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Tractor convoy celebrates boy’s transplant milestone

Lewis Clarke
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Tractor convoy celebrates boy’s transplant milestone

Engines roared and generosity flowed as dozens of tractors rolled out in tribute to a 12-year-old boy marking a major milestone in his transplant journey.

Chittle Young Farmers Club organised a tractor run on Sunday, February 22, bringing together members of the rural community to celebrate James’ one-year kidney transplant anniversary while raising funds for two charities close to his family’s heart.

A total of 45 tractors formed a convoy through local lanes in support of Kidney Research UK and Bristol Children’s Hospital. The event raised £1,100, which will be shared between the two organisations.

The run was held to mark James’ successful transplant and to give back to the charities involved in kidney research and specialist children’s care.

Emily Jones, secretary of Chittle Young Farmers, said: “We’ve got 47 tractors currently on our tractor run. We’re raising funds for my brother, who is a member of Chittle Young Farmers. He’s had a kidney transplant, and this is his one-year anniversary of that, so we’re doing it in aid of Kidney Research and Bristol Children’s Hospital.

“He was born with kidney problems. Last year, he had a live donor from my auntie and received a kidney transplant in Bristol, and that was amazing.

“It’s amazing to give back to the cause. Young Farmers is all about giving back to charities and fundraising; it’s a great group of people to fundraise with. The general public loves seeing it as well. It’s amazing.

“My message to people is to give as much as you can and enjoy it.”

James, who is twelve, was born with kidney problems and has received treatment since birth.

His mother, Sharon Jones, said: “James was born in 2013 and his kidneys weren’t filtering and weren’t developed enough, so he went to Bristol Children’s Hospital for two weeks as soon as he was born, and then we’ve always known he would need a kidney transplant, and in 2025 it happened.

“We are very lucky it was a living kidney transplant donated by his auntie which is his dad’s brother’s wife. She was a match, and we went to Bristol. She was operated on at the adult ward while we were at the children’s hospital. The kidney came across in a taxi, believe it or not. James underwent a six-hour operation and stayed in hospital for two weeks and then came home. Ever since he’s come home he’s done very well.

“Obviously being at Bristol for two weeks, they did so much for us and looked after us so well. It’s nice to be able to give something back to them, and obviously Kidney Research UK is doing kidney research for the future, one day they may be making kidneys and people won’t be waiting on a waiting list for ever and ever as there are a lot of people still waiting out there for kidneys, not everyone is as lucky as we are and get a living kidney.”

Kidney Research UK funds research into kidney disease, focusing on improving early diagnosis, developing treatments and working towards a cure.

Bristol Children’s Hospital provides specialist care for babies, children and young people from across the South West, including renal care and transplant support.

Chittle Young Farmers said raising £1,100 was a fitting way to mark James’ first year since his transplant and thanked everyone who took part and donated.

Ukrainian families share war trauma at Devon council

Devon Today
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Ukrainian families share war trauma at Devon council

They fled bombs, blackouts and broken homes – but four years on from the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, voices of loss and resilience echoed through County Hall as those who rebuilt their lives in Devon spoke of war, separation and survival.

Founding members of the Devon Ukrainian Association were invited to open the full council meeting of Devon County Council on Tuesday, February 24, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Bryan Brown, non-executive director of the association, addressed councillors alongside founding colleagues Olya Petrakova and Oksana Kryviak.

Bryan said: “Today, we were honoured to be invited to open the meeting of Devon County Council’s full council at County Hall, marking the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“We spoke about the lived experiences of those who were forced to flee Ukraine in 2022 and in the years that followed — about loss, resilience, rebuilding, and the reality of starting again in a new country while war continues at home.”

He added: “We are deeply grateful to Devon County Council for this invitation and for their continued support of Ukrainians across Devon.

“In particular, we would like to thank the Chair of the Council, Cllr Caroline Leaver, for her leadership and for her clear resolve to stand with Ukraine.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Migration and Resettlement Team for their sustained commitment, care, and practical support for families who have found refuge here.

“Four years on, the war continues. So does our community. And so does our shared commitment to dignity, solidarity, and hope.”

Olya read a statement from her friend, Anastasiia Kuznetsova, who was not present at the meeting.

In the statement, Anastasiia said: “Today we mark four years of full-scale war.

“But for me, this war started 12 years ago — in Donetsk.

“I had to flee in 2014. My older daughter stayed with relatives for almost a year while I tried to build a new life in Kyiv. Without her.

“We rebuilt our life. We bought a home. We started again. Then 2022 came – and we had to leave again. This time with two children.”

She continued: “For four years, my husband and I live apart. Sometimes we do not see each other for six or seven months.

“After our last visit, my younger daughter could not sleep for a whole month. Every night. She missed her dad. She was four when we left. She has friends here. She loves her English school. But she dreams of going home. So do I.”

Describing conditions in Ukraine, Anastasiia said: “When we visit Kyiv, we do not sleep during attacks. We check where the rockets are going. This January we had no heating and no electricity – on the 22nd floor.

“My daughter saw snow for the first time in four years. That moment of joy mixed with fear and pain for every Ukrainian living like this.

“But as a mother, I know – we made the right choice. Here we can sleep. We have warmth. We are safe.”

She added: “Devon welcomed around 2,000 Ukrainians. That is 2,000 saved lives.

“I want to thank the Homes for Ukraine programme, the local authorities, and the ordinary British people who opened their homes to families in grief and despair. This is true heroism.

“Safety is not a small thing. It is the ability to live.”

Oksana, a mother of six and head of the Ukrainian School in Devon, spoke about concerns for cultural identity.

She said: “I want to speak about something that worries me deeply. As a Ukrainian woman. As a mother.

“When I look at my children, I think — what will they carry with them? What will stay from Ukraine, here, so far from home? The language? The songs? The feeling of knowing who they are?”

She added: “We are integrating well here. We are learning new things, discovering British culture – and this is genuinely enriching. A real exchange, going both ways. But some things do not change. We will always be Ukrainian.”

Oksana said the war was “not only about killing and territory” but “ideological”, adding: “Russia is trying to destroy us as a nation.

“And this is not a new story — for over 400 years, Ukraine has been fighting for the right to exist. For its language. For its culture. For itself.”

She cited damage to more than 4,000 schools and universities and 519 cultural sites, including museums, libraries and churches.

“At least 117 writers, artists and musicians have been killed. This is not accidental. This is a system,” she said.

She described the Devon Ukrainian Association as having been formed in the first days of the full-scale invasion, providing Easter services in the Ukrainian language, mental health support, English courses, business support and cultural events.

“This is the third school year of our Ukrainian School,” she said.

“This year it grew — we opened a new group for the youngest children, four and five year olds. Children who have barely lived in Ukraine. But they are learning the language, the traditions, the culture. They sing Ukrainian songs. They know who they are.

“For me personally, this matters more than I can say. I want my children to grow up as Ukrainians – wherever they live.

“All of this is possible because of Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, and the UK Government. Thank you. Sincerely.”

Cllr Caroline Leaver, chair of Devon County Council, said: “Today is the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russians.

“I am here with Olya and Oksanna from the Devon Ukrainian Association.

“They will be speaking to open our council meeting today in recognition of the terrible plight of their country and their countrymen.

“I would like us all to remember just how traumatic this is, not only for people still in Ukraine, but for people here and across the world and their friends and families.

“I would like to thank Devon people for the welcome that has been offered to people from Ukraine who have come here.

“And I would like to express my deep sympathies and condolences for all of the losses that have happened in Ukraine.”

Four Torridge play areas to close for major upgrade

Torridge District Council
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Four Torridge play areas to close for major upgrade

As part of its commitment to improve play spaces across the district, Torridge District Council has announced that four play areas in East-the-Water, Bideford; Hartland and Winkleigh will undergo £210,000 worth of refurbishment works in February and March 2026.   

At Pollyfield, East-the-Water, Bideford, the council is working in partnership with the Pollyfield Community Centre to refurbish the infant play area. The Pollyfield Community Centre and local councillors have supported the project with some amazing fundraising events, alongside S106 housing development funds and Council Contribution, to ensure that a more interactive and usable space is created for the community.  Local installer TK Play is due to start work on Monday 23 February.

In Winkleigh, after consulting with Winkleigh Councillors and parents of local children, Elms Meadow will undergo a total refurbishment programme receiving all new equipment, with Westcotts Drive gaining a new multi-unit with surfacing and a new bench. Wicksteed Limited is due on site from 2 March to carry out the works.

In Hartland, the Northgate Play Area will also receive a significant upgrade. Kompan Ltd is due on site, from 23 February.  Local councillors, Hartland Recreation Ground representatives and parents of local children were involved and consulted with prior to the final design being agreed.

Winkleigh and Hartland sites are being funded by the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.

For safety, all play areas will be closed and unavailable for the duration of the works.  Weather permitting, all projects are expected to be completed in time for the start of the Easter Holidays.

Councillor Lyndon Piper, Lead Member for Leisure, Torridge District Council, said:   “I’m very excited to see the new and modern changes that the refurbishments will bring to the play areas.  Playgrounds are vital for children’s development, encouraging physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play – so I hope these playgrounds will be enjoyed by many children and families for years to come.”

We’re prioritising roads, children and SEND services in our £839million budget

Devon County Council
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We’re prioritising roads, children and SEND services in our £839million budget

We agreed our budget for the next financial year, and set out how services will be funded from April 2026.

Following a vote councillors approved spending plans for 2026/27 at the Full Council meeting today (Tuesday 24 February) and agreed a 4.99 per cent increase on our council tax share.

This amounts to £89.91 a year (£1.73 a week) for a Band D property for the county council’s share (precept).

This would result in a council tax requirement for the authority of just over £610 million for 26/27.

To balance the position, the authority has to deliver £38.98 million of savings, alternative funding or additional income.

The budget explains how the council will continue to support local services at a time when costs are rising and demand for help is increasing.

The council will spend £839.2 million on day‑to‑day services next year. This is £33.2 million more (4.1 per cent) than in 2025/26.

Councillors also agreed a £770.6 million capital investment programme covering the five years from 2026/27 to 2030/31.

This money will be used for major projects such as road repairs, new school places, support for children with special educational needs, and improvements to council buildings across Devon.

Roads and transport

Spending on highways maintenance will rise to £32.4 million in 2026/27, an increase of £2 million.

Full Council also agreed an additional £4 million investment for highways maintenance over the next financial year.

This will pay for more road repairs, better drainage, clearing roadside gullies and protecting Devon’s road network.

This is all part of the Climate Change, Environment and Transport budget of £96.9 million.

Additionally over the next five years, £546.1 million in total will be invested in highways. This includes an extra £55 million over five years for preventative maintenance.

Children and families

The Children and families budget will see the largest increase in funding across the council.

Spending will rise to £268 million in 2026/27, an increase of £19.1 million. This reflects growing pressure on children’s social care, early help for families, and support for children who cannot live at home.

Children and families – capital investment

A total of £76.5 million will be invested over five years in children’s homes, school expansions and specialist education provision.

Helping children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities remains a key priority.

Over the next five years, £25.8 million will be spent on new and expanded specialist schools to create more places for children who need extra support.

Adult social care

Adult social care continues to be the council’s biggest area of spending.

The budget for adult social care will rise to £395.9 million in 2026/27, an increase of £9.9 million, or 2.6 per cent. This helps cover rising costs, including higher wages for care staff.

The council will also invest £51.6 million over five years to help adults live independently, including adaptations to homes and investment in care facilities and equipment.

Public health, communities and libraries

The council will receive £37.7 million to support public health services, including help with drug and alcohol misuse and stop‑smoking services.

Spending on community services and libraries will total £14.4 million in 2026/27.

Full council also agreed additional funding of £225,000 to restore the book fund to £500,000 and an extra £425,000 to support general library delivery during transition. 

Together, these total £650,000, and reverses the proposed efficiency saving within the original libraries budget resulting in a libraries budget of more than £7 million.

In addition, a £1 million reserve for Libraries and Rural Hubs will be established to support genuine transformation and community led improvement.

Additional funding

The council also approved targeted funding which reflects priorities that have arisen through meetings of the council’s scrutiny committees, community feedback and consultations with businesses and voluntary organisations.

These include an additional £600,000 to improve the speed in which Education Health Care Plans are delivered; £300,000 additional foster care support; £106,000 to strengthen domestic abuse provision; increase of each councillor’s locality budget to £10,000.

There is also an additional £500,000 for post-16 and foster care transport.

Councillor James Buczkowski, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance said: “This budget focuses on the services people rely on most, particularly support for children, vulnerable adults and the condition of our roads.

“Raising council tax is never taken lightly however demand for services, particularly for vulnerable children and adults, continues to rise.

“We are investing where the need is greatest, while being realistic about the financial challenges councils continue to face. Our priority is to protect essential services and make sure public money is spent carefully and responsibly.

“Overall, the day to day services budget is increasing by £33.2million, however inflation and extra demand account for almost all of that increase.

“This is a budget built on fiscal responsibility.”

Councillor Michael Fife-Cook, Leader of the Reform Group, said: “In fairness, this isn’t a bad budget. There’s a lot in it we would have willingly supported but I do think is a very safe budget.
“As a businessperson if I saw the amount of debt we have I would to start at zero and look at where every single penny is spent.
“We spend massive amounts of money on childrens and adults services and we still have people we are failing and if we are failing people we have to do better.
“Perhaps we just need a different way of doing things without continually putting our hands into the pockets of local people.”

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, the Leader of the Green group, said: “I think its commendable we have been able to deliver an effective budget given the appalling situation from government that continues to be so stingy and not recognise how they should be funding rural services.

“If this government took seriously with what’s happening with our environment and the climate emergency I think we would see very different levels of support.

“Somehow we seem to be viewed as a wealthy shire county when we have large areas of deprivation that we are trying to support.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “We are all elected for a reason, to do the best we can for our communities.

“We are all hamstrung by the amount of money we get from Government. We all know the settlement is failing to meet the needs of our residents and however you cut that up there is never going to be enough to do everything we want to do. 

“I think (this) what has been proposed is the best possible budget with the money available. We support the budget.”

The budget will take effect from April 2026 and will guide how the council spends and invests money over the coming year.

Devon residents urged to join Wilder Communities event

Torridge District Council
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Devon residents urged to join Wilder Communities event

A free Wilder Communities Drop‑In Event will be held at the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre on Tuesday 3 March, from 13:00 to 16:00.

Whether you’re an individual, part of a community group or simply someone with a new idea, the event welcomes anyone interested in supporting nature in their local area. It’s a great opportunity to learn from the Wilder Communities Team, access helpful advice and resources, and explore how to develop and nurture your own local or community‑based nature projects.

You don’t need a large or well‑funded scheme to make a difference, although the Trust can help with those too. The Wilder Communities Team supports projects of all sizes, such as planting a mini‑meadow in your garden or local park, helping hedgehogs on your street, starting a community orchard, improving verge management with your parish council or developing a brand‑new idea. Their goal is to inspire people, bring existing projects to life, spark new ideas and help communities connect and make their surroundings greener, wilder and richer in nature.

Torridge District Council is working closely with the Wilder Communities Team at Devon Wildlife Trust and other environmental organisations to support biodiversity improvements across the local area. This forms part of the Government’s 25‑Year Environment Plan and the national effort to halt the decline in wildlife and promote nature recovery across the UK.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement, said: “This free event at the Burrows offers a fantastic opportunity to inspire our communities and share the valuable knowledge and expertise that Devon Wildlife Trust has built over many years. The Wilder Communities Team recognises how vital it is to work together to protect our local wildlife. By joining forces, we can help create greener, wilder and more vibrant communities not only across Torridge, but throughout Devon.”

Katie Wilkinson, Wilder Communities Team Leader for Devon Wildlife Trust said: “We’re really happy to be working with Torridge District Council again to host this free event at the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre. Devon Wildlife Trust has championed the protection of Devon’s wildlife and wild places for more than 60 years, and we believe in a future where people and nature thrive together. Through our Wilder Communities Team, we’re excited to use this opportunity to support as many people as possible to take action for nature where they live, learn or work – and the tea and cake will be great too!”

Scrapyard site in Exeter could become seven new homes

Lewis Clarke
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Scrapyard site in Exeter could become seven new homes

A disused car breakers yard on the edge of Exeter could be transformed into a small cul-de-sac of seven family homes under new plans submitted to the city council.

Applicant James Hill, of 8Homes, is seeking full planning permission to redevelop the former Newbery Car Breakers site at Barley View, Redhills. The 0.33-hectare brownfield plot, described in planning documents as “formerly used as a car breakers yard (scrapyard)”, lies on the western side of the city and is enclosed by mature trees, many protected by Tree Preservation Orders.

According to the Design and Access Statement, the application seeks approval “for seven new dwellings, an access road, and associated parking and landscaping” . The homes would be arranged in a cul-de-sac, using the existing access onto Redhills.

The scheme proposes a mix of two three-bedroom houses, three four-bedroom houses and two five-bedroom houses . Planning documents state that “each plot will have parking provision and a single garage” , alongside private gardens.

In total, three house types are proposed. The Design and Access Statement explains that the layout has been designed “to maximise the space available, without impacting the existing mature trees that border the site” . It adds that the scheme aims to deliver homes that “will meet or exceed the nationally described space standards”.

At the front of the site, a green setback from Redhills is proposed, along with “an informal footpath to the north-west, providing a safe connection to the new development to the north” . Planning permission has already been granted for up to 80 homes on land to the north, where construction is under way.

The site is located within a designated Landscape Setting, just west of a locally designated area of Nature Conservation Interest, but is not within a statutory landscape designation.

Existing trees and hedgerows along the boundaries are to be retained, with opportunities for additional planting within the development . The application includes an ecological appraisal which identifies habitat features on the site and recommends mitigation, including the installation of bat, bird and invertebrate features within the new dwellings.

To address surface water, the proposal includes “an attenuation tank and associated connections”, with new pipes to be laid along Redhills to connect to existing drainage infrastructure at the entrance to St Peter’s Mount.

In terms of appearance, the Design and Access Statement says the development will use “a simple, cohesive material palette” combining red and brown brick, timber cladding and dark tiled roofs, creating homes that “sit comfortably within their wooded setting on the rural edge of the city.”

The site has a lengthy planning history. An outline application for five dwellings was previously approved, while a later proposal for six detached homes was refused and dismissed at appeal.

In the Regulation 19 draft of the Exeter Local Plan, the land is proposed to be allocated for eight homes and “has therefore been identified as suitable for development.”

A separate legal opinion submitted with the application concludes that a 2003 planning permission for three detached dwellings was lawfully implemented and remains extant.

The planning statement also points to the National Planning Policy Framework (2024), which says local authorities should “give substantial weight to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements for homes.”

Given the site’s former use as a scrapyard, contamination has been assessed. The application includes a contaminated land technical memo, and policy EN2 of the Exeter Local Plan requires that where contamination may exist, “practicable and effective measures are to be taken to prevent unacceptable risks to human health or the environment.”

The planning statement argues that the proposal represents “a viable and deliverable reuse of this sustainable brownfield site” and that mitigation and enhancement measures will ensure ecological impacts are minimised.

The application for seven homes at the former Newbery Car Breakers site will now be considered by Exeter City Council. As a full planning application, it will be subject to consultation before a decision is made in accordance with the development plan and other material considerations.

Shop thieves banned from Exeter retail park for two years

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Shop thieves banned from Exeter retail park for two years

As part of their ongoing commitment to tackling shop theft and anti-social behaviour in Exeter, the Neighbourhood Policing team have been working with Exeter Businesses Against Crime to secure Criminal Behaviour Orders against two convicted men.

On 22 January 2026, Toby Wilson, aged 39, pleaded guilty to shop theft offences.

Following his conviction, Wilson was made the subject of a full Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which will be in place until 22 January 2028 and prohibits him from:

  • Entering Exe Bridges Retail Park
  • Entering any private premises or land, including those with public access, that he has been banned from in writing
  • Remaining on private land or premises when asked to leave, including those with public access
  • Being in possession of an open vessel (including cans or bottles) containing alcohol on the streets of Exeter
  • Consuming alcohol in any public place (with exception of licensed premises)

On 12 February 2026, Exeter Magistrates Court granted a further full Criminal Behaviour Order against Adam Peard, aged 38, after he pleaded guilty to one count of shop theft, two counts of attempted shop theft and one count of assault.

Following his conviction, the CBO will be in place until 12 February 2028 and prohibits Peard from:

  • Entering Exe Bridges Retail Park
  • Entering any private premises or land, including those with public access, that he has been banned from in writing
  • Entering any EBAC stores

Inspector Dave Turner leads the neighbourhood policing team in Exeter. He said, “Criminal Behaviour Orders are a powerful tool that will help our officers to protect business and retail staff against the persistent disruption caused by these individuals.

“Shop theft is not a victimless crime; retail staff are often subject to threats and violence, which is completely unacceptable.

“Retail workers deserve workplaces where safety is guaranteed, and we will continue to work with partner organisations to take action against prolific offenders who cause issues in our communities.”

Anyone with concerns or information about antisocial behaviour should report it to police online using the reporting tool on the force website or by calling 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency, or if a crime is in progress.

Award-winning market celebrates bumper food festival

Lewis Clarke
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Award-winning market celebrates bumper food festival

A market bursting at the seams with sizzling street food, bustling stalls and a national award to its name has kicked off its food festival season in style.

Shoppers packed into South Molton Pannier Market for its latest food festival, with organisers reporting strong footfall and a full line-up of traders offering a wide variety of produce.

The festival took place on Sunday, February 22, bringing together 56 stalls, including several large food trucks, and attracting visitors from across the region.

Adam Nichols of South Molton Pannier Market said: “The food festival is definitely one of our favourite events, we’ve got four on this year, as you can see, it’s really busy, packed full of stalls, people travel a great distance to come here and the energy is just buzzing today.”

He added: “Today we’ve got 56 stalls booked in, including quite a few big trucks. Every type of food available, something for everyone, there really is.”

Adam said the market had enjoyed a strong start to the year.

“So this year, we’ve already had a fantastic start to the year. Footfall was already flooding in in January and to top it off, winning Britain’s Favourite Market 2026 really is the cherry on the cake,” he said.

“The judges were very impressed by the market. We travelled to NABMA who hosted the awards in Birmingham and were blown away by the amount of votes we got, way more than any other market which is a triumph in itself.

“They also gave us an accolade for our work with the community with young traders and new businesses. To win again for the fourth time it means so much and means we’re getting better and better and better.

“This year, not only did we win a category award, we won the overall top award, we couldn’t be happier.”

South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Lewis Clarke
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery
South Molton Food Festival – February 2026 – Credit Simon Ellery

Visitors to the festival could see scaffolding in place around parts of the building as restoration work continues.

“As you can see, there is scaffolding around us. Thanks to the National Heritage Project we’re undergoing a large roof restoration and in the next three months we’re going to replace all the glass, any of the rotten roof, stop the leaks coming in and look after the building because we’re really proud of it,” Adam said.

“Whilst this work takes place, please bear with us, please keep coming, it’s minimal disruption, all the stalls are still here, we really want to see us coming in and getting behind us.

“We have loads of events coming up this year, three more food festivals just like this one, we’ve got some surprises coming up in summer we’ve not announced yet, follow us on Facebook and southmoltonpanniermarket.co.uk, all our events are listed there, so much going on, follow us.”

Details of upcoming events can be found at southmoltonpanniermarket.co.uk and on the market’s Facebook page.

Former Woolworths reborn as climbing gym on High Street

Ray Smith
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Former Woolworths reborn as climbing gym on High Street

For decades, the building at 75 High Street was Woolworths — a place woven into the everyday memory of Bideford.

Parents bought pick ’n’ mix here. Grandparents queued at the tills. For many residents, it simply “was always there.” One local, now in his seventies, recalls it stretching back as far as he can remember.

Archival documentation suggests the retailer signed a 65-year lease when it opened in the 1960s — reportedly paying just £500 a year in rent at the time. By modern standards, it is a striking figure, and a reminder of how dramatically High Street economics have shifted over the past half-century.

When Woolworths closed, it left more than an empty shop. It left a gap in the town’s rhythm.

Today, the building has been reimagined as The Pocket Climbing Gym and Cafe — a bright, active, family-friendly space that is once again drawing steady footfall into the town centre.

A Structured Pathway for All Ages
At the heart of The Pocket is its clear, colour-coded grading system, guiding climbers from complete beginners through to advanced athletes.

The Grade Board sets out the progression:

VB – V0 (Green): Entry-level routes for first-time climbers and young children

V1 – V2 (Yellow): Developing balance and technique

V3 – V4 (Blue): Intermediate strength and movement

V5 – V6 (Red): Advanced problem-solving climbs

V7 – V8 (White): Elite-level challenges

Routes are reset regularly, and a Winter Bouldering League keeps climbers motivated during the colder months.

The structure makes it accessible for newcomers while offering genuine progression for those who want to “keep their hand in” year-round.

Separate Adult Training Space
Beyond the main family area is a dedicated adult room, offering a quieter and more focused environment for experienced climbers.

Midweek evenings see regular attendance from older climbers and returning enthusiasts — many choosing indoor training as a practical alternative to outdoor climbing during winter.

With no booking required for general sessions and unlimited session time once inside, access remains straightforward:

Adult entry: £12

Junior (U14): £10

Monthly Direct Debit: £45

Climb cards: £50 or £100

Shoe hire: £4

Chalk hire: £2

Safe, Warm and Family-Friendly
Perhaps most importantly, the space works for families.

Parents can sit comfortably in the integrated café at the front of the building, with clear visibility of the climbing wall. Hot drinks, snacks and locally sourced treats are available, creating an environment where families can stay for extended sessions rather than rush in and out.

After-school clubs run from £11.50, holiday basecamp sessions operate during school breaks, and birthday parties are available from £20 per head.

Opening hours are:

Monday to Friday: 10am – 9pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 6pm

The Pocket Climbing Gym and Cafe is located at 75 High Street, Bideford, EX39 2AA.
Telephone: 01237 439 900
Email: thepocketbideford@outlook.com
Website: https://pocketbideford.com

A Different Kind of High Street Anchor
Woolworths represented one era of High Street life — retail, routine and reliability.

The Pocket represents another — experience, wellbeing and community.

Instead of carrier bags, visitors now leave with chalk on their hands. Instead of browsing aisles, they read routes and test balance. The building that once sold sweets and stationery now builds strength, confidence and connection.

The name on the fascia has changed.

But the building is once again doing what it always did best — bringing people together.

And in a changing High Street landscape, that may be the most important transformation of all.

Drive to protect one of South West’s last rainforests

Devon Today
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Drive to protect one of South West’s last rainforests

Volunteers gathered at Wistman’s Wood National Nature Reserve last week to help plant a further 800 trees, as part of efforts to extend one of the South West’s last remaining fragments of temperate rainforest. This follows the planting of 450 saplings at the site in March 2025.

The Duchy of Cornwall joined partner organisations Natural England, Moor Trees and the Woodland Trust on site to support the continued restoration of this iconic woodland on Dartmoor, as it works towards its commitment to gradually double its size.

The planting took place within fenced exclusion plots designed to protect young saplings and encourage successful establishment. It forms part of a long-term programme to strengthen the woodland’s resilience and enable its expansion over time.

Saplings grown from locally gathered acorns and rowan seeds at Wistman’s Wood have been raised by Moor Trees at its Community Tree Nursery in Dartington, South Devon, through a partnership with the Duchy of Cornwall that began in 2021.

Wistman’s Wood is an ancient oak woodland covering over seven acres in the West Dart Valley on Dartmoor. It is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in recognition of its ecological importance.

Temperate rainforests are globally rare habitats, with 90% lost since the Bronze Age and only around 8% remaining in Devon and Cornwall, making careful long-term management vital to their future.

The work also supports the ambitions set out last year in the Duchy of Cornwall’s Landscape Vision for Dartmoor – a 20-year roadmap developed with farmers, conservationists and local stakeholders to inform the future environmental management of the Duchy’s Dartmoor landscape.

Emma Magee, Head of Communities and Nature on Dartmoor, The Duchy of Cornwall said: “We are delighted to have been able to return to Wistman’s Wood and to be working with partners including Natural England and Moor Trees to continue this important work. The continued restoration of this iconic woodland reflects the Duchy’s commitment to building and enhancing nature-rich landscapes. Expanding and strengthening a rare temperate rainforest isn’t a one-off intervention, it requires steady, long-term effort. This work forms an important part of our wider efforts to build the long-term resilience of Dartmoor’s landscape, following the release of our Dartmoor Landscape Vision last year.”

Andrew Bakere, Senior Reserves Manager, Natural England said: “This strong partnership is driving woodland expansion around our temperate Rainforests – rare, unique, and irreplaceable habitats. We’re energised in our mission to support wildlife and repair the very fabric of our landscape. These woods represent our past culture and heritage and are our future defence against climate change. They help manage waterflow from the uplands, reduce storm impacts and protecting communities downstream.”

Jess Duffy, Woodland Officer, Moor Trees said: “It is an honour to be able to support the restoration of this globally significant habitat. Our volunteers are playing an integral part in Wistman’s Wood’s recovery and expansion from gathering the acorns and rowan seeds from the existing woodland, nurturing them into young saplings at our Community Tree Nursery and being part of planting days. It is vital that right across Dartmoor we are able to help restore and create new temperate rainforest habitats. Working in partnership is a really effective way to achieve this.”

Elle Bullimore, Regional Director, Woodland Trust said: “We’re thrilled to see more trees taking root on Dartmoor this month, continuing work started at Wistman’s Wood last spring to expand this rare fragment of temperate rainforest. With so little of this precious habitat left in Devon, every sapling counts. Thanks to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL), the Woodland Trust has been able to provide funding for protective fencing, which will ensure the young trees have the space they need to establish and thrive. This ongoing effort shows what can be achieved when partners, landowners and local communities come together with a shared vision for restoration.”

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