Bideford Buzz

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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Sheep worrying on Northam Burrows.

Torridge District Council is reminding all dog walkers to please take care near sheep to avoid incidents of sheep worrying on the Northam Burrows. The Country Park is popular with dog walkers but is also a grazing common, where the residents of the ancient manor of Northam have exercised their right to graze animals for hundreds of years. It is currently home to a small group of horses as well as a large flock of sheep.

The flock is particularly vulnerable at this time of year as pregnant ewes can abort due to the stress caused by sheep worrying. Newborn lambs are also at increased risk of attack and, while it is always important to keep dogs under control, the Northam Burrows Ranger team is urging owners to take extra care at this time of year.

Sheep worrying is a criminal offence. Anyone that witnesses an incident can report it to the police on 101.

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Globe Hotel, Torrington, receives funding.

The Globe Hotel project, Great Torrington, named as one of the recipients of the Levelling Up funding for Devon.

Torridge District Council has announced that it has been awarded £20,700,000 in capital investment with £250,000 revenue funding to support a number of projects to benefit residents across the district, as part of the Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership Scheme. The Globe Hotel project has been allocated £520,000 from this pot, which will be unlocked once the community has purchased the building, through a Community Share Issue.

The project has had numerous hurdles in the past – but at last can now schedule the launch of the Community Share issue to purchase the building from local benefactors, Grant and Paula Langer, who stepped in last year and purchased the building to safeguard it from the open market.

Project manager, Rachel Kelly, said “The Globe Project now has the potential long-term security to allow them to proceed through the conveyancing process; to exchange and to insure the building. After exchange, we can then launch the community share issue to raise the monies to complete the purchase and unlock this Levelling Up funding. The funding is earmarked for the immediate repair and will stop the building falling into further disrepair. We can develop our full refurbishment plans to RIBA stage 3 and get planning permission ready. Once planning permission is achieved we can apply for capital funding; this all takes time and we imagine we will be opening the doors to the fully refurbished building in 2 years time. Depending on levels of monies raised through the share issue we may be able to plan a more staged opening and allow for some of the building to come into use earlier – but this will all be dependent on the level of work required to make the building safe.

Chair, Doug Smith, said Our organisation is a Community Benefit Society – a community cooperative – owned and controlled by its members. We’ve used this structure because it gives us the power to offer private individuals the chance to be part-owners of The Globe. Community Shares are a simple way for supporters to buy into community assets, such as local pubs or shops – and in this case, our very own hotel, restaurant and bar! The underpinning business plan will be published with the Share Offer once we have them accredited by Community Shares Standard Mark, and we expect to launch the share issue in April 2025. We want to thank the Torridge Place Board for all their work in achieving this funding for North Devon, and for putting our project forward”.

The Globe project aims to create a vibrant hotel with high quality accommodation and services, along with a new restaurant and bar, in the heart of Torrington. The building will create around 20 new year round jobs, as well as a positive impact on the town’s economy by encouraging longer tourist stays. The building will also be used to provide a training facility and create strong partnerships with regional and national providers, as well as intended partnerships with local attractions such as The Plough, RHS Rosemoor, Dartington, Tarka Trails and the Town Hall.

Interest in the share offer is expected to be high, given the nature of the building and the strength of feeling within the community. The Globe closed back in 2018 and the building now looms sadly over the town centre, slowly falling into a real state of disrepair. The share offer and project allows the community to take the building back, to own the site collectively and have real pride in what can be achieved.

Rachel Kelly adds, “Please sign up on our website to pledge your support and you will be sent all the paperwork and information once it is accredited and ready. We are also looking for members of the community to be involved in three panels, which will act as sounding boards for the team, centred on Business, Community and Training. Please email me to find out more [email protected]

About The Globe Torrington CBS:

The Globe Hotel Torrington Limited is a Community Benefit Society which has been established as the first step on this journey and will take ownership. In 2019 key partners came together, including Great Torrington Town Council, Torridge District Council, Petroc and The Plough, supported by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), to undertake a viability study for the concept. That came back positively, and in 2020/21 further funding was secured from AHF and a specialist body, Power to Change, to progress towards a community purchase, with major support, including from the community, RHS Rosemoor and The Plough Arts Centre.

www.theglobetorrington.co.uk

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Torridge awarded over £20m.

Torridge District Council announced on 3rd March that it has been awarded £20,700,000 in capital investment with £250,000 revenue funding to support a number of projects to benefit residents across the district. The projects announced by government are being funded as part of the Community Regeneration Partnership Scheme and will support the Council’s strategic ambitions and deliver lasting benefits to Torridge.

The capital projects being supported by the Government are geographically spread across the district and cover a wide variety of themes:

Bideford Business Park (£2.6m) – acquisition and development toward high value manufacturing and engineering facilities.

Bideford Pannier Market (£1.475m) – modernisation and improvements to make fit for future and wider use.

Hatchmoor Industrial Estate (£1.6m) – The project will design a scheme, achieve the necessary consents and then deliver the services and infrastructure to site for future development of workspace for high value manufacturing and engineering facilities.

Holsworthy Agri-Business Park (£7.3m) – development of agri-related innovation, retail and professional space.

Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre (£2m) – additional funding to support the build.

Agri-tech nutrient pilot scheme (£0.3m) – testing the adaptation of a slurry condensing unit to recover nutrients and reduce the pollutants going into rivers.

Westward Ho! Water Quality Monitoring Buoy (£01m) – Installation of water quality monitoring buoy to provide real-time water quality data for beach users, tourism businesses and for managers of environmental systems.

Cleave Wood, Bideford (£1.2m) – The design and delivery of site servicing and infrastructure as a first phase of a residential scheme in response to local housing needs.

Social housing decarbonisation and EPC rating improvements (£1.5m) – pipeline of works to improve 57 properties with E & F ratings to C or B.

Bideford Hospital (£0.75m) – reconfiguration site to create a “Community Health & Wellbeing Hub” with multi-purpose space.

The Globe Hotel, Great Torrington (£0.52m) – Initial capital works on Grade II Listed long-derelict hotel to redevelop into an 11-bedroom hotel and restaurant (in a town with neither) with a strong training presence.

Holsworthy Manor Offices (£0.725m) – Phased redevelopment inc. decarbonisation, remodelling to enable improved accessibility, flow and to increase opportunity for flexible community space (for example, co- working)

The ability to achieve such a diverse spread of projects and themes was made possible through the establishment of the Torridge Place Board. The Board, made up of 20 representatives from a cross section of local businesses and services, was established in February 2024. Since then, it has been responsible for steering a potential programme of works, designed to improve the long-term economic opportunities for the region and deliver positive environmental and health benefits to those people living in Torridge.

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“LaunchBideford” project.

Torridge District Council has teamed up with SaveTheHighStreet.org and Bideford Town Council to launch an exciting competition designed to reward and elevate new or expanding entrepreneurs.

The project, known as LaunchBideford, is offering at least two businesses the chance to win six months of free space in Butchers Row at Bideford Pannier Market, along with a comprehensive package of hands-on, expert support to ensure their success!

The goal is to strengthen the local economy by incubating the most promising local businesses in vacant shop units, while inspiring many others to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. The competition officially opened on 28th February 2025 and winners will be selected before the end of March 2025.

Cllr Ken James, Torridge District Council, said “We are continuingly looking at ways to invigorate our local towns by creating new opportunities for local small businesses to help increase footfall and spending whilst providing an improved experience for residents and visitors.  Torridge District Council has teamed up with SaveTheHighStreet.org and Bideford Town Council to run a competition which will provide two spaces in the town centre for start-ups to test or launch ideas for a six-month period, risk free”.

Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said “It’s time to turn vacant shops into incubators that attract, launch, and sustain the most promising independent high street entrepreneurs. We’re proud to be partnering with so many amazing local businesses, community champions and others across Devon to make LaunchBideford a reality. Successful high streets benefit everyone, and the more of us who join the stronger we all become”.

Kirsty Defranceski, Town Centre Project Officer at Torridge District Council, said: “LaunchBideford” is an innovative initiative that rewards entrepreneurs with rent-free space and support. This project has immense potential to inject some real energy into Bideford over the Spring and Summer by breathing new life into the town centre, strengthening local businesses, and enhancing community engagement. It’s a fantastic opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact on our community”.

For further information and for details on how to apply, please visit: https://savethehighstreet.org/bideford

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Shipping notes No. 239 (February).

Bideford Quay.

No shipping this month.

 

Yelland Quay.

No shipping this month.

Appledore.

Atherstone still alongside quay, Quorn in shed.

In port –

Bremen (ex – Wilsom Limerick, ’18) – built 2012; flag Cyprus; crew & cargo unknown.

Bristol Channel Observations.

1/2 at 12.45 cargo vessel Onego Otra, inward bound for Swansea.

3/2 at 11.43 tanker Advantage Padovaa, owners Norient Product Poll Aps Denmark, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 08.50 7th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.34). At 17.56 vehicle carrier Auto Eco, owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

4/2 at 13.58 cargo vessel Wilson Gijon, owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Newport. (Seen again at 08.13 8th having sailed from Newport at 02.58). At 14.46 hrs vehicle carrier Hai He Kou, owners Cosco Shipping China, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 10.21.

5/2 at 09.28 cargo vessel Libero, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 22.37 4th

6/2 at 17.14 bulk carrier Aastind, 7,450 tons d.w., owners Aasne Bulk Norwary, inward bound for Newport. (Seen again at 08.44 outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 05.37). At 17.25 vehicle carrier Torino, 22,216tons d.w., owners Wallenius Wilhelmsen Sweden and Norway, outward bound from Portbury having sail at 11.01.

7/2 at 04.53 bulk carrier Aastvik, 7,511 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, inward bound for Cardiff. At 16.53 vehicle carrier Grande Italia, 12,594 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

8/2 at 11.41 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 5,600 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Ltd Greece, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 11.11 9th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.35).

9/2 at 11.44 vehicle carrier Prontus Highway, 21,000 tons d.w., owners Kawaskai Kisen Kaisha Japan, inward bound for Portbury. This vessel is a new ship and her first visit to the Bristol Channel.She is using LNG for propulsion.

11/2 at 06.45 cargo vessel Misje Rose, 5,309 tons d.w., owners Misje Rederi Norway, inward bound for Newport. At 08.15 vehicle carrier Neptune Aegli, 6,580 tons d.w., owners Aegli Shipping Ltd Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.17.

12/2 at 09.50 cargo vessel Emstral, inward bound for Sharpness. At 11.32 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, inward bound for Portbury.

15/2 at 08.16 vehicle carrier Auto Advance, 12,457 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. At 09.44 tanker YM Jupiter, 15,955 tons d.w. owners Unicharter Line Turkey, inward bound for Avonmouth

16/2 at 08.47 cargo vessel Eems Sun, owners Eems Sun B.V. Netherlands, inward bound for Sharpness. At 11.52 tug Neptun, inward bound for Avonmouth with tow.

17/2 at 08.30 cargo vessel Elenora, inward bound for Cardiff. At 08.45 cargo vessel Eems Drait, inward bound for Sharpness. At 09.30 cargo vessel Eidsvaag Sirius, inward bound for Sharpness. At 12.50 cargo vessel Wilson Main, owners Wilson Shipowning , inward bound for Sharpness

18/2 at 17.20 container vessel Conship Fun, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 12.02. At 17.32 cargo vessel Summi, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 09.43.

19/2 at 13.25 cargo vessel Prima Lady, inward bound for Newport.

22/2 at 07.28 vehicle carrier Liao He Kou, owners Cosco Shipping China, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 02.45. At 15.50 vehicle carrier Neptune Aegli, 6,580 tons d.w., owners Aegli Shipping Greece, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 21.30 21st. At 16.05 cargo vessel Santa Helena, inward bound for Cardiff. At 18.47 aggregate carrier Aasfoss, 9,100 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, inward bound for Newport.

23/2 at 11.14 tanker Dutch Aquamarine, 6,414 tons d.w., owners Essberger Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth.

24/2 at 05.44 vehicle carrier Vega Leader, 16,396 tons d.w., owners Latte Maritima S.A Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 00.43. At 09.31 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owner Uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 05.47. At 09.44 cargo vessel Eems Servant, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 23.33 22nd.

26/2 at 06.58 container vessel Elbteam, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 17.09 24th.

Regards,

Norman.

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Bideford Film Society – March events.

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

All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.

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Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy (15). (124 minutes).

Friday 14th March 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Saturday 15th March 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

Sunday 16th March 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm).

Stars: Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson & Colin Firth. Director Michael Morris.

Bridget Jones navigates life as a widow and single mum with the help of her family, friends and former lover, Daniel. Back to work and on the apps, she’s pursued by a younger man and maybe – just maybe – her son’s science teacher.

* * * * * *

September 5 (15). (95 mins).

Showing Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm)

Stars: Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro & Ben Chaplin. Director Tim Fehlbaum

During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage of the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group.

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Mickey 17 (15) (137 mins).

Showing Friday 28th and Saturday 29th March 7.30pm (doors open 7.00)

Robert Patinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette & Mark Ruffalo. Director Bong Joon-ho.

A science-Fiction dark comedy. Wanting to get off Earth, destitute Mickey Barnes signs up to be an “expendable” on the human colony Nilfheim. As an expendable, Mickey undertakes several dangerous assignments he is not expected to survive, with a new body being regenerated each time he dies.

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One Hundred Years Ago – March 1925.

A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during March 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.

The coasts all round Devon and Cornwall suffered badly by the gales. Roads at Weare Gifford were impassable to wheeled traffic for a time owing to floods in the Torridge Valley, caused by the heavy rains. At Hartland Quay the last end portion of the old Quay wall was washed away by the storm, and there were also two heavy falls of cliff, one on each side of the Hotel, which was undamaged.

Advertisements – Buy the new model Aeolian Pianola Piano from J T White. J U Fulford & Sons Ltd, Queens’ Wharft, Bideford (and at Bude) is calling. World’s Wonders and World’s Stores in Bideford.

The Terminus Inn, Bideford, renews its licence.

Fifty years’ service at The Bideford Gazette Office by Mr W H Hoare.

At a special meeting of Bideford School Managers, it was decided to further advertise for applicants for the post of certified assistant at Old Town Boys School, Bideford, Mr Cawsey having withdrawn his application. It was suggested that the words ‘with drawing qualifications’ should be added.

Miss May Harris and Miss Kitty Cann, pupils of Edgehill College, have passed the recent London University Matriculation Examination.

The death occurred at his residence, the Strand, Bideford, of Mr William Joce, JP, in his 93rd year. The deceased was educated at the Bideford Grammar School which at that time was on the site of the present Bridge Buildings. He took a very keen and intelligent interest in local affairs. He followed the career of his father, to a large extent succeeding him in 1886 as secretary of the Bideford Gas Company.

Funeral of Mr T A Fogaty.

Mr Stanley Bluett and Miss Florence Rogers are married in Plymouth.

A pretty wedding took place at Bideford Parish Church, the contracting parties being William Thomas, only son of Mr and Mrs W Beer, of Rocklea, East-the-Water, and Audrey, fourth daughter of Mr and Mrs H Steer, The Bungalow, Upcott. Mr J Bonetta acted as best man. A reception was held at Rocklea.

The very handsome solid silver tea service presented to Mr G J D Wheeler on his retirement from the National Provincial Bank was chosen from the very extensive stock of G F Truscott (late Squires), Silversmiths, High Street, Bideford and Sidmouth.

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“Our Atlantic Roots”, Buckland Brewer, 16th March.

BUCKLAND BREWER METHODIST CHURCH PRESENT

OUR ATLANTIC ROOTS’ IN CONCERT

SUNDAY 16th MARCH 2025 at 4pm

Cornwall based transatlantic duo ‘Our Atlantic Roots’ Mac & Laura Johnston, fuse together poetic lyrics and cinematic instrumentation, creatively presenting a blend of the cultures they are individually from, by merging genres characterized by their country and folk roots.

Other details on their website www. https://www.ouratlanticroots.com/

ADMISSION IS BY DONATION, BUT WE ASK FOR A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF £10

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE

CONTACT DAVE WATSON ON 07484 223515 OR ON [email protected]

BUCKLAND BREWER METHODIST CHURCH POSTCODE IS EX39 5LP

PROCEEDS FOR THE WORK & UPKEEP OF OUR METHODIST CHURCH

 

[email protected]

www.ouratlanticroots.com/

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Instow Jumble Sale, 15th March.

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Shipping notes No. 238 (January).

Bideford Quay.

Mair now based at Bideford.

 

Appledore.

Atherstone still alongside Quay, Quorn in Shed.

The cargo vessel Baltic Anka sailed from Appledore 19.13 4th. She had discharged 2,901 tons rape meal.

Amedeus – (ex- Hansa Lion ’01, Zeeland ’05); built 2001; flag St Vincent & Grenadines; from Wismar to Neath; arrived 13/1, sailed 15/1; discharged 1,650 tons wood pellets.

 

Yelland Quay.

No shipping since last issue.

 

Bristol Channel Observations.

2/1 at 09.57 vehicle carrier Morning Charlotte, 22,578 tons d.w., owners Euckor Car Carriers South Korea, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 04.40.

6/1 at 10.01 vehicle carrier Clover Ace, inward bound for Portbury. At 15.06 vehicle carrier RCC Asia, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 10.21. At 15.50 ro-ro vessel Ville de Bordeaux, owners Airbus France, inward bound for Portbury to collect Airbus wings. (Seen again at 14.29 7th outward bound having sailed at 09.25). At 17.35 cargo vessel Eemslift Hendrika, inward bound for Avonmouth.

7/1 at 11.31 container vessel Contship Top, 13,803 tons d.w., owners Container Ship Management Germany, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.46 vehicle carrier Auto Eco, owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed 20.12 29th. At 14.54 cargo vessel Spanaco Fidelity, outward bound from Silloth having sailed 12.46 3rd (she had been sheltering in Blue anchor Bay).

9/1 at 12.00 bulk carrier Brave Star, inward bound for Newport.

10/1 at 10.38 cargo vessel Fast Jet, owners Fast Line Belgium, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 03.03. At 17.30 bulk carrier Karewood Star, 6,315 tons d.w., outward bound from Swansea having at 13.04.

11/1 at 07.40 bulk carrier Cetus Bowhead, 35,000 tons d.w., inward bound for Newport. At 09.55 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 18,403 tons d.w., outward bound from Portbury having sailed 3rd. At 11.04 tanker Dutch Aquamarine, 6,414 tons d.w., owners Essbberger Hamburg, inward bound for Barry.

12/1 at 07.58 cargo vessel Eems Servant, inward bound for Sharpness. At 09.27 cargo vessel Wilson Grimsby, owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 10.55 cargo vessel Sky Wish, inward bound for Cardiff. At 17.50 bulk carrier Star Dalmatia, inward bound for Portbury.

14/1 at 08.40 cargo vessel Pride, 2,981 tons d.w., owners Biese Chartering Management Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 15.55 cargo vessel Theseus, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 06.52.

17/1 at 06.08 vehicle carrier Bosphorus Highway, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.51 cargo vessel Sarah B, 2,300 tons d.w., outward bound from Newport having sailed at 04.50 hrs. At 14.05 vehicle carrier Jasmine Leader, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 09.07.

18/1 at 13.06 cargo vessel Amedeus, 1,700 tons d.w., owners Erica Shipping Kingston, outward bound from Neath. At 14.30 bulk carrier Cetus Bowhead, 43,433 tons d.w., outward bound from Newport having sailed at 09.18.

19/1 at 15.15 vehicle carrier Grand Legacy, inward bound for Portbury. At 16.30 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owners UECC Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

20/1 at 06.20 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, owners Dynamis Shipping Greece, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.59 bulk carrier Star Dalmatia, outward bound from Portbury.

23/1 cargo vessel Zeycan Ana, inward bound for Newport.

26/1 at 08.30 bulk carrier Brave Star, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 23.08 25th (passing very slowly at about 3 knots. I think she may have had engine problems).

29/1 at 10.25 BC Maccoa, outward bound from Waterford (she had been sheltering from the bad weather). At 10.30 cargo vesssel Santa Helena. At 11.05 cargo vessel Rheintal, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 15.05 bulk Carrier Federal Yukon, owners Canadian, outward bound from Cardiff having sailed 13.04 23rd.

30/1 at 05.45 cargo vessel Garip Baba, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 18.02 hrs 28th.

31/1 at 08.25 cargo vessel Fehn Lyra, inward bound for Cardiff. At 10.03 cargo vessel Libero, inward bound for Sharpness.

Regards,

Norman.

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The Murder Mystery Company.

Are you planning a special event? A Birthday Party, a family celebration a corporate event, or even a charity fund-raiser? Are you looking for a truly memorable way to entertain your guests? Then the cast at ‘Murder We Wrote’ is just what you’re looking for.

This North Devon-based Murder Mystery Company has been entertaining North Devon audiences for over two years. Our original scripts include intrigue, plot twists and fully interactive outrageous characters. Our bespoke events incorporate a minimum of 6 actors, plus a surprise appearance at the end of our Police Inspector to help reveal the culprit.

You can find out more about our mayhem and local charity work or get in touch via our website www.murderwewrote.co.uk

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‘Man Down’ mental health support.

 

 

All men welcome to come along to our friendly, non-judgemental and supportive peer support group.

Directions:When you get to Marlborough Court, turn left and then left again where the car park is. Look out for the Man Down signage at the entrance of car park. Entrance is at the back of the building, through the metal gates.

Hope to see familiar and new faces for a brew and biscuit.

Let’s Talk About It.

Man down – supporting men’s mental health.

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One Hundred Years ago – February 1925.

A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during February 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.

Births – at King’s Arms, The Quay, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs Manning, a son; to Mr and Mrs R H Morrow, a daughter; to Mr and Mrs R Waring (nee Bertha Parson), a daughter; at Lower Meddon Street, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs A J Beer, a son (nee Doris Garland);

Silver Wedding – William Teed Braddick, son of Mrs J J Braddick, to Nellie Tucker.

The local Conservatives had a busy week, with meetings held at Barnstaple, Bideford and Hartland together with a Women’s meeting at Bideford. Mr Basil Peto MP and his wife attended all but the Hartland gathering.

A property – 7 Furzebeam Terrace, Bideford – is for sale.

At the close of afternoon school the senior classes of Bideford Old Town School met together to bid farewell to Mr H W Shute, who has been for over 26 years on the staff of the school and who leaves for the USA.

At Bideford, a very fine concert was given in the Lavington enlarged Sunday Schoolroom kindly arranged by Mrs E H Trapnell, in aid of Lavington Primary Memorial Hall Fund.

The 2nd annual prize distribution in connection with the Church Lads Brigade took place in the Bideford Church Institute. The proceedings commenced with a free tea to the boys and considerably over 100 lads sat down to a wonderful spread provided by the Ladies Committee. After the tea a concert was held at which the following ladies and gentlemen kindly assisted, Mr R Harper, the Rev Feles, Mr Johns, Mr Carpenter, and Miss Kivell’s theatrical party who gave a most amusing and excellently acted sketch.

Frederick and Albert Brock, labourers, were in court having been found in possession of nets known as “engines” and used for catching rabbits. This was the first prosecution under the Poaching Prevention Act in Bideford for many years, although twenty years ago such cases were very frequent. The offence is alleged to have happened at Turner’s Wood near Kenwith on land owned by Mr H N G Stucley. The men were also in possession of a ferret and a terrier. At a Children’s Court at Bideford, a twelve years old boy was summoned for stealing £4 1s 10d from an offertory box in the Vestry at St Peter’s Church on December 27th.

Mr A W Cock, offered at auction at Bideford the freehold shop and dwelling house known as 59 Mill Street, Bideford, in the tenure of London Central Meat Co. Ltd. Bidding went to £700 at which figure the property was withdrawn, but was sold the same evening at a substantially larger figure.

Bideford County Brewster sessions. Mr T Oerton, jnr, applied for the transfer of the license of the New Inn, Westleigh, from Mr J E Goss to Mr James William Brown. On the application of Mr H R Bazeley the music and dancing license of the Kingsley Gymnasium, Westward Ho! was transferred from Mrs P R Moore to himself. Mr W F Watts applied for the transfer of the cinema licence of the Gaiety, Appledore, from Mr Samuel Hawkins to Mr J A Penny. Mr Charles Pickard applied for a music and dancing license for the new Parish Hall at Abbotsham, this being a new application.

The funeral has taken place at Bideford Higher Cemetery, Rev J T Halstead officiating, of Mrs Bessie Barnard, widow of the late Mr Joseph Barnard, of Somerton, Somerset, and youngest daughter of Mr John Dullam, of Lower Yelland, Fremington. Her only daughter, May, predeceased her about ten years ago. Mrs Barnard was a life-long and consistent member of the Wesleyan Church.

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RHS Rosemoor – 2025 programme.

There is to come, with a packed events programme planned for the whole year at the gorgeous gardens just outside Great Torrington.

A highlight is the arrival of the much-loved characters from the children’s classic Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, in a special garden trail which will run throughout 2025.

Young visitors will be able to enjoy this playful, interactive trail which re-enacts some of the adventures of the iconic Little Nutbrown Hare, while exploring the many colours, textures and shapes found in nature. A programme of seasonal activities is also planned to accompany the trail through the year.

The full events schedule truly has something for everyone, featuring crafts, classic cars, cooking, and art – see full listings below:

Spring Flower Showcase Sat 8 -Sun 9 Mar

Alpine Garden Society Show Sat 22 Mar

Giant Easter Egg Hunt – Crack the Egg-nigma code Sat 5 – Mon 21 Apr

Wool and Fibre Weekend Sat 12 – Sun 13 Apr

RHS National Rhododendron Show Sat 26 – Sun 27 Ap

Bonsai Show Southwest Sat 3 – Sun 4 May

Plant Heritage Spring Fair Sun11 May

The Great Summer Garden Game-A-Thon Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun

Festival of Roses Sat 14 Jun – Sun 13 Jul

Rose Weekend Fri 20 – Sun 22 Jun

Summer Forest Fun Adventure Sat 19 July – Sun 31 Aug

Vintage Weekend Sat 26 – Sun 27 Jul

Summer Flower Show Fri 15 – Sun 18 Aug

Plant Heritage Autumn Fair Sun 7 Sept

Wonder of Autumn Sat 27 Sept – Sun 19 Oct

Festival of Flavours Sat 4 – Sun 5 Oct

Devon Orchid Society Show Sat 11 – Sun 12 Oct

October Half Term Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Living Sculptures Weekend Sat 8 – Sun 9 Nov

Winter Sculpture Exhibition Sat 8 Nov – Sun 31 Jan

RHS Glow Illuminations Fri 21 Nov – Thurs 27 Dec

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‘Bideford Legends’ – 4.

Marsh Farm was built on a low-lying site in Northam Road, prone to flooding, and became derelict and abandoned some time ago.

The site has now been redeveloped, with levels raised overall, the stream culverted, and the farmhouse restored to its former state.

These photos are of the building before and after the restoration –

Before –

After –

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