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NHS trust ends partnership deal but insists care will not change

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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NHS trust ends partnership deal but insists care will not change

Following a decision made by its Board of Directors meeting in public on 26 March 2026, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has now formally served notice on the current Section 75 partnership arrangements with Torbay Council. The Trust wants to reassure local residents that this will not affect the care and support people receive.

All health and care services currently delivered through these arrangements will continue as they are today, with no immediate changes for patients, residents or families.

Serving notice is a formal and planned step that creates the time and space needed to carefully review future arrangements. It does not mean services are stopping, being withdrawn or changing in the short term, and it does not change how people access care.

What this means for local people

  • care continues as normal – there are no changes to day‑to‑day services
  • no immediate decisions have been made about future delivery arrangements
  • patient safety and quality of care remain the Trust’s overriding priority

Operationally, the Trust will continue to work closely with Torbay Council day to day, with a shared focus on doing the right thing for local people and communities.

NHS Devon Integrated Care Board will work closely with all partners throughout the notice period, so they can continue to maintain safe, effective and joined-up services for local people, with no change to how adult social care is accessed or delivered.

Joe Teape, Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I want to be very clear with our communities: this step does not change the care people receive. Services continue exactly as they are today and people do not need to do anything differently.

“Serving notice allows us to take a careful and considered look at how our partnership arrangements are governed in the future. Throughout this period, our absolute focus is on maintaining safe, high‑quality services and supporting our staff to continue delivering excellent care for local people. We will keep colleagues, partners and the public informed as work progresses.”

Any future changes would be subject to appropriate planning and engagement and there will be no sudden or unplanned changes to services.

Easter stars shine as West Devon pupils bring church performances to life

Devon Today
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Easter stars shine as West Devon pupils bring church performances to life

Pupils from two West Devon schools stepped into the spotlight for Easter performances that brought families, staff and local communities together in church celebrations.

Children from Gulworthy Academy performed at St Paul’s Church, while pupils from Lamerton Church of England Academy held their own event at St Peter’s Church.

Dressed in costume, the pupils told the Easter story through songs, readings and performances.

Lamerton pupils during their Easter performance at St Peter’s Church
Gulworthy pupils perform their Easter celebration at St Paul’s Church
Gulworthy pupils in full voice during their church performance
West Devon Pupils Celebrate Easter with Church PerformancesChildren from Gulworthy Academy bring the Easter story to life in costume

Staff praised the children for their enthusiasm, teamwork and the thoughtful way they engaged with the meaning of Easter.

Both schools are part of the Learning Academy Partnership, which said it places a strong emphasis on creating inclusive and nurturing environments where children can flourish and build confidence in and beyond the classroom.

The partnership said events such as the Easter performances give pupils the chance to reflect on the Christian meaning of the season while strengthening links with the local community.

Melody Sterry, headteacher at Gulworthy Academy and Lamerton Church of England Academy, said: “It was wonderful to see our pupils take part in these special Easter celebrations.

“They showed great confidence and really supported one another throughout.

“Events like this are a lovely way to bring our school communities together, and we are incredibly proud of how the children represented their schools.”

Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Celebrations like these are a wonderful way for pupils to come together, reflect on the meaning of Easter and share that with their communities.

“It is lovely to see our schools creating opportunities for children to grow in confidence and flourish.”

DEVON VOICES: “High time men and boys stepped forward to become part of the solution”

Alison Hernandez
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DEVON VOICES: “High time men and boys stepped forward to become part of the solution”

It is now eight months since I hosted a ground-breaking disruptive ideas workshop that brought together around 100 frontline professionals in one room with a shared passion for combating violence against women and girls (VAWG). 

Since then, my office has been working with partners to narrow down the best projects that will each create the biggest changes and deliver long-lasting impact in not just Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, but hopefully nationwide too. 

To achieve that, my office is helping to fund innovative ideas that cover a broad spectrum across the VAWG sphere, including victims, perpetrators, potential offenders and bystanders. The common theme uniting them all is that we need to stop expecting women and girls to carry the burden of making them feel they are the ones who have to change their behaviour to stay safe. 

Everyone in society has a vital role to play in tackling VAWG. It’s high time men and boys stepped forward to become part of the solution and bring about long-term cultural change. That is why my office is funding £50,000, match funded by Devon & Cornwall Police through money seized from the Tate brothers, to launch a pilot called Cornwall Male Ally Network (MAN) which has already sparked initial interest from Queen Camilla during a recent visit to St Austell. 

Although in its very early infancy, the cross-sector collaborative initiative aims to work directly within communities, including sports clubs, music spaces, and social environments, to support positive male role models, challenge harmful behaviours, and create safer environments for women and girls. 

If successful, it is hoped the network will then expand into Devon and other regions leaving a lasting legacy of some of the great things achieved by Police and Crime Commissioners. 

In the meantime, our disruptive VAWG work is fast gaining momentum. Projects include: 

  • Essential stalking training – OPCC grant funding from the Ministry of Justice to provide training frontline professionals to help identify and respond to evidence of stalking 
  • Improving criminal justice experience of victims and witnesses – First-of-its kind Criminal Justice and You multimedia resource created by the OPCC. Recently included 

delivering a one-hour justice takeover slot at the West Country Women’s International Women’s Day Plymouth 2026: ‘Rights. Justice. Action’,   

  • Empowering parents, carers and children – OPCC funding to expand Let’s Talk successful projects, including a new website 

Other projects still in the pipeline include the production of a short film that shows the world through a woman’s eyes who is simply trying to make her way safely home, more routes being added to the OPCC funded Saturday night bus service and discussions about how to improve safety on trains. 

Eradicating VAWG once and for all is not something that can be done alone. It has to be done in collaboration as a united front and I remain committed to doing everything in my power over the next two years to make sure change begin to be seen so that women and girls can once again enjoy their lives without always being in fear for their safety. 

Unpleasant odour sparks public meeting as Tiverton residents demand answers

Lewis Clarke
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Unpleasant odour sparks public meeting as Tiverton residents demand answers

An unpleasant smell drifting across homes has left residents searching for answers – and now councillors are calling on the community to speak up.

People across Tiverton have reported experiencing a persistent odour, which some say has disrupted daily life. While for some it has been occasional, others have found it more frequent and difficult to ignore.

Local Liberal Democrat councillors said they had been working to understand the cause and push for action. This has included meetings with South West Water and a visit to the Collipriest sewage treatment works, where they observed processes and raised concerns directly with staff.

Their findings suggest activity at the site has increased significantly in recent years, including the treatment of sludge brought in from outside the area. Councillors are also examining whether current treatment methods could be contributing to the smell and have requested further information from relevant authorities.

They said they have challenged South West Water on the issue and are pressing for both answers and practical steps to reduce the odour. Residents are being encouraged to report incidents to help build evidence and support further action.

A public meeting has now been organised to gather feedback and provide updates. It will take place at the Climbing Wall Room, Old Heathcoat School Community Centre, on Thursday, April 17 at 6.15pm.

MP Rachel Gilmour is expected to attend, and South West Water has also been invited.

Councillors said the meeting would provide an opportunity for residents to hear updates, share their experiences and help shape the next steps.

Residents are asked to confirm attendance by email or by returning the RSVP slip provided.

The initiative is being led by Cllr Claudette Harrower, Cllr Adam Stirling and Cllr Steve Lodge, who represent Tiverton.

Flower power at its peak as camellia week crowns garden success story

Lewis Clarke
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Flower power at its peak as camellia week crowns garden success story

A celebration of colour, heritage and horticultural pride has wrapped up on a high, with organisers hailing the event as a major success while already looking ahead to a busy season of attractions.

The Camellia Celebration week, held at Marwood Hill Gardens, concluded on Sunday, March 22, marking what organisers described as a significant milestone for the site following its recognition as an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence.

Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Camelia Celebrations at Marwood Hill Gardens (Credit : Simon Ellery)

Georgia Taylor-Smart, from Marwood Hill Garden and Tea Room, said the event had drawn strong interest and highlighted the garden’s long-standing reputation.

Georgia said: “The Camellia Celebration week finished on Sunday March 22, but it’s been a great success – it was to celebrate the fact that we were rewarded our status as an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence.”

She added that the gardens, originally created by Dr Jimmy Smart VMH in the late 1950s, have held the prestigious status for decades.

Georgia said: “The gardens… were awarded the ICS Camellia Gardens of Excellence Award back in 2004, which is when Garden of Excellence recognition was started in the UK, and we were one of the first three gardens in England to be awarded it.”

She continued: “Something which we are very proud of. This is something we were rewarded last year in 2025.”

The gardens now feature around 500 different cultivars of camellias, ranging from large flowering varieties to miniature forms.

Georgia said: “Today we have around 500 different cultivars of Camellias of all shapes and sizes from the large, flowered types to the miniature flowered forms.”

Looking ahead, a series of events is planned throughout the year aimed at attracting more visitors.

An Easter Egg Hunt and children’s trail will take place from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5.

A number of pop-up pub events are also scheduled for Friday, May 15; Friday, June 19; Friday, July 17; and Friday, August 21.

Meanwhile, a performance of A Midsummer Night Dream by Folksy Theatre is set for Thursday, July 30.

Georgia said organisers are keen to welcome more visitors in the coming months, with seasonal highlights still to come.

She said: “The wisteria will be coming out next month and is always a showstopper too.”

Food fans rejoice as popular takeaway hut returns to busy retail park

Devon Today
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Food fans rejoice as popular takeaway hut returns to busy retail park

A popular food spot has made a swift return, with more changes promised as part of a wider shake-up to a well-known shopping destination.

The takeaway hut at Trago Mills has now reopened, marking the latest step in a broader collaboration designed to expand food options for visitors.

Warrens Bakery said it is “excited to unveil a major new collaboration with Trago Mills in Newton Abbot, bringing fresh energy and new food experiences to the site”.

With an established Warrens Bakery already operating at the location, the company confirmed it is expanding its offering across the site.

A newly opened food-to-go bakery at the petrol station is already serving customers looking for a quick option, providing what the company described as “a fast, high-quality option for baked goods on the move”.

The reopening of the takeaway hut forms part of this expansion and has been launched through Goodness, a sister brand.

Warrens Bakery said: “This momentum continues this weekend with the launch of a brand-new takeaway hut from our sister brand, Goodness, arriving just in time for Easter and the busy half term period.”

The company added that further updates are expected soon as part of the ongoing development.

Deep Lane row grows as MP warns delays could stall vital A38 upgrade

Lewis Clarke
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Deep Lane row grows as MP warns delays could stall vital A38 upgrade

Delays at one of the area’s busiest junctions could leave a major road scheme stuck in the slow lane, with Rebecca Smith warning that almost £5 million in secured funding could be put at risk.

Rebecca Smith MP has written to Plymouth City Council leader Cllr Tudor Evans over the proposed improvements at Deep Lane junction on the A38, saying the scheme is strategically important and regularly raised with her by constituents and businesses.

In the letter, dated Friday, April 3, Smith said the junction was “frequently subject to significant congestion and delays” and that she was “increasingly hearing from local businesses about the impact this is having on their operations, including difficulties with recruitment, staff retention and securing new business”.

MS Smith said she had been “actively meeting and working with a range of stakeholders” to help move the scheme forward and said there was “a clear and shared recognition of its importance to the area”.

She also said she was “very concerned” to understand that the proposed improvements “may be at risk due to objections from Plymouth City Council”.

Ms Smith wrote: “This not only puts at risk the almost £5 million secured by Devon County Council, but also raises the very real prospect that, should the scheme not proceed, that funding would have to be returned and it could be many years before a similar scheme is able to come forward again.”

She said growth at Sherford and Langage, together with the ambitions of Team Plymouth, the Freeport and the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, meant the infrastructure needed to support expansion had to be in place.

“The Deep Lane junction is a critical part of that infrastructure and will be key to unlocking further economic growth across the area,” Smith wrote.

Ms Smith acknowledged that a highways upgrade of this scale would cause disruption for motorists. However, she said such short-term impact had to be weighed against “the long-term benefits of improved connectivity, reduced congestion and the economic opportunities that this scheme will enable”.

Referring to disruption from other works, she added that Plymouth City Council’s scheme at Colesdown Hill was already resulting in “up to 18 months of disruption”.

She urged Evans, as leader of the council, to “use your influence to help unblock this investment in our road network and ensure that these improvements can be brought forward as soon as possible”.

She also said she would welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter and was willing to work with Evans and other partners to help move it forward.

In a Facebook post published alongside the letter, Ms Smith said the Deep Lane scheme was important for residents north and south of the A38 and said she continued to hear from residents and businesses about the impact of congestion.

She said it was important that the plan to widen the slip road and bridge progressed, pointing to both the risk to secured funding and the wider benefits for the local road network and economy.

Drag bingo night raises cash in glitter-filled Totnes fundraiser

Devon Today
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Drag bingo night raises cash in glitter-filled Totnes fundraiser

A spirit of April Fools’ Day frivolity filled the Royal Seven Stars Hotel in Totnes on 1 April, as 130 people gathered for a high-energy drag bingo fundraiser in support of Totnes Fringe Festival 2026, raising £1,600 to help deliver the Festival from 9–12 July.

Hosted by acclaimed South West drag performer Roberta Calamari, the evening was a vibrant mix of comedy, live vocals and audience interaction. Known for her razor-sharp wit and bold stage presence, and as a fantastic singer with a powerful, expressive voice, Roberta transformed a classic bingo night into a playful, immersive experience. With guests dressed in glitter and colour, and music keeping the dancefloor alive courtesy of DJ Zaid Al-Rikabi, the atmosphere was creative and full of joy.

A wide range of prizes were generously donated by local businesses, including; a wine tasting evening for eight from Totnes Wine; a carving course from Orchard Carving Studio; a two-night glamping stay at Wilderhus Glamping; vouchers for Somewhere Sauna in Mothecombe; tickets for The Barn Cinema; and mugs from China Blue.

Drag Bingo fun and games at the Totnes Frinhge Festival Fundraiser on 1
Roberta Calamari with the Totnes Fringe Festival directors at the Drag Bingo Fundraising event
Roberta Calamari leading the singing at the Totnes Fringe Festival Fundraising Drag Bingo evening

All funds raised will go directly towards supporting artists with fair fees and performance opportunities, delivering an ambitious multi-venue programme, keeping ticket prices accessible, creating opportunities for young people and emerging creatives, and covering essential production, marketing and accessibility costs.

Danielle McIlven, Director of Totnes Fringe Festival, commented:
“The night captured exactly what Totnes Fringe is about: creativity, connection and a sense of shared joy. Seeing so many people come together to support the Festival in such a fun and generous way was incredibly special, and we are very grateful to the local businesses who donated prizes and everyone who came along and made it such a success. It gives us real momentum as we build towards July.”

Totnes Fringe Festival is entirely volunteer-run and independently funded, with no core public funding, made possible through community donations, fundraising events, small grants, crowdfunding and the support of local businesses.

“Sponsorship plays a vital role in making the Festival happen,” continued Danielle. “Every contribution directly supports artists, enables ambitious programming, and helps keep the Festival accessible, inclusive and rooted in the community.

“For local businesses, sponsoring Totnes Fringe offers a genuine connection to a growing and highly engaged audience. With over 3,000 attendees and 11 sold-out shows last year, we know that the Festival brings increased footfall into the town and creates opportunities for businesses to be visible as part of something positive and widely supported.”

Totnes Fringe Festival welcomes conversations with businesses who would value meaningful visibility and connection through the Festival’s targeted promotion across print, press and digital channels. Supporting the Festival is also a way to play an active role in strengthening the cultural life of the town, helping to ensure that bold, live performance continues to thrive in Totnes.

To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact: lucy@totnesfringe.uk
https://totnesfringe.uk/

From gardens to scarecrows Tiverton eyes bigger In Bloom year ahead

Lewis Clarke
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From gardens to scarecrows Tiverton eyes bigger In Bloom year ahead

Schoolchildren, gardeners and community groups are being urged to dig in for a wider community effort as the 2026 In Bloom campaign gets under way, with organisers hoping to attract more schools, streets and local projects.

The 2026 Tiverton In Bloom competition was launched at Blundell’s School on Thursday, March 19, with councillors, pupils and members of school communities attending.

Mayor of Tiverton Cllr Neal Davey said the competition had a long history in the town and that community involvement would again be central to this year’s entry.

Cllr Davey said: “Thank you to Blundell’s School for hosting this. Tiverton in Bloom is all about gardening, growing and bringing the community together.

“The competition began in 1964 and Tiverton first entered in 1966. Councillor Wally Burke was involved back then and has continued to support it ever since, helping the town achieve several gold awards. It is fantastic that he is still involved today.”

Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School – Sue Griggs
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School – Libby Davey and Wally Burke
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School – Neal Davey
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School
Tiverton in Bloom 2026 Launch at Blundell’s School

He said judges for the national and regional competition are expected to visit Tiverton in the summer.

Cllr Davey said: “Judges will visit Tiverton for a day, likely in June or July, and will assess a wide range of areas.

“Gardening and floral displays are important, but so is community participation and environmental responsibility. The competition has broadened in recent years and involvement from residents and schools is vital.”

Residents will also be able to take part in Tiverton’s own local competition, including by entering their gardens, streets and shared spaces.

Cllr Davey said: “If you are a keen gardener, you can enter your own garden, your street or any shared space you are involved in.

“There is a lot to get involved in. We have projects across the town, including the hospital garden, Tivvy Trailblazers, Sustainable Tiverton and a youth-led sustainability project with a shop in Bampton Street.

“It is great to see people of all ages taking part. Photographs of what you are growing can be submitted to the Town Hall and will form part of a portfolio for the competition.”

Cllr Sue Griggs said she hoped schools would play a bigger role this year.

Cllr Griggs said: “I am really pleased that more schools are getting involved this year.

“The more people we have taking part in gardening and growing, the better it will be for the town and for our In Bloom entry.

“We want to make this a strong year for Tiverton, so I would encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy it. We are also hoping to introduce a scarecrow theme across the town as a fun way for the community to take part.”

Charlie Olive, from Blundell’s School and who leads community partnerships, said the school had developed its garden over a number of years and hoped others would be inspired to take part.

Charlie said: “The garden was once the headmaster’s vegetable patch, but over the past ten years pupils have transformed it.

“Raised beds were first built by Year 7 and Year 8 pupils about nine years ago, and since then it has grown to include a pond and areas that support wildlife, including bees.”

Charlie said the school had entered the competition for the past six years and encouraged others to join.

Charlie said: “We have entered Tiverton in Bloom for six years. In the first year we were the only school to enter, so we won, but now I would really welcome some competition.

“You do not need a large garden to take part. It could be something as simple as a display of pots by a front door. We hope to run workshops to share ideas that schools and families can take away and use themselves.”

Charlie also highlighted a personal link to the competition.

Charlie said: “The cup we were awarded was presented by WH Dunsford, who was my grandfather and mayor of Tiverton in the 1960s, so there is a special connection for me.

“I have been teaching for 30 years and gardening has always been part of that. I would love to see every school in Tiverton get involved.”

Ambitious vision revealed to reshape Bideford over next decade

Torridge District Council
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Ambitious vision revealed to reshape Bideford over next decade

The Bideford Regeneration Board launched its Regeneration Strategy on Thursday 26 March at an event for key regional and national strategic partners, business leaders and local representatives at the Royal Hotel in Bideford.  Attendees learned about how the new Masterplan will set out to benefit the town and how people can get involved to help make it happen.

Originally formed back in 2022 to support the town as it emerged from Covid, the Board, made up of volunteers, has been at the forefront of a number of initiatives.  In 2025, after an open call for new members, a new Board came together bringing skills in strategy development, finance, governance, marketing, education and place-making, to complement the strategic partners of Bideford Town Council, Torridge District Council, Devon County Council, Bideford Bridge Trust, The Burton at Bideford and TTVS.

That new board has set itself a clear mission which is presented through the Bideford Regeneration Strategy 2026 – 2031 and which this masterplan is at the heart of delivering.  Its key aims are:

  • To regenerate Bideford, working with partners, including the private sector, to boost skills, housing and higher-paid, meaningful employment that inspires and retains our local talent.
  • To create leadership and make things happen whilst also being committed to ongoing wider engagement and openness.
  • To cherish and promote heritage but make it future looking, finding new purposes for old buildings and spaces to bring pride and energy to the town.
  • To work together to create a healthy and thriving place and community.
  • To allow the character of the town to come to the fore, through arts, culture, heritage and creativity to bring fun, learning and interest into people’s lives.

Clare Coghill, Chair of the Bideford Regeneration Board, said: “We are delighted that so many people came along today.  This launch event is all about spreading the word and starting to get more people to get involved in delivery of these ambitious plans.  We know that there are loads of people out there with skills to offer and we want to make sure they know how they can get involved.

This is an exciting time for the town.  The regional development of clean energy and maritime-related industries along with agritech opportunities provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bideford.  This spatial masterplan seeks to provide clear frameworks and ambitions to enable the development of projects to support these core needs and address known challenges.

“National governments do not fund local government, community groups, schools and businesses in the way that they once did, so every penny needs to count, and we need to galvanise as many people as possible. From the recent refurbishment of the stunning fountain through to a public art programme led by young people and exciting artists, the works moving forward at Brunswick Wharf through to exciting new retail and hospitality openings there really is a lot to celebrate and get excited about. We want that community spirit to be reinvigorated and for the town to find its confidence.  Working together we have a lot to celebrate and get excited about.”

If you think you can help, please read the masterplan and strategy at  Regenerating Bideford | Discover Bideford  To get involved and shape the future of your town fill in the form here and tell us where you can help: Get involved and shape the future of your town – Fill in form

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