Short Tennis @ High Bickington Community Centre 4.30-5.30pm for 5+ Torrington Silver Band practice Mon & Weds 8-9.30pm @ Howe Concert Hall Nick Megson 01805-622150 Devon Sensory Bus 11am-3pm @ South St, Car Park Gt.Torrington Care Forum at the Early Years Centre: Lunch 11.45am-12.25pm: Forum12.30pm-1.30pm Zumba High Bickington Community Hall 7.30-8.30pm
Thursday 6th St Michael's Church Said Mass 10.30am in St James Chapel Pannier General Market every Thur 8am–5pm Little Fishes Toddler Group at Baptist Church every Thur term time 9.30-11.30am £1.50 per family. Wendy 01805 623214 Short Mat Bowls 2-4pm every Mon @ High Bickington Community Centre Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Class at Scout Hall, Gas Lane 6.30 - 7.45pm every Thur. Wendy 01237 424787 Slimming World Join us at TVSC every Thur at 5.30 & 7.30pm Bev Roberts 01805 624955 Rugby Training every Thur 7pm start Writers Poets and Listeners 7.30pm at the Plough
Friday 7th St Michael's Church Said Mass 8.30am in St James Chapel Pannier Market every Fri 8am-5pm Allsorts Childrens’ Club at Bluecoat Infants Sch every Fri 6.30-8pm School years 1-6 Morag 01805 625510 Allsorts Plus Young Persons’ Club at Bluecoat Sch every Fri 8-9pm years 6-9 Morag 01805 625510
History Society After a short AGM, at which our Chairman, Richard Bain, and the other officers were all re-elected, we had two interesting illustrated talks by members of the society. Chris Hassall told us about recent archaeological discoveries at the Beam section of the Rolle Canal and explained the colour readout of ground resistance mapping to indicate the hidden positions of walls and canal. We will be visiting the site later in the summer to explore it for ourselves. Harry Cramp then told us about the research he has been undertaking on an 19th Century Torrington clockmaker, John Oatway, many of whose clocks continue to keep good time. Once again, The Crier came up trumps when he put in an appeal for owner of Oatway clocks. If you have a clock made by any Torrington clockmaker he would be delighted to hear of it. Our next four meetings are visits to local places of interest. Important Safety Notice - Potential Fire Hazard Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are bringing to home owners’ attention the fact that certain older Bosch dishwashers are being recalled as they may be a potential fire hazard. These are ones manufactured between 1999 and early 2005 for models purchased and used in the United Kingdom only. The affected dishwashers are in the batch number range from FD 7901 to FD 8504. Dishwashers which are outside the above batch number range are not affected. One of the concerns is that homeowners are not checking older dishwashers assuming the recall only applies to the latest models. Please visit repairaction.co.uk for full information.
Befrienders Needed for Dementia Sufferers Volunteer befrienders are needed across the whole of Devon to regularly spend time with people living with dementia. Thanks to new funding from Devon County Council, Alzheimer’s Society will launch a new ‘Befriending’ service for people living with dementia and their carers in Devon, in a variety of settings including within the home and the local community, pending the recruitment of volunteer ‘Befrienders’. Last March a report published by Alzheimer’s Society called Dementia 2012 – A National Challenge found that three in five people diagnosed with dementia are left feeling lonely, and nearly half have lost friends as a result of their diagnosis. With the number of people living with dementia in Devon set to rise in the coming years, more needs to be done to support those affected to live well with the condition, within the community for longer. People who have dementia often become socially isolated and Befrienders may support a local person living with dementia in a variety of ways; enabling the continuation of a much-loved hobby, or by assisting in an aspect of daily living such as shopping. Training for the role will be provided and Volunteer Befrienders will be entitled to the reimbursement of their travel and out of pocket expenses. Volunteer Befrienders for people with dementia are especially needed between the hours of nine to five on weekdays, for an average of two hours. If you are interested in volunteering please contact: Sally Ellis - Volunteering Officer, Scott Lodge, Scott Road, Plymouth, PL2 3DU Tel: 01752 608911 Email:[email protected]
Bienvenu Encore! Un peu froid, cette annee Well Easter was as cold In Twinning’s lovely Roscoff As here in Devon, so I’m told But the warmth of hospitality Kept our spirits high With that special welcome Francais Food and wine for which to die
The company with families Some have known for years Grandparents down to babies Memories bring happy tears The location is so beautiful A wondrous curve of coast Constant camaraderie Raising glasses for a toast
So thanks hosts and hostesses, - 2014’s the celebration Of 40 years since starting The jumeler foundation We must play our role In full reciprocation With hearty hospitality In Torrington location
Think and plan, anticipate How our town repays The lovely, loving Roscovites For all their charming ways VJT
Thank You from Function Fitness Well we survived our first year! I have reflected on the past year many a time often wondering was it worth it? Well yes it was and I hope it continues to be so. People often stop me in the street and ask how is it going, are you doing well, and so on and I am always pleased to say, “yes it is doing just fine”. In my eyes there were two needs in Torrington (among many); the first was to find a good use for this lovely old building of which I have many happy memories, and secondly was a quality gym and fitness centre. If I had a pound for every time someone asked when I was going to open in Torrington I could have opened years ago! So thank you to Torrington and our surrounding villages and communities for your continued support. All at Function Fitness wish you a very healthy and fun May Fair, look out for us at the round the tree race and afterwards celebrating in the square! Happy May Fair! Lou Banfield and team Function Fitness
Volunteers’ Week 2013 – Nominate Your Unsung Heroes! To celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2013, TTVS are hosting a ‘Volunteers Recognition Ceremony’ where nominated volunteers will be recognised for their hard work and dedication. Volunteers are often unsung heroes in the community and this is an opportunity for volunteers across Torridge to be praised for the important work they do. TTVS are inviting nominations for anyone who deserves to be recognised for their volunteering. As part of Volunteers Week 2013, TTVS in partnership with CATS (Community Action through Sport) are holding a Presentation Evening on Friday 7th June 6-9pm, at the Pier House, Westward Ho!, Any volunteers aged 5-19 years old who are nominated will also be put forward for one of five different categories of awards by CATS For more information or to nominate a volunteer who deserves to be recognised or to attend the ceremony. Please contact: Barbara Grant, Volunteer Coordinator: Call 01237 420130 Email: [email protected] by Friday 24th May 2013.
North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve Celebrates 10th Anniversary The anniversary (branded B10) will see individuals, organisations and businesses from around northern Devon contribute to an exciting programme of celebratory events in support of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. From spring until autumn 2013 there will be entertainment, activities and presentations and with the variety of events on offer (and even a limited edition B10 beer!). The North Devon Biosphere catchment area follows the water from the source of the Taw & Torridge rivers (and smaller rivers running into the sea along the coast from Lynton to Hartland) down through the villages and towns of north Devon out to sea, to Lundy and beyond. The events will be advertised locally and via the new interactive B10 website www.northdevonb10.org.uk. Just to add to the excitement there will be a free prize draw with some fabulous prizes donated by Biosphere business supporters and individuals in north Devon. There will be plenty of opportunities to enter the draw at B10 events and online from May to September 2013. Upcoming Events Get to Know Your Local Wild Flowers with Plantwalk Expert Clare Gurton in Hartland Clare has organised a series of weekly guided plantwalks in Hartland to be a part of B10 - the North Devon Biosphere’s tenth anniversary celebrations. These friendly outings, where you can find and learn about plants growing on local verges, are usually two hours long and will be held on a Wednesday evening from 6pm. This is a unique opportunity to see the North Devon Biosphere from a different angle, to learn more about identifying local wild flowers and to enjoy some of the fascinating stories associated with them. Clare says, “Plantwalk was born because of my belief that any knowledge of local wildlife is better than none; because just 'knowing' the odd local wild plant can enrich any experience of the natural world.”” Plantwalk places are limited so please do contact Clare to book a place and enjoy this unique ‘up close and personal’ look at our Biosphere. Clare Gurton 01237 441205 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.plantwalk.co.uk
The B10 Ultimate Adventure Triathlon Sunday 19th May 2013 – The Ultimate Adventure Centre in Abbotsham, Bideford is offering adrenaline junkies the chance to compete in the first ever Ultimate Adventure Triathlon on Sunday 19th May 2013. The event starts with a lap of The Ultimate Assault; from there will be a transition into an off-road Mountain Bike ride of either 8 or 10km. The final leg of the three is a cross country run of either 5 or 7km. There will also be a junior event which includes The Ultimate Assault, 3km mountain bike and 2km run. This event is ideal for anyone with or without any triathlon experience aged 12 +. There will be an initial limit of 100 places. There will be Junior, Novice and Sprint classifications. The Novice and Sprint classifications will be split into Senior Men and Senior Women. There will also be a team competition for each classification. The inaugural Ultimate Adventure Triathlon is probably the most energetic of events in the B10 programme, celebrating ten years of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve For more details and to book a place: Visit: www.theultimatehigh.com Call: 01237 880028
Why Meditate? Meditation - what is it? This is a question I’m often asked along with what type of meditation is best? This answer is very individual; maybe the question should be “what type of meditation is best for me? Which will give me the best results?” There are many types of meditation methods, most are very similar and the ‘goal’ is to create a mental peace, physical bliss or spiritual enlightenment. What works for one person may not work for the next, and you should experiment until you find the one best suited to you. I offer and teach various forms of meditation and have found that it’s a practice that helps to give peace of mind. Just a few minutes meditation a day can have a transforming effect, and can help you to cope with our modern, hectic lives. The results can be amazing, ranging from a calming effect, to a better understanding of ourselves, friends and family. People turn to drugs, alcohol, or TV, to achieve states of mind that feel real and to escape everyday life. With mediation you can have an open mind and feel less stress. By detaching from the thought processes of the mind, we are able to find a natural stillness and contentment within. Meditation is recognized by different religions, spiritual traditions, the NHS, and modern science, as a way to give the thinking mind a rest, but many people are not aware of meditation as a viable option and don’t have a good teacher. The best meditation technique is the one that works for the individual, helping you to realise your true potential. It aims to give you the tools to help you in your everyday life, whether that’s at work, or at home and it can make a big difference in the way you react to people. I have found that simple meditation, is both relaxing and grounding and can be of benefit to everyone, of any age and experience For more information about your local, not-for-profit group, at Taddiport Village Hall, on Tuesday evenings, from 6-7pm, contact Stuart on 07971 533 235.
Thanks From the Appledore Singers The Appledore Singers recently held a very successful Wedding Fayre and the charity raffle raised £650 for the North Devon Chemotherapy Appeal. We would like to thank all the stallholders, those who helped out and the choir and friends for making it such a success.
The Plough - Your local Arts Centre! There are 81 live arts events to choose from this season and not all of them are at The Plough itself. We are spreading our wings and alighting in various venues throughout North Devon this summer to entice even more people away for a great night out. We have Russell Kane and Show of Hands at Devon Hall Bideford; The Military Wives Choir, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Seth Lakeman, The Manfreds and ‘Oh Boy It’s The Non Stop Sixties’ at RHS Garden Rosemoor; and much, much more! Back at The Plough our popular Gallery Gigs go from strength-to-strength and celebrate regional musical talent plus talks and comedy in the cabaret-seated ambience of the gallery. Comedy lovers are well catered for in the main theatre with Al Murray, Richard Herring, Mark Thomas and The Boy With Tape on His Face all visiting in May plus impressionist Alistair McGowan on 22nd April. Music highlights include The Brubecks, Zion Train, Radical Dance Faction, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Tom McConville, Gordon Giltrap & Oliver Wakeman, John Sevink from The Levellers, Bob Fox, Coope Boyes & Simpson and many more. Theatre lovers will be tempted by Multi Story theatre’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’, Puppetcraft’s ‘Nobody Rides the Unicorn’ Aslan Production’s ‘Snap Catch Slam’ and a beautiful two hander from Spain called ‘You and Me’. Unexpected Art Thanks to Taddiport resident, Dave Clinch, expect to hear some unexpected live music in the foyer throughout the summer prior to occasional films or live events. These thirty minute acoustic performances celebrate local musical talent and have proved very popular. To take part e-mail Dave Clinch: [email protected] Various days 7.30pm – 8pm in the foyer. Free! Visual Arts This May we have an exhibition of paintings by Bob Devereux and pots by Jane Yates. In 1965 Bob Devereux moved to Cornwall to devote himself to painting and writing. In 1980 he opened the Salthouse Gallery in St Ives which he ran for 30 years. He has exhibited widely nationally and internationally. As a poet he is very aware of metaphor and as a painter he enjoys simple shapes which can morph and have more than one meaning. Jane works from home in her studio in Bideford, North Devon. Most of her work is oxidized stoneware and coiled, using a rich language of glazes developed over the years. Her pot shapes are inspired by Roman, Pueblo Indian and Arabic pots. She spent her early childhood in Baghdad. Exhibition runs from Friday 3rd - Saturday 25th May Downstairs in the Café we have recent work by Helen Burridge inspired by the views and scenery from many walks. Helen has captured the beauty and variety in the North Devon landscape, from the cliffs at Hartland to the farmland surrounding her home. We have a selection of one day workshops throughout May including a Contemporary Embroidery Workshop on Friday 3rd May 10am - 4pm with Sarah Harper; Introduction to Printing Workshop on Saturday 11th May 10am - 4pm with Kim Etchells; Nunofelt Workshop on Friday 24th May 10am - 4pm with Jill Denton. All these workshops are booking fast. Call the box office to book a place on 01805 624624. Half Term Workshops Come rain or shine, this half term we have plenty of exciting films and drama workshops lined up at The Plough to keep everyone entertained! Workshops Tuesday 28th May 10am – 4pm Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside , Play-in-a-day 8-12yrs Join Sarah Middleton for a fun packed day full of pirates, puppets and swashbuckling adventures. Let your imagination run wild and create your very own original play in just a day with drama, songs, costumes and crafts. Bring a packed lunch (life jacket optional!) Performance for family and friends at 3.30pm £10/£8 supporters. Including materials. Wednesday 29th May 10am – 12noon Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside, Play-in-a-morning 5-7yrs Join Sarah Middleton for a fun packed morning full of pirates and swashbuckling adventures with drama, songs, games and crafts. £5/£4 supporters Thursday 30th May 10.30am-11.30am Plough Play Story Half Term Special for 3-5yrs Come and bring some of our best loved fairytales to life with props, costumes, songs and games in the theatre. With Sarah Middleton. £3 per child. Parents free! Booking is essential for all workshops. Box Office 01805 624624 For more information about workshops please contact our Youth Theatre & Outreach Director Sarah Middleton. [email protected]
Torrington RFC As the end of another season approaches, we can take time to reflect on another transitional year with the actual outcome yet to be decided at the time of writing. It has been great to see the core group of good youngsters coming through and gaining invaluable playing experience whilst learning from the older guys on the pitch. It has been good to welcome John Ovenell back from some very successful seasons at Barnstaple for their 1st XV. He has brought some extra qualities to the team and worked well with the remaining experienced players to help the long term progression of Torrington Rugby Club. It would be great to see the older experienced players still passing on that knowledge to the youngsters for another season, at least! Mark Waterson, along with his band of merry helpers, Simon Pluckrose, Pam Burton, Martin Scoynes and Adrian Avery to name but a few, have been working hard in encouraging the younger generation to get involved; having organised a great four-day workshop, taking place as I write over the Easter break, which has seen over 50 youngsters under the age of 17 enjoy the benefits of two fully-trained Devon Community Rugby Coaches taking them through various games and training sessions. Thank you to all who have helped during this brilliant four day session. Club Coach With the above in mind, it gives me great pleasure in confirming that we have successfully appointed a new Club Coach for next season – Rob Palmer. Rob is a very experienced rugby man with a number of years coaching experience behind him, primarily at Barnstaple youth section, but we won’t hold that against him! Rob is very keen to help anyone that wants to be coached and is already looking forward to the start of next season, which will hopefully give TRFC a renewed vigour for the years to follow. Rob may not be known to many Torringtonians yet, but is looking forward to working at the club and bringing his formidable experience as a retired policeman, past Chairman of Barnstaple Rugby Club, along with other positions, as well as being heavily involved in Devon RFU. He is also already a volunteer at Torrington 1646. AGM This year’s Annual General Meeting is due to take place at the clubhouse on Friday 7th June, 8pm start. If anyone is interested in helping out in the running of the rugby club, in any which way at all, please feel free to contact Rob Vowles, Club Chairman (07900 196 740 or 01805 625356) beforehand, or attend the evening. Any little help is a little less for someone else to do and all help is always gratefully appreciated. Any proposals need to be given to Mark Keeley, Club Secretary (07580 671 048) beforehand please. Clubhouse Facilities Having been a grateful recipient from the sad passing on of a past President, Dickie Cawthorne, it has enabled us to make some overdue improvements to the clubhouse and bar with a view to some major improvements in the forthcoming years. With that in mind we have already had various communications and meetings with Devon RFU to see what grants and funding are available to help us in the future growth of the whole Club in general. If anyone would like to become involved on or off the pitch, please contact me on the details below. You can hire our facilities for various purposes or sponsor us in a variety of ways, all help is always greatly appreciated. C’mon Torrie. Rob Bewes – 07976 066 440
Well another month has slipped by and it has been as busy as ever with new friends arriving at the rescue. This month we saw two little German Shepherd puppies come in which had been dumped at only four months old. Can you believe it? They were both so pretty (check out our facebook page www.facebook.com/k9focus). It is hard to believe that someone would throw them into the river to drown! Anyway they were very quickly snapped up and are now enjoying life in their new homes. Not such good news for some of our older dogs though who have been waiting for ages. It is always harder for the older dogs especially if they are large breed, but they have all told me they won’t eat much honestly and would give you such great cuddles! A massive thank you to everyone who donated towards our ‘Beautiful Bella’ fund as we now have raised just over £600 to fund the eye operation she needs. She is a lovely dog and has wormed her way into the heart of her fosterer where she now has a permanent home. She will become one of our 4Ever Focus Dogs! These are dogs that for one reason or another really can’t be adopted – usually due to age or health reasons. They do however provide the perfect opportunity for anyone who can’t have a dog for whatever reason to ‘adopt’ one. You can sponsor one of our 4Ever Focus Dogs by standing order for however much you can afford – be it a £1 a month or £100 per month – we guarantee it will all go to looking after and keeping safe those dogs that can’t be adopted. April saw the launch of the 2013 National Pet Month campaign which is an annual event and for the second year, K9focus is running a competition for both schools and social groups. This year our photo competition has the theme of ‘Your Pets – Companions for Life’. If you are quick you still have time to get your entry in (competition closes on 6th May). Just email your picture (and remember it is all pets not just dogs) to [email protected]. Entries are £2 per photo and all monies will go towards looking after our abused and abandoned dogs as well as our PAWs project which is all about bringing Pet Awareness Workshops into the community. You can pay online via our website www.k9focus.co.uk or alternatively just drop into Kalm Supported Living, 4 Hubblestone Road, Appledore, where you can pay and leave printed copies. The first prize is a fantastic oil painting of your pet worth over £300 Now for the best news of all, our very own Family Day and Fun Dog Show! We are holding our second ever Dog Show on 2nd June at The Recreational Ground in Braunton from mid-day through until about 5pm. There will be lots of fun rounds, a hog roast and lots of craft stalls –so please come along and see us. Also if you are interested in having a stall or sponsoring one of the dog classes then please contact Aunty Lynne. Right that is everything for this month so time to sign off but as always a big thank you to all our supporters. Licks and Woofs Miss Jessica
Uganda Fundraising Thank You Now that all the scrap metal has been sold, I am comfortably over my original target, as altogether it raised £680. Please do not bring any more; we can now use our car park again. Many thanks to everyone who helped in some way. Thank you also to those who tried the second quiz, which has now finished. Winners were from Stibb Cross and Bedfordshire. This will be my last update before I leave at the end of June. I am now getting everything ready, and there are only two more jabs to go. While we are in Africa we will be updating the school blog daily which you can find online at http://scugandateam.blogspot.co.uk and after I return I will make a few short presentations about my trip. William Collins
Recycle Your Unwanted Textiles & Raise Funds for a World Challenge Adventure! Sara-Jane Vanstone has organised a textile collection with Bag2School in order to raise funds for her World Challenge adventure to Swaziland 2014. You have the opportunity to donate unwanted textiles which can include adults' and children's clothes, shoes (tied together please) hats, belts, bags, soft toys, curtains and bedding (not duvets or pillows). You can use any bin bag to donate your items. Bags2School will be collecting from Great Torrington School on Thursday 16th May at 9am. Please bring your bags to the school car park at the rear of the sports hall and help Sara-Jane raise money towards her trip. We will do a collection service for anyone who is unable to bring their bag or bags to the school car park by phoning 01805 624787. Please phone prior to the collection date. I would appreciate your help to raise funds, for me to be able to go on this ‘once in a life time’ World Challenge adventure. . . . Thank you, Sara-Jane Vanstone
Grow – ‘Little Buds’ Growing plants and discovering nature is a wonderful way to spend time with your children, as they marvel in the miracle of the natural world. In Grow ‘Little Buds’ we will be growing many different edible plants (and flowers!) in our garden over the seasons and exploring how to use them in healthy recipes. Come along to Bluecoat Children’s Centre to enjoy some healthy outside time, and help create and taste your own edible garden. Children will be able to play, explore, discover and learn about the beauty of nature as they interact with the wild and natural world. Supporting children to understand about their natural self in relation to the natural world is a really important aspect of child development. Children will develop greater knowledge and understanding of the world around them; ranging from growing seeds and watching them turning into flowers, fruit and vegetables to understanding why worms and bees are important in nature. Through hands on interaction, children will develop a great sense of empathy with the natural world and will learn to truly appreciate and respect the very beautiful place we call home, Torrington. The sessions began on Thursday April 25th 1.30– 3pm. If you are interested in signing up to become part of Grow ‘Little Buds’ please contact Bluecoat Children’s Centre on 01805 625830.
Seeing Green - How Can You Make Your Home Energy Efficient? Many people are worried about their fuel bills, worried about how they can afford to heat their homes during the winter. Bideford Sustainability Group is helping you find the answers to this most important question. Over the weekend 18th and 19th May, many householders around Bideford and its surroundings are opening up their homes to show you what can be done to reduce your energy consumption from the grid. There are numerous householders generously giving up their time to share their experiences with sustainable technologies like PV panels, wood burning stoves, internal and external wall insulation, secondary glazing and more. Although many people can be put off by the words renewable and sustainable, this weekend of open homes is set to lift that concern. To book a visit to see one of these households go to our website www.bidefordsustain.org/seeinggreen or call Jolene on 01237 474 123.
Aikido Black Belt for GTS Student Great Torrington School student Ollie Staines has become the first junior member of Torrington Aikido club to obtain his black belt. Ollie recently completed his aikido grading on Saturday 16th March and is now the proud owner of 1st Shodan black belt. Ollie started Aikido in 2006 and trains three times a week in both the Barnstaple and Torrington club.
Getting Older? Finding It Harder To Hear? Come along and join the Hearing Loss Support Group in Torrington enjoy a cuppa and friendly company. Informal monthly ‘get together’ at the Bickford Centre on the third Tuesday every month at 2pm. Next quarter dates:- 21st May, 18th June, 16th July 2013 Lyn - See Hear Centre Office: 01271 373 236 Mobile: 07831 515 809 [email protected]
Fr. Lawrence Writes…. In this glorious month of May we celebrate the ‘Birthday’ of the Church, ‘Pentecost Sunday’. ‘Pentecost’, literally 50 days, is celebrated 50 days after Easter and marks the birth of the Church when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in tongues of fire. Acts 2 v1-41 relate to the story itself. The colour of the day is ‘red’ which in itself recalls the flames of Pentecost. Red is also the colour of martyrdom, a word which means ‘witness’, and represents those who through the courage of their faith have remained true and faithful to Jesus Christ even unto death! Some may recall that we also call Pentecost ‘Whitsun’ soon followed by Whit Monday, a Holy-day or holiday. ‘White Sunday’, ‘Whitsun’ was the traditional day when those who were preparing for Christian initiation were Baptised and wore white garments. Many people today are also Confirmed on Whit Sunday or Pentecost. ‘Confirmation’ is when the Baptised person has ‘confirmed’ the vows of Baptism made for him or herself. It is when we call down the Holy Spirit upon Christians. We believe that in exactly the same way as it descended upon the Disciples so the Holy Spirit empowers all to preach the Gospel of the Risen Jesus to everyone. We all become His disciples. Here in Great Torrington our Confirmation service will take place later on in the year when the Bishop of Plymouth John Ford will come and Confirm those who have been prepared beforehand. The day is another great Feast day in our Christian calendar, that of ‘Christ the King’ and will be held on Sunday the 24th November. If you are one of many people who are interested in being prepared for Christian Baptism and/or Confirmation, or would just like to chat about what it means to be a Christian in our contemporary world, you can contact me at the Vicarage 01805 622166 or just come to Church on any Sunday morning at 10am and introduce yourself. Our doors are always open. …..so this month I send you a Birthday invitation. Come and see us19th May at 10 am Pentecost. RSVP not needed.
Victorious U11 Girls Football Team On Sunday 10th March the Shebbear College U11 Girls Football team competed in the Independent Schools Football Association Tournament at King’s College in Taunton. In extremely cold conditions the team achieved some impressive results, winning all four matches and conceding no goals. The scores were; 4-0, 3-0, 3-0 and 1-0. With the increasing popularity of the game throughout the country, the amount of football being played in independent schools has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. ISFA aims to nurture this desire to play the game and ensure that the Corinthian values that the game was founded on are still followed in the 21st century, giving boys and girls the opportunity to play at the highest possible level. Shebbear College Junior School have embraced this sporting ethos as can be seen by these superb results.
Setting Sail Once Again Raising Funds for Northam Lodge Northam Lodge’s Summer cruise on the MS Oldenburg takes place on Friday June 14th 2013. This year we embark from Bideford Quay at 7.30pm and sail at 8pm, returning to Bideford at 10.15pm. Once again we will be entertained by The Alan Lewis All Stars Jazz Band and if you wish to bring a picnic, please do so. Tickets will be £15 per person and to reserve a place please contact Annabel Cope on 01237 477238 or [email protected]. Don’t delay as these tickets tend to sell fast! Northam Lodge is a charity based in North Devon offering services to people who have learning and physical disabilities.
Hold a Fish and Chip Supper and Help Spinal Cord Injured People Great British Fish and Chip Supper – Friday 17th May 2013 Want to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat fish and chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 17th May 2013 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services. You can hold a supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre. SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting seven friends and asking them to donate an additional £5 you will raise at least £35, but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more. The money raised will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives. For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 0714350 or email [email protected] or visit www.siafishandchips.co.uk.
1610 Torrington Triathlon at Torrington Pool Sunday 23rd June 2013 Torrington Terror: scenic, rural bike and run courses. Novice friendly, but will challenge you! Distances Swim 400m, Bike 32km, Run 4.5km. Not sure about doing a triathlon on your own? Why not enter as a relay team? The perfect introduction to the sport of Triathlon. For more information or to book your place – visit www.1610.org.uk. Can You Help the Boxing Club Find a New Home? Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club faces homelessness for the second time in a year and is searching for a permanent home for training sessions. Since the club was forced to leave the Globe Hotel when it shut in January, they have been using a room in Torrington Town Hall as a temporary measure, but have to leave there by 30th April. Club coach Heathcliffe Pettifer said that the club has never been able to set down roots, having trained in four different venues since being formed last year. He said: “Despite the relative numbers of vacant properties in the town, the biggest challenge for the club is finding a new home. The committee members, boxers and their supporters including Function Fitness and the Cavaliers, have worked tirelessly to make the club a success. The club attracts up to 30 members at any one time, training three times a week, and have more than half a dozen boxers with medical cards ready to compete in tournaments”. Finding a home for the club and its members is a matter of urgency, so if you can help please contact head coach Gavin Lane on 07901 654 999 email: [email protected].
Our new housekeeper is settling in well and is enjoying the challenge of the job. The Easter Coffee Morning was very successful, with over £500 being raised for the residents’ comforts fund. We thank everyone who came and supported the event. Our next fund raising effort will be a Garden Party in the Summer. If you know of anybody who might be interested in becoming a resident, please ring the housekeeper on 01805 623605 for further information.
Youth Group News Needed! The Crier would like to start a regular section on youth activities in the Torrington area. 5350 copies of The Crier are distributed throughout Torrington, and all over the surrounding rural area. If you run a youth group of any sort, including sport, drama or anything else, please send news, appeals and information to: Email: [email protected] Drop it into Torrington Library, or post to The Crier, Castle Hill, Torrington, EX38 8AA, or call 01805 603152.
Torrington Writers’ Group Apologies received from Sue Davan for the April meeting. Elizabeth’s sensitive poem ‘Where We Played’ was a vivid evocation of childhood. Making fine use of assonance, alliteration and onomatopoeia the poem transported all back to the precious days of early girlish innocence and wonder. Robert’s ‘The Games We Played’ did the same for the boys. Improvisation was to the fore in Robert’s poem and both works explored the fact that little organised or adult supervision was required for children to enjoy play. Warren’s interpretation of playing was making music and by using the metaphor of the seasons in his ‘Seasons of Life’ he used four tightly constructed stanzas to comment philosophically on the four seasons of life. Stef’s short essay was redolent of perhaps an older youthful time. Writing in her usual stylish manner – sometimes in almost iambic pentameter – Stef’s tale had a salutary if slightly sad sting in the denouement. Doreen cannily invited us to remember the darker side of ‘Games’, especially at school. The opportunities for bullies to thrive were, we all recalled, legion. Were teachers tainted with a hint of masochism back then; where was health and safety when it was actually needed? Eric changed the subject and gave us a beautifully crafted poem, ‘The Moon’. Using clever and varied figures of speech he let us share his exquisite vision. With a strong yet steady rhythm the poem conveyed both the romance and the majesty of our closest celestial neighbour. Jean’s ‘Bienvenue Encore!’ was an affectionate, if whimsical, thank you to our twinning tradition with Roscoff. Both the people and countryside of Brittany were celebrated. Another poem which honoured memories that do not fade. Iain wrote about the dangers of overplaying or overacting your part. The group reflected that the selected topic had been stimulating and that the topic for the next meeting on the second of May would be the seashore. Iain
British Native Wild Flowers To Grow In Your Garden Lychnis flos-cuculi Some Latin names describe plants more by the season when they flower and this one is no exception, flos-cuculi meaning Cuckoo Flower. However, I think most of us know it as ‘Ragged Robin’ and, yes, it does flower from May to July when the cuckoo is usually heard. The pretty pink flowers look as if someone has taken a pair of scissors to them, hence the name. There are also white forms and cultivated double forms which can be purchased, usually at specialist plant nurseries. Flowering stems rise up to 80cm, branching naturally, and they flower over a long period from late spring into summer before setting seed and disappearing, although it is a perennial. Ragged Robin prefers to grow in damp or marshy ground, in sun or light shade. Although widespread, Ragged Robin is becoming increasingly rare in the countryside, so it is definitely worth growing it in your garden. Sow seed in late summer/early autumn (you can collect loads from existing plants) and prick out when large enough to handle. The seed is quite fine, so cover only very lightly or not at all. They don’t require a lot of heat so can over-winter in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, or you can just scatter seed about and scratch it roughly into the surface of the soil. Fleur
Pause For Thought My Second Birthday May is a very special month in my calendar year, being my second birthday as I call it. On Saturday 19th May 1984 at 4pm I became a new creation born into the Kingdom of God. It was nothing to do with me but all about Him, Jesus. I was invited to go to a Christian meeting led by Dr Billy Graham at Aston Gate football stadium in Bristol. I had never been in a football stadium so thought it would be fun, I had heard of Billy Graham so thought it ok to go. I can remember the singing was wonderful, but can’t remember a word Billy Graham spoke. At the close he made an appeal for people to come to the front if they wish to give their lives to Jesus, my heart started thumping inside my chest, I knew what it sort of meant because I’d had a similar experience when challenged in my teens. The excuses began to come to my mind, I can’t pass all those people whose knees were up against the seat in front; we were in the centre of the row with about twenty people each side, no way can I push pass them. The thumping inside got worse I thought my heart was going to break out of my chest, I turned to Trish and said ‘I am going’ God had His plan. To this day I do not know how I got out onto the stairs that led down to the front. Though many changes in my attitude have taken place, His work on me is on-going until the day he calls me home. But I give Him all thanks for choosing me, as I did not choose Him. I had no idea when we set off that morning, that I would go home a new creation in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! Vernon Andrew
Point of Interest Skills for Life – Why ‘Soft Skills’ Matter Most people know that to get, and keep a job, everyone needs ‘technical’ skills. You may be a baker, a gardener, a teacher, an early years’ educator, a doctor, a farmer. Everyone will have gained some technical skills to support them in achieving that dream job. However, there are other skills required to support you in using those technical skills to the best of your ability. These are known as ‘Soft Skills’ and they are vitally important for everyone, no matter what stage of working life you are at. You may be starting out; thinking about going back to work after a long time off; changing jobs or simply wanting to progress in your career. The technical skills will help to get your foot in the door, but it is people skills which will open most doors beyond that. Your work ethic, your attitude, your communication skills, your emotional intelligence and a whole host of other personal attributes are the soft skills that are crucial for career success. Sometimes, the importance of these soft skills is undervalued, training is limited for them. People assume that everyone knows and understands the importance of being on time, taking initiative, being friendly, and producing high quality work. Finding and securing a job requires good soft skills development. This may include the following; Confidence building CV writing Interview skills Presentation and communication skills Good time keeping and time management Collaboration skills Personal accountability Interpersonal negotiation skills Conflict resolution Creative thinking The more of these you see around you, the better your soft skills are likely to be. The development of these all have a significant impact on a person’s interaction with others. The more positive your attitude is, the better your relationships will be. If you would like to find out more about how to improve your soft skills, why not come along to Bluecoat Children’s Centre and sign up for Soft Skills Training which begins on 30th May 2013. We look forward to welcoming you.
TVSC Darts Team We are looking for a men’s darts team to play in the winter league. If you are interested please call the club on 01805 622543.
Macular Society - ‘Drop in Session’ in Torrington Macular degeneration is a rapidly growing condition and some 70,000 people are diagnosed each year. It is often known as ‘age-related macular degeneration’ (AMD ) since it mainly affects people of 60 years of age and older. To assist in raising awareness of this debilitating condition, the Bideford and Torridge Support Group of the Macular Society is holding a ‘drop-in’ session at the Torrington 1646 cafe and Library on Tuesday 21st May from 2pm to 4pm. A full range of the society’s publications will be freely available and you will have the opportunity of meeting others with AMD. People with AMD, their friends, family and carers are all welcome.
Dreaming Out Loud Together - Raising Aspirations at Bluecoat Children’s Centre! What a wonderful day everyone had on Saturday, 30th March at our Annual Celebration Event. This free event takes place every year and all children and families are invited. It was a wonderful day, with very positive feedback from children and families – plenty of laughter and big, big smiles. This year’s programme is very much focused on the theme of ‘Dreaming out Loud Together – Raising Aspirations for all families in Torrington’. There are lots of activities and sessions for you and your family to join in. All families with children under 5 (and children under 11 during school holiday time and weekends) are welcome. So come along with your child and enjoy the wonderful, fun, creative and interactive sessions and activities. All sessions and activities are free. We also have three drop-in stay and play sessions, including one especially for twins, triplets and more on Thursday’s 10am–11.30am, and a monthly child-minder network meeting. In addition to our regular ante-natal group sessions, we are beginning a young parents’ ante-natal and new birth group and also for those with babies up to six months. This short programme will help you to become familiar with the Children’s Centre and meet other new, or soon-to-be new, parents. Our many outreach sessions are continuing including those at Winkleigh and Parkham. If you think you may be interested in volunteering in our centre, with a range of opportunities including office experience, early years education, horticultural / gardening, storytelling and creative play please contact us. As we are all aware, most people need a little extra help sometime in their life, Bluecoat Children’s Centre offer confidential counselling sessions and family support, please contact us to arrange a convenient appointment in our quiet, relaxed, confidential surroundings. We hope to see you and your family at Bluecoat Children’s Centre. Kind regards, Viv Jones - Bluecoat Children's Centre Leader and all the staff at Bluecoat Children’s Centre
National Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month May is National Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month when Veterinary Nurses promote their profession and educate the public about their job. Veterinary Nurses work alongside Veterinary Surgeons to help provide a high standard of care for animals. Registered Veterinary Nurses provide skilled supportive care for sick animals as well as monitoring patients during anaesthetics, administrating medical treatments and carrying out diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision. Veterinary Nurses also play an important role in the education of owners on good standards of animal care. Your local Veterinary Nurse can offer FREE advice about your pet’s diet and exercise, dental care, worming regime and flea/tick control. FREE Weight Clinics, Dental Checks and Junior Clinics are also carried out by your local Veterinary Nurse. National Rabbit Awareness Week 4th - 12th May Participating veterinary practices all over the UK will be running FREE rabbit health checks during Rabbit Awareness Week. So make an appointment with your local veterinary practice and bring your rabbit along to make sure they are in tip top condition and to receive a rabbit goody bag.
Dream Kidz – Amazing Joseph! Over the Easter weekend 36 local youngsters aged between six and 18 took part in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Plough in Torrington. Their sell-out performances raised money not only for the Plough, but £1000 was given to Guides4Gambia supporting children far less privileged who would never have the chance to entertain as they did. I worked with this incredible team of young people for 11 weeks prior to their performance, which only allowed them a total of 28 hours of rehearsal time to learn the whole show. They were all, without exception, dedicated and enthusiastic throughout and I found them a pleasure to work with. My thanks go not only to them for all their hard work, but to the adults backstage and the mums and dads whose help and support made it such a fantastic success. We should all be extremely proud of such a great achievement. Thank you all. Liz Harris
Church Tower Floodlighting If you would like to light up the Church Tower to give a greeting to someone or remember a loved one on an anniversary please telephone 01805 623169, cheques to be made payable to ‘PCC Great Torrington Parish’. One day £2, any 3 days (not necessarily consecutive) £5. To be printed in the June edition of The Crier your entry must be in by Wednesday 8th May. During May the Tower will be lit on:- 2nd For Oliver on the occasion of his Confirmation. Love from Granny. 12th For Oliver on the occasion of his First Communion. Love from Granny. 12th, 13th, 14th In loving memory of Audrey - a dear Mum & Granny from Eithne, Lynda & David. 13th For Oliver, Happy Birthday and Good Luck with your SATs. Love from Granny & Grampy. 16th Happy Birthday George - have a lovely day. Love Megan & Tudor. 17th, 18th, 19th Remembering with love Cliff Richards - My dearest Husband, loving Dad & Granfer - from Cath, Jayne, Angela & families. 19th, 20th, 21st Congratulations to Marc & Gemma on their 1st Wedding Anniversary 19th May. Love from all the family.
Christian Aid Many thanks to everyone who helped with or attended the Lent Lunches, a cheque for £956.53 has been sent to Christian Aid. In May, events and collections will be held all over the country during Christian Aid Week, here in Torrington a street collection will be held (13th - 18th) and to end the week a United Service will be held on Sunday 19th at the Methodist Church at 6.30pm when all are welcome. On Friday 21st June we will once again be holding our popular Safari Supper, a choice of starters will be available at St. Michael’s Church between 6pm & 6.30pm. The main course of beef pie or chicken breast will follow at the Methodist Church, a selection of desserts will then be available at the Baptist Church along with tea or coffee and a mint provided by members of the Holy Family Church. There will also be a stall with items for sale at the Baptist Church. Please state choice of main course when ordering tickets (£8 adult, £4 children 12 and under) by Sunday 16th June. Tickets will be available from each of the churches or Betty Sussex 01805 622270. Barbara Down Treasurer
Torridge Volunteer Garden Service
Our gardeners have held their first meeting of the season and are now ready to accept referrals for this year from anyone who is:- unable to undertake their own gardening; have not got any family or friends who can assist and who are unable to afford a commercial gardener. If you, or anyone you know, would like our help, please contact the office (01805 622666) and leave your details so that we may allocate a gardener to help you. Remember that our service is just for basic tasks such as mowing, weeding and pruning and our volunteers can only assist approx once a month. Also, we would also appreciate some more help with this service, as there are some areas where we do not have any volunteers, so if anyone is interested, please contact us. We try to only ask our volunteers to undertake gardening within their own area. Please contact us, if you can spare a couple of hours per week to assist.