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]
Libraries in Devon Tackle Tech Waste And Fight Digital Poverty.
Five new electronics and tech donation points are launching in libraries across Devon. People will be able to bring tech items they no longer use to be refurbished. Once refurbished, items are donated to those experiencing digital poverty.
Libraries Unlimited, in partnership with Fixy, Resource Futures, and Donate IT, is bringing the donation programme into libraries. Part of Libraries Unlimited’s National Lottery-funded, ‘Together For Tomorrow’ climate action project, the initiative aims to reduce electronic waste and tackle the lack of access to technology in local communities.
Over 100,000 tonnes of electricals are thrown away each year, according to Material Focus. Electronic waste is hazardous for people and the planet. With binned electronic devices identified as a leading cause of fire in UK recycling and household waste, libraries are inviting the public to rethink the way they dispose of unwanted tech. The new Fixy donation points will be launching in five Devon libraries over the spring and summer.
Barnstaple Library launches on July 18th, 11 am – 1 pm.
“Fixy is delighted to be working with several library trials in Devon,” says Linda Hull, project coordinator at Resource Futures. “Closing the digital divide and tackling the ever increasing e-waste mountain has never been more important. We know that most people have a ‘Drawer of Doom’ stashed with pre-loved smart tech. Not only do we need to liberate all these hoarded precious metals, but once all these devices are securely data wiped, many can be refurbished and given back out free of charge to those in digital need in our communities.It’s win win!”
Items accepted at ‘Fixy’ donation points are:
Mobile phones and smartphones.
Laptops (must be unlocked).
Tablets (must be unlocked).
PCs, desktops and towers.
PC combo unit.
Digital cameras.
Routers.
Games consoles, computer games, controllers, and accessories.
Hard drives.
Freeview recorders.
External hard drives.
Smart speakers.
Smart tech and smart devices.
Smart wearables and smart watches.
Donation points cannot accept:
TVs, screens, displays or monitors.
Keyboards and mice.
Plug-in telephones.
Printers, scanners or photocopiers.
Tapes, discs, CDs, or DVDs.
Non-tech small electricals.
Loose batteries.
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The Northam Neighbourhood Plan proposal, as submitted to Torridge District Council in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), establishes a vision for the evolution and long-term sustainability of Northam and provides policies and proposals to guide development within the designated area over the period up to 2031.
On 25 March 2026, sections 98 and 99 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 came into effect, and these amended the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Town and County Planning Act 1990 in respect of the legal compliance and the Basic Conditions requirements for neighbourhood plans.
In accordance with Regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), representations are invited from interested parties during the period from Thursday 16 April until 17:00 on Friday 1 May 2026 on specific additional information only; whether the Northam Neighbourhood Plan proposal complies with two new legal compliance requirements and one new Basic Condition requirement. Late representations will not be accepted.
Details about the new requirements can be inspected throughout the period set out above:
online via https://www.torridge.gov.uk/northamnp
at the following locations during normal opening hours:
o Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG
o Northam Library, Fore Street, Northam, EX39 1AW
Representations should be made in writing and may be submitted during the consultation period:
online via this consultation portal: https://consult.torridge.gov.uk/kse/
by email to [email protected]
by post or in person to Planning Policy, Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG
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Going on holiday is one of life’s great pleasures, yet for pet owners it can be a bit of a headache. For those who don’t have friends and family who are happy to take care of their animals whilst they are away, many people rely on the services of dog home boarding services, kennels and catteries.
Torridge District Council wants to warn families about leaving their pets in the care of unlicensed boarding establishments. It wants to make dog and cat owners aware that unlicensed premises have not been subject to checks to ensure that the welfare needs of the animals can be met, or whether the person running the establishment is an appropriate, qualified or experienced person to do so.
All licensed home boarders, kennels/catteries are subject to strict criteria, including size and structure of the units, the cleanliness of the premises, the exercise and interaction pets get and management of the pet’s food and/or medications.
How to check –
If you’re looking for pet boarding, you should make sure the premises holds the correct licence. You can check this by https://www.torridge.gov.uk/publicregister .
Anyone carrying out this activity without the correct licence in place should be aware they are committing an offence and may be liable to prosecution. Further information regarding how to apply for a license and the conditions needed to obtain one can be found at https://www.torridge.gov.uk/article/19972/Animal-welfare-licences.
If anyone has any concerns over any licensed or potentially unlicensed boarding facilities in Torridge, please email [email protected].
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Bideford Quay.
On the 19th March the Oldenburg returned after drydocking at Sharpness.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping.
Appledore. In port – ??
Svealand – built 2001; flag Antigua & Barbuda; arrived 2/3, sailed 3/3 ; discharged 3,000 tons animal feed.
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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Mother’s Pride. (12A) 93 minutes.
Saturday 18 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00).
A grieving family who own a failing pub have their lives changed by brewing real ale and entering the Great British Beer Awards.
Stars: Jonno Davies, Martin Clunes, Mark Addy, Miles Jupp.
Director: Nick Moorcroft.
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The Magic Faraway Tree. (U) 110 minutes.
Friday 17 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Saturday 18 April at 5.00pm (doors open 4.30pm).
Sunday 19 April at 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm)
A modern family relocates to the countryside where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric residents. They’re transported to fantastical lands, rekindling their family bond through adventures.
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Choughlan,
Director: Ben Gregor.
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Fuze. (15) 96 minutes.
Friday & Saturday 24 & 25 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm)
An unexploded WW11 Bomb is discovered on a busy construction site in the centre of London. Chaos ensues as the military and police begin a mass evacuation against a ticking clock.
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Worthington.
Director: David Mackenzie.
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The Bideford Regeneration Board launched its Regeneration Strategy on Thursday 27 March at an event for key regional and national strategic partners, business leaders and local representatives at the Royal Hotel in Bideford. Attendees learned about how the new Masterplan will set out to benefit the town and how people can get involved to help make it happen.
Originally formed back in 2022 to support the town as it emerged from Covid, the Board, made up of volunteers, has been at the forefront of a number of initiatives. In 2025, after an open call for new members, a new Board came together bringing skills in strategy development, finance, governance, marketing, education and place-making, to complement the strategic partners of Bideford Town Council, Torridge District Council, Devon County Council, Bideford Bridge Trust, The Burton at Bideford and TTVS.
That new board has set itself a clear mission which is presented through the Bideford Regeneration Strategy 2026 – 2031 and which this masterplan is at the heart of delivering. Its key aims are:
To regenerate Bideford, working with partners, including the private sector, to boost skills, housing and higher-paid, meaningful employment that inspires and retains our local talent.
To create leadership and make things happen whilst also being committed to ongoing wider engagement and openness.
To cherish and promote heritage but make it future looking, finding new purposes for old buildings and spaces to bring pride and energy to the town.
To work together to create a healthy and thriving place and community.
To allow the character of the town to come to the fore, through arts, culture, heritage and creativity to bring fun, learning and interest into people’s lives.
Clare Coghill, Chair of the Bideford Regeneration Board, said:
“We are delighted that so many people came along today. This launch event is all about spreading the word and starting to get more people to get involved in delivery of these ambitious plans. We know that there are loads of people out there with skills to offer and we want to make sure they know how they can get involved.
This is an exciting time for the town. The regional development of clean energy and maritime-related industries along with agritech opportunities provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bideford. This spatial masterplan seeks to provide clear frameworks and ambitions to enable the development of projects to support these core needs and address known challenges.
“National governments do not fund local government, community groups, schools and businesses in the way that they once did, so every penny needs to count, and we need to galvanise as many people as possible. From the recent refurbishment of the stunning fountain through to a public art programme led by young people and exciting artists, the works moving forward at Brunswick Wharf through to exciting new retail and hospitality openings there really is a lot to celebrate and get excited about. We want that community spirit to be reinvigorated and for the town to find its confidence. Working together we have a lot to celebrate and get excited about”.
If you think you can help, please read the masterplan and strategy at Regenerating Bideford | Discover Bideford. To get involved and shape the future of your town fill in the form here and tell us where you can help: Get involved and shape the future of your town – Fill in form
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The Great Torrington Regeneration Board, with support from Torridge District Council, Great Torrington Town Council and Devon County Council, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned community website, an important step forward in supporting local businesses, organisations and events.
The refreshed site features a modern new look alongside improved tools that make it easier than ever for users to connect with. Visitors can now quickly set up an account, add business or club listings, and share or discover upcoming events happening in and around the town.
The Board hopes the new platform will open up fresh opportunities for community connection and visibility. Business owners, club secretaries, event organisers, and residents are encouraged to explore the site, check their existing information, or add new listings. The process is simple, with a step-by-step guide provided, and support is available for anyone who needs assistance.
In addition to the website’s enhanced features, the Board will also be promoting listings and events through its social media channels and emails to help increase visibility and encourage more visitors to the town.
Residents and organisations are invited to visit the new site, create an account, and ensure their details are up to date.
If you live in the Great Torrington area and have an event coming up, make sure you sign-up for an account and add the event details!
Take a look at www.great-torrington.uk
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Torridge District Council is pleased to announce that the Bideford Fountains are now firing again. After 17 years of silence, the water fountains on Bideford Quay have been brought back to life, thanks to Government investment through the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
To mark the milestone, councillors from Torridge District Council, head of the Bideford Regeneration Board, Clare Coghill, along with year 12 students from Bideford College (who sit on the Bideford Regeneration Board), representatives from Northwave and Aquatech and children from Muddy Boots Pre-school, gathered at Bideford Quay 11th March to enjoy the firing of the fountains.
The Bideford Quay Fountains, first installed for the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, have now been fully refurbished ahead of schedule. Local firms Northwave Engineering Ltd and Aquatech Water Services Ltd have delivered a modern, energy-efficient upgrade, including new high-efficiency pumps and a smarter control system that responds to tide levels and wind conditions to prevent spray reaching the Quay. The valve assemblies have also been refurbished to extend the life of the system, and the decorative lighting has been upgraded for a better night-time display.
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Torridge District Council announced that it has been granted planning permission to undertake the necessary works to change the use of the former Bideford Library to create a multifunctional sport and fitness facility.
The proposed development also includes further internal works to the wider building to provide a co-working facility, consisting of three open plan co-working spaces, a meeting room, a manager’s office, and ancillary facilities, including a break-out space, staff room, and toilet/shower facilities.
As part of the refurbishment programme, significant renovation works will take place to improve the energy efficiency of the building. This will include:
Replacement of the building’s roof in its entirety, to include upgraded levels of insulation to the wider roofscape.
Replacement of single-storey extension to the rear of the former Library building.
Rebuilding of the existing dormers.
Upgrades to the existing windows, through the provision of secondary glazing.
Upgrades of internal doors to provide additional fire safety and accessibility improvements.
Upgrades to the heating, power, lighting, and ventilation systems.
Rebuilding of the rear retaining boundary wall, adjoining Nunnery Walk.
In addition, there will be general conservation, repair and maintenance work to the Listed Building, including masonry repairs, to ensure the development retains the existing character of the façade, albeit with minor additional signage areas.
Work is expected to start on-site Summer 2026 and will take around 14 months to complete.
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Bideford Quay.
No commercial shipping this month.
Appledore – in port.
Baltic Sun (built 2022); flag Limasol; arrived 4/2, sailed 5/2; dischaged approx. 3,000 tons animal feed.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping at Yelland this month.
Regards,
Norman.
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Beaford – The Lost Decades Project.
Calling Bideford people! This is an exciting project from Beaford about their community Old Archive. Take a look at the weblinks below and add any details you can to these wonderful old photographs.
Discover North Devon’s Lost Decades…
This project explores how rural life changed between 1945 and 1970. Beaford is working with five local communities – Atherington, Bideford, Dolton, Hatherleigh & Kings Nympton – to understand the images we already have from before this period and identify the gaps.
Each week Beaford will share five images on their Facebook page, one from each community. If you recognise the people, places or events, submit your information via the online form here: beaford.org/aicf
Explore all images: beaford.org/thelostdecades
Explore images from Bideford: https://beaford.org/tld-bideford
Your memories will help fill in the missing decades and connect past and present.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Lost Decades Project is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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We all know how beneficial spending time in nature can be, but finding the time isn’t always easy. That’s where the Northam Burrows Rangers’ Free Guided Walks come in! With two different walk styles and plenty to discover along the way, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
On Mondays, join the ‘Good Start to the Week’ walk for a two-hour guided hike and the chance to learn more about our unique local landscapes. If you prefer a gentler pace, the ‘Wellbeing Walk’ on Thursdays offers a shorter, relaxed amble with friendly company and plenty of fresh air.
Upcoming walks include:
Monday 20th April (2pm – 4pm) – Meet at the Appledore Gate of Northam Burrows for a loop through the lanes and hills of Appledore.
All events are free to attend and no booking is required. Appropriate clothing and footwear are advised. For more information, email [email protected] or call 01237 479708.
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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 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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Have You Ever Thought About Murder?
Murder We Wrote is North Devon’s premier Murder Mystery Company, based right here in Bideford. MWW is part of Atlantic Coast Theatre, who were previously responsible for many large-scale popular musicals at the Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple, including; Avenue Q, Legally Blond, Grease, The Addams Family, Footloose and many more. However, following the pandemic, like many clubs and societies, we found ourselves having to move in a different direction. Many members no longer fancied the 8 week intensive rehearsal schedule required for such large-scale productions, nor did they want to learn all those lines, songs and dance routines. So, we decided to form a Murder Mystery Company where the majority of the dialogue is ad-lib, made up as we go and we normally only have a couple of rehearsals for each new storyline or script.
Four years down the line we are finding that the quality of our offering is far beyond other companies who offer a Murder Mystery experience. Normally they might only have four or five characters, one of which doubles as the Police Inspector and you never get to see the body. Whereas we field seven to over ten characters, we don’t double up roles and our Inspector only appears towards the end to help the audience solve the case – and yes, you always get to see the poor victim. We are so lucky to have a team of talented actors who not only bring our crazy characters to life but are also able to perform live singing and even the odd dance routine. Our events are fully interactive with the characters chatting to you at your tables, it’s not a sit down and watch type of stage theatre event. Having said that, you don’t have to get involved and if you pay attention all the clues are there for you to determine who the guilty party is. Our events normally run for about 2 1/2 hours and are based around a meal. How’s that for value for money?
So, where can you enjoy our next performance? We have two bookings coming up in August and October at The Cedars, Barnstaple and we’re looking forward to bringing some haunted fun to The Royal Hotel, Bideford on Halloween. You can check out how our events work and meet our acting team, as well as checking out a photo gallery and details of other forthcoming public events on our website www.murderwewrote.co.uk
Atlantic Coast Theatre is a registered charity, and all proceeds from our events go to purchasing authentic costumes, wigs, make-up, sound and lighting equipment. You can find out more information and how to book us or get in contact via our website.
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