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March 31, 2023 by in Articles

North Devon’s museums go wild for Easter

North Devon Council

31-03-2023 12:34 PM BST

Museums in North Devon are going wild this Easter as part of a national primary schools project to picture a future for UK wildlife. The Wild Escape, led by national art charity Art Fund with support from Arts Council England, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses across the country are coming together for the largest ever collaboration between UK museums. In North Devon, children and families will discover museum collections in Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Braunton and Mortehoe and work with artists, writers and performers to celebrate the nature on their doorstep.

The project will invite 7-11 year-olds to join the conversation about biodiversity, culminating in events in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe on World Earth Weekend from 21-23 April 2023. In Combe Martin, Lynton and Exmoor, local schoolchildren have already created artwork that will also be shared as part of the Earth Day weekend celebrations.

Manager at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, Alison Mills said: “We’re excited to be joining museums and galleries across North Devon and the rest of the country in this brilliant project. We are inviting children to get involved in a special programme of creative activities celebrating UK wildlife. I hope young visitors to North Devon museums will enjoy exploring the collections and learning about our amazing wildlife and the importance of protecting it for the future.” Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, said: “I’m thrilled that North Devon’s museums are joining hundreds of organisations, from the Outer Hebrides to Folkestone, to connect thousands of children with the natural world through the UK’s truly great museums. Thanks to the invaluable support of Arts Council England, the Wild Escape will empower families and children across the UK to visit and discover our wonderful museums, whilst taking positive action to picture a better future for our wildlife.”

The project is being led by Claire Gulliver on behalf of North Devon’s museums. She is working with origami installation artist Caroline Preston, who will invite schoolchildren to be ‘Science Investigators’, exploring UK wildlife in the museum and natural environment, making ‘species silhouettes’ and ‘montage maps’ of their encounters. Poet, musician and environmentalist Tia Meraki will provide a sensory avian adventure and delve into the shells and pebbles of the North Devon coast using story and sound. Earth Weekend will consist of Wild Night at the Museum on Friday 21 April, which will give families the special chance to encounter the creatures of twilight as dusk approaches the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon.

On Earth Day – Saturday 22 April – there will be nature-themed activities and stalls on The Square, Barnstaple. An Earth Day weekend celebration will take place on Sunday 23 April at The Landmark Theatre Pavilion, where people are invited to experience some of the fantastic work created by local primary schools, children and families during the project.

The full programme of events is available on the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon’s website. Tickets for bookable events can be found on the Art Tickets website, other than the Mortehoe and Braunton events. Anyone with queries about The Wild Escape in North Devon should email claire@clairegulliver.co.uk.

pap banner

March 31, 2023 by in Articles (2 Comments)

Adventure Playground Refurbishment Project

As part of the Development Section 106 Open space contribution the Parish Council has secured funding for the refurbishment of the Adventure Playground next door to Willow Rise, Witheridge.

The Parish Council are seeking Tenders for the delivery of this project, full details of the project and tendering process are included in the Tender Specification here:-

Tender Document 

The Parish Council decided to award the Tender to Kompan at the October Parish Council Meeting.

Pictorial Design Layouts

Equipment Specs

March 31, 2023 by in Articles

Willow Rise Development + Proposed Phase 2

Phase 1 Development Information

Reference: 62777 & 65041

Section 106 Agreement

Developer Larkfleet Homes & rebranded Allison Homes part of the Allison Group; both brands were purchased by management and US investment firm PIMCO in November 2021.

Phase 2 Proposal

Phase 2 proposal outside Development Boundary:-

Reference: 73742 & 74879
Residential development of 155 dwellings and associated infrastructure at Land south of
Broomhouse Park and west of Willow Rise Witheridge Tiverton Devon EX16 8FD
Grid Ref: 280364; 113978

Planning Committee 19/10/22 Agenda & Officer’s Report

Planning Committee 13/10/22 Site meeting minutes

Planning Committee 19/10/22 Draft minutes with approval decision 

Developer:-

Allison Homes

North Devon Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA):-

https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/council/strategies-plans-and-policies/environment-and-planning-policies/local-plan/planning-policy-supporting-documents/housing/

Additional Information

Added 10/07/22

Mid Devon District Council Local Plan – Policy DM24 4.75 Sports Field Witheridge.

The documents linked to below identify an allocation of land for a new Sports Field within Mid Devon on the southern edge of Witheridge village.  At the parish council 07/07/22 it was resolved to establish the process required to secure this land for the parish.

MDDC Local Plan | Land Allocation

Added 30/06/22

DCC HATOC Officer Report & Recommendations for School Crossing & Bus Shelters.

Amendments to planning documents available on District Council Planning website.

March 31, 2023 by in Articles

Are you election-ready?

Voter ID Reminder
Voters urged to check they’re election-ready before it’s too late
30-03-2023 10:25 AM BST
With time ticking down until local elections on Thursday, 4 May, northern Devon residents wanting to vote are being urged to make sure they’re election ready. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 17 April. Voters can quickly and easily register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Voters have a range of options for casting their vote on the day, including voting in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 18 April, while the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is a week later, 5pm on 25 April.

This May, for the first time, voters will need to show photo ID if they intend to vote at a polling station. This is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act. Types of accepted photo ID include passports and drivers’ licences issued in the UK or European Economic Area, as well as some concessionary travel passes such as an older persons’ bus pass. Voters can also use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. If you do not have one of the accepted types of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate ID online or by completing and submitting a paper form to your local authority. You must apply by 5pm on 25 April, to be able to use the certificate on 4 May. Returning Officer at North Devon Council, Ken Miles, says: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at elections in May.

Local elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life in northern Devon. Registering to vote is a simple process that takes no more than five minutes. If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID, you can contact your local elections team.

Returning Officer at Torridge District Council, Steve Hearse, says: “While the elections may seem some way off to many, it’s time to check and act now to secure your vote and make sure it gets counted. The new photo ID requirement for anybody casting their vote at a polling station is a big change at this election. We recommend that everyone should start their preparations now in checking that they have the appropriate ID to take with them on the day, or apply for the free voter authority certificate if needed. We are also suggesting that people consider checking in with family members or neighbours, particularly the elderly, to help them understand and comply with the new requirements, so that nobody gets left behind.”

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online on the Government website at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate Voters in the North Devon Council area who do not have ID, wish to vote in person and apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, but are unable to do so, are able to attend Lynton House between 9am and 1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for this to be facilitated. Alternatively voters in Torridge can apply Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm at Riverbank House, Chanters Road in Bideford.

Information about the new requirement and all voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website. Alternatively people can contact their respective electoral services team at www.northdevon.gov.uk/elections  or www.torridge.gov.uk/elections

South West Water (square frame)

March 31, 2023 by in Articles

Update from South West Water

Hello,
Our water resources are under increasing pressureThank you for everything you’ve been doing to help reduce demand since last summer and save water. The South West remains in drought following some of the driest conditions in nearly 90 years. A continuing lack of rainfall means our reservoirs have struggled to recover to the levels we need going into the summer. As of the 29th March 2023, Roadford reservoir was 63.7% full. For up-to-date reservoir levels, please visit our current reservoir levels webpage.
Now more than ever we need your help to Save Every DropTo help us maintain and deliver the water you need, we continue to offer a wide range of support, everyday tips, advice and water saving devices that can help you reduce your usage at home with minimal effort and change.  What’s more, if you’re on a meter then any further savings you can make at home will result in savings on your water bill. Using less hot water will make savings on your energy bills too.  Small steps can make an extraordinary difference and we continue to ask everyone to save every drop by reducing their water use.  To discover all the support available, please visit our website.
We’re working hard to meet demand and make every drop countWe take our responsibility to every customer extremely seriously and are working hard to manage our network, resources and reservoirs in the best possible way to meet demandWe’re fixing more leaks than ever before and quicker with all identified leaks fixed in 3.6 days on average.We’re investing in additional supplies and resources and since last year have brought Hawks Tor, an old disused quarry, into use as a new reservoir.  We’re building 2 desalination plants to provide additional water supply, recognising the impact of climate change and the need for future resilience.
Thank you for all your help and supportWe really appreciate your efforts and support to help save every drop. Together these ordinary steps really can make an extraordinary difference.  
Laura FlowerdewChief Customer and Digital Officer
Take control of your water’s future  The future of water is changing. With new challenges that climate change brings, we must adapt to combat them. In our Water Resources Management Plan, we have detailed how we will be protecting and improving our environment whilst balancing water supplies. However, we need your help. Your feedback is essential to the plan’s development and the input you give will help us tailor what we can deliver to benefit both yourself and the environment we live in.  
To find out how you can submit your thoughts and ideas, please visit the Water Resources Management Plan webpage.
A big thank you to everyone for taking action and saving water already. It’s a team effort and through small changes in water use we can make a big difference.

March 31, 2023 by in Articles

Witheridge Online Goodies

As part of our launch campaign for Witheridge Online we created some branded goodies which you’ll hopefully see around the area sometime soon. If you’d like to request any of our lovely mugs, window stickers, car stickers, or fliers to show your support for this community website, please drop us an email using the button at the bottom of the page…

Special thanks to our local printing partners:

North Devon Council (square frame)

March 31, 2023 by in Articles

Grants and Community News

31 March 2023

Grant update

Funding

Prince’s Countryside Fund: Supporting Rural Communities

Grants for projects that will make a difference to the lives of people living in rural communities in the UK.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund provides grants up to £25,000 for community-led projects that will create a long-term difference in remote rural areas of the UK. The funding is for innovative projects that build resilience through community-led solutions, from groups and organisations who are working in villages, hamlets and small market towns.

The outcomes that the Prince’s Countryside Fund seeks to achieve through the programme include:

  • reinvigorating or developing community networks
  • improving the health and well-being of socially isolated people
  • creating a legacy of support and promoting community spirit and cohesion
  • communities supporting one another through volunteering opportunities
  • promoting a greener economy by encouraging people to travel less and utilise locally grown and crafted products.

Applications are accepted from properly constituted, not for profit organisations with an income of less than £500,000.

Application deadline 11 April 2023.  For more information on the fund and how to apply visit the Princes Countryside Fund website.

 Community News

What is Travel Training?

Travel Training enables your volunteers or staff to support clients with travel independence and confidence.  Whether your clients need door-to-destination, support or help with specific elements such as anxiety about getting off at the right stop or buying tickets, travel training provides a structured framework and comprehensive resources.

A workshop lasts around two hour’s in-person, bespoke to your organisation.

Some of the key aspects of training will cover:

  • Supporting someone to make a change.
  • Practical travel training tools and skills including a step-by-step approach.
  • Risk considerations and dealing with the unexpected.
  • Travel Trainer’s handbook, with tools and resources you and your clients can use.

Travel Training workshop at Barnstaple Library, Thursday 27 April 2023, 10 am – 12.30 pm.  Book your place via Eventbrite the online booking service.

March 15, 2023 by in Articles (1 Comment)

Improvements on Fore Street

Great to see the work progressing along Fore Street, and if you’re not already up to speed, here’s a link to more details about the “Section 106” improvements taking place…

https://witheridge.online/willow-rise-development-proposed-phase-2/

The zebra crossing and lowered kerb with sensory paving will make it much safer for all to cross outside the school.

The additional pavement from the school up to the Fire Station is a great improvement for all those walking from Lakelands Close to the bus stop, school and down into the village square. Looking forward to it all being finished!

February 11, 2023 by in Articles

Exploring the Two Moors Way

Another article that’s just begging to be written by some knowledgeable local folk!

Any volunteers?

New Article

Just click the button, write an awesome article, upload and add a “featured image”, then select to “Article” under “Category” in the right hand toolbar. Simples!

February 11, 2023 by in Articles

Dog Bins Around Witheridge

Judging by the number of happy dog walkers you see around the village every day, this map seemed like an important one to share!

Anyone fancy suggesting some of the best dog walks in the area? Just click the button, write an awesome article, upload and add a “featured image”, then select to “Article” under “Category” in the right hand toolbar. Simples!

New Article
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