And Boca win a cracking Combe Martin Cup  The latest news as it happens across Barnstaple Torrington & surrounding North Devon areas important updates and local opinions from Barnstaple Find leisure and lifestyle news from Barnstaple All the latest uplifting news from Barnstaple Torrington & surrounding North Devon areas from our local reporters property sales & property of the week in Barnstaple Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism The football season is almost done for many local clubs but there is one more fascinating fixture to savour for North Devon fans The venue may not be ideal for the finalists but the occasion will still be very special as Bideford AFC take on Barnstaple Town for the right to lift the Devon St Luke’s Challenge Cup on Wednesday (May 7) with a 7.15pm kick off Bideford enter the game in fine form after a terrific end to the season saw them comfortably steer away from any relegation concerns in the Southern League while Barum just fell short of promotion in the Western League losing to Brixham in the play-off semi-finals sprung a big surprise by beating Clevedon in the final to win promotion as they beat West champions Newquay on penalties to lift the Champions Bowl Jamie Bowden and Matt Bryce gave Appledore a final-day derby win at North Molton in the Devon Football League Mike Hatcher and Josh Stoneman were on target for North Molton who finish the campaign second from bottom Appledore ended up in fourth but a long way behind runaway champions University of Exeter Boca Seniors 2nds have won the Combe Martin Cup after a fabulous 2-1 win over Braunton 2nds in a game that was a credit to the North Devon Football League Logan Warren had given Braunton the lead but a Claudio Pinto double won it for Boca The NDFL summed up a special day: “In front of a record-breaking crowd of 246 passionate fans Boca Seniors 2nds delivered an unforgettable performance to secure a 2-1 victory over Braunton 2nds in a thrilling Combe Martin Cup Final Boca Seniors dug deep to find an equalizer in the final 15 minutes before striking again in the dying moments to lift the trophy with supporters on both sides showing just how much grassroots football means to our community “Shoutouts to our standouts: Man of the Match: Number 10 recognised for his outstanding performance awarded by 'the face of local sport' Tony Cloak on behalf of our sponsors Peak Online “Match Officials: A round of applause for Referee Larry Cousins assisted by Scott Hill & Stuart Brockbank Well-deserved medals and commemorative flip coins for their dedication “A huge thank you to League Chairman Alan Evans who led the presentation and expressed gratitude to Combe Martin Football Club for their top-tier hospitality Special appreciation to the clubhouse staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to accommodate players recognition for the League Management Committee whose efforts ensured another spectacular event celebrating local football “Braunton 2nds proudly accepted their runner-up medals before Boca Seniors 2nd lifted the trophy as champions " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news Torrington Mayfair brought plenty of splendid costumes – and sunshine – to the 2025 instalment of the traditional event The site for Landkey’s new Mazzard Hall which has bene on the village wish list for more than two decades Young revellers and the iconic Ilfracombe May giants arrive at the seafront for Ilfracombe's Jack-in-the-Green 2025 Hele Cornmill at Hele Bay in Ilfracombe is taking part in the Ilfracombe Art Trail on Saturday and Sunday The rediscovered bell in ‘the cupula’ at Barnstaple Guildhall – thought to date from the early 18th century Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm XFASTINDEX Developer Red Earth has planning permission to put up three apartment blocks on the banks of the River Torridge in Bideford Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to build the £30m Brunswick Wharf development which will include a restaurant and six retail units as well as more than 100 apartments The scheme will also have a new riverside walk linked to a public open square and a shared cycle and pedestrian route that links to North Devon’s Tarka Trail Red Earth director Simon Friend said: “We are delighted to have Morgan Sindall on board as the main contractor This milestone follows a thorough tendering process and marks a major step forward for the regeneration of this iconic riverside site We are excited to partner with them initially through preconstruction as they support us through the design development stages leading up to the start on site This is a big step forward for the Brunswick Wharf project and we’re confident that their expertise will ensure the vision for this development is brought to life in a sustainable and inspiring way.” Morgan Sindall area director Graham Kingdon said: “The project will create a new burst of life for this North Devon community all while paying tribute to the Wharf’s industrial roots We very much look forward to strengthening our relationship with Red Earth as we transform this important site at the heart of Bideford.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk 4 hours Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is undertaking early market engagement for infrastructure works. 21 hours Following a recent expansion into North America, Murphy Group has now entered Australia. 4 hours Innovative tracked carrier manufacturer among 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise recipients 4 hours Modular construction business Integra Buildings has received royal recognition for its approach to sustainability. 5 hours MTX Contracts has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a diagnostic centre in Pitsea, Essex. 5 hours House-builder Springfield Properties has promoted Darren Thomson to construction director for its north of Scotland operations. © 2025 The Construction Index [Company No ' + response[i].created_nice + ' ' + response[i].description + ' Morgan Sindall Construction has bagged the job to build the Brunswick Wharf regeneration scheme in Bideford The long-awaited £30m-plus development by Red Earth will breathe new life into a derelict part of the town’s historic quayside with more than 100 new flats The scheme will also deliver a riverside public square and a new cycle and pedestrian route linking to the Tarka Trail A surface-level car park will double as an outdoor events venue for residents and visitors Homes will be energy-efficient and powered by renewable technologies to cut future bills for residents said: “The project will create a new burst of life for this North Devon community all while paying tribute to the Wharf’s industrial roots.” added: “This milestone follows a thorough tendering process and marks a major step forward for the regeneration of this iconic riverside site.” Morgan Sindall is now working with Red Earth through the preconstruction phase with work on site due to start once design development is complete Planning a day trip to this historic riverside town in North Devon play and get your cocktail and culture fix Open in Google Maps Devon's most romantic getaways and hide-outs Fabulous family-friendly self catering stays around Devon Devon's best self-catering stays at hotels and pubs (no cooking!) 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Whether you want to leave your feedback, ask a question or need help - click here to get in touch with us Reader Treats Terms & ConditionsRead our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions here A computer-generated image of the new development at Brunswick Wharf The highly anticipated development of Brunswick Wharf in Bideford has taken another significant step forward as developers Red Earth announce the appointment of Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Limited as the project’s main contractor Brunswick Wharf is set to transform a long-neglected area of Bideford's historic riverside a pop-up café and a vibrant riverside walk linked to a public open square The development will also feature a surface-level car park which will double as an outdoor events space ensuring it serves as a hub for both residents and the wider community In addition to its architectural and environmental considerations the development will include public open space a new riverside walk and a shared cycle and pedestrian route that links to the Tarka Trail encouraging active travel and making the site more accessible to the public expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration He explained:  “We are delighted to have Morgan Sindall on board as the main contractor “We are excited to partner with them initially through preconstruction as they support us through the design development stages leading up to the start on site Mr Friend added: “Morgan Sindall’s vision for inspirational construction and sustainable business in the industry aligns perfectly with our goals for Brunswick Wharf Their commitment to creating places that enhance communities resonates strongly with our vision for the site which will provide not only much-needed homes but also public spaces and amenities that will benefit the entire community.” area director for Morgan Sindall in the South West added: “We are delighted to be working with Red Earth to develop Brunswick Wharf.  The project will create a new burst of life for this North Devon community “We very much look forward to strengthening our relationship with Red Earth as we transform this important site at the heart of Bideford “This is an exciting time for North Devon and an excellent opportunity for our team to leverage our wealth of experience in delivering development schemes to move this project forward we will create the perfect environment for the community to enjoy the region’s landscape Red Earth received planning approval for the project which includes significant environmental improvements such as enhanced greenspace and reduced carbon emissions The development will also respect the site's rich history through the preservation of the ‘I Baker & Son’ plaque and a storytelling approach embedded throughout the scheme in collaboration with local organisations like the Way of the Wharves and Bideford Bridge Trust “Brunswick Wharf is poised to become a landmark development for Bideford,” added Mr Friend “Our vision is to create a vibrant waterside community hub that celebrates Bideford’s rich heritage Overlooking the expansive Torridge estuary Brunswick Wharf sits at the heart of Bideford’s historic waterfront framed by the Grade 1 listed Bideford Bridge and surrounded by the town’s beautiful architecture “We are conscious of our place in the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and want this to be an exemplar project for the region by delivering a sustainable and innovative development that meets the highest environmental standards with energy-efficient homes and renewable technologies that will reduce end users’ energy costs.” The Liberal Democrats have emerged with the most seats in North Devon and Torridge and the Green Party picked up one in Ilfracombe The council is made up of 60 councillors across 58 electoral divisions the following 13 divisions are being contested: Bideford West and Hartland - declared  Holsworthy Rural - declared  Torrington Rural - declared  Barnstaple North - declared  Barnstaple South - declared  Chulmleigh and Landkey - declared  Combe Martin Rural - declared  Fremington Rural - declared  This live feed will be updated throughout the day as results are announced Richard Leonard Alan Hopley (Reform UK) – 1,298 votes (Elected) Paul John Henderson (Conservative Party) – 1,263 votes David John Worden (Liberal Democrats) – 1,142 votes Steven William Hinchliffe (Labour Party) – 215 votes Mark Andrew Barry (Reform UK) – 1,117 votes (Elected) Linda Joan Hellyer (Conservative Party) – 637 votes Rachel Anne Clarke (Liberal Democrats) – 559 votes Cheryl Lavinia Cottle-Hunkin (Liberal Democrats) – 2,228 votes (Elected) Liana Raye Alexander (Reform UK) – 1,222 votes Thomas John Elliott (Conservative Party) – 1,023 votes Deborah Charlotte Darling (Labour and Co-operative Party) – 107 votes Dermot McGeough (Conservative Party) – 1,500 votes (Elected) Kerry Samantha O’Rourke (Liberal Democrats) – 819 votes Emma Louise Robbins (Labour Party) – 200 votes 12.37pm: Combe Martin Rural results in: Andrea Vivienne Davis (Conservative Party) – 1,365 votes (Elected) Kelvin Leigh McKechnie (Reform UK) – 1,038 votes Josh Rutty (Liberal Democrats) – 641 votes Oliver John Leslie Bell (Labour Party) – 123 votes Kyle James Chivers (Green Party) – 313 votes 12.35pm: Fremington Rural results in: Frank Lindsay Biederman (Liberal Democrats) – 2,284 votes (Elected) Gary Lionel Beglin (Conservative Party) – 362 votes Gemma Lorraine Rolstone (Labour Party) – 37 votes Sara Jane Wilson (Green Party) – 1,040 votes - Elected Paul Edward Crabb (Conservative Party) – 728 votes June Williams (Liberal Democrats) – 458 votes 12.25pm: Chulmleigh & Landkey results in Ed Tyldesley (Liberal Democrats) – 1,262 votes - Elected Glyn Lane (Conservative Party) – 811 votes David James Smale (Green Party) – 257 votes Valerie Jean Cann (Labour Party) – 58 votes Faye Marion Davies (Independent) – 28 votes Graham Matthew Bell (Liberal Democrats) – 1,310 votes - Elected Pru Maskell (Conservative Party) – 1,194 votes David Charles John Relph (Green Party) – 185 votes Syed Jusef (Liberal Democrats) – 1,433 votes - Elected Lisa Jayne Mackenzie (Conservative Party) – 324 votes Helen Mary Marini (Labour Party) – 149 votes 12.06pm - Barnstaple South results in The results for Barnstaple South are now in and the successful candidate is Caroline Frances Herringham from the Liberal Democrats Here's the full breakdown of the votes in order: 12.04pm – Holsworthy Rural Results In Holsworthy Rural Lynne Phyllis Rowsell from Reform UK has been elected Lynne Phyllis Rowsell (Reform UK) – 1,753 – Elected Nigel John Evan Kenneally (Liberal Democrats) – 1,665 Stephen Ralph Gibson (Conservative Party) – 1,099 11.40am – Bideford West & Hartland Results The first result of the day has been declared for Bideford West & Hartland where Robin Julian from Reform UK has been elected Robin Julian (Reform UK) – 1,079 – Elected Claire Louise Davey-Potts (Liberal Democrats) – 973 Jeff Wilton-Love (Conservative Party) – 519 Archive image of North Devon Liberal Democrats in buoyant mood The count has now concluded for the 2025 local elections with voters across North Devon and parts of Torridge electing 13 councillors to Devon County Council The Liberal Democrats have won the most seats in the area The Conservatives were elected in two divisions while the Green Party picked up one seat in Ilfracombe and Sarah Logan helped set up a forum for parents Torridge and Tavistock MP Sir Geoffrey Cox KC is pressing for urgent clarification on the future of Bideford’s main Post Office The Conservative MP has raised the issue following discussions with senior figures at the Post Office who have indicated a decision regarding the town’s Crown Post Office – a directly managed branch – is expected in the coming weeks Sir Geoffrey confirmed he has been in ongoing contact with executives after learning of wider plans to franchise the remaining Crown Post Offices across the country.  branches that fail to secure a franchise partner or attract sufficient investment could be at risk of shutting down Sir Geoffrey said: “Having received worrying reports at the end of last year that Bideford’s Crown Post Office could be closed I have closely monitored the developing situation writing directly to the CEO of the Post Office to voice my personal objection to any decision that would result in a reduction of the vital personal administrative services that the Crown Post Office in the town currently offers to all residents in Bideford and the surrounding area “The Post Office undertook to keep me fully informed and allow for consultation prior to any decision to change the Crown Post Office’s status in Bideford.” Post Office officials have assured Sir Geoffrey that full postal services – including cash deposits and government functions such as passport applications – would remain available at any potential new or alternative main branch Sir Geoffrey added: “Despite any pending decision there will be no reduction in postal services in Bideford and that the town will continue to retain the full range of services including cash deposits and withdrawals and key government services at any prospective new or alternative main branch I intend to hold the management of the Post Office to these assurances “I would like to reassure all those who continue to use the vital functions at the main Post Office in the town that I remain in continuous contact with Government Ministers I will continue to urge the Post Office to retain our Crown Post Office and at the very least to permit no diminution of the available services.” Annabel Tennant and Annabelle Cawsey from Bideford celebrate their outstanding achievements at the BBOdance event held at Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham Two talented dance students from Bideford have gained national recognition at the prestigious BBOdance event held at the renowned Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham over the Easter break participated in the Dance Scholarship Weekend and was awarded a fully funded scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year.  This achievement follows her successful audition for the BBO Mid Scholars Programme where she receives classical ballet training from industry professionals was awarded the Peggy Wilson Cup for the Most Promising Student a highly regarded accolade recognising her potential and outstanding performance She was selected for this honour by the teaching faculty including BBO President Brenda Last OBE and Artistic Director Anita Young MBE The event brought together over 100 students from across the country for intensive classes in a variety of dance genres culminating in a showcase performance.  The event took place at Elmhurst Ballet School “We are immensely proud of both girls and their outstanding achievements which are a testament to their commitment and passion for dance as well as the high standard of training they receive at Sarah Anne Westcott Dance Studios,” said Miss Anne Principal of Sarah Anne Westcott Dance Studios in Bideford VE Day celebrations in Barnstaple on May 8 Credit: Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon Communities across North Devon and Torridge are gearing up to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the end of World War Two in Europe with a range of events and celebrations 1945 following the unconditional surrender of Germany and bringing to and end the war in Europe after five years of conflict that claimed tens of millions of lives While the war with Japan continued until VJ Day on August 15 VE Day in Europe sparked mass celebrations as nations rejoiced at liberation from tyranny and the unending toil of years of war the 80th anniversary will be marked with events right across the UK and Europe with most towns and parishes in North Devon and Torridge hosting various celebrations from street parties to music and lighting beacons The North Devon Gazette has collated some of the main events, but in case we’ve missed yours, please do email us the details at newsdesk@northdevongazette.co.uk or post on our Facebook page and we will add them to our online listing Barnstaple has plenty going on over several days starting with a flag raising ceremony at Rock Park on Thursday From the Thursday to Saturday there will be free showings of a new commemorative film about WW2 and North Devon VE 80 craft activities and historical talks at Barnstaple Pannier Market The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon has a VE Day 80- commemorative display running from Thursday to Saturday entry is free and it is an opportunity to discover more about the town during WW2 with a variety of pictures and artefacts Above: A VE Day street party at Belle Meadow in Barnstaple on May 8 The museum will be hosting a day of VE Day celebrations on Saturday (May 10) from 10am to 4.30pm with free drop-in children’s art and craft activities (10am-12pm and 1-3pm) period vehicles outside the Museum on The Square (tbc) bunting throughout the museum hand-crafted by volunteers plus traditional treats and cream teas for sale in Bromley’s Tearoom Various events and exhibitions and a cream tea dance are expected around the museum and Queen Anne’s Café on The Strand May 11 the Veterans Charity is hosting a day of entertainment The VE80 Festival will be the finale of several days of commemoration and celebration across Barnstaple starting on the 80th anniversary of VE Day a VE Day Street Party is also taking place inside the market from 12noon to 2pm with the market decorated especially for the occasion People are invited to bring their own foods but crockery and cutlery will be provided The aim is to create a ‘traditional British street party’ and there will be live music and entertainment during the event There will be two punch and Judy shows plus magic from local performer Dave Hendy South Molton has a day of events around the town on VE Day itself starting with a flag raising at the Pannier Market at 9am The market stays central to events through the day including a special VE Day Market with raffle and live music from 8.30am to 1pm plus at 2.30pm a plaque will be unveiled honouring all who served and died for their country It will be unveiled by Paddy King-Fretts and the Mayor together with choir performances by local schools The South Molton Assembly Rooms are hosting Tommy Tea form 1.30-5pm An afternoon of 1940s nostalgia with live artists At South Molton Community College from 5.30-8pm there will be food and music with The Singing Ringers and Barnstaple Ladies Choir plus a performance by college students The town church bells will ring out at 6.30pm and a beacon will be lit in the town Square at 9.30pm Ilfracombe Town Council is hosting a shared moment of celebration and reflection to look back on the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday People are invited to gather from 10.50am for an 11am start on the Clapping Circle on the seafront the Right Reverend Mike Harrison will lead a service at St Peter’s Church a display created by crafters from the village and around the world The cascade will be a central feature of the village VE80 Commemoration on Thursday St Peter’s Church will host a Memories Exhibition photos and excerpts from A Schoolgirl’s War by Mary Smith The Thursday Café in the Village Hall will extend its hours from 2–5pm offering special refreshments and war-era songs a 7pm concert by The Jubilee Singers and the lighting of Bratton Fleming’s Lamp of Peace at 9.30pm Combe Martin Parish Council is encouraging villagers to decorate their house with flags and bunting from the weekend of May 3 A ‘best dressed house’ competition will run for the duration The council will also be unveiling a Royal British Legion ‘Unknown Tommy’ statue the town council will be hosting VE Day celebrations at the Pollyfield Centre on Thursday leading up to the lighting of a beacon at 9.30pm The bells of St Mary’s Church will ring out to kick things off while at the Pollyfield Bideford Youth Pipe Band will play with performances from Tamsin Ball plus Bideford Town Band playing music from the 1940s.  At 9pm the Town Crier will read out a proclamation followed by the reading of the names of the fallen from the Borough of Bideford Roll of Honour 1939–1945.  After the beacon is lit a tribute will be read followed by the band and Tamsin leading a rendition of ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’ There will be a buffet during the evening and CMC Productions will also provide musical support Great Torrington Town Council is hosting a VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday May 10 at the Town Hall and Pannier Market There will be free dance workshops at the hall with Step into Swingtime at 1-2.30pm (swing jive) and 3.30-5pm (Linfy hop) That should help the feet move freely for the live 1940s music from 5.30-9pm in the Pannier Market with The Hummingbirds and Torrington Silver Band May 3 is VE Day-themed and the fancy dress competition for ages three to 16 will see plenty of 1940s attire Holsworthy Town Council is also hosting a day of VE Day celebrations on May 8 with a 9am proclamation and flag-raising outside St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church followed by an Act of Remembrance at the Tree Memorial in Stanhope Park at 11am A Street Celebration is being held in the Square from 5.30pm with a ‘free’ fish supper and family entertainment before a tribute is read at 9pm and a beacon will be lit a three-show production called Let’s Celebrate has been created by Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society and will play at their venue in Bodmin Street at 7.30pm each night on the Thursday It is a lively show with a cast of more than 40 people with ages ranging from eight to the mid 70s and reflects the life and times of Holsworthy folk who lived through the war years Tickets are available from www.holsworthytheatre.co.uk or Ticketsource on 0333 666 3366 Buckland Brewer is staging a VE Day Family Fun Day on Saturday May 10 at the village playing field from 2-6pm with 1940s and wartime dress greatly encouraged The Buckland Brewer History Group is also curating memories and memorabilia from parishioners of WW2 The collection will be exhibited in the Parish Church from May 1 until May 19 and the church will be open daily between 10 am and 4pm and until 7pm on VE Day when the History Group will be in attendance all day Once the exhibition has been dismantled the group proposes to create a permanent exhibition space in the church to honour the contribution Buckland Brewer people have made to all global conflicts If you have items that commemorate a person, civilian or military, or an event, relating to Buckland Brewer during the time of war and you would like it to form part of the permanent display, get in touch via the group website at https://bucklandbrewerhistorygroup.wordpress.com Ashreigney is hosting a barbecue with free entry in the village on Thursday A bar and hit drinks will be available plus a beacon will be lit at 9.30pm a short display of low noise fireworks will conclude the event The venue will be clearly signposted but an approximate postcode is EX18 7NE A British-themed Sunday roast with beef or nut roast trifle or apple crumble for afters will be held on Sunday The Singing Ringers will perform during the afternoon and there will be a tombola Tickets (£15 adult) and more information are available from Katherine Cole by emailing ashreigneyparishcouncil@mail.com or call 07817 230815 All proceeds from both events will be donated to SSAFA (The Soldiers Airmen Families Association) and the Ashreigney Village Hall Restoration Fund Keep up to date with more VE Day 80 events in Torridge via https://www.torridge.gov.uk/veday80/localevents North Devon’s events listing can be found on the district council website at https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/council/ve-and-vj-day-celebrations-2025 If we’ve missed out your VE Day event, please email us at newsdesk@northdevongazette.co.uk and we’ll add it to our online listing Sarah Pettifer of Mrs Animation and Christopher Sheppard of Devonshire Cork and Vine are looking forward to moving their businesses into new homes at Bideford Pannier Market Two independent local businesses have won bids for six months of rent-free space in Butchers Row at Bideford Panier Market Mrs Animation and Devonshire Cork and Vine were selected as winners of LaunchBideford a new initiative led by Torridge District Council SaveTheHighStreet.org and a network of local supporters Mrs Animation owner Sarah Pettifer and Devonshire Cork and Vine founder Christopher Sheppard will also receive free access to HelloThriver.com and hands-on support to help them grow LaunchBideford was designed not only to help businesses grow but to reimagine how empty shops can be transformed into thriving hubs for local enterprise and community life The competition attracted over 40 applications from across the district.  Every application was carefully reviewed and a shortlist of businesses were invited to interview before the final winners were selected Sarah will create a destination for art lovers Her space will feature live events and interactive exhibitions turning the market into a hub for creativity She said: “Winning a shop through LaunchBideford is genuinely a dream come true I’m so excited to bring the Mrs Animation Gallery & Studio to life in the heart of Butchers Row “This opportunity is not only helping me grow my business I’m incredibly grateful and can’t wait to get started Follow me on socials @mrsanimation to keep up with my art campaigns and everything exciting I’ve got coming up.” Devonshire Cork and Vine is an independent wine and spirits business focused on curated high-quality selections with a strong emphasis on regional producers and products not typically found on the high street Owner Christopher said: “I’d like to thank Torridge District Council SaveTheHighStreet.org and everyone involved in making this scheme possible It’s an amazing opportunity for the local community and a huge boost for my business “I’m looking forward to working with the teams and introducing the people of Bideford and the surrounding areas to some fantastic wines and beers – both from around the world and right here at home I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.” town centre project officer at the district council said they had been excited to receive such wide range of interesting entries She added: “We very impressed and inspired by the amount of entrepreneurial talent on our doorsteps - selecting the winners was a difficult decision!  “We wish Sarah and Christopher the very best of luck and hope that the local community checks them out in their new home.” said: “This is what LaunchBideford is all about – backing local talent with the space and support to succeed both winners will have the tools they need to grow stay focused and make a real impact on the high street.” Bideford Quay was alive with the flavours of the South West on Saturday as Eat:Festivals hosted its popular one-day festival celebrating the best local food and drink in the heart of North Devon the event showcased over 50 food and drink stalls offering a range of delicious local produce.  visitors had the opportunity to sample the finest food from across the region.  The festival was not only a treat for the taste buds but also featured community stalls and offering family-friendly entertainment connecting communities with their local landscapes The festival in Bideford was a chance for food lovers to experience the unique flavours of North Devon and Torridge allowing pet owners to enjoy the day out with their furry friends.  Visitors were also able to enjoy entertainment aking it an enjoyable experience for all ages The event was free to attend and sponsored by Torridge District Council under the UK Shared Prosperity fund with additional support from Greenslade Taylor Hunt Photos of the event were captured by local photographer Graham Hobbs showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and the diverse range of stalls has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances which was due to take place on May 25 at The Big Sheep Amusement Park The team behind the event issued a cancellation notice on their Facebook page A statement released on their page read: “Due to circumstances beyond our control the Bideford bike show team have taken the very difficult decision to cancel the show that was due to be held at The Big Sheep on Sunday 25th May The news was met with disappointment from locals with some suggesting other locations for the event The bike team has been contacted for further information New design for the iconic Bideford race medals  Bideford Amateur Athletic Club (Bideford AAC) has announced an exciting new addition to this year’s Bideford 10k on Sunday bespoke finishers’ medal designed to celebrate both the race and the local community Bideford AAC has teamed up with one of the town’s most iconic businesses to create a medal that embodies the spirit of Bideford Designed by Bideford AAC Assistant Race Director this unique medal is a true representation of the local area celebrating not only the achievements of every runner but also the town’s rich history and community spirit But that’s not all—this year’s Bideford 10k is also an official 10k qualifier for the prestigious England Age Group Masters Programme This recognition highlights the quality and competitiveness of the race giving runners the chance to earn a place in the England Age Group Masters team Race Director Alan Heard said: “We are incredibly excited to introduce this new medal which truly represents the heart of Bideford Partnering with Hocking’s Dairy Cream Ices has been fantastic and we know runners will love this special keepsake It’s also a great honour for our 10k to be part of the England Age Group Masters Programme - it shows the high standard of the race and the quality of athletes it attracts Whether you’re aiming for selection or simply want to enjoy a fantastic run this year’s race is going to be one to remember!” every runner will receive a finishers’ T-shirt and there will be cash prizes for the winners and ice cream spot prizes up for grabs on race day Entries for the Bideford 10k are now open but places are limited To qualify for the England Age Group Masters Programme runners should sign up for the Bideford 10k as normal and register via England Athletics For more information on Bideford AAC and its upcoming events, visit www.bidefordaac.co.uk The opening ceremony of the new Victoria Park play park in Bideford last year The site was vandalised just six months later CCTV is to be upgraded at Bideford’s Victoria Park play park after it became a target for vandals Two cameras will replace the existing one at the play park which received a £280,000 revamp from Torridge District Council last year The new equipment was attacked six months after being installed when blue masonry paint was thrown over it and surrounding surfaces The park had to be closed for several days for a major clean-up The attack caused an outcry on social media from parents and residents Last December councillors supported a motion by Councillor Annie Brenton to urgently provide more CCTV cameras in order to safeguard children and deter vandalism The council’s community resources and resources committee this week heard that the upgrade was in process and would form part of the maintenance budget for cameras for council property The council’s head of legal and governance Staci Dorey explained that economic regeneration and community safety teams had already discussed better CCTV coverage given the significant investment made into the play park She said it had taken a while because of the technical details over how the cameras would link with police The cameras are due to be installed in the next couple of weeks Cllr Peter Hames asked at the meeting if the ongoing programme of enhancement to CCTV could involve installing cameras in new places He said Appledore’s Churchfields car park had suffered ongoing vandalism to toilets where fires were lit and flooding caused Ms Dorey said no new camera schemes are planned but councillors could put them forward for capital funding if they wished Ongoing staffing costs to monitor cameras cost more than the equipment itself After a great start to the year with Aaron Bird defending his Celtic Title there is now opportunities to add two more belts to the Bideford Boxing Club camp Billy Stanbury (11-0) meets Constantine Williams (Southern Area Middleweight Champion and English Title Challenger) for the Southern Area Super Welterweight Title at York Hall Stanbury said: “I am over the moon to finally get my shot at the title I have worked so hard to get in this position nearly 70 amateur fights and 11 professional fights Williams is a good fighter that I have full respect for you will see the best version of me on the night I will make history and become the first boxer from North Devon to win the Southern Area Title.”  Conor McIntosh (Welsh Champion and World Title Challenger) moves up two weight categories to box James Atkins (8-0) for the Welsh Super Lightweight Title The fight in Swansea will feature live on the BBC on April 19 “It’s great to be back in the ring fighting for another title,” said McIntosh “It’s not my natural weight category but I believe I have more than enough tools to beat Atkins In my last fight I fell just short at World level and this is my opportunity to show live on TV where I really belong I believe I'm going to knock James Atkins out.”  Dylan Burston bowed out of the England Boxing Elite Championships in the National Pre-Quarter Finals Burston drew Combined Service Champion Cameron Lewis from the RAF Burston started well behind his jab and effective long-range boxing working well on the inside to level the scores Lewis went through the gears in the last round using a style of quantity over quality to earn the points win.  Next weekend is the turn of Bideford BMX Club to host the latest round of racing in the South-West Regionals Championships April 27 and a wonderful opportunity for riders and spectators to savour all the thrills and spills of BMX racing Based at the BMX Track adjacent to the Pollyfields Centre Bideford BMX Club is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers and welcomes BMX riders of all ages and abilities with introductory training sessions provided for beginners The club goals are to provide riders the facility and resources to allow their riding to flourish with coaching sessions to actively increase race performance Bideford BMX Club promotes not just racing but cycling as whole within the local community with continual improvement of the track and surrounding areas Bideford BMX Club has been running since the early 1980s and is the only remaining club in North Devon offering years of racing experience and coaching Training is offered to experts and beginners with ages running from 4 to 50+ The club is ‘Go-ride’ registered and working towards becoming ‘club mark’ accredited Being ‘go-ride’ means the club has achieved certain criteria set out by British Cycling relating to coaching and governance the Shapland clan have taken their family achievements to a new level have both won vests to run for the England Masters while daughter Karen also runs for Bideford AAC and has qualified for GB in a Triathlon and an Aquathon this year The Shapland success was recently picked up in a superb article from England Athletics showcasing their impressive journey to the national stage Keith said: “We both used running to keep fit whilst playing football I ended up playing on the same football team as my dad for a couple of years It wasn’t until I retired from football that I concentrated solely on running we would occasionally go for some runs together John added: “Keith was already a member of a club We trained together and then after a couple of years moved over to Bideford AAC so we had quite a family presence at the training sessions It was a nice experience to be involved with them both “The days of me beating Keith in races have long gone but I was really happy for him when he finished ahead of me for the first time “For anyone trying to qualify for an England masters vest I would say just enter a qualification race It gives you such a proud feeling to wear the England vest Read the full story on www.englandathletics.org Bideford is currently witnessing an important early phase of an ambitious project that aims to bring solar and wind-generated electricity from Morocco to the UK Crucial ground investigation work led by project developers Xlinks began on Monday and is expected to continue through Monday The investigations are a key step in the planning process for the installation of onshore cables designed to capture and transmit low-cost Xlinks is drilling two boreholes in the River Torridge located just downstream from the Iron Bridge.  a floating pontoon equipped with drilling equipment has been positioned in the river.  The pontoon has been constructed at the slipway off Torrington Street with a crane set to lift the drilling rig onto the pontoon from the Little America lay-by.  The authorities say that the lay-by will be closed during this crane operation Motorists and pedestrians in the area should be aware of some traffic disruptions one southbound lane of the A386 adjacent to the lay-by will be closed to ensure safety during the crane lift.  intermittent three-way traffic lights will be in place at the junction of the A386 and Littleham The pontoon’s operation will be influenced by the tidal patterns of the river necessitating 24-hour monitoring and adjustments to the drilling schedule in line with tidal conditions Xlinks bosses say they have taken several steps to keep the community informed about these works Updates have been posted on the Xlinks website and the Xlinks Devon Facebook page Ward members and Bideford Town Council have been notified by email A poster has been placed in the local car park and direct communication has been made with individuals who may be directly impacted by the work Residents and visitors might see the pontoon and hear drilling noises during this period Xlinks says it is committed to minimising disruptions from light and noise ensuring that the work is conducted with as little impact as possible on the community The group gathers for a picture at the memorial site to mark the 80th anniversary of the crash of a Canadian Wellington Bomber P-Peter from 407 Squadron RCAF.  suffered engine failure and crashed in a field near Round Hill on March 7 The event saw locals paying tribute to the fallen airmen.  A moment of silence was observed during the commemoration in remembrance of those who lost their lives who organised the commemoration with his partner said: “Members of the Bideford Youth Pipe Band led a parade along the Tarka Trail from the old Bideford Railway Station to the memorial before the commemoration that included some history of the crash by local military historian Graham Moore from the RAF Chivenor & North Devon Aviation History Group.” He explained: “We regularly walk past the memorial on the Tarka Trail and five years ago we decided that something should be done to mark the 75th anniversary of the crash We had support from the Bideford Air Cadets and especially Graham Moore from the RAF Chivenor and North Devon Aviation History Group,” he added Mike and Gaylena also help run the Bideford Youth Pipe Band The Wellington Bomber P-Peter was on a training exercise when it encountered difficulties over Bideford and crashed into Round Hill in East-the-Water.  was pulled from the wreckage by local men Alfred Paddon and Walter Johns Izenberg later married Josephine Jewell from Barnstaple attended by Bideford Mayor Cllr Rachel Clarke took place at the memorial beside the Tarka Trail.  Standards on parade were from the Royal British Legion Barnstaple Branch and the Royal Marines Association North Devon Branch The Gazette understands from various reports that up to 115 Post Office branches and hundreds of head office jobs may be at risk as part of a major shake-up of the business.  The Post Office is reportedly exploring options for its wholly-owned branches which currently employ about 1,000 workers and are loss-making These options could include alternative franchise arrangements where an operator such as retailer WHSmith or another third party might take over the branches Bideford is understood to be on the list of branches at risk of closure A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are considering a range of options to reduce our central costs This includes considering the future of our remaining Directly Managed Branches (DMB) We have long held a publicly-stated ambition to move to a fully franchised network and we are in dialogue with the unions about future options for the DMBs.” The spokesperson added: “We have not made an announcement about any branch anywhere in the UK The list that is circulating around is a list of our Directly Managed Branches Bideford Post Office is a Directly Managed Branch.” Robins agree new lease at The Sports Ground Bideford AFC has announced a 25-year lease at The Sports Ground Bideford AFC Community Holdings Limited (BAFCCH) has signed a long-term deal with a brand new lease on The Sports Ground The new agreement with Torridge District Council will run for 25 years It will allow the company to apply for future funding on any improvements and/or equipment The new company will be run by representatives of all the sections under the Bideford AFC umbrella The club is now able to control the maintenance of the pitch plus making the facility available to the local community BAFCCH Director Tristan Bannister said: “We would like to thank Torridge District Council for their cooperation in making this happen and we are all excited to be part of this historic new venture for the associated members of the club who will all benefit from being in control of The Sports Ground.” many of the club's young players and their coaches along with representatives and supporters of the adult sections met on the first day of the new lease (Thursday 2025) and created a large 25 in the centre circle Doug Bushby was also in attendance to officially hand over the facility He said: “A great day for Bideford football with the Robins taking on a much longer lease of the sports ground This means much better opportunities to access funding which I am sure will really benefit the club Thanks go to Torridge District Council for working with the club to enable this new chapter in the club's history to begin A membership scheme will be announced in due course, however in the meantime, anyone who would be interested in joining the new working committee, who will look after the day to day running of the facility, is invited to make contact by emailing bidefordafccommunityholdings@gmail.com or leaving their details at the club office details for the local community to book the facility will be released soon BAFCCH would also like to express their thanks to Greg Cloke at Brewer Harding & Rowe Solicitors who has worked tirelessly in ensuring the new lease was produced and agreed with TDC Also Ed Meardon at RT Marke & Co Accountants who assisted and advised on the creation of the new company Bideford were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Thatcham Town on the weekend Mattie Buchan’s goal cancelled out by a late leveller from the visitors Athena Learning Trust is consulting on introducing a catchment area for Atlantic Academy This will mean that the catchment area for Bideford College would be reduced Atlantic Academy does not currently operate a catchment area but a consultation is now running about the introduction of one  If the decision is made to introduce a catchment area this does mean that the catchment area for Bideford College would be reduced Bideford College’s catchment includes the northern part of Hartland’s area  By re-designating them to Atlantic Academy and extending the catchment to cover all of Parkham and Hartland’s catchments this is how Atlantic Academy’s catchment area would look: And this is how Bideford College’s catchment would look Hartland or Parkham catchment areas as part of Bideford: Parkham Primary and Hartland Primary School would all become feeder primaries for Atlantic Academy Hartland and Parkham would no longer be feeders for Bideford College Parkham Primary will continue to be a feeder school for Great Torrington School: there is no proposal for that to change What would this mean for transport entitlement Children who are already passengers on school transport at the start of September 2026 will be unaffected entitlement to free transport from Devon County Council on catchment school grounds would be according to the new catchment areas Woolsery and Parkham areas would get free transport to Atlantic Academy rather than Bideford College Residents of the southern part of the Parkham area will continue to get free transport to Great Torrington School free transport on nearest school grounds or on low income grounds will be unaffected by changes to catchment areas For residents of the southern part of the Hartland area the catchment school would be Atlantic Academy This is also the closest school for transport purposes so the entitlement to free transport from Devon County Council will be unaffected The consultation will be open until the 10th of January 2025 The Principal of Atlantic Academy and Bideford College would welcome your views on the catchment area proposal, by the closing date, which you can share here Any comments in relation to the provision of school transport should be sent to: schoolsadmissionpolicy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk by the closing date ella.sampson@clearskypublishing.co.uk Bideford’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On is just around the corner This year’s event promises to be filled with a variety of exciting activities for all ages making it a festive highlight for locals and visitors alike The Quay will be bustling with funfair rides along with a range of fairground food traders.  Jubilee Square will feature local food producers and craft stalls with favourites like the Fizzy Pheasant serving festival cocktails and Wilson’s Kitchen offering delicious treats the lights will be switched on by a fundraiser from the Tony Hudgell Foundation a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people particularly those affected by physical disabilities Attendees can learn more about the foundation's work at the event The event will also showcase performances by the Bideford Town Band and the Bideford Youth Pipe Band with the Youth Pipe Band leading the festive Lantern Parade.  and dressing up for the parade is highly encouraged Santa Claus will be making a special appearance throughout the event so keep an eye out for him around town.  and other special guests will also be making their way around the Quay and Mill Street ensuring there’s something for all ages to enjoy Shops on Mill Street will also be joining the festivities with many taking part in the ‘Bideford by Candlelight’ initiative.  Local traders will decorate their windows with electric candles creating a magical atmosphere for the event.  contact Jolene Burgess at joleneszwer@yahoo.co.uk Bideford College's newly upgraded 3G pitch Bideford College has unveiled its newly upgraded 3G pitch which is now available for community hire.  has undergone significant improvements by the Athena Estates team.  It is now officially registered with the Football Association (FA) and has been added to the 2024/25 FA 3G Pitch Register The FA 3G Pitch Register includes FIFA and FA-standard facilities that are suitable for affiliated football across England.  The aim of the register is to ensure pitches meet necessary quality standards and provide a safe It is available for use by local clubs and organisations across Bideford and the surrounding area Principal at Bideford College and Atlantic Academy said: “We are thrilled with the completion of the upgrade to our 3G pitch This is a fantastic achievement for the college and it means our students and the wider community now have access to a top-tier sports facility that meets the highest standards.” The facility is expected to benefit both students and the local community providing a high-quality sports venue for a range of activities Jasper with his brand new 199mph Maserati Omaze prize A 21-year-old from Bideford has traded his ‘battered’ £6,000 Seat Mii for a new Maserati GranTurismo after winning the luxury sports car in an Omaze Million Pound House Draw was part of a campaign that raised £4 million for London’s Air Ambulance Charity contributing to their goal of £15 million for two new helicopters.  The draw's “Early Bird Prize” was a Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo capable of reaching a top speed of 199 miles per hour powered by a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 engine that produces an impressive 550PS Jasper said: “When Omaze called to tell me I’d won the car I was surprised and dubious in equal measure “I didn’t actually have time to celebrate as I had a shift at Asda starting in an hour.”  Although the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds Jasper plans to keep his trusty Seat Mii for his daily commute to Asda joking that the Maserati might look “a little out of place in the Asda car park.” The Maserati features distinctive elements  It comes fully equipped with modern amenities including a 14-speaker Sonus faber sound system who currently works at Asda and volunteers as a teaching assistant and their collection of rescue animals.  he also envisions road trips across Europe with his family in his new car.  “My Dad is a big petrol head and can’t wait to have a go in it I want to keep it for special occasions and road trips abroad across Europe with my family We will do a proper grand tour in it as that's what it's made for after all,” he said said: “Everyone at Omaze is over the moon for Jasper He’s won his dream car and is looking forward to taking the road trip of a lifetime with his family he also contributed to the incredible £4,000,000 raised for London’s Air Ambulance Charity We’re tremendously proud that the Omaze community has already raised over £56 million for good causes across the UK.” he hopes to one day win an Omaze house to match his new luxury ride.  The latest draw offers the chance to win a stunning Yorkshire country house worth over £2.5 million taking over the premises previously occupied by the North Devon Animal Ambulance shop.  which gained international attention in 2021 for its successful evacuation of animals and staff from Afghanistan during the Taliban's takeover The idea for reopening the shop came from the charity’s volunteers who approached Pen with the proposal.  known for his dedication to animal welfare beginning with a six-month trial to see how it works ‘Would you guys consider taking it on as a shop?’ and it wasn’t something we’d thought about before let’s give it a go for six months and see how it works It’s fantastic; we’ve got these amazing volunteers who did most of the work for us who moved to Devon and joined the military at 18 as part of the Royal Marines has always been passionate about animal rescue He founded NOWZAD in 2007 after witnessing organised dog fighting while deployed he intervened to stop a dog fight and ended up caring for one of the dogs involved “My connection with animals has always been strong I knew I had to do something to help,” Pen said One of the most heartwarming stories associated with NOWZAD involves Ewok a small Pomeranian who now acts as the charity’s mascot.  had to make the difficult decision to either leave the dog on the streets of Kabul or place him in the care of NOWZAD.  Pen Farthing ensured that Ewok was safely brought into the charity’s care and he has since become a symbol of the organisation’s mission Pen’s commitment to animal welfare reached new heights in 2021 when the Taliban took over Afghanistan.  He remained in the country to help organise the evacuation of both animals and the people involved in the charity’s operations.  While the evacuation drew significant media attention Pen faced criticism on social media but remained focused on his mission “The priority was always getting the people out The animals were going to be in the cargo hold of the plane; that was the simplicity of the plan,” he explained The emotional toll of the operation and the media attention led Pen to write Operation Ark Pen almost gave up hope of ever publishing his book.  the team at Claret Press gave him the opportunity to bring his story to life which he described as “much-needed therapy” following the past events he faced “Writing the book helped me process everything,” he said NOWZAD continues to support animals in Afghanistan and Ukraine where the charity has been tackling issues such as rabies vaccination.  the team reached a significant milestone by vaccinating their 2,000th dog in Ukraine a major achievement in their ongoing efforts to protect animals in conflict zones the charity is currently facing financial difficulties.  Pen shared that this year has seen a decline in donations making the opening of the new charity shop particularly important.  to help support the ongoing work of NOWZAD one of the Afghan veterinarians who Pen helped relocate to Devon has recently requalified to practice in the UK.  Pen expressed his pride in seeing the vet integrate into the UK healthcare system the focus remains on supporting animals in need and continuing the vital work of NOWZAD both abroad and at home.  Pen remains hopeful that the new charity shop will provide much-needed support during this challenging time Bideford Town Band pictured after the awards ceremony at Torquay's Riviera Centre on Saturday celebrating their second-place finish at the West of England area championships Bideford Town Band has secured its spot in the 2025 National Brass Band Championships after finishing second out of 17 bands at the West of England Area Championships in Torquay on March 8.  This marks the band’s second consecutive qualification for the event said “One significant difference is that the band is now safely positioned in a division above which just goes to show the amazing progress it has made under its Musical Director Mark Durham.” Bideford Town Band’s roots stretch back to 1853 with the first known mention of a brass band in the town appearing in the Bideford Gazette.  performed in public recitals across the town.  becoming an integral part of the local community Having moved to Bideford with his family in 2013 Mark returned to playing music after a brief break.  Now preparing for the upcoming trip to Cheltenham the band is seeking sponsorship to help cover the costs of the event.  Anyone interested in supporting the band can contact them via their website at www.bidefordtownband.co.uk or through their Facebook page “If anyone would like to support the band by sponsorship for what will be an expensive trip The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response 7 APR 2025BookmarkBideford’s quay side was transformed into a bustling marketplace of flavour and fun on Saturday as the town played host to the popular Eat:Bideford festival brought together a wide array of West Country food and drink producers for a sun-soaked day of tasting Locals and visitors alike enjoyed the chance to meet producers local fare in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere Eat Festivals operate across the South West of England appearing in town centres throughout Somerset Each event showcases regional food and drink Festivalgoers can expect to find options for all dietary needs Organisers emphasised the community feel of the event Layouts are designed for comfort and conversation ensuring the festivals are welcoming for buggies strolling characters and playful performances bringing the streets to life Future Eat Festivals scheduled in the region include: A full list of upcoming events can be found on the Eat Festivals website eat:Bideford - April 2025 (Credit : Graham Hobbs) Amazing anniversary success of Bideford race Bideford Amateur Athletic Club (AAC) marked the 30th anniversary of the Bideford Half Marathon with a fantastic turnout and outstanding performances known for its scenic and fast course along the River Torridge welcomed nearly 1000 runners both local and from across the country Race Results Men’s Podium: Ronnie Richmond (Bideford AAC) – 1:07:36 (his sixth consecutive victory) Simon Fox (Exeter Harriers) – 1:07:36 Dan Mapp (Bideford AAC) – 1:10:42 Women’s Podium:Kate Drew – 1:16:35 (new course record beating the previous 1:17:15 which has stood for many years) Atsede Gidey (Exmouth Harriers) – 1:17:13 Rebecca Ezra-Ham (Tamar Trotters) – 1:17:50 Among the notable competitors was 11-time British age-group triathlon champion Donald Brooks who finished as the first Vet45 male in 1:15:19 Bideford AAC Race Director Alan Heard expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the event’s success: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came forward to help with the 30th Bideford Half Marathon I asked a few of the many finishers their thoughts on the course and I had nothing but praise for the event “It was great to see the women’s course record broken – excellent running by Kate Drew and we are now looking forward to the Bideford 10k which is going to be another fantastic event.” Following the success of the half marathon Bideford AAC is gearing up for the Bideford 10k on Sunday the race is proud to be part of the English Masters Programme as a 10k qualifying event highlighting its quality and competitiveness Alan Heard added: “Being selected as part of the English Masters Programme is a real honour for the club and a testament to the high standard of our event We’re excited to welcome both competitive and non-competitive runners to Bideford for another fantastic race.” Runners wishing to qualify should sign up for the Bideford 10k as normal and register via England Athletics. Entries for the Bideford 10k are now open. For more details and to sign up, visit www.bidefordaac.co.uk A team of talented Bideford AAC athletes traveled to Wollaton Park on Saturday to represent Devon and Cornwall in the British Athletics Cross Country Challenge a prestigious event showcasing the best cross-country runners from across the UK Competing against some of the strongest athletes in the country Bideford’s runners put in fantastic performances proving that their hard work and dedication to training continues to pay off Bideford AAC Results: U13 Girls (field of 308 runners) Carys Woodhead – 70th (2nd Devon finisher) Lottie Hill – 252nd (6th Devon finisher) U15 Girls (field of 304 runners) Ella Tout – 126th (5th Devon finisher) U17 Boys (field of 290 runners) Finley Cloak – 132nd (5th Devon finisher) Senior Women (field of 266 runners) Jane Cann – 214th (5th Devon finisher) Senior Men (field of 277 runners) Flynn Jennings – 27th overall (2nd Devon finisher) Mark Jenkin – 117th overall (4th Cornwall finisher) praised the athletes for their outstanding performances: “What an amazing day of racing in near-perfect conditions at Wollaton Park There was a huge wealth of talent in all age categories and our team of Blues stepped up to the mark and performed amazingly “Well done to all who ran—it’s not just about the results but all the hard work you have put in to get there.” Bideford AAC continues to develop and support athletes at all levels encouraging participation in high-profile competitions like the British Athletics Cross Country Challenge the club looks forward to building on this success and seeing its athletes thrive in the upcoming race season For more information about Bideford AAC and how to get involved, visit www.bidefordaac.co.uk A Bideford resident has raised concerns about the state of Clovelly Road claiming construction work has led to dangerous debris on the route who wishes to be known as ‘Sarah B,’ told the Gazette that last month she sustained £200 worth of damage to her car after picking up a bolt in her wheel developers Bovis Homes and Persimmon Homes are building new housing off Clovelly Road Sarah said she reported the damage and debris to Devon Highways who acknowledged ongoing issues with the building sites and their impact on road conditions She was advised to contact the developers directly regarding compensation for the damage The Gazette reached out to both Persimmon and Bovis Homes for comment told the Gazette that they will not be providing any comment, but confirmed the surrounding road is being swept four times a week said: "Persimmon takes our role as a safe and responsible developer very seriously which is why we have put measures in place to minimise materials encroaching onto Clovelly Road where a number of other housebuilders are also operating “We will continue to be vigilant in this regard as we deliver much-needed homes for local people in Bideford.” Sarah told the Gazette that she had emailed both developers with documentation and the response from Devon Highways.  she said the road was again covered in mud “This tracks all the way to the A39 and right into the building sites,” she said “It is extremely slippery and is just an accident waiting to happen.” Sarah added that she is “fed up” with how the developers “won’t accept any responsibility for their actions.” “I am genuinely concerned about the state of Clovelly Road and I drive along this most days,” she said.  “I am reporting any debris on the road to Highways do absolutely nothing about it until some poor soul has an accident by skidding on the mud left by the building site vehicles.” Devon & Cornwall Police car © Copyright Lewis Clarke dashcam or mobile phone footage following a large-scale disorder and assault on officers in Bideford Officers were called at 10.10pm on Friday 24 January following a report of antisocial behaviour being committed by a group of people at Bideford Quay The police reported that the group of around seven people became aggressive and uncooperative when directed to leave the area by police A further disturbance happened outside The Kings Arms nearby and officers detained a man on suspicion of drunk and disorderly behaviour Officers were then subjected to a sustained verbal and physical assault from the group who tried to prevent the arrest Up to 15 people became involved with four officers being assaulted by multiple individuals as they carried out further arrests.  Members of the public and door staff intervened to help them None of the officers sustained serious injuries Two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man from Bideford obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of their duty They will attend a police station for a voluntary interview in due course A 21-year-old man from Appledore was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place and affray.  He has been released on bail until 30 March pending further enquiries Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone who may have captured images or footage of the incident to contact them Chief Superintendent Dan Evans said: “Violence against police officers will not be tolerated and such incidents will be robustly investigated This incident attracted a large crowd and we are asking for all available footage Police are asking for assistance with the investigation.  You can contact them on 101 or online quoting crime reference 50250020171 A North Devon resident has spoken out about the disruption caused by ongoing roadworks on Abbotsham Road described the 20-week road closure as “unacceptable” and explained that she felt nearly 90 percent of the first four weeks of the closure saw no work being carried out despite the extensive impact on residents in Abbotsham and Bideford it stated that the road closure started on October 7 There are currently more proposed road works on this road for 2025 as stated on Devon County Council's website.  Ms Law described the site as “a compound for machinery and a portable loo,” suggesting that covering the worksite with ironwork or installing temporary traffic lights could allow traffic through and reduce the inconvenience.  “Anyone needing to drive from Bideford to Abbotsham now faces a three-mile detour,” Ms Law explained adding that families with children attending Bideford College or Abbotsham Primary face significant disruption.  Buses are being diverted through Moreton Park a residential area where single-carriageway stretches and potholes create further obstacles “Twenty weeks closure is unacceptable especially as work is sporadic,” she said.  “It needs 24/7 work to get the job done fast.” The Gazette reached out to South West Water (SWW) who confirmed that they are laying around 670 metres of new sewers to support a development that includes 738 new houses SWW explained that coordinating with other utilities is unfeasible due to space limitations at the worksite with the road closure also allowing other utility companies to complete work during this period A spokesperson for South West Water stated: “Due to the location of the sewer in the road we are unable to carry out this work under traffic lights We have written to the residents affected by the works including the college and local councillors.” with extra signage put up to provide drivers with as much notice as possible It’s game on in Bideford, where a freshly revamped 3G football pitch has scored official FA approval and is now up for grabs by local clubs. The slick new surface at Bideford College is already proving a magnet for teams of all sizes looking for top-tier turf has secured the pitch a coveted place on the Football Association’s 2024/25 3G Pitch Register This register recognises FIFA and FA-standard facilities that are approved for affiliated football competitions across England The newly upgraded facility at Bideford College is available for hire in a range of formats Local clubs and organisations throughout the Bideford Devon area have already shown strong interest in booking the surface principal of Bideford College and Atlantic Academy and it means our students and the wider community now have access to a top-tier sports facility that meets the highest standards and we are excited to see it being used for the benefit of local clubs and organisations It’s another great example of how we’re continuing to support sport and active lifestyles in our community” Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right Bloor Homes partners with Phillips Smith & Dunn Bloor Homes is returning to Bideford after a decade marking its re-entry into the town with the launch of Winsford Park.  located just 3.5 miles from Bideford’s town centre will feature a selection of three and four-bedroom homes.  The homes are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient housing in the area The first phase of the development will include 82 homes and Bloor Homes has partnered with local estate agent Phillips Smith & Dunn to assist in the sales process Sales Manager for Bloor Homes’ Exeter region said: “We are really delighted to be back in this lovely part of the world We have just 82 new homes available on this first phase and with PV solar panels and EV charging points fitted as standard they will certainly appeal to people looking for a future-proofed home." Potential buyers interested in the new homes can visit the Phillips Smith & Dunn office in Bideford and the sustainable features of the development.  Those who have already registered on the Bloor Homes database will have access to exclusive pre-launch pricing The Winsford Park development is situated off Abbotsham Road close to the village of Abbotsham and the North Devon coastline.  The development boasts a blend of modern homes and natural surroundings including original mature trees and expansive green spaces said: “We welcome this partnership with Bloor Homes ahead of their sales presence on site as it gives locals the opportunity to find out about new homes coming to the local area As a Home Builders Federation (HBF) Five Star builder Bloor Homes is renowned for the quality and style of its new energy-efficient homes and adds choice to people in the local area We are particularly excited to assist clients with their move to Winsford Park We look forward to helping sell their existing homes now so they are in a position to move when the handsome new homes are built next Summer.” the homes at Winsford Park will feature energy-efficient systems including radiator systems compatible with air-sourced heat pumps.  These homes align with the latest building regulations and the UK’s goal to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050 For more information on the Winsford Park development or to register for priority marketing details visit Phillips Smith & Dunn or head to the Bloor Homes website at bloorhomes.com Strange accusations after match postponement in midweek New date needed for Bideford trip to Thatcham Town A strange social media fuss surrounded Bideford’s midweek postponement of the trip to Thatcham Town in the Southern League enjoying a fine run of form and with a fully fit squad were scheduled for the game in Berkshire on Tuesday night but a major accident on the A361 would have meant Bideford arriving in Thatcham around an hour after the kick-off time After discussions with the Southern League and the match referee the sensible decision was taken to postpone the match but that didn’t stop weird social media accusations of skulduggery from Bideford The club posted the following statement in response: “Our game away to Thatcham on Tuesday night was unfortunately postponed due to two road closures which prevented the team from getting to the game “There was a major accident on the North Devon Link Road (A361) at approximately 3:15pm and the road was subsequently closed The diverted route was then closed due to a second traffic accident The long delays caused by these accidents meant our estimated time of arrival at Thatcham would have been approximately 8:30pm “After discussions with the Southern League it was decided that it would be too late for the match to go ahead and it would therefore have to be postponed “In the wake of various accusations made on social media (X/Twitter) the club are more than satisfied it did everything it could to get the game on and are very frustrated it could not go ahead so had every reason for the game to go ahead The players had booked time off work and the minibus was paid for so it’s incredibly frustrating for all involved our thoughts are with those involved in the accidents last night “A new date for the game will be announced in due course.” Bideford’s Victorian Frost Fair attracted hundreds of visitors to the town centre on Saturday Many thanks to Graham Hobbs who provided the Gazette which a gallery of images from the event.  a collaboration between local business owners and South West Event Management Solutions CIC turned Bideford Town Centre into a vibrant hub of festive cheer Lucy Lowe from South West Event Management Solutions CIC praised the event's success: many people have worked extremely hard behind the scenes over the past few months to bring the event to life We are all looking forward to next year’s event!" Bideford Town Clerk Paul Swan said  “I’m really pleased with how the whole town-wide event went marked with the presentation of portraits at the event.” and visitors from near and far come together to celebrate Bideford A big shout-out to the Bideford traders for embracing the spirit of the event as well as the volunteers and the teams at Torridge District Council and South West Event Management Solutions CIC for their hard work in making it happen.” Traders were equally thrilled with the turnout noting: "Traders were part of a group working alongside Discover Bideford to bring a memorable winter experience to the town We were in awe at the response with an impressive turnout for the event The Clovelly donkeys were loved by all ages and Father Christmas really did bring cheer to the town." The town centre was bustling with activities for all ages So much hard work went into the planning and organising for a town-wide event It is so lovely to see so many positive comments and honestly I have never enjoyed an event in Bideford so much as the Frost Fair busy at Magpie & Hook and our customers were happy and enjoying the great atmosphere in the town Lots of families out shopping and there really was something for everyone to enjoy Bideford Town Council and traders should be so proud of this achievement." the event was a chance to rediscover the charm of Bideford's historic streets shared his delight: "We have just been to the Pannier Market which is the most lively I have seen it for a while Sally Ellis commented: "We had a great time and got loads of goodies Catherine May said: "It was fantastic...great atmosphere and brilliant to see Bideford so vibrant and busy Great work to the team who made it happen." Local business owners and residents praised the event expressing their hope for future iterations Carole Lovelock remarked: "It was very busy at the Pannier Market Karen Goodman added: "We thoroughly enjoyed it and really hope for something similar next year." While some visitors took in the sights of the town others reflected on their fond memories of the day Jane Vincent shared: "Lovely afternoon in Bideford Started at Atlantic Village and went onto Bideford Thoroughly enjoyed everything - and thank you for the free parking." Support for the event also came from local businesses Mother Clucking Farm expressed gratitude for the town's support saying: "Huge heartfelt thanks to all that visited Bideford for the Victorian Frost Fair The town was full of life and it was fantastic to see Bideford Pannier Market and Butcher's Row full and vibrant once again Thank you and well done to the organisers Discover Bideford Here is to more great things for our town!" The event was not just a success for local businesses but also for the community spirit it fostered Old Bridge Antique Centre thanked everyone involved saying: "A big thanks to everyone who joined us for late-night shopping on Saturday - our hot fruit punch went down a treat us adults love a bit of nostalgia at Christmas - it's all about reliving those warm memories and bringing a touch of the past into our celebrations."  The town’s hair salons also joined in the festive spirit The Hub Hair Salon thanked customers for their support saying: "A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who popped in to see us for Christmas drinks yesterday It was lovely to see you and for your support." Even the town's markets were buzzing with excitement Emily Janet commented on the bustling Mill Street: "Never seen Mill Street so busy as today I'd seen the posters but didn't really understand what the event was Popped into town and I have to say I think it's the best event I’ve seen in Bideford So much to see and do spread around the town Wish I'd known about the workshops and that we'd gone in earlier to make the most of it all." Bideford’s Christmas cheer was clear for all to see with the success of the Frost Fair marking a hopeful start for more events in the future Thank you to all who organised and Happy Christmas." Minxy's Sweets also joined in the celebrations adding: "Minxy's Sweets would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and organisation of the Victorian Frost Fair We think it was a huge success not just for the Pannier Market Complex but also for the whole town This type of event has certainly put Bideford front and central on the map For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 12:05 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 Fine and settled under the influence of high pressure A chilly start but with plenty of clear skies bringing long spells of sunshine Cloud thickening from the west later in the afternoon but remaining dry for all with light winds Evening cloud gradually clears away leaving a dry night with clear spells Wednesday brings a mixture of sunny spells and cloudy skies A few spots of rain may be felt in the far southwest Widely dry and settled with high pressure dominating this week Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average Bideford College has been ranked fifth in Devon for student A Level progress according to newly released data from the Department for Education (DfE) indicating how much progress students made between the end of Year 11 and the completion of their A Levels compared to similar students across England published this month following the ratification of A Level results from Summer 2024 places Bideford College among the top-performing schools in the county It is one of only two state schools in the top five with independent schools making up half of the top ten Bideford College’s Sixth Form focuses on both academic achievement and personal development offering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can excel Staff emphasise wellbeing and collaboration fostering a community that nurtures individual talent said: "We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and this recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of both our students and staff we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can reach their full potential and this ranking is a testament to the success of that approach." The full rankings of sixth forms and colleges in Devon can be viewed online John Heywood celebrates his 100th birthday tomorrow A former ‘Bevin Boy’ from Bideford celebrated his 100th birthday this week When John Heywood was born on Steer Farm in Parkham on October 8 North Devon looked very different to how it does today Sprawling fields stretched for miles where housing estates now stand single-track roads still connected far-flung rural villages and most journeys further afield were done either by steam train or by paddle steamer John now lives in a modern home on the outskirts of Bideford but he retains a strong passion for the days gone by.        The Gazette met John at his home to talk about reaching this milestone birthday and learn more about his life.Although he was born into a farming family John harboured dreams of becoming an engineer during his youth And when the Second World War broke out in 1939 keeping watch at locations such as Mouth Mill and Clovelly Cross helping in the evacuation of the South Hams clearing space for the Allies to rehearse for the Normandy Landings he applied and was accepted to join the Royal Air Force as a flight engineer But when he returned home late on Christmas Eve 1943 there was an unpleasant surprise waiting for him: an Essential Work Order assigning him to an entirely different wartime role Instead of the career that he had dreamed of John found himself among the 48,000 recruits dubbed the Bevin Boys after the Minister of Labour The Bevin Boys were young men who were conscripted to work in the nation’s coal mines as Britain faced an alarming shortage of workers a secretary would pull a number out of a hat with all new recruits whose registration ended in that digit sent to work in the mines John recalls that his number “ended with a 9” But despite travelling to Barnstaple to plead his case in front of a panel And by April 1944 he was living with an uncle in Treharris “I was lucky in some respects,” John explained where there was so much dust and a lot of the boys had menial jobs.”Unlike many of his fellow recruits John found himself working for a contractor in a comparatively spacious area of the mine he found alternative employment with a repairer “I did a lot of work up in the airways,” John recalls “I very much doubt that any other Bevin Boy had the chance of that.” John returned to live and work in North Devon - by now with a Welsh wife he found employment with North Devon Farmers as a lorry driver eventually working his way up to become distribution manager he has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren whose smiling faces peer out from picture frames around his neat and tidy home John continued to pursue his interest in engineering developing a passion for stationary engines that continues to this day Having attended his first steam rally in 1975 he remained a recognisable presence at these events for many years he also chatted passionately about local history Although John has been a widower for 20 years he retains an active social life and was looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday with a family get-together and a street party thrown by a neighbour He also keeps busy growing vegetables in his impressive garden and proudly said of his fresh carrots: “You can’t get them like this in the shops.” Asked to share his secrets for a long life Street marshals engaging with the local community Street marshals in Bideford have been granted limited policing powers under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) This accreditation authorises them to use certain police powers to tackle antisocial behaviour accredited by the Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable Street marshals can be identified by the CSAS logo on their uniforms and will carry a police-issued ID badge and a powers card outlining their accredited authority These can be shown upon request when reasonable FIND OUT BELOW WHAT THE SCHEME MEANS FOR BIDEFORD The powers have also been granted to marshals in Exmouth CSAS Manager for Devon & Cornwall Police said: “I am delighted to announce that CSAS accreditation has been granted to the town marshals in Bideford and Exmouth This achievement is a testament to the outstanding work of the marshals employed by Gardant Group I am confident they will make a tangible impact and I look forward to seeing the difference they will bring.” with over a decade of experience in the sector already holds CSAS accreditation for street marshals patrolling Barnstaple said: “CSAS accreditation is a formal recognition of our training It grants our marshals police-approved powers enabling them to actively address antisocial behaviour This accreditation ensures that we are not just visible but fully equipped and qualified to make a meaningful difference.” Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez secured £1 million in Home Office funding for hotspot policing as part of the Street Focus project.  The funding is shared across 13 towns and cities An additional £200,000 in match funding from the Commissioner has expanded the number of street marshal patrols hotspot policing delivered 18,736 foot patrol hours across the region.  Officers attended 1,194 antisocial behaviour incidents and engaged with more than 68,000 members of the public All security companies providing street marshals for hotspot policing are being supported to receive CSAS training and accreditation Matt Lewis makes debut for Czech Republic  When the Czech Republic international rugby team defeated Luxembourg 40-16 in a recent European Trophy fixture few would have noticed the name of Matt Lewis among the home nation’s replacements and even fewer the connection to North Devon Lewis was born in Prague before moving to Instow at the age of seven quickly joining the Bideford RFC junior set-up and the talented fly-half has now graduated to play for the Czech Republic gaining eligibility through his mum Karolina It is an incredible success story for Matt who studies at the superb rugby university of Hartpury while plying his trade on the international rugby circuit “I was born in Prague and lived there until the age of seven I was probably one of the only kids in the city with a rugby ball in the house,” he said “My parents used to holiday in North Devon and decided this was where we wanted to live after returning to the UK “I had a rugby ball from the 2003 World Cup and can remember crying my eyes out when England lost to Ireland in a Six Nations decider so it was always going to be the game for me I joined Bideford Rugby Club and just loved playing in their junior teams eventually progressing to the Colts and then senior rugby “I used to train with the Colts and the seniors and actually found that transition ok whereas the senior game felt more structured “My dad spoke with someone involved with the Latvian national rugby team and he advised me to contact the Czech Republic I sent the first email to the head coach but didn’t get a reply so followed up with another email that included some footage of me playing rugby they asked me to come along to some trials and training sessions and obviously an incredible moment when I was picked in the squad you never know if you will get any game time so I was obviously immensely proud to get on the pitch It was a very special moment for me and my family The Czech team is currently third in the Rugby Trophy table Promotion from this tier would take them into the group that includes the likes of Georgia nations that have competed in the Rugby World Cup one of Matt’s coaches at Bideford from the age of seven echoed the pride felt by everyone at the club “I would love to say I taught him everything he knows but he always had brilliant talent,” said Picillo “We could all see he was going to be a good player Simon Mathers and Carl Owens in helping Matt but we could all see the natural magic within him “When he sent me the sheet to say he would be on the bench for the Czech Republic I love him like he is one of my own and so proud to see him earn an international cap “He is good enough to play for his country and that takes a lot of talent It is something that will always be on his CV and He has been brought up spectacularly well and they should all be very proud.” Congratulations to Matt and everyone involved with Bideford RFC is now showcased on the gable end of Country Cottage Bakery With its vintage advertising style and warm tones inspired by dusk and the local starling murmurations by the bridge the mural brings a splash of colour to the town centre Supported by the Bideford Regeneration Board and funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund the mural was fabricated by Caddsdown-based Mimick Signs It’s hoped the artwork will brighten up Mill Street throughout the year “I have lived in Bideford on and off for many years Driving back home and looking at the old bridge from the new bridge gives me a sense of relaxation the people and community that we have … As the saying goes ‘love where you live’ this is very true you make the experience what you want it to be So why not embrace and enjoy everything the area you live in has to offer I wanted to create the artwork as a welcoming sign for visitors visiting Bideford.” Managing Director of Country Cottage Bakery expressed his excitement about the project: we were pleased to support this initiative The mural has already sparked curiosity among our customers and we hope to see more installations like this around Bideford.” said: “As a local company we were pleased to facilitate this project led by the Bideford Regeneration Group Designed and installed by local tradesmen it has provoked inquisitive but positive reactions from our customers.  We hope that this might lead to further installations around our town.” said: “The new mural looks fantastic in its new home and certainly encourages a sense of pride and community identity – just some of things that we are trying to achieve through the Bideford Regeneration Board.  If you haven’t already seen it I would strongly urge anyone visiting Mill Street to take a look.  We are lucky to live in an area with such a strong sense of community and we hope that initiatives such as this will go a small way to putting a smile on visitors faces and a sense of pride towards our town centre.” For more information, you can visit the artist’s website at www.oddasea.co.uk Bideford’s annual Carnival and Massed Pipes and Drums took place on Saturday bringing magic and fantasy to life for locals and visitors alike.  the carnival procession began at the Pill Car Park winding through the town's streets before returning to the Quay with this year’s theme drawing on whimsical and fantastical elements the highly anticipated Massed Pipes and Drums performed at 7.45pm.  Up to 150 pipers and drummers marched along the historic Bideford Quay The stirring performance was a highlight of the evening attracting crowds who gathered to enjoy the community event Organised by the Bideford Carnival Committee the event continued its tradition of bringing together the community.  made for an unforgettable evening of celebration Photos capturing the magical night were provided by local photographer Graham Hobbs Bideford AFC confirmed they will be playing Southern League football next season after a dramatic fightback win at Cinderford Town The Robins fell behind inside just three minutes when Alex Bonthron clipped a finish beyond Mike Searle but Bideford immediately set about finding an equaliser Farren Simons heading inches over from a Finn Roberts cross and they doubled the lead with a header from Noah Coates on 54 minutes The pressure was on and the Robins found hope midway through the second period when Josh Webber turned smartly in the box before firing a super finish into the top corner Bideford set about a late onslaught and they got the equalising reward five minutes from time as a delicious cross from Webber was headed in at the far post by Scott Robinson Cinderford were well and truly on the ropes and they could not hold back the Bideford tide A launch forward from Searle was flicked on by Jamie Hearsey and Webber fired home the winner via a hefty deflection combined with the three points in Cinderford means that Bideford are guaranteed to be safe from relegation Barnstaple Town remain on course for a place in the Western League play-offs despite a surprise a 1-1 draw at bottom club Welton Rovers who host Ilfracombe in a North Devon derby on Good Friday The Bluebirds suffered a 2-0 defeat at Oldland Abbotonians on Saturday who have been confirmed as champions of the South West Peninsula League East Division after a 5-1 thumping of Newton Abbot Spurs Goals from Liam Short and Tyler Evans-Loude gave Torridgeside a 2-1 victory at home to Teignmouth Boca Seniors celebrated their tenth Premier Division title in the North Devon Football League with a 9-0 demolition of Hartland at Bocarena Park Sam Box bagged a hat-trick and there were further strikes from Ciaron Lishman Zak Moran and then substitute Scott Sharp ran riot with four goals of his own Boca travel to Hartland for the final league game of their campaign on April 26 Braunton 2nds have a four-point lead over Boca Seniors 2nds but they can grab top spot by winning their two games in hand Connor Nash scored a hat-trick in Boca’s 8-1 victory at South Molton on Saturday Boca and Braunton are set to play each other on the final day of the league season at the end of May Shamwickshire Rovers have a nine-point lead over Braunton 3rds in the Intermediate One Division A North Devon college is helping to stop tragedy in its tracks by offering free cardiac screenings that could save lives before symptoms even begin. Bideford College has again partnered with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to host essential heart checks for young people across the region The college, part of the Athena Learning Trust continues to serve as the local hub for the service The screenings are made possible entirely through community fundraising in memory of 19-year-old Martyn Luckett from Hartland who died from sudden cardiac arrest in 2005 Martyn’s family and supporters have since taken up the baton to prevent similar heartbreak. His sister Charlotte, now CRY’s North Devon representative helps lead a year-round effort involving half marathons boxing events and more to raise the funds needed to keep the programme running Charlotte said: “My family do not wish for anyone to have the heartache we’ve had since losing Martyn especially when frustratingly most deaths can be avoided by a simple and non-invasive ECG This provides the passion behind our mission to continuously fundraise” which has now been running for several years ensures free ECG screenings for any young person who wants one one in every 300 people tested is found to have a potentially life-threatening condition around 12 young people die each week from undiagnosed cardiac problems—many of whom show no symptoms before their death For more information about the service or to book a screening, people can visit testmyheart.org.uk. Further details about the charity’s work can be found at c-r-y.org.uk principal at Bideford College and Atlantic Academy said: “We are really pleased to have been able to host such an important event in our local community The work that CRY undertakes is invaluable and has immeasurable benefits to the young people of the Bideford community The college looks forward to working closely with CRY in the future to ensure that the programme is available to even more people” Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.