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]
Bideford Quay.
No commercial shipping at Bideford this month.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping this month.
Appledore.
Atherstone still alongside quay.
In port – GT Cetus : built 2004; (ex – Blue Star 2004, Beaumonde 2011): flag Antigua & Barbuda: Arrived 18/4: discharged 3,300 tons wheat.
Regards,
Norman.
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The Burton at Bideford celebrates the act of collecting this summer in an exhibition which reveals the hidden objects and stories found in front rooms, home museums and storage spaces across the South West of England.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Burton and its long history of caring for collections of art, heritage and curiosities. The act of collecting is almost universal – evident throughout human history from the Stone Age to the modern day – and collections can be found everywhere from the back rooms of private abodes to national museums.
Through an open call, The Burton invited members of the public to share their own personal stories of collecting – asking them what they collect and if they would be willing to show it off to the world. Almost 70 submissions were received from collectors of all ages based across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, covering a vast range of objects including skateboards, pottery, bottle openers, fine art, handbags, glass bottles, matchboxes, tools, musical instruments, trading cards, comics, shells and vintage toys.
Taking over The Burton’s galleries this summer, ‘What We Keep’ presents a selection of these collections in a joyful exhibition which tells the tales of how they were formed and the collectors who care for them. The accompanying events programme will include tours and talks which bring the exhibition to life and celebrate the hidden collector inside all of us
Abi Obene, Curatorial Coordinator at The Burton and curator of ‘What We Keep’ says:
“What We Keep’ is a celebration of our shared impulse to collect and the personal worlds we make with the objects around us What we choose to surround ourselves with is part of who we are – it’s our life experiences, beliefs, loves, fascinations and hobbies. It’s putting bits of ourselves on shelves, leaving fingerprints on what might only be precious to us, and squirreling ourselves away in attic spaces and cellars to cheer ourselves up on a rainy day. That’s what life and living is and what it’s all about: things, stuff and us.”
The Burton itself was originally established to house the personal collection of artist Hubert Coop RBA, and its holdings now contain many other collections put together by passionate individuals. This includes The Christine Halstead Collection of Studio Pottery, Arthur McTaggart Short’s collection of calling card cases and The RJ Lloyd Collection of North Devon Slipware.
‘What We Keep: The Art of Collecting’ runs from 9 May – 19 July 2026 at The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ. Free entry. For more details see www.theburton.org or get in touch at [email protected]
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Please also see our website www.bidefordcinema.org.uk
All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.
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Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft. (12A) 114 minutes.
Friday 8 May 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Saturday 9 May 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Sunday 10 May 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm).
Captured during her sold-out world tour, BILLIE EILISH – HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR brings an innovative new concert experience to the big screen from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation. ??Stars: Billie Eilish, James Cameron, Finneas O’Connell.
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Glenrothan. (12A) 97 minutes.
Showing: Friday 15 & Saturday 16 May at 7.30pm (door open 7.00pm)
After thirty-five years abroad, Donal returns to his native Scotland to make amends with his estranged brother Sandy.??Stars: Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Shirley Henderson. ?Director: Brian Cox.
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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. (PG) 98 minutes.
Saturday 23 May at 5.00pm (doors open 4.30pm).
Sunday 24 May at 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm).
Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.
??Stars (voices of): Brie Larson, Virginia Dare Jelenic, Benny Safdie.?Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc.
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Michael. (PG) 127 minutes.
Showing: Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm)
The early life of the famous musician Michael Jackson, known as the King of pop.??
Stars : Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Colman Domingo.?Director: Antoine Fuqua.
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Volunteer recruitment is now underway for this summer’s programme of conservation activities and beach cleans across Torridge, led by the Northam Burrows Ranger Team. Residents are encouraged to get involved by joining a series of practical conservation days taking place across the district.
Over the last five years, Torridge District Council has changed how several meadows, parks and roadside verges are managed, with selected areas now cut later in the year to allow grass and wildflowers to flower and set seed. As this wildlife friendly approach is more labour intensive, volunteers have become central to supporting the Grounds Maintenance and Ranger Teams’ work, helping to rake and remove cut grass, sow wildflower seeds, survey meadows and harvest seed.
Having the vital support of volunteers means more can be achieved across the district, helping wildflowers to thrive and creating important habitats for pollinators such as bumblebees. The programme of upcoming conservation activities offers residents a great opportunity to get involved, learn new skills and make a positive contribution to the local environment.
On Thursday 30 April (10am–3pm), volunteers are invited to join the Rangers at Northam Burrows for a rush removal session, helping to support and protect important dune habitats.
The focus then moves to Kenwith Valley on Wednesday 27 May (10am–3pm), where volunteers will help with weeding around newly planted trees to help them establish and thrive.
On Wednesday 10 June (10am–3pm), the Rangers will be working at Gatefield in Bideford, with volunteers assisting with tree weeding to support the area’s developing green spaces.
Volunteers are needed at Gatefield, Bideford on Wednesday 8 July (10am–3pm) to take part in a wildflower survey, helping to monitor and record local plant species.
The programme concludes at Northam Burrows on Wednesday 15 July (10am–3pm), with a dune slack plant survey supporting ongoing habitat management work.
To help keep some of Torridge’s most popular summer locations clean and welcoming, a series of beach and village litter picks will also take place at Westward Ho!, meeting at the Slipway, on the following dates:-
Sunday 3 May, 11am–1pm
Sunday 14 June, 10am–12pm
Sunday 12 July, 10am–12pm
Residents who are unable to volunteer in person can still support wildlife locally by setting aside part of their garden for No Mow May, allowing flowers to bloom and provide food for pollinators. Further information is available at Plantlife’s No Mow May Movement. Free No Mow May signs can be collected from the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre or downloaded from https://www.plantlife.org.uk/campaigns/nomowmay/#free-downloads.
Local businesses are also welcome to take part in this summer’s volunteering programme through corporate volunteer days. Small groups can book onto existing events, while larger groups are encouraged to contact the Ranger Team directly.
All events are free to attend. Pre-booking is essential for conservation task days, as places are limited. Beach cleans are drop-in events and open to all. No previous experience is necessary, and all tools and equipment will be provided.
For more information or to book a place, please email [email protected] or call 01237 479708.
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As the days grow longer and the weather improves, many residents and visitors will be looking forward to spending more time outdoors, including trips to the beach. With this in mind, Torridge District Council is reminding people that seasonal dog restrictions will be in place on parts of Westward Ho! beach and the promenade from 1 May to 30 September 2026.
These restrictions play an important role in ensuring that everyone can continue to safely enjoy Westward Ho! during the busiest months of the year, while also helping to meet the strict criteria required to retain the prestigious Blue Flag Award. This is an internationally recognised mark of quality for beaches, valued by residents, visitors and the tourism industry alike. With only 78 Blue Flag locations across England*, maintaining this status is a significant achievement that reflects the high standards of the resort and supports the local economy.
As in previous years, the restricted areas will remain unchanged. Dogs are permitted at the northern end of the beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge estuary. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach to the south of Sandymere Bridge and must be kept on a lead along the promenade. Clear signage will be in place throughout the area, and the restrictions allow for fixed penalty notices of £100 where owners fail to comply.
For our four legged visitors, the northern section of the beach provides an excellent space to exercise during this time of year. While this area is used by wading birds for feeding and resting during the winter months, many of these birds have now migrated north, allowing dog walkers to enjoy the space without disturbing wildlife. Despite the migration of certain species, dog owners are reminded to remain mindful when leaving the beach, particularly on the Burrows. Lambs, young birds and rabbits are common at this time of year, and owners are encouraged to keep their dogs on a lead to help protect local wildlife.
If the tide is in, there are plenty of alternative scenic routes to explore, including stretches of the South West Coast Path and the extensive network of footpaths between Northam and Bideford. A wide range of suitable dog walks can be found by visiting the South West Coast Path website: Top dog walks on the Coast Path – South West Coast Path
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Torridge District Council has announced today (Tuesday 21 April) that a new scheme has been launched in Torridge to help people in financial crisis. The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) which will open on Monday 27 April, will replace the Household Support Fund, and runs until 31 March 2029.
Torridge District Council has been awarded £453,055 for the 2026/27 financial year.
The CRF is designed to provide support to low-income households experiencing a sudden financial crisis, such as an unexpected expense or loss of income. It is also designed to help prevent crises before they escalate by helping families to become more financially resilient in the long-term through working with Torridge District Council and other partners.
Residents can apply for Crisis Payments under the CRF if they are aged 16 or over; are in an emergency or disaster situation where immediate help is needed to avoid serious risk to health or safety and can prove their financial need.
Access to the fund will be via a form, with initial applications being processed by the council’s partner and local charity organisation, Encompass. The application form link will be available in the “Cost of Living Help” section, on Torridge District Council’s website by clicking on the Crisis and Resilience Fund icon. Alternatively, people can contact Encompass through their website or by telephone if they do not have access to the internet on 01271 371499.
Following the increases in oil prices, Torridge District Council has also received further funding of £121,463 to help residents on a low income, in crisis, who are reliant on oil.
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Torridge District Council is pleased to announce that four play areas in East-the-Water, Bideford; Hartland and Winkleigh have recently been opened following £210,000 worth of refurbishment works.
At Pollyfield, East-the-Water, Bideford, the Council has worked in partnership with the Pollyfield Community Centre to refurbish the infant play area. The Pollyfield Community Centre and local councillors have supported the project with some amazing fundraising events, alongside S106 housing development funds and Council Contribution, to ensure that a more interactive and usable space is now available for the community.
In Winkleigh, Elms Meadow has undergone a total refurbishment programme receiving all new equipment, with Westcotts Drive gaining a new multi-unit with surfacing and a new bench. In Hartland, the Northgate Play Area has received a significant upgrade.
The Winkleigh and Hartland sites have been funded by the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
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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 launched on July 18th.
“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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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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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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