Monday, 12 July 2021

Community Spirit. Opening Day donatation to Children’s Hospice South West from new Quay Sports Fishing Tackle Store

Quay Sports Fishing Tackle Store opened its doors on Saturday 26 June 2021 with over 100 anglers popping in to check out the brand new ‘one stop’ fishing shop in Roundswell Barnstaple for the opening day event; many were local fishing enthusiasts who took advantage of the opening day promotions, as well as tourists from further afield who came to stock up on much needed bait and tackle whilst holidaying in North Devon.  

 

Chris Connaughton, the Quay Sports Store Manager, said “The response from customers has been incredible – we’ve had really positive feedback from everyone who’s been into the store, especially about the store layout, location and the huge range of rods, equipment and bait we have available.  Plus some of the local Devon produced brands we sell have been flying off the shelves which is great to see”.  

 

The Quay Sports brand has already developed a successful online business from 10 years of trading, but it was the expansion of the company into larger premises that prompted the opening of a store in North Devon, where the company first started out.   Chris added “The Quay Sports Team are keen anglers so we knew first hand that it wasn’t always easy to pick up what you needed locally.  Our goal is to focus on what customers want from a bait and tackle store in this area – and if we haven’t got what they’re looking for, we’re determined to do the very best we can to get it”. 

 

The Quay Sports custom built store is spread over two floors, is open 7 days a week and is packed to the brim with everything a budding angler might need – plus the free parking outside has ensured a steady stream of people arriving every day.  It’s clear the store’s success is generating a lot of interest, and the company wanted to give something back to the community by donating money to their chosen charity - last week Manager Chris handed over a cheque for £150 to Ruth from the Children’s Hospice South West, which was raised from their opening day event.  Chris said “We want our store to be part of the community, supporting local anglers, local charities and local businesses, as well as providing a much needed service to tourists and visitors who come to enjoy everything North Devon has to offer.”   

 

The Quay Sports Team couldn’t be happier right now and are looking forward to welcoming more visitors to the store as word continues to spread amongst the angling community about North Devon’s new one stop bait and tackle store.

Quay Sports opening day donatation to Children’s Hospice South West. Photo: Chris and Ruth outside the new store with cheque from new Quay Sports
 Photo: Quay Sports Manager Chris handing the cheque over to Ruth from the Children's Hospice Southwest outside the new store

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Quay Sports, Barnstaple, North Devon
Quay Sports Fishing Tackle Store 
13 Oakwood Close, Roundswell, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 3NJ
Tel: 01271 615299
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Wednesday, 7 July 2021

North Devon UNESCO Biosphere launches Nature Recovery Declaration and Plan

The Biosphere has launched an ambitious new Nature Recovery Plan as our contribution to tackling the ecological emergency here in northern Devon, aligning with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and the Prime Minister’s pledge for 30% of the UK land to be protected by 2030.
 
Join individuals, organisations, councils and businesses across the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere in signing our Nature Recovery Declaration and commit to tackling the ecological emergency through your local actions. Tap here to find out more and sign the Declaration

To promote the launch, we expect to welcome a special visitor to the area. Sacha Dench, Ambassador for the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species, is flying a 3000+ mile circumnavigation of the UK in a wind and green electricity powered paramotor. On her journey, she is stopping in northern Devon to officially launch the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s Nature Recovery Declaration and Plan. We are expecting her to pass through the area later this month, where she will sign the Declaration herself and speak to the Biosphere team about the importance of nature’s recovery.

Why do we need to act?

Despite great efforts from many organisations, land managers and individuals across northern Devon since the whole area achieved UNESCO status more than 20 years ago, with a few encouraging exceptions nature continues to decline – a trend that began centuries ago but has accelerated since the 1960s. Today our wildlife is a shadow of its former glory and our natural systems are ceasing to function. Iconic species like salmon, breeding lapwings, skylarks, cuckoos, house martins, many insects and wildflower species are in perilous decline – and our rivers are failing national standards. An ambitious approach to focus everyone’s actions onto agreed priorities is needed - and that is what this plan aims to achieve.

The plan’s Vision is that by 2030, nature is recovering across northern Devon. There is more wildlife-rich habitat for us all to enjoy - covering 30% of the land area – in our fields and woods, on the coast, along our rivers and on the moors. Wildlife has the space it needs to flourish. Thriving farming and forestry are helping nature to recover right across the landscape. Communities, councils and businesses are putting nature back into our towns and villages. Ambitious projects have helped bring back icons like beaver, pine marten, chough, white-tailed eagle and osprey. Our quality of life, the economy and our response to climate change are stronger for it. More is required, but we are proud to be playing our part in tackling the global ecologicalemergency.

Why should I sign the Declaration?

“If we are to turn the tide for nature’s recovery, everyone in northern Devon needs to engage through their choices and actions - all of us as consumers and by helping nature to recover where we live and work, and especially farmers and land managers who can do most to help nature recover across the landscape. We can all make a difference. It’s time for urgent and transformative local action.” Mike Moser, Chair of the Biosphere Nature Improvement Group

We hope that many individuals, organisations and businesses across the Biosphere will sign this Declaration committing to helping nature’s recovery and adding to the growing support for tackling the ecological emergency.

We welcome your feedback on the plan (by 15 August 2021) 
which can be sent to biosphere-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
North Devon UNESCO Biosphere launches Nature Recovery Declaration and Plan
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 North Devon Biosphere
Finally, please help us to spread the word and encourage people to sign up to the Declaration! @northdevonbiosphere.
 
About North Devon Biosphere >

Wednesday, 30 June 2021

What's On Point. South West’s favourite Needle & Hobby Craft4Crafters show returns 14th-16th July.

After 18 months of being away South West’s favourite Needle & Hobby Craft show returns to Westpoint in Exeter. The event, the Craft4Crafters Show, which meets all the Covid Safe guidelines, will run from Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th July, doors opening 9am –6pm every day.

“We are extremely proud of our line-up for the 2021 show” says Director Andrew Thorpe, “the last 18 months have been extremely challenging for us and many of our traders. We know the show has been greatly missed and many have been waiting a long time for its return.” 

The event will be following all Covid safety regulations including wider aisles, a separate entrance and exit system, testing, sanitizing stations, capped attendance numbers and upholding face covering rules.

For more details about the show, its running times, exhibitor attendance, features,and facilities visit the shows website www.craft4crafters.co.uk Tickets can be purchased through the show website or by calling 0117 370 3342
North Devon Focus on the  Craft4Crafters Show
Craft4Crafters Show, Westpoint, Exeter 
Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th July, 
doors opening 9am –6pm every day.
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Tickets can be purchased through the show website
www.craft4crafters.co.uk
or by calling 0117 370 3342