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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One Hundred Years Ago – December 1924.

Posted on 04/12/2024 by Tango Alpha

A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ over December 1924, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.

A notable feature of the Christmas was the overwhelming and unprecedented rush on the Bideford Post Office. All previous records were broken by the vast amount of inward and outward mails that were experienced at the office during the days preceding Christmas Day. Temporary postmen were employed, and these with the regular staff had difficulty in coping with the work.

Buy your Christmas presents from S. Metherell’s at 3 Market Place, Bideford. Or a Jones’ Family C.S. Hand Machine as supplied to H.M. The Queen.

A new debating society is formed – Bideford and District Debating Society for the Discussion of Current Events.

Mr George Cook’s retirement, after 48 years of continuous scholastic life was marked in a very pleasing manner with a presentation in Bideford Old Town Boys’ School, at which, as the ‘Bell’ School, as it was known, Mr Cook attended as a scholar, and in which as a Master he closed his long and honourable teaching career. The presentation took the form of a cheque which will be devoted to the installation of a wireless receiving set.

Torridge View, 4 Buttgarden Street, Bideford, is for sale.

Prizes in connection with the Poor Stock Charity, comprising cheques of the value of £2 downwards, were distributed at Bideford Elementary Schools, boys and girls, by the Mayor, Dr E J Toye.

Mr E T Frayne and Miss S P Braddick are married in Bideford Parish Church.

Justices Shearman and Salter, sitting as a King’s Bench Divisional Court, dismissed the appeal against the decision of the County Court judge (His Honour Judge Lindley) in the action brought by Mr Cloke, motor lorry driver, in respect injuries sustained through his lorry going over in the river on February 4th. Mr Cloke brought his action against the Bideford Bridge trustees and the contractors, Mr Westacott, who were repairing the bridge at the time of the accident. The County Court judge gave judgement against the trustees and by agreement made an order for the indemnity against the contractor.

At Bideford Hospital the Coroner, Mr G W F Brown, held an inquest on the four year old son of Mr Alfred Grant, a carpenter of Geneva Place, who died as a result of an accident in Abbotsham Road. The Coroner returned a verdict of ‘accidental death’ and the driver, Mr Pascoe, a driver for Mr Glover, was exonerated of all blame.

We regret to announce the death of the late Miss Maud Reynolds, daughter of the late Mr William Reynolds, of Wellington, Somerset, and the late Mrs Emma Reynolds, of Kingsdown, Bideford. The deceased lady had taken a very active part in the church life of Bideford for 40 years and …

The funeral of the late Mr W Dennis took place at the Public Cemetery, Bideford, the Rev J Morris officiating. The funeral of the late Mr W H Hookway, of 4 Queen Street, which took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water, was attended, in addition the family mourners by a large number of deceased’s friends, while the Foresters were well represented. A large number of friends heard with great regret of the death of Mr Frederick Thomas Kivell, Riversdale, Torridge Place, East-the-Water, Bideford, after a lengthy illness, patiently and bravely borne. The eldest son of Mr Bob and Mrs Bella Kivell, the deceased was 42 years of age and was an old member of the Bideford Church Lads’ Brigade, and was for many years a member of the band of the Bideford Company of the old Volunteers. A keen and clever musician, his services were in great demand. He served during the war, but the state of his health since has been very precarious. Mr Kivell was held in high respect and the utmost sympathy is felt with his widow and relatives. The death took place of Mr Frank Trapnell, at the age of 79, who was for many years in business in High Street, Bideford, as a tailor and outfitter. For a short period he was a member of the Town Council, acted for a considerable time as sidesman at the Parish Church, and use to be well-known in North Devon hunting circles. Of a genial disposition, he was popular with his townsmen. He leaves a widow, son, and daughter, with whom sincere sympathy is felt. The death took place at 29 Honestone Street, Bideford at the advanced age of 83, of Mr William Garnsey. Deceased was by trade a leather-dresser. For about thirty years he was a member of the Old Volunteers, and he took a great interest in the Ancient Order of Foresters.

An atmosphere of light-heartedness pervaded the Bideford Hospital during the Christmas, laughter came from the wards, and the tasteful Yuletide decorations carried out by the Matron, Miss Jennie Jones, assisted by Nurses Williams and Morgan, made a joyous appeal for the several visitors. Friends were extremely kind with gifts, providing a pleasant time for all.

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Carols at St. Margaret’s Church, Northam, 18th December.

Posted on 01/12/2024 by Tango Alpha

Screenshot

“A STAR SHINES BRIGHT.”

7 PM WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2024

AT ST MARGARET’S CHURCH NORTHAM.

Music @ St Margaret’s Church Northam presents a musical celebration of carols and festive choral arrangements that beautifully depict the Christmas story as well as enjoying the fun side of Christmas.

Featuring the Heart and Voice Ensemble and a handbell group of young people from the church youth group.

Prize Draw.

Mulled wine and mince pies during the Interval.

Admission Free.

Retiring collection towards the upkeep of the church.

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Shipping notes no. 236 (November).

Posted on 01/12/2024 by Tango Alpha

Bideford Quay.

Oldenburg left Bideford for Sharpness drydocking (via Lundy) 7th.

Appledore.

Atherstone still alongside the quay, Quorn still in shed. No commercial shipping this month.

Yelland Quay.

No shipping this month.

Bristol Channel observations.

1/11 at 07.52 cargo vessel Eems Dart, 3,725 tons d.w., owners Eems Dart B.V .Netherlands, inward bound for Newport.

2/11 at 12.15 vehicle carrier Centaurus Leader, 21,471 tons d.w., owners Nippon Yusen Kaisha Japan, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 09.58 3rd outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 05.14). At 13.15 vehicle carrier Auto Aspire, 12,000 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 09.42.

3/11 at 11.05 cargo vessel Celtic Ambassador, 5,699 tons d.w., owners Charles W Willie Cardiff, inward bound for Cardiff. At 11.25 cargo vessel Saareman, inward bound for Avonmouth,

5/11 at 06.40 vehicle carrier Vega Leader, 16,396 tons d.w., owners Latte Maritima S.A Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 10.45 container vessel Valdivia, 22,229 tons d.w., owners Dohle Schiffahts Germany, inward bound for Portbury. At 10.50 cargo vessel Eems Fivel, owners Eems Fivel B.V Netherlands, inward bound for Newport.

7/11 at 11.50 vehicle carrier RCC Honor, owners Ray Car Israel, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.46. At 13.40 ro-ro vessel Ville de Bordeaux, owners French, inward bound for Portbury. At 17.26 vehicle carrier Odin Highway, owners Japanese, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 12.06.

9/11 at 09.35 vehicle carrier Grande Italia, 12,549 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury. At 17.27 hrs ro-ro vessel Eurocargo Livorno, 10,780 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Avonmouth.

10/11 at 09.07 vehicle carrier Neptune Aegli, 6,580 tons d.w., owners Aegli Shipping Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.35. At 16.35 cargo vessel Spanaco Loyalty, owners German. inward bound for Newport. At 18.00 vehicle carrier Auto Advance, 12,457 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

11/11 at 16.06 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owner UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 11.31. At 16.37 cargo vessel Anana, owners Netherlands, inward bound for Cardiff.

12/11 at 05.08 vehicle carrier Emerald, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 00.35. At 13.00 cargo vessel Prima Lady, inward bound for Newport.

13/11 at 07.52 tanker Aland, inward bound for Cardiff.

14/11 at 13.50 container ship Elbteam, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 08.14.

15/11 at 13.14 vehicle carrier Auto Achieve,12,456 tons d.w., owners UECC Unipersssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. At 13.35 cargo vessel Patron, inward bound for Sharpness.

16/11 at 05.45 tug En Avant 9, 134 gross tons, owners Muller of Dordrecht Netherlands, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 09.46 cargo vessel Aeroe, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 06.27. At 09.55 cargo vessel Frisian River, 2,620 tons d.w., owners Boomsma Shipping Netherlands, inward bound for Avonmouth.

18/11 at 11.06 vehicle carrier Goliath Leader, 20,955 tons d.w., owners Ray Car Carriers Israel, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 11.10 19th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.17). At 05.45 cargo vessel Eems Runner, owners Eems Runner B.V., inward bound for Newport.

19/11 at 09.17 bulk carrier Aasli, owners Aasne Bulk Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 11.06 vehicle carrier Grande Detroit, 12,420 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

20/11 at 08.07 chemical tanker Stolt Jaeger, owners Netherlands, inward bound for Barry. At 14.19 cargo vessel Arklow Cape, owners Arklow Shipping Eire, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 11.14. At 15.51 cargo vessel Arklow Venus, owners Avoca Shipping B.V. Netherlands, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 10.40. At 15.56 vehicle carrier Auto Advance, 12,457 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

22/11 at 05.45 cargo vessel Miramar, 5,233 tons d.w., owners atobatc Holding Sweden Leasing, inward bound for Swansea. (Seen again at 16.14 26th outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 12.48).

24/11 at 11.47 cargo vessel Cornion, 4,933 tons d.w., owners Lico Leasing Spain, outward bound from Belfast (had been sheltering from Storm Bert).

25/11 at 17.03 cargo vessel Arklow Villa, 4,925 tons d.w., owners.Avoca Shipping B.V Netherlands, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 21.45 22nd. At 19.07 vehicle carrier Neptune Aegli, 6,580 tons d.w., owners Aegli Shipping Greece, inward bound for Portbury. At 19.20 bulk carrier Propel Mission, 33,636 tons d.w., outward bound from Newport having sailed at 12.45. At 19.44 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 6,850 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 22.01 22nd.

27/11 at 06.02 cargo vessel Wilson Durness, owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Cardiff. At 07.53 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. At 07.53 vehicle carrier Auto Advance, 12,457 tons d.w., owners UECC uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.50. At 08.01 vehicle carrier Laio He Kou, owners Cosco Shipping China, inward bound for Portbury.

28/11 at 06.12 vehicle carrier Toronto, 19,628 tons d.w., owners Wallenius Wilhelmsen Stockholm and Oslo, inward bound for Portbury. At 06.53 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 12,164 tons d.w., owners Nippon Yusen Kaisha Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 01.46. At 16.44 cargo vessel Artica Hav, 2,324 tons d.w., owners Hav Bulk Norway, inward bound for Newport.

30/11 at 08.20 vehicle carrier Mediterranean Highway, 17,228 tons d.w., owners Kawaski Kisen K.K. Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 14.23 cargo vessel Lady Habarka, 4,200 tons d.w., owners Wijnne & Barends Cargodoors-en-Agentuurkantoren BV Netherlands, inward bound for Newport

Regards,

Norman.

Photograph from my collection – Irish vessel LE Samuel Beckett.

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Bideford Library book & craft sale, 14th December.

Posted on 01/12/2024 by Tango Alpha

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Plan for a greener Christmas.

Posted on 29/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

With Christmas just around the corner, Torridge District Council is asking residents to think ahead and to do all they can to reduce waste this Christmas.

In the run-up to the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Council will be sharing its tips and advice for a greener Christmas. Taking a few moments to think about how and what we buy, can help reduce the amount of Christmas waste produced and could even help you to save money too!

The amount of waste increases significantly immediately after the Christmas period, for example:

General refuse increases by 18 per cent, from an average monthly tonnage* of 921 tonnes compared to 1089 tonnes in January.

Food waste increases by 33 per cent, from an average monthly tonnage* of 201 tonnes compared to 268 tonnes in January.

Recycling (not including Food Waste) increases by 26 per cent, from an average monthly tonnage* of 394 tonnes compared to 497 tonnes in January.

However, by taking a few small steps, there are lots of ways we can all make a big difference. Some things to consider include:

Buying local so you’re not only supporting local businesses but cutting down on packaging.

Avoid wasting food: plan your food shop carefully and maybe try a new recipe using leftovers. There are lots of great ideas at www.recycledevon.org/.

Re-gift unwanted items that are in good condition to others, donate them to charity shops or sell/ give them away through local Facebook groups.

Use recycled (and recyclable) Christmas cards, wrapping paper and reusable gift bags – take care to avoid glitter, shiny foil, bows and ribbons as these can’t be recycled.

Recycle your Christmas food packaging, such as plastic advent calendar trays; cream pots; brandy sauce pots; Christmas pudding basins; sweet tubs and mince pie trays.

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Think before you buy!

Posted on 29/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

Torridge District Council is reminding residents to ‘think before they buy’ for an environmentally friendly festive season.

To help residents know what can and can’t be recycled, Torridge District Council has put together a simple reminder to help you make some greener choices and maybe save yourself some money too!

Wrapping paper: A common misconception is that all wrapping paper and cards can be recycled. However, due to the amount of energy needed to recover the paper fibres that make up metallic, shiny, and glittery wrapping papers, this material is often non-recyclable and will need to be placed in the black bag. For an environmentally alternative, try brown paper or fabric.

Tissue paper: Cannot be recycled so needs to go in your black bag. Alternatively, consider saving it for future gifting.

Gift boxes and bags: Try to extend their life by re-using them. Pre-decorated boxes with ribbons and glitter or anything containing foam or polystyrene, cannot be recycled.

Ribbons: Please avoid placing these in your recycling as they can tangle up machines at recycling facilities. Either place them in your black bag or consider saving it for future gifts or crafts.

Christmas cards: Where possible, buy cards made from recycled paper and avoid foil or glitter cards. Anything with bows or glitter, needs to go in your black bag – or turn them into gift tags for next year. Plain cards should be placed in the brown bag.

Christmas crackers: Much like wrapping paper and cards, if Christmas crackers aren’t too shiny or glittery then they can be pulled apart and the paper and cardboard elements can be recycled. Remember to recycle the paper hats and jokes too!

Christmas decorations: Make your own decorations if you can. If you’re buying a new set of Christmas lights, consider choosing solar powered or LED options to minimise the energy need to keep them twinkling.

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Free parking days in Torridge for December.

Posted on 27/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

This December, Torridge District Council is supporting Small Business Saturday, which aims to highlight small business success and encourage consumers to ‘shop local’ and support local shops, restaurants, and other Torridge businesses.

The festive season is an important trading period businesses and Torridge is in the lucky position of having many high quality and unique independent retailers right on its doorstep. To help support local businesses town councils, supported by Torridge District Council, are providing a number of free parking days:

Bideford.

Saturday 14 December: All car parks Free to support Small Business Day.

Saturday 21 December: Bridge Street, The Quay, Manor, and Pill car parks.

Great Torrington.

Saturday 7 December: Sydney House car park will be free all day.

Saturday 14 December: All car parks free to support Small Business Day. (Excludes School Lane Swimming Pool that remains for pool users only.)

Saturday 21 December: Sydney House car park will be free all day.

Holsworthy.

Saturday 14 December: All car parks free to support Small Business Day.

Northam.

Saturday 14 December: All car parks free to support Small Business Day.

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Bideford Town Band – carol concerts.

Posted on 26/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

Come and Listen to Bideford Town Band this Christmas

Thursday 5th December 6 pm Carols By Candlelight at the Bideford Pannier Market for Children’s Hospice South West

Friday 6th December 7.30pm Bideford Town Band Christmas Concert at Bideford Baptist Church, Mill Street Tickets £10 Becky 01237 475653

Saturday 7th December 10.30am – 12 noon Carol playing by the Co-op Store

in Mill Street, Bideford

Thursday 12th December 6pm Carol playing in Tesco Store, East the Water

Saturday 14th December 10.45am -11.30am Carols at the Lease Signing in Bideford Pannier Market

11.30 -12.30pm Carols playing by the Co-op Store in Mill Street

Thursday 19th December 6pm Carol playing in Tesco Store, East the Water

Saturday 21st December 10.30am -12 noon Carol playing in Mill Street

Come Along and Join In Singing Carols at 11am outside the Baptist Church

Sunday 22nd December from 10.30am Carol playing at Morrisons, Bideford

Monday 23rd December 6 – 7pm The Big Sing Community Carol Singing at The Guillemot, Westward Ho!

Tuesday 24th December 10.30am – 12 noon Carol playing by the Co-op Store in Mill Street, Bideford

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Bideford Town Band Christmas Concert, 6th December.

Posted on 26/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

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Bideford Film Society – December & early January events.

Posted on 24/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

Please also see our website www.bidefordcinema.org.uk

All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.

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Gladiator ll (15).

Friday 6th & Saturday 7th December – 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Starring – Connie Nielsen, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal. Director: Ridley Scott.

After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.

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Paddington in Peru (PG).

Friday 13 December at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 14 December at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 21 December at 5.00pm (doors open 4.30pm).

Saturday 28 December at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Starring – Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw. Director: Dougal Wilson.

Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey.

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Wicked (PG).

Friday 20 December at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 21 December at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Sunday 22 December at 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm).

Friday 27 December at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 28 December at 4.00pm (doors open 3.30pm).

Starring – Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey. Director: Jon M. Chu.

Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.

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2025

Moana (PG).

Friday 3 January at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 4 January at 5.00pm (doors open 4.30pm).

Saturday 4 January at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Stars (voices of): Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Alan Tudyk. Directors:  David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller.

After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

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Winter birds at Northam Burrows need your protection.

Posted on 23/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

The Rangers at Northam Burrows are advising visitors and residents to be extra vigilant at this time of year, as the area welcomes an influx of winter birds. As some UK birds such as swallows and house martins head off to warmer climates, Northam Burrows welcomes a large influx of Scandinavian and Northern European species escaping the harsher winters found elsewhere.

As the birds are likely to be a lot closer to the shore around high tide, dog owners are advised to stick to the designated paths and to keep their dog under control at these times. If dogs run close to or chase flocks of birds that are overwintering or migrating it can affect their future chances of staying healthy enough to survive and breed, especially if they are already exhausted or short of food.

Torridge District Council has been working with other stakeholders to produce a leaflet to raise awareness of this issue and encourage everyone to act responsibly when visiting sites on the Taw and Torridge estuary. This will be made available at tourist information and other visitor centre in the local area.

Despite the need for extra vigilance, it’s a great time for nature lovers to observe all the exotic visitors, which also include Snow Buntings, and Brent Geese. 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.

As with previous years Rangers are hopeful that with a little effort the right balance between recreation and conservation can be achieved.

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Bideford’s Victorian Frost Fair, 14th December.

Posted on 22/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

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‘Light up a Life’ for Christmas.

Posted on 14/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

northdevonhospice.org.uk/light

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RHS Rosemoor events in December.

Posted on 09/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

RHS Rosemoor Glows with seasonal delights this winter.

You needn’t dread the shorter days and longer nights as the seasons change because there are a host of sensory experiences to enjoy at the beautiful RHS gardens in the heart of North Devon.

The festive highlight must be the RHS Glow illuminations which transform the impeccably curated horticultural landscape into a dazzling winter wonderland. Explore the garden and make memories with friends and family on an after-dark trail of kaleidoscopic light and colour. For the first time, the twinkling route with atmospheric light and sound installations reaches the majestic arboretum where you can admire a carpet of colour and harlequin trees. With family entertainment also scheduled every evening, it’s the perfect night out for all ages. Keep a look out for the opportunity to take a starring role! You are advised to book early to secure your preferred time on selected dates between 15 November – 28 December.

Prefer to make the most of the daylight hours? Plan to visit the garden between 9 November and 31 January to admire the work of 40 sculptors from across the UK, including local artists from the West Country. See over 200 sculptures, ranging from fluid installations to thought-provoking, large-scale pieces, set against the architectural textures and subtle tones of winter. Bring the children 9-10 November or 25-26 January to enjoy Living Sculpture performances in unexpected places!

Lose yourself in the magical tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at 2pm, Sunday 8 December where bookworm Belle’s quiet life is turned upside down when she is imprisoned by a hideous Beast.  Or enjoy an evening of traditional carols with a mince pie and mulled wine with The Exmoor Carollers at the Victorian Christmas Carol Concert, 4pm Sunday 15 December.

However you plan to spend your holidays, you’ll find a great way to relax at RHS Rosemoor this winter.

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1,000 trees to be planted at Gatefield Amenity grassland.

Posted on 03/11/2024 by Tango Alpha

Following public consultation and a vote by the Community and Resources committee, Torridge District Council has announced plans to plant 1,000 trees at Gatefield Amenity Grassland on Londonderry Estate in Bideford.

The plans, which are fully funded as part of Devon County Council’s Local Authority Treescapes Project, are being delivered in partnership with local not-for-profit social enterprise Parklife South West. The scheme is supported by The Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund.

Earlier this year, Torridge District Council invited residents to attend meetings to find out more about the proposed scheme and submit their views and ideas. Public consultation showed that there was overall support for the tree planting at the site. The feedback received helped to shape the plans and identified that current users wanted to retain an area of open space rather than footpaths for dog walking and other recreational activities, which formed part of the original proposal.

The plans have been designed to extend wildlife corridors and join up fragmented habitats to make these more resilient in face of threats to the environment. Tree planting at Gatefield will offset carbon emissions, improve local biodiversity and help to deliver the North Devon Biosphere’s ambitious Nature Recovery Plan, which includes an objective to plant 10,000 urban trees by 2025.

The Council will carry out the tree planting this winter at a couple of community tree planting events. These will be advertised as part of the Rangers volunteer programme, so please check Torridge District Council’s Facebook page and website for dates.

Tree species being planted include oak, beech, field maple, wild cherry, hawthorn, hazel, dogwood, dogrose, and spindle.

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