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]
Two exciting local independent businesses have been selected as winners of LaunchBideford, a new initiative led by Torridge District Council, in partnership with Bideford Town Council, SaveTheHighStreet.org and a network of local supporters.
Following a competitive selection process, Mrs Animation, founded by Sarah Lee Pettifer, and Devonshire Cork and Vine, founded by Christopher John Sheppard, have been chosen to receive six months of rent-free space in Butchers Row at Bideford’s Pannier Market, alongside free access to HelloThriver.com and hands-on support to help them grow.
LaunchBideford was designed not only to help businesses grow, but to reimagine how empty shops can be transformed into thriving hubs for local enterprise and community life. The competition attracted over 40 applications from across the district. Every application was carefully reviewed, and a shortlist of businesses were invited to interview before the final winners were selected.
Meet the winners.
Mrs Animation, run by Sarah Pettifer, will create a destination for art lovers, creatives, and the curious. Her space will feature live events and interactive exhibitions, turning the market into a hub for creativity, performance and community engagement.
Sarah Pettifer, owner of Mrs Animation, said: “Winning a shop through LaunchBideford is genuinely a dream come true. I’m so excited to bring the Mrs Animation Gallery & Studio to life in the heart of Butchers Row. This opportunity is not only helping me grow my business, but also allowing me to create a vibrant, creative, and inclusive space for the community. I’m incredibly grateful and can’t wait to get started! Follow me on socials @mrsanimation to keep up with my art campaigns, exhibitions, and everything exciting I’ve got coming up.”
Devonshire Cork and Vine, led by Christopher Sheppard, is an independent wine and spirits business focused on curated, high-quality selections with a strong emphasis on regional producers. The new shop will offer tastings, specialist advice, and products not typically found on the high street.
Christopher Sheppard, owner of Devonshire Cork and Vine, said: “I’d like to thank Torridge District Council, SaveTheHighStreet.org and everyone involved in making this scheme possible. It’s an amazing opportunity for the local community and a huge boost for my business. I’m looking forward to working with the teams and introducing the people of Bideford and the surrounding areas to some fantastic wines and beers – both from around the world and right here at home. I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.”
Kirsty Defranceski, Town Centre Project Officer at Torridge District Council, said:
“We were delighted to receive such a wide range of interesting and exciting entries from across the region. We very impressed and inspired by the amount of entrepreneurial talent on our doorsteps – selecting the winners was a difficult decision! We wish Sarah Pettifer (Mrs Animation) and Christopher Sheppard (Devonshire Cork and Vine), the very best of luck, and hope that the local community checks them out in their new home.”
Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “This is what LaunchBideford is all about – backing local talent with the space and support to succeed. With free access to Thriver, both winners will have the tools they need to grow, stay focused and make a real impact on the high street.”
For more information, please visit https://savethehighstreet.org.bideford
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We all know that getting out in nature is good for us, but it can be difficult to make time. Join the Northam Burrows Rangers, Finding Nature’s Footprints team and local experts for a walk each month to enjoy some fresh air and company outdoors.
The ‘Nature’s Tonic’ walks on Thursdays are gentle, short excursions lasting less than one hour on easy terrain. They are perfect for people seeking some fresh air and companionship but who may not be very active or confident in outdoor settings. On the other hand, the ‘Good Start to the Week’ walks on Mondays cover longer distances and involve more challenging terrain, lasting at least two hours.
Future events planned include:
Thurs 1 May, 3pm-4pm – Skylark song – Meet at Westward Ho! gate of Northam Burrows (EX39 1HN).
Mon 19 May, 1.30pm-4pm – WW2 history of Northam Burrows – A tour of the notable features of the part led by local historian Dave Edgcombe. Meet at the Appledore gate of the Burrows (EX39 1NL).
Thurs 5 June, 3pm-4pm – Spring flowers – meet at Northam Burrows visitor centre (EX39 1XS).
Mon 16 June, 2pm-4pm – Summer flowers – A chance to explore the flora of the sand dunes and coastal grasslands on Northam Burrows. Meet at Northam Burrows visitor centre (EX39 1XS).
Thurs 3 July, 3pm-4pm – Beautiful butterflies – meet at Northam Burrows visitor centre (EX39 1XS).
Mon 14 July 1.30pm-4pm – History of Westward Ho! – An exploration of the early days of the seaside resort led by local historian Dave Edgcombe. Meet at Westward Ho! Slipway (EX39 1LL).
All events are free to attend and no pre booking is required but toll charges apply if you wish to drive a vehicle onto Northam Burrows. For more information about any of the events please visit [email protected] or call 01237 497708.
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Torridge District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Devon-based TMS Maritime to deliver a new Quay Wall at its site at Middle Dock, Appledore – next to the Navantia Shipyard.
Early enabling works commenced onsite week beginning 14 April 2025, and will involve rebuilding the existing quay wall and slipway wall together with improvements to the slipway in preparation for the construction of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre.
TMS Maritime expects to be onsite until early Autumn to deliver the Quay Wall works in advance of the significant commencement of the Main Works activity including the building of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre facility.
Sean Kearney, Head of Communities and Place, Torridge District Council, said: “We are delighted to have appointed TMS Maritime to undertake these vital works to improve the Quay Wall, This is a very exciting step in the journey of this project. We hope that the delivery of this centre will put Appledore and Torridge at the forefront of innovation and investment in clean maritime energy”.
Will Bailey, Engineer, TMS Maritime, said: “TMS are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the contract for the construction of the new quay wall as part of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre project.
This prestigious development represents a significant investment in the future of sustainable marine technologies, aiming to position Appledore as a hub for research, development, and innovation in the clean maritime sector.
Our scope of works includes the installation of a new quay wall structure to facilitate improved marine access, provide berthing for vessels supporting clean maritime research, and ensure the long-term resilience of the dock infrastructure. The project will involve a combination of mobilisation, piling operations and marine plant operations, all conducted in a live port environment with careful coordination with local stakeholders.
TMS will be deploying a full marine team, with the IHI 80T Crawler Crane and supporting equipment already mobilising to site. Early works are now underway, including the construction of the crane mat and preparation for the construction of the JUB”.
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The Society of Graphic Fine Arts / The Drawing Society 2025 Exhibition at Mall Galleries, London, awarded the Monochrome Award to David Dare for “Looking Up”, a charcoal & carbon pencil drawing.
David felt honoured, especially as he has only recently been made an Associate Member.
“With so many outstanding pieces of work exhibited I am particularly thrilled to receive this award”.
You can see more of David’s work at DavidDareArt.co.uk
Below, the Mall Galleries – National Focal Point of Contemporary Art.
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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during April 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.
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Bank Holiday traffic – There was a considerable influx to North devon for the Eastertide and about 1,000 visitors arrived at Bideford on Thursday and Saturday by train.
You can buy your new Spring Hat from Stewart & Co’s in Mill Street, Bideford.
Bideford sportsmen will learn with regret of the death of Mr Frederick Wright Gill.
Alice May Kerry, of Toronto, marries William John (Cherry) Backway, formerly of Brookfield Street, Bideford.
A wedding of interest to a wide circle of friends took place at Bagborough when the marriage of Miss Betty Dening of Toulton to Mr Robert H Deubler, of Old Bank House, Bideford, was solemnised. The ceremony was conducted by Mr Douglas Brealey, of the Blackdown Hills Mission, assisted by Mr Stenbridge, and a large attendance at the service was an evidence of the esteem in which Miss Dening has been held in the neighbourhood, as also were the numerous presents an evidence of the popularity of the both bride and bridegroom.
A very pretty wedding was solemnised in St Mary’s Church, Bideford, before a large congregation on Easter Monday by the Rev C B Crofts, the contracting parties being Aubrey Cooke and Hilda Mary Short. At the Parish Church of St Mary’s Bideford, the wedding was quietly solemnised by special license of Mr George Fluck, stationer, of High Street, Bideford, and Miss Frances Coombe. The Rector, Rev W N Manning, officiated.
Bideford Board of Guardians employ F A Pearson as the Registrar of Deaths and Vaccination Officer for Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho! At a Bideford Guardians meeting the Master reported the receipt of a box of books from Mrs Lane (Instow) and also magazines from Miss Tupper (Bideford) for the inmates.
Stanley Kivell, son of Mr R Kivell, baker, of East-the-Water, Bideford, was riding a horse over Bideford Long Bridge when the horse shied at the steam of an approaching tractor, and fell with its legs under the wheels of the vehicle. The horse had to be shot and young Kivell, who had a narrow escape, was thrown clear on to the pavement on the other side of the road.
For the first time in the ‘History of Geneva’ a very decided change took place during the past year, the both schools (Girls’ and Infants’) having been united and worked as one school. It has proved most successful and encouraging.
New Inn Hotel, Bideford, and Porto Bello Inn, change hands.
Members of Bideford Farmers’ Union were very disappointed on hearing that the latest proposals in regard to improving accommodation at Bideford Cattle Market go very litter farther than rearrangement of the present space, and do not provide for the considerable and much needed enlargement for the making of which adjoining property has already been purchased and the money for paying for it obtained on loan sanctioned on the representation that the property was required for market enlargement.
The funeral of the late Mrs Alice Middleton, who passed away at 12 Lower Meddon Street, Bideford, took place at Littleham, Rev Kerrich officiating.
We regret to announce the death of Mrs Pound, widow of Mr James R Pound, formerly in business in Mill Street, Bideford, which occurred at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Featherstone, of Marine Gardens. The late Mrs Pound, who is the sister of Mrs Embery and the late Mr R T Hookway, architect, of Bideford, was held in great regard by a wide circle of friends, being of a most genial and kindly disposition. She was a much respected member of the Lavington Congregational Church.
Miss Carrie Fishleigh, of Mill-street, Bideford, while on a visit to her grandparents, Mr and Mrs R Blight of the village, was taken suddenly ill and had to be taken to her home in a car kindly lent by Mrs A Scott Browne, of Buckland House, Buckland Filleigh.
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Appledore welcomed the latest in a run of cargo ships to Navantia UK’s New Quay dock over the weekend. The latest two ships arrived on back-to-back tides – making it the first time that two ships have called successively into the estuary for at least ten years.
“Sea Melody” approaches Appledore.
“Sea Melody” docks at New Quay dock.
The ‘Sea Melody’, an eighty-nine-metre bulk cargo ship, arrived at Newquay dock in Appledore on Friday 28 March, after sailing from Ghent, Belgium. The ship was carrying over 3,200 metric tons of animal feed pellets for a local agricultural supplies and equipment merchants, who will deliver the product to farms and their manufacturing sites in Devon.
Pilot cutter approaches “Fri Ocean”.
“Fri Ocean” approaches New Quay dock.
On Tuesday 1 April,’the ‘Fri Ocean’ was the 8th ship since September 2024 to call at Navantia New Quay in Appledore. Sailing from Rotterdam, the ship was carrying 1,800 tons of wheat gluten feed. The next cargo ships are due into Appledore at the end of April.
Both ships were expertly guided into Appledore by Torridge District Council’s Pilot, Paul Brown. The council through the Port of Bideford are the Competent Harbour Authority for the Taw and Torridge Estuary and are responsible for the safety of navigation and the provision of pilotage.
Torridge District Council and Navantia, in partnership with other agencies, have been working together over the last couple of months to explore the potential possibilities to reopen cargo passage by sea into Torridge. By transporting the product directly to Appledore, rather than other ports along the East or South coast of the UK, the company can eliminate more than 110 lorry journeys from regional roads (per cargo ship). The operation achieves impressive efficiency with a discharge rate of 150 tonnes per hour, enabling complete cargo transfer to ground transportation within a two-day timeframe.
Richard Haste, Operational Services Manager, Torridge District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the return of these cargo ships into New Quay, Appledore. These deliveries are making a very important contribution not only in terms of environmental sustainability but also in putting Appledore on the map as a working and useable port. With more ships due in at the end of the month, we look forward to working with our partners to continue to explore the options for welcoming more ships to the ports of Torridge”.
Head of Operations, Navantia UK Appledore, said: “This partnership demonstrates how maritime infrastructure can directly benefit local communities and businesses. By leveraging our existing facilities to support regional supply chains, we’re helping Devon businesses reduce their carbon footprint while improving access to essential supplies”.
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Bideford Quay.
The Oldenburg returned to Bideford 07.00 19th, after drydocking at Sharpness.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping this month.
Appledore.
In port –
Sea Melody – (ex- Yvonne, H.C. Freya 2007, Oosterborg 2004); built 2002; flag Barbados; from Ternezuen ; arrived 28/3, sailed 31/3; cargo 3,500 tons rape meal.
Bristol Channel Observations.
1/3 at 07.25 cargo vessel Catania, 2,595 tons d.w., owners Fehn Shipmanagement Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 10.23 aggregate carrier Aastind, 9,200 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 07.28.
2/3 at 11.45 vehicle carrier Morning Lena, 27,297 tons d.w., owners Eukor Car Carriers South Korea, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.33. At 14.17 tanker Philipp Essberger, 5,738 tons d.w., owners Essberger Germany, inward bound for Barry. At 14.36 hrs ro-ro vessel City of Hamburg, 3,540 tons d.w., owners Louis Dreyfus France inward bound for Avonmouth to collect wings for Airbus Industries. (Seen again at 11.02 3rd outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.16).
3/3 at 07.27 cargo vessel Rix Baltic, 5,030 tons d.w., owners Baltic Shipping Denmark, inward bound for Cardiff. At 14.19 aggregate carrier Aasfjord, 6,300 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, inward bound for Swansea. At 14.37 cargo vessel Koga Ranger, 10,508 tons d.w., owners Hammonia Rederei Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. (Seen again at 14.05 5th outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 09.07).
4/3 at 17.27 cargo vessel Anna, 5,097 tons d.w., owners Focus Shipmanagement Netherlands, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 11.50.
5/3 at 05.42 vehicle carrier Sumire Leader, 19,476 tons d.w., owners Miyako Maritima SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 08.05 tanker Kitikmeot W., 19,983 tons d.w., owners Istanbul Culikenrji Turkey, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 00.45. At 14.50 cargo vessel Marietje Nord, inward bound for Newport.
6/3 at 16.06 vehicle carrier Saic Avji Splendour, owners Anji Logistics Hong Kong, inward bound for Portbury.
7/3 at 07.21 cargo vessel Hohe Bank, 3,176 tons d.w., owners Briese Schiffahrt Germany, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 00.56. At 08.06 vehicle carrier Orchid Ace, 17,289 tons d.w., owners Mitsui Osk Lines Japan, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 07.05 9th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.07).
8/3 at 11.32 cargo vessel Baltic Skipper, 3,100 tons d.w., owners Baltic Forest line Germany, inward bound for Cardiff.
9/3 at 11.14 vehicle carrier Auto Achieve, owners UECC Uni Pererssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.
11/3 at 06.10 container vessel Makrell, inward bound for Portbury. At 06.43 cargo vessel Rix Sailor, inward bound for Newport. At 11.45 vehicle carrier Xian Jiang Fou, owners Cosco Chipping China, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.34 (It was the maiden voyage for this vessel into Portbury).
12/3 at 11.10 cargo vessel Arklow Bay, 8,660 tons d.w., outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.06. At 11.58 aggregate carrier Aasli, 6,200 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, inward bound for Swansea. .At 15.57 vehicle carrier Grande Anversa, owners Grimaldi ine of Italy, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.57 cargo vessel Wilson Avonmouth, owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth
13/3 at 08.05 aggregate carrier Aasli, 6200 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 04.52. At 19.40 vehicle carrier Tiapan, 21,021 tons d.w., owners Wallenius Wilhemsen Stockholm and Norway, inward bound for Portbury,
14/3 at 13.10 cargo vessel Arklow Artist, 8,543 tons d.w., owners Arklow Shipping Eire, inward bound for Cardiff.
15/3 at 11.26 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 12,164 tons d.w., owners UECC Oslo, inward bound for Portbury.
16/3 at 10.06 vehicle carrier Mercury Ace, 16,603 tons d.w., owners Polar Express Panama Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 05.46. At 10.13 cargo vessel Arklow Vanguard, 5,000 tons d.w., owners Arklow Shipping Eire, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 11.33 vehicle carrier Niagara Highway, 21,052 tons d.w., owners Kawasaki Kisen K>KJapan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.30. At 12.07 vehicle carrier Hoegh Australis, 18,000 tons d.w., owners Hoegh Autoliners Norway, inward bound for Portbury (this is the maiden voyage for the vessel). At 17.27 cargo vessel Suurhusen, 4,261 tons d.w., owners Rana Shipping Turkey, inward bound Newport.
17/3 at 09.08 cargo vessel Lady Jasmine, inward bound for Newport. At 12.55 cargo vessel Fast Sim, 2,270 tons d.w., owners Fast Line BV Belgium, inward bound for Sharpness. At 18.03 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 5,600 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Ltd Greece, inward bound for Portbury.
18/3 at 15.23 Auto Eco, owners UECC Uniperssoal Maderia, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again 17.56 22nd outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 19.33 20th, anchored in Blue Anchor Bay in the interim).
19/3 at 09.19 vehicle carrier Cielo Ace, owners Mitsui Auto Carrier Express Japan, inward bound for Portbury.
21/2 at 16.43 container vessel Containerships V1, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 12.52.
22/3 at 09.44 cargo vessel Nelli, inward bound for Newport. At 18.04 container ship Conship Top, inward bound for Portbury,
26/3 at 08.26 cargo vessel Lumen, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 02.00. At 08.40 cargo vessel Peak Anfield, 3,154 tons d.w., owners Gedes Reederei Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 09.23 cargo vessel Astrid Erica, 4,808 tons d.w., inward bound for Newport.
28/3 at 16.53 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 5,600 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Greece, inward bound for Portbury,
29/3 at 12.00 container vessel Conship Fun, 11,836 tons d.w., owners Wega Reederei Germany, inward bound for Portbury.
30/3 at 07.42 cargo vessel Patria, 3,519 tons d.w., inward bound for Sharpness. At 12.02 vehicle carrier Donington, 18,241 tons d.w., owners Zodiac Maritime London, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.07 cargo vessel Wilson Flex, 11,4317 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway inward bound for Avonmouth..
31/3 at 15.29 vehicle carrier Graceful Leader, 20,986 tons d.w., owners Ray Car Carrier Isle of Man, inward bound for Portbury.
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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Six – The Musical (12A).
Showing Friday 25th & Saturday 26th April 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
After starting out life as a show at the Edinburgh Fringe, and going on to take the West End and Broadway by storm, Six the Musical is now set to grace the big screen. The hit musical reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as musical divas. The six Queens introduce themselves through biographical pop songs and explain that their band’s lead singer will be whoever they determine had the worst experience at the hands of their shared ex-husband.
Filmed at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, Six the Musical Live! will feature the six original West End cast members – Jarnéia Richard-Noel (Catherine of Aragon), Millie O’Connell (Anne Boleyn), Natalie Paris (Jane Seymour), Alexia McIntosh (Anna of Cleves), Aimie Atkinson (Katherine Howard) and Maiya Quansah-Breed (Catherine Parr).
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Providence House and Pimlico Place, Bideford.
Providence House.
Peter Christie, then Mayor of Bideford, unveils the commemorative plaque.
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