MEET GEORGE PIG! The BIG Sheep, Bideford Sunday 5th May

The Big Sheep are BIG Fans of the hit TV series Peppa Pig & LOVE all the characters. Many of you requested to meet George Pig & now you can! George will be waving goodbye to Peppa, Mummy & Daddy Pig & travelling down to Devon on his own to meet his North Devon fans at the BIG Sheep! The BIG Sheep opens at 10am on Sunday 5th May & you can meet George at intervals throughout the day between 11am until 3.30pm. Enjoy a whole day out of BIG Sheep shows, rides, animals & family entertainment from 10am until 6pm.

OINK OINK - CLICK HERE TO BOOK 25% OFF TICKETS TODAY! 
Please note: Peppa Pig will not be available to meet. This is an exclusive opportunity to meet George Pig only on 5th May 2013. 

WHAT'S NEW AT THE BIG SHEEP
COMING SOON! A 6,500 sq ft Attraction and Events Building, giving even more undercover fun.
TV Favourites - As requested, they will be hosting Mike the Knight for his debut visit to the BIG Sheep. You all loved Scooby so much that he will be returning for another visit in October 2013.
Oink Oink - Our customer's favourite little pig, Peppa, is back by popular demand (25th August) and her favourite brother pig, George, will also be making a special trip to the BIG Sheep on 5th May 2013.
Vintage Pony Carousel - a new ride for our young visitors to enjoyarchery tag
Archery Tag Combat will have the older kids entertained for hours - energetic enough for thrill seekers and safe enough for the whole family to enjoy! OpensSummer 2013
World Record Attempts - you can be part of  the Big Sheep's world record attempts in 2013! Wear your wellies to the BIG Sheep on Sunday 9th June and be in the world's largest Wellie Parade.

 

Visit http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk for full event details

B10 LABYRINTH - LIVING AND WORKING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Artist in the Environment, Linda Gordon will be running a workshop to create and explore a B10 Labyrinth at St Anne’s Art & Community Centre in Barnstaple on Saturday 8th June 2013. Saturday 8th June is UN World Environment Day – what better time to explore your relationship with North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? Linda Gordon will use key words from the North Devon Biosphere word cloud on the B10 website for participants to focus on as they make their labyrinth journey.  The word cloud is being built by visitors to the B10 website who have contributed the word which sums up the Biosphere Reserve for them. Linda says “Often regarded as a journey into one’s Self and out again. I personally regard the labyrinth as a sort of ‘locating device’, a way of grounding myself, and aligning myself with the movement of life (the laws of nature). Walking a labyrinth lets me know just who I am, and where I am in the world.I see the Biosphere as a large area of North Devon, containing a vast diversity of habitat, wildlife and people - all with their different histories, experiences and requirements.  At the same time there is a sense of harmony and balance – of all aspects working together for the benefit of the whole.  There is a sense of everything and everyone having their unique character, yet all being intricately interconnected… a sense that in fact we are all one. The labyrinth seems to be a good metaphor for describing the Biosphere .  There is an obvious parallel between the focus on wholeness, the awareness of the multi-facetted, interdependent   nature of life and their function as focal-points for grounding oneself in a place.

I read on the Biosphere website that it is “an area providing sustainable economic development whilst protecting biological and cultural diversity”.  In my view, sustainable development is not just about financial growth, vitally important though that is. The ability of people and nature to flourish and live happily together is an important component of the health and wealth of an area – hence the importance of activities that enhance the quality of life for everyone.”

The B10 labyrinth workshop is being held at St Anne’s Art & Community Centre, Paternoster Row, Barnstaple EX31 1BH on Saturday 8th June 2013 10 am to 3 pm.  Participation cost is £15 and bookings can be made online at www.lindagordon.org.uk by telephoning Linda on 01237 478875 or emailing lg@lindagordon.org.uk.

For more information on B10 and to see (and add your own word to) the B10 cloud visit  http://www.northdevonb10.org.uk/the-b10-cloud.html

B10 Plantwalks with Clare Gurton ? get to know your local wild flowers

Get to know your local wild flowers with Plantwalk expert Clare Gurton in Hartland. Local writer and botanical enthusiast Clare Gurton is passionate about re-kindling our associations with wild plants. Clare has organised a series of weekly guided Plantwalks in Hartland to be a part of B10 - the North Devon Biosphere’s tenth anniversary celebrations. These friendly outings, where you can find and learn about plants growing on local verges, begin in April, are usually of 2 hours duration and will be held on a Wednesday evening from 6pm. This is a unique opportunity to see the North Devon Biosphere from a different angle, to learn more about identifying local wild flowers and to enjoy some of the fascinating stories associated with them. Clare says “Plantwalk was born because of my belief that any knowledge of local wildlife is better than none; because just 'knowing' the odd local wild plant can enrich any experience of the natural world.” Living within the Biosphere area means this to Clare “… for me, the high coastal plateaus offer me a mental peace that comes from open skylines and the wilderness of the sea; the small valley wild woods give me stimulation and excitement which comes from an opportunity for exploration and discovery. The intricate plant and insect associations of the culm allow me to loose myself to geology and history and dreaming about what could have been. This area of north Devon still has a feel of untamed-ness; a little wild and unruly but with great depth.” “Walking is good for your physical and mental health and so are wild plants - join me to take a closer look at our local network of verges and learn about the huge variety of insects and birds that depend on them Smell the gorse, taste the sorrel, learn about country names and recipes and go home inspired and interested.”

Plantwalk places are limited so please do contact Clare to book a place and enjoy this unique ‘up close and personal’ look at our Biosphere. Clare Gurton 01237 441205 Email: info@plantwalk.co.uk For more information etc…www.plantwalk.co.uk

LIVE AT THE FACTORY: ELECTROSWING WITH CABARET VOLTAIRE MR. PUCKEY AND DONJOHNSTON

Poets, Earls, bounders and cads, Cabaret Voltaire requests the pleasure of your company at one of its celebrated ElectroSwing nights. Leave your troubles at the door and return to the decadence of the 1920's! ElectroSwing is the decadent new old music that is sweeping the country like swine flu didn't. The house and hip-hop beats inspired by jazz swing, played by the excellent disc jockeys Mr Puckey and DonJohnston will set you straight on your feet and dancing the night away! Catch DonJohnston before he is whisked off to play at Boomtown Festival. If that's not enough, we commence the entertainment with free swing dancing lessons and circus performances from Exeter Circus Society. Please come in 1920's fancy dress; we want you darlings to look expensive! And step into our 1920's Photo Booth for a free snap of yourself and friends looking fabulous. Our friends at Very Vintage Hire will have a splendid selection of candy floss to keep you sweet.

Tickets: Advance tickets £5 with more on the door Tickets available from: Beats Workin Barnsaple, Petroc Brannams Campus Reception, and North Devon Theatres Online tickets available from: www.undergroundtickets.net/event/386<http://www.undergroundtickets.net/event/386> Listen to them on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/#donjohnston

ELECTROSWING WITH CABARET VOLTAIRE MR. PUCKEY AND DONJOHNSTON LIVE AT THE FACTORY - FRIDAY 27TH APRIL 8PM

YES SIR BOSS PLAY THE FACTORY BARNSTAPLE MAY 3rd

Stoned Records’ first signing ‘Yes Sir Boss’ will be performing at The Factory on Friday May 3rd. Yes Sir Boss have cultivated a truly original, distinct and indefinable sound that has elements of everything from a brooding Balkan blues band to a horn injected indie rock outfit… In the end, though, it’s the ecstatic meeting of all their diverse sounds that makes YSB’s funky, rootsy, uplifting tunes so beguilingly unique. Their heavy blend of horn led hooks, offbeat rhythms and epic riffs provide the perfect backing for the memorable and catchy lyrics brought to life by the seductively expressive and husky vocals of front man Matt Sellors. Appealing to wide audiences and captivating them with energetic soul, this Bristol based rabble of six, perform their live shows with a thrilling charm that has seen them complete a 40 date summer tour playing numerous headline slots at many of the UK’s best festivals and appearing on various radio shows, including live sessions for BBC Radio Lone and Rob Da Banks Radio 1 show. Their unique sound has been brewing up a store on the live circuit in the Uk and, more recently, in Europe and Ireland. Following a string of dates in supporting Joss Stone on her European ‘Soul Sessions 2 Tour’. Yes Sir Boss have recently released their debut album ‘Desperation State’ and more recently (15th April) released their single Mrs#1 Ft. Joss Stone.
Yes Sir Boss will be performing live at The Factory, Barnstaple on Friday May 3rd local support from The Yum Yums and Hoinville. Doors open at 8pm Advance tickets £10
Tickets available from: Beats Workin, Barnstaple, Petroc Brannams Campus Reception and North Devon Theatres - Online tickets available from: undergroundtickets.net and www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Guitar Virtuoso Viral Sensation JON GOMM live at The Factory, Barnstaple

Leeds based singer songwriter, guitar virtuoso and Youtube viral sensation Jon Gomm is today pleased to announce a mammoth twenty nine date solo headline UK tour for September and October 2013. Following a meteoric rise to fame last year after receiving support from a certain Mr Stephen Fry on Twitter, Jon Gomm's story is the modern embodiment of a musical, metaphorical, rags-to-riches tale that has captivated the imagination of millions of listeners. After touring the world on the back of the success of his Passionflower Video which now stands at just over 4,249,000 views and counting, Jon is pleased to be able to return to the UK to give something back to the fans that gave his very unique take on acoustic music a voice right from the start, as well as showcase brand new material from his forthcoming album Secrets Nobody Keeps (release date TBC) that will be fan funded via a PledgeMusic campaign. His eclectic musical style is drawn, magpie-like, from influences including Michael Hedges, The Beatles, Radiohead, Steve Vai, John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix and a whole host more, all lovingly appreciated and expertly crafted into Gomm's signature sound. An ambassador for the appreciation and enjoyment of all forms of music, as well as embodying the true spirit of the 21st century independent musician, things haven't always been this good for Jon. "It's surreal; it's really hard to cope with" Jon explains of his newfound notoriety "I've spent my life gigging, and the last 10 years doing my take on the solo singer-songwriter acoustic thing. I never cared about being in the shadows, and I fully expect to return to them one day." For a man who's finally clawed his way to success after a long and rocky road of sleeping on sofas and playing in car parks in Barnsley, Gomm is still ever the rationalist and is at pains to stay connected to his roots and his fanbase at every possible opportunity, even if now his celebrity endorsements and TV appearances occasionally get in the way of doing what he still loves more than anything, which is sharing his music with the people who made this all possible; his fans. "It's been a crazy and amazing 12 months for me" says Jon of the upcoming tour, humble as ever "and that's thanks to my fans here in the UK that started the snowball rolling by sharing my music far and wide, and also for supporting me at tiny gigs all over the country for the past decade. But since I got all popular all of a sudden, it seems I've been playing everywhere else on the planet, and I haven't actually had time for a solo UK tour. So it's about time all my fellow Brits got to see me play the youtube classics, and I've got some new stuff I really want them to hear as well, if that's OK."

 
Jon Gomm plays the following dates on the Secrets Nobody Keeps UK Tour:
30-Aug-13 Newport - 200 Club
31-Aug-13 Swansea - The Garage
01-Sep-13 Sittingbourne - Avenue Theatre
03-Sep-13 London - Surya
04-Sep-13 London - Surya
05-Sep-13 Bristol - Thekla
06-Sep-13 Devon - The Factory 
07-Sep-13 Cardiff - The Moon Club
09-Sep-13 Guilford - The Boileroom
10-Sep-13 Worcester - Marrs Barr
11-Sep-13 Birmingham - Hare & Hounds
12-Sep-13 Liverpool - Leaf Cafe
13-Sep-13 Leeds - Brudenell
14-Sep-13 Manchester - Sound Control
16-Sep-13 Nottingham - Bodega
17-Sep-13 York - Fibbers
19-Sep-13 Belfast - The Black Box
22-Sep-13 Lincolnshire - Alchemy Festival
23-Sep-13 Hull - The Backroom, Cottingham
24-Sep-13 Wavendon - The Stables
25-Sep-13 Bury St Edmonds - Apex
27-Sep-13 Eurocentral - Berits & Brown
28-Sep-13 Troon - The New Troon Folk Club
29-Sep-13 Edinburgh - The Voodoo Rooms
02-Oct-13 Preston - The Continental
03-Oct-13 Newcastle - Cluny 2
04-Oct-13 Macclesfield - Cabin 5150
05-Oct-13 Huddersfield - Bar 1:20
06-Oct-13 Penrith - Penrith Playhouse
Tickets via http://www.ticketwerk.co.uk and http://www.jongomm.com 
Jon Gomm's new album 'Secrets Nobody Keeps' is released on Performing Chimp Records later this year (date TBC).
Tickets on sale currently at http://www.undergroundtickets.net and North Devon Theatres  http://www.facebook.com/jongommofficial | http://www.jongomm.com | http://www.twitter.com/jongomm

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT JON GOMM
 "One of the world's most successful, gifted and inspirational guitar players" - Acoustic Magazine
 "Wonderful to watch. Genius." - Stephen Fry
"Hands down the most amazing guitarist I have ever seen!" - Tommy Lee (Motley Crue)

Calling all adrenaline junkies. Sign up now for the inaugural Ultimate Adventure Triathlon

Fancy yourself as a ‘Wipeout’ survivor, think you can handle a bike race through the woods and a cross country run? The Ultimate Adventure Centre in Abbotsham, Bideford is offering adrenaline junkies the chance to compete in the first ever Ultimate Adventure Triathlon on Sunday 19 May 2013. The Ultimate Adventure Triathlon is a new and exciting adventure experience, bringing together three ultimate activities. The event starts with a lap of The Ultimate Assault – you’ll need a sense of fun as well as plenty of energy and agility to make it through this challenging course inspired by TV’s Total Wipeout! From there will be a transition into an off-road Mountain Bike ride of either 8 or 10km. The final leg of the three is a cross country run of either 5 or 7km. There will also be a junior event which includes The Ultimate Assault, 3k mountain bike and 2km run. This event is ideal for anyone with or without any triathlon experience aged 12 +. There will be an initial limit of 100 places. There will be Junior, Novice and Sprint classifications. The Novice and Sprint classifications will be split into Senior Men and Senior Women. There will also be a team competition for each classification. The inaugural Ultimate Adventure Triathlon is probably the most energetic of events in the B10 programme, celebrating ten years of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s all about getting out there and enjoying this special area we live in. Russ Johns, owner of the Ultimate Adventure Centre is a dedicated supporter of the Biosphere’s aims, saying “We strive to safeguard the local countryside, and value and endorse the ethos and principles of the North Devon Biosphere.” Stunning North Devon countryside provides the back-drop for the race which will be held in fields adjacent to the Ultimate Adventure Centre and The Big Sheep, just off the A39 on the outskirts of Bideford. The Big Sheep owner Rick Turner says ‘We are pleased to be associated with the first Ultimate Adventure Triathlon, an exciting and challenging new race for Bideford and North Devon’. For more details and to book a place visit the website: http://theultimatehigh.com/Triathlon.html Or call 01237 880028 Email: info@theultimatehigh.com

 

Exciting Weekend of Workshops at the Happy Cafe in Westward Ho!

As part of the B10 programme celebrating 10 years of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve Seize the Moment in Westward Ho! are running a weekend of events in their permaculture garden. 

Saturday & Sunday 
20 & 21 April 2013 
Saturday 20th April 2013 2pm
Make a Bug House
Make a Willow Garden Butterfly

Sunday 21 April 2013 2-5 
PERMACULTURE taster workshop
Interested in gardening with nature, living lightly on the earth and improving your quality of life? Try an afternoon taster of Permaculture with the option of a full weekend design course to follow
£5 or barter

Jane Elliott from Seize says "Seize the Moment are proud to support the work of the North Devon Biosphere reserve. The Permaculture training is part of our work to manage the gardens at the Happy Cafe to enable members of the community to produce food and flowers for use in the cafe."
For more details contact Jane Elliott at Seize the Moment 07773 679559 jane@seize-the-moment.net www.seize-the-moment.net