North Devon Coast and Country Chronicle

Monday 24 August 2015

"Britain’s Best Holiday Park". August Bank Holiday celebrations at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

Join Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in Devon this August Bank Holiday when it celebrates scooping the title of Britain’s Best Holiday Park.

Its flagship Park, Golden Coast, beat off stiff competition to achieve this prestigious award and a wealth of celebrations will be taking place at August Bank Holiday when the trophy is presented by the organisers of the contest, Towergate Insurance.

A party atmosphere will prevail and guests will enjoy live music, an award ceremony, fun entertainment - including a bouncy castle and games and activities for the children - along with an evening firework extravaganza.

To mark the achievement, the company is highlighting two-night bank holiday breaks - starting on 29 August - at the extra special on-line price of just £199 for a party of up to six people - equating to less than £34 each - staying in a Bronze villa or apartment.

In addition to enjoying the above celebratory activities, guests can also enjoy 40 free facilities including heated indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor water play areas, tennis, fishing, a cinema, plus children’s clubs and nightly entertainment. Other facilities, payable, include a surfing simulator, a high ropes course, 10-pin bowling and a 3D cinema.

0843 208 0368, www.woolacombe.co.uk

Lobster & Crab Feast. Time to enjoy a fun-filled day down along Clovelly.

Come and enjoy a fun-filled day out for the whole family, in celebration of Clovelly's famous lobsters and crabs, sustainably caught by local fishermen. The Lobster & Crab Feast will be at Clovelly Harbour from 10am to 5pm on Sunday 6th September

There'll be live folk music, cookery demonstrations, a prize draw for a magnum of champagne, local food and craft stalls, including plenty of freshly cooked lobsters and crabs, and beer tasting. Children will be kept entertained by street theatre, walkabout magic, balloon modelling and event-themed craft activities provided by The National Trust.

You can choose from a variety of crab and lobster dishes cooked on the quay or book a table at the Red Lion Harbour Restaurant and dine on delicious lobster and seafood platters.

The day is in aid of the National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, who will be exhibiting some of their baby lobsters prior to their release into Clovelly Bay at the end of the day. You can even adopt a baby lobster, as well as learning about how they are raised in captivity and then released into the sea. http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/

Standard admission charges include all entertainment

For more information Contact: Clovelly Visitor Centre. Tel: 01237 431781. or visit http://www.clovelly.co.uk

Monday 17 August 2015

Free Public Screening Event Launches Boat Stories Short Film Series

It is time to roll out the red carpet for the series premiere of Boat Stories - ten short films featuring local characters whose lives revolve around boats and fishing in North Devon. Local film maker Jo Stewart-Smith has joined forces with community film making organisation North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) to tell ten different boat stories. From traditional salmon fishing to the Lundy ferry and from Clovelly to Ilfracombe Jo sought out stories of heritage, politics, sport and family to create a valuable snapshot of life in North Devon today. As the project comes to a close and the final film sails out of the editing suite it is time to celebrate Boat Stories with a free screening event at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on Friday 4 September 2015 at 7.30pm. Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of NDMI is delighted with the project "Jo has worked extremely hard on Boat Stories. From a chance meeting on Woolacombe beach two years ago to this fabulous series of local social documentary films we certainly have a journey to celebrate."
"Boat Stories has been much more than just a film making exercise. Jo has also kept the public up to date with the project in her frequent blogs and photos on the Boat Stories website and this in itself is a great local resource. Additionally, I've been very strict about NDMI's 5 minute running time policy and some of Jo's interviews were too good to end up on the cutting room floor so we have posted the best video clips on the website." Jo also did a great job of keeping it local, another rigid NDMI rule. She says that one of the best things about working on the project was the opportunity to work with new filmmakers. "Boat Stories was made by four different locally-based freelance cameramen, we had several young talent assistants on camera and sound and we worked with a different local musician for each film."
Jo adds "The biggest highlight though, was the people I met: fishermen, skippers, crews and scientists or conservationists - being welcomed on board for a few hours or whole days and being given a privileged peek into a new world."
"There were lows too: including losing a camera over the cliff on Lundy island on the first day of our three day visit and realising we'd have to wait till the following year to complete the film. On other films we cancelled trips for bad weather and lack of fish, had a couple of seasick cameraman and technical issues with film equipment, but the shows went on!"
Chrissie Ingle, Project Development Officer at North Devon + says "The Boats stories films have shown how intrinsically linked north Devonians are to the sea. These short films, supported by the Northern Devon FLAG, pack a lot into 5 minutes and are funny, engaging and, most importantly, informative. I thoroughly recommend going along to the showing of the films as part of the ‘Sea Ilfracombe’ and ‘Fishtival’ events, they are a treat to see. "
The Boat Stories Premiere is the launch event for Sea Ilfracombe 2015 - a weekend of celebrating all things maritime from 4-6 September. Although this is a free event, tickets must be reserved via the North Devon Theatres box office.

http://www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk/

Friday 7 August 2015

Clovelly Lectures “The Rise and Rise of China” Speaker Jonathan Fenby CBE

Clovelly Lectures runs a lecture forum on World Affairs, International Relations, Security & Defence and Science & Technology. The venue of this Forum is Clovelly on the stunning coastline of North Devon; a soft background to ask hard questions.

It seeks to provide a global positioning of British relationships and influences, with an emphasis on and analysis of Government policy and its direct impact on British lives.

Clovelly Lectures is an effort to introduce a platform for ideas and events which shape the world; a filter to create clarity and explain significances. Focusing on what is important, interesting and often ignored, it is a platform providing information for making informed choices.

Now in its 4th year, Clovelly Lectures has found in Devon a responsive audience. There is a curiosity and interest in listening and discussing matters that affect our lives in a fast, changing and confusing economic and political world. The attendance at these lectures has been enthusiastic and overwhelming. Clovelly Lectures has a fast growing audience, a wide participation and is becoming oversubscribed. This has been invigorating, encouraging us to think that we must be doing something right.

http://www.clovelly.co.uk/clovelly-events/clovelly-lectures-rise-and-rise-china

Our latest lecture takes place on SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26th 2015 and our eminent speaker is JONATHAN FENBY CBE, founding partner and Managing Director of the China Team at Trusted Sources, a journalist and writer of many books. A media point of view on China was thought to provide an analysis which would be free of all the normal constraints. Although the world's most populated nation has a chequered history, Fenby will be speaking on China's new importance as an increasingly significant global force. With an emphasis on China’s relationship and history with Britain and our mutual interests, Fenby promises to deliver a unique and coherent picture of China’s essence and evolution, contemplating its future - both alone and connected to the world.

For tickets to this exciting event or for more information, please contact; clovellylectures11@gmail.com or phone 01237 431200.

Tuesday 4 August 2015

Move to protect Devon's endangered mussels

New conservation project to protect rare and endangered freshwater pearl mussels One of the UK's rarest wildlife species is set to get extra help in one of its last strongholds in north Devon. Devon Wildlife Trust has recently launched a project to safeguard our freshwater pearl mussels on the river Torridge. The river Torridge has the 4th largest remaining population in England, but the mussels are threatened due to the poor health of our watercourses.

This Biffa Award funded project, with the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) as the lead partner organisation, will be looking at methods to protect and enhance our existing populations as well as offering support and advice to landowners and communities for methods of reducing river pollution. Gillian French, Biffa Award Programme Manager said "This project is an exciting opportunity to save one of the most long-lived animals from extinction; the freshwater pearl mussel can live for more than 100 years and is internationally protected".

The project will run for three years and is part of a broader approach to improve water quality and river health in north Devon. Izzy Moser, the new Freshwater Pearl Mussel Officer said 'Thriving freshwater pearl mussel populations are a good indicator of healthy watercourses. Healthy watercourses are vital for providing clean drinking water, maintaining biodiversity, supporting local fisheries and communities and meeting the new stringent standards for bathing waters'

Freshwater pearl mussels are a long-lived species with a fascinating lifecycle, of which part is spent attached to the gills of Atlantic salmon and brown trout. These long-lived mussels were once numerous across Devon and much of the UK, however, they are not thought to have bred successfully in the river Torridge since the 1960's and as a result, are in serious decline.

A small amount of money is available for workshops, one to one advice and grants for habitat improvement work or farm infrastructure enhancements. The overall aim of these workshops and grants is to reduce the amount of sediments, nitrates and phosphates entering the watercourse, therefore improving water quality.

The Devon Wildlife Trust project incorporates a range of partners including Westcountry Rivers Trust, North Devon Biosphere Reserve and the Environment Agency. Together, these teams will be working to monitor populations, enhance reproduction and improve water quality.

Project officer Izzy Moser is now calling on landowners and farmers, particularly those who farm along the main River Torridge to get in touch for advice on riparian management and the potential for grant support. If you would like to find out more, or are interested in getting involved, please email Izzy at imoser@devonwildelifetrust.org

Friday 31 July 2015

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

Lazy days of Summer, not if you're organising an event in North Devon. There is a lot happening around Bideford Bay with Gig Racing and Lifeboat Weekend down along Clovelly and once again those crazy aviators will be flinging themselves off the pier at Ilfracombe. Hartland Abbey are hosting their outdoor theatre season for those who enjoy somewhat quieter, more refined entertainment. Kid's favourite cheeky little piggy, Peppa Pig, is back by popular demand and will be visiting The BIG Sheep, on Bank Holiday Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August. Meanwhile over at Great Torrington the Torrington Cavaliers have been putting the finishing touches to their replica of "Trumpton", the village from the popular children's BBC TV series in the 1960s. Amazingly after all their hard work they will be burning it to the ground on the 29th August, all for charity of course. It's carnival time for Appledore and many of the villages around and 2015 marks the 130th Appledore & Instow Regatta which is running from 30th July until the 17th August. Finally if you have read the book or seen the film and would love to see the place that inspired ‎Michael Morpurgo's War Horse then pop over to Iddesleigh and join The Parish Walk - War Horse Valley.

Saturday 1st August Clovelly Gig Regatta. Gig racing is exciting and strenuous, with crews reaching speeds of nine knots in North Devon's powerful tidal waters. You're assured and exhilarating day's racing. So come along and cheer on the brave crews!
Saturday 1st August The South West Birdman Competition sees crazy aviators and would-be pilots hurl themselves off Ilfracombe Pier into the icy waters below - all hoping to "fly" the furthest and be crowned champion of the event. Visit Website for details
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August Lifeboat Weekend, in aid of the R.N.L.I. This popular event is a celebration of the Clovelly lifeboat. The Lifeboat House will be open to visitors. On Saturday afternoon there will be a sponsored swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly, followed by a barbecue. Sunday will be a fun-packed family day with games, competitions, entertainments, food and drink and music. During the day the Clovelly lifeboat will be launched and in the evening there will be a curry, quiz and live music.
Tuesday 11th August 5pm Illyria Theatre - The Sorcerer's Apprentice at Hartland Abbey. The original boy-wizard story was most famously told in Disney's Fantasia, where the title role was played by Mickey Mouse! Bored of chores, the apprentice waves a wand and a broom magically fetches water. But what is the spell to make it stop? In desperation he saws it in half and everything spirals out of control… This show features the original music by Paul Dukas (as used in Fantasia); more water then you have EVER seen in a play before; and eye-popping magical illusions designed by the world famous illusionist Paul Daniels. Exciting, magical family fun for all ages 5+! Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
16th August Appledore Carnival Visit website for details
Tuesday 18th August 5pm Cambridge Touring Theatre - Robin Hood, The Musical at Hartland Abbey. "Most enjoyable. ...colourful costumes ...an extremely funny and lively family show. The Stage. Come and have a joyful, fun-filled time with your family as you watch this hilarious musical show full our usual zest and vim! Boys and girls are invited to come along dressed in their best Sherwood fashion. Robin? Marian? Sheriff? Knights? You'll meet them all.
Pre Performance Workshop There is a 45 minute drama workshop where your child can play theatre games with the actors. Age 5-10. Please check with the ticket office whether the workshop will be running and whether there is availability. Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
Tuesday 25th August 7pm Illyria Theatre - The Three Musketeers at Hartland Abbey. All for One - and One for All! Young D'Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King's Guard. To prove himself he plunges headlong into a thrilling adventure to restore the Queen's honour, survive the machinations of scheming Cardinal Richelieu, race the clock to save the hapless Mme Bonancieux and cross swords with the deadly Milady de Winter. Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of excitement, broad comedy and ingenious story-telling. Romance! Swashbuckling! Intrigue! Murder! Betrayal! Revenge...! It's got the lot! Suitable 8+ Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
Saturday 29th August Great Torrington Cavaliers charity bonfire and firework spectacular. The Great Torrington Cavaliers have built a replica of "Trumpton", the village from the popular children's BBC TV series in the 1960s. The village scene features all the famous buildings including Trumpton town hall, the fire station and most importantly, a working version of Windy Millers windmill! Visit website for details
Monday 31st August 7pm Heartbreak Theatre - Emma by Jane Austen at Hartland Abbey. In true Heartbreak style, the adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Emma' is introduced and performed by a group of artists who tell the story in the hope that the Romantic nature of Austen's writing inspires their portraiture and landscape skills. Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
Sunday 30th August Parish Walk around War Horse Valley. A circular guided very interesting walk through War Horse Valley on PRIVATE LAND finishing with a cream tea, approximately 4 miles long and is estimated to take 2hours. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Anyone unable to walk is invited to come for a cream tea, there will be plenty of car parking. Adults £5 to include cream tea, grand draw, excellent prizes. From Parsonage Farm Iddesleigh EX19 8SN. IN AID OF: The Friends of St James Iddesleigh. Contact suefolland@hotmailco.uk. Tel: 01805 804347

For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal

http://www.thenorthdevonfocus.co.uk/Coast%20and%20Country%20Chronicle.htm

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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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Click here to add an event go to North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle Community Calendar
(We advise that you check with venues to ensure events are taking place, to confirm details dates & times)

Thursday 30 July 2015

Meet the Author. Bideford's Liz Shakespeare will be out and about this Summer

The name of Liz Shakespeare has become well-known in the South-West as an author who brings to life the people, history and landscapes of Devon.

Liz was born and brought up in Bideford and has a long Devon ancestry which she feels has given her a good understanding of Devon and its people. 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. For each story, she has created a character whose life is influenced by the landscape around them. With stories set in North, South and Mid-Devon, All Around The Year is popular throughout the South-West and beyond.

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 Launceston Show on 30th July, in the Crafts and Gifts Marquee at the North Devon Show on August 5th, Okehampton Show on August 13th, Chagford Show on August 27th, Holsworthy Show on August 27th and Clovelly Crab and Lobster Festival on September 6th.

Further details of Liz’s books can be found on her website www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

Animal believed to be extinct for 150 years found living in Devon

An animal that has only been recorded once in the UK before and was thought to be extinct has been found alive and well living on a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve.

The fly, Rhaphium pectinatum, was last recorded on 19 July 1868 when the renowned Victorian entomologist George Verrall caught a male and female at Richmond in Surrey. In the decades since it was presumed that the fly was extinct, but now, nearly 150 years later it has been spotted again, this time at Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge beds nature reserve, near Exeter. The remarkable discovery was made by expert naturalist Rob Wolton who is a member of the Devon Fly Group and the Dipterists Forum which specialises in the study of flies.

Rob said: 'I took a recent trip to Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve on the outskirts of Exeter specifically to look for flies. Imagine my surprise when I examined my catch that evening to find it included a fly that was presumed extinct in Britain, not having been seen for 147 years! Definitely one to add to the list of Devon specialities.'

Little is known about the handsome, metallic green coloured fly, apart from that it is part of the family Dolichopidiae, a group which is known as long-legged flies. Most members of the family live in tropical areas of the world. Rob explained: '

The only other record of the fly was found near Richmond in London in 1868. Nothing is known about its biology, but it seems that it may like brackish (salty) conditions like those found at the Old Sludge Beds, and may even be associated with the extensive tidal reed beds nearby at the head of the Exe Estuary. Finding the fly here demonstrates the importance of the work the Devon Wildlife Trust does looking after these unusual and special habitats. 'Flies don't always have the best press, but Rob was quick to point out the critical part they play in all our lives:

'To most people, the only good fly is a dead one! Only a tiny proportion of the flies in Britain are pests, while many are important for pollination and for ensuring efficient recycling of the nutrients in dead plant material. And they are an important part of the food web - many of our birds rely on them. Without flies, there would be no swallows, and not many bats! Nor, incidentally, would we have any chocolate - the cacao tree is pollinated by midges, a kind of fly!'

The fly has made its home at Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. The five hectare site is situated between the River Exe and the Exeter Canal. Until 1969 it was used as a place where Exeter's sewage sediment was stored. Since 1979 The Trust has managed the place as a nature reserve for people and wildlife.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said: 'So often we have to break the news of species that are disappearing, so it's good to be able to announce the discovery of an animal that was thought to be extinct. This is a very exciting find for Devon Wildlife Trust. We've worked hard at the Old Sludge Beds nature reserve in recent years to maintain a patchwork of reed beds, ponds and lagoons which now provide a home to local wildlife including rare dragonflies, birds and amphibians. The presence of this special fly means that we must be doing something right in supporting many of the species that make our county so special.'

Wednesday 29 July 2015

Unique opportunity to walk on Private Land around War Horse Valley, Iddesleigh

Please come and join the Friends of St. James at Iddesleigh for The Parish Walk on 30th August. This is a unique opportunity to walk on private land around War Horse Valley. The walk will be a circular one, starting at Parsonage Farm which is in the heart of War Horse Valley and home to the War Horse Museum and will include: Bridge Town, on to where the rivers Torridge and Ockment join, along the marshes beside the Ockment to Nethercott Barton and finishing at Parsonage Farm for a cream tea and to enjoy the beautifull views of War Horse Valley.

Willing participants must meet at Parsonage Farm, Iddesleigh, EX19 8SN, where there will be plenty of car parking available, for a PROMPT 2pm start. Please note that this walk will be a guided one in groups, is approximately 4 miles long and is estimated to take 2 hours. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome and sensible footwear is advisable.
Anyone unable to walk is invited to come for a Cream Tea, there will be a Grand Draw with exellent prizes, directions will be signed from Iddesleigh.

Visit the place that inspired Michael Morpurgo to write "War Horse"

THE PARISH WALK - WAR HORSE VALLEY, IDDESLEIGH

SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 2PM START

For more information Tel: 01805 804347

ADULTS £5 to include Cream Tea
ALL PROCEEDS FOR THE FRIENDS OF ST JAMES IDDESLEIGH

War Horse Museum. includes a World War I Exhibition alongside a War Horse Exhibition. World War I artifacts and information help show the effect the war had on this part of Devon and the invaluable part horses played in the conflict.

Experience life at sea and the exhilarating pleasure of sailing aboard an historic trading Ketch

Experience life at sea and the exhilarating pleasure of sailing aboard the historic vessel, Irene, along the stunning coastline of Clovelly or to Lundy Island this September. Enjoy lending the crew a hand by hoisting and trimming sails, and steering the ship. No experience necessary - just come along for the fun!

'Irene' was launched over 100 years ago at Bridgwater, Somerset and is a "West Country trading ketch", designed to be beached along river banks so loads could be easily transferred to horse-drawn carts.

SEPTEMBER SAILINGS: Starting on the day of the Clovelly Lobster & Crab Feast on Sunday 6 September to Saturday 26 September :

Bideford Bay Day Sails
Join the crew and experience sailing a traditional West Country trading ketch or just relax and enjoy the trip along the beautiful coastline. Lunch included.

Overnight to Lundy Island at weekends
Sail from Clovelly to Lundy and explore the island, full of wildlife and wonderful scenery. Then dine and sleep aboard 'Irene' overnight. On the Sunday you will experience the RNLI performing a mock rescue on board before sailing back to Clovelly.

Below decks 'Irene' is fitted with cosy and comfortable en-suite cabins each with double and single bunks. Meals included (delicious food with locally sourced ingredients).

http://www.clovelly.co.uk/clovelly-events

Bookings
All voyages are subject to weather conditions and must be booked in advance. Deposits are required (only refundable in case of bad weather) and travel insurance is necessary for overnight voyages.

For information and to book your place/s, please contact the Skipper, Charles Robertson on 07896 215213 or email charles-robertson@live.co.uk.

Click here for details of the sailing schedule

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Outstanding. 4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

Suddenly it’s summer and time for adventure weekends away with mates or action-packed family holidays and where better to experience the very best of coast and countryside activities than Bideford Bay and the North Devon Gold Coast. The lively resort of Woolacombe is most famous for surfing and its award winning beach. Three miles of golden sand stretching out between two National Trust promontories, Baggy Point and Morte Point. High above Woolacombe is the picturesque village of Mortehoe, steeped in history and a perfect location for nature lovers hoping to explore the South West Coast Path and Morte Point. There is a wide variety of accommodation on offer including camping and touring, value and luxury caravans for hire with panoramic sea views, self catering holiday lodges, farmhouses, apartments, villas and bungalows. We know the kids love the beach but even they can get a little bored building sandcastles and rock-pooling but if you stay in one of the four seaside Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks you’re free to use the facilities on all four. You and the family can choose from over 40 FREE activities and there is even a bus service between the Parks and down to the beach. Happy Holidays!

4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

1. Golden Coast. Situated at the head of a picturesque valley, the Park is a resort within itself, perfect for countryside walks with all the facilities you could dream of to keep all ages entertained from dusk to dawn. Outstanding leisure facilities and activities. A wide choice of holiday accommodation, camping and touring. Sports Complex with surfing simulator, high ropes course, climbing wall, adventure play areas and more!

2. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Village In an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the sea. Caravan holiday homes and stunning camping site. Excellent facilities and activities. Packed full of fun and overlooking the beach, this lively Park enjoys magnificent views across the bay and offers excellent facilities and activities to satisfy all ages including pitch & putt, adventure golf, a 9-hole family golf course and tennis courts will provide hours of free fun for everyone. Plus any weather bowling, volleyball or just have a kick around on the sports field.

3. Easewell Farm Ideally placed for exploring North Devon, the Park is in a great location nestled amidst glorious National Parkland. The Park is home to the Woolacombe & Mortehoe Golf Club, a comprehensive 9-hole course affiliated to the Golfer’s Union. Farm cottages, camping & touring with superb leisure facilities. A haven of peace and tranquillity with unforgettable views over the surrounding countryside and Woolacombe Bay.

4. Twitchen House An Edwardian manor house is at the heart of the Park, set in acres of picturesque woodland beside a sleepy Devon lane that meanders down to the village of Mortehoe. Twitchen House is an ideal haven for leisurely holidays. It is also perfect for ‘outdoorsy’ types with plenty of sports action. You can brave the 24ft climbing wall, cast out at the fishing pond or head over to the crazy golf. This pretty Park is surrounded by miles of National Trust parkland with its own footpath down to the sea and those three miles of golden sand.

Visit Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks website for details & the latest Offers
Tel: 0843 2080 377

Wednesday 8 July 2015

Dartmoor jewel becomes new nature reserve

70 hectares of wildlife-rich land close to one of Dartmoor's most popular recreation sites is set to become a brand new nature reserve thanks to a partnership between Devon Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission. The nature reserve, which is to be called Bellever Moor and Meadow, is owned by the Forestry Commission and is close to the moorland village of Postbridge and the well-known Bellever Forest picnic site. The land, which is made up of a patchwork of traditional hay-meadows, wet grassland and moorland, is set to become the latest of nearly 50 nature reserves cared for by local charity, the Devon Wildlife Trust. Bellever Moor and Meadow has been leased to Devon Wildlife Trust by the Forestry Commission under a 25 year management agreement. The Forestry Commission identified the opportunity for the land to be managed more effectively for wildlife and approached Devon Wildlife Trust to propose the partnership agreement. It will be open to the public to explore and enjoy for free, 365 days a year. And like all of Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserves, it will be managed as a haven for local wildlife.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Nature Reserves Manager, Matt Boydell, was part of the team that worked with the Forestry Commission to agree the lease. He said: "Bellever Moor and Meadow is a stunning site and provides a wonderful opportunity for Devon Wildlife Trust to become more actively involved in the very heart of Dartmoor. The nature reserve also gives us a chance to put the skills we've gained over the last 20 years in restoring and re-creating grassland to use on Dartmoor in the restoration of nationally rare upland hay meadows."
Robert Harris, Land Agent at the Forestry Commission said: "We are delighted that Devon Wildlife Trust agreed to take on the management of this area and look forward to working with them. We will continue to manage Bellever Forest, which is also rich with wildlife as well as archaeological features, so the whole area will be managed effectively as part of the wider Dartmoor landscape." It will be the job of Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve officer Ian Chadwick to look after the new site day-to-day. Ian has more than ten years of experience managing wildlife reserves in the South West. Ian said: "This really is exciting! It's a jewel of a place. Over the next few months we will ensure we get out on to the nature reserve as much as is possible and to start to develop an understanding of the plant and other species currently found there. It will also be an opportunity to speak with local people and find out more about the history and potential of this stunning location."
Matt Boydell looked ahead to an exciting future. He said: "The wildlife value of the nature reserve is already good. Parts of it are rich in wildflowers which were once much more common across the moor. Plants such as eyebright, heath spotted orchids, southern marsh orchids, ragged robin and yellow hay rattle are all there. In other parts of the nature reserve our plan is to restore a network of traditionally managed hay meadows. In turn these will attract insects, birds and mammals including bees, butterflies, bats and barn owls. It's a very exciting project."
Bellever Moor and Meadow nature reserve is located close to the Bellever Youth Hostel, near Postbridge, Dartmoor. Visitors are welcome but paths are rough and as yet unmarked. This reflects the newness of the site and Devon Wildlife Trust's desire to keep the place as part of Dartmoor's wild landscape.

Monday 6 July 2015

Maritime Fun and a Gun Run.

Since 1912 The Royal Navy’s Interport Field Gun Competition, inspired by the exploits of a Naval Brigade during the Boer War in 1899, took place during the Royal Tournament. In 1989, Jim Cory, then a civilian instructor with 326 Hartland Squadron, single handedly built a replica field gun out of scrap metal and old car wheels for use by the cadets as it is easy to dismantle and reassemble.

It had its first outing on the playing fields at Hartland and was an instant success with locals. In the early 1990’s a ‘Gun Run’ took place in Clovelly, with the cadets pulling the gun up the street and ‘race’ times were recorded. Last year, the cadets resurrected the tradition and are hoping to make the ‘Clovelly Gun Run’ an annual event. This year, two teams will take it in turn to manhandle this weighty gun from the Harbour to the Fountain at the start of Clovelly’s annual Maritime Festival!

Come along and support the cadets as they try and beat last year’s race time. It really is an amazing sight of hard work and dedication!

http://www.clovelly.co.uk/clovelly-events/clovelly-maritime-festival-aid-n-devon-hospice-10th-anniversary

Clovelly Maritime Festival, 10th Anniversary in aid of the North Devon Hospice, 19 July 2015 at Clovelly Harbour 10 am to 5 pm Contact: Tel: 01237 431781. www.clovelly.co.uk
Photos Clovelly Gun Run 2014 copyright Hartland ATC (All rights reserved)

Tuesday 30 June 2015

'Bat cam' provides unique view of rare animals

Viewers of a very different kind of reality TV have been going batty in recent weeks. People tuning into a live webcam of a greater horseshoe bat roost have seen hundreds of the rare animals appearing on screen at one time. The bat cam is beaming live pictures around the world from an undisclosed greater horseshoe bat roost in South Devon. The camera was specially installed last winter as part of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project - a 5 year Heritage Lottery Funded initiative which is working towards sustaining Devon's population of these threatened nocturnal animals.

Ed Parr Ferris is manager of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project and said: 'The bat cam is playing a key role showing as many people as possible what fascinating creatures bats are. By logging on to our website http://www.devonbatproject.org and watching the live footage, people can get a unique and intimate view into the lives of these wonderful animals.'

Colin Morris, Reserves Manager for The Vincent Wildlife Trust which owns and manages the site and is a partner in the project, said: 'The bats are very active at this time of year - people should keep their eyes peeled as the female greater horseshoes are now giving birth. While difficult to see during daytime, the new-born pups are left on their own once the adults go out to hunt at night time. The coming days should see some drama as a succession of baby bats appear on screen!'

Greater horseshoe bats have seen their numbers plummet by over 90% in the last 100 years. Today Devon remains a stronghold of the endangered species with about a third of the UK population thought to be surviving in the county. The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project hopes to reverse the species' decline. Over the coming years it will be working with local landowners, farmers and communities across Devon ensuring that Devon remains a place which offers greater horseshoe bats the room to live and flourish.

Ed Parr Ferris said: 'Devon still offers an important home to this rare and fascinating bat. We're lucky that we have kept some of the kinds of landscapes they love - especially the patchwork of small cattle-grazed fields, hedgerows and woodlands. It is this type of countryside which still provides flight paths and rich feeding grounds for greater horseshoes. Of course, it is also this kind of landscape which makes Devon such a special place for us to live too.'

About Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Devon is the northern European stronghold for greater horseshoe bats whose populations have fallen by over 90% in the last 100 years. The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project is a partnership project of 15 organisations across Devon hosted and led by Devon Wildlife Trust

It's Show Time. A celebration of North Devon Coast and Countryside events

The sun is out, perfect for Hartland Abbey's outdoor theatre performances. Let's hope the weather holds fast for Clovelly's Maritime Festival and the Woolsery Agricultural Show a real celebration of what's great about the coast and countryside, a delightful way to experience the area's age old traditions. A host of TV characters, an Abba Tribute Night, Toddler Takeover Day and a Great British Bake Off, are just a couple of the fun events at the Big Sheep. Summer fairs and fetes and special fund raising charity events abound around local villages and towns. We have highlighted just a few of the North Devon events this month but use the local press and tourist information links below to check what's on elsewhere around the region.

Friday 3rd July ABBA Tribute Night at the Big Sheep. Are you a ‘Dancing Queen’ and fancy becoming a ‘Super Trouper’ for an evening?’ – if so, why not ‘Take a Chance,’ and come and enjoy what promises to be one of the best night’s out in North Devon this year. An ABBA REUNION will be taking place in The EWE2 arena at The BIG Sheep family attraction in Bideford on Friday 3rd July at 7.30pm. Doors and bar will open at 7pm. Click here for the Big Sheep Website

Sunday 5th July The Great North Devon Bake Off at the Big Sheep. Help raise money for Starfish Community Charity. Can you bake the perfect cake? Would you like to be this year’s Ultimate Champion? Why not put your sensational skills to the test be entering? Professional, amateur and junior bakers are invited to enter up to 5 categories: Click here for the Big Sheep Website

10th July Charity Tandem Skydive 2pm at Honiiton Airfield Devon. Tandem Skydive for the brain tumour charity I'm memory of my husband Vince who lost his life to a brain tumour on 19/1/2015 aged 49. In aid of BRAIN TUMOUR CHARITY Contact: gwyneth62@hotmail.co.uk. Click here for The Brain Tumour Charity Just Giving Website

Friday July 10th 7pm The Rude Mechanical Theatre - The Comedy of Babi Babbett at Hartland Abbey Set in Islington in 1793 it is an out and out farce in the classic commedia dell'arte style and probably the funniest of all their plays."Rich men are very attractive. There's nothing so romantic as the creak in the moonlight of a chequebook opening." Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre

Sunday 12th July Enjoy a day out and see George Pig. Peppa Pig’s little brother, George, will be coming to the BIG Sheep family attraction in North Devon to see his fans Click here for the Big Sheep Website

Thursday 16th July Toddler Take Over at the Big Sheep. Clowning Around will be an action packed day with balloon modelling, hula hooping, bubbles and children can make their own clown hat to take home and face painted as a clown. As well as clowning around all day, the toddlers will be able to enjoy The BIG Sheep’s resident clown Vaughan perform some clown tricks. Toddlers who come dressed as a clown will gain FREE entry to the park. Click here for the Big Sheep Website

Sunday 19th July 7pm Illyria Theatre - Iolanthe at Hartland Abbey. Gilbert and Sullivan's most magical comic opera is set half in Fairyland, half in Westminster. Its surprisingly topical satire pokes fun at Love, Class and Politics - and on how people from different backgrounds form uneasy coalitions…. Many believe its sumptuous harmonies to be the most beautiful Sullivan wrote. It gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast with live piano accompaniment. Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre

Sunday 19th July Majorettes Day.. As well as all the usual BIG Sheep fun, on Sunday 19th July, you'll be able to watch 4 troupes compete in superb choreographed dance routine they will have practiced for the past 6 months. See the skillful Baton Twirling and fun Pom Pom Displays. Click here for the Big Sheep Website

Sunday 19th July Clovelly Maritime Festival in aid of the N. Devon Hospice. 10th Anniversary. Clovelly Harbour 10 am to 5 pm. The day will be full of fun and packed with a programme of activities and entertainment for all ages. There'll be lively music, crafty creations and family activities throughout the day, including a workshop all about exploring the great outdoors, along with a Pirate Parade, maritime storytelling, Punch and Judy, and street theatre. On the quay there will be seafood kitchens and arts and crafts. Free entry for under 16s if they come dressed as a pirate or salty seadog, mermaid or fishwife.*** Hartland ATC will now be doing a Gun Run up the cobbles from the harbour to Victoria Fountain starting at about 09:30.

Sunday 26th July See The Gruffallo at the Big Sheep. The Gruffalo will be making appearances at The BIG Sheep at intervals between 11am and 3.30pm for children and families to say “hello”. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Click here for the Big Sheep Website

Sunday 26th July Rotary Club's Bideford Water Festival with Bungee Jumping. Also Appledore and Instow Ferry attendance, Paddle boards, Skern Lodge power boat rides and the RNLI will make an appearance depending on operational demands! Quay Events, Fun Fair, Food. Visit Website for details

Monday 27th July Woolsery Agricultural Show at Clovelly Court in aid of various charities. A highly popular summer show. Classes include crafts, cattle and sheep. There will be horse and pony competitions, vintage farm machinery, trade stalls offering locally made crafts and food, fairground rides, a bouncy castle and the Young Farmers' 'It's a knockout'. A great day out for all the family!

Wednesday 29th July 2pm Family Arts Afternoon At Hartland Abbey. Most activities free - some may have a small additional charge. A chance for all the family to try a wacky range of arts related activities in the beautiful grounds of Hartland Abbey. Fun creative activities will include a character treasure hunt, 'through the portal' story-making with Celia Busby, willow sculpting, tree of hands, fancy dress races, kite making, inventions, nature frames, pottery, storytelling, drama, and many more…. See website or call box office for more details. Then stay on to see Mr Stink at 5pm! Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre

Wednesday 29th July 5pm Heartbreak Theatre - Mr Stink' by David Walliams at Hartland Abbey. On a perfectly average afternoon, two restless souls unite on a bench in an average English town - one of them the lonely 12 year old Chloe and the other an incredibly smelly homeless man. Oh, and let's not forget his loyal dog, the Duchess. Acting upon her curiosity and responding to her kindness, Chloe and Mr. Stink forge an extraordinary and rewarding friendship that takes them to the heady heights of live television and Downing Street via a garden shed. An outdoor show packed with fun, humour and a heart-warming message, Heartbreak Productions' adaptation of Mr Stink from the infamous novel by David Walliams is suitable for the whole family to enjoy together. Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre

Thursday 30th July 7pm Jazz at The Abbey - Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen & Special Guest Tina May at Hartland Abbey. Swing's the Thing' direct from Ronnie Scott's to Hartland Abbey! Ten-time winners of 'Top Small Group' in the prestigious British Jazz Awards (2014) this all star group - led by the legendary Digby Fairweather - promises you an unforgettable evening of swinging sounds, latin jazz, and gorgeous selections from the Great American and British Songbooks. For one night only they are joined by special guest, Tina May, one of the most expressive and inventive jazz singers of the last 20 years, renowned for her nuanced interpretive skills, freewheeling creativity and richly varied repertoire.
Quality catering & bar available
"The best new jazz show I've seen" Sir Michael Parkinson
"The greatest band I know" Paul Jones
"The best band I ever sung with…." George Melly
Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal