My Council
Grant Applications 2027/28
Could your organisation or voluntary group benefit from a grant from the Commons Allotment Charity or Great Torrington Town Council?
Great Torrington Town Council administers the Commons Allotment Charity, and each year a small amount of funds are allocated to locally based community groups. In addition, grants are awarded from the council precept (money received by Great Torrington Town Council from Council Tax payments).
To be eligible for either grant there are set criteria which are detailed on the application form.
Applications for these grants for the 2027/2028 financial year will open on August 1st 2026 and the application form can be DOWNLOADED HERE, collected from the library or from the Council offices, which are upstairs in the Castle Hill Community Centre (above the library). The offices are open between 9am & 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday each week; for further information call 01805 626135 during these times, or email [email protected].
Applications should be completed and received by us no later than 5pm on Monday 28th September 2026.
Vacancy for a Town Beadle
Want to step into history and represent Great Torrington? 🏛️
Great Torrington Town Council is looking for a passionate local to join our civic traditions team as our new Town Beadle! You will work alongside our Town Crier and Mace Bearers to keep our town’s proud heritage alive.
🌟 What’s involved?
– Support the Mayor: Accompany and drive the Mayor & Mayoress/Consort to exciting events and functions.
– Be the Face of Tradition: Take part in historic civic ceremonies throughout the year.
– Flexible Hours: Duties include a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend work.
🚗 What do you need?
– A reliable car.
– A valid driving licence.
– Willingness to obtain the correct car insurance.
💼 What do you get?
– A traditional official uniform.
– Paid mileage allowance.
– A small annual honorarium.
📞 How to apply:If you love Great Torrington and want to play a key part in our community, we want to hear from you!
💬 Apply today:
– Call us: 01805 626135
– Email us: [email protected]
Young Persons Award – naming request
Great Torrington Town Council introduced the Young Persons Award (Sponsored by Dartington Crystal) in 2025. It is awarded to people up to the age of 25 who have gone above and beyond in some way to contribute to the local community.
Members of Great Torrington Town Council would like to name the award after a local person who during their lifetime made a meaningful difference to the lives of young people in the town.
If you have suggestions of names you would like the council to consider please let us know in time for the Full Council meeting on September 2nd (to be received no later than August 26th), you can contact us on 01805 626135, or [email protected], or pop in to the office – which is upstairs from the library and the Post Office in the Castle Hill building. (Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington, EX38 8AA).
Photos show previous winners of the Young Persons Award – Elliott Ashelford in 2025 and Freddie Ware in 2026.
🎉 Celebrating 50 Years of the Bickford Centre! 🎉
Last week, Great Torrington Town Mayor Cllr Dave Parish joined local residents to mark this amazing half-century milestone. He was absolutely delighted to cut—and sample!—the spectacular anniversary cake created by Sandford’s Bakery 🎂
Local Council Clerk Week
During Local Council Clerk Week we would like to recognise our Town Clerk, Jennie Smithson, who has recently completed her Certificate in Local Council Administration Qualification (CiLCA) and is now a qualified Clerk.
Many congratulations Jennie!
Young Person’s Award 2026
This year’s “Young Person’s Award” was presented to Freddie Ware, well known for her work at Miles of Smiles in Great Torrington, an alternative learning space providing Animal Therapy for young people and adults across North Devon.
Alongside this, Freddie consistently goes above and beyond – volunteering her time to create inclusive outdoor learning opportunities for children, offering pet therapy to local care homes, and organising fundraising events to support both a local family and Little John’s House.
Howe Plate Award 2026
This year, the Town Council awarded the “Howe Plate” to Rose Purcell for her dedication to making the Town Hall an inclusive community space.
Rose has been central to creating and running activities such as Knit & Natter, The Friendly Brew, Christmas lunches, the Town Tavern bar, tea dances, community awards and many other events.
Her commitment, creativity, and hard work have helped the Town Hall thrive as a vibrant hub for the whole community.
