North Devon Now

30/10/2025

One Missing and Five Arrested After Terrifying Bideford Blaze Rocks Community

Police have confirmed that one person remains unaccounted for and five people have been arrested following a fire that tore through a terraced house on Honestone Street, Bideford, on Tuesday evening (October 28).

The blaze broke out just after 8.15pm, prompting a major emergency response involving the fire service, police, and paramedics. At its height, 15 fire engines from across Devon and Somerset were tackling the flames as thick smoke billowed across the town.

Around 45 residents were evacuated from their homes as fire crews battled through the night to contain the inferno. Torridge District Council coordinated emergency accommodation, with evacuees being temporarily housed in hotels in Bideford and Barnstaple. The Royal Hotel at East-the-Water offered 11 rooms to help displaced residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, police confirmed that one person remained missing and that their next of kin had been informed. Officers also announced that five people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Smoothy said:

“We would like to thank local residents and the Bideford public for their patience and understanding as our officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.

“One person remains unaccounted for at this time with next of kin being made aware.

“Incidents of this nature are shocking for any community. We are working closely with the fire service and local authority to ensure displaced residents are housed and looked after over the coming days.

“There will be a heightened police presence in the area and we would ask that anyone with any information approach our officers, contact us online or call 101.”

Police have urged anyone with information, photos, or video footage related to the fire to come forward by calling 101 or contacting them through the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting log 748 of 28 October.

Authorities said that some residents are “likely to remain evacuated for a period of time,” with ongoing efforts to ensure their safety and help them return home as soon as possible.

The investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding it continues.

📸 Graham Hobbs

29/10/2025

Not made Friday night plans yet? Monkey Puzzle Restaurant has you covered!

Ready for Friday night fun?

Join us at Monkey Puzzle for live tunes with the brilliant Kayleigh Floyde! Whether you’re bringing the whole family or your furry mate, we’ve got the perfect relaxed spot for you.

Pair it with our Curry & Pint deal for just £13.95 and make it a night to remember.

Grab a bite, sip on something nice, and let the good times roll.

Fancy a guaranteed seat? Book your table now on 07842 717638.

Just feeling spontaneous? Walk on in — we’d love to see you!

See what else is happening this week here: https://bit.ly/MPRWhatsOn

29/10/2025

🔊 You'll want your sound on for this video 🔊

🎃 No tricks — only treats at South West VW's Ltd Barnstaple! 👻
Wet and icy roads can be downright scary — but worn tyres are the real fright!
1 in 5 drivers never check theirs… and that’s a horror story waiting to happen. 🧟‍♂️
Book your service or MOT with us and we’ll check your tyres for you — no spells or potions needed.
Drive safe, stay prepared, and keep those wheels gripping the road this spooky season. 🚗💨

21/10/2025

Relive the 60's at the Queen's Theatre this November!!!!!!!!

Barnstaple, are you ready to relive the magic of the Sixties? 💃🕺

The Sensational 60s Experience is coming to Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple on Sunday 16th November!

Featuring Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Trems, The Fortunes, Spencer James, and Vanity Fare – it’s the ultimate night of 60s hits and memories.

🎟️ Tickets are flying – book now before they’re gone: https://tinyurl.com/23y2ju6x

15/10/2025

🎃 GIVEAWAY! WIN 4 TICKETS TO DESCEND INTO DARKNESS! 🎃

We’ve joined forces with Watermouth Castle and Family Theme Park to give you and three friends the chance to experience Descend Into Darkness — a terrifying, immersive Halloween event set inside a haunted castle! 🏰💀

Expect screams, scares and spine-tingling surprises around every corner… if you dare to enter!

To be in with a chance of winning:
1️⃣ Like Our’s and Watermouth Castle page
2️⃣ Comment below and tell us who you’d bring along to survive the night! 👀
(You can tag them/share, if you like — but it’s not required to enter!)
👀

🕛 Entries close 22nd October 2025 — winner announced soon after.

Do you dare to descend? Enter below 👇



This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. We will not contact anyone asking for personal details. We will announce the winner on this post after the 22nd of October and they can private message us to receive the prize. Good Luck🍀

14/10/2025

Win yourself a full page advert in North Devon's Rural Reach magazine, just in time for Christmas!

🎄✨ Calling all Devon businesses — here’s your chance to shine this festive season for FREE! 🌟

The Rural Reach, magazine reaches over 4,200 homes across North Devon and Torridgeside — from Beaford to Bratton Fleming, Chulmleigh, Georgham, Goodleigh, High Bickington, Knowle, Muddiford, Littleham, Parkham, Winkleigh, Woolsery, and many more, along with even more online!

To mark our first Christmas Edition, we’re giving one lucky business the chance to WIN a full-page advert — completely FREE! 📰💫

📍 Reach new customers in beautiful rural Devon villages
📍 Build brand visibility in communities where residents can find out about all the services you offer
📍 Feature online and in print — spreading your festive message even further!

🎅 How to Enter:
👉 Follow The Rural Reach
👉 Like this post ❤️
👉 Tag your business or a local business who deserves to win below 👇
(Each tag = one entry!)

The winner will be contacted by email on November 11th.

📩 Want to secure your spot in our upcoming issues too?
Email: ruralreach@boomboommedia.co.uk 🎁

08/10/2025

There's a new shop just open in Green Lanes Shopping Centre, Barnstaple. Looking for a new kitchen? Visit Kutchenhaus!

✨ Exciting News! ✨ We’re thrilled to welcome Kutchenhaus to Green Lanes!

Looking for a kitchen that combines style and top-quality craftsmanship? Come and chat with their expert team – your dream kitchen awaits! 🏡

07/10/2025

If you live locally and Love Ska you will not want to miss this. Save 20% and get a lift for free!!!!!!

Great music, reduced price tickets and coach to bring you there and back, what's not to love?

We’re showing some love to our loyal locals with a great discount and coach offer for our Ska & Mod Weekender (17th – 19th October 2025)! Enjoy the best ska and mod tributes and music acts - they're guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor!

If you live in EX31, EX32, EX33 or EX34 postcodes, you can get 20% off your event ticket PLUS, take advantage of a FREE coach ride - there and back!

To Book:
• If you want a lower-priced locals' ticket only - use coupon code EX20.
• Want a discounted ticket plus a seat on the coach? Use code EX20CO.
• You’ll need to show proof of address/ID on the night, so don’t forget to bring it with you!
• Book now for these two great events and get ready for retro tunes, big energy, and good vibes!
• Now you can have a drink and get home safely.

Tickets are selling fast. Book yours now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ndrevents/1498829
Got a query? Call our friendly team for more info: 01271 623130

07/10/2025

‘Save the Soul of Clovelly’: Villagers Launch Appeal to Rescue Iconic Little Red Boat

A heartfelt community appeal has been launched to save one of North Devon’s most beloved maritime icons – Neptune, affectionately known as “the grand old lady” of Clovelly Harbour.

For over half a century, this small red fishing boat has been an enduring presence in the picturesque village, ferrying visitors along the coast, hauling lobster pots, and keeping Clovelly’s traditional fishing heritage alive.

But after decades of loyal service, Neptune is now in urgent need of restoration to meet modern maritime regulations. Without vital repairs, her days on the water could soon come to an end.

To keep her afloat, locals have launched a £5,000 fundraising campaign, already gathering momentum with £2,000 raised through a GoFundMe page set up by Clovelly Harbour Master Stephen Perham’s daughter, Daisy.

Daisy said: “My dad, who has featured on television many times over the years talking about Clovelly, has worked Neptune for decades and she has supported three generations of our family.

“Now, after a lifetime of service, she needs restoration if she is to continue fishing and remain part of Clovelly’s heritage.”

Built in Appledore in 1958 and brought to Clovelly in 1970 by Daisy’s grandfather, Neptune has become a familiar sight at the harbour – a symbol of the village’s seafaring spirit. Over the years, she has carried countless passengers on coastal trips, hauled lobster pots, and fished for herring – once known locally as the “silver darlings.”

Daisy added: “She is woven into the memories of locals and visitors alike, many who still remember their first trip to sea aboard her. She’s proper beautiful.

“Now, after decades of loyal service, she needs our help. Without care and restoration, her story risks coming to an end.

“This means future generations can still experience the joy of stepping aboard her, and the village can continue to share its proud fishing traditions through her.”

The campaign to save Neptune has already captured the hearts of locals and holidaymakers alike. Supporters say she represents far more than a boat – she’s a living piece of Clovelly’s identity.

If you would like to make a donation, you can visit the GoFundMe page: Save Neptune – The Grand Old Lady of Clovelly Harbour

Have you got memories or stories of Neptune over the years? We’d love to hear them – share your experiences and help celebrate this much-loved piece of Clovelly’s history.

07/10/2025

Come and join Ilfracombe Youth Football Club Christmas Party - all welcome!
This evening is going to be full of festive fun - with all entertainment included in the ticket.
- DJ
- Disco
- Karaoke
- Games
- Raffle
- Meet Santa
Food, drink and festive cocktails available at Monkey Puzzle Restaurant.
This is a fun, family evening. Come and join in!
Get your tickets today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ndrevents/1877881
Call us for any queries: 07842 717 638

07/10/2025

🎃 Fang-tastic fun in North Devon! 🍏

Celebrate harvest time at Quince Honey Farm this October half term! Their Apple 🍎 and Honey 🍯 Harvest embraces the old traditions of the autumn 🍂 season. See the Apple Show, a live demonstration of an apple mill and press with harvesting of their heather honey too. Enjoy all the usual daily tours and activities plus extra Halloween 🎃 fun: Halloween Trail – children will love finding the spooky characters hiding around the Nectar Gardens. The Pumpkin Patch is open 27 to 30 October 10am-4pm. Come and choose your perfect pumpkin! 🎃

From 26 October to 1 November there’ll be lots of extra Halloween activities to enjoy at The Milky Way, all designed to be fun rather than scary. Enrol your little horrors at the special School for Witches 🧙‍♀️ and Wizards where they can try spell writing, casting and potion making. Bump around the Spooky Swamp Dodgems, watch Merlin’s themed show filled with his special brand of spooktacular fun, catch a special storytelling session for little ones and enjoy the atmosphere of The Milky Way all decorated in its Halloween Best. 🎩

A haunted castle with twisted zones of horrors… Descend into Darkness is back at Watermouth Castle in the evenings this October, more terrifying and immersive than ever. As night falls, the castle becomes a chilling labyrinth of live actors, gore, darkness, and jump scares. Journey through 5 themed scare zones with live actors. Plus NEW – The Z Factor: An outbreak has brought the undead back to life. Can you survive? Dates between 17th October to 1st November. Suitable for 12 yrs +. 🧛‍♂️

Enjoy a spooktacular Halloween Half Term at The Big Sheep, with haunted attractions and family-friendly fun! Huddle around one of the Firepits 🔥 and toast giant marshmallows (just £1 each). Create a masterpiece you can take home with you! We’ll help you carve a pumpkin you can be proud of. Plus get ready for a frightfully fun time at their Monster Glow Party – the ultimate Halloween activity for kids and families. There’ll be games and prizes, a fancy dress competition and a monster disco. 👻

Discover the secret life of pumpkins this half term – a spooky, hands-on adventure the whole family can get their claws into at RHS Garden Rosemoor. Step into the world of pumpkins and discover amazing seasonal surprises dotted around the garden on a special trail – feast your eyes on a pumpkin banquet and see scarecrows showcasing different veggies used in the past for carving. It’s all ‘gourd’ fun! See website for full details and booking. 🎃

To find all these and more October Half Term activities, great Halloween ideas and days out please visit the Devon’s Top Attractions website www.devonstopattractions.co.uk

03/10/2025

If you love Ska then you will not want to miss this at North Devon Resort this October. Great music, reduced price tickets and a coach to bring you there and back, what's not to love? If you live in EX31, EX32, EX33 or EX34 postcodes, you can get 20% off your event ticket PLUS, take advantage of a FREE coach ride - there and back!

To Book:
• If you want a lower-priced locals' ticket only - use coupon code EX20.
• Want a discounted ticket plus a seat on the coach? Use code EX20CO.
• You’ll need to show proof of address/ID on the night, so don’t forget to bring it with you!
• Book now for these two great events and get ready for retro tunes, big energy, and good vibes!
• Now you can have a drink and get home safely.

Tickets are selling fast. Book yours now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ndrevents/1498829
Got a query? Call our friendly team for more info: 01271 623130

Great music, reduced price tickets and coach to bring you there and back, what's not to love?

We’re showing some love to our loyal locals with a great discount and coach offer for our Ska & Mod Weekender (17th – 19th October 2025)! Enjoy the best ska and mod tributes and music acts - they're guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor!

If you live in EX31, EX32, EX33 or EX34 postcodes, you can get 20% off your event ticket PLUS, take advantage of a FREE coach ride - there and back!

To Book:
• If you want a lower-priced locals' ticket only - use coupon code EX20.
• Want a discounted ticket plus a seat on the coach? Use code EX20CO.
• You’ll need to show proof of address/ID on the night, so don’t forget to bring it with you!
• Book now for these two great events and get ready for retro tunes, big energy, and good vibes!
• Now you can have a drink and get home safely.

Tickets are selling fast. Book yours now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ndrevents/1498829
Got a query? Call our friendly team for more info: 01271 623130