North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle

North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle is a local community page for North Devon news or coast 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 2017 Community Calendar - It's Free!

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 2017 Events, Normal admission charges apply, dates and content may be subject to change, so please consult www.clovelly.co.uk for latest details. Scroll down for local event details:

The Bideford Film Society are putting on some great films so why not visit Bideford Cinema Website to see what else is showing this month.

ATTENTION ALL MUSICIANS & PERFORMERS SUMMER WHAAM (Westward Ho! and Appledore Music Showcase) 1st June www.whaam-events.org Bands, singers, groups and musicians wishing to take part on can contact John Barton on noahsark@uku.co.uk or 07725 056 094.

JULY

Wednesday 26th July 5pm Illyria The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (7yrs+) Plough Artists plus Family Arts Afternoon (2pm-4.30pm) Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, the 2017 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. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Thursday 27th July 7pm The Pantaloons Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, the 2017 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. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows.Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

July 31st, Woolsery Agricultural Show. Summer in North Devon would not be complete without a visit to this ever popular show. 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

Wednesdy 2nd Aug 5pm Heartbreak Billionaire Boy by David Walliams Plough Artists plus Family Arts Afternoon (2pm-4.30pm) Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, the 2017 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. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

5th August to 6th 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. The Lifeboat House will be open to visitors and there'll be operational displays by the Clovelly lifeboat. It's a fun-packed weekend with games, competitions, entertainments, food and drink, music and other family fun in and around the harbour. Normal admission charges apply

Friday 11th August 5pm Illyria The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen(5yrs+) (+ drama workshop 6-11yrs (3pm - 4.30pm) Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, the 2017 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. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Wednesday 23rd August 7pm Illyria The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, the 2017 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. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY 26th 27th & 28th The North Devon Legendary Grand Tour. Visit Small Cars Big Hearts for details

Monday 28th August 5pm The Festival Players The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre. Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, the 2017 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. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

SEPTEMBER

3rd September Clovelly Lobster and Crab Feast 10th Anniversary! Clovelly celebrates its famous lobsters and crabs sustainably 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 and dine on delicious lobster and seafood platters. There'll be live folk music, chef cookery demonstrations, a prize draw for a magnum of champagne, local food and craft stalls, including plenty of freshly cooked lobsters and crabs, and beer tasting. Children will be kept entertained by street theatre, walkabout magic, balloon modelling and event-themed craft activities provided by The National Trust. It's in aid of the National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, who will be exhibiting some of their baby lobsters prior to their release into Clovelly Bay at the end of the day. At the heart of the NLH's work is their lobster restocking project whereby local fishermen bring 'pregnant' female lobsters to the hatchery so that their delicate offspring are given a better chance in life by being raised in captivity without predators. These young lobsters are raised to a size where they can be released back into the sea and look after themselves. http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/ (As seen on BBC2 TV 'Country Show Cook Off').
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbMkHPKc2Lc Standard admission charges include all entertainment.

OCTOBER

Saturday 28 October Apple Day - Harvest Fayre It is Apple Season - so we are holding our second Apple Day with lots of lovely apple crafts and activities. 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 12:00-16:00.
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 to enter the Apple Art Competition! There will also be live music, apple bobbing, apple stamping, and especially for adults, apple cup making, which you can then use to enjoy a refreshing cider drink (available at the café bar) or perhaps some fresh apple juice! Clovelly Court Gardens produce, including a pick of pumpkins, will be on sale and Merry Harriers Garden Centre will also have some of their interesting products on display. At 12 noon families can take part in a fun Harvest Hunt with the Clovelly tour guide, Jana Edwards, who will take you down the village street telling spooky stories and looking for clues to win a harvest treat, finishing at the New Inn. 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 12:00-1:30.
Please note that you can travel by bus from Barnstaple and Bideford to Clovelly. CLICK HERE for the Stagecoach South West timetable.

NOVEMBER

18th November 18 Clovelly Herring Festival. Clovelly was once a major centre for herring fishing and our annual Herring Festival is held to promote these tasty, nutritious 'Silver Darlings' and support carefully managed fishing as carried out by our local fishermen. 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 return with his 'Kipperland' exhibition, which is devoted to the history of the herring. He will also be turning herring into delicious and delicate-tasting kippers and bloaters in his smokehouse. There will also be net making, flax processing and a curragh on show provided by 'Flaxland'. Enjoy a wide variety of herring dishes in the quay kitchens or at the Harbour Bar, cookery demonstrations, live shanty and sea song singers, stilted entertainers, other local food and craft stalls, a photographic exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing, a Herring Hunt, face painting, henna tattoosand National Trust event-themed, free craft activities. Standard admission charges include all entertainment.
Clovelly Herring Festival featured in:
http://www.boatstories.co.uk/fishing-for-clovelly-herring.html
Countryfile Magazine
Channel 4's River Cottage series

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

DECEMBER

26th December Boxing Day Barbecue. Join us for our Boxing Day Barbecue on the quay at Clovelly. With FREE entrance into the village all day, why not have a walk on the estate then come along to the barbecue where there will be live music, mulled wine, and even a treasure hunt if you are up to it. It should make the perfect follow-up to your Christmas Day. The barbecue runs from 12:00 to 3 pm.

NORTH DEVON COAST AND COUNTRY CHRONICLE 2016.
A colourful reminder of the year around the Bideford Bay area and Exmoor.
Looking forward to a bright and beautiful 2017 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 releases

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