We currently have a new exhibition charting the history of North Devon’s involvement with the Newfoundland fishing industry on display in the entrance foyer to the Local Studies Centre in Barnstaple Library.
For around 300 years after the discovery of Newfoundland by the explorer, John Cabot, at the end of the fifteenth century, the ports of Barnstaple and Bideford were major players in the English fishing fleets that dominated the trade in salted cod caught in the bountiful waters of the Grand Banks. Devon fishermen arrived in Newfoundland each spring, spending six weeks building ‘fishing rooms’, constructed from local timber and comprising a landing stage with areas for dressing the cod and pressing out the oil, or ‘train’.
Small open fishing boats were also built in Newfoundland each year. This work was finished by the end of May in preparation for the arrival of the cod shoals in late June and July. The huge catches of fish were dried in the open air on vast drying racks set up on the local beaches, salted and then shipped back to be sold for the best possible price in the fish markets of Continental Europe.
At its peak in the 1630s it was estimated that around 20,000 English seamen were engaged in the Newfoundland trade. The presence of the Newfoundland Hotel on Bideford Quay was testimony to the importance of the North Atlantic trade in the history and prosperity of the town. That building is still there, and is now The Rose of Torridge restaurant.
Our exhibition, entitled ‘Cod ‘n’ Ships’, is on display throughout August.
If you would like further information on the North Devon Record Office, please visit our website at www.devon.gov.uk/record_office
The North Devon Record Office is part of the Devon county archives service provided by Devon County Council.
Tim Wormleighton
http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/
I am the Neighbourhood Beat Team (NBT) leader stationed at Bideford police station, an officer of 29yrs service, having also served in and around Plymouth for 20years . I work alongside regular officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who together are responsible for the Neighbourhood policing of Bideford and surrounding parishes. There are also patrol officers who cover 24hrs, CID who deal with more serious crime, the Special Constabulary and Neighbourhood Watch. Our Inspector is Shaun Kenneally who also has responsibility for Holsworthy and Torrington
The team consists of five regular officers for Bideford Town, Bideford West, East The Water, Westward Ho! Appledore/Northam and parishes as far as and including Hartland. Each of these is supported by a PCSO .
One of our main responsibilities is community engagement. PCSOs , for example, are expected to patrol their area for at least 80% of the time on duty. They are the eyes and ears of the police force, talking to people, gaining their confidence, and dealing with important community issues . They attend local meetings, visit schools and clubs, and work closely with partner agencies
Regular officers are also expected to do this, but have other responsibilities. They investigate criminal offences such as criminal damage and act upon intelligence gathered in relation to unlawful drug use. We are very fortunate in Torridge that there is not a big drug problem nor a high rate of crime. A lot of this is down to the success of the NBT in dealing with issues when they arise
We believe it is important for the community to be able to contact the police. Of course there is the 999 system for emergencies; if the call is not urgent we urge people to phone 08452 777444 which will go through to one of the Force Enquiry Centres (FEC) or 01237 428009 where a message can be left for the officer covering the area in which the caller resides.’ Sergeant Simon Bassett,
This is the time of year when the wingless female glow worms attract their mates. The glow worm, Lampyris noctiluca, is not a worm. It is a beetle up to 25 mm long. Only the females glow strongly,to attract the flying males. Each individual female has a short adult glowing life until she finds a mate, then she turns her light off, lays her eggs and dies. Adult glow worms can’t feed, so they are short lived, about 2 weeks or so.
Click the picture for a larger version
After a few weeks the eggs hatch and the larvae can live in the undergrowth for one to three years, feeding on small snails. They paralyse the snails to “liquidise” them before eating them. Glow worm eggs and larvae can glow very slightly although they are usually well hidden out of sight. “The glow worm’s light is cold, and is a form of bioluminescence. It is caused when a molecule called luciferin is oxydised which then produces oxyluciferin, with the enzyme luciferase acting as a catalyst in the reaction.” (from UK Glow worm Survey) Male glow worms have the ability to glow but rarely do, as they have no need.
Glow worms like limestone and chalky areas. In North Devon you will find them along the Tarka Trail. Railway embankments and other open areas are favoured. The grass has to be just right – not too short and not too long. The females climb up a grass stalk and glow to attract a male late at night, well after dark. They retreat back into the undergrowth during the day. You are likely to see them during June and July, possible into early August.
There is a National Glow worm Survey where you can submit your record on-line at this web address:
http://www.glowworms.org.uk/newform.htm
You can obtain a form by post from this address:34 Fennels Way, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 9BY.
Janice Whittington
This is a call to all keen gardeners to get something for nothing. You are invited to bring seeds you have collected, rooted cuttings and divisions of plants to Northam Community Centre on Saturday September 4th from 2pm to 5pm.
It’s a great chance to find new and exciting treasures for your garden. Staff from RHS Rosemoor will be joining us to answer your gardening queries.
Even if you have nothing to swap, come along and enjoy the afternoon. Refreshments will be available and proceeds from these will go to local charities.
