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]
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Toll charges on Northam Burrows are set to resume on Friday 3 April 2026, and season tickets will be available to purchase from Monday 9 March. Tickets cost £70 (plus an additional £3 postage charge if buying online or over the phone) and provide unlimited access for one vehicle, with the option to register a second vehicle on the same ticket – although only one may enter the park at a time.
To buy a season ticket, visitors should have their vehicle registration details ready before they begin. You can buy a season ticket in three simple ways:
Online at www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrows.
By calling Torridge District Council’s Customer Services team on 01237 428700 and selecting option 9.
In person at the Toll Kiosk from 3 April, where payment can be made by card (including contactless) or cash.
Tickets bought online or by phone will be posted directly to the purchaser’s home address.
Northam Burrows Country Park spans approximately 253 hectares and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its mix of salt marsh, sand dunes, grassland, and coastal plain provides a rich habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including rare plants, birds, and other animals. The Burrows also offers direct access to the award winning Blue Flag beach at Westward Ho!, making it a popular starting point for visitors.
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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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Please also see our website www.bidefordcinema.org.uk
All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.
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Wuthering Heights. (15) 136 mins.
Friday 6 March & Saturday 7 March at 7.30pm; doors open 7.00pm.
?A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliffe and Catherine Ernshaw.
?Stars: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordie, Hong Chau.
Director: Emerald Fennell.
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Crime 101. (15) 140 mins.
Friday 13 March at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Saturday 14 March at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
An elusive thief, eyeing his final score, encounters a disillusioned insurance broker at her own crossroads. As their paths intertwine, a relentless detective trails them hoping to thwart the multi-million dollar heist they are planning.
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry.
Director: Bart Layton.
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Splitsville. (15) 104 mins.
Friday 20 March at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Saturday 21 March at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
When Ashley asks for a divorce, the good-natured Carey runs to his friends, Julie and Paul, for support. Their secret to happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.
Stars: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin.
Director: Michael Angelo Covino.
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The Testament of Ann Lee. (15) 137 mins.
Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, is proclaimed as the female Christ by her followers. This film depicts her establishment of a utopian society and the Shakers’ worship through song and dance, based on real events.??
Stars:Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie.
Director: Mona Fastvold.
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As part of its commitment to improve play spaces across the district, Torridge District Council has announced that four play areas in East-the-Water, Bideford; Hartland and Winkleigh will undergo £210,000 worth of refurbishment works in February and March 2026.
At Pollyfield, East-the-Water, Bideford, the council is working 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 created for the community. Local installer TK Play is due to start work on Monday 23 February.
In Winkleigh, after consulting with Winkleigh Councillors and parents of local children, Elms Meadow will undergo a total refurbishment programme receiving all new equipment, with Westcotts Drive gaining a new multi-unit with surfacing and a new bench. Wicksteed Limited is due on site from 2 March to carry out the works.
In Hartland, the Northgate Play Area will also receive a significant upgrade. Kompan Ltd is due on site, from 23 February. Local councillors, Hartland Recreation Ground representatives and parents of local children were involved and consulted with prior to the final design being agreed.
Winkleigh and Hartland sites are being funded by the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
For safety, all play areas will be closed and unavailable for the duration of the works. Weather permitting, all projects are expected to be completed in time for the start of the Easter Holidays.
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Appledore Singers Charity Christmas Concert, which was held in Northam Hall, raised the huge amount of £850 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (we are a relatively small choir). I have attached a picture with some of the Choir holding the ‘big cheque’.
It was a huge amount raised and was only possible by the generosity of members providing raffle prizes and the support of the people of Appledore, Northam and Westward Ho! who made it a standing room only event.
Moya Espley,
Appledore Singers.
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Beaford – The Lost Decades Project.
Calling Bideford people! This is an exciting project from Beaford about their community Old Archive. Take a look at the weblinks below and add any details you can to these wonderful old photographs.
Discover North Devon’s Lost Decades…
This project explores how rural life changed between 1945 and 1970. Beaford is working with five local communities – Atherington, Bideford, Dolton, Hatherleigh & Kings Nympton – to understand the images we already have from before this period and identify the gaps.
Each week Beaford will share five images on their Facebook page, one from each community. If you recognise the people, places or events, submit your information via the online form here: beaford.org/aicf
Explore all images: beaford.org/thelostdecades
Explore images from Bideford: https://beaford.org/tld-bideford
Your memories will help fill in the missing decades and connect past and present.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Lost Decades Project is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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We all know how beneficial spending time in nature can be, but finding the time isn’t always easy. That’s where the Northam Burrows Rangers’ Free Guided Walks come in! With two different walk styles and plenty to discover along the way, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
On Mondays, join the ‘Good Start to the Week’ walk for a two-hour guided hike and the chance to learn more about our unique local landscapes. If you prefer a gentler pace, the ‘Wellbeing Walk’ on Thursdays offers a shorter, relaxed amble with friendly company and plenty of fresh air.
Upcoming walks include:
Thursday 5th March (3pm – 4pm) – Find out more about the habitat management work carried out by the Rangers, starting from the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre.
Monday 23rd March (2pm – 4pm) – Meet at Westward Ho! Slipway for a tour of our coastal habitats.
Thursday 2nd April (3pm – 4pm) – Join a gentle stroll along the historic promenade, starting from Westward Ho! Slipway.
Monday 20th April (2pm – 4pm) – Meet at the Appledore Gate of Northam Burrows for a loop through the lanes and hills of Appledore.
All events are free to attend and no booking is required. Appropriate clothing and footwear are advised. For more information, email [email protected] or call 01237 479708.
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Bideford Quay.
No commercial shipping at Bideford this month.
Yelland Quay.
Deo Gloria – 1/1 (1 trip): 2/1 (2 trips): 3/1 (2 trips): 4/1 (2 trips): 5/1 (2 trips): 6 /1 (2 trips): after this trip the vessel returned to her base on the Mersey (Garston).
Appledore.
Deo Gloria left Appledore pm 1/1.
In port –
Hoogvliet – built 2013; arrived 4/1, sailed 6/1; cargo presumed animal feed.
Regards,
Norman.
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If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend more time outdoors, learn new skills or meet new people, why not join the Northam Burrows Ranger team for a series of practical conservation tasks this winter!
Volunteer recruitment is now open for an exciting programme of activities designed to help care for local nature reserves and green spaces. From wildflower meadow management to beach cleans and dune fencing, these hands-on projects are a great way to get active, support vital conservation work and connect with like-minded people.
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday 11th March (10am – 3pm) – Wildflower verge management, Bideford.
Saturday 21st March (10am – 12pm) – Beach clean, Westward Ho! Slipway.
Wednesday 25th March (10am – 3pm) – Dune fencing, Northam Burrows Country Park.
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Bideford Quay.
No commercial shipping.
Yelland Quay.
Dredger Deo Gloria – 22/23/12 (2 trips), 24/12 (2 trips), 27/12 (2 trips), 28/12 (2 trips), 29/12 (2 trips), 30/12 (2 trips), 31 /12 (1 trip).
Appledore.
Atherstone still alongside quay. Deo Gloria spent Xmas Day and Boxing Day alongside at Appledore, then berthed at Appledore for the New Year period.
Regards,
Norman.
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Torridge District Council has announced that works have commenced to bring the Bideford water fountains on Bideford Quay back to life.
Local companies Northwave Engineering Ltd and Aquatec Water Services Ltd were on site last week to start work on the project to renovate and recommission the Bideford Quay fountains which were originally installed to mark the late queen’s golden jubilee in 2002. The renovations, which are due to be completed by Spring 2026 are expected to cost £60,000 and are being funded by the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
As part of the project the entire system will be given a modern, energy efficient upgrade. A new control system will allow for smarter operation and new high-efficiency pumps designed for long-term reliability are being installed. The valve assemblies will be refurbished to extend the life of the existing assets, and the decorative lighting will also be upgraded to create a better visual experience.
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