Great Torrington Town Council

On the 11th June a Conservation Community Project led by Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) in conjunction with Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC) took place at Jubilee Meadow. The aim was to record as much as possible about the local environment as well as develop people’s skills in wildlife identification in a meadow setting.

The project has been running for just over a year and has have achieved a great deal to date, with volunteers across local parishes carrying out hedgerow surveys so that the condition of the hedges in the region can be assessed.  Last year over 50 engagement events took place, attracting 1700 attendees and Jubilee Wood was included as part of the suite of 2022 events.

By the end of the project, December 2022, the hope is to have gathered enough wildlife data so that DBRC can update each Parish Biodiversity Audit (last written around 2013). 

Activity on the 11th June was very successful with 146 records made including some “unknowns” and has been described by the DWT as a “very good haul” and “probably the best found yet!”

It’s great to have this indication of the richness of wildlife on our doorsteps and hope this will only continue to grow. We would like to thank all those members of the public who took part on this project along with the DWT and DBRC.

Calling all local photographers! 

The Town Council in conjunction with the Futures Group is looking to publish a town calendar for 2023.  We are looking for photographs of the town, whether that be beautiful landscapes, nature and/or events.  If you have a favourite photograph… or two which you have taken and are happy for it to be used, please send it through. We will ensure all photographs are credited to the photographer.

A funeral service for Dr Harry Cramp MBE will take place at St Michael & All Angels Church on Wednesday, June 29th at 2pm. The interment at Great Torrington Cemetery is for family only, but everyone is invited to join them in the Town Hall afterwards to raise a toast.

The cortège will also make its way around the Square beforehand from 1.30; feel free to sign the book of condolence, which will be in both the church and the Town Hall.

If unable to attend the funeral there will be a live stream which can be accessed via the following link: https://morphav.tv/harry-cramp/

The Town Council has a vacancy for 1 Co-Opted Councillor to join us.

This role will give you an opportunity to get involved with a number of exciting projects and interests within the community of Great Torrington.  If you are passionate about the town, prepared to roll your sleeves up and get involved, have at least one of the qualifications below we would be excited to invite you to submit a written application outlining why you are interested in becoming a Town Councillor and what you believe you can bring to the role for consideration.   

1. I am registered as a local government elector for the parish; or
2. I have, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my co-option, occupied as owner or tenant, land or other premises in the parish; or
3. My principal or only place of work during those twelve months has been in the parish; or
4. I have during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my co-option resided in the parish or within 3 miles of it.

Applications should be no more than one side of A4 paper.

Our most recently appointed councillor, Cllr Dave Parish says; “I am proud to have been a Town councillor for 7 months now and have immensely enjoyed the experience and learned much in the process.

It has been a pleasure to work with a truly dedicated team who contribute to make Great Torrington a ‘Great’ place to live.

There so much more we can do. Be part of the future, ‘Come and join us.”

For further information please see the Town Council’s website www.great-torrintontowncouncil.gov.uk or give the Town Clerk, Karen Chapman a call on 01805 626135

Please forward applications to Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA or by email to [email protected]  to be received no later than Thursday 30th July 2022

Karen Chapman, Town Clerk

The Torrington & District Historical Society will be arranging a coffee morning on Saturday 10^th September 2022 from 10am until 12 noon at the Torrington Methodist Church Hall as part of the History Alive Project.

There will be an exhibition about gloving with artefacts on loan from the Museum.

We are interested in talking to anyone who has been involved in gloving, either personally or within the family, for our oral history project.  If you have any reminiscences; heard, seen or experiences, this is just what is needed.  We would love to hear anything about gloving, the people, the laughs, and the ups and downs.

If you are unable to come on the day, we can arrange another date or venue.

We are looking forward to hearing your STORIES.  Please contact Pauline on 01805 623089 to find out more or to register your interest for the event.

We thought you might be interested in the following: 

In preparation for the jubilee weekend “Torrington 100” has set up some arts workshops that are especially suitable for carers and the cared for, including those living with and caring for those with dementia.

Artist Bridget Cordory has plenty of experience of working with people with varying degrees of memory loss and dementia and is very supportive. Fellow artist, Rose Hunter is local to Torrington and works with people with all levels of ability so no experience is necessary.

The art work created will be mounted and put in display on Thursday 2 June at The Plough where there will be an indoor event for all the people who have taken part in the workshops and their families. It will be a bit like a street party, with performances by young carers, anecdotes from adult carers, music and free refreshments.  

The dates are as follows: 

Thursday 28 April 10:30- 12:30 at The Plough Arts Centre – arts workshop with a jubilee theme– contact Annemarie Shillito to register your interest – 07595 171 451 

Thurs 12 May 10:30 -12:30 at Torrington Memory Café – contact Lorraine Pearce for details 07377 363 477

Friday 27 May 10:30-12:30 at The Plough Arts Centre – arts workshop with a jubilee theme- contact Annemarie Shillito to register your interest – 07595 171 451 

Thurs 2 June 10-12:30 Party for workshops participants and families at The Plough Arts Centre 

Mayor, Cllr Smith said “we fly the Ukrainian flag along with many other local towns as a demonstration of our support of the Ukrainians and horror of the continuing situation in their homeland” . A vigil was held in the town centre on Saturday 5th March register our support to the people of Ukraine.

Following the resignation of Cllr Insull, we currently have a vacancy for 1 Co-Opted Councillor to join the other Council Members of Great Torrington Town Council.

This role will give you an opportunity to get involved with a number of exciting projects and interests within the community of Great Torrington.  If you are passionate about the town, prepared to roll your sleeves up and get involved, have at least one of the qualifications below we would invite you to submit a written application outlining why you are interested in becoming a Town Councillor and what you believe you can bring to the role for consideration.    

1. I am registered as a local government elector for the parish; or
2. I have, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my co-option, occupied as owner or tenant, land or other premises in the parish; or
3. My principal or only place of work during those twelve months has been in the parish; or
4. I have during the whole of the twelve months preceding the date of my co-option resided in the parish or within 3 miles of it.

Applications should be no more than one side of A4 paper.

For further information please see the Town Council’s website www.great-torrintontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Please forward applications to Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, Great Torrington, EX38 8AA or by email to [email protected]  to be received no later than Thursday 31st March 2022

Karen Chapman, Town Clerk