Bideford Buzz

Posted on 06/07/2010 by Tango Alpha

Welcome to the  on-line edition of the Community Newsletter for Bideford   and adjoining towns, villages, and rural area.

‘Bideford Buzz’ is produced  by a team of volunteers and relies on our local community for articles.   If you are interested in supporting this newsletter we’ll be glad to hear from you.

You can submit your article on disc or by e-mail.    However, ‘snail mail’ is equally acceptable. Material for publication should reach us during the month preceding the month of publication.

Editor – Rose Arno (Bideford Buzz).        

Telephone 07929-976120, or E-mail: [email protected]

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Bird Box workshop, Appledore Library, 22nd February.

Posted on 17/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

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“Search for the Black Diamond”, Appledore Community Hall.

Posted on 14/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

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Archaeology presentation, 26th February.

Posted on 10/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

 

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Bideford’s twinning links, 22nd February.

Posted on 10/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

BIDEFORD BUILDING BRIDGES.

Bideford’s Twinning Association will be holding an open event on Saturday 22nd February to showcase the town’s links with Landivisiau in Brittany.

An open meeting – “Café Breton” will be held in the Juniper Room of Bideford Library from 10.30 to 12.00 noon on 22nd February for anyone in the Bideford area interested in finding out about how to get involved in the links between the two towns.

Bideford Twinning Chair, Carol Bertie, commented, “Bideford and Landivisiau Twinning Associations have been building bridges between our two communities for many years. We have had annual visits, special events to foster friendships between people in Bideford and our Breton cousins. As we approach the 50th anniversary of our links, we are keen to involve even more people in the twinning. It is a chance to find out about life in Brittany, visit the beautiful region, enjoy delicious French food, wine and cider and – most importantly – make friends”.

At the free February event open to all in the Bideford area, there will be Breton snacks and music, information on previous twinning activities and the opportunity to find out how to get involved. Do join us!

Further information from: Ray Auvray on 01237 421420 or [email protected]

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“Sleeping Beauty” pantomime at Westward Ho!

Posted on 09/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

 

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Bideford Film Society – February events.

Posted on 08/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

Please also see our website www.bidefordcinema.org.uk

All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.

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A Complete Unknown (15).

Sunday 16 February at 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm).

In 1961, an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York City with his guitar and forges relationships with musical icons on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking performance that reverberates around the world.

Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning. Director: James Mangold.

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Flight Risk (15).

Friday 21 February at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 22 February at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.

Stars: Michelle Dockery, Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace. Director: Mel Gibson.

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Hard Truths (12A).

Friday 28 February at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 1 March at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Ongoing exploration of the contemporary world with a tragicomic study of human strengths and weaknesses.

Stars: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michele Austin, David Webber. Director: Mike Leigh.

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“All Stories” workshop, Barnstaple Library, 22nd February.

Posted on 07/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

Barnstaple Library to host a free writing-for-children workshop with acclaimed local author Polly Ho Yen, following selection through national competition.

Barnstaple Library has won an All Stories national competition to host a fully funded workshop, which aims to encourage and support aspiring writers from underrepresented backgrounds. The workshop, taking place on Saturday 22 February 2025 at 12.30pm will introduce participants to the basics of writing for children and inspire them to develop their creativity.

Intended as a true introduction, the workshop requires no awareness of publishing, writing as a career or previous written work. The workshop welcomes people from underrepresented backgrounds of any kind, including people of colour, disabled, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, working class and socio-economically marginalised.

The workshop is one of 16 All Stories workshops being held across the UK, and made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, Inclusive Books for Children and the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society.

All Stories will also establish a writing group at Barnstaple Library to continue supporting local writers, as well as providing a ‘writer resources’ pack, containing information about supportive writing organisations. The pack will be made available to workshop participants, along with anyone visiting the venue after the workshop.

The library team say: This is an exciting opportunity for the community of Barnstaple Library to be able to facilitate such a fantastic project. The project will help those that are socio- economically marginalised to have a sense of belonging within the community and break down any barriers building community cohesion and positive wellbeing, giving the confidence they may need to progress with their writing.”

The workshop will be presented by Polly Ho Yen, who is a writer based in Bristol. Her debut novel, Boy in the Tower, was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Book Award. Four of her middle-grade novels (Boy in the Tower, Where Monsters Lie, Fly Me Home and How I Saved the World in a Week) have been nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

Following her experiences working as a primary school teacher in south London, Polly puts these places and communities centre-stage in her narratives. She aims to create stories firmly rooted in a world that young people will know and recognise, even when a science fiction or fantastical element creeps in. Polly regularly runs writing workshops in primary and secondary schools across the UK.

The All Stories writing for children workshop at Barnstaple Library will take place on:

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2025 at 12.30pm.

Barnstaple Library is a welcoming, vibrant, inclusive space situated in the heart of the town.

To find out more and book your free place at the workshop, please go to: allstories.org.uk/writing-workshops/

A direct ticket link is here: https://buytickets.at/allstories1/1415460/share/4af030ab6c06925ab9e97a2dd001563e

For further information about All Stories please contact [email protected]

For information on Barnstaple Library please contact Lisa.d’[email protected]

Follow on social media:

X: @AllStoriesWrite

Instagram: @allstorieswrite @barnstaplelibrary

Facebook: @allstorieswrite @BarnstapleLibrary

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Free fun for all the family at Northam Burrows.

Posted on 07/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

The ranger team at Northam Burrows have some exciting free activities planned for this February half term for all the family to enjoy. So, if you’re stuck for something to do and want to keep the children entertained while getting some fresh air, why not check out what’s going on.

On Thursday 20 February, find the rangers on the beach near Westward Ho! Slipway between 2pm and 4pm for a ‘Rockpool Ramble’ and discover the strange and wonderful creatures that lurk in the rockpools at low tide.

No booking is required for any of the organised events, but children must be accompanied by an adult and appropriate clothing and footwear is advised. If you’re like Torridge’s hungry rangers some snacks and drinks may also be a good idea. Check out all the details at www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrows or on Torridge Council’s website and posters on social media.

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Bideford Town Band concert, 22nd February.

Posted on 06/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

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Shipping notes No. 238 (January).

Posted on 06/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

Bideford Quay.

Mair now based at Bideford.

 

Appledore.

Atherstone still alongside Quay, Quorn in Shed.

The cargo vessel Baltic Anka sailed from Appledore 19.13 4th. She had discharged 2,901 tons rape meal.

Amedeus – (ex- Hansa Lion ’01, Zeeland ’05); built 2001; flag St Vincent & Grenadines; from Wismar to Neath; arrived 13/1, sailed 15/1; discharged 1,650 tons wood pellets.

 

Yelland Quay.

No shipping since last issue.

 

Bristol Channel Observations.

2/1 at 09.57 vehicle carrier Morning Charlotte, 22,578 tons d.w., owners Euckor Car Carriers South Korea, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 04.40.

6/1 at 10.01 vehicle carrier Clover Ace, inward bound for Portbury. At 15.06 vehicle carrier RCC Asia, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 10.21. At 15.50 ro-ro vessel Ville de Bordeaux, owners Airbus France, inward bound for Portbury to collect Airbus wings. (Seen again at 14.29 7th outward bound having sailed at 09.25). At 17.35 cargo vessel Eemslift Hendrika, inward bound for Avonmouth.

7/1 at 11.31 container vessel Contship Top, 13,803 tons d.w., owners Container Ship Management Germany, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.46 vehicle carrier Auto Eco, owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed 20.12 29th. At 14.54 cargo vessel Spanaco Fidelity, outward bound from Silloth having sailed 12.46 3rd (she had been sheltering in Blue anchor Bay).

9/1 at 12.00 bulk carrier Brave Star, inward bound for Newport.

10/1 at 10.38 cargo vessel Fast Jet, owners Fast Line Belgium, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 03.03. At 17.30 bulk carrier Karewood Star, 6,315 tons d.w., outward bound from Swansea having at 13.04.

11/1 at 07.40 bulk carrier Cetus Bowhead, 35,000 tons d.w., inward bound for Newport. At 09.55 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 18,403 tons d.w., outward bound from Portbury having sailed 3rd. At 11.04 tanker Dutch Aquamarine, 6,414 tons d.w., owners Essbberger Hamburg, inward bound for Barry.

12/1 at 07.58 cargo vessel Eems Servant, inward bound for Sharpness. At 09.27 cargo vessel Wilson Grimsby, owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 10.55 cargo vessel Sky Wish, inward bound for Cardiff. At 17.50 bulk carrier Star Dalmatia, inward bound for Portbury.

14/1 at 08.40 cargo vessel Pride, 2,981 tons d.w., owners Biese Chartering Management Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 15.55 cargo vessel Theseus, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 06.52.

17/1 at 06.08 vehicle carrier Bosphorus Highway, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.51 cargo vessel Sarah B, 2,300 tons d.w., outward bound from Newport having sailed at 04.50 hrs. At 14.05 vehicle carrier Jasmine Leader, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 09.07.

18/1 at 13.06 cargo vessel Amedeus, 1,700 tons d.w., owners Erica Shipping Kingston, outward bound from Neath. At 14.30 bulk carrier Cetus Bowhead, 43,433 tons d.w., outward bound from Newport having sailed at 09.18.

19/1 at 15.15 vehicle carrier Grand Legacy, inward bound for Portbury. At 16.30 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

20/1 at 06.20 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, owners Dynamis Shipping Greece, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.59 bulk carrier Star Dalmatia, outward bound from Portbury.

23/1 cargo vessel Zeycan Ana, inward bound for Newport.

26/1 at 08.30 bulk carrier Brave Star, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 23.08 25th (passing very slowly at about 3 knots. I think she may have had engine problems).

29/1 at 10.25 BC Maccoa, outward bound from Waterford (she had been sheltering from the bad weather). At 10.30 cargo vesssel Santa Helena. At 11.05 cargo vessel Rheintal, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 15.05 bulk Carrier Federal Yukon, owners Canadian, outward bound from Cardiff having sailed 13.04 23rd.

30/1 at 05.45 cargo vessel Garip Baba, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 18.02 hrs 28th.

31/1 at 08.25 cargo vessel Fehn Lyra, inward bound for Cardiff. At 10.03 cargo vessel Libero, inward bound for Sharpness.

Regards,

Norman.

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The Murder Mystery Company.

Posted on 05/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

Are you planning a special event? A Birthday Party, a family celebration a corporate event, or even a charity fund-raiser? Are you looking for a truly memorable way to entertain your guests? Then the cast at ‘Murder We Wrote’ is just what you’re looking for.

This North Devon-based Murder Mystery Company has been entertaining North Devon audiences for over two years. Our original scripts include intrigue, plot twists and fully interactive outrageous characters. Our bespoke events incorporate a minimum of 6 actors, plus a surprise appearance at the end of our Police Inspector to help reveal the culprit.

You can find out more about our mayhem and local charity work or get in touch via our website www.murderwewrote.co.uk

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‘Man Down’ mental health support.

Posted on 03/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

 

 

All men welcome to come along to our friendly, non-judgemental and supportive peer support group.

Directions:When you get to Marlborough Court, turn left and then left again where the car park is. Look out for the Man Down signage at the entrance of car park. Entrance is at the back of the building, through the metal gates.

Hope to see familiar and new faces for a brew and biscuit.

Let’s Talk About It.

Man down – supporting men’s mental health.

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One Hundred Years ago – February 1925.

Posted on 01/02/2025 by Tango Alpha

A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during February 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.

Births – at King’s Arms, The Quay, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs Manning, a son; to Mr and Mrs R H Morrow, a daughter; to Mr and Mrs R Waring (nee Bertha Parson), a daughter; at Lower Meddon Street, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs A J Beer, a son (nee Doris Garland);

Silver Wedding – William Teed Braddick, son of Mrs J J Braddick, to Nellie Tucker.

The local Conservatives had a busy week, with meetings held at Barnstaple, Bideford and Hartland together with a Women’s meeting at Bideford. Mr Basil Peto MP and his wife attended all but the Hartland gathering.

A property – 7 Furzebeam Terrace, Bideford – is for sale.

At the close of afternoon school the senior classes of Bideford Old Town School met together to bid farewell to Mr H W Shute, who has been for over 26 years on the staff of the school and who leaves for the USA.

At Bideford, a very fine concert was given in the Lavington enlarged Sunday Schoolroom kindly arranged by Mrs E H Trapnell, in aid of Lavington Primary Memorial Hall Fund.

The 2nd annual prize distribution in connection with the Church Lads Brigade took place in the Bideford Church Institute. The proceedings commenced with a free tea to the boys and considerably over 100 lads sat down to a wonderful spread provided by the Ladies Committee. After the tea a concert was held at which the following ladies and gentlemen kindly assisted, Mr R Harper, the Rev Feles, Mr Johns, Mr Carpenter, and Miss Kivell’s theatrical party who gave a most amusing and excellently acted sketch.

Frederick and Albert Brock, labourers, were in court having been found in possession of nets known as “engines” and used for catching rabbits. This was the first prosecution under the Poaching Prevention Act in Bideford for many years, although twenty years ago such cases were very frequent. The offence is alleged to have happened at Turner’s Wood near Kenwith on land owned by Mr H N G Stucley. The men were also in possession of a ferret and a terrier. At a Children’s Court at Bideford, a twelve years old boy was summoned for stealing £4 1s 10d from an offertory box in the Vestry at St Peter’s Church on December 27th.

Mr A W Cock, offered at auction at Bideford the freehold shop and dwelling house known as 59 Mill Street, Bideford, in the tenure of London Central Meat Co. Ltd. Bidding went to £700 at which figure the property was withdrawn, but was sold the same evening at a substantially larger figure.

Bideford County Brewster sessions. Mr T Oerton, jnr, applied for the transfer of the license of the New Inn, Westleigh, from Mr J E Goss to Mr James William Brown. On the application of Mr H R Bazeley the music and dancing license of the Kingsley Gymnasium, Westward Ho! was transferred from Mrs P R Moore to himself. Mr W F Watts applied for the transfer of the cinema licence of the Gaiety, Appledore, from Mr Samuel Hawkins to Mr J A Penny. Mr Charles Pickard applied for a music and dancing license for the new Parish Hall at Abbotsham, this being a new application.

The funeral has taken place at Bideford Higher Cemetery, Rev J T Halstead officiating, of Mrs Bessie Barnard, widow of the late Mr Joseph Barnard, of Somerton, Somerset, and youngest daughter of Mr John Dullam, of Lower Yelland, Fremington. Her only daughter, May, predeceased her about ten years ago. Mrs Barnard was a life-long and consistent member of the Wesleyan Church.

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RHS Rosemoor – 2025 programme.

Posted on 24/01/2025 by Tango Alpha

A full programme is planned for the year ahead.

On the weekend of 8-9 February, gardeners can purchase snowdrops and spring bulbs from RHS Gold Medal winning nursery Millwood Plants, to complement the huge range of plants and bulbs on offer in the Rosemoor Plant Centre.

There is plenty more to come too, with a packed events programme planned for the whole year at the gorgeous gardens just outside Great Torrington.

A highlight is the arrival of the much-loved characters from the children’s classic Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, in a special garden trail which will run throughout 2025.

Launching at February half-term, young visitors will be able to enjoy this playful, interactive trail which re-enacts some of the adventures of the iconic Little Nutbrown Hare, while exploring the many colours, textures and shapes found in nature. A programme of seasonal activities is also planned to accompany the trail through the year.

The full events schedule truly has something for everyone, featuring crafts, classic cars, cooking, and art – see full listings below:

‘Guess How Much I Love You?’ – a garden adventure from Sat 15 accompanied by Half Term activities until Sun 23 Feb

Community Open Weekend Sat 1 – Sun 2 Mar

Spring Flower Showcase Sat 8 -Sun 9 Mar

Alpine Garden Society Show Sat 22 Mar

Giant Easter Egg Hunt – Crack the Egg-nigma code Sat 5 – Mon 21 Apr

Wool and Fibre Weekend Sat 12 – Sun 13 Apr

RHS National Rhododendron Show Sat 26 – Sun 27 Ap

Bonsai Show Southwest Sat 3 – Sun 4 May

Plant Heritage Spring Fair Sun11 May

The Great Summer Garden Game-A-Thon Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun

Festival of Roses Sat 14 Jun – Sun 13 Jul

Rose Weekend Fri 20 – Sun 22 Jun

Summer Forest Fun Adventure Sat 19 July – Sun 31 Aug

Vintage Weekend Sat 26 – Sun 27 Jul

Summer Flower Show Fri 15 – Sun 18 Aug

Plant Heritage Autumn Fair Sun 7 Sept

Wonder of Autumn Sat 27 Sept – Sun 19 Oct

Festival of Flavours Sat 4 – Sun 5 Oct

Devon Orchid Society Show Sat 11 – Sun 12 Oct

October Half Term Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Living Sculptures Weekend Sat 8 – Sun 9 Nov

Winter Sculpture Exhibition Sat 8 Nov – Sun 31 Jan

RHS Glow Illuminations Fri 21 Nov – Thurs 27 Dec

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‘Bideford Legends’ – 4.

Posted on 23/01/2025 by Tango Alpha

Marsh Farm was built on a low-lying site in Northam Road, prone to flooding, and became derelict and abandoned some time ago.

The site has now been redeveloped, with levels raised overall, the stream culverted, and the farmhouse restored to its former state.

These photos are of the building before and after the restoration –

Before –

After –

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