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]
Please also see our website www.bidefordcinema.org.uk
All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.
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Mother’s Pride. (12A) 93 minutes.
Friday 3 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Saturday 4 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Saturday 18 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00).
A grieving family who own a failing pub have their lives changed by brewing real ale and entering the Great British Beer Awards.
Stars: Jonno Davies, Martin Clunes, Mark Addy, Miles Jupp.
Director: Nick Moorcroft.
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Project Hail Mary. (12A) 156 minutes.
Friday & Saturday 10 & 11 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship, light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and to save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller, James Ortiz.
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller.
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Hoppers. (U) 104 minutes.
Saturday 11 April at 5.00pm (doors open 4.30pm).
Sunday 12 April at 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm).
A 19-year-old animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination.
Stars (voices of): Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm.
Director: Daniel Chong.
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The Magic Faraway Tree. (U) 110 minutes.
Friday 17 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Saturday 18 April at 5.00pm (doors open 4.30pm).
Sunday 19 April at 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm)
A modern family relocates to the countryside where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric residents. They’re transported to fantastical lands, rekindling their family bond through adventures.
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Choughlan,
Director: Ben Gregor.
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Fuze. (15) 96 minutes.
Friday & Saturday 24 & 25 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm)
An unexploded WW11 Bomb is discovered on a busy construction site in the centre of London. Chaos ensues as the military and police begin a mass evacuation against a ticking clock.
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Worthington.
Director: David Mackenzie.
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The Bideford Regeneration Board launched its Regeneration Strategy on Thursday 27 March at an event for key regional and national strategic partners, business leaders and local representatives at the Royal Hotel in Bideford. Attendees learned about how the new Masterplan will set out to benefit the town and how people can get involved to help make it happen.
Originally formed back in 2022 to support the town as it emerged from Covid, the Board, made up of volunteers, has been at the forefront of a number of initiatives. In 2025, after an open call for new members, a new Board came together bringing skills in strategy development, finance, governance, marketing, education and place-making, to complement the strategic partners of Bideford Town Council, Torridge District Council, Devon County Council, Bideford Bridge Trust, The Burton at Bideford and TTVS.
That new board has set itself a clear mission which is presented through the Bideford Regeneration Strategy 2026 – 2031 and which this masterplan is at the heart of delivering. Its key aims are:
To regenerate Bideford, working with partners, including the private sector, to boost skills, housing and higher-paid, meaningful employment that inspires and retains our local talent.
To create leadership and make things happen whilst also being committed to ongoing wider engagement and openness.
To cherish and promote heritage but make it future looking, finding new purposes for old buildings and spaces to bring pride and energy to the town.
To work together to create a healthy and thriving place and community.
To allow the character of the town to come to the fore, through arts, culture, heritage and creativity to bring fun, learning and interest into people’s lives.
Clare Coghill, Chair of the Bideford Regeneration Board, said:
“We are delighted that so many people came along today. This launch event is all about spreading the word and starting to get more people to get involved in delivery of these ambitious plans. We know that there are loads of people out there with skills to offer and we want to make sure they know how they can get involved.
This is an exciting time for the town. The regional development of clean energy and maritime-related industries along with agritech opportunities provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bideford. This spatial masterplan seeks to provide clear frameworks and ambitions to enable the development of projects to support these core needs and address known challenges.
“National governments do not fund local government, community groups, schools and businesses in the way that they once did, so every penny needs to count, and we need to galvanise as many people as possible. From the recent refurbishment of the stunning fountain through to a public art programme led by young people and exciting artists, the works moving forward at Brunswick Wharf through to exciting new retail and hospitality openings there really is a lot to celebrate and get excited about. We want that community spirit to be reinvigorated and for the town to find its confidence. Working together we have a lot to celebrate and get excited about”.
If you think you can help, please read the masterplan and strategy at Regenerating Bideford | Discover Bideford. To get involved and shape the future of your town fill in the form here and tell us where you can help: Get involved and shape the future of your town – Fill in form
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Enjoy the fresh air this Easter with a variety of free exciting activities at Northam Burrows, organised by our dedicated Rangers. From little ones to grown-ups, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Events kick off on Tuesday 7 April with a Rockpool Ramble. Find our Rangers near the Westward Ho! Slipway between 2pm and 4pm to discover the strange and wonderful creatures that hide in the rockpools.
On Thursday 9 April, join the Rangers on the beach near Sandymere Bridge for a Strandline Scavenger Hunt. Drop in between 2pm and 4pm and see what treasures the tide has washed ashore.
Head to the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre on Tuesday 14 April for a relaxed Dandelion Art Session with local artist Greshna Dibble. Drop in anytime between 2pm and 4pm to create nature-inspired artwork.
On Thursday 16 April, meet at the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre at 2pm for the Tracks and Signs Guided Walk This family friendly walk explores the diverse habitats in Northam Burrows and teaches you how to spot the clues left behind by local wildlife.
There will also be an egg-themed self-guided trail around the dunes, with free maps available from the Visitor Centre, along with a spotter sheet to help families explore and discover even more during their visit.
No booking is required for any of the organised events, but children must be accompanied by an adult and appropriate clothing and footwear is advised. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks. Meeting places vary so please check out all the details at https://www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrows or on Torridge District Council’s website and posters on social media.
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Easter Detectives – Who Framed the Easter Bunny? New family mystery trail launches at RHS Garden Rosemoor from Fri 3 – Sun 19 April.
Become an Easter Detective – find the clues, solve the crime and rescue the Easter bunny – chocolate reward offered.
A delightful new interactive experience is set to bring mystery and excitement to families visiting RHS Garden Rosemoor this Easter, as the Easter Detectives trail invites visitors to step into a world of clues, suspects and seasonal fun. Enjoy the first blush of spring colour and admire the delicate blossoms in these beautiful gardens as you search for the signs which will help you solve the puzzle.
Just as the Easter Bunny was ready to deliver chocolate across the country, disaster struck – all the egg baskets were found completely empty, with only a single carrot left to be seen. While rumours spread suggesting the Easter Bunny is to blame, evidence points to a far more mischievous plot – the carrot appears deliberately placed, and eight curious characters were spotted near the scene of the crime.
The Easter Detectives trail challenges families to uncover the truth, follow the clues hidden throughout the garden, and solve the mystery of who framed the Easter Bunny. Visitors can purchase a £3 activity pack for each detective in their group and embark on a puzzle-solving adventure designed to spark imagination and teamwork as they work to solve the mystery of the missing chocolate in time to save Easter.
The Detective packs include colouring pencils and multiple levels of activities, including colouring in and cyphers, so that there is something for all ages. There is even a simpler, secondary trail for younger investigators to enjoy – and naturally, every detective gets a chocolate prize!
This brand new intergenerational experience promises an engaging and entertaining day out for the whole family, combining storytelling, problem-solving and plenty of Easter charm.
Visit during Easter weekend, Friday 3 – Monday 6 April, and you’ll even get to meet the Easter Bunny in person – you will find him in the garden between 11am and 3pm! Alternatively, visit during Natural Fibre Weekend Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 April to give the crafty creatives in your family some inspiration (check out the brilliant bookable workshops).
Families can also enjoy the newly installed The Wind in The Willows Garden Adventure trail where you can explore the garden alongside Mole, Ratty and Badger (and chase after naughty Mr Toad) while learning about nature, loyalty and friendship.
Garden entry for Members and under 5s is free, and under 17s are just £5 each – special Easter Detective packs cost £3 per child. If you book your admission online in advance you can save further, so plan your Easter adventure today.
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The Great Torrington Regeneration Board, with support from Torridge District Council, Great Torrington Town Council and Devon County Council, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned community website, an important step forward in supporting local businesses, organisations and events.
The refreshed site features a modern new look alongside improved tools that make it easier than ever for users to connect with. Visitors can now quickly set up an account, add business or club listings, and share or discover upcoming events happening in and around the town.
The Board hopes the new platform will open up fresh opportunities for community connection and visibility. Business owners, club secretaries, event organisers, and residents are encouraged to explore the site, check their existing information, or add new listings. The process is simple, with a step-by-step guide provided, and support is available for anyone who needs assistance.
In addition to the website’s enhanced features, the Board will also be promoting listings and events through its social media channels and emails to help increase visibility and encourage more visitors to the town.
Residents and organisations are invited to visit the new site, create an account, and ensure their details are up to date.
If you live in the Great Torrington area and have an event coming up, make sure you sign-up for an account and add the event details!
Take a look at www.great-torrington.uk
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Torridge District Council is pleased to announce that the Bideford Fountains are now firing again. After 17 years of silence, the water fountains on Bideford Quay have been brought back to life, thanks to Government investment through the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
To mark the milestone, councillors from Torridge District Council, head of the Bideford Regeneration Board, Clare Coghill, along with year 12 students from Bideford College (who sit on the Bideford Regeneration Board), representatives from Northwave and Aquatech and children from Muddy Boots Pre-school, gathered at Bideford Quay 11th March to enjoy the firing of the fountains.
The Bideford Quay Fountains, first installed for the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, have now been fully refurbished ahead of schedule. Local firms Northwave Engineering Ltd and Aquatech Water Services Ltd have delivered a modern, energy-efficient upgrade, including new high-efficiency pumps and a smarter control system that responds to tide levels and wind conditions to prevent spray reaching the Quay. The valve assemblies have also been refurbished to extend the life of the system, and the decorative lighting has been upgraded for a better night-time display.
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Torridge District Council announced that it has been granted planning permission to undertake the necessary works to change the use of the former Bideford Library to create a multifunctional sport and fitness facility.
The proposed development also includes further internal works to the wider building to provide a co-working facility, consisting of three open plan co-working spaces, a meeting room, a manager’s office, and ancillary facilities, including a break-out space, staff room, and toilet/shower facilities.
As part of the refurbishment programme, significant renovation works will take place to improve the energy efficiency of the building. This will include:
Replacement of the building’s roof in its entirety, to include upgraded levels of insulation to the wider roofscape.
Replacement of single-storey extension to the rear of the former Library building.
Rebuilding of the existing dormers.
Upgrades to the existing windows, through the provision of secondary glazing.
Upgrades of internal doors to provide additional fire safety and accessibility improvements.
Upgrades to the heating, power, lighting, and ventilation systems.
Rebuilding of the rear retaining boundary wall, adjoining Nunnery Walk.
In addition, there will be general conservation, repair and maintenance work to the Listed Building, including masonry repairs, to ensure the development retains the existing character of the façade, albeit with minor additional signage areas.
Work is expected to start on-site Summer 2026 and will take around 14 months to complete.
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Bideford Quay.
No commercial shipping this month.
Appledore – in port.
Baltic Sun (built 2022); flag Limasol; arrived 4/2, sailed 5/2; dischaged approx. 3,000 tons animal feed.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping at Yelland this month.
Regards,
Norman.
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Beaford – The Lost Decades Project.
Calling Bideford people! This is an exciting project from Beaford about their community Old Archive. Take a look at the weblinks below and add any details you can to these wonderful old photographs.
Discover North Devon’s Lost Decades…
This project explores how rural life changed between 1945 and 1970. Beaford is working with five local communities – Atherington, Bideford, Dolton, Hatherleigh & Kings Nympton – to understand the images we already have from before this period and identify the gaps.
Each week Beaford will share five images on their Facebook page, one from each community. If you recognise the people, places or events, submit your information via the online form here: beaford.org/aicf
Explore all images: beaford.org/thelostdecades
Explore images from Bideford: https://beaford.org/tld-bideford
Your memories will help fill in the missing decades and connect past and present.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Lost Decades Project is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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We all know how beneficial spending time in nature can be, but finding the time isn’t always easy. That’s where the Northam Burrows Rangers’ Free Guided Walks come in! With two different walk styles and plenty to discover along the way, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
On Mondays, join the ‘Good Start to the Week’ walk for a two-hour guided hike and the chance to learn more about our unique local landscapes. If you prefer a gentler pace, the ‘Wellbeing Walk’ on Thursdays offers a shorter, relaxed amble with friendly company and plenty of fresh air.
Upcoming walks include:
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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A pioneering partnership between the North Devon World Surf Reserve (NDWSR), the National Trust, Earth Action North Devon (EAND) and the Save the Waves Coalition is driving an ambitious effort to restore and protect North Devon’s rivers, beginning at Combesgate, near Woolacombe.
The pilot Coastal Rivers project aims to improve river health, slow the flow to reduce erosion and flooding, and enhance water quality that feeds into the North Devon World Surf Reserve. By working with the landscape rather than against it, the project is already showing how practical, low-cost interventions can make a measurable difference.
In the Combesgate valley, the National Trust team has completed 27 interventions so far, involving the removal and breaking up of historic land drains and the installation of nature-based measures including leaky dams and baffles. These structures help slow the flow of water and trap sediment before it reaches the beach – reducing polluted runoff from land into the surf zone. By holding more water in the landscape for longer, these interventions help filter pollutants, reduce erosion, support wetland creation, and increase carbon capture and biodiversity. Early monitoring suggests these natural measures are already improving water quality and building resilience.
Thanks to seed funding from the Save The Waves Climate Mitigation Fund, match funding from the National Trust via the Species Survival Fund (funded by Defra), and generous support from Dryrobe, the National Trust team has already made a strong start in the Combesgate valley. Early work is showing how natural interventions, such as restoring vegetation, reconnecting floodplains, and managing runoff, can help rivers recover and thrive.
“This project is about regeneration – restoring balance between land, water, and the coast,” said Claire Moodie from EAND. “With heavier, more intense rainfall now a reality of climate change, we need low-cost, nature-led interventions like these. The work at Combesgate shows how practical solutions can make a measurable difference to water quality and local resilience.”
Alex Palmer, Project Manager, Riverlands, National Trust: “Our Coastal Rivers project aims to improve the smaller streams running directly into sea from our landholding and beyond. These streams are not only important habitats for the species that use them, they are also the last line of defence to stop pollutants entering the marine environment. We are already seeing improvements to these water courses and hope by working in partnership with other landowners we can further enhance their effectiveness.”
The pilot at Combesgate will act as a blueprint for expanding similar restoration work to other rivers and tributaries that flow through National Trust land into the World Surf Reserve, with a long-term goal of improving five catchments across North Devon.
“Our coastal rivers are unregulated and underfunded. It’s down to organisations like the National Trust and smaller, local conservation charities and local landowners to improve river quality and biodiversity,” added Claire. “You can help us continue and fast track this work.”
The project has launched a Crowdfunder and every £1 donated towards interventions will be match funded by the National Trust, meaning support goes twice as far.
Those wishing to contribute to the project’s growth can visit the Coastal Rivers Project crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/coastal-rivers
Adam Hall, co-founder of NDWSR: “Feeling powerless about coastal water quality? We get it. That’s why we’ve created something simple but powerful that everyone can do. As heavier rainfall and runoff events increase, projects like this matter more than ever.”
There is a short introductory film on the project here: https://youtu.be/d9KgyXfhHlk?si=rGo-RCwqSM0ggVYs
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Torridge District Council has announced it has appointed BAM Construction to act as the main contractor for the delivery of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre. The Centre has been partly funded through the Levelling Up Fund, Community Regeneration Partnership and funding from the UK Government as part of the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal, managed by Devon County Council.
Torridge District Council has been working with BAM to progress and finalise the designs for the Centre, which will include workshops, offices and collaboration space together with parking facilities and improved access to the slipway. The Centre is expected to be completed in 2026.
Initial works will involve making improvements to the wall adjoining New Quay Street before works to construct the building commence in the Autumn. Early enabling works to deliver a new quay to provide improved access for users of the building to the estuary, commenced onsite in April. A kind spring has allowed the project to progress at pace.
BAM Construction is looking to use local contractors and businesses wherever possible. In October, a ‘‘Meet the Buyer’ event was held in Appledore. Since then, several local suppliers have joined the project’s supply chain and will contribute during the main construction phase. The team continues to engage with local businesses to ensure opportunities remain accessible throughout the build.
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Have You Ever Thought About Murder?
Murder We Wrote is North Devon’s premier Murder Mystery Company, based right here in Bideford. MWW is part of Atlantic Coast Theatre, who were previously responsible for many large-scale popular musicals at the Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple, including; Avenue Q, Legally Blond, Grease, The Addams Family, Footloose and many more. However, following the pandemic, like many clubs and societies, we found ourselves having to move in a different direction. Many members no longer fancied the 8 week intensive rehearsal schedule required for such large-scale productions, nor did they want to learn all those lines, songs and dance routines. So, we decided to form a Murder Mystery Company where the majority of the dialogue is ad-lib, made up as we go and we normally only have a couple of rehearsals for each new storyline or script.
Four years down the line we are finding that the quality of our offering is far beyond other companies who offer a Murder Mystery experience. Normally they might only have four or five characters, one of which doubles as the Police Inspector and you never get to see the body. Whereas we field seven to over ten characters, we don’t double up roles and our Inspector only appears towards the end to help the audience solve the case – and yes, you always get to see the poor victim. We are so lucky to have a team of talented actors who not only bring our crazy characters to life but are also able to perform live singing and even the odd dance routine. Our events are fully interactive with the characters chatting to you at your tables, it’s not a sit down and watch type of stage theatre event. Having said that, you don’t have to get involved and if you pay attention all the clues are there for you to determine who the guilty party is. Our events normally run for about 2 1/2 hours and are based around a meal. How’s that for value for money?
So, where can you enjoy our next performance? We have two bookings coming up in August and October at The Cedars, Barnstaple and we’re looking forward to bringing some haunted fun to The Royal Hotel, Bideford on Halloween. You can check out how our events work and meet our acting team, as well as checking out a photo gallery and details of other forthcoming public events on our website www.murderwewrote.co.uk
Atlantic Coast Theatre is a registered charity, and all proceeds from our events go to purchasing authentic costumes, wigs, make-up, sound and lighting equipment. You can find out more information and how to book us or get in contact via our website.
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Appledore welcomed the latest in a run of cargo ships to Navantia UK’s New Quay dock over the weekend. The latest two ships arrived on back-to-back tides – making it the first time that two ships have called successively into the estuary for at least ten years.
“Sea Melody” approaches Appledore.
“Sea Melody” docks at New Quay dock.
The ‘Sea Melody’, an eighty-nine-metre bulk cargo ship, arrived at Newquay dock in Appledore on Friday 28 March, after sailing from Ghent, Belgium. The ship was carrying over 3,200 metric tons of animal feed pellets for a local agricultural supplies and equipment merchants, who will deliver the product to farms and their manufacturing sites in Devon.
Pilot cutter approaches “Fri Ocean”.
“Fri Ocean” approaches New Quay dock.
On Tuesday 1 April,’the ‘Fri Ocean’ was the 8th ship since September 2024 to call at Navantia New Quay in Appledore. Sailing from Rotterdam, the ship was carrying 1,800 tons of wheat gluten feed. The next cargo ships are due into Appledore at the end of April.
Both ships were expertly guided into Appledore by Torridge District Council’s Pilot, Paul Brown. The council through the Port of Bideford are the Competent Harbour Authority for the Taw and Torridge Estuary and are responsible for the safety of navigation and the provision of pilotage.
Torridge District Council and Navantia, in partnership with other agencies, have been working together over the last couple of months to explore the potential possibilities to reopen cargo passage by sea into Torridge. By transporting the product directly to Appledore, rather than other ports along the East or South coast of the UK, the company can eliminate more than 110 lorry journeys from regional roads (per cargo ship). The operation achieves impressive efficiency with a discharge rate of 150 tonnes per hour, enabling complete cargo transfer to ground transportation within a two-day timeframe.
Richard Haste, Operational Services Manager, Torridge District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the return of these cargo ships into New Quay, Appledore. These deliveries are making a very important contribution not only in terms of environmental sustainability but also in putting Appledore on the map as a working and useable port. With more ships due in at the end of the month, we look forward to working with our partners to continue to explore the options for welcoming more ships to the ports of Torridge”.
Head of Operations, Navantia UK Appledore, said: “This partnership demonstrates how maritime infrastructure can directly benefit local communities and businesses. By leveraging our existing facilities to support regional supply chains, we’re helping Devon businesses reduce their carbon footprint while improving access to essential supplies”.
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