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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Sensational seasonal spectacles at Rosemoor.

Posted on 02/12/2023 by Tango Alpha

A feast of seasonal treats awaits at RHS Rosemoor – Sculptures, Glow trail, family entertainment and festive food.

‘Tis the season to… enjoy the great outdoors and get into the festive spirit at Rosemoor!

This December you are spoilt for choice as the gardens offer a host of memorable experiences to suit all tastes. Explore a night-time winter wonderland, discover the fabulous sculpture trail, take in a creative workshop, catch the Panto or Carol Concert or just book in to savour some delicious food with friends and family.

Tickets for the popular illuminated trail ‘Glow’, running on selected evenings until 30 December, are selling fast. Make sure you book your slot soon to guarantee entry at the time of your choice.

Rosemoor’s annual Winter Sculpture Exhibition featuring 120 artworks by local and national artists is a joy to explore during the day. Ranging in scale from tiny cast mice to a life-size horse made from recycled metal tools, all of the pieces are unique and are available to purchase. Make sure you collect a catalogue at the entrance so you can be sure to see them all.

If you are not quite feeling festive yet, a creative Christmas workshop is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Add a personal touch to your decorations this year by creating a traditional Christmas wreath, a vine garland or a wall hanging Christmas tree under the expert tuition of Sarah Pepper.

Or, join Wonder Pantomime’s Jack on 10 December as he climbs the beanstalk to an enchanted land to rescue his friends and family from the ‘Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum’ of one very hungry giant. If your tastes are more traditional, go back in time and enjoy a Victorian Carol Concert by the Exmoor Carollers whilst you enjoy a glass of mulled wine on 16 December. Access to the gardens is included in tickets for both the Pantomime and the Carol Concert so you can really make a day of it.

Younger families will be pleased to know the popular Children’s Christmas Party returns on 21 and 22 December for an afternoon of fun, dancing, singing, party games and face painting – as well as entry to Glow afterwards!

For those just seeking quality time with loved ones over a great meal, the Garden Restaurant’s Christmas lunch and Festive Afternoon Tea menus spotlight the very best of seasonal produce and flavours.

You might just want to choose your tree from the wide selection available on site – all with great needle retention and festive fragrance. The Gift Shop is also packed with quality homeware and tasteful gifts as well as a great selection of decorations, should you need a little inspiration.

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Keep track of festive events across Torridge.

Posted on 26/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

With the festive season just around the corner, towns and villages across Torridge are preparing to welcome Christmas! With a whole feast of dazzling special events to keep track of, Torridge District Council has launched a series of web pages to help residents make the most of the festive season. The pages will serve as a one-stop shop, providing information on everything from light switch-on’s and late night shopping to free parking days and festive recycling tips and tricks. All the necessary information will be available in one central location, making it easier for residents to stay informed and get involved in the celebratory spirit of Christmas. Visit www.torridge.gov.uk/christmas2023

For 2023, Christmas is going to be bigger and better than ever before, with plenty of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy! The three major towns across Torridge – Holsworthy, Great Torrington, and Bideford – will be once again hosting their own Christmas Light switch-ons. Towns and parishes have also been invited to share their own events, so be sure to check them out too!

The information being shared also includes details of free parking days offering residents and visitors an opportunity to park for free and explore the diverse range of stores and experiences available in the bustling local market towns. Residents can browse through the Pannier Market and Square in Great Torrington, take a leisurely stroll through Holsworthy, and enjoy a walk along Bideford’s Quay before exploring the wide range of independent shops to find a unique present or experience to give as a gift to family or loved ones.

Free parking days and times include:

 

Holsworthy.

Saturday 9th December – Free parking all car parks ‘Small Business Day’. (sponsored by Torridge District Council).

Christmas Day – Free Parking all car parks.

New Year’s Day – Free Parking all car parks.

 

Great Torrington.

Saturday 2nd December – Free parking from 9am Sydney House car park. (sponsored by Great Torrington Town Council).

Saturday 9th December – Free parking all car parks ‘Small Business Day’. (sponsored by Torridge District Council).

Saturday 16th December – Free parking from 9am Sydney House car park. (sponsored by Great Torrington Town Council).

Saturday 23rd December – Free parking from 9am Sydney House car park. (sponsored by Great Torrington Town Council).

Christmas Day – Free Parking all car parks.

New Year’s Day – Free Parking all car parks.

 

Bideford.

Sunday 3rd December – Free Parking in Bridge Street from 10am (sponsored by Bideford Town Council) and all day at the Pill car park (sponsored by Torridge District Council). Quay and Manor Car Parks will be closed for the Christmas Lights switch-on event.

Saturday 9th December – All Bideford car parks from 10am ‘Small Business Day’. (sponsored by Torridge District Council).

Christmas Day – Free Parking all car parks.

New Year’s Day – Free parking all car parks.

 

To keep up to date with all the information about Christmas events, make sure you visit www.torridge.gov.uk/christmas2023 . If you know of an event that is not advertised on the website, please email [email protected] and we will ensure that it gets featured.

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New assessment to help manage Northern Devon’s landscapes.

Posted on 24/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

A new assessment of northern Devon’s diverse landscapes has been published by North Devon and Torridge district councils.

An updated Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for northern Devon provides an insight into the region’s landscapes, their special qualities and the forces for change that have the potential to affect them in the future.

The LCA provides an understanding of how landscapes are changing and how they can be strengthened to become resilient to future pressures, including climate change. The assessment includes detail about local character, sense of place, dark skies and drivers for landscape change, and can be used to help inform decisions on matters including planning for development, land management, habitat and nature recovery and improvement.

The LCA will be used to help shape and inform proposals for development to ensure that they respect and respond to their context. The councils will use the LCA to directly inform decisions on planning applications and to feed into the preparation of policy on how the area should develop in the future.

The update to the ‘Joint Landscape Character Assessment for North Devon and Torridge District’ has been prepared by Land Use Consultants Limited (LUC) on behalf of the two councils and has included engagement with key stakeholders to ensure it truly reflects the local context.

The new LCA supersedes the edition adopted by both councils in 2011.

You can find the updated LCA online at www.torridge.gov.uk/lca and www.northdevon.gov.uk/lca. An interactive map detailing the assessment can be found at www.torridge.gov.uk/ndtlp/maps

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Step into the festive magic of Bideford.

Posted on 24/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

Bideford Ignites a Sparkling Season of Festivities!

As the festive season approaches with twinkling lights and holiday cheer, Bideford Town is all set to welcome you to a world of magical markets, lively entertainment, and of course the heart-warming tradition of Christmas shopping.

Bideford Town boasts over 80 independent traders, creating a shopping experience that’s as diverse as it is charming. These dedicated traders are gearing up to make this festive season truly extraordinary by aligning their opening hours with two major town events.

Save the Date for Bideford’s Festive Highlights:

Bideford Light Switch-on Celebration Event.

Date: Sunday, 3rd December.

Event Time: 12 pm to 7 pm.

Street food, festive entertainment, and more!

FREE Parking in the town.

Town shops open their doors from 2 pm to 5 pm.

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Bideford Christmas Market & Bideford Town Late Night Shopping Event.

Date: Saturday, 9th December.

Event Time: 12 pm to 8 pm

The North Devon Christmas Market transforms Bideford, with around 50 top South West traders in the Pannier Market. Enjoy hot mulled wine and delectable street foods.

Bideford shops open late for festive shopping.

Entertainment throughout the day to uplift your festive spirits.

FREE Parking in the town.

 

Whether you’re seeking the perfect Christmas present or simply indulging in the joyous town atmosphere, Bideford has something special in store for you. This year’s community events promise something for everyone, with free admission for all. For a complete list of Christmas events, including workshops, markets, shopping, charity events, and more, visit the Discover Bideford website. Join us as we celebrate the joy of the season in the heart of Bideford.

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Appledore Singers’ Concert, 10th December.

Posted on 23/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

Appledore Singers

Charity Christmas Concert,

in aid of Harbour.

Appledore Singers’ Charity Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday 10th December, 2.30pm at Northam Hall (top of Fore Street).

The choir is looking forward to entertaining the audience with arrangements of festive music – both traditional and modern – and, as always, there will be the opportunity for audience participation. There will also be our annual Grand Raffle and tea and mince pies will, no doubt, be a welcome treat during the interval.

Tony Nicholls will compere the concert, the choir will be accompanied by Chris Beechey and conducted by our Musical Director, Pam Beechey.

This year our chosen charity is Harbour (Charity Number 1135311). The aim of the charity is to promote social inclusion for the public benefit in the Bideford area of Torridge; to relieve the needs of those people who are socially excluded and to assist them to integrate into society – a very worthwhile cause.

Admission is £6 at the door (U16s free), to include tea/mince pie.

For further information contact Pam Beechey 01237 420652.

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Northam Choral Society Concert, 9th December.

Posted on 23/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

 

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Winter birds need your protection on Northam Burrows.

Posted on 22/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

If you’re a keen bird watcher you may already have noticed a change in the variety of birds visiting our gardens and parks as the days get shorter and the colder winter months draw in. Some UK birds such as Swallows and House Martins head off to warmer climates at this time of year, but it’s also a time when we see a large influx of Scandinavian and Northern European species escaping the harsher winters found elsewhere.

Winter favourites include species such as the Curlew, Golden Plover, Lapwing and noisy native Oystercatchers. Shelduck are also abundant and many of these species like to spend the winter months on the tideline around the salt marshes, sand dunes and sand banks of the Taw and Torridge estuary, which borders Northam Burrows. This is also a time of year where pet dogs are more likely to be in closer proximity to these flocks and Northam Burrows rangers are reminding people to make a special effort not to allow their animals to disturb the birdlife. This is particularly important as the birds need all their energy to feed and survive the cold weather and rest with as little stress as possible.

Dog owners should be aware that the birds are likely to be a lot closer to the shore around high tide, so sticking to designated paths and having your dog under control is advisable at these times. Despite the need for extra vigilance, it’s also a great time for nature lovers to observe all the exotic visitors, which also include Snow Buntings and Brent Geese. As with previous years, Rangers are hopeful that with a little effort the right balance between recreation and conservation can be achieved.

(Another way to get involved with nature this winter is to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which runs from 26-28 January 2024. People can register on the RSPB website from mid-December and spend an hour recording the birds they see in their gardens, on their balconies or in their local park on one of the designated days. It’s a vital snapshot of how the UK’s garden birds are faring, which are doing well and which are struggling and has been running for over 40 years).

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Great Torrington Creamery site demolition commences.

Posted on 11/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

The start of the redevelopment of the old Torrington Creamery site has been announced and will commence in early November, with an 8-10 month long demolition project of the existing structures. The project is being carried out by the Joint Administrators of Waterside Construction Southwest Limited and Valley Estates South West Limited (in Administration), which own the site, with the support of Farm Finance Limited, and assistance of Torridge District Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The move has been welcomed by the Council, Police and Fire services who have needed to divert significant resources in recent years dealing with anti-social behaviour on and around the site, which has proved difficult to secure from intruders despite the unsafe state of many of the buildings. Once demolition has been completed, the site is expected to be marketed to secure a developer to deliver a mixed use scheme of housing, retail and public open space.

The old Dairy Crest site has had a chequered history since its production facilities were closed in 1993, and while there have been a number of false starts over the years there is renewed confidence in the latest proposals. DES Ltd have been engaged to carry out the demolition, which will be carefully planned and phased to safely address the less stable buildings and removal of contaminated materials. As a result, the first phase will involve an environmental clean after which demolition will reduce the buildings down to ground floor slab level. Phase two will involve further contamination assessments before removal of the ground floor slabs and sub structures. Emergency services and the demolition company are asking for people to keep their distance from the site during demolition to allow the works to be completed in a safe and timely manner.

Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said: “I’m really glad that there are now some firm plans to begin the redevelopment of this historically important site in Great Torrington and to ultimately bring forward some much needed local housing. I know it will be very welcome by local residents and blue light services who have had to put up with significant disruption from anti-social behaviour and fly tipping over the years. This has been a real team effort to initiate the demolition and we would like to thank Chris Stevens and Steven Williams of FRP Advisory for their help and committing the necessary resources to enable the project.”

Devon & Cornwall Police Inspector Ewan Seear said: “While recognising the Dairy has played a significant role in the history and community of Torrington and Taddiport in recent decades the site has become a significant danger to the public and a hotspot for antisocial behaviour, fly tipping, arson, and damage offences. The police are pleased to now be able to work collectively and constructively with the new management for the site to assist in making the location safe and ending the antisocial behaviour that has so badly affected the local community.

We would stress the buildings are a hazard to human health and would urge the public and especially parents to ensure that children do not trespass upon the buildings. The Joint Administrators, Farm Finance and DES Ltd will fully support the police in relation to any damage, aggravated trespass or antisocial behaviour that takes place during these works. The local policing team will be visiting those most immediately affected, and we will be assisting in putting together a forum for residents and those involved in this project to keep the community updated as the works progress”.

Jeff Harding, Barnstaple Group Commander, Devon and Somerset Fire Service said: “Fires and other emergencies in derelict buildings are extremely challenging and dangerous. Many have suffered vandalism and decay meaning the internal walls, floors, stairs, and other structures can be incredibly unsafe. In my 29 years of service this particular derelict site is the most dangerous I have ever experienced.

Over the years we have dealt with numerous fire and rescue incidents at the creamery, many of which have placed fire personnel at significant risk, including a recent fire in which a firefighter was taken to hospital. On another occasion in May we required 19 fire appliances and around 70 fire personnel to deal with a large fire involving a considerable amount of fly tipped rubbish and old polystyrene cold storage panels. Most fires have been started deliberately and therefore put all blue light personnel that attended at unnecessary risk while also diverting important resources from elsewhere to deal with them

I’m very encouraged by the new management teams’ commitment to help prevent us being needed here, and I look forward to working closely with them and our partners to finally make this a safe place for us and the community”.

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Louise Bourgeois at The Burton (until 11th Feb).

Posted on 11/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois opens at the Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum this November.

A new exhibition opening at the Burton includes sculptures, prints and drawings by the acclaimed French-American artist Louise Bourgeois. Eight decades of intense creativity firmly established Louise Bourgeois as a giant of 20th century art. Through this exhibition, the Burton at Bideford makes her ground-breaking work freely available to the people of North Devon for the first time.

ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois opens at the Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum on Friday 17 November, 6-8pm, and runs until 11 February 2024. Admission is free.

Born in Paris in 1911, Bourgeois settled in New York in 1938, where she remained for the rest of her life, continuing to make art until her death at the age of 98. Her endlessly inventive work, inspired by her memories and experiences, spanned monumental installations, figurative sculptures, fabric collages, and drawings. She is perhaps best known for the large-scale spider sculptures that she produced in the last decades of her life, including one she created for the opening of Tate Modern in 2000.??Bourgeois’s art was closely bound up with her life, and she used artmaking as a way to make sense of her experiences. Her sculpture, drawing, and writing are characterised by emotional honesty, and she reworked her ideas in different forms and materials including marble, bronze, latex, and fabric, compelled by the need to make and re-make. This exhibition focuses on works produced during the last 20 years of her life, a period of extraordinary creativity, during which Bourgeois re-examined many of her lifelong concerns to create a body of powerful new work exploring identity, gender, childhood, family and motherhood. Personal, provocative and raw, Bourgeois’s work reaches us with a powerful immediacy more than a decade after her death. ARTIST ROOMS presents the work of international artists in solo exhibitions drawn from a national touring collection jointly owned by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland. This exhibition is drawn from the ARTIST ROOMS collection and includes works on loan from The Easton Foundation and Tate. This is the Burton at Bideford’s third collaboration with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland through the ARTIST ROOMS programme, and follows presentations of internationally renowned artists Richard Long (2014) and Diane Arbus (2018).

Warren Collum, Interim Co-Director of the Burton, said:

“Working in partnership with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland through the ARTIST ROOMS programme for the third time to present one of the twentieth century’s most influential female sculptors, Louise Bourgeois, is a unique opportunity.

This show not only celebrates art but also emphasises the need to bring culture to rural areas, as well as putting a light on the strength and ingenuity of women in the creative world”.

?The ARTIST ROOMS programme provides support for young people to get involved in creative projects, discover more about art and artists, and learn new skills. A Burton Youth Collective will be supported through ARTIST ROOMS by Art Fund and Henry Moore Foundation, providing local teenagers with the opportunity to explore a career in the arts, experience life behind the scenes of an arts organisation, and work alongside practising artists. Sessions are open to young people aged 13-19 years. Places are limited and anyone interested is advised to contact the gallery to check availability and register their interest.

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Shipping notes No. 223 (October).

Posted on 07/11/2023 by Tango Alpha

Bideford Quay.

Workboat Effy.D alongside Bideford Quay, 3rd. Tug Severn Scimitar alongside 22nd.

Yelland Quay.

No Shipping in last month

Appledore.

Tug Afon Lligny, owners Holyhead Towing, with stone barge from Hinckley Point Power station, which was later docked at Harland and Wolff yard for repairs. Quorn and Atherstone still at shipyard.

Bristol Channel Observations.

1/10 at 07.07 vehicle carrier Mermaid Ace, 18,828 tons d.w., owners Prosper Marine Co Ltd Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 13.10 ro-ro vessel Pulpca, 18,250 tons d.w., owners Rederij Pulpca Netherlands, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 14.59 vehicle carrier Grande New York, 18,306 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

3/10 at 17.07 vehicle carrier Columbia Highway, 18,930 tons d.w., owners Olive Investment Corp Japan, having sailed from Portbury at 12.38. At 17.04 bulk carrier Monegasque Epee, 33,190 tons d.w., owners Quattroelle Supplies Inc Greece, inward bound for Port Talbot .

4/10 at 05.40 bulk carrier Cape Venture, 180,022 tons d.w., owners Cape Point Navigation Co. Ltd Cyprus, inward bound for Port Talbot. At 11.20 bitumen tanker Iver Beauty, 6,175 tons d.w., owners HB Tankships 11 B.V. Netherlands, inward bound for Newport.

5/10 at 14.43 vehicle carrier Tokyo Car, 12,256 tons d.w., owners Ropton Shipping Co (Zodiac Marine London), inward bound for Portbury.

6/10 at 12.35 cargo vessel Wilson Alster, 2,500 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 15.56 cargo vessel Wilson Loviisa, 2,620 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 01.27 4th, and having been at anchor in Blue Anchor Bay awaiting orders.

7/10 at 06.50 vehicle carrier Graceful Leader, 20,986 tons d.w., owners Graceful Maritime Isle of Man, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.06 cargo vessel Schouwenbank, 4,995 tons d.w., owners Bankship 111 B.V. Netherlands, outward bound from Newport having sailed from at 12.24.

8/10 at 05.57 vehicle carrier Brasilia Highway, 18,793 tons d.w., owners Muse 2 Marine Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 01.03. At 13.26 bulk carrier Cemtex Diligence, 82,200 tons d.w., owners U-Ming Marine Transport Singapore, inward bound for Port Talbot. At 13.35 cargo vessel Wilson Alicante, 3,680 tons d.w., owners Nanke Duren Vertoon- Bojen Germany, inward bound for Sharpness.

10/10 at 06.46 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 12,154 tons d.w., owners Kutyukuri Maritima S.A Norway, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.47 ro-ro vessel Eurocargo Cagliari, 10,500 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Euromed Italy, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 09.29 14th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 04.22 13th. I think she may have had engine trouble as she keep turning around, and on one occasion she was in Blue Anchor Bay for some time).

11/10 at 11.55 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 5,600 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Co Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.57. At 12.56 cargo vessel Wilson Dirdal, 3,780 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning AS Norway, inward bound for Swansea. At 15.43 cargo vessel Wilson Dundee, 3,666 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 03.10 6th and via Blue Anchor Bay anchorage.

12/10 at 08.01 vehicle carrier Garnet Ace, 18,740 tons d.w., owners Lucia Navigation Panama SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 08.10 bulk carrier Royal Pearl, 63,470 tons d.w., owners Leoocean SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.35 tanker Nisi, 15,602 tons d.w., owners Horizon Line SA Greece, inward bound for Avonmouth.

13/10 at 08.28 cargo vessel Eems Fivel, 3,800 tons d.w., owners Eems Fivel B.V. Netherlands, inward bound for Sharpness. At 09.07 vehicle carrier RCC Passion, 11,196 tons d.w., owners Passion Ray Ltd Isle of Man, inward bound for Portbury.

14/10 at 13.57 vehicle carrier Opal Ace, 18,507 tons d.w. owners Ivory Shell Maritime SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 15.57 vehicle carrier Vega Leader, 16,396 tons d.w., owners Latta Maritima SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury.

15/10 at 08.26 cargo vessel Wilson Tees, 3,680 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning AS Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth.

16/10 at 07.41 tanker Monjasa Provider, 4,279 tons d.w., owners Monjasa Chartering 111 DMCC Dubai, inward bound for Port Talbot to bunker the large bulk carrier Berge Mcclintock, anchored off Port Talbot. At 14.49 container vessel Elbteam, 12,236 tons d.w., owners Elbsea GMBH K.G. Germany, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 09.05. At 14.51 dredger UKD Dolphin, 5,500 tons d.w., owners Associated British Ports London, inward bound for Port Talbot. At 15.39 cargo vessel Pan Boreas, 8,091 tons d.w., owners Pan Boreas Ltd UK, outward bound from Newport having sailed 14th at 19.43.

17/10 at 19.50 vehicle carrier Chesapeake Highway, 18,815 tons d.w., owners Kaw1652 Shipping SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury.

19/10 at 13.53 the first of 3 Nato Warships spotted inward bound for Cardiff; they were M 1063 (German) Bad Bevenson, M511 (Polish) Kontra Admiral Xanery Czernickl, and M 862 (Dutch) Zierikzee.

21/10 at 06.37 vehicle carrier Morning Lady, 27,234 tons d.w., owners Eukor Car Carriers Inc South Korea, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 01.38.

22/10 ar 07.26 cargo vessel Eastern Vanquish, 3,577 tons d.w., owners Eastern Shipping Sutton Coldfield UK, inward bound for Newport. At 18.01 vehicle carrier Grande Mediterraneo, 18,427 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

23/10 at 08.18 cargo vessel Eems Drait, owners Drait Shipping Ltd Netherlands, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 00.45. At 08.30 cargo vessel Delphin, 3,789 tons d.w., owners Delfin GMBH & Co K.G Germany, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 02.17. At 14.29 vehicle carrier Schelde Highway, 3,222 tons d.w., owners Feederchief Shipping SA Germany, inward bound for Portbury. At 17.15 vehicle carrier RCC Passion, 11,196 tons d.w., owners Passion Ray Ltd Isle of Man, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 12.48. At 17.25 cargo vessel Arklow Brave, 8,661 tons d.w., owners Glenthorne Shipping Ltd Eire, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 11.13.

24/10 at 05.41 vehicle carrier Grande Spagna, 12,590 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.16 vehicle carrier Auto Energy, 16,988 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 12.40 26th having sailed from Portbury at 08.22).

25/10 at 11.59 vehicle carrier Mediterranean Highway, 17,229 tons d.w., owners Balestier Partners Ltd Cyprus, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.28. At 12.28 vehicle carrier Viking Amber, 12,471 tons d.w., owners Gram Car Carriers Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 19.12 27th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.51).

28/10 at 10.25 vehicle carrier Grand Legacy, 17,550 tons d.w., owners Dynamic Listerner Shipping SA Hong Kong, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 04.28. At 10.29 heavy lift cargo vessel Rolldock Sea, 6,879 tons d.w., owners Rolldock NB BV Netherlands, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 05.47. At 12.35 vehicle carrier Heritage Leader, 20,434 tons d.w., owners Heritage Maritime Ltd Isle of Man, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 17.43 26th. At 12.48 Neptune Dynamis, 5,600 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Co Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 15.44 27th. At 13.12 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,423 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 17.36 vehicle carrier RCC Passion, 11,196 tons d.w., owners Passion Ray Ltd Isle of Man, inward bound for Portbury.

29/10 at 06.55 cargo vessel Nicola L, 4,500 tons d.w., owners Nicola L Hermann Lohmann Germany, inward bound for Sharpness. At 11.14 vehicle carrier Auto Advance, 11,300 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Ltd Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. At 15.10 cargo vessel Lady Clarissa, 5,375 tons d.w., owners C-schepen B.V Netherlands, inward bound for Avonmouth.

30/10 at 08.35 cargo vessel Johann, 6,000 tons d.w., owners Johann Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 15.15 tanker Sten Neptun, 16,511 tons d.w., owners Eternal Norby Ltd Denmark Ltd., inward bound for Avonmouth.

31/10 at 09.04 ro-ro cargo ferry Ulusoy 5, 14,103 tons d.w., owners Ulusoy Lojisik Tasimacilik Turkey, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 10.43 cargo vessel Wilson Dover, 3,268 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Newport. At 11.07 vehicle carrier Prestige Ace, 20,202 tons d.w., owners Polar Bear SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 11.38 chemical tanker Elsa Essberger, 5,297 tons d.w., owners Funfzehnte Oceania Schiffahtrs (J.T Essberger) Germany, outward bound from Barry having sailed at 08.14.

Regards,

Norman.

Below, a photo from my collection – Eeems Majestic approaches Torridge Bridge.

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‘Optimus Grime’ & Co.

Posted on 11/10/2023 by Tango Alpha

Earlier this summer, Torridge District Council launched a competition to name four brand-new vehicles entering service with their Waste and Recycling fleet. The fun competition formed part of the Council’s ongoing recycling awareness campaign and was open to all Torridge residents.

Hundreds of entries were received with many unique and comic name suggestions. After a rigorous selection process, the winning names were chosen by the Council’s Waste and Recycling supervisors and crews. The names were then turned into stylised graphic designs and printed onto templates which have been applied to the vehicles for everyone to see.

The four selected winners beat off strong competition and the winning vehicle names and submitters were announced by the council as:

Optimus Grime – Nikki Jarvis.

Bindiana Jones – Joel Baker.

Bagatha Christie – Lee Kerr.

The Grim Sweeper – Sadie Barnes.

The supervisors and crews had a great time looking through the name suggestions and ultimately decided on names that were not only applicable but also had a strong connection to the local area. Crews are still yet to witness Optimus Grime actually transform! Local connections were emphasised with the inclusion of “Bagatha Christie” inspired by Agatha Christie, the world-renowned author known for her mystery novels, who was born in Torquay, Devon. Her famous book, “And Then There Were None,” was also set in Devon.

The vehicles are all now in service and will be making their way around towns and villages, so residents are being encouraged to watch out for the branded vehicles in their own streets in the coming months.

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Shipping notes No. 222 (September).

Posted on 05/10/2023 by Tango Alpha

Bideford Quay.

No shipping at Bideford.

Yelland Quay.

No shipping at Yelland.

Appledore.

Quorn and Atherstone still at Shipyard.

Bristol Channel Observations.

1/9 at 11.40 vehicle carrier Leo Spirit, 16,758 tons d.w., owners Gazelle Maritime Inc Pan Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 14.47 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 12,164 tons d.w., owners Kujyukuri Maritima SA Norway, inward bound for Portbury.

2/9 at 14.36 bulk carrier Aastun, 6,100 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 16.07 vehicle carrier Auto Eco, 16,995 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 12.31.

3/9 at 13.10 cargo vessel Eems Delf, 3,850 tons d.w., owners Eems Delf B.V.Netherlands, inward bound for Sharpness.

4/9 at 07.47 chemical tanker Johann Essberger, 5,260 tons d.w., owners 2 Wolffe Oceania Germany, inward bound for Barry. (Seen again at 17.07 7th outward bound from Barry having sailed at 13.15). At 07.50 container vessel MSC Shannon 111, 46,600 tons d.w., owners Shannon Naviera Co SA Switzerland, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 23.29. At 10.44 cargo vessel Ekerborg, 2,800 tons d.w., owners Wagenborg Shipowners B.V Netherlands, inward bound for Newport.

5/9 at 12.33 bulk carrier Palau, 31,837 tons d.w., owners Viable Shipping Co Ltd Germany, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 22.09 4th. At 13.53 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 68,50tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Ltd Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 01.22.

6/9 at 16.55 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

7/9 at 12.08 cargo vessel Wilson Hobro, 4,338 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning AS Norway, inward bound for Sharpness.

8/9 at 05.57 bulk carrier Navios Lyra, 34,707 tons d.w., owners Clarice Consultants SA Greece, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 00.39.

9/9 at 05.08 vehicle carrier Themis, 23,786 tons d.w., owners Wallenius Wilhelmsen Sweden and Norway, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 20.16 11th outward bound from Portbury having sailed 15.36). At 11.03 container vessel Elbteam, 12,236 tons d.w., owners Elbsea GMBH K.G Germany, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 05.35. At 15.52 cargo vessel Eems Spirit, 3,410 tons d.w., owners Spirit B.v Netherlands, inward bound for Sharpness.

10/9 at 8.05 vehicle carrier Morning Caroline, 22,717 tons d.w., owners M Caroline SA South Korea, inward bound for Portbury. At 08.20 vehicle carrier Victoria Highway, 21,114 tons d.w., owners Olive Investment Corp Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 04.04. At 18.16 vehicle carrier Neptune Galene, 11,260 tons d.w., owners Aristotle Navigation Co Ltd Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 13.39.

11/9 at 08.24 cargo vessel Longrose, 5,500 tons d.w., owners Rose Shipping B.V Netherlands, inward bound for Avonmouth.

12/9 at 10.31 cargo vessel Arklow Breeze, 8,661 tons d.w., owners Glenthorne Shipping Eire Netherlands, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 0454.

13/9 at 11.04 bitumen tanker Iver Brilliant, 6,239 tons d.w., owners H.B Tankships Vi BV Netherlands, inward bound for Newport. At 17.24 vehicle carrier R.C.C. Asia, 21,037 tons d.w., owners Asia Maritime Ltd Isle of Man, inward bound for Portbury.

14/9 at 05.10 bulk carrier Nazmi C, 37,719 tons d.w., owners Eco Marine Carrier Ltd Turkey ,inward bound for Newport.

15/9 at 13.33 cargo vessel Wilson Davanger, 3,785 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 08.30.

16/9 at 15.32 vehicle carrier Auto Eco, 16,995 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

17/9 at 07.53 ro-ro vessel Eurocargo Cagliari, 10,780 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Euromed SPA, Italy inward bound for Portbury. At 09.05 cargo vessel Aquarius, 1,503 tons d.w., owners Balnautic Shipping Ltd Lithuania, inward bound for Swansea. At 15.52 container vessel Elbteam, 12,236 tons d.w., owners Elbteam GMBH Germany, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 11.23.

18/9 at 05.18 vehicle carrier Prime Ace, 18,304 tons d.w., owners Antarctic Shipping Inc Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.45 cargo vessel Eems Exe, 3,813 tons d.w., owners Amny Eems B.V.Netherlands, inward bound for Sharpness. (Seen again at 07.23 23rd having sailed from Sharpness at 23.44 22nd).

20/9 at 18.15 vehicle carrier Grande Colonia, owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 01.09 hrs. At 18.52 bulk carrier SSI Diligent, 63,787 tons d.w., owners Actus Shipping Inc Dubai, Inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 11.39 27th having sailed from Portbury at 06.02).

21/9 at 05.55 ro-ro vessel Eurocargo Livorno, 10,780 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Euromed SPA Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

22/9 at 07.38 tanker Askholem, 16,802 tons d.w., owners Ocm Tuna Askholmen Netherlands, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 07.45 bulk carrier Ammos, 28,219 tons d.w., owners Ammos Navigation Co Ltd Greece, inward bound for Newport. At 08.44 cargo vessel Naomi- B, 2,589 tons d.w., owners Jeb 2Partnership GMBH & Co K.C. Germany, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 23.21 21st. At 10.38 cargo vessel Hav Zander, 2,999 tons d.w., owners Hav Bulk AS Norway, inward bound for Newport. At 10.51 cargo vessel Peak Bergen, 3,931 tons d.w., owners Peak Bergen BV Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 14.31 vehicle carrier Viking Amber, 12,470 tons d.w., owners Gram Car Carriers Shipowning Norway, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 09.06.

23/9 at 09.57 cargo vessel Kikki C, 6,798 tons d.w., owners Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd Isle of Wight, inward bound for Portbury. At 14.28 cargo vessel Ditzum, 4,515 tons d.w., owners Martensplate Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. (Seen again at 18.04 26th outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 01.40). At 16.35 cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II, 17,592 tons gross, owners MKM Yachts Doo Croatia, outward bound from Cardiff having sailed at 12.44.

25/9 at 06.26 vehicle carrier Neptune Horizon, 11,215 tons d.w., owners Sea-Star Co Ltd MTA Greece, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 16.20 28th having sailed from Portbury at 10.02). At 08.37 cargo vessel Frederik, 4,508 tons d.w., owners Frederik Hermann Lohmann Germany, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 01.24. At 12.23 bulk carrier CS Caprice, 30,465 tons d.w., owners Caprice Shipping Co Ltd Bahamas, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 12.52 vehicle carrier Grande Anversa, 12,420 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

26/9 at 07.58 bulk carrier Aasfjell, 9,300 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, outward bound from Port Talbot having sailed at 04.14. At 08.13 cargo vessel Scot Carrier, 4,700 tons d.w., owners Scot Line UK, inward bound for Newport. At 13.31 vehicle carrier Vega Leader, 16,396 tons d.w., owners Latte Maritima SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 16.09 tanker Alvanita, 7,361 tons d.w., owners Alvanite Shipping Ltd Cyprus, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.20 cargo vessel Wes Elisa, 3,801 tons d.w., owners Wes Eliza Schiffahrts UG Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth.

27/9 at 14.53 tanker Monjasa Promoter, 3,600 tons d.w., owners Monjasa Chartering 111 DMCC Dubai, inward bound for Avonmouth

28.9 at 11.50 container vessel Elbteam, 1,236 tons d.w., owners Elbteam GMBH Germany, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 21.34 27th.

29/9 at 13.27 ro-ro vessel Eurocargo Livorno, 10,780 tons d.w., owners Grimald Cargomed SPA, inward bound for Portbury.

30/9 at 11.12 bulk carrier Aasfjord, 6,053 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk AS Norway, outward bound from Port Talbot having sailed at 07.46. At 11.19 vehicle carrier Columbia Highway, 18,930 tons d.w., owners Olive Investment Corp Japan, inward bound for Portbury.

Regards

Norman

A photo from my collection –

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‘Coastwise North Devon’ autumn programme.

Posted on 18/09/2023 by Tango Alpha

 

 

www.coastwisenorthdevon.org.uk

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Autumn conservation works to Northam Burrows & Kenwith Valley.

Posted on 28/07/2023 by Tango Alpha

Volunteer recruitment is underway once again in Torridge for an exciting new programme of conservation projects on Northam Burrows, Kenwith Valley and other local area nature reserves. This year, as well as the familiar scrub clearance and meadow improvement tasks, the rangers have also planned a complimentary nature recovery programme to give a boost to a wider range of sites across the district.

The extended programme will include work to establish greater numbers of wildlife corridors, making habitats more resilient and better able to support a wider variety of wildlife and flora. The events kick off from early August running right through to the beginning of December, and as usual, will be heavily reliant on a willing volunteer workforce to partner with the rangers in their tasks. This year’s projects start with meadow management works designed to establish a number of vibrant wildflower meadows to better support our important pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This will be followed by equally important scrub clearance, coppicing and reedbed management works leading up to Christmas.

Many people have learnt new skills from previous volunteering and the events have proven to be a great way for people to get closer to nature and enjoy the company of like-minded local residents. Rangers hope that the more diverse range of tasks for this year’s programme will attract even more people to give up their time in a good cause.

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Upper Tamar Lake sailing club.

Posted on 07/07/2023 by Tango Alpha

Upper Tamar Lake Sailing Club have recently enjoyed another day of Sunday sailing. On this occasion there was a little rain but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the single and double handed dinghies out on the water.

If you haven’t sailed for a while and would like to get back on the water, the Club would love to hear from you – you and your family will be made very welcome. We sail on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons.

Our members with double handed craft are often in need of a willing crew, and crewing is an ideal way to learn or refresh your knowledge of sailing. The Club owns a few single-handed boats (Toppers) and double-handers (Bosuns) which can be used by members for a small fee, so there is no need to own your own boat to get back on the water.

Alternatively, if you love sailing and the social benefits, but are no longer able to get out on the water, we are looking for volunteers to help with our race days or being involved with events. We are a very friendly club and everyone is made to feel very welcome.

If you would like to know more about us, please email Roger Heasman (Commodore) [email protected] Further information can also be found on our website www.utlsc.org.uk and on our Upper Tamar Lake Sailing Club facebook page.

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