Dog walking In the frame. Good Friday pebble dash on the beach at Westward Ho!

The weather had cleared at last and what bettter way to spend a Good Friday than on the beach at Westward Ho! It was Easter Bank Holiday and we didn't really think we'd find a place to park near the slipway but we were lucky. Fantastic weather, billowing clouds amid blue skies and gleaming sands, a perfect dose of vitamin sea, the walk topped off by our first Hockings of the year. I was photographing the sky above the Pebble Ridge when the little dog walked into the frame, there were lots of dog walkers about enjoying the beach before the Summer season restrictions.

"From the 1st of May to the 30th of September Torridge District Council will once again be introducing a restriction for Dogs on sections of Westward Ho! beach and the promenade.

The restriction helps create different usage areas on the beach to ensure that different groups engaged in different activities can all safely access and enjoy this popular resort. It also helps the authority to meet the criteria for the annually assessed Blue Flag Award, which is highly prized and important to bathers and the local tourist industry." TAP HERE to visit torridge.gov.uk for Dog Walking Zones)

Before exploring the coast and countryside with your pets also see advice from Devon Wildlife Trust

Devon Wildlife Trust asks the public to keep dogs on leads to protect nature . > Read post

Photo copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

 North Devon Focus promoting North Devon Coast and Countryside since 2002

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North Devon Focus on Local Artist Sarah Flannery

Introducing Sarah Flannery who quite literally draws inspiration from the North Devon scenery.

A West Country born and bred artist who moved to North Devon over 20 years ago having been seduced by the glorious coastline.

From a young age Sarah always knew she was going to be passionate about art. Many happy childhood years were spent sitting at her parent’s dining table surrounded by paper and paints.

After completing her secondary education she then went on to study art and design, specialising in fine art. Here her love of painting and drawing really began to flourish.

Sarah predominantly paints animal themed art, however she also enjoys painting other subject matter. 

Sarah explains

"Living in such a lovely area of the country it is impossible not to draw inspiration from the stunning North Devon scenery and I especially enjoy painting seascapes.

I work with various mediums producing different artistic styles and I have a particular interest in working with genuine gold leaf. "

Examples of Sarah's work can be viewed on her facebook artist page C4C Pet Portraits (www.facebook.com/c4cpetportraits)

JCT27 - OPENS ITS DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME - 7th, 8th and 9th APRIL

Barnstaple's new and only dedicated grassroots music venue opens this weekend with world class DJ - Stanton Warriors, local favourites The Rasscals and first edition of regular open mic night hosted by On Track Audio .

Friday 7th April - Stanton Warriors: Support from Tommy Deaves - EZPZ
The Stanton Warriors’ irresistible and inimitable sound has consistently remained the soundtrack to some of the world’s biggest and best parties over the past thirteen years; from East London warehouses, Miami boat parties and illegal Detroit raves, to the stages of Coachella, Glastonbury, Burning Man and Ultra, selling out global tours and topping DJ lists along the way. In the studio, Bristol’s Mark Yardley and Dominic Butler have honed a trademark, uncategorisable sound that is at once all their own, but also utterly indefinable, leading to high-profile releases on XL Records, Fabric, Cheap Thrills, Central Station and Universal, alongside official remixes for everyone from Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim, to MIA and Gorillaz. This phenomenal output and remarkable longevity has ensured the Stanton Warriors legendary status amongst not only their fans, but also their peers, as they remain fresh, original and relevant; obstinately dancing to beat of their own drum and helping to pave the way for new talent.

“Stanton Warriors always deliver, this latest track just takes it to a whole other level.” - ZANE LOWE, BBC RADIO 1

“Stanton Warriors' Bring Me Down is pretty much the perfect garage beat. Everything about that song – the vocal line, the chords, the melody – is totally original.” - DISCLOSURE

“Oh my Gosh, SO good! This is the kind of music that makes you literally want to go mental on the nearest dancefloor. As tried and tested on my living room carpet!” - ANNIE MAC, BBC RADIO 1

Saturday 8th April - The Rascals
The Rasscals perform for the first time at JCT27, Barnstaple's new live music venue! The Rasscals are an independent covers band formed by four good friends from North Devon with a shared passion for incredible live music. Providing the best live music possible, with very high standards. Often described as one of the tightest, most professional cover bands in the South West, UK, they really do bring the vibe and raise the roof! Expect banger after banger from the likes of Oasis, Stereophonics, The Killers and more, as well as some new numbers. Steve Ley will open the night, with a mix of acoustic covers and originals As its Easter bank holiday expect Easter after party with Dj Carva T to follow the band!

Sunday 9th April - Open Mic with On Track Audio Ft Stella Fox
Local recording Studio On Track audio will be hosting the regular Sunday open mic at JCT27 - each week will feature a live acts. Ryan from on track will be hosting and performing a few numbers between acts. Step up to the brand new stage at the dedicated grass roots music venue in Barnstaple. Sunday open mic nights are really all about showcasing artists and building a creative community of musicians. Come and be part of it.

For more information on forthcoming events at JCT27 please visit www.jct27.co.uk for listings and sign up to our mailing list.
If you would like to attend and review any of the above events please send an email to backstage@jct27.co.uk