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.
Editor – Rose Arno (Bideford Buzz).
Telephone 07929-976120, or E-mail: [email protected]
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If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend more time outdoors, learn new skills or meet new people, why not join the Northam Burrows Ranger team for a series of practical conservation tasks this winter!
Volunteer recruitment is now open for an exciting programme of activities designed to help care for local nature reserves and green spaces. From wildflower meadow management to beach cleans and dune fencing, these hands-on projects are a great way to get active, support vital conservation work and connect with like-minded people.
Upcoming Events:
Monday 26th January (1pm – 4pm) – Harvest mouse survey training, Northam Burrows Country Park.
Wednesday 28th January (10am – 3pm) – Wildflower meadow management, Bideford.
Saturday 31st January (10am – 12pm) – Beach clean, Westward Ho! Slipway.
Wednesday 11th February (10am – 3pm) – Dune fencing, Northam Burrows Country Park.
Wednesday 25th February (10am – 3pm) – Wildflower meadow management, Bideford.
Saturday 28th February (10am – 12pm) – Beach clean, Westward Ho! Slipway.
Wednesday 11th March (10am – 3pm) – Wildflower verge management, Bideford.
Saturday 21st March (10am – 12pm) – Beach clean, Westward Ho! Slipway.
Wednesday 25th March (10am – 3pm) – Dune fencing, Northam Burrows Country Park.
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Bideford Town Band would like to say a huge and sincere THANK YOU to everyone who generously donated £515.24 for our Band Funds during our collections in Mill Street, Bideford, as well as those who donated at our other collections, in local supermarkets and public houses, during the Christmas Carolling period in December. This will help us continue to provide music and brass tuition, for all ages, for the local community through the year. See www.bidefordtownband.co.uk for further details.
Bideford Town Band are performing a Community family friendly Matinee Concert at 3pm on Sunday 22nd February at BAAC “Blues” Hall, the Pill, Bideford. EX39 2PF. We would love you to see you there for an afternoon of great music to chase away the winter Blues.
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Bideford Phoenix Morris Welcomes New Dancers.
Bideford Phoenix Morris is opening its doors to new dancers of all ages and experience levels in the New Year — and everyone is welcome to come along and give it a try.
Morris dancing is part of an English tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries, bringing communities together through music, movement, rhythm, and celebration. Today, it remains one of the most joyful, sociable and uplifting ways to stay active, make new friends, and keep a piece of local heritage alive.
Fun • Fitness • Friendship • Tradition
Joining Bideford Phoenix Morris offers:
• A warm and friendly group where beginners are always welcomed
• Great exercise that keeps you fit without needing any previous dance experience
• Weekly fun, laughter and camaraderie
• The chance to belong to a living tradition that connects Bideford with hundreds of years of English folk culture
• A wonderful family activity — under-18s are welcome if accompanied by an adult, making it a great way for parents or grandparents to bond with children or grandchildren while trying something fun and unique together
• Performances across the area during summer “dancing out” evenings
Where & When –
Winter practices:
The Baptist Church Hall, Mill Street, Bideford
Wednesdays at 7.00pm.
Summer dancing out:
Wednesday evenings at local pubs, quays, greens and community events.
Get Involved
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, wanting to get fitter, or hoping to be part of something joyful and rooted in local culture, Bideford Phoenix Morris would love to meet you.
And if you don’t feel up to dancing but would just like us to send you our news, updates on folk and Morris traditions and photos of our dancing then you can become a Friend of Bideford Phoenix at no charge at all. Just email us at the address below and ask to join Friends.
Bideford Phoenix Morris Squire Neil Bennion says ‘You are all welcome to come along to a practice session this January to watch, have a go at dancing, and meet everyone. If you play an instrument do bring it along and play. We are very proud to be dancing and playing in and around Bideford and North Devon to raise money for a local charity. Come along and join in the fun!’
For more information:
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Bideford Quay.
No commercial shipping.
Yelland Quay.
Dredger Deo Gloria – 22/23/12 (2 trips), 24/12 (2 trips), 27/12 (2 trips), 28/12 (2 trips), 29/12 (2 trips), 30/12 (2 trips), 31 /12 (1 trip).
Appledore.
Atherstone still alongside quay. Deo Gloria spent Xmas Day and Boxing Day alongside at Appledore, then berthed at Appledore for the New Year period.
Regards,
Norman.
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Please also see our website www.bidefordcinema.org.uk
All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.
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Avatar: Fire and Ash (12A) 197 mins.
Friday 30 January at 7.30pm doors open 7.00pm
Saturday 31 January at 6.00pm doors open 5.30pm.
Jake and Neytiri’s family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.
Stars: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver.
Director: James Cameron.
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Bideford Quay.
Oldenburg sailed from Bideford 21/11 for annual drydocking at Sharpness.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping this month.
Appledore – shipyard.
Atherstone back alongside quay.
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Appledore – in port.
Screenshot
RDJ Maasstroom ; built 2000; flag Rotterdam; owners Dutch; arrived 5/11, sailed 7/11.
Regards,
Norman.
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Torridge District Council has announced that works have commenced to bring the Bideford water fountains on Bideford Quay back to life.
Local companies Northwave Engineering Ltd and Aquatec Water Services Ltd were on site last week to start work on the project to renovate and recommission the Bideford Quay fountains which were originally installed to mark the late queen’s golden jubilee in 2002. The renovations, which are due to be completed by Spring 2026 are expected to cost £60,000 and are being funded by the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
As part of the project the entire system will be given a modern, energy efficient upgrade. A new control system will allow for smarter operation and new high-efficiency pumps designed for long-term reliability are being installed. The valve assemblies will be refurbished to extend the life of the existing assets, and the decorative lighting will also be upgraded to create a better visual experience.
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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during December 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.
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A petrol lorry runs amok down High Street, Bideford.
For shingling, bobbing and Marcel Waving, go to Mrs Seymour Searle, Hairdresser, 1 Bridge Street, Bideford.
Visit Truscott’s, 12 High Street, Bideford. Buy the British Empire Buick at Heard Brothers Ltd.
The Children’s Ward at Bideford & District Hospital need £250 at once. The Committee of Devonians in Bristol through the kind influence of Mr Aldred Beer, have unanimously voted £5 5s to the new Bideford Hospital Fund. The widespread response to the Appeal towards the Building Fund has produced in the minds of all who care for the sick – and who does not care? – a feeling of sincere gratitude.
Bideford Fire Brigade – Northam accepts terms.
Bideford Rotarians were given an especially interesting paper at their fortnightly luncheon by Rotarian J D Herridge, who spoke on the history and development of the British Postal Service. The Vice-President, Mr F Lee, who occupied the chair, referred to the national loss in the death of Queen Alexandra, observing that her life symbolized the spirit of Rotary – Service above self.
“On Saturday, 7 November, I was at Northam and left about 10pm. When I got to Mr Carnegie’s I went into Chope’s allotment and pulled a lot of greens and filled up that bag. I also pulled off an armful of cabbages. I heard someone in the road, and I dropped them and ran away. Some I wasted in the lane. I don’t know what made do it.” This, according to PC W H Uglow’s statement to Bideford County Magistrates, was what a Bideford labourer, told him when the constable informed him that a rush basket and an umbrella similar to what he was seen carrying had been found in Chope’s allotment. He was summoned for damage with intent to steal the cabbages, the property of Mr William Turner, gardener, of Clevelands Cottage, Northam.
John Pinsent, electrician, High Street, Bideford, is fined.
The 3rd North Devon (Bideford) Troop, BP Scouts held their annual whist drive and dance at the BAAC Hall and a most successful evening was the result. The drive commenced at 7.15pm and about 120 people sat down to the tables. More were expected but owing to the severity of the weather the Scouts considered themselves favoured to have had so many brave the rain. The MC was Scoutmaster F Cole, assisted by Patrol Leader R Sheeres, and everything was done to keep things moving and to finish at the appointed time. Prizes were distributed, the winners being: Mrs L Purves, Miss Smale, Mrs Burton, Mr Braddick, Mr C Ashton, Mr E W Cox. Lucky number prizes were won by Miss Hilda Gigg and Mrs Maude Cole, both of which should prove very useful as well as ornamental to the ladies.
Mrs Ward of Bideford has been appointed as one of the Devon County Lawn Tennis Association Selection Committee to assist in connection with ladies’ matches.
The silver plated flask presented to the local police force by Capt J R Braddick, MC, for the best miniature rifle shot, has been won by PC Olding after a close contest with Inspector Parr, only two points dividing them in the final. PC Olding left Bideford having been moved to Broadhempston, his place at Bideford being taken by PC Cotton.
There was an interesting presentation to Mr John Adams at Bideford United Methodist Church Assembly Hall.
On behalf of the officers, teachers and scholars of the Lavington Sunday School, Bideford, the Rev Alfred Clegg presented to Mrs F Willis, now of Appledore, a copy of the Worship song, as a mark of their appreciation of her services as teacher at the Sunday School for many years.
The marriage arranged between Mr George Lorns Carter-Campbell, of Possil, Lanark, only son of the late Mr Arthur Carter-Campbell, and of Mrs Frank Berkworth, and Diana, daughter of the late Sir Robert Park Lyle, Bart., and Lady Park Lyle, of Eaton Place, took place at St Paul’s, Knightsbridge. Mr Robert Kirkwood gave the bride away. Miss Betty Baldwin, daughter of the Prime Minister and Mrs Baldwin, headed the retinue of six bridesmaids, the others being Miss Dorothy Campbell, Miss Pamela Baker, Miss Rosemary Cohen, Miss Jean Combe and Miss Romaine Combe. Preb Leith Boyd performed the ceremony, and Mr John Paton, late Grenadier Guards was best man. The honeymoon is being spent in the south of France.
The funeral of Charles John Short, of 23 Sunnyside, East-the-Water. The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, of the late Mr William Hearn of Coronation Road, Bideford. The Rev W T Kershaw officiated.
We regret to announce the death of Mrs Braithwaite, wife of Canon Braithwaite. The deceased lady was the eldest daughter of the late Mr E U Vidal, of Cornborough, near Bideford. She began Church work at a very early age, being a Sunday School teacher at the age of 12. She spent a great part of her time in visiting people, though the Church and village were 1½ miles from her home. Canon Braithwaite’s father was curate of Bideford, where the Canon was born, so he and his future wife knew each other from a very early age. Mrs Braithwaite was one of the earliest secretaries of the GFS being appointed by the Rural Deaneries of Hartland and Torrington. The deceased lady had been in declining health for some three months and suddenly became unconscious and sank to rest.
Death and funeral of Bideford tradesman, Mr Edward Pridham.
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Final proposals to reshape and reimagine the future of local services in Devon are formally considered by councillors.
Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better has been published by seven of Devon’s district councils, outlining a new model for local government to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for the county and its communities.
In December 2024, the UK Government announced plans to simplify the structure of local government across England. Areas such as Devon, which currently has a ‘two-tier’ system comprising a county council and district councils, are being asked to develop new unitary authorities.
East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon district councils have been working together to shape the proposal. Torbay Council has collaborated with the districts in developing the case but is pursuing its own submission which would see it remain as a unitary authority.
The districts’ proposal, known as the 4-5-1 model, includes:
Torbay and Southern Devon – a unitary authority made up of South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon.
Exeter and Northern Devon – a unitary authority made up of East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge.
Plymouth City Council remaining a standalone unitary authority.
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The 4-5-1 model has been designed to create three robust and balanced unitary authorities in which services are designed and delivered close to communities, as well as unlocking place-based economic growth that will ensure no community is left behind.
It facilitates the transformation of public services and promotes integrated delivery across health, social care, education, housing and community services.
Financial modelling conducted as part of the proposal forecasts savings of at least £77.1m from year six, and a cumulative saving of £508m by 10 years.
The initial investment associated with setting up the new councils would be recouped within three years.
In a joint statement, the councils’ leaders said:
“We believe this proposal truly delivers the best possible outcomes for all of Devon’s 1.2 million residents, with three authorities that are big enough to be financially sustainable and deliver major services while remaining local and accessible with communities at their hearts.
“This proposal has been built by rigorous evidence-based analysis and assessment, and extensive engagement with residents, businesses, partners and community groups. The result, this reimagining of Devon, will give our residents the local services they want, tailored to their needs, and ensures our councils are future-proof and resilient for generations to come.”
Each council formally considered approving the proposal at their own respective meetings between 25 November and the deadline for submission of proposals on 28 November.
The full proposal, Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better, is available to view at https://www.reimaginingdevon.org
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A pioneering partnership between the North Devon World Surf Reserve (NDWSR), the National Trust, Earth Action North Devon (EAND) and the Save the Waves Coalition is driving an ambitious effort to restore and protect North Devon’s rivers, beginning at Combesgate, near Woolacombe.
The pilot Coastal Rivers project aims to improve river health, slow the flow to reduce erosion and flooding, and enhance water quality that feeds into the North Devon World Surf Reserve. By working with the landscape rather than against it, the project is already showing how practical, low-cost interventions can make a measurable difference.
In the Combesgate valley, the National Trust team has completed 27 interventions so far, involving the removal and breaking up of historic land drains and the installation of nature-based measures including leaky dams and baffles. These structures help slow the flow of water and trap sediment before it reaches the beach – reducing polluted runoff from land into the surf zone. By holding more water in the landscape for longer, these interventions help filter pollutants, reduce erosion, support wetland creation, and increase carbon capture and biodiversity. Early monitoring suggests these natural measures are already improving water quality and building resilience.
Thanks to seed funding from the Save The Waves Climate Mitigation Fund, match funding from the National Trust via the Species Survival Fund (funded by Defra), and generous support from Dryrobe, the National Trust team has already made a strong start in the Combesgate valley. Early work is showing how natural interventions, such as restoring vegetation, reconnecting floodplains, and managing runoff, can help rivers recover and thrive.
“This project is about regeneration – restoring balance between land, water, and the coast,” said Claire Moodie from EAND. “With heavier, more intense rainfall now a reality of climate change, we need low-cost, nature-led interventions like these. The work at Combesgate shows how practical solutions can make a measurable difference to water quality and local resilience.”
Alex Palmer, Project Manager, Riverlands, National Trust: “Our Coastal Rivers project aims to improve the smaller streams running directly into sea from our landholding and beyond. These streams are not only important habitats for the species that use them, they are also the last line of defence to stop pollutants entering the marine environment. We are already seeing improvements to these water courses and hope by working in partnership with other landowners we can further enhance their effectiveness.”
The pilot at Combesgate will act as a blueprint for expanding similar restoration work to other rivers and tributaries that flow through National Trust land into the World Surf Reserve, with a long-term goal of improving five catchments across North Devon.
“Our coastal rivers are unregulated and underfunded. It’s down to organisations like the National Trust and smaller, local conservation charities and local landowners to improve river quality and biodiversity,” added Claire. “You can help us continue and fast track this work.”
The project has launched a Crowdfunder and every £1 donated towards interventions will be match funded by the National Trust, meaning support goes twice as far.
Those wishing to contribute to the project’s growth can visit the Coastal Rivers Project crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/coastal-rivers
Adam Hall, co-founder of NDWSR: “Feeling powerless about coastal water quality? We get it. That’s why we’ve created something simple but powerful that everyone can do. As heavier rainfall and runoff events increase, projects like this matter more than ever.”
There is a short introductory film on the project here: https://youtu.be/d9KgyXfhHlk?si=rGo-RCwqSM0ggVYs
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Torridge District Council have installed a new water bottle refill station at the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre to help tackle plastic pollution. The refill station was part funded and supplied by Our Only World, a Cornish based charity set up to promote marine conservation. Partly made with recycled fishing nets the refill station will help reduce single use plastics by enabling visitors to top up their re-usable bottles with drinking water.
It is estimated that one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute world-wide. While these are widely recycled, many of them are not disposed of responsibly and often end up in the world’s ocean where they are harmful to marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins and turtles.
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Bideford Quay.
Oldenburg has completed her crossings to Lundy for this year. Now off to Sharpness for her annual drydocking.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping this month.
Appledore – in port.
Screenshot
Helen B – (Ex- Aramis 2004, Helen G ’10); built 2004; flag Antigua & Barbuda; arrived 23/10, sailed 25/10; cargo unknown.
Bristol Channel Observations – not included this month.
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Torridge District Council has announced it has appointed BAM Construction to act as the main contractor for the delivery of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre. The Centre has been partly funded through the Levelling Up Fund, Community Regeneration Partnership and funding from the UK Government as part of the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal, managed by Devon County Council.
Torridge District Council has been working with BAM to progress and finalise the designs for the Centre, which will include workshops, offices and collaboration space together with parking facilities and improved access to the slipway. The Centre is expected to be completed in 2026.
Initial works will involve making improvements to the wall adjoining New Quay Street before works to construct the building commence in the Autumn. Early enabling works to deliver a new quay to provide improved access for users of the building to the estuary, commenced onsite in April. A kind spring has allowed the project to progress at pace.
BAM Construction is looking to use local contractors and businesses wherever possible. In October, a ‘‘Meet the Buyer’ event was held in Appledore. Since then, several local suppliers have joined the project’s supply chain and will contribute during the main construction phase. The team continues to engage with local businesses to ensure opportunities remain accessible throughout the build.
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