North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle

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North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle is a local community page for North Devon news orcoast and countryside media releases. We are proud to have been promoting North Devon and the Bideford Bay area since 2002. We also welcome submissions from North Devon Local Event organisers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for visiting the North Devon Focus site and hope you are all looking forward to an "Event Full" 2017. The listing is free for anyone wishing to promote, local village/church events, charity or nonprofitmaking fund raising organisations. It is also free for local country markets, North Devon musicians, North Devon Arts and festival organisers who wish to promote gigs, events or exhibitions. You can follow regular media releases and blogposts on our mobile friendly BLOG, view more photos of the North Devon Coast and Countryside and events throughout the year on our FLICKR - FACEBOOK pages and YouTube channel.

Click here to add your event to the 2018 Community Calendar - It's Free!

The Bideford Film Society are putting on some great films so why not visit Bideford Cinema, based at Kingsley School or Bideford College theatres. Big screens, reat venues TAP HERE to see what's on this month and where.

NORTH DEVON COAST & COUNTRY EVENTS
(We advise that you check with local Tourist Information Centres to ensure events are taking place, to confirm dates & times or see venue/local press for further details) NB. Clovelly Events 2018 Events (Normal admission charges appl), dates and content may be subject to change, so please consult www.clovelly.co.uk - for Hartland Abbey Events www.hartlandabbey.com for latest details. Scroll down for local event details:

MARCH

Sunday 18th March Daffodils and Spring Flowers at Hartland Abbey 11am-4pm Daffodil Day is a lovely chance to come with the family or friends to see the wonderful collection of historic daffodils, many planted 150 years ago. Recently more have been transplanted from Grenville College, a former Stucley family home until 1950. Now sadly a site for development on the outskirts of Bideford, at least they have rescued some of the old varieties planted by their forebears! Hartand Abbey spring flower days are really good fun days out for everyone including the children and dogs. Visitors will be able to see not only the daffodils, but also lots of camellias, hellebores, early spring bulbs, mimosas and our lovely wild primroses and violets. There is plenty of opportunity for some really good walks including to the beach and to Blackpool Mill, which starred as ‘Barton Cottage’ in the BBC adaptation of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and in BBC’s ‘The Night Manager’ by John Le Carre. ‘Guernsey‘, starring Lily James and Michael Huisman, due for release this spring, was filmed on the estate in 2017. Enjoy walking along stunning woodland paths through wild flowers to the Gazebo and the restored Woodland Summer House, hidden since 1945, with its welcoming log fire. A new circular walk has proved very popular since it opened in 2012. The Abbey itself will be open between 1–4 pm at a small extra charge. Dogs are really welcome on leads but there will be plenty of space to let them run free as well. The Orchard, normally closed, will be open with its beautiful wild daffodils. For further information please ring 01237 441496 /441234

Saturday 24th March - North Hospice Benefit Gig with Soul Intention Big Sound Soul Band playing 60's Soul classics and songs from the Commitments and Blues Brother at the Pier House, Westward Ho! Tickets in advance are £5 and available from Ho! Gifts and the North Devon Hospice Charity Shop in Bideford or £7.50 on the door.

30th March to 13th April Find the Easter Chicks. Children receive a village map on entry on which to mark the location of a number of Easter chicks perched up and down the cottages along the High Street to the quay. If they spot at least 10 chicks, they can return the map to the Visitor Centre reception to win an Easter egg and a bigger prize if they spot all 15. Come along and join the fun.

APRIL

Sunday 1st & Monday 2nd April, Easter Egg Hunts and Family Fun at Hartland Abbey 11am-5pm Easter egg hunts will continue to Thursday 5th if there are enough Easter eggs)! Come and join the fun in the beautiful grounds and gardens of Hartland Abbey over Easter. Children will have a wonderful time searching all the woodland paths and walks for clues that will lead them to a hidden treasure trove of Easter Eggs. There will be traditional activities and games like Pin the Tail on the Bunny and easter egg decorating as well (only Easter weekend) The daffodils and spring flowers should be looking wonderful, making this a special day out for adults and children alike. The house will be open from 2-5pm at an extra charge. Dogs are very welcome provided they don’t eat the Easter eggs first! For further information please ring 01237 441496 /441234

Hartland Abbey Bluebell Walks photo copyright Hartland Abbey

15th and 22nd April Bluebell Sundays at Hartland Abbey 11am-5pm. Bluebell Days at Hartland Abbey are legendary and a wonderful opportunity to visit at a reduced entry price when the valley is looking at its most beautiful. The bluebells at Hartland Abbey carpet the walks from the Walled Gardens to the sea. A restored woodland path links the Summerhouse to the Gazebo and Blackpool Mill overlooking the Atlantic. The restored Summerhouse was always a favourite spot for the family to picnic and for the children to play. If it is cold there will be a lovely log fire burning! See ‘Barton Cottage’ by the sea, the home of the Dashwood family in the BBC production of ‘Sense and Sensibility’and the location for BBC’s ‘The Night Manager’ by John Le Carre. Along the way enjoy the bluebells, primroses, violets, wild anemones, wild orchids, foxgloves and much more. Hartland Abbey loves children and dogs and hope that you will bring as many as possible! There should be lots of lovely plants out in the gardens too; the early rhododendrons, camellias, tulips and later bulbs and early perennials amongst others. For the energetic, children and dogs, there will be plenty of opportunity for walking and exploring the 3½ miles of paths within the Abbey grounds. For further information please ring 01237 441496 /441234

MAY

Sunday 6th May HARTLAND HARTBREAKER CHARITY RUN 11am Hartland Abbey.

Are you up for the challenge? And raise money for charity. If you have any questions about the race please do get in touch with Simon Haywood 01271 831498. For further information on this event visit www.hartlandhartbreaker.com

27th May Seaweed Festival in aid of the N.D. Hospice This year we are also celebrating the Visitor Centre's 30th Anniversary. Clovelly Seaweed Festival was launced in 2015 and has been a great success. It promotes seaweed for its immense health & nutritional benefits. As it is hugely versatile, quay kitchens will have a surprising variety of dishes and stalls will be selling a range of seaweed products and seaweed arts and crafts. There will also be plenty of entertainment for both adults and children to enjoy, such as "Know your Seaweed" talks, craft activities and workshops, Seaweed foot spa, street entertainment and live music throughout the day. The Seaweed Health Foundation will provide information on the benefits of seaweed for food and health.
You will be amazed at the world of seaweed. Bring your own and ask the experts what is the best use for your particular selection.

JUNE

15th June Jazz Cruise aboard MS Oldenburg, Bideford Quay. Northam Lodge are celebrating their 40 year anniversary by hosting a fundraiser on the MS Oldenburg on Friday 15th June 2018 from 6.30pm. We will leave Bideford Quay for a two hour sailing around the Taw Torridge estuary. The wonderful Alan Lewis All Stars Jazz Band have been booked to entertain you, and you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside a fully licensed bar. Tickets cost £16 (adult)/£8 (child) and can be purchased directly from our website at www.northamlodge.co.uk. IN AID OF: Northam Lodge. Contact Fiona White, Northam Lodge Tel. No.: 01237 477238 Email: fundraising@northamlodge.co.uk

Sunday 24th June 7pm: Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre Hotbuckle Productions present 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, this year's productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to. Booking contact Box Office 01805 624624 or online www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

JULY

14h July Clovelly Maritime Festival, in aid of Bideford & District Sea Cadets The day will be full of fun and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities and entertainment for all ages. There will be another Clovelly Cup Rally with the North Devon Yacht Club! They will be racing outside the harbour across the bay. It will be an amazing sight to see, with the boats surrounding the harbour and setting off around the race course. Bideford Sea Cadets will also be joining us in the harbour with information on their club and how to become a sea cadet. Throughout the day there will be live music, street entertainment, activities and games for the whole family, including building your own miniature boats with The Plough, Arts & Crafts, making a mermaid crown or pirate hat with Mary & Jayne, Mermaid storytelling 'Tales from the sea', Captain Coconut, Punch & Judy, plus face painting & henna tattoos, "Have a go on a gig" with the Clovelly Gig team and a variety of stalls selling food and event-themed arts & crafts. It is definitely a day to remember!
Free entry for under 16's who come in maritime-themed fancy dress costumes! Standard admission charges include all entertainment.

30th July Woolsery Agricultural Show. Summer in North Devon would not be complete without a visit to this ever popular show. A fun-filled day packed with a programme of activities. Classes include crafts, cattle and sheep, together with horse and pony competitions. There will be a Dairy Marquee with displays such as yoghurt and ice cream making and the chance for children to "milk a cow" along with competitions. You'll find bustling trade stalls offering locally made crafts and food with fairground rides and a bouncy castle for the children. There'll also be a family dog show, a display of hounds, the Young Farmers' "It's a knockout" and to finish the day, a parade of vintage farm machinery. It's a great summer day out for all the family! A separate admission charge applies

AUGUST

4th - 5th August Clovelly Lifeboat Weekend in aid of the R.N.L.I. Held in aid of the RNLI, this popular event is a celebration of the Clovelly lifeboat and its volunteer crew. On Saturday, there will be a 2 mile sponsored sea swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly. Sunday will be a fun-packed day with games, competitions, entertainments, food and drink, music and other family fun in and around the harbour. The Lifeboat House will be open to visitors and there'll be operational displays by the Clovelly lifeboat. Normal admission charges apply

Wednesday 8th August 7pm: Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre Illyria present 'The Pirates of Penzance' by Gilbert and Sullivan. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, this year's productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to. Booking contact Box Office 01805 624624 or online www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Friday 10th August 5pm: Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre Illyria present 'Dr. Dolittle' by Hugh Lofting (5 yrs +) plus Drama Workshop 6 - 11 years (3-4.30pm) Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, this year's productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to. Booking contact Box Office 01805 624624 or online www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Wednesday 15th August 5pm Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre Heartbreak Productions present 'The Midnight Gang' by David Walliams plus Drama Workshop 6 - 11 years (3-4.30pm) Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, this year's productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to. Booking contact Box Office 01805 624624 or online www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

18th August Clovelly Gig Regatta. The West Country boasts a long tradition of racing pilot gigs. Gig racing is exciting and strenuous, with crews reaching speeds of 9 knots in North Devon's powerful tidal waters. You're assured an exhilarating day's racing. So come along and cheer on the brave crews!
Normal admission charges apply

Thursday 23rd August 7.30pm: Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre Illyria present 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, this year's productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to. Booking contact Box Office 01805 624624 or online www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Monday 27th August 5pm: Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre The Festival Players present 'The Winter's Tale' by William Shakespeare Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, this year's productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to. Booking contact Box Office 01805 624624 or online www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

SEPTEMBER

2nd September Clovelly Lobster and Crab Feast Clovelly celebrates its famous lobsters and crabs sustainable caught by its fishermen with a great day out for all the family. Choose from a variety of crab and lobster dishes cooked on the quay or book a table at the Red Lion Harbour Restaurant to enjoy a delicious lobster dish. There'll be live music all day, cookery demonstrations with tastings, a prize draw for a magnum of champagne, local food and craft stalls, including plenty of freshly cooked lobsters and crabs, and beer tasting. Children will also be kept entertained by street theatre, walkabout magic, balloon modelling and event-themed games and craft activities provided by the AONB. In aid of the National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, who will exhibit baby lobsters before releasing them into the sea at the beginning and end of the day. They are best known for their lobster stock enhancement programme from eggs through the most vulnerable stage of their life cycle before being released back into the sea. 53,000 juveniles are released back into the wild in one year and they plan to increase the numbers over the next few years. Adopting a Lobster for just £3 helps pay for baby lobsters to be raised and released. http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/
Standard admission charges apply and include all entertainment.
TAP HERE to view a video clip of a Clovelly Lobster & Crab Feast.
(As seen on BBC2 TV 'Country Show Cook Off').
Visit http://www.boatstories.co.uk/lobster-potting-and-berried-hens.html to watch a lobster film about the Lundy no take zone

OCTOBER

2nd October Clovelly Apple Day On arrival at Clovelly you will see apple pressing by Gatcombe valley Juices outside the Visitor Centre, so please do bring a bag of apples, watch them being pressed and taste the fresh juice or if you wish, you can bring more for pasteurisation and bottling for which there will be a charge (£1.90 per 75 cl bottle). On entry to Clovelly (free for children under 7 years old), you will find the Apple crafts and activities in the Visitor Centre from 12:00-17:00. The round shape of the apple with the great reds and greens makes the apple a perfect base for creating art. So enjoy some Apple Art with The Plough and either carve, sculpt, decorate or do all of them with your apple. There will also be live music, apple bobbing, apple stamping and making corn dollies. Isabella Necessity on her Story Bicycle will also be visiting Clovelly to tell stories of her orchard escapades and share snippets of apple folklore. Isabella is a bicycling botanist who loves to share stories from her incredible journeys around the world with the people she meets along the way. Isabella has flown with the blue butterflies of Brazil in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, outwitted trolls in the fjords of Norway, learnt Kung-Fu on the Mountain of Kunyu and rested in a robin's nest on Dartmoor. With delightful storytelling, gorgeous illustrations, unexpected wonders and a handsome Story Bicycle called Dilys, Isabella will whisk you away to another world. There will be a small farmers market, including a pick of pumpkins, vegetables, herbs, meat, and cider amongst other stalls. Merry Harriers Garden Centre will also have some of their interesting products on display. The WI will be hosting our second Apple Pie/Crumble competition as well as selling homemade cakes.
At 13:00pm families can take part in a fun Harvest Hunt with the Clovelly tour guide, Jana Edwards, who will take you down and around the craft yard and Mount Pleasant, telling spooky stories and looking for clues to win a harvest treat, finishing back at the visitor centre. Please book your place on arrival as spaces are limited.
Apple pressing: 11:00-13:00, Apple day activities: 12:00 - 16:00; Harvest Hunt 13:00-14:30.

NOVEMBER

18th November Clovelly Herring Festival November is the time of year when the historic, fishing village of Clovelly, North Devon, celebrates its annual Herring Festival, which is held to promote these tasty, nutritious Silver Darlings and support carefully managed fishing. The village once depended on the harvest of herring, which are caught in superb condition for a short season off its coast. Records go back over 400 years and in 1749, there were a hundred herring boats in the port. When fishing was good, 9000 herring could be landed at one time. Those days of massive catches are long gone and there remain just two herring fishermen who still employ sustainable fishing methods using drift nets and long lines.
Maritime historian and writer, Mike Smylie, will be there with his "Kipperland" exhibition, which is devoted to the history of the herring. He will also be turning herring into delicate-tasting kippers and bloaters in his smokehouse. There'll also be net making, flax processing and a Curragh on show provided by 'Flaxland'. Quay kitchens will be serving a variety of delicious herring specialities with chef demonstrations, beer tastings and local food and craft stalls. Throughout the day there will be live music, street entertainment, face-painting & henna Tattoos, an exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing, The Herring Hunt and the AONB event-themed children's craft activities.
Standard admission charges include all entertainment.
Please note that you can travel by bus from Barnstaple and Bideford to Clovelly. Tap link here for the Stagecoach South West timetable.
Clovelly Herring Festival featured in:
http://www.boatstories.co.uk/fishing-for-clovelly-herring.html
Countryfile Magazine
Channel 4's River Cottage series
Clovelly Herring Festival Video 2016 https://youtu.be/wYjIxb1kEo8
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6977974.ece
http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2008/11/04/clovelly_herring_feature.shtml
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/sep/20/fivebest.uk
http://www.clovelly.co.uk/clovelly-events/clovelly-herring-festival

DECEMBER

2nd December Christmas Lights in aid of the R.N.L.I. Christmas is a magical time at Clovelly. Starting at 3:30 pm, a local brass band leads the procession down to the harbour with festive Christmas carols sung by a local choir. There'll be a hog roast, hot dogs, Christmas grog and other refreshments available at the Harbour and Lifeboat Station and Father Christmas will make a surprise visit. At about 5 p.m. the switch is thrown and the entire village and harbour are lit up. It's a fantastic sight! A Carol Service is then lead by the Chaplain of the Lifeboat Station, The Rev. Brenda Jacobs, and there is a grand finale of fireworks to finish off.
Entrance fee: £5 per car at the Visitor Centre after 3 pm. All proceeds to RNLI

NORTH DEVON COAST AND COUNTRY CHRONICLE 2017.
A colourful reminder of the year around the Bideford Bay area and Exmoor.
Looking forward to a bright and beautiful 2018 on the North Devon Coast. Thanks for visiting and following.

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NORTH DEVON COAST AND COUNTRY PRESS RELEASES - see North Devon Focus Blogspot

PRESS RELEASES FROM THE DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST www.devonwildlifetrust.org
*DWT has 11 Local Groups based around the county. All play an important role in DWT's work and are always looking for more volunteers.
*DWT cares for some 40 nature reserves around the county. Most are open to the public.
*DWT currently has over 31,000 members.
*DWT has been protecting Devon's wildlife for over 40 years. Click here to view archive Devon press r

eleases You will find many local events and interesting articles in local community monthly newsletters and church magazines so don't forget to lend your support and pick up a copy of the "Parkham Pie" or "The Village News" covering the Parkham Area or Bucks Mills, Clovelly, Hartland and Woolsery
Available at:
Hartland Village Shop, Woolsery, Clovelly Post Office, Bucks Cross Post Office, Clovelly Cross Petrol Station, Clovelly Church, Bucks Mills Church
Its Free! - Click here to add your event