EVENTS marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day are set to be held in the local area. In Crediton, there will be a flag-raising ceremony at the war memorial at 9.30am on Thursday, May 8. Later the same day, a cream tea will be enjoyed at the Boniface Centre from 12.30pm to 2pm. There will be live jazz, historical artefacts and a chance to see Crediton Museum's new film about the town in World War Two. This event is sold out. On Friday, May 9, there will be a family disco at Crediton United FC’s clubhouse. Tickets cost £5 on the door. Then, on Saturday, May 10, a “very vintage picnic” will be held in Newcombes Meadow from 11am to 3pm. Attendees should bring their own picnic blankets. Crediton Town Band, morris dancers, CODS and the “Swing Three” jazz trio will be performing in the bandstand. There will also be falconry, a barrel organ, vintage engines, a balloon modeller, a bar and food and craft stalls, alongside free activities for children from the youth club, scouts, army cadets and Lions club. In Sandford, a 45-minute concert by Crediton Town Band, playing a selection of wartime favourites, will take place at Sandford Parish Church on Thursday, May 8 from 7.30pm. Then, on Saturday, May 10, there will be a 1940s-themed cream tea for parishioners at Sandford Parish Hall from 3pm. There will be prizes for the best wartime outfits. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided along with fresh scones, clotted cream and jam. Bakers are also invited to take home baked cakes with them to share. Photos and mementos are welcome for a display that will be co-ordinated on the day. In Coldridge, there will be a commemoration and beacon-lighting from 7.30pm to 10pm at the village hall on Thursday, May 8. There will be a pasty supper and bar and the Coldridge Sunshine Singers will perform at the event. The beacon will be lit at 9.30pm. In Poughill, there will be a VE Day street party at the village hall on Monday, May 5 from 12pm. Participants should bring and share 1940s party food. There will also be a memorabilia display with photos. In North Tawton, there will be a flag-raising ceremony in the park at 9am on Thursday, May 8 followed by a parade of poppy wreaths to the war memorial at the cemetery. At 9.30am, there will be a speech and Okehampton Silver Band will play followed by a minute’s silence. Then, on Saturday, May 10, there will be a coffee morning at the town hall from 10am to 1pm featuring stalls and wartime cake. There will be a fish and chips van from 11am, and a raffle at 12pm. In Spreyton, there will be an exhibition about the village's contribution to the war effort featuring maps, letters and photos at Spreyton Village Hall on Thursday, May 8 from 6pm. There will also be schoolchildren singing wartime songs and a barbecue with refreshments. The beacon will be lit at 9.30pm. Comments Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 LIBERAL Democrat Jim Cairney has been elected as the new county councillor for Crediton. He succeeds the late Frank Letch MBE, also a Liberal Democrat, who died at the age of 80 on April 8. Cllr Cairney secured 1,259 votes, 35.5 per cent of the total ballots cast. In second place was Charles Beazley of Reform UK with 869 votes. Conservative Angus Howie came third with 602 votes, and in fourth place was Labour candidate Paul Vincent with 423. Rob Rickey for the Green Party secured 333 votes, and in last place was Wesley Mitchell of the Heritage Party with 52. The Liberal Democrats have held the Crediton division, which covers Crediton, Copplestone, Bow, Cheriton Bishop and Venny Tedburn, since 2005. Tel: 01822 613666 [email protected]Follow us Further Links THE Crediton Courier is reporting live from the election count at Mid Devon District Council’s headquarters in Tiverton. Check here for live updates and results for county council divisions in the Crediton area. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us CREDITON’S community-owned bookshop is set to host an evening with local folklore author Mark Norman billed as “an informative and entertaining exploration of Devon's rich folklore” will take place at The Bookery on Thursday Mr Norman is the author of The Folklore of Devon which consolidates more than a century of research by Devon folklorists He will be speaking in conversation with fiction writer Alexandra Dawe “Mark is the perfect guide to lead us through Devon’s long and rich folkloric heritage,” a spokesperson for The Bookery said “He will be telling us tales of folklore both ancient and modern and providing new insights into the oft-quoted folklore tales of Devon “His book is the first major collection of Devonshire folklore for nearly half a century brought up to date with an examination of internet lore and modern tales Mark Norman makes a massive contribution to the study of regional folklore with international implications: the folklore of Devon is both highly specific to its historical and cultural context fairy lore and witch lore found throughout other parts of Europe.” Mr Norman was recently appointed as the new Recorder of Folklore for the Devonshire Association and is known for creating The Folklore Podcast which has seen more than two million downloads He is also a council member of the Folklore Society and founding curator of The Folklore Library and Archive The Folklore of Devon is his fourth published book Two more of his works will be launched later this year Mr Norman will be signing books at the event Tickets cost £4 and are available at the bookshop or via The Bookery’s website: thebookery.org.uk. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us AS many as 65 people went along to the Waie Inn at Zeal Monachorum to mark Crediton and Area Vintage Farmers Group’s first anniversary on Wednesday Members enjoyed a roast lunch complete with meat seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes followed by tea and coffee The late Cllr Frank Letch MBE and Cllr Margaret Squires paid for most of the event with cash from their county council locality funds The group for retired or semi-retired farmers first met at the Red Deer pub in Crediton on April 16 last year It was founded by local charity Involve Mid Devon and is supported by the Farming Community Network and the group has been meeting at various local venues and enjoying meals “It's amazing to have reached our first anniversary,” Tamlyn Fraiquin of Involve Mid Devon said “It's a really lovely group and it's grown so much we've got members that have been here right from the beginning and we've got lots of new members too “They feel comfortable and part of a community and they can talk and share memories.” Richard Sampson of the Farming Community Network added: “Farmers are a very isolated group in society “Getting them out and having some social activity Sarah Swadling of BBC Radio Four’s Farming Today programme was also at the event She spoke with Ms Fraiquin and Mr Sampson about the group’s success and interviewed some of the members If you would like to join the group or share ideas for future events, get in touch with Tamlyn Fraiquin by emailing [email protected] or telephoning 07719 014912. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us Devon County Council Election Day - Use you vote and take ID 7.15pm - Reading and Performing Beckett, free talk by Philip Robinson and Prof Laura Salisbury on his remarkable playwright, The Bookery, Crediton. Tickets at: www.ticketsource.co.uk 10am to 12 noon - Spreyton’s Farmers Market and Big Breakfast in aid of a Christmas Party for Children of Black Dog 12 noon - VE Day 80th Anniversary Street Party 2.15pm - Downes Estate Guided House Tours Daily to May 11. Adults £11, reduced for children, HHA members free. For more information, please visit: www.downesestate.co.uk . For availability and to book a tour contact: [email protected] or 01363 460160 2.30pm - The Friends of St Lawrence Chapel Annual General Meeting Hugh Mellor presenting his compelling and most recent book Devon Dead and Buried at the Bookery 7pm - Crediton Town Band play at Sandford Parish Hall as part of Sandford VE Day 80th anniversary flag raising at the park and parade of poppy wreaths to the War Memorial at the Cemetery; 9.30am - Speech and Okehampton Silver Band 9.30am - VE Day 80th Anniversary in Crediton Flag Raising at the War Memorial; 12.30pm to 2pm - Cream Tea at the Boniface Centre 10am to 4pm - and Fridays and Wednesdays and 11am to 2pm on Saturdays, Crediton Museum Exhibition: The Home Front: Crediton in World War Two, Admission free, donations welcomed. See http://creditonhistory.org.uk/whats-on/2025/homefront.aspx a Sustainable Crediton illustrated talk with Edward Mayer of Swift Conservation 12.30pm to 2pm - Soup and Stories at The Bookery 7.30pm - Eyes down for Sandford Parish Hall Meat Bingo 7.30pm - Quiz Night, in aid of Cheriton Fitzpaine Community Shop, Parish Hall, teams of up to 6, £5 per person, bar, nibbles provided, book by May 7, email: [email protected] 8pm - Church House Concert with Keith Donnelly, Church House, South Tawton, Dartmoor Folk Festival Fund Raiser, tickets £12, book via TicketSource (You can pay by card Apple Pay etc.) Or you can call the TicketSource telephone box office number on 0333 666 3366 10am to 11.30am - Local Produce and Crafts Market Book a table - cost just a prize for our draw 12 noon - History and Politics Book Club at the Bookery discussion will be centred around Beyond the Wall: East Germany 3pm - The Hummingbirds close harmony trio at Whitestone Parish Hall (EX4 2JS) Tickets £10 from ticketsource.co.uk/whitestone-entertainments 7pm - Doors open for 7.30pm talk by Alan Murray on Dowsing, Boniface Centre, if you want to have a go, book your place(s) by emailing [email protected] More information at http://creditonhistory.org.uk/whats-on/2025/dowsing.aspx 3.30pm - Afternoon Author Ronnie Turner discussing her new book Small Fires a mesmerising modern gothic masterpiece organised by Crediton ELF Fundraising Group 7pm - Mark Norman is joined by author Alexandra Dawe at The Bookery to lead people through a uniquely rich and entertaining exploration of Devon’s rich folklore. Tickets £4, available at www.thebookery.org.uk/events-3/ Crediton Yucca Dance with meditation on circles and the way our lives are connected and interconnected by them Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/creditonartscentre 2.30pm - Crediton Town Band and Crediton Youth Orchestra Spring Concert Met Office and National Meteorological Archive Manager free to members or just £4 on the night for visitors 10am - Coldridge Parish Church, Re-Dedication of the Edward V window by the Bishop of Exeter, followed by historical talks with barbecue on the green and bar, teas, etc in Coldridge Village Hall, to buy tickets, email: [email protected] If you have a forthcoming event, please email: [email protected] . Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us The restaurateur succeeds the late Frank Letch MBE, also a Liberal Democrat, who died at the age of 80 on April 8. Cllr Cairney, who is also a district and town councillor, secured 1,259 votes, 35.5 per cent of the total ballots cast. Reform UK candidate Charles Beazley came second with 869 votes, ahead of Conservative Angus Howie, who secured 602. In fourth place was Labour candidate Paul Vincent with 423 votes, followed by Green candidate Rob Rickey with 333. In last place was Wesley Mitchell of the Heritage Party with 52 votes. Voter turnout was 33.2 per cent, much lower than in previous years. “I would first like to thank everybody here at the count for the way that it was conducted and all the other candidates who took part in this election,” Cllr Cairney said after the result was announced. “We had a really good, clean contest where everybody spoke the truth and acted in very good honour as well. “I would also like to say many thanks to Frank Letch, who was the standing candidate at this division. “I believe that I have benefitted of his many hard years of work and diligence in working for the community.” In the local area, the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK made big gains, reflecting a seismic countywide and nationwide shift away from the Conservatives and Labour. The Lib Dems took Creedy, Taw and Mid Exe, which had previously been held by the Conservatives. Reform UK came second in the seat, the Conservative Party third, and Labour last. Steve Keable is the new county councillor for the large division, which covers Newton St Cyres, Thorverton, Silverton, Bickleigh, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Morchard Bishop, Chawleigh, Coldridge, Zeal Monachorum and Down St Mary. Cllr Keable welcomed his party’s result and said his phone had been “buzzing continuously” with messages of congratulations. “It’s been a lot of hard work campaigning; I’ve driven 1,000 miles and pushed leaflets through 21,000 letterboxes,” he said. “It takes an hour to drive across my patch, so it is a big area.” The Lib Dems also held onto Exminster and Haldon, which includes Whitestone, and poached Chulmleigh and Landkey, Tiverton West, the Chudleigh and Teign Valley seat, which includes Tedburn St Mary, and the Torrington Rural division, which includes Winkleigh, from the Conservatives. Meanwhile, Reform UK took the South Molton division, which includes Witheridge and East Worlington, the Hatherleigh and Chagford seat, which includes North Tawton, Spreyton and Sampford Courtenay, and Tiverton East from the Conservatives. Across Devon, the Conservatives lost as many as 32 councillors, wiping out their majority at the county council after 16 years in power. It was also a bad day for the Labour party, which lost all seven of its seats. The biggest party at Devon County Council is now the Liberal Democrats with 27 councillors elected, just short of an overall majority, meaning they may need the support of other parties to wield control. The next largest is Reform UK with 18 councillors, followed by the Conservatives with seven and the Greens with six. There are also two independent councillors. How long the newly elected councillors will be in post is uncertain, given that Devon County Council will likely cease to exist soon amid a local government overhaul. The government wants to abolish the county and district council system currently in place in most of Devon and create new large “unitary” councils. What the election results mean for the effective dissolution of the county council remains unclear. Much of the political debate in recent months has involved the Conservative-led county council trying to create a raft of proposals for how Devon should be reshaped. The mostly Lib Dem-led districts have favoured turning Devon’s 11 councils into three unitary ones, but the county council offered a much wider range of possibilities. With the Lib Dems now the largest party at County Hall, they may well try to get the council to coalesce around the ideas being championed by the Lib Dem districts. The full Crediton-area county council election results are as follows: Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us DEVON Air Ambulance is thrilled to be opening the doors of another brand-new charity shop in Tiverton The charity will be proudly opening its 23rd charity shop to local people and visitors in Tiverton this week and invites you to join them at a special launch event taking place at 10am on Friday with mascot Ambrose and a visit from Critical Care Paramedics if missions allow has a fantastic Outlet space situated at the rear of the store where you will find items selling at a reduced price of £5 or less You can pick up a real bargain across a full range of men's and women's wear which will be continuously restocked to help raise vital funds The shop will also stock the charity's own coffee brand Crew's Brew provided in association with local Devon company Owen’s based in Ivybridge The charity's retail shops make a significant contribution not only to the local people in the communities they serve but as a vital income stream to support the lifesaving service it provides So far this year the air ambulance has been tasked to 724 missions responding to people who needed their advanced level of urgent critical care across the county The new charity shop not only provides a space for local people to give back to DAA by shopping for or donating preloved goods it also provides an opportunity for members of the community to take part in volunteering and a chance to learn more about what happens behind the scenes of a local lifesaving charity To find out more and to express an interest, visit: Retail volunteer - Tiverton - Devon Air Ambulance Trust Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A CREDITON woman is continuing to collect ink cartridges to raise funds for FORCE Cancer Charity. Yvonne Youles says any type of "home" printer cartridges are acceptable. Yvonne explained: “Any number from single cartridges to a box full would be welcome. “We have raised more than £400 in the past couple of years and I need help to raise a bit more! “Bedford and Co in the High Street have kindly agreed to keep a collection box so please pop in with your cartridges!” FORCE Cancer Charity provides free support and information to anyone affected by cancer at its centre in Exeter and at local community hospitals. For further information on the services that FORCE offers, please visit the website: forcecancercharty.co.uk . Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us SIX people are standing for election to represent Crediton at Devon County Council Liberal Democrat Frank Letch MBE was the county councillor for the division until his death on April 8 at the age of 80 The candidates competing for the seat are Charles Beazley for Reform UK Voters will go to the polls to choose whom they want to represent them at county level on Thursday The new Crediton councillor will probably not be in post for very long as Devon County Council will likely cease to exist soon amid an overhaul of local government The government wants to create new “unitary” councils instead of the county and district council system currently in place in most of Devon Devon County Council had asked the government to postpone the May polls but was denied Short introductions written by the six Crediton candidates can be read below I would like to introduce myself to you as the Reform candidate for Crediton in the local elections I am very proud to have been selected to represent Reform I assure you that should I be elected I will work tirelessly to get rid of the dubious contracts signed by Devon County Council get rid of all the “vanity projects” so loved by our Labour government and the Conservative-controlled council We need to free up people's hard-earned money that is paid in council tax and reverse years of neglect and get the money channelled back into the community local projects and services that will benefit everyone living in the towns and villages I’ve lived in Crediton for 24 years and run a successful local restaurant One of the bonuses of being a restaurateur is you get to talk to a wide range of people and they often tell you about the problems they face That’s why six years ago I stood to be a town councillor and after that a district councillor for Crediton Boniface I think I’ve done a good job representing local people with their problems and championing local businesses Now I want to represent you at county level as your Devon County Councillor Devon faces many problems and the ruling Conservative group have proven incapable of solving them I followed in my father’s farming footsteps before starting my own successful haulage and heavy plant business our lorries were responsible for filling in potholes in Perthshire is a key local issue here in Crediton Rural too firstly to Okehampton and then to Cheriton Bishop where I have continued farming Texel sheep with my wife I am a family man and enjoy spending time with my grandchildren protecting the countryside for future generations and food security my main aim if elected will be to leave our wonderful Crediton Rural division better than when I moved here It’s where I’ve raised my family and seen firsthand the value of community I’m standing because local voices are being ignored and I believe we need councillors who will fight for real people I bring the same tenacity to politics that once defined my rugby career citing the need for a political home with clear principles and a long-term vision It just gets on with actively defending our freedoms and restoring common sense I’m calling for a return to integrity and accountability in local government and someone who will actually represent them and a fair deal for Crediton and rural Devon I see the value in immigration and reject the demonisation of others as well as supporting local agriculture and access to arts I will support independent local businesses with preference in local procurement wherever possible Green councillors at Mid Devon District opposed Devon County Council’s response to the government’s local government reorganisation demands Devon is far too big for just one unitary authority In any new authority Greens call for a fair deal for rural areas with scattered settlements Born in Bideford (in 1962) I have lived in Crediton for around 16 years where I am active both in business and community life shops and in magazine publishing and have run my own business As Chair of the Friends of Crediton Library I helped launch the Kirton Quarterly – “a magazine for the Crediton community” – which is delivered free to all households and businesses in the town I volunteer to keep Crediton clean and tidy A current task is to clear weeds and debris from Deep Lane – a popular walking route in the town I have served on Crediton Town Council during two periods and take an active interest in local government issues I have been a Labour Party member for around 30 years Your polling station can be found on your poll card sent to you in the post You must bring photo ID to your polling station when you go to vote You can find the names of candidates standing in other local seats by visiting: creditoncourier.co.uk/news/county-elections-candidates-announced-780519. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us THE work of local artists will feature in an exhibition which will be held in Studio One at Crediton Arts Centre from Friday, May 23 to Tuesday, May 27. Returning after the success of last year’s show, the exhibition will include paintings, ceramics, textiles, photography and masks. Artworks will be for sale as well as cards and prints being available. Studio Two will show the work of students who attend a variety of professionally led art classes run at the centre. The exhibition will be open daily between 10am and 4pm and admission is free. For those who have not visited the Arts Centre, it is located opposite the Church of the Holy Cross on Union Road. To give you a flavour of the exhibition, here are some insights in the words of the artists of their artworks on show. Esme Cooper is a textile designer working from her garden studio in Crediton. She designs surface patterns which she screen prints by hand onto natural fabrics, making these into furnishings, lampshades and household textiles. Nigel Garside is an abstract artist working from his studio in Crediton. He layers sprayed acrylic and resins to create large colourful canvasses which juxtapose strict matrix patterns with an element of randomness. John Lewis is a local landscape artist painting mainly locations on Dartmoor as well as Snowdonia and Cornwall. He uses acrylic paints on canvas. However, for a smaller budget A3 or larger prints are available, as well as a large selection of hand-made cards. Roger Phillips will be showing his abstract paintings, part of a larger collection entitled ‘Inside the Dream’. These works visit the mystery and energy of dreams. The floating, lost emotions where logic and reality appear to be suspended. Teresa Rodrigues has a background in drama and design and was taught by the Italian mask-makers, Stefano Perocco and Donato Sartori. For Teresa both her subject and medium are masks. Because they tend to be ephemeral objects, she makes them out of anything - paper, soil, fabric, crockery, plants, and they will always reflect or express the world they are made of. Anne Smith paints landscapes and seascapes and creates contemporary ceramics. She is exhibiting wheel-thrown pieces glazed in bright blues and greens, recent raku vessels and hand-built vessels featuring iconic landscapes and botanical themes. Phil Smith paints mainly colourful acrylic abstracts. The inspirations for his paintings come from his travels in Morocco and Oman, as well as city skylines and his long career as a marine biologist. Catherine West is a maker, facilitator and producer, who explores the relationships between community and individual, especially for vulnerable groups. Following on from her involvement with the Crediton Station Tea Rooms ‘Art-coustics Tree’ and the Newton Abbot Community Tree Project, Catherine will be showing a collection focused on and inspired by trees. Andy Wills is a landscape photographer based in Crediton. Photography has been his passion for 45 years. For Andy photography is an art and it is about finding the extra-ordinary in an ordinary place. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us CREDITON Police officers would like to pass on a big thank you to the members of the community that stopped to help at a Road Traffic Collision on Exeter Road, Crediton, earlier this afternoon, Tuesday, April 29. For information, the police log is 0302 of 29/04/25. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us MORE than 100 people attended a consultation about the plan for 750 houses on land south of Barnfield The consultation event was organised by Crediton Town Council and Sustainable Crediton’s Climate Action Team which are seeking the views of local residents on the forthcoming proposals The land is identified for new housing development in Mid Devon District Council’s (MDDC) Local Plan but both organisations would like to present a Vision document for the area Crediton Town Councillor Liz Brookes-Hocking recently explained that MDDC has begun the process of creating the next Local Plan which will cover the period to 2048 She said that through the Housing and Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) the district council decides which of the sites that have been put forward are suitable for development and then includes them in their plan The plan has several stages of consultation before it is adopted town and parish councils and residents are not involved before the HELAA process is completed Liz said that this means that important decisions about which land is going to be used for what purpose are made before the consultation stage begins She said Crediton Town Council believes that residents should have their say at the earliest stage possible The proposed area is the last tract of undeveloped land inside the town boundary Lots of ideas were put forward about how it should be used these ideas being amalgamated into the Vision for the land sustainable transport and more: What kind of housing is needed in Crediton and how should it be designed How can the Vision contribute to the town’s economy and opportunities for young people Much of the land at Barnfield is owned by Devon County Council and the Symes Trust For further details, please email Liz: [email protected] . Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us RESIDENTS of Lawrence Ward in Crediton will go to the polls to elect a Town Councillor for Crediton Town Council (Lawrence Ward) on Thursday, March 27. Voters will be asked to choose between two candidates, voting for only one. • Vix Frisby, address in Mid Devon, Independent candidate, proposed by Paul M Vincent and seconded by Giles Fawssett. • Tim Stanford, address in Mid Devon, Liberal Democrats candidate, proposed by Anne M Snell and seconded by Saskia E Stanford. Vix said: “I have lived in Crediton for almost 20 years and raised both my daughters here, who attend QE school. I work as a Social Care Assessor for Devon County Council and prior to this worked locally across supported living homes. My professional role requires excellent communication skills, a compassionate and understanding nature and is essentially about improving lives. “As an Independent Councillor, I would be able to utilise my skills and experience to benefit the local community. I strongly believe that the Town Council needs to be more widely representative of the town demographic and that councillors should really 'listen' to the views and concerns of local people. “Council Tax payers and small businesses are the life blood of the town and Crediton's local council tax (precept) has gone up hugely over recent years and is now over £500,000. I think it is time to bring this down, in the light of the current cost of living crisis, as many local people find this hard to pay. “The Community Conversation event last weekend, largely facilitated by 'Independent' councillors illustrated that 'Independent' council members are keen to connect with the local community, seek local opinions and provide platforms for local engagement. As a local resident myself, I care about the future of my town and am passionate about improving prospects for all and ensuring Crediton continues to be a great place to live.” Tim said: “I’m excited to stand as a candidate for the St Lawrence ward in the upcoming Crediton Town Council elections. “I’ve been part of Crediton life for around 20 years, living in the St Lawrence ward for 18 of those years. Both of my sons attended local schools—Landscore Primary School, where I had the privilege of serving as a school governor alongside Headmaster Gary Read, and QE School, where they completed their GCSEs. “My youngest son also sat his A-levels there last summer and is now in his first term at university in Plymouth. “You’ll often find me walking around Crediton with my two black Labradors, Lexie and Lara—and this week is especially exciting as we’re expecting our first, very much planned, litter of puppies! “My background is in sales and media, with over 20 years of experience managing customer accounts, coordinating promotions, and building brand awareness for clients. I currently work as a sales manager at Radio Exe Devon, where I continue to support local businesses and community initiatives. “If elected, I’m eager to listen to the concerns of local residents and work collaboratively to support initiatives that enhance community life, protect our green spaces, and strengthen local businesses. I’m committed to representing St Lawrence with dedication and ensuring that Crediton continues to thrive.” The polling station will operate at Crediton Congregational Church and voting will take place between 7am and 10pm. Voters must take along photographic identification to vote. The election follows the disqualification of Liberal Democrat Georgina Stone for not attending meetings. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A BRAND-new McDonald’s restaurant opened on Joseph Locke Road, Crediton, today, Wednesday, February 26. Following significant investment from local Franchisee David Shawyer, the restaurant is now open for Dine-in, Takeaway, Drive Thru and Click and Serve. The 76 seat restaurant has created more than 90 new full and part-time jobs for the local community and features table-service, self-ordering kiosks, a large outside patio area with seating, and a Drive thru with smart digital menu boards. The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Guy Cochran, joined David and his team for the formal opening of the restaurant. Cllr Cochran said: “I was very pleased to open our new McDonald’s in Crediton. “I had my first McDonald’s meal way back in 1986. “This restaurant will enhance the economy of the town and also increase footfall to the town - it will give it a big boost. “I was very pleased to find out that it is employing so many local people and with excellent working conditions.” David Shawyer, who now owns and operates 10 McDonald’s restaurants in Devon, said: “We are delighted to open a brand-new McDonald’s restaurant in Crediton and can’t wait to see local customers enjoy our services on offer. “People are at the heart of our business and we look forward to welcoming new employees with the jobs our restaurant will create. “We’re committed to investing in opportunities for a mix of all ages, life stages and backgrounds, promoting flexibility and equality”. With consumers increasingly looking for greater speed, efficiency and choice when ordering their food, the Crediton restaurant has been built in-line with McDonald’s ambitious “Convenience of the Future” programme. This combines a new layout with the latest technology to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for customers. With dedicated areas for the different ways to order, the new restaurant offers a more efficient way to order and provides customers with adequate space to enjoy their meal. The new kitchen design and dedicated courier waiting area will allow crew to better accommodate both courier and customer needs, meaning they will be able to serve more quickly, efficiently and accurately than ever before. The restaurant is also excited to announce the implementation of a series of sustainable innovations as the business works towards its target of achieving net zero emissions across all its restaurants and offices by 2030. The Crediton restaurant features the latest innovations in sustainable building design throughout and the restaurant has been deliberately designed to retain the familiar McDonald’s look and feel. • Roof mounted solar panels to support on-site generation of renewable energy. • Timber window frames and partition walls have replaced the traditional aluminium and steel frames. • Building materials from recycled material (including McDonald’s own coffee grounds). And new trials exclusively starting in the Crediton restaurant include: • Air windows which help to retain heat within the building, reducing the amount of energy the building will use. • Plastic kerbstones made from recycled materials with built in internal drainage to reduce building materials. First customers were Chloe Bright and Will Richards from Exeter who had come to Crediton to look at dog kennels. Chloe said she was “excited to be the first customer” and was thankful that they both received a free meal. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us TWO vehicles parked on a narrow street, Church Street in Crediton, are causing dramatic traffic issues in the town. Cars are just able to pass the red VW Camper van and grey coloured Kia Picanto car in the one-way street but vans and lorries are unable to get through. Many motorists in vehicles larger than a car are having to reverse up Church Street to Belle Parade often causing many vehicles to have to reverse. The car was first parked there on Wednesday or Thursday of last week, the van a later addition. Crediton Town Council says it has received a lot of communication about the vehicles and says it has emailed Devon County Council, as the Highways Authority, and Crediton Police. The current advice is to seek an alternative route. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us CREDITON’S new Lidl store is now expected to open in April following a minor planning error, according to a local councillor. It had been widely publicised the new supermarket would open for business on Thursday, February 6, with the date advertised on a large billboard and on leaflets delivered by Royal Mail. But the store’s opening was delayed and remains closed at the time of writing. The reason for the delay was that Lidl had mistakenly appointed to its contractor an amended drainage scheme without asking Mid Devon District Council for approval, the council told Cllr John Downes (Lib Dem, Crediton Boniface) when he asked about the delay. Lidl has since corrected its error, asking for retrospective approval of the amended drainage scheme, and the council has given it the thumbs-up. The store is now scheduled to open in April, Cllr Downes was told – but exactly when has not been revealed. Lidl is a German discount supermarket chain. Its new Crediton store was granted planning permission in September 2022. It has been built on a part of The Rec, the playing fields owned by Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation. Lidl paid £800,000 to Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation for the site. The new store will have as many as 114 parking spaces. The site will also include two electric vehicle charging points and 12 bicycle parking spaces. Planning conditions included a payment of £87,289 to assist with the flow of traffic through the Western Gateway, St Lawrence Green and the High Street to address air quality within the Crediton Air Quality Management Area. Lidl has also paid £400,000 to help relocate Crediton Rugby Club and £100,000 to Devon County Council to provide a zebra crossing on Commercial Road. When it opens, Lidl says the store will create up to 40 new jobs for the local economy. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us THE untimely death of a man who contributed so much to Crediton the chairman of Mid Devon District Council and a Crediton Town Councillor who passed away at home during the previous night Frank was firstly elected to Mid Devon District Council in 2015 and to Devon County Council in 2021 Because of his work and commitment to his local community Frank was awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours list in 2015 Over the years Frank had roles with several charities including Reach (Association for Children with upper limb deficiency) Devon in Sight the Jubilee Sailing Trust and a local preschool Frank was born in June 1944 in the East End of London which at that time was being regularly bombed and lived there until 1963 when he attended Birmingham University to study French and Italian After graduating he spent five years teaching in Birmingham and married Helen before moving to Bala in Wales There Frank continued his career teaching in English and later in Welsh In Wales Frank made four hour-length documentaries in Welsh about various aspects of his life When asked about his life Frank said: “Most people know that I was born without arms Nobody knows why and it doesn't really matter if they do because it won't change anything will it “Because of this my first 11 years of education were spent in special schools “Despite all this I managed to pass 10 O levels and later went on to grammar school where I passed three A levels While I remained in London to sit my A levels my parents and sister moved to Cheriton Bishop for father’s work "In 1963 I went to Birmingham University to study French and Italian During my degree I spent a year teaching English in France and loved it I've always had a very soft spot for France." Frank retired in 1992 to concentrate on his five children and their kennel of dogs after Helen sadly died in 1990 Frank was a Kennel Club certified dog trainer but also was a well-known exhibitor In 1995 Frank moved to Scotland but decided that Scotland was not for him and moved to Devon where he chose Crediton He soon settled and became an active member of the community Frank became a town councillor and was the Mayor of Crediton for 13 years He said that he was proud that his wife Natalia was Mayoress and later became a Town and District councillor Natalia has been steadfast in her support of Frank especially during his recent battle with cancer Previously Frank said he enjoyed being a councillor because it gave him the opportunity to listen and to represent the people of Crediton He said: “I believe that I am a good listener and speaker and ably put forward the concerns and problems of my constituents.” Mid Devon and Devon groups and organisations cannot be underestimated improved the town’s relationship with twin town in France represented the town at the Mid Devon Show various CODS’ productions and many civic and remembrance events Frank maintained his fitness to enable him to complete tasks with his feet such as writing or peeling vegetables one of his demonstrations which surprised everyone was his dexterity by peeling a potato in record time Frank had an adapted car which gave him more freedom When not attending council meetings or reading papers for them he enjoyed reading gardening and keeping in contact with his children and distant friends Frank also spent 10 years as a tribunal judge for Employment and DLA Tribunals Frank said: “I have learned to be content with what I have.” His contribution to society cannot be underestimated offered sage advice where needed and fought battles for the town of Crediton which has been so dear to his heart • If you have a tribute or memory of Frank, please email it to: [email protected] . Written tributes can be sent to: The Editorial Manager, Crediton Courier, c/o Crediton Library, Belle Parade, Crediton EX17 2AA. UPDATE: Crediton Police have confirmed that they have now been able to trace the owner of the car. This means that they have now been able to reopen the road and clear the obstruction. POLICE have closed a narrow Crediton road where two vehicles have been causing traffic chaos. The vehicles, a red VW Camper van and grey coloured Kia Picanto car, have been parked on the one-way street, Church Street, throughout the weekend. Crediton Police have been on the scene for the last few hours and have now closed the road. They have been able to trace the owner of the VW Camper van and this has now been removed. The car is still causing a serious obstruction and both would have prevented an ambulance or fire engine from passing. It is anticipated that the car will be towed away to resolve the issue. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us CREDITON’S community-owned bookshop is continuing its program of free afternoon author events in May. Award-winning local author Hugh Meller will be speaking about his most recent book Devon Dead and Buried at 3.30pm on Tuesday, May 6. He will give an audio-visual presentation featuring some of Devon’s 700 burial sites, all of which he visited over the decade he spent researching the book. Attendees will have the chance to hear stories from the 2,000 memorials and graves of the “notable and notorious” people buried or commemorated in the county, including aristocrats and artists, paupers and politicians, merchants and missionaries, sailors and suicides. On Tuesday, May 13, at 3.30pm South West-based author Ronnie Turner will be talking about and reading passages from her new book Small Fires, which is described as a “mesmerising modern gothic masterpiece” and “like Stephen King on crack”. The final event will take place on Wednesday, May 28 at 3.30pm. Dr Todd Gray MBE will be giving an audio-visual presentation and speak about writing “challenging history” in Devon. “Dr Todd Gray MBE has written more widely on Devon than any other historian,” a spokesperson said. “He has introduced a number of challenging topics into local studies including enslavement, the rise of fascism in the 1930s and looting in the Second World War, and for this afternoon’s subject Todd will be investigating a well-known but poorly understood figure which divides contemporary society and has an unusual local dimension.” The free events are open to all and will be held in the community link room at The Bookery. Tea and biscuits will be provided. No registration is necessary. The Bookery has been community-owned since 2013. It has nearly 500 individual shareholders following a recent community share offer. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us THERE will be no trains through Crediton for seven days soon due to planned engineering work Essential maintenance will be carried out from Saturday Replacement buses are planned between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple and Exeter St Davids and Okehampton The replacement buses will not stop at Yeoford with separate services between Crediton and Yeoford instead You can also use rail tickets on the number 6A bus between Exeter and Okehampton The railway line that operates between Exeter and Barnstaple via Crediton is known as the Tarka Line A second railway station in Okehampton is expected to open next year. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us AN amateur show handler and rare breed enthusiast from Crediton, Emily Fisher and her horse, Bahain Terminator have qualified for the prestigious Your Horse Live Championship in Warwickshire this November. Emily and Arnie, as the stunning purebred Cleveland Bay horse is known, made the trip to Hartpury University near Gloucester for the first ever Native, Traditional and Rare Breeds class at the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier on April 13. They will now go on to compete under the bright lights of the Your Horse Live Arena at Stoneleigh Park this Autumn. The pair competed in and won the Native, Traditional and Rare Breeds class under top judges Emma Jackson and Richard Ramsay to earn their qualification. Among the 13 horses and ponies in the class, in addition to Arnie, there were Traditional Gypsy Cobs, a British Percheron and a Fell pony. Arnie was bought by Emily from a photo when he was just nine-months-old. Emily said: “I love the Cleveland Bay breed, they are so versatile and if they trust you they’ll give you all they’ve got. I do a lot to promote this rare breed and saw this new Search for a Star class so thought why not come along! “Arnie has absorbed the atmosphere here today, we will break him in next year. Cleveland Bay’s take a long time to mature and its lovely to have the chance to come out to show people the breed. Cleveland Bay’s are on the Rare Breeds Critical list, if we don’t support the breeders, the Cleveland Bay breed will die out.” SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “What a start to the season for Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse. There was such a positive atmosphere at Hartpury and the standard of horses and ponies coming forward was fabulous to see. SEIB Search for a Star first took place back in 1996 and over the years has provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at HOYS. Each of the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying shows offers opportunities for a full range of show horses to earn a place at the series championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A CREDITON man wrote to Devon County Council at the beginning of March asking that a mis-placed road sign be corrected but to-date this has not happened. Graham Chudley wrote on March 3: “Work has recently been completed at the new Lidl store in Crediton, and as part of the finishing touches a sign has been put up close to the entrance showing a roundabout ahead and giving directions to Tiverton as well as the town centre and the A377 to Barnstaple. “However the sign has been put up the wrong way around. It needs to be turned 180 degrees. “Can you please arrange for someone to come along and correct this as it could lead to all sorts of safety issues with people unfamiliar with the area being directed to go the wrong way and causing confusion.” Mr Chudley attached images of the incorrectly placed sign with his email to the authority and is still hopeful that the work will be completed to place the sign the right way round. A MEMORIAL Service for Councillor Frank Letch, who served Crediton, Mid Devon and Devon County Council, will take place at Crediton Parish Church, beginning at 2pm, on Friday, May 16. Frank William Letch passed away on April 8 at home aged 80 years. The funeral cortege will drive down Market Street passing the Town Square and along Parliament Street on his final journey at 11am during the morning of Friday, May 16. Frank was elected to Mid Devon District Council in 2015 and to Devon County Council in 2021. Because of his work and commitment to his local community Frank was awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours list in 2015. Over the years Frank had roles with several charities including Reach (Association for young people with upper limb deficiency). Frank was born in June 1944 in the East End of London and lived there until 1963 when he attended Birmingham University to study French and Italian. After graduating he spent five years teaching in Birmingham and married Helen before moving to Bala in Wales. There Frank continued his career teaching in English and later in Welsh. Frank said: “Most people know that I was born without arms. Nobody knows why and it doesn't really matter if they do because it won't change anything will it? “Because of this my first 11 years of education were spent in special schools. “Despite all this I managed to pass 10 O levels and later went on to grammar school where I passed three A levels. While I remained in London to sit my A levels my parents and sister moved to Cheriton Bishop for father’s work. "In 1963 I went to Birmingham University to study French and Italian. I also had A level Spanish, so you might guess I'm a linguist. "During my degree I spent a year teaching English in France and loved it." Frank retired in 1992 to concentrate on his five children and their kennel of dogs after Helen sadly died in 1990. Frank was a Kennel Club certified dog trainer, winning several times at Crufts. In 1995 Frank moved to Scotland and shortly after to Crediton. He became an active member of the community, becoming a school governor, joining Rotary and much more. Frank also married again, a lady he met on holiday in Egypt. In 2004, Frank became a town councillor and was the Mayor of Crediton for 13 years. He said that he was proud that his wife Natalia was Mayoress and later became a Town and District councillor. The support he has given to Crediton, Mid Devon and Devon groups and organisations cannot be underestimated. Frank used his feet to write and peel vegetables and had an adapted car which gave him more freedom. Frank spent 10 years as a tribunal judge for Employment and DLA Tribunals. Donations for Hospiscare or REACH, may be given by retiring collection at the service or send to LeRoy Funerals, 94/95 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LB Or online at: www.leroyfunerals.co.uk . Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A CREDITON pensioner had a lucky escape after a fire in a fuse board in her home caused an explosion. A family member explained that her mother could have been seriously injured if she had been in the hallway of the Winswood property. She explained: “The doors to the hallway were blown off and the glass in the doors shattered by the explosion. “When my mother opened the under stairs cupboard she could see flames. “She immediately shut the door and got out of the house and phoned the fire brigade which was the right thing to do.” Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the fire at about 4.30pm. The Crediton fire crew was the first on the scene followed by two from Danes Castle, Exeter. Crediton Watch Manager Neil Hargreaves, speaking from the scene at 7pm, said: “On arrival we found the fire in a fuse board and that all persons were out of the property. “To put out the blaze we used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and one safety jet. “After putting out the fire we used positive pressure ventilation to clear the property of smoke. “The damage has been limited to the hallway and cupboard with the rest of the property unscathed except for smoke damage. “Danes Castle have now left the scene but we are remaining while Western Power work to isolate the supply from the property. After that we can then check the property for hotspots.” The family member continued: “Western Power have explained that to isolate the property they will need to use a mini-digger to dig up the cable in the garden, then cut the supply to make it safe in the house. “We think that this could take some time.” The family member added that some personal items in the hallway had been destroyed by the fire. Access to Winswood from Park Road is currently blocked by the fire engine and motorists should use an alternative route through Barnfield. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us SEVERAL Crediton entrance signs on roads leading into the town appear to have been stolen. The signs on the A377 east and west of the town and on the A3072 from Bickleigh are all missing. Crediton Town Council said they have not been removed for maintenance. It has contacted Devon County Council to have new signs installed. “You may have noticed that the signs at the entrances to the town have gone missing,” a Crediton Town Council spokesperson said. “These have not been removed for maintenance. Unfortunately, it appears that they have been stolen. “We have contacted Devon County Council and hope to have them replaced as soon as possible.” The signs read: “Crediton/ St Boniface 680-754/ twinned with Avranches”. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us FURTHER ideas about future development on land south of Barnfield Crediton will be the subject for a morning of discussion on Saturday When new housing developments come forward for planning permission residents often wonder why they haven’t heard about them before and why their views about them don’t seem to make any difference The answer is that planning decisions are made about land available for development years before an application for planning permission appears Through Mid Devon District Council’s Local Plan process but it can also include employment sites or a school site The development at Pedlarspool was brought forward through the current Local Plan which runs to 2033 Mid Devon District Council has begun the process of creating the next plan which will cover the period to 2048 There was a call for available sites a couple of years ago and another call was announced recently Through the Housing and Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) town and parish councils and their residents are not involved before the HELAA process is completed This means that important decisions about which land is going to be used for what purpose are made before the consultation stage begins Crediton Town Council believes that residents should have their say at the earliest stage possible Crediton Town Council and Sustainable Crediton held a Community Conversation about the land south of Barnfield Most of this land was identified for potential development several years ago It is the last tract of undeveloped land inside the town boundary Lots of ideas were put forward about how it should be used to benefit the town These ideas have now been amalgamated into a Vision for the land The Town Council and Sustainable Crediton’s Climate Action Team have organised a morning workshop to present the Vision and add detail to it There will be a full morning’s programme inviting views on housing How can our Vision contribute to the town’s economy and opportunities for young people Answers to these questions will strengthen the proposals for the kind of development people have said they want to see Mid Devon District Council have said that they want communities to contribute to their new Local Plan The Town Council hopes that the ideas from our community will be included in the plan for Crediton as it develops Everyone is welcome: It’s your town: come and help shape its future If you can’t attend and wish to discuss these issues, please contact Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking: [email protected] . Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A GIANT sign erected on Joseph Locke Way on Monday, February 17, confirms that Crediton McDonald’s restaurant and drive-thru will open on Wednesday, February 26. The sign reads: “Opening 26th February - We can’t wait to see you!” On February 4 McDonald’s UK confirmed that the opening had been delayed. It had been hoped to meet its proposed opening date of February 14, Valentine’s Day. The restaurant chain announced that it was due to open towards the end of February but since then work has been moving apace with some intensive work by many contractors. The site is just off Joseph Locke Way next to Mole Avon Country Stores. Interior and exterior works have been taking place and the car park was among the latest works taking place. Mid Devon District Council granted planning permission for the restaurant in September. Excavations began in October. Work began on the building on Monday, January 6. More than 120 full and part-time jobs are expected to be created. There will be seating for 76 people in the restaurant with 36 car parking spaces, including two accessible bays, two grill bays and four electric vehicle charging bays (of which one will be accessible). There will also be space to leave bicycles. Mid Devon District Council put several conditions on the build when it approved the plans. A total of £35,281 should be spent on traffic flow measures through the Western Gateway, St Lawrence Green and the High Street in Crediton and two extra electric vehicle charging points. A contribution of £15,000 will be invested in the town centre in the form of the shop front enhancement scheme. A further £5,000 will allow Devon County Council to provide double-yellow lines and to secure land on the eastern side of Joseph Locke Way for a cycle path and footpath. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A DROP-in session at Crediton Library for members of the public to hear about plans for Crediton Food Festival 2025 has been hailed as a success Crediton Town Council Events Manager explained: “Many people came along to give their views on the event at our Foodie Forum on Wednesday with two new volunteers putting their names down and two new demonstration chefs offering their services.” During the Foodie Forum former Food Festival Committee member Steve Nicholls officially handed over the running of the Crediton Food Festival to be administered by Crediton Town Council Jo added: “The former committee began the food festival and kept it going despite the pressures of Covid and increased bureaucracy but they have now asked Crediton Town Council to take on the organisation of this important annual event We thank them for all they have done and we intend to do them proud!” Deputy Mayor Steve Huxtable and Mr Nicholls ceremoniously shook hands to mark the official handover the Food Festival’s long-time main sponsors also attended the Forum to discuss plans for the event Crediton Town Council thanks Ashgrove Kitchens for again agreeing sponsorship and use of their sleek demonstration kitchen once again Crediton Food Festival will be in and around the Town Square on Saturday There will be a children’s entertainer and Medical Herbalist Anne Stobart will lead a walk around the town High Street businesses should be visited soon to ask about their involvement but any opinions are welcomed Stallholder application forms can be downloaded from the Crediton Town Council website Another Foodie Forum consultation is planned for a weekend soon Events Officer Jo invites anyone interested in volunteering, or who seeks further details, to contact her on email: [email protected] . Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us LIDL has confirmed that its first-ever store in Crediton will officially open earlier than a recently announced date. It had been scheduled to open on February 6 but that was delayed due to a planning error. A further anticipated opening date was given for April but Lidl now says that the store will open on Thursday, March 20. The new store, on Commercial Road, will be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, offering the community access to Lidl’s award-winning range of high-quality, great-value products. Local shoppers can also look forward to Lidl Plus offers and complimentary food sampling throughout the opening weekend. Spanning 1,256m², the store will include the discounter’s renowned in-store bakery, the popular Middle of Lidl, and customer facilities such as toilets with baby-changing stations. Outside, there will be ample parking for both cars and bicycles, as well as electric vehicle charging points, while solar panels on the roof will help power the store. This multi-million-pound investment will improve convenience for shoppers in the area, while boosting the local economy by creating around 40 new jobs. New starters will benefit from Lidl’s industry-leading pay, with newly increased rates having come into effect this month, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its workforce. Rosie Meehan, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening date of our first store in Crediton. Commercial Road is an ideal location for us to provide top-class convenience for residents, meaning they’ll no longer need to travel to Exeter to access our offering – saving both time and fuel. “This project has been a true team effort, and we’re proud to bring our best-value offering to the community. We look forward to welcoming shoppers through our doors in the coming weeks.” For more than three decades, Lidl says it has continually delivered its unbeatable combination of quality and affordability to shoppers across Great Britain. With more customers choosing to shop at Lidl, the discounter has consistently been named the fastest growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket for over a year. It had been widely publicised that the new supermarket would open on February 6, with the date advertised on a large billboard and on leaflets delivered by Royal Mail. Lidl is a German discount supermarket chain. Its new Crediton store was granted planning permission in September 2022. It has been built on a part of The Rec, the playing fields owned by Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation. Lidl paid £800,000 to Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation for the site. The new store will have as many as 114 parking spaces. The site will also include two electric vehicle charging points and 12 bicycle parking spaces. Planning conditions included a payment of £87,289 to assist with the flow of traffic through the Western Gateway, St Lawrence Green and the High Street to address air quality within the Crediton Air Quality Management Area. Lidl has also paid £400,000 to help relocate Crediton Rugby Club and £100,000 to Devon County Council to provide a zebra crossing on Commercial Road. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us THE Annual General Meeting of Sustainable Crediton was held at Crediton Arts Centre on Thursday, April 10. It was the first AGM since the organisation became a registered charity. Recognition and thanks was given to all the volunteers and especially the core group who co-ordinate and manage the operation and support of all the groups and projects associated with Sus Cred. Special thanks was given to Caroline Romijn and Terry Hadley who were stepping down from the core group after many years of contributing leadership and inspiration. The financial report was received and accepted; income and expenditure has been stable and a budget for the current year agreed. The big events of the year have been very successful including: The Big Green Fair held in September, the Crafternoon held in October, the Clothes Swop held in January and the Seed Share held in February. Regular activities have continued including: Pollinator Plots, Woodland Management, Tree Planting, the Repair Café, support for the Boniface Trail, opening the Sustainabubble hub and the hugely successful Food Larder. New events for this year included two films on the theme of sustainable farming and food, running activities for the Haywards School Super Heroes Day and a public consultation on land use plans for the Old Deer Park area of the town. Future plans include setting up a Library of Things and events including a talk “Supporting Swifts in Towns and Villages” on Thursday, May 8. Chairperson John Craythorne acknowledged it has been another very busy and successful year for the organisation. He called on anyone interested in getting involved with Sustainable Crediton to contact him via the website or Facebook or pop in to the Sustainabubble on the Town Square. A CREDITON man has been jailed for more than nine years after pleading guilty to a range of sexual offences and a drug offence had previously admitted 13 sexual offences and one drug related offence when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Monday Grzywna pleaded guilty to five charges of voyeurism five of charges of attempting to observe a person in a private act and knowingly trespassing on a premises with the intention of committing a sexual act and possessing a prohibited image of a child He also pleaded guilty to offering to supply a class B drug The court heard that Grzywna was arrested in the early hours of Sunday July 14 in Crediton after a man had been seen to leave a child’s bedroom after he was disturbed by someone in the house He was subsequently charged with knowingly trespassing on a premises with the intention of committing a sexual act including videos relating to sexual assault and voyeurism and messages about drug supply He was sentenced to nine years and eight months when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Monday He will also serve three years on extended licence and has to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life He was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on release Detective Constable Becky Carvell said: “We welcome the sentence passed down today and my thoughts as they have been throughout the investigation and court process are with those affected by Lukasz Grzywna’s actions “The victims and their families have shown great courage in supporting this prosecution “We would encourage anyone who has been subject to similar behaviour to report it If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault Devon and Cornwall Police encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 You can also report information and crimes on the Force website you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us UPDATE: The fallen tree and power cables on the A377 near Newton St Cyres have been cleared. All roads have now reopened. UPDATE: The obstruction on the A377 between Crediton and Copplestone has been removed and the road has reopened. UPDATE: The fallen tree on the A3072 has been cut up and removed. The road has reopened. THERE is traffic chaos in the Crediton area this morning as two main roads have been shut with another partially closed. The A3072 between Crediton and Bickleigh is blocked both ways due to a fallen tree near the Shobrooke turn-off. The A377 is closed both ways between Crediton and Copplestone due to an obstruction on the road. The A377 is also partially blocked due to a fallen tree and fallen power cables just outside Newton St Cyres. Traffic is coping well, police said. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us IT’S another trip down memory lane as we take a look at some of the photos from the past taken by the Crediton Courier Here are some images from October and November 2003 Photos can be purchased from the Crediton Courier If you have images you would like share with fellow Crediton Courier readers, please email them to [email protected]. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us CREDITON Town Council has announced its events for Spring/Summer 2025 a picnic in the park with a 1940s theme: expect a big band Returning for its second year is “The Big Boniface Bash” This is the event where Crediton celebrates its unique history as “the home of the Christmas tree” so there will be a Christmas tree in the park… in summer Visitors from the Boniface Link towns of Fulda and Dokkum will also be returning in June so follow the council’s socials to learn more about the civic delegation Get in touch if you have ideas for their visit Crediton Food Festival will still be focused on quality local food but expect some changes … there’s exciting news coming for small or new food businesses These events have always relied on generous donations from Crediton’s business community It is hoped that local businesses will support and donate again in 2025 The events in 2024 were made possible by volunteers from Crediton Lions The Turning Tides Project and the community Generous donations came from Crediton Dairy Any businesses, groups or individuals interested in being involved should contact Jo Davey: [email protected] or 01363 773717. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us MCDONALD’S UK has confirmed that the opening of its Crediton restaurant and drive-thru opening has been delayed. It had been hoped to meet its proposed opening date of February 14, Valentine’s Day, but that romantic treat will not now be achieved. The restaurant chain announced this week that the restaurant is now due to open towards the end of February. Work on the Crediton restaurant and drive-thru at the site off Joseph Locke Way next to Mole Avon Country Stores is progressing well with the building structure up and work still taking place inside and outside. Mid Devon District Council granted planning permission for the restaurant in September. Excavations began in October, with a large amount of earth removed and foundations put in place. The 24-hour restaurant and drive-thru was due to open after an 18-week turnaround. The first is a financial contribution of £35,281 to be spent on traffic flow measures through the Western Gateway, St Lawrence Green and the High Street in Crediton and two extra electric vehicle charging points. The second is another contribution of £15,000, which will be invested in the town centre in the form of the shop front enhancement scheme. The scheme is targeted at small and medium-sized businesses preparing and serving food. A further £5,000 will allow Devon County Council to provide double-yellow lines and to secure land on the eastern side of Joseph Locke Way, north of the junction to the proposed entrance, for a cycle path and footpath. McDonald’s agreed to some alterations to its submitted plan. These include changing the access to the site to benefit its neighbours (Mole Avon), reducing the height of signage, enhancing landscaping and including local materials to the building. Works to build the restaurant must also take place between 8am and 9pm, and not on Sundays or bank holidays. McDonald's has recently submitted plans to the council to display two fascia signs, three booth lettering signs, one digital booth screen, all illuminated and a yellow golden arch (revised scheme) at the site. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us SHOPPERS will be able to park for free at St Saviour’s Way car park in Crediton on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas. Parking will be free for 24 hours on the following Saturdays: November 23, November 30, December 7, December 14 and December 21. Mid Devon District Council will also be waiving charges at Station Road car park in Cullompton and the multi-storey car park in Tiverton on the same dates. Normal fees will apply on all other days of the year. “This initiative not only benefits our residents but also gives local businesses a boost during a crucial trading period,” Councillor James Buczkowski said. “I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of these free parking Saturdays, visit our wonderful independent shops, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.” Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us PLANS for a new launderette on Crediton High Street have been given the thumbs-up It will be located on the ground floor of 6 High Street in the former premises of Coco’s bakery and cafe which moved to 12 High Street in September Its opening hours will be from 7am and 9pm Monday to Sunday The launderette will provide “essential laundry services for both residents and visitors” It has also been billed as a free-to-use “community warm space” where people can go in winter to keep warm and enjoy the amenities No major alterations will be made to the outside of the Grade II listed building and the existing shopfront will stay largely unchanged apart from a cover over the top of the door the layout will be adapted to incorporate washing machines and dryers and a seating area There will be an office separated by a partition at the back of the building and a new window as well as ducting and venting at the rear The design will be “simple and practical in keeping with the building’s existing fabric” One person wrote to Mid Devon District Council in support of the plans Two people objected over concerns about noise and smells lack of need for another warm space in the town and the suitability of the listed building the district council said it was satisfied any noise and vibration made by the washing and drying machines would be minimal and the new launderette would bring the historic building back into use You can find the application on Mid Devon District Council’s website under reference 25/00017/FULL To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: publicnoticeportal.uk. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us STAGECOACH is set to make a raft of changes to bus services between Exeter and Chulmleigh through Crediton The 5.35am Monday to Friday 5C service from Exeter to Chulmleigh is to be withdrawn due to low passenger demand The 6.10am Monday to Friday 5C service from Exeter to Chulmleigh will be re-timed to depart later and operate directly between Copplestone and Chulmleigh The 6.10am Saturday 5C service from Exeter to Chulmleigh will be withdrawn due to low passenger demand The 6.30pm Monday to Friday 5C service from Chulmleigh to Exeter will operate directly between Chulmleigh and Copplestone The 4.35pm Monday to Friday 5C service from Exeter to Copplestone will be re-numbered to service 5 and operate the standard service 5 route to Crediton The 5.55pm Monday to Friday 5C service from Exeter to Chulmleigh will be re-timed to depart at 6.10pm to provide a “more even spread of departures” The 7.27am Monday to Friday 5C service from Chulmleigh to Exeter will be re-timed to depart earlier at 7.22am the 5.35pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 5A service from Exeter to Okehampton will terminate at Waitrose in Okehampton instead of Market Street “We’re excited to launch our new timetables from April 20 across Devon,” said Stagecoach South West Managing Director Peter Knight “There are many improvements to the network in both Exeter and beyond touching many of our market towns around the county “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Devon County Council to deliver these improvements through the Bus Service Improvement Plan and our DevonBus Enhanced Partnership.” You can see the new timetables online by visiting: tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/South%20West/April%202025/Exeter/5_5A_5B_5C%20200425.pdf. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us Yucca Dance presents a powerful new triple bill—culminating in “In the Round” an original dance theatre work that explores the universal symbolism of circles across cultures who grew up in Crediton and began performing with Crediton Youth Theatre and QE Theatre Academy After studying dance and choreography at Falmouth University Luca continued to develop his practice in Germany and Scotland It was in Edinburgh that he met Yuxi Jiang a dance PhD student originally trained in Chinese traditional dance Together they formed Yucca Dance and co-choreographed In the Round everything is interconnected—mirroring our modern lives: a labyrinth with no clear exit In the Round weaves a rich cultural tapestry blending Chinese traditional dance with Western contemporary movement The piece features music from Japanese art-pop duo dip in the pool alongside dance film and verbatim sound in 24 languages Yucca Dance was supported by the Keep It Fringe Fund and a successful crowdfunding campaign—many of the donors coming from the Mid Devon community In the Round will be performed at Crediton Arts Centre this marks a joyful homecoming—to share his work with the community that nurtured him it’s an opportunity to discover the warmth and spirit of Mid Devon Tickets are available now via the Crediton Arts Centre website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/creditonartscentre The Arts Centre can be contacted on 01363 773260. If you wish to reserve tickets at the Centre there is usually someone in the office on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and some Fridays. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A LARGE crane has been lifting parts of the new McDonald’s restaurant in Crediton into place. It arrived at the site off Joseph Locke Way next to Mole Avon Country Stores on Sunday, January 5. Work began on the building yesterday, Monday, January 6. Mid Devon District Council granted planning permission for the project in September. Excavations began in October, with a large amount of earth removed and foundations put in place. The 24-hour restaurant and drive-thru is due to open after an 18-week turnaround, which could mean it will be ready on Valentine’s Day, February 14. More than 120 full- and part-time jobs are expected to be created. There will be seating for 76 people in the restaurant with 36 car parking spaces, including two accessible bays, two grill bays and four electric vehicle charging bays (of which one will be accessible). There will also be space to leave bicycles. Mid Devon District Council put several conditions on the build when it approved the plans. The first is a financial contribution of £35,281 to be spent on traffic flow measures through the Western Gateway, St Lawrence Green and the High Street in Crediton and two extra electric vehicle charging points. The second is another contribution of £15,000, which will be invested in the town centre in the form of the shop front enhancement scheme. The scheme is targeted at small and medium-sized businesses preparing and serving food. A further £5,000 will allow Devon County Council to provide double-yellow lines and to secure land on the eastern side of Joseph Locke Way, north of the junction to the proposed entrance, for a cycle path and footpath. McDonald’s agreed to some alterations to its submitted plan. These include changing the access to the site to benefit its neighbours (Mole Avon), reducing the height of signage, enhancing landscaping and including local materials to the building. Works to build the restaurant must also take place between 8am and 9pm, and not on Sundays or bank holidays. McDonald's has recently submitted plans to the council to display two fascia signs, three booth lettering signs, one digital booth screen, all illuminated and a yellow golden arch (revised scheme) at the site. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A NEW initiative to tackle food insecurity and promote sustainable thanks to a £24,000 grant from the Devon Community Foundation’s Large Grants Fund in partnership with Queen Elizabeth School (QE) has secured funding to support the wider community This project will help families overcome barriers to accessing and preparing nutritious meals while also creating a welcoming space for skill-building At the heart of the project is the creation of a Community Cooking Hub at QE which will serve as a dedicated space for learning and hands-on workshops Families and individuals will have the opportunity to gain confidence in the kitchen outstanding staff and its role as a trusted community hub make it the ideal setting for this initiative said: "We are delighted to open our facilities to support this vital project we are committed to helping our families and strengthening the wider community and we’re proud to be part of something that will have a lasting impact." The project will also work alongside local charities and voluntary organisations the initiative will focus on the whole community to provide practical support to those facing food insecurity and challenges in accessing nutritious meals "This funding will make a real difference to our local families By teaching practical cooking skills and encouraging sustainable food habits happier and more resilient community." Local groups and volunteers passionate about sustainable food, skill-sharing, and community support are encouraged to get involved. For more information or to participate, please contact Tamlyn: [email protected] . Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A MEMBER of the Independents for Crediton initiative has won a seat on Crediton Town Council. The election for a candidate in Lawrence Ward took place on Thursday, March 27, the count taking place at Phoenix House, Tiverton on Friday, March 28. Victoria Frisby, commonly known as Vix Frisby, received 308 votes with the other candidate, Tim Stanford, receiving 268 votes. The electorate was 3,094 with 579 ballot papers issued and turnout of 18.7 per cent. The election followed the disqualification of a Liberal Democrat candidate for not attending meetings. Before the election Vix said: “I have lived in Crediton for almost 20 years and raised both my daughters here, who attend QE school. I work as a Social Care Assessor for Devon County Council and prior to this worked locally across supported living homes. My professional role requires excellent communication skills, a compassionate and understanding nature and is essentially about improving lives. “Council Tax payers and small businesses are the life blood of the town and Crediton's local council tax (precept) has gone up hugely over recent years and is now over £500,000. I think it is time to bring this down, in the light of the current cost of living crisis, as many local people find this hard to pay. “As a local resident, I care about the future of my town and am passionate about improving prospects for all and ensuring Crediton continues to be a great place to live.” Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us LIDL has today, Wednesday, February 5, confirmed that its opening of its Crediton store will not now be taking place tomorrow, Thursday, February 6. A spokesperson for the company told the “Courier”: “The opening date of February 6 was reported in error, unfortunately. “We are currently working through the necessary planning conditions with the Council, and once these are finalised, we will be in a position to confirm the official opening date.” The building of the much-anticipated Lidl store in Crediton has been progressing well and a billboard was in place announcing it would open on February 6. The new store, along with 114 parking spaces, servicing and landscaping is being built on a part of The Rec, the playing fields owned by Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation. Lidl paid £800,000 to Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation for the site. The building is in place and the car park and outdoor works are almost completed. It has also paid £400,000 to help relocate Crediton Rugby Club and £100,000 to Devon County Council to provide a zebra crossing on Commercial Road, which is almost complete. The new supermarket will include an in-store bakery. The site will also include two electric vehicle charging points and 12 cycle parking spaces. Lidl was granted planning permission for the new store in September 2022. Once opened, Lidl says the store will create up to 40 new jobs for the local economy. Lidl are well-known for not meeting scheduled opening dates. Some leaflets about the store opening have been delivered by Royal Mail locally. McDonald’s UK recently confirmed that the opening of its Crediton restaurant and drive-thru has been delayed. The restaurant chain announced that the restaurant is now due to open towards the end of February. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us SCORES of people braved pouring rain to take part in the yearly “Walk of Witness” through Crediton on Good Friday, April 18. Organised by Christians Together in Crediton, volunteers carrying a large wooden cross led a procession through the town, stopping at each of the town’s churches to worship and hear excerpts from Luke’s Gospel about Jesus’ death. The event began at St Boniface Roman Catholic Church with a hymn and a reading about how Judas betrayed Jesus. Participants then heard at Crediton Parish Church how Jesus was mocked and put on trial, before singing a hymn at Crediton Methodist Church. At the Town Square, people heard how Jesus was crucified, and then at Crediton Congregational Church how he was buried. It is believed the tradition began in 1977. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us CREDITON’S new Lidl supermarket has opened for business. Crediton Rugby Club Chairman Liz Goodman cut the ribbon with some of the U15s and Deputy Mayor Steve Huxtable to officially open the new store on Commercial Road on Thursday, March 20. It had been due to welcome shoppers on Thursday, February 6, but was delayed due to a minor planning error, according to a local councillor. Planning permission for the new 1,256-square-metre store was granted in September 2022. It has been built on part of The Rec, the playing fields owned by Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation, for which it paid £800,000. The supermarket’s opening hours are 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. It has an in-store bakery, a “Middle of Lidl” aisle of assorted household goods, and customer facilities such as toilets with baby-changing stations. Outside, it has 114 parking spaces, two electric vehicle charging points and 12 bicycle parking spaces. “Commercial Road is an ideal location for us to provide top-class convenience for residents, meaning they’ll no longer need to travel to Exeter to access our offering – saving both time and fuel,” said Lidl GB Regional Head of Property Rosie Meehan. “This project has been a true team effort, and we’re proud to bring our best-value offering to the community. “We look forward to welcoming shoppers through our doors in the coming weeks.” Lidl says the store will create around 40 new jobs for the local economy. CREDITON Farmers' Market has announced its dates 2025. The dates are held on Saturdays: January 4 and 18, February 1 and 15, March 1 and 15, April 5 and 19, May 3 and 17, June 7 and 21, July 5 and 19, August 2 and 16, September 6 and 20, October 4 and 18, November 1 and 15 and December 6 with a special Christmas market on Saturday, December 20. The markets take place in the Town Square in Crediton from 10am to 1pm. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us A MUSICIAN whom Bob Dylan described as “the single most important figure in English folk-rock” is set to perform in Crediton with his son Ashley “The Guvnor” Hutchings and Blair Dunlop’s concert will take place at Crediton Parish Church from 7.30pm on Saturday March 29 as part of the Spring Awakening Music Festival Mr Hutchings formed the group Fairport Convention in 1967 and later Steeleye Span and the Albion Band is an award-winning folk singer-songwriter The event is billed as “a father-son celebration of Ashley’s 80th birthday with words and music from a life in folk music and beyond” Tickets for the event cost £20 for adults and £18 for concessions. To book, visit: ticketsource.co.uk/creditonartscentre. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us DEVON and Cornwall Police are investigating a spate of burglaries in Crediton area village communities. Businesses in our community have suffered burglaries over the past few nights. Church Street Stores at Morchard Bishop was broken into between 9pm on Tuesday, February 4 and 8am on Wednesday, February 5. The shop till was found on February 6 in a field near Bugford. An appeal for CCTV footage and if anyone saw anyone acting suspiciously has been issued. Lapford Cross Garage MOT Centre was broken into between 4.30am and 4.50am on Wednesday, February 5. Any information would be welcomed by the police and the crime reference is 50250030174. Copplestone Farm Shop was broken into between 3am and 6.30am today, Friday, February 7. Information would be welcomed and the crime reference is 50250032430. A dwelling burglary took place in Newton St Cyres at approximately 9pm on Wednesday, February 5. Information welcomed and the crime reference is 50250031211. Boots Pharmacy in Crediton High Street was broken into on Monday, February 3. Ashreigney Council has publicised that the theft of valuable power tools were reported stolen in Ashreigney late on Thursday, February 6 or during the early hours of this morning, Friday, February 7. A police spokesperson said: “Officers are currently investigating these incidents. “If you have any information or recall seeing anything suspicious, on or around these dates and times, please get in touch using the 101 number, quoting the relevant reference number.” If a burglary is in progress, use the 999 number. Tel: 01363 774263 [email protected]Follow us CREDITON Town Band is preparing for a big night on Monday, December 23. Last year more than 700 people filled Crediton’s Town Square for the Band’s Carols on the Square event, and on Monday night the Band is preparing for even more people to attend. The great festive community event will run from 7pm to 8pm. Carol sheets will be available for a donation on the evening or there will be a QR code which will bring up the hymns to be sung on people’s mobile telephones. Last year Paul Evans lead the singing for many of the Christmas Carols and songs and will be returning this year. In addition, there will be signing by Lesley Rogers. Expect to hear some of the favourite Christmas carols such as “Away in a Manger”, “In the Bleak Midwinter”, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”, “O Come all Ye Faithful”, “Once in Royal David’s City”, “Silent Night”, “We wish you a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells”. On Tuesday, December 24, Band members will play Carols around Crediton from 10.30am, in Crediton High Street and in the entrance at Tesco, Wellparks, Crediton. Crediton Town Band is a non-contesting brass band which concentrates on playing concerts and community events throughout the year. It comprises a mixture of local people of all ages and abilities who enjoy playing music together. It recently appointed Iorwerth Pugh as its new Musical Director. Iorwerth started playing the trombone in Ottery St Mary Silver Band aged 12 and went on to play in classical groups, big bands, jazz groups and other ensembles. New players of all ages or even people visiting the area who would like to go along on a rehearsal night are welcome if prepared to join in and double-up on parts where the band needs extra resilience for engagements. The Band rehearses in Crediton on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For further details and for any enquiries, please visit the website: https://www.creditontownband.org.uk . The Band’s principal officers along with eight other committee members, are: President: Paul Evans, Chairman: Chris Richards, Vice Chairman: Jamie Green, Treasurer: Muriel Power and Secretary: Kate Brown. The Band recently held its 40th anniversary dinner at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum. On Sunday, November 10 the Band played for the Remembrance Day Service at Crediton Parish Church and afterwards at Crediton Town and Hamlets War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance. Some of the Band members recently played for the Crediton Courier newspaper 50th birthday party. Don’t miss Carols in the Square on Monday, December 23, it is a really wonderful community event. Donations will be accepted for Crediton Playscheme and Crediton Town Band.