Thursday 27 November 2014

Ho, Ho, Ho from the Big Sheep, Black Friday Deal, FREE Christmas Light Show & More

Buy One Child Ticket to see Santa... Get One Free!!
Thinking of coming to see Santa for our opening weekend, on 6th and 7th December?
BOOK your tickets BEFORE MIDNIGHT on Friday 28th November 2014 and get one ticket FREE!!
One Child Ticket to see Santa must be purchased to receive a second for FREE. Tickets must be purchased before midnight on Friday 28th November via website: www.thebigsheep.co.uk

Free Entry to Christmas Light Show
This Weekend

We are opening our Santa's Grotto a week early for our visitors to take a sneak peek at our Christmas Light Show for FREE!!

Come and take a look at the grotto, as the Christmas Lights dance to a festive tune!

Usual prices apply to BIG Sheep attractions. Santa won't be making appearances until 6th December.
Christmas Nearly New Baby & Toddler Sale

Help raise money for POPSI -  (Parents of Premature and Sick Infants) Read More
Saturday 29th November    10:30am - 2:30pm

Local Christmas Markets for local gift ideas, a good time to meet local author, Liz Shakespeare

Anyone in search of an original Christmas present should go along to the Ruby Country Market on Saturday 6th or South Molton Christmas Show on Sunday 7th where they will have the opportunity to buy signed copies of books with local settings. The name of Liz Shakespeare has become well-known in the South-West as an author who brings to life the people and landscapes of Devon. Liz was born and brought up in Bideford and has a long Devon ancestry which she feels has given her a good understanding of Devon and its people. Her most recent book, All Around The Year, is a collection of twelve poignant stories, deeply rooted in the Devon countryside, and each linked to a month of the year from January through to December. For each story, she has created a character whose life is influenced by the landscape around them. She relied on historical research for inspiration for her previous books, The Turning of the Tide, a true story of a young Clovelly mother confined in Bideford Workhouse, Fever: A Story from a Devon Churchyard, and The Memory Be Green: An Oral History of a Devon Village.
http://www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

Saturday Dec 6th from 9am-2pm
Saturday Dec 6th from 9am-2pm
Liz will be signing copies of all four books at the Ruby Country Market at Hatherleigh and at South Molton.Pannier Market

Charity invites everyone to a festive day of family activities

Christmas is just around the corner but as the shops start to get busier, Devon Wildlife Trust is offering a day away from the crowds. The annual Christmas celebration at the historic Cricklepit Mill may only be a few minutes' walk from the High Street, but to the tired Christmas shopper it will feel like a world away. Christmas at Cricklepit is being held on Saturday 6 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm and is a day of free family activities. Visitors can have a go at willow weaving and make Christmas decorations ready to hang up on their tree at home. There will be seasonal storytelling and the chance to meet Father Christmas! Our garden birds may also need a little extra help at this time of year as the weather gets colder so Devon Wildlife Trust will also be encouraging everyone to make a pine cone bird feeder to take home. Mince pies and hot drinks will be available, while visitors can also buy from the charity's wonderful range of Christmas cards, calendars and other wildlife-related gifts. Devon Wildlife Trust's Jasmine Atkinson said: "Christmas at Cricklepit is the perfect escape from the hurly-burly of Christmas shops. The day will be full of Christmas magic and excitement, and it's free!" She added: "Cricklepit is a historic mill and one of the best places to see wildlife in the heart of the city. Make sure you explore the garden with the Christmas nature trail. We were treated to great views of otters in the mill stream only a couple of weeks ago so you never know what you might see!" 
Devon Wildlife Trust's Cricklepit Mill can be found on Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AB and is just a two minute walk from Exeter's historic quayside. The mill is easy to access by public transport. Only a 15 minute walk from Exeter Central train station and a 2 minute amble from the Quay bus stop. There is no parking at the Mill, but on street parking and car parks can be found close by. For more information about this event and the work of Devon Wildlife Trust visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org. Cricklepit Mill's visitor area and gardens are normally open to the public 9am-5pm weekdays, throughout the year. Entrance is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devons-wild-beavers-appeal/

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Sixty Second Snapshots Capture Local Characters for Short Film Collection

A short film competition has produced a series of sixty second films featuring some of north Devon's most interesting characters. North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) ran the Short Shorts competition to encourage local people to submit their own contributions to the community film making organisation's collection. The first prize went to Jason Parker for his film Why Paint? featuring local artist Derek Spencer. BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers was one of the judges. She chose Jason's film for her shortlist saying "Great use of music complimenting the elemental shots ... that and such a personal story really created a mood - not always easy in such a short amount of time." Second prize, a night out at The George Hotel in South Molton, went to Alice Bollen for her one minute film about Stephen Perham, Clovelly Harbour Master and fisherman. Alice says she chose Stephen as her subject "because he has such an interesting life. Stephen represents many generations; past, present and future, whose work is part of the fabric of rural North Devon tradition. I wanted to convey the feeling that for Stephen, bringing in the catch was as normal and everyday as driving to and from the office is for others." In third place was Oscar Adams's Short Short about Torrington's town crier and erstwhile Amsterdam drag queen Big Al, winning tickets to Bideford Cinema. Judge Joel Cooper, Head of Content at the North Devon Journal said of Oscar's film " talk about a colourful character! I loved the little snippets in to this man’s fascinating life and would be eager to hear more." Coming fourth was a group of talented young film makers from Goodleigh Primary School who produced a charming profile of their school's postman Chris. The children said: "We chose Chris as our colourful character because he delivers our post everyday, and always says "good morning" with a smile. We thought it was really cool that he is a volunteering DJ on the voice. It was really kind of him to let us come and see what he does. He also makes curries to help raise money for charities; he has cooked curry for our school to raise money which helped us to go on more school trips. When we went to his house it was filled with the scent of spices! Something else we found interesting about Chris was his Lotus because not many postmen, DJs have a flashy car in Barnstaple! He is an all round soulful person!" Thanks to North Devon Theatres the children and their teacher, Miss Grant, will be going to see this year's panto Jack and the Beanstalk for their prize. The Short Shorts collection is available to view on the Films page of the North Devon Moving Image website. Keep an eye out for our next competition coming early next year!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPzSlz_tCkX8QA68aSRGJtr5Hx20-OC0Q•
 Amanda McCormack and Peter Jewell present first prize to Derek Spencer who collected on behalf of Jason Parker
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPzSlz_tCkX8QA68aSRGJtr5Hx20-OC0Q•
 Still image from Why Paint? by Jason Parker showing artist Derek Spencer
The Winners:
  • First Prize - Sony Handycam from J&A Cameras - Why Paint? by Jason Parker
  • Second Prize - a night out at The George in South Molton - Stephen Perham by Alice Bollen
  • Third Prize - Bideford Cinema tickets - Big Al by Oscar Adams
  • Fourth Prize - tickets to North Devon Theatres Panto - Chris the Postie by Goodleigh Primary School
The Judges:
  • Judi Spiers - BBC Radio Devon
  • Jo Stewart-Smith - Independent Film Producer
  • Joel Cooper - Head of Content, North Devon Journal
  • Peter Jewell - Co-Founder, Bill Douglas Cinema Collection 
Photos copyright NDMI (All rights reserved)

Young People Air their Views on the News at Video Production Workshops in Barnstaple

A weekend of video production workshops at St Anne's Arts and Community Centre in Barnstaple gave local youngsters the chance to air their views on today's news. Under the guidance of community film makers North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) two production teams (aged 8-11 and 12-16) researched and developed their programmes from script to screen in a single day. The resulting 'What the Papers Say' style short films see the young TV presenters discussing topics ranging from World War One to breast cancer awareness. Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of NDMI, was proud to present the crews with DVD copies of their short films at a screening event last Friday (21 November 2014) at St Anne's. "It was fascinating to hear what young people today make of what is going on in their world." said Amanda "I was really impressed at how seriously each member of the team took their role, whether it was in front of or behind the camera. I really think we may have some future media stars in our sights here!" St Anne's Manager, Dion Sears, received funding from the Davie Barnstaple Trust to run the workshops. “This has been a fantastic project and one which we would like to repeat each year." says Dion "Giving young people new creative opportunities is a really important part of the programme at St Anne’s. It’s great that the young people who took part can continue to meet at our monthly youth film club which is free, come along too everyone is welcome!” 
You can watch the films - North Devon News and Youth Comments - via the Films page of the North Devon Moving Image website.
http://www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk/films.html
Photos copyright NDMI (All rights reserved)

Company gives backing to local wildlife haven

An award winning national property company has added its support to one of Exeter's most precious havens for wildlife. The company, Renaissance Villages, has generously donated £1,500 to leading local conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust to help with the vital upkeep of its Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. The reserve occupies wildlife rich reed beds, woodland and ponds on the banks of the River Exe close to the city's Countess Weir Swing Bridge. Matt Boydell, Devon Wildlife Trust's Nature Reserve Manager, welcomed the news of backing from Renaissance Villages: 'Our 49 nature reserves are some of the most beautiful and important green spaces remaining for Devon's people and wildlife. Old Sludge Beds may not have the most picturesque name, but it is a vital place for some wonderful wildlife including otters, warblers, dragonflies and bats. And, because it is close to Exeter and next to the busy Exeter Canal bike path, the reserve is also very popular with visitors.' Matt continued: 'Keeping nature reserves in tip-top condition for people and wildlife takes up a great amount of time and money for our charity so help from Renaissance Villages is very welcome news. Their support will be used to manage this delicate wetland reserve, maintaining its water levels, repairing its well-trodden boardwalks and improving it as a great home for wildlife.' Renaissance Villages specialises in high quality, age-exclusive homes for discerning buyers set within new private village communities. The company's luxury development on Topsham Road in Exeter, Millbrook Village, is within walking distance of the Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. Commenting on the company's new relationship with Devon Wildlife Trust and its Exeter nature reserve, Renaissance Villages Managing Director, Iwan Jones, said: 'We are delighted to support Devon Wildlife Trust and contribute towards the conservation of the Old Sludge Beds. It's wonderful to have a nature reserve so close to Millbrook Village and we know the fascinating site will be of great interest to our residents.' Devon Wildlife Trust is delighted to welcome Renaissance Villages as a corporate supporter, joining the ranks of more than 40 Devon companies who are backing the charity. Iwan Jones commented: 'It is very important to Renaissance Villages that we build a strong relationship with the local community in Exeter, and we're really proud to be supporting Devon Wildlife Trust. We greatly admire the organisation's work, which is so vital both for the region's wildlife and its people.' Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve is free to enter and open 365 days a year. 
New corporate and individual supporters make a great deal of difference to the charity's work and details are available from www.devonwildlifetrust.org
http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve has received a significant boost from property company Renaissance Villages.' Photo copyright DWT (All Rights Reserved)

Friday 21 November 2014

LOOKING DOWN ALONG A world of flavour at the Clovelly Herring Festival



Tuesday 18 November 2014

Former chair of North Devon Biosphere takes up leading wildlife charity role

A north Devon man who has spent a lifetime in the cause of international environmental movements has joined the board of a leading local wildlife charity. Former chair of North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Mike Moser, is taking up the role of trustee with the Devon Wildlife Trust. Mike was unanimously elected by supporters of the wildlife charity at its recent Annual General Meeting held in Plymouth. Mike's CV reads as a career spent devoted to conservation and includes spells at the British Trust for Ornithology, Director of Wetlands International and English Nature. Today he continues to work, mainly with the United Nations, supporting wetland, forest and coastal conservation projects in developing countries. For the past three years Mike has also overseen the ground-breaking conservation work done with local farming communities as chair of the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area. Despite a busy professional life Mike still finds time to manage a small farm and woodlands at his home near Chulmleigh in north Devon. Now Mike is joining the trustee board which oversees the running of another leading conservation organisation: the Devon Wildlife Trust. Marking the announcement of his new role Mike said: "Devon is one of England's most beautiful counties, but that beauty belies serious problems of habitat fragmentation, degradation and continuing loss of wildlife. It could and should be much better! Wildlife will only thrive again when we have restored and joined up our fragmented habitats so that they can function properly. Devon Wildlife Trust is a champion for this landscape-scale conservation, and I aim to bring added-value to the organisation by drawing on my international, national and local experience. I'm delighted to be elected and look forward to helping to develop the charity's work for wildlife." Devon Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Harry Barton welcomed Mike's appointment: 'We're very pleased to welcome Mike. As one of our trustees he joins Devon Wildlife Trust at a very exciting time. He'll now be part of our development as we open the major new visitor centre Seaton Jurassic in East Devon, as we continue to expand our 49 nature reserves and as we campaign for better protection for Devon's wonderful marine wildlife. The challenges facing Devon's precious environment have never been more profound and the work of Devon Wildlife Trust has never been more urgent. I'm glad Mike will be with us to help!' Mike Moser's new role as a Devon Wildlife Trust trustee followed the retirement from the board of another north Devon wildlife champion, Ian Ferguson. Ian has become a familiar face at countless community events, campaigns and meetings over an astonishing 50 years of volunteering for the charity. 
http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org
  North Devon conservationist Mike Moser has joined the trustee board of Devon Wildlife Trust.
Photo copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

Monday 17 November 2014

Nature Improvement Areas are boosting England's wildlife, communities and rural economy. Devon project leading by example.

Wildlife, communities and local economies are reaping the benefits of England's new Nature Improvement Areas, according to a report published today Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) set up by the government in 2012 have helped farmers to access EU grants, made valuable contributions towards university research and boosted the £210 billion rural economy. They've also attracted outside investment - more than £730,000 from business partners and £7.8 million from NGOs and not-for-profit organisations. Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: "A healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand. These Nature Improvement Areas show how protecting our precious wildlife and outstanding landscapes can help grow our £30 billion rural tourism industry and create more jobs for hardworking people as part of our long term economic plan." Almost 19,000 hectares of threatened habitat - equivalent to 23,000 football pitches- have been created or restored since the NIAs were set up with £7.5 million of government funding. Volunteers have spent 24,300 days - or 66 years in total - surveying wildlife and improving habitats, and more than 11,000 people have taken part in educational visits. Locally the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area is the largest of England's 12 NIAs, covering 72,000 hectares of the river Torridge catchment. The project is leading by example exceeding many of its targets: since April 2012 it has worked with landowners and local people to restore more than 1,300 hectares of wildlife habitat, working with 51 parishes and 249 different landowners. So far the project has held 137 community events, taken 47 school groups out on site, and held 32 land management workshops. Lisa Schneidau, Northern Devon NIA Project Manager, said: "The NIA partnership in Devon is going from strength to strength. We aim to continue for many years yet in achieving our vision of a working landscape, rich in wildlife, valued by everyone. It's inspiring to be part of such a vibrant, positive network of projects which are showing how this vision can be achieved. As we work towards the end of this round of Government support for NIAs, we urge the Minister to build on the good work already achieved through NIAs, and provide leadership and support for existing and new NIA projects into the future." The Together England's 12 NIAs are spread throughout the country, from glistening sands of Morecambe Bay to the butterfly-filled South Downs in Hampshire. These wild habitats are now bigger, better connected, and more widespread, enabling wildlife such as butterflies and water voles to thrive. NIAs were first announced in the Natural Environment White Paper, the first government White Paper on the environment for 20 years, with the aim of creating 12 initial areas to reconnect nature on a significant scale through local partnerships. The NIA partnerships have improved access to the countryside, creating new public footpaths and connecting a network of paths which will span 540km by 2015. The NIA partnerships are on track to restore, create, enhance and maintain a further 5,500 hectares by 2015, joining up people and communities with their landscapes.

http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/view-news/2014/11/17/NIA+project+making+real+difference+to+local+wildlife+and+people/

The river Torridge has been the focus for the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area's work over the past three years. Photo copyright Kevin New (All rights reserved)

Wednesday 12 November 2014

Charity raises support for wildlife through Christmas cards and gifts.

In the past money raised has been used for vital projects including to providing winter homes for Devon's dormice and restoring wild flower meadows for butterflies and bees. This year, Devon Wildlife Trust has added a number of new lines. A brightly coloured Kingfisher and a snowy Cow join the Barn Owl and Squirrel along with the popular multi-image card. The Wildlife Trusts 2015 calendar is also available and features 13 stunning images of the UK's wildlife. Orders can be made online, by phone or by post. Devon Wildlife Trust is also offering a special Christmas gift for countryside lovers. A year's membership of Devon Wildlife Trust provides the opportunity for countless free days out in some of Devon's most stunning landscapes. As an extra Christmas offer, gift membership also includes a choice of free illustrated book. Devon Wildlife Trust is also urging people to think of treating the wildlife-lovers in their life with a very special Christmas gift. Adopting a species makes an unusual present. Choices include bee, hedgehog, bat, otter, dormouse and dolphin - with the recipient receiving a cute soft toy, activity book, fact sheet and more. Jasmine Atkinson, DWT's Communications Assistant said 'Our Christmas card orders have already started to come in and the new designs are proving popular. Buying cards and calendars from Devon Wildlife Trust is a great way to help wildlife from the comfort of your living room!' Jasmine added 'It is sometimes difficult to find unusual presents. Our Christmas gift membership offers a present that will last all year and is perfect for friends and family who love wildlife and the Devon countryside'. Cards are printed on sustainably sourced card and really show off some of Devon's best-loved animals. All the profits from the sales of Devon Wildlife Trust's cards and gifts go directly to support its work for the county's wildlife. People who wish to purchase cards should visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. The cards are also available through the Cards for Good Causes outlets across the county and from The Trust's Cricklepit Mill headquarters in Exeter.

http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org

http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org

All Christmas card designs can be viewed at

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Fishing for the Long Haul? Short Film Looks at Life on a Commercial Fishing Boat in North Devon

Sun is out, sea is calm and skipper Paul Stone smiles as he and his crew land a net full of squid in 'Fishing for the Long Haul?' the latest short film in the Boat Stories series. The film was shot back in the summer before a ban on fishing for ray off the UK Coast effectively closed the Bristol Channel to North Devon trawlers, putting many fishermen out of work. 'Fishing for the Long Haul?' sails with Stone and his crew, Tom Leather and Logan Suddick, out of Ilfracombe to trawl for squid in the Bristol Channel. The film opens a window on life at sea; we find out what it is that keeps these men out there, missing their families and risking their lives and what their Plan B might be if they can't fish any more. Boat Stories producer Jo Stewart-Smith talks about working with the North Devon fishermen “Despite the ups and downs of the fishing year, Paul was always funny; quick to follow bad news for their livelihoods with a joke or a quip. We tried to keep some of the humour and character in our short story – difficult when you’re taking more than twenty four hours on a boat down to five minutes!" Before the current fishing ban, Paul talked about how the North Devon Ray Box helps with conserving local fish stocks. The Ray Box is a voluntary 'no take zone' set up by members of the local fishing industry to protect their livelihoods. Situated six miles north of Lundy the box is an area closed to fishing for a few months of the year to let the ray rest and breed. Paul says "It's part of the overall plan ... it’s one of several things we’ve done to make a sustainable fishery in the area. At the end of the day if you want a future in the job you've got to look after it." Stephen Pitcher Chair of Northern Devon FLAG (major funders of the film making) commented on the value of the Boat Stories series "These films show us things many of us were barely aware of, before we became involved in supporting the fisheries and fishing communities of North Devon. We often, in the work of the Fisheries Local Action Group, hold community events and can talk ourselves blue in the face on the subject, but the films show in a few minutes what can take hours to describe. They show the power of the moving image to convey the reality, the hard graft, the challenging environment, the skills, commitment and, yes, passion of fishermen for their trade. They enable us to inform people of the lives of the fishers and their environment and the consequences of decisions taken by or affecting them." Jo Stewart Smith is grateful to those in the North Devon fishing industry who spoke to her during the research for this film. "Despite being frantically busy they were all extremely welcoming and helpful. I particularly want to thank Paul and the crew for allowing Boat Stories on board to share their busy lives and for looking after our cameraman Mark Brindle so well." You can watch the film on the Boat Stories website www.boatstories.co.uk and read Jo's film making blog and articles on the Ray Box and ray fishing ban.
http://www.boatstories.co.uk
Fishing for the Long Haul was filmed and edited by Mark Brindle from Maniac Films in Croyde, with music written and performed by Rowan Lincoln Gordon from Burrington. The Ray Ban: Marine Management Organisation (MMO) Reforming and managing marine fisheries for a prosperous fishing industry and a healthy marine environment "The MMO closed this fishery on 12 October as landings information indicated that, (after allowance is made for landings already made but not yet entered onto the MMO database) the UK quota for this stock has been exhausted." https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fisheries-closures-explained
Photos: Crew of the Sparkling Star: Paul Stone, Tom Leather and Logan Suddick copyright NDMI (All rights reserved) www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk

Monday 3 November 2014

November Highlights. A celebration of North Devon Coast and Countryside events

It's lighting up time, literally and usually by now we'll have switched on the heating and settled down in front of a cosy fire to watch Strictly and X Factor and soon it'll be I'm a Celebrity and we could be stuck indoors till next Spring!! The good news is there are plenty of fun events this month to lure you away from the telly. The Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area are holding some free courses for woodland owners wishing to learn how to fell and extract small amounts of timber for personal use or sale using a variety of techniques. Remember, remember the 5th November when the North Devon skies will be lighting up for Guy Fawkes Night and there are a number of  organised Bonfire and Fireworks Parties around the region including a big fun night of boogying and bopping, fireworks and fun at the Big Sheep including a special toddler firework display earlier in the evening. Novemeber is also a time to celebrate the humble herring. Clovelly was once a major centre for herring fishing and their 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. Kids can enjoy the North Devon A.O.N.B. event-themed, free craft activities, there will be Shanty singers, street entertainment, local food and craft stalls, flax making and a photographic exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing and Kipperland will make sure this is a "smoking" fun day out for all the family.

4th November FREE courses ‘All things wood-fuel’ this Autumn with Northern Devon NIA. With ever rising populations of the non-native grey squirrel, damage to young trees through bark stripping is at epidemic proportions in North Devon. If you have young trees or are hoping for regenerating seedling in your wood to have a chance of establishing this course is a must. View details
5th November Guy Fawke's Fire Works Party at the Big Sheep. Bonfire and burgers - Fireworks and Fun - Boogying and Bopping! Special Toddler Firework display earlier in the evening at 6pm Doors open at 5pm Junior Fireworks - 6pm Bonfire Lit at 7pm Main Fireworks at 7.45pm Indoor Playground closes at 9:30pm Remember, remember the 5th of November - Bonfire and…
12th November North Devon Arts Broomhill Arts Hotel 8pm. A talk by Michael Brennand-Wood,an innovative and inspiring artist working in textiles. Free to NDA members, guests £5
14th and 15th November Beaford Arts The Common will be performed in Dolton on Friday 14 November and Hatherleigh on Saturday 15 November. Tickets are free but limited so booking is essential.  Details as follows:
Dolton Village Hall, Friday 14 November 2014 at 7.30 pm Tickets FREE but must be reserved via Beaford Arts, www.beaford-arts.org.uk, telephone 01769 572573, collect from The Royal Oak, Dolton
Hatherleigh Community Centre, Saturday 15 November 2014 at 7.30 pm Tickets FREE but must be reserved via Beaford Arts, www.beaford-arts.org.uk, telephone 01769 572573, collect from Hatherleigh Community Centre
16th November Clovelly Herring Festival. 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'. There'll be a wide variety of herring dishes in the quay kitchens, cookery demonstrations, live shanty singers, street entertainment, other local food and craft stalls, a photographic exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing and A.O.N.B. event-themed, free craft activities. To see the 'Silver Darling' menu at the Red Lion Harbour Restaurant, please click here http://www.clovelly.co.uk/red-lion-hotel-harbour-restaurant Standard admission charges include all entertainment.
27th November FREE courses ‘All things wood-fuel’ this Autumn with Northern Devon NIA. Learn how to fell and extract small amounts of timber for personal use or sale using techniques including a compact tractor, small crane and extraction using horses. Practical solutions for everyday woodland owner problems are all high on the agenda. For the less mechanized or equestrian amongst you there will be practical coppicing advice including the use of tools. View details
27th November Ilfracombe High Street Lighting of the Lights. The lights ceremony with a parade, music, stalls and late night shopping. www.visitilfracombe.co.uk
 For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal  

http://northdevonfocus.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/catcing-essence-of-clovelly.html
 Herring Boats are coming. Picarooner and a Coracle. Photo Clovelly Herring Festival 2013 P. Adams (all rights reserved) 
Check out more pics and post Catching the Essence of Clovelly
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 North Devon Tourist Information Centres
Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 9LS
Bideford Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road, Bideford, EX39 2QQ 

Braunton Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1AA
Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 ODH 

Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre: The Memorial Hall, Holsworthy, 
Torrington Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington   
lfracombe Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9BX
Lynton Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6HT T

South Molton Tourist Information  1 East Street, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BU 
Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7DL 
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 To add an event go to North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle Community Calendar