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 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 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 Two long-serving independent town councillors are standing for election to Devon County Council in what could be the final vote before a major local government shake-up transforms the structure of authority across the county Chris Berry and Tim Bridger, both members of Tiverton Town Council, have confirmed they will contest the seat as part of the Local Independents for Tiverton (LIFT) group when voters head to the polls on Thursday The vote marks the last set of elections to Devon County Council with a Labour government-led restructure expected to abolish the current three-tier system within the next three years The pair are campaigning on a platform of community commitment pledging to bring their extensive public sector experience to the top tier of local government Their shared priorities include health and safety who chairs the council’s Climate and Resilience Committee is a well-known figure locally and internationally for his marine wildlife rescue work He also serves as a school governor and leads the town’s emergency planning With over two decades of experience in employment rights Chris is described as an advocate with both compassion and results has a background in law and the public sector and is heavily involved with local charities Known for his advocacy on issues such as protecting the Grand Western Canal and scrutinising Mid Devon’s 3Rivers housing scheme he has positioned himself as a vocal defender of public accountability Tim said: “Our priorities for the county cover four areas – a healthy and safe town; opportunities for all; great places to live Each of these safeguard important functions that the county carries out that can make our towns better and ensure that Devon remains a beautiful place to live and visit.” He added that navigating the transition during reorganisation would be challenging: “The most important thing for us is that we are both experienced in the public and third sectors so we really understand what Devon County Council does and the power of local government to make life better for residents The county has responsibility for the most vulnerable in our society through its social care functions as well as for ensuring maintained schools deliver a first-class education to every pupil with equity and excellence in every classroom “Decisions it makes in infrastructure and transport will affect the county for decades to come and the focus on training and skills is hugely important for a generation adapting to new ways of living and working We don’t want to lose all the good work that the county has done nor do we want the hard-working and skilled staff to suffer as a result of these changes If elected we will work to make sure that the very best of what the county does is retained in the new structure as well as the talented and passionate people who deliver those services.” Chris said that few other candidates bring the same level of experience and hands-on commitment to council or community work “Both Tim and I work in and for the community and we do it all year round not down – and we know what we are talking about Tim will still be on every committee going and I will still be at every climate and wildlife initiative going As independents we are here just to represent the needs and best interest of the people of Tiverton They are the only ones who can tell us what is needed or how to vote it is an amazing place to live and work – and we deserve the right to stand up for our residents at county level.” Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right BALLOT boxes for the Devon County Council wards in the Mid Devon District Council area started to arrive at Mid Devon District Council’s offices at Phoenix House at nine minutes past 10 on Thursday, May 1, the first box arriving from Bolham. During the next few hours boxes arrived from across the district, the furthest still due to arrive after midnight from the remote parts at Chawleigh, Coldridge and other areas beyond Crediton. On arrival the boxes were registered and taken upstairs where a bank of staff were waiting to begin the verification process. This began after a few minutes, postal votes verified first, then the boxes began to be taken to tables for those to be opened and the votes poured out for verification. The verification process is expected to take several hours, at least until 3am. While this is taking place, some of the candidates and candidate representatives, including from the range of usual political parties, watch all the verification process take place, trying to get some idea of how many votes candidates have received. The ballot papers are guarded overnight and the official count will take place from about 11am today, Friday, May 2. It is anticipated that results will begin to be announced during the early and mid afternoon of May 2. The candidates vying to become the next county councillor for Crediton are: Reform UK candidate Charles Beasley, Liberal Democrat candidate Jim Cairney, Conservative candidate Angus Howie, Heritage Party candidate Wesley Mitchell, Green Party candidate Rob Rickey and Labour candidate Paul Vincent. A seventh candidate, independent Rebecca Emily Sales, withdrew from the contest in recent weeks. Liberal Democrat Frank Letch MBE was the county councillor for the division, which covers Crediton, Copplestone, Bow, Cheriton Bishop and Venny Tedburn, until his death on April 8 at the age of 80. Elections are taking place in 23 councils across England, at 14 county councils, eight unitary authorities and one metropolitan district. Six mayoral elections are also happening and there are also council elections in the Isles of Scilly. Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us Two of Tiverton’s oldest bowling clubs have officially merged and relocated to a new base at the Tiverton Canal Basin ending over a century of competition at People’s Park The newly created Tiverton Canal Bowling Club marked the start of its inaugural season on Saturday bringing together players from the former Tiverton Park Bowling Club and Borough Bowling Club The move was prompted by falling membership numbers and rising maintenance issues with the merger seen as a necessary step to sustain the sport in the town stating that the merger combined the strengths of both clubs “With a proud history behind the two clubs we have an even brighter future from combining the strengths of the two clubs,” Alan said Club captain John Gutteridge said the merger had left the club in a strong position “With our combined players we are well placed for an exciting season with neighbouring clubs and with bowlers from across the county,” John said “We welcome newcomers to the game and offer friendly coaching and social events to enjoy.” The outdoor season runs from April to September with a packed programme of friendly and competitive matches The club is actively encouraging new participants More details are available on their official website so there are limitations on what you could use it for a long-time member of the former Borough Bowling Club acknowledged the emotional side of the transition “This new club launch is great although it's a double-edged “Because clearly any club that doesn't carry on is going to be sad for them and we feel sorry for those who've had to make quite a big journey to come here But the way it's integrating and the way people are enjoying themselves I think everything is very positive about what we're going to do in the future.” Now the largest club in Tiverton, Tiverton Canal Bowling Club aims to support initiatives from Bowls Devon and Bowls England “We've got one here today who's literally just walked in off the street and that's brilliant,” Roy added The green at the Canal Basin is held in trust for bowling the former green at People’s Park has returned to the control of Mid Devon District Council 404Page not foundThe page you requested could not be found Members of a Mid Devon bowls club have raised £800 for a local homelessness and housing hardship charity during a day of fundraising and community spirit Mid Devon Indoor Bowls Club held its annual charity day in aid of Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT) a Tiverton-based organisation that offers vital support for people facing housing issues across the district The event included a variety of activities helping to bring in donations from members keen to support CHAT’s work fundraising and development manager at CHAT visited the club to receive the cheque and express her appreciation for the contribution “We are so grateful to Mid Devon Indoor Bowls for choosing to support CHAT,” Holly said “Every penny raised will go towards helping local people facing housing difficulties and practical solutions at a time when it’s needed most Community efforts like this make a real difference.” CHAT, based at Coggan’s Well House in Tiverton works with individuals and families in need tenancy support and practical aid to help prevent homelessness in the region More information about CHAT and how to support its work is available at www.chatmid.org PLANNING permission is being sought to build a care home and retirement living block on a playing field in Tiverton LNT Care Developments Group Ltd and McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd have jointly applied for the project The care home would have 66 beds and the retirement accommodation 50 apartments They would both be three storeys tall and have flat roofs They would be built on a sports field east of Bolham Road and south of Lea Road and College View which is part of the Petroc Tiverton campus is “surplus to requirements” and has “not been used for eight years or more” as there is “no longer a need or use of the site by Petroc the sale of which can be recycled into improved educational facilities on the wider site” LNT Care Developments Group Ltd would run the care home It would offer “high-quality care services providing specialist dementia and nursing care as well as offering postoperative and re-enablement and respite care” There would be dining and lounge areas for residents The care home would create up to 60 jobs and would have staff available round the clock to meet the needs of residents requiring “more complicated care” McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd would provide the retirement living accommodation The scheme would allow “older people to remain living in the community and out of residential institutions while enjoying peace of mind and receiving the care and support which they need” The block would have 50 one- and two-bedroom apartments with facilities such as a resident’s communal lounge a house manager office and communal grounds There would be 25 parking spaces for the care home and 36 for the retirement living block for a total of 61 parking spaces across the whole development There would also be an additional six disabled spaces close to the building entrances and the retirement living accommodation would have its own mobility scooter store Access to the entire site would be from College View The main pedestrian access would also be off College View with routes to both buildings Residents would be able to access the development from Bolham Road and for the use of residents only for privacy and security new trees and shrubs would be planted and would be selected to “create maximum year-round colour and interest and to encourage birds and insects into the environment for the enjoyment of residents and the benefits of biodiversity” You can see the application on the Mid Devon District Council website under reference 24/01594/MFUL Members of the public have until Wednesday The council will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission at a later date To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: publicnoticeportal.uk. Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us A new art exhibition celebrating the serenity and splendour of spring landscapes is opening in Tiverton next month with live painting demonstrations and a display of handcrafted pieces also on offer ‘Bluebells & Woodland’ opens on Tuesday, May 6 at The English Artist a gallery on Gold Street specialising in fine and applied arts The show will feature atmospheric paintings by Kirsten Elswood renowned for her depictions of woodlands and forests especially during spring when bluebells are in bloom Kirsten said: “Through my landscape paintings I want to connect with the viewer and for them to feel the peace of the wild.” Her artworks are created using expressive brushstrokes and a harmonious palette aiming to evoke a sense of place and quietude found in nature She sketches outdoors to closely observe how light filters through tree canopies providing a direct connection to the natural world Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to meet Kirsten and watch her painting techniques in action on Thursday the exhibition includes a curated selection of ceramics along with detailed wirework sculptures by Helaina Sharpley will be open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 4pm For more details, visit www.theenglishartist.com TIVERTON town centre is to get two “smart hubs”, pieces of street furniture that display adverts but also allow people to make calls from them and even access a defibrillator. The hubs are created by a firm called Pulse, which launched the products in Belfast in 2019. The hubs, which are 2.5 metres high and around 1.3 metres wide, display moving adverts and local information, as well as providing public Wi-Fi, free phone calls, phone charging, and emergency health support, including the ability to make 999 calls to offer assistance to help people with the defibrillator. They also offer interactive mapping and monitor air quality. They will be located in Market Walk and Lowman Green. A third smart hub planned for Becks Square car park won’t go ahead after Devon County Council said the hub could cause issues for motorists. Mid Devon District Council’s planning committee heard it had received no objections from residents to the hubs for Market Walk and Lowman Green. The display screens will be turned off between midnight and 6am, but the hubs can still used to make calls and to access the defibrillator 24 hours a day. Some free advertising would be offered to local organisations and charities. Ollie Smith, a director of Pulse who spoke in favour of the application, said the hubs offered “real benefits to the community”. “There are 27 hubs in Belfast and 75 more across the UK this year, and we are a proud small British business, certified as a B Corp, and our ethos contrasts with that or large corporates, which is shareholder interest, but we prioritise local need and value,” he said. Cllr Les Cruwys (Liberal Democrat, Tiverton Cranmore), said Tiverton Town Council had expressed support for the machines. The planning committee unanimously agreed to approve the two smart hubs. Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us A hospice patient helped cut the ribbon as Tiverton's newest care centre opened its doors – marking a move that promises to bring vital end-of-life services closer to the community joined her husband Alan and nurse Rebecca Garnsworthy to officially open Holly Tree Place on Market Walk on Wednesday The new centre replaces the charity’s previous base at Pine Lodge on Post Hill Hospiscare – which provides specialist end-of-life care across Exeter, central and East Devon – said the relocation to a more central site would make it easier for patients their carers and loved ones to access support Charlotte said: “The hospice staff are angels as far as I’m concerned You cannot find a better charity that’s going to help people out especially when you’re really poorly and you need that care and attention The hospice is always going to be there for you.” which sits inside the former Co-op building already home to the Hospiscare charity shop will offer outpatient appointments with palliative care specialists It will also host end-of-life training for healthcare professionals along with meeting and office space for staff The charity said the move is expected to save more than £50,000 a year – crucial as only 15% of Hospiscare’s funding comes from the NHS Wayne Gale, interim chief executive of Hospiscare, said: “Moving our Mid Devon hospice site to Market Walk is a great opportunity to improve access to our care for our patients and their loved ones. We already operate the building in Market Walk and it's also home to our Tiverton hospice charity shop which raises vital funds for our end-of-life care This move to a more convenient central location means we can benefit our patients and be more cost efficient.” so much of what we do is only possible with the support of our brilliant local community We’re grateful to everyone in the community who has contributed in so many ways to the success of our former site at Post Hill – from those who helped raise the funds to open it to volunteers who helped support our patients there the needs of our patients have changed significantly and it’s no longer optimal to have our services run from a site as large Our new location at Market Walk is much better served by transport links and patients will be able to more readily access a range of services from our specialist staff.” Hospiscare opened Pine Lodge in 2011 thanks to £150,000 raised by local supporters The new site not only improves accessibility but consolidates services to ensure sustainability For more about the charity’s work and how to support it, visit www.hospiscare.co.uk A controversial proposal to sell a “vital” building on Tiverton’s Grand Western Canal has been scrapped amid widespread opposition known locally as The Moorings but officially named Canal House hosts the ‘ranger service’ that manages the canal with a staff office and training space as well as an education area had put it on a list of properties it deemed surplus to requirement because it says a large amount of money is needed to improve it The council believes alternative nearby buildings could be used to house the ranger service and that a visitor centre could be used for educational visits being discussed by the council’s land and property committee Tiverton East) said the situation with the canal building is “more complex” than the council seemed to understand and he was “hoping to persuade [the committee] it was not surplus to requirements” He said he been lobbied on the issue by some constituents “The canal manager feels most of the work required on the property is purely cosmetic and that it is fit for purpose as an office and educational facility,” he said He added it was “not fit for residential use” meaning it makes little sense to try and sell it for such purposes The building dates back to the early 1800s it is part of the Grand Western canal conservation area Cllr Slade added that even though the council believed it could relocate the ranger service “Other office accommodation in Tiverton is some distance from the canal basin and it is vital to the operation of the rangers that they have immediate access to their vehicles tools and workshops as they have to react to incidents,” he said “I contacted them recently about a fallen tree and it was cleared in a couple of hours but that immediate response would not have been possible if they were in the middle of Tiverton town centre.” Cllr Slade believed funding provided by Mid Devon District Council towards the upkeep of The Moorings was partly conditional on the property being used in some way for educational use and if it isn’t A BRANCH of the Reform UK political party has been officially set up for the Tiverton and Minehead constituency, which takes in West Somerset and Exmoor, and parts of the Culm Valley, Blackdown Hills, and a number of parishes bordering Wellington. Reform members met in Bishops Lydeard Village Hall to formally create the branch and elect a committee of officers. The constituency’s 2024 General Election candidate Fred Keen, who lives in Minehead, was elected as chairman. Mr Keen took 7,787 votes in the election, giving Reform a 16.4 per cent share of the turnout from a standing start. It was enough to dislodge long-serving Conservative Ian Liddell-Grainger, as Liberal Democrat candidate Rachel Gilmour took the seat with a majority of 3,507. Mr Keen said: “The membership of Reform locally is growing exponentially with 40 new members joining over the Christmas period alone. “Nationally, the party currently has 185,500 members and we have now overtaken the Conservative party’s membership. “Reform UK have candidates standing in the May local elections in Devon with high expectations of electoral success. “As our party chairman stated, people locally and throughout the country are looking for leaders with a vision to take us out of the mess we are all witnessing. “Reform UK are the only party with the vision to do this, a party of the people for the people.” The party also has a Taunton and Wellington branch chaired by the 2024 Parliamentary candidate Charles Hansard, who lives in Rockwell Green. Reform was founded in 2021 to succeed the Brexit Party and is led nationally by Clacton MP Nigel Farage. It has branded itself as ‘the alternative’ to the Conservatives and Labour parties, which it said were ‘ruled by an out of touch political class who have turned their backs on our country’. Tel: 01984 632731[email protected]Follow us Further Links 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: 22:44 (UTC+1) on Mon 5 May 2025 High pressure brings further fine and settled weather this week Patchy cloud will clear this evening leaving some late sunshine to end to the day though a few showers may graze the south coast Feeling chilly beneath clear skies with a patchy frost possible in rural spots Another dry and settled day with plenty of sunny spells Cloud spilling from the east by the evening 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 DEVON and Cornwall Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information in connection with a report of burglary to outbuildings on a Farm on Longdrag Hill, Tiverton. This took place sometime between 2am and 3am on Tuesday, April 15. Items stolen include a Quad bike, two chainsaws, a strimmer, a fuel container with two stroke fuel in it, a number of tools and a 12 foot Ifor Williams livestock trailer. If you have any information or CCTV from the area, please contact the police via the website or by telephoning 101 quoting 50250093225. Farmers are reminded to be vigilant for any suspicious activity. Police from the Rural Crime unit say that thefts of this nature are on the rise within our rural communities. They say please be aware of persons or vehicles present in or around your land. Secure property boundaries – Install fences, gates and warning signs around the farm. Lock equipment and buildings – Use high quality locks on barns, sheds and storage facilities. Install security cameras – Set up CCTV cameras in strategic locations to monitor farm activity. Engage in Farm Watch – Collaborate with the police and neighbouring farmers to share information and report suspicious activity. Track equipment and livestock – Use GPS trackers on machinery and branding or tagging on livestock. Secure fuel and chemicals – Store fuel, fertilisers and pesticides in locked and well lit areas. Mark and register your equipment – Engrave identification numbers and register your machinery. Regularly inspect your perimeters – Conduct routine checks for signs of tampering or trespassing. Report theft immediately – Notify Police as soon as theft is detected. Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us PLANS for a development of up to 122 homes in Tiverton are a step closer. Known as Blundells Grange, it is part of a broader scheme for 700 homes, employment land, care home and primary school, which was given outline planning permission in 2017. This agrees the broad details of a scheme, but then requires more detailed plans for it to progress. The 122-home site’s “reserved matters” application has now been approved by Mid Devon District Council’s planning committee. The scheme sits across two parcels of land, south of Blundells Road and north of West Manley Lane. One of these will be accessed from a previously approved housing scheme. The new application considers details such as accessibility to and within the site, the appearance of the buildings and landscaping, including the planting or preservation of trees and hedgerows. Some objections had been received about the small amount of visitor parking proposed, one three-storey apartment building, and concerns about whether infrastructure to support the new homes would be delivered in a timely manner. Officers said that the scheme complied with policies, noting that visitor parking had now been removed from a spine road into the development – in response to concerns about this – and had been peppered throughout the development. Some councillors were worried that a lack of visitor parking could mean drivers parking on the streets, which could impact buses, but officers said that Devon County Council, the highways authority, had not raised any concerns. Resident Paul Elstone queried why a three-storey block had been included, while Cllr Lance Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Tiverton Cranmore) feared the building might be visible from the Grand Western Canal. But officers said that three-storey properties were “not uncommon” along Blundells Road, and are present at Deep Way, Popham Close and at Blundells School. Planners also said Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon County Council and Natural England had expressed concerns about water run-off, but that the application had been updated to include rain gardens, which should help water flow into the sewage system. There had also been concerns that the spine road into the development could lack character, and officers said attempts to make it look like a desirable street rather than just a “vehicular corridor” had been successful. Redrow’s Paul Williams, the applicant, said there had been a “great deal of scrutiny and improvement” since the plans were submitted two years ago. “We have worked closely with officers and believe this is a proposal of high quality and sensitive design, and that it will be an asset to the town,” he said. In terms of sustainability, Mr Williams said Redrow “goes beyond minimum required standards” in terms of emissions reductions and other measures, noting all the homes would have air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging. He added that there was also now an orchard in the proposals, which would help appease concerns about the impact on wildlife, and that bird and bat boxes were integrated into buildings, to a design approved by the RSPB. Mr Williams said he hoped to be able to build on the success of a previously approved development that also forms part of the wider 700-strong homes scheme; that 164-home scheme is “one of the best-selling sites in the region”, he said. The planning committee voted in favour of the officers’ recommendation to approve the reserved matters scheme. Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us Chemotherapy for cancer patients is available in Tiverton for the first time thanks to £160,000 worth of funding from FORCE Money has been set aside from a legacy to pay for the weekly service which will run alongside our regular support and information service outreach sessions at Tiverton and District Hospital The money is funding specialist nurses from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital to administer some of the more straightforward treatments to patients saving them the journey to the hospital’s Wonford site in Exeter whenever possible FORCE will buy a new van for the secure transport of drugs from Exeter and is also introducing fortnightly relaxation and family support sessions for cancer patients at Tiverton The news comes just weeks after we announced that we were marking our 30th anniversary by buying £93,000 worth of equipment to treat women’s cancers at the RD&E Chemotherapy sessions at Tiverton Hospital are available every Thursday Not all cancer patients will be eligible to receive chemotherapy treatments outside the RD&E’s main acute hospital site at Wonford Consultants and chemotherapy nurses will discuss with patients and families whether they are suitable for community-based treatment The charity is spending £160,000 on three years of funding for two full-time chemotherapy nurses who will work in Exeter two days a week and eventually in FORCE’s outreach locations for the remaining three FORCE Chief Executive Meriel Fishwick said: “FORCE has patient quality of life at the heart of everything we do We are delighted to support this new service which will help bring some treatments closer to home for cancer patients in the Tiverton area.” FORCE has worked closely with the RD&E’s Lead Cancer Nurse Tina Grose and Helen Daggar Matron on the hospital’s Cherrybrook Day Case Chemotherapy Unit to get the new chemotherapy service off the ground Tina Grose said: “It’s been really exciting to work with FORCE to make this happen for our patients It extends FORCE’s already outstanding work to support local cancer patients and it’s completely in line with one of the RD&E’s key objectives which is to offer more of its clinical services in the community “It’s also brilliant that FORCE is introducing relaxation and family support sessions at Tiverton Cancer is a life-changing illness and it can be very isolating for both patients and families Offering more holistic care and support alongside chemotherapy can reduce those feelings of isolation and make what is a very tough experience just a bit more manageable.” FORCE had already designated nearly £500,000 to improve accessibility to its services by taking them into the community Tiverton was the first place to benefit from this key element of the charity’s strategic plan to ensure that more people in the county receive the best available treatment and support as close to home as possible FORCE began its outreach services in the town in February 2014 Each Thursday a team of professional staff and volunteers provides support and counselling complementary therapies and information at Tiverton Hospital a similar model was rolled out in Okehampton from June 2014 with plans to spread further into Devon  FORCE is introducing fortnightly family support and relaxation and anxiety management in both Tiverton and Okehampton FORCE will have five people taking part in this year’s London Marathon on Sunday April 27 Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s recent Mozart concert at Exeter Cathedral has raised a considerable sum of money for FORCE We have received an amazing £127,311.40 from our fantastic supporters at The Exeter We have been their charity partners for… Robyn Walton has a very special reason for signing up to ride this year’s Nello   Did you know you can ride The Nello on an e-bike We’re all about encouraging participation and… Calling all runners – and anyone looking for a challenge over the next few months We are delighted to announce that the latest Classics Galore concert has raised a fantastic £23,500 for FORCE Cancer Charity.… The FORCE Santa Cycle and Cruise raised £6,386.50 despite being rescheduled from November to January Dozens of red-suited cyclists pedalled… FORCE is holding an education study day at our Support and Information Centre on March 4 friends and colleagues of an Exeter woman with a rare form of cancer have raised more than £5,000 for… Sign up to receive our newsletter or information about FORCE We will never sell on your data - your privacy is very important to us The 2024/25 FORCE Report is out now with the latest news on how we support local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis and how your generosity helps us to do that FORCE magazine is free and is packed full of support All Rights Reserved | Read our Privacy Notice Yes, I agree with the privacy policy and terms and conditions.  In order to process your request your details will be added to our secure database For information about how we manage your data please read our privacy notice on the link above.  When you step into the world of Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT) you’re immediately struck by its steadfast commitment to combating homelessness and providing hope to those most in need the chair of the Mid Devon charity since taking the role just a few months ago this mission isn’t just a professional duty—it’s a deeply personal calling Clive has brought his strategic mindset and passion for helping others to CHAT determined to make a tangible difference in his community “I’m very fortunate to have never experienced homelessness myself,” Clive reflects and knowing that CHAT has been the lifeline they needed—it’s impossible not to be emotionally invested That drives me every day to do all I can.” Clive’s journey to CHAT began after early retirement from HSBC Bank where he spent a long career in roles ranging from sales management to heading the complaints department he sought a way to contribute meaningfully to his local community he resonated with CHAT’s mission to “act as a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice.” “CHAT’s values align so closely with my own and this felt like the right place for me at this point in my life I hope I can make a worthwhile contribution over the next few years.” Clive is quick to emphasise that CHAT isn’t about running a tight ship in the corporate sense—it’s about using resources wisely to help those in need particularly working with customers facing financial difficulties has equipped him with the empathy and understanding needed for this role CHAT is grappling with increasing demand and dwindling funding sources “The cost of providing our services has risen substantially while grants have become harder to secure,” Clive explains “Our biggest challenge is reducing our reliance on these grants by finding new ways to generate income.” CHAT has launched initiatives like the “Giver of Hope” programme which encourages regular donations to support its operations The goal is ambitious but essential: recruiting 30 new Givers of Hope by March 2025 enough to fund a new part-time advisor to help clients with debt and money issues “It’s about building financial stability so we can continue meeting the needs of our community.” CHAT’s success relies heavily on collaboration not just with its 20 staff members and 70 volunteers but also with local churches “CHAT was founded 30 years ago by a group of Christians responding to housing needs and that connection remains vital today,” Clive notes and we’re often invited to speak at services and gatherings and local supermarkets amplify our efforts whether through food collections or fundraising.” contributing the equivalent of five full-time staff hours This dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed: in 2023 CHAT received the Investing in Volunteers award a testament to its exceptional volunteer management Clive acknowledges the complex interplay between government support and charitable efforts “We saw during the pandemic’s ‘Everybody In’ programme how much can be achieved when the government takes decisive action But there’s a gap in support for those who don’t meet statutory requirements CHAT works closely with Mid Devon District Council to ensure clients receive fair treatment and that efforts aren’t duplicated. It also partners with organisations like Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) to tackle fuel poverty offering energy-saving advice that benefits both clients and the environment “It would be wonderful to think that in five years homelessness and hunger will be things of the past,” he says so we must ensure CHAT remains resilient and ready to meet future challenges.” Plans include expanding debt and money advice services and increasing income from donations to reduce reliance on grants “It’s not going to be easy in the current economic climate but it’s a challenge we must face,” Clive asserts grounded in his belief in CHAT’s mission and the dedication of its supporters “CHAT is here to bring hope to those who need it most With the continued support of our community I’m confident we can achieve great things.” If you’d like to support CHAT’s vital work, consider becoming a Giver of Hope or making a donation. Every contribution helps provide housing advice, debt support, and other essential services to individuals and families in Mid Devon. Visit www.chatmid.org for more information MID Devon District Council has fined a person £400 after they admitted fly-tipping a large amount of waste in Tiverton The local authority said it investigated the rubbish dumped near the pannier market and identified an individual The council then invited the person to an interview where they admitted to the illegal fly-tip A fixed penalty notice of £400 was issued and the offender has since paid the sum “Mid Devon District Council takes fly-tipping very seriously,” Cllr Josh Wright (Lib Dem “This case highlights the council’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for everyone.” You can report fly-tipping to the district council online or by telephoning 01884 255 255. Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us Latest NewsNewslettersCommercial SearchTiverton Town vs. Frome Town: Preview and Ticket InfoZeb Baker-SmithMar 63 min readSteve Jupp considers the Robins' need to rewrite the history books this weekend but this really is a huge week for the Scarlet Runners in their quest to keep their heads above water in the Southern League Premier Division relegation dogfight On Tuesday they host West Londoners Hanwell Town but their immediate concern is Saturday’s vital visit to fellow strugglers Tiverton whose heavy home defeat last week to Basingstoke prompted a change of management The foot of the table took on a dramatically different look following that frustrating reverse at Wimborne The bottom four mustered just a single point between them while the next five clubs above all won creating something of a gap and making the clash at Ladysmead all the more crucial Danny Greaves’ charges were riding high in the form table but they have not won any of their last six league encounters Scoring goals has been Tivvy’s Achilles heel all season - no side in the division has netted fewer a record not helped with a meagre return of just one in their last six They did recover somewhat from their Basingstoke bashing with a hard-earned midweek goalless draw against Havant & Waterlooville and will be desperate to repeat their 2-1 success achieved at Badgers Hill back in September After the relentless Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday regime of recent weeks seven days between fixtures may be a blessing for a battle-weary Robins squad as they embark upon the final quarter of the season a potential THIRTEEN further fixtures shoehorned into just SEVEN weeks Frome v Tivvy clashes in the Southern League era: Season               Competition Home          Away 2017-18             Prem                L 0 – 1           D 2 – 2 2018-19             Prem South        L 1 – 3           L 1 – 3 2022-23             FA Cup            L 0 – 1 2024-25             Prem South        L 1 – 2 Not since April 1981 have the BA11 side lorded it over the lads from Ladysmead a run of just TWO draws and NINETEEN defeats in the last 21 meetings one of football’s most one-sided rivalries It’s high time to end 44 years of hurt and get the survival express back on track The latest information on pre-booked ticketing according to the Yellows' website is as follows: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=4401&fixtureId=8726 Listen to the latest episode of the Dodge The Question podcast Steve & Zeb chat to management team Danny Greaves and Neil Simons as well as a quick injury update with physio Thomas Dalby https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kQ1ySNTIct97hIiV7Orkd?si=2949584b503343c2 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-40/id1751186747?i=1000697968761 You can also listen on Frome.FM radio every Friday at 5pm (repeated on Saturday 3pm)  Secure your entry and make the most of hospitality packages for all of our games at Badgers Hill on the Fanbase app and website https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Dashboard Terms and conditions Privacy Covid19 Policy Report It Tiverton’s youngest sports fans can join a fun-filled summer of cricket with All Stars and Dynamos sessions designed to get kids active By Lewis Clarke · 22 April 2025 Sampford Peverell Youth Cricket Club is gearing up to host a summer of sport for local children with places still available for its All Stars and Dynamos cricket sessions beginning next month The club is taking part in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s national programme aimed at encouraging children aged between 4 and 11 to get active and learn cricket skills in a fun and inclusive environment and will continue weekly for ten weeks throughout the summer with trained volunteers leading the coaching Organiser Roz Thomas said there was still room for more participants and encouraged families in the area to get involved She added that the programme was open to older four-year-olds and welcomed new faces to the initiative The ECB’s All Stars programme is designed for children aged 5 to 8 while Dynamos Cricket is tailored for those aged 8 to 11 Both focus on developing fundamental movement skills and team play and are backed by official ECB coaching materials To register or learn more about the programmes visit the All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket websites LoadingDaily Email Updates {{contentTitle}} TWO 13-year-old boys have been arrested a day after reports of intruders at Tiverton High School. Local police officers were called to the school on Thursday, February 27. They made sure everyone was safe and liaised with school staff so lessons could go on as normal. There were no reports of any injuries on the school site. The following day, Friday, February 28, police arrested two boys, both aged 13, on suspicion of public nuisance offences in connection with the incident. They were further arrested over other unrelated offences relating to suspected theft and assault. They are currently in police custody and being interviewed. “I am hopeful that the action we have taken will reassure the community of Tiverton that we take anti-social behaviour (ASB) seriously,” said Mid Devon Sector Inspector Mark Arthurs of Devon and Cornwall Police. “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and my teams are working hard to ensure the community of Tiverton can go about their daily business free of anti-social behaviour issues. “We have been working with Mid Devon District Council and other partner agencies to ensure that those who commit ASB offences are pursued for not only criminal convictions but also through the ASB escalation process and that we seek injunctions for those whose behaviour does not change despite our intervention. “Anyone who experiences or witnesses anti-social behaviour should visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website and use the online reporting tool, unless it is an emergency, in which case they should always call 999.” Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports The company is based on the Tiverton Business Park and specialises in the sale and distribution of security access systems It is giving £24,100 to the Devon Wildlife Trust The payment is being made through an Enforcement Undertaking This is a legal agreement between an offender and the Environment Agency as an alternative to prosecution or a monetary penalty Devon Wildlife Trust is using the money for the North Devon Natural Solutions project This is supporting 360 farmers and landowners with workshops webinars and practical training on how to use natural solutions to improve riverbanks regenerate woodlands and create wild areas of land An investigation by the Environment Agency found that the company had failed to register under regulations on packaging waste or took steps to ensure their waste was recovered and recycled The investigation found that the company had failed to register between 2001 and 2018 The sum to be paid took into account how much the company had saved by failing to comply with the regulations Kaba Ltd has agreed to adopt new procedures including registering with a packaging compliance scheme and is paying the Environment Agency’s costs Emily Glendenning of the Environment Agency said: “The company should have been well aware of their responsibilities over packaging waste We won’t hesitate to take action where companies are not complying but it’s good to see a local environmental charity will benefit.” An enforcement undertaking is a voluntary offer made by an offender to: If we accept the offer it becomes a legally binding agreement between us and the business or person who makes the offer We will only consider accepting an enforcement undertaking for cases where: Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details A PROPERTY developer is appealing to the Planning Inspectorate after plans for a controversial scheme for up to 100 homes in Tiverton were thrown out. The proposed scheme at Tidcombe Hall sparked around 170 letters of objection when Mid Devon District Council considered it last August, but now Tidcombe Holdings wants that decision overturned. A previous, larger scheme for up to 179 homes was rejected in 2021. Objectors urged the council to turn down the proposal last year because of fears about its impact on the nearby Grand Western Canal, concerns it could increase flood risk, and worries about the impact of increased traffic along Tidcombe Lane. Many residents pointed out that only part of the proposed site, which includes Tidcombe Hall’s grounds and agricultural land to the east, is included in the council’s local plan, and even then, it is designated as an area that can only be built on as a contingency. Councils must prove they have five years’ worth of housing land supply, and in Mid Devon’s case, if it couldn’t, then it has identified some of the Tidcombe Hall area for potential development. This was a key contention between the council and the developer last year, with the local authority claiming it already had the required five years of land available for housing, but the applicant’s agent suggesting this could be proved otherwise. At last year’s planning meeting, only two comments supported the scheme for nine dwellings in Tidcombe Hall and its outbuildings, eight new homes in the grounds, and around 83 more across the site. Reacting to the lodging of the appeal, resident Goff Welchman said: “Their proposal would cause traffic chaos throughout the area, due to the intended closure of Tidcombe Bridge. “Just imagine all the local cars, plus delivery trucks, having to make long detours past Tidcombe School, and along narrow residential roads lined with parked cars. “Accidents are bound to happen, yet Devon County Council’s highways department claimed the proposed development would pose no safety issues, even though they then instituted a 20 mph limit in the area, citing its need on safety grounds.” This issue was echoed by resident Vicky Pugh in her initial objections when she claimed closing the bridge would “sever the community” of Tidcombe. She continued: “There was such a shock and strong feeling when we found this aspect out, and when I contacted Devon County Council’s highways department to ask why there hadn’t been any consultation with residents, they confirmed that appropriate consultation should have been conducted.” Another concern is about safety of children at Tidcombe Primary School, because if the bridge closes, large numbers of vehicle would drive through nearby residential roads for drop-off and pick-up, and perform U-turns at busy times, rather than simply crossing the canal on the bridge as they do now. But Olly Ansell, the agent for the applicant, stated at last year’s planning meeting that given the national housing crisis, approving the development made sense. He suggested the council had just over four years of housing land supply at the time, and it had only hit its annual target of the number of homes it needs to build in three of the past nine years. “The council is using optimistic figures, and the supply of housing land is on a knife edge and could worsen without applications like this,” he told the committee. “This application is timely as the new government has said it wants to take a revised approach to planning and the housing crisis.” Mr Ansell added that other benefits included affordable housing and contributions for education, health and other services, and would “secure the long-term viability of Tidcombe Hall”. Some objectors criticised the name being used by the applicant, claiming it suggests the company is local when it isn’t. Companies House filings indicate that the applicant Tidcombe Holdings has three current shareholders, all of which are companies. These are Jersey-based Northdown Limited, Poole-based Southern Country Parks Limited, and Yeovil-based Manual Investing Limited. The appeal is set to begin on Tuesday, May 20 and if a decision isn’t reached by the end of that week, then it will reconvene two weeks later for up to three days. Objectors have until Thursday, February 20 to make any additional comments. However, original objections will be forwarded to the inspector as part of the process. Tel: 01363 774263[email protected]Follow us