Howard Marks - In Conversation with "Mr. Nice" at the Factory, Barnstaple 13th December

Just over a year ago Howard Marks was diagnosed with Cancer of the Bowel which had spread to two other organs, he was given 10 months to live. Here we are 3 months after his predicted passing and after nearly 30 sessions of Chemotherapy combined with Cannabis Oil Treatment, which is more and more being used seriously for the treatment of cancer and other illness and everything from apricot seeds to moths. Howard has just released his latest book ‘Mr Smiley: My Last Pill and Testament’ which went into the Book Charts at Number 7.

Interviewed by Dub Pistols Barry Ashworth, expect stories from his incredible life as a drug smuggler, hunted man, inmate at a high security prison, to becoming a celebrity, a national treasure with a film made about his life.

Born in 1945 in Kenfig Hill, a small Welsh coal-mining village near Bridgend, Howard Marks attended Oxford University where he earned a degree in nuclear physics and post graduate qualifications in philosophy

Described by the Daily Mail (UK Tabloid) as 'the most sophisticated drugs baron of all time', Howard Marks has worked with the British Secret Service and has been connected with the Mafia, the IRA, MI6 and the CIA.

Busted in 1988 by the American Drug Enforcement Agency and sentenced to twenty-five years at America's toughest federal penitentiary; Terre Haute, Indiana. He was released on parole in 1995 after serving seven years.

In 1996 he released his autobiography, Mr. Nice, which remains an international best seller in several languages and was the best selling non-fiction book of 1997.

During 1997, he performed his first live shows, which discussed his life as a marijuana smuggler and his views on drug use and legalisation. The shows received excellent reviews throughout the national press, and his now legendary one-man comedy show, An Audience with Mr Nice, continues to sell-out at venues throughout Britain and Europe covering an ever-widening range of topics.

Howard wrote a monthly column for Loaded for five years and has written features for The Times, Observer, Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, Time Out, GQ, and the Guardian. He has also penned Senor Nice, the sequel to his autobiography, collected together writings on intoxication for the anthology Dope Stories, co-wrote 101 Uses of a Dead Roach and has published the first of a series of crime fiction novels called Sympathy for the Devil.

His TV and Film career includes a cameo in Human Traffic, narrating Manumission – The Movie, presenting Channel 5 News on the day George Best died, interviews for Selena Scott, Hardtalk and This Week and appearances on Dinner with Portillo and Heartbeat amongst many others.

A Cardiff City supporter, Howard directed the Welsh Celebrity Soccer Six team that included Ian Rush and members of Goldie Looking Chain and reported on the 1998 World Cup in Paris for The Evening Standard. He is also a keen follower of Rugby Union, Boxing and especially Lawn Green Bowls, his interest in which was piqued when he learned it had been made illegal for the hoi polloi by Henry VIII.

Since his release from prison Howard has been politically active, standing for parliament in four separate constituencies (Norwich South, Norwich North, Neath and Southampton Test) in the 1997 general election on the single issue of the legalisation of Cannabis, catalysing the formation of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance. He applied for the position of Drugs Tsar, created by the Labour government in the late 90s but Keith Halliwell ‘pipped me at the post’. He continues to campaign vigorously for the legalisation of recreational drugs.

HOWARD MARKS - IN CONVERSATION WITH ‘MR NICE’
THE FACTORY SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER 7:30PM

Doors open at 19:30pm
£20 in advance - Seated based on first come first seated
Physical tickets - North Devon Theatres & Beatsworkin, Barnstaple
Online tickets available from
More info – www.thefactoryvenue.co.uk

Ho Ho Ho Barnstaple Craft Market finishes its 1st year with a Christmas Special!

Barnstaple Craft Market will be celebrating its first year in business with a Christmas special on Sunday 13 December – perfect timing for shoppers looking for a unique and handmade gift. 

The monthly craft market has now been running since June to compliment the Real Food Market in the Pannier Market. As usual all the crafts on show will be handmade in North Devon, it’s a showcase for the best of local makers in a truly unique setting. 

Established by Barnstaple Town Council, local craft event organiser Jo Isaac now runs the show, “I’ve really enjoyed managing the monthly Craft Markets in the Guildhall, it’s is a fantastic space right above the pannier market that few people get the chance to visit.  The craft community has been very supportive of the markets in their first year, each month brings new sellers and customers.  The Christmas Market will be a fantastic end to our first year.”

Crafts on sale will range from prints and pictures, textiles and jewellery, illustration, glass and natural bath products.  There will be a free raffle for visitors to the market with a wonderful hamper of handmade gifts to win, just visit the main chamber of the Guildhall to collect your free ticket.  The winning ticket will be drawn at 3pm by Father Christmas!

The next market is on Sunday 13 December 10.30am – 3.30pm in Barnstaple Guildhall which can be accessed from Butcher Row or the door inside the Pannier Market.

 Photos above feature goods made by Silver Springs, CherOcean Skyes Designs, Martha and Hepsie and Hogwash Soap

• Barnstaple Craft Market Facebook 
• Barnstaple Town Council - Events  
• St. Anne's Arts & Community Centre - What's On

All Around North Devon with Liz Shakespeare

Those in search of an unusual present will have the opportunity to buy a personally signed book during the run-up to Christmas. Local author Liz Shakespeare, who has become well-known in the South-West as an author who brings to life the people, history and landscapes of Devon, will be signing copies of her books at several different venues. 

Her most recent book, All Around The Year, is a collection of twelve poignant stories, deeply rooted in the Devon countryside, and each linked to a month of the year from January through to December. She relied on historical research for inspiration for her previous books, The Turning of the Tide, a true story of a young Clovelly mother confined in Bideford Workhouse, Fever: A Story from a Devon Churchyard, and The Memory Be Green: An Oral History of a Devon Village. 

She is currently working on a novel based on the life of the Bideford Postman-Poet Edward Capern. Liz will be signing copies of her four books at the following venues:

• Bude Castle Christmas Fair on Sunday 29th November
• Ruby Country Market at Hatherleigh on Saturday December 5th
• South Molton Fatstock Show on Sunday December 6th
• Big Sheep Craft Market on December 12th, 19th and 23rd
• Hartland Farmers' Market on Sunday December 20th

Liz Shakespeare at Clovelly

Liz Shakespear Books

Devon Wildlife Trust wins top award for green education work

News has just been announced that Devon Wildlife Trust is the 2015 recipient of the Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Environmental Education Award.  

This award category is aimed at those who 'promote environmental education across Devon recognising schools, colleges, universities, as well as community groups and the business sector who has made a significant contribution to improving environmental education'. The award was made on Thursday night at a ceremony at the Met Office's Exeter headquarters. Devon Wildlife Trust was chosen for its Wildlife Champions programme which has inspired hundreds of children to do good works for local wildlife and wild places. 

Wildlife Champions works with local schools where it has striven not only to get young people to appreciate the beauty and importance of the natural world , but also to take practical action to help it. In the past this has meant the Trust has worked with pupils to improve their school grounds through planting wildflower meadows, creating ponds and planting trees. Each autumn Devon Wildlife Trust also organises a conference in which hundreds of Wildlife Champions gather to discuss their achievements and plans

The Trust's Paul Martin leads the Wildlife Champion initiative. He said:

"We were told that the award was given to us due to the scale of our project, the length of time that it has been running and the vision for empowering a generation of children to be able to change the world around them. We are immensely proud to have won this award! All the staff and students involved work so hard to make this project successful, so it is fantastic for them to receive this accolade." 

Devon Wildlife Trust's Paul Martin with the DEBI Award  Photo copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

Machines that Draw. Winter Artists in residence at St. Anne's Art & Community Centre, Barnstaple.

St Anne’s Arts Centre has welcomed its next artists in residence – Edmund Eva & George Baldwin, eegb drawing. The pair are the successful applicants to Septembers call for a winter artist in residence at the arts centre. Last year Ed and George both graduated from Falmouth University and have spent the last 8 months working in Belfast on an artist residency. They build machines and robots that draw. Previous work includes an interactive polargraph set inside a shipping container. When the public walked by, a sensor picked up their movement and the machine drew. This led the public to engage with the machine, inviting them to play, move and dance to affect the resulting drawing.

“We can’t wait to see what they might build or develop whilst they are at St Anne’s. I’m looking forward to visiting one of their open studio sessions to hear about their work in progress” Cllr Mrs Val Elkins, Mayor of Barnstaple

The aim of the residency is to provide a personal and professional development opportunity for an artist, helping to introduce new audiences to their art form and in turn interesting people in the building and its history. As part of the residency the artists will be opening their studio to the public, leading workshops for school groups and giving talks for groups of adults. Ed and George are hosting Open Studio sessions on 26 + 27 November, 3 + 4 December, 9 + 10 December all 11am - 7pm, it’s an opportunity to meet and chat to an artist while they are working and learn something of their creative process.

There will also be a special workshop for families on Friday 11 December from 10am – 12 noon, it’s a free drop in session to try out the artists Scribble Bots – tiny robots that race around drawing large scale pictures on the floor.

“We believe the juxtaposition of modern technology in this 14th Century chapel will refresh the space, inviting in new audiences to engage in the arts as well as the heritage of Barnstaple’s most interesting building”. Ed Eva

In 2016 St Anne’s will be offering a series of opportunities for Devon artists in any art form – visual art and sculpture, craft, music, theatre, poetry, dance or any combination of these.

“Offering our building, heritage and experience as inspiration will help us to showcase Barnstaple’s history and culture in a new way for visitors and the local community. This time round I received a fantastic range of applications, there are some wonderful artists living and working in North Devon. A call out for an artist in residence during the spring will be released in the new year.” Dion Sears, Culture and Community Development Manager

You can also sign up for the St Anne’s mailing list to keep up to date with news about events and open studio days http://eepurl.com/bwCkhX

Machines that Draw - Photos copyright eegb drawing  (All rights reserved)

Keep in Touch

St. Anne's Arts & Community Centre
Barnstaple Town Council
eegb drawing
Event Dates:

·         Open Studio sessions on 26 + 27 November, 3 + 4 December, 9 + 10 December all 11am - 7pm
·         Free Workshop for Families – Scribble Bots 11 Dec 10am – 12 noon
·         Talk with Petroc Art Students 1 Dec 1pm
·         Workshop with Park School 25 Nov 10am
·         Exhibition 14 – 24 Dec
·         Exhibition Preview 17 Dec 6.30pm

Winter Highlights. A celebration of North Devon Coast and Countryside events

Well the weather has turned, what a gloomy week, rain AND all things reality or celebrity on the TV. Thank goodness for dramatic highlights, Homeland, Unforgotten and Arne Dahl to even things out Although the sunshine has been turned off for the moment the Christmas Lights will soon be turned on around the region, Barnstaple will be first to light up in spectacular style this Sunday so get the camera or your phone at the ready. What great timing there is also a camera extravaganza at the Cedars Inn, the LiveView Photo & Optics Shows will be worth a visit, you can find out all about the latest gadgets before you go or get some advice on how to do those nights with lights shots. You’ll definitely need to be ready (photographically speaking) for the twinkling Coca-Cola truck how fantastic that it has included Barnstaple in its UK tour. The “Holidays are Coming” too at the Big Sheep who will be holding a series of events on the run up to Christmas, Farmers Markets and Craft and Gift Fairs and wacky Woolly’s Wonderland Weekends. Bideford's big switch on will be on 6th December. A little Christmas spirit for local charities is always welcome so watch out for your local seasonal events, a family friendly Christmas Fair is being held in aid of Northam Lodge on the 5th December and on the 6th December Clovelly will be switching on their Christmas Lights in aid of the R.N.L.I. Clovelly’s very busy year finishes off with their Boxing Day Barbecue on the quay. So if you want to get some fresh air ENTRANCE IS FREE into the village and there will be live music, mulled wine, and even a treasure hunt? While you are all tucking into festive fayre spare a thought for the birds and keep those feeders and water bowls topped up. 

Sunday 22nd November Barnstaple Christmas Light Switch On Sunday 22nd November from 2pm-7pm. The countdown to Christmas starts now! There's a packed programme of events planned in Barnstaple in the run up to Christmas, kicking off with the town's light switch-on event at the Square on Sunday 22 November. There's a great line-up of local talent performing live from 2pm onwards, with BRIT Award-winning BLAKE taking time out from their concert of Christmas Classics at the Queen's Theatre to switch on the town's lights. Visit website for details

Sunday 22nd November LiveView Photo & Optics Show, The Cedars Inn, Roundswell, Barnstaple Love photography? You'll love this... back by popular demand, J&A Cameras proudly welcomes you to our very own camera extravaganza, LiveView 2015! Sunday 22nd November sees us descend on The Cedars Inn at Roundswell, Barnstaple for the South West's largest photographic and optics show. If you've been thinking about a new toy for this Christmas then you're in luck, the show offers a first class view at some of the latest technology on the market with some unbeatable show prices to boot………… Special guests include Devon Wildlife Trust, cosplay group 'Troop 69' and the beautiful birds from Exmoor Hawking, who will be with us providing some fantastic photo opportunities on the day. The show runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm and admission is completely free. Parking areas will be clearly marked within the grounds of The Cedars Inn, however alternate parking is available 10 minutes walk away at Roundswell Retail Park if needed. The list of guest exhibitors are subject to change. Contact us for more information, showline 01271 375037 or visit www.jandacameras.co.uk/liveview

From 26th November Machines that Draw. Winter Artists in residence at St. Anne's Art & Community Centre, Barnstaple. St Anne's Arts Centre has welcomed its next artists in residence - Edmund Eva & George Baldwin, eegb drawing. The pair are the successful applicants to Septembers call for a winter artist in residence at the arts centre.
Open Studio sessions on 26 + 27 November, 3 + 4 December, 9 + 10 December all 11am - 7pm
· Free Workshop for Families - Scribble Bots 11 Dec 10am - 12 noon
· Talk with Petroc Art Students 1 Dec 1pm
· Workshop with Park School 25 Nov 10am
· Exhibition 14 - 24 Dec
· Exhibition Preview 17 Dec 6.30pm
View full details/read all about it-
Friday 27th November Holidays are Coming. It’s a familiar, Christmassy sight: a fleet of twinkling Coca-Cola trucks making their way across a snowy landscape. This is how you know that holidays are coming. And this year, the famous truck is coming to Barnstaple on 27th November. The trucks have become Christmassy icons since they were launched on TV in 1995. Come on down to The Square, Barnstaple on Friday 27th November, from midday until 8pm - it promises to be a great day! Visit Website for Barnstaple Events

Christmas Farmers Markets and Craft and Gift Fair at the Big Sheep, Abbotsham (5th - 23rd December) Woolly's Wonderland Weekends from 5th December and Daily from 19th - 24th December + Visit Website for details

Saturday 5th December Family Friendly Christmas Fair from 12noon to 3.30pm at Northam Lodge Rose Hill, Heywood Road, Bideford EX39 3PG. A family friendly Christmas Fair with stalls, a raffle, refreshments and Father Christmas will be in his Grotto. Please come along and support your local charity. IN AID OF Northam Lodge. Contact Email: annabelcope@northamlodge.co.uk - Website: northamlodge.co.uk

Saturday 5th December Ruby Country Market Hatherleigh Market. Large Festive Market selling "all kinds of everything" with music and attractions. 9am-2pm. www.rubycountrymarket.co.uk

Sunday 6th December Bideford Christmas Lights Switch On 5pm - Click here for details

Sunday 6th December Clovelly Christmas Lights 3:30 pm, in aid of the R.N.L.I. Christmas is a magical time at Clovelly. A local brass brand leads the procession down to the harbour and accompanies festive Christmas carols sung by a local choir. A hog roast, punch, and mince pies follow and Father Christmas makes a surprise visit. At about 5 pm the switch is thrown and the entire village and harbour are lit up. It's a fantastic sight and there's a grand finale of fireworks to finish off

Saturday 12th December Frank Sinatra Tribute Evening. The Westward Ho! Music Community are celebrating the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra by organising a special Tribute Evening at the Bideford Football Club, Robin's Nest in aid of Dr Robin Buckland Children's Holiday Foundation North Devon - Against Domestic Abuse and Winston's Wish Charities.
This special Christmas Sinatra Night Celebration will feature music by RAT PACK PETE and Kasey & Magi’s Magic Karaoke Ensemble supported by members of local singing groups.

The show starts at 7.00pm through until midnight – an open buffet, Rat Pack Pete, Karaoke and Dancing, guest singers and a Champagne Ticket Draw and ample parking.
For further information about tickets call 01237 474 974 or email noahsark@uku.co.uk etc visit https://www.facebook.com/The-Sinatra-Challenge-40874734599…/

Friday 26 December Clovelly Boxing Day Barbecue 12.30 to 3pm at Clovelly Harbour. Join us for our Boxing Day Barbecue on the quay at Clovelly, with FREE entrance into the village. Why not enjoy a walk on the estate then come along to the barbecue where there will be live music, mulled wine, and even a treasure hunt? It will make the perfect follow-up to your own family day.
Contact: Tel: 01237 431781. www.clovelly.co.uk No admission charges:
 
For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal  

Home is where the birds are -  Photo Copyright P. Adams (All rights reserved)

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North Devon Tourist Information Centres
Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 9LS
Bideford Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road, Bideford, EX39 2QQ 
Braunton Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1AA
Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 ODH 
Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre: The Memorial Hall, Holsworthy, 
Torrington Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington   
lfracombe Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9BX
Lynton Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6HT T
South Molton Tourist Information  1 East Street, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BU 
Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7DL 
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