North Devon Now

19/12/2025

Here's a festive message from our friends at the Carlton in Ilfracombe.

18/12/2025

Local company Just 3 Words want you to be be inspired for 2026! Head over to their page find your 3 words, tell us what they are in the comments and it could be the first design of the new year. You will even get a free tee! JUST 3 WORDS

12/12/2025

🎄Tomorrow (13th December) there is a Baby Remembrance Service at 2pm at St John the Baptist Church, Newport, Barnstaple.

North Devon Sands and the chaplaincy at the hospital would love to see you at this year’s service on 13th December. Please bring a flower to contribute to a shared arrangement. Refreshments will be available afterwards. ❤️❤️

05/12/2025

Santa is here! Have you been good?

🎅 Santa’s Mistletoe Lodge is OPEN at Green Lanes Shopping Centre, Barnstaple!
❄ Wander through the twinkling tunnel of lights
🎁 Meet Santa and receive a festive gift
📍 Green Lanes Shopping Centre, Barnstaple
🚪 No booking needed – just pay on entry

EVENT DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/events/787807440847945/
❤️ Tag a friend or family member who’d love to visit this Christmas 🎄

29/11/2025

Looks like trouble at Green Lanes today!!!!!!

The green one is up to no good today at Green Lanes Shopping Centre, Barnstaple !!!
Alongside festive crafts and reindeer food making. Mother Christmas is also running story time sessions, so come down and get festive !! 11- 4
Santas grotto is also open 10-5 🎅

28/11/2025

You Won’t Believe How Magical Clovelly Looks at Christmas — Lights, Fireworks & a Surprise Visit from Santa!

🎄✨ Clovelly Village is set to transform into a breathtaking festive wonderland on Sunday, 30 November, as the annual Christmas Lights celebration returns in support of the RNLI.

From 4–10 pm, the historic fishing village will come alive with a torchlit procession led by a local brass band, festive carols, and delicious seasonal treats including a hog roast, grog, and refreshments at the harbour and Lifeboat Station.

🎅 Santa himself is expected to make a surprise appearance before the big moment — the magical 5 pm village and harbour light switch-on, followed by a stunning fireworks finale that lights up the entire cliffside.

🚗 Entry is £10 per car at the Visitor Centre from 2 pm.

Don’t miss one of North Devon’s most enchanting Christmas celebrations.
Find out more: bit.ly/44lVbYN

28/11/2025

WARNING: Black Friday Bargains Could Cost You £££ — Experts Reveal the Festive Scam Tactics Catching Thousands

With Black Friday and holiday shopping now in full swing, online shoppers are being warned to stay vigilant as cybercriminals gear up for one of their busiest times of the year.

New data from the City of London Police — the national lead agency for tackling fraud — reveals that a staggering £11.8 million was lost to online shopping scams during last year’s festive season (1 November 2024 to 31 January 2025). As millions hunt for discounts, experts say fraudsters are ready to strike.

To help shoppers stay safe, the government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign is urging people to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming victims.

Key safety tips include:

Verify the retailer: Check reviews on trusted, independent sites before purchasing.

Strengthen your accounts: Turn on 2-step verification (2SV) to add an immediate extra layer of security, even if your password is leaked.

Pay smart: Use guest checkout, avoid storing bank details, and never pay by direct bank transfer. Credit cards and secure payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay often provide better protection.

Watch for delivery scams: Unexpected messages about parcels are a major red flag. Don’t click links — contact the delivery company directly using details you know are genuine.

If you suspect fraud:

Report cybercrime to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website: https://orlo.uk/4jGiw

If you think you’ve given scammers financial information or lost money, contact your bank immediately — many UK banks’ fraud teams can be reached by dialling 159.

Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
and suspicious texts to 7726.

More detailed guidance on spotting scams and protecting yourself from phishing can be found on the NCSC website.

Stay alert, stay sceptical, and keep your festive shopping safe this season.

28/11/2025

Christmas All Wrapped Up — Join the Party!
Join us on Saturday 20th December for a Christmas party packed with atmosphere, flavour, and top-tier entertainment — led by the brilliant DJ Fiona White, with live performances from Sonic Fusion to keep the energy high all night long.
Whether it’s your office celebration, a family festive outing, or a night out with friends, this ready-made Christmas party has everything sorted — great food, great music, and great company.
Book single tickets or reserve a full table for your group.
We’re also teaming up with Spark UK, who’ll be hosting fun games and a charity raffle with prizes throughout the evening.
Evening Schedule:
6:30pm — Welcome drinks
7:30pm–8:45pm — Dinner
9pm — Entertainment with DJ Fiona White and Sonic Fusion
11:30pm — Last orders
12am — Close
All this for £30 per person.
See the full menu and secure your spot:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/monkeypuzzleihp/1900062

28/11/2025

GOOD NEWS: Police Finally Take Major Action — But Is It Enough? Locals Divided After Big Crackdown in Barnstaple

In a significant step to tackle ongoing antisocial behaviour and repeat thefts in Barnstaple, a closure order and a Criminal Behaviour Order have been secured this month — marking one of the most substantial crackdowns in the area this year.

On 9 November, 60-year-old Paul Hector Willmore, of Lower Moor, Barnstaple, was arrested and charged with 15 shoplifting offences, with another three offences taken into account. He appeared in court on 10 November 2025 and was sentenced to 26 months in prison. A further hearing on 19 November resulted in a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order aimed at preventing further offending once he is released.

In a separate case, an address on Victoria Road known for persistent disruption has now been hit with a closure order following ongoing concerns from nearby residents. Granted by Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court on 18 November, the order makes it an offence for anyone other than registered tenants, the landlord and their agents, or emergency services to enter the property for the next three months.

Local reaction has been mixed — while many welcome the tougher approach, others say more still needs to be done to tackle antisocial behaviour and theft across the area.

What do you think? Are police doing enough to deal with these issues in Barnstaple, or should more action be taken? Share your thoughts in the comments.

24/11/2025

Regional charity seeks new trustees to help shape the future of nature and communities across the South West

The region’s largest combined environmental and recreational charity is seeking new volunteer trustees to help guide its work protecting landscapes, wildlife, and wellbeing across the region.

Trustees of South West Lakes Trust provide strategic oversight, governance, and support to ensure the charity is well-managed, financially sustainable, and compliant with legal obligations.

John Lee OBE DL, Chair of South West Lakes Trust’s Board of Trustees, said: “Our charity cares for 50 sites across the South West, welcoming millions of visitors and protecting landscapes and wildlife for future generations.

“As a trustee, you’ll help shape our vision, influence decisions, and ensure these special places continue to thrive. If you’re passionate about nature, community and making a lasting impact, step forward – your insight and leadership can make the difference.”

The charity, which has its headquarters at Roadford Lake on the Devon / Cornwall border, is encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Previous board experience is not required as full training will be given.

Trustees attend around four to six half-day meetings a year, in person or online, plus occasional events and projects. They are appointed for an initial term of three years.

Chief Executive James Platts said: “As a trustee, you’ll be part of something truly special. You’ll help protect wildlife, inspire communities, and shape the future of our landscapes. Whether your background is in business, conservation, education, or community work, your voice and experience can make a real difference.”

Interested parties are invited to submit their CV and short statement outlining their interest and relevant experience to jplatts@swlakestrust.org.uk.

There is more information on the South West Lakes Trust website: www.swlakestrust.org.uk/join-the-board

24/11/2025

RHS Reveals Expert Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Christmas Tree

With Christmas fast approaching, as the festive light trails return to RHS Gardens and Christmas trees go on sale at RHS Plant Centres, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) shares its definitive guide to choosing and caring for Christmas trees – helping households keep their trees looking fresh, fragrant and full throughout the festive season.

Chris Yaskin, Arboriculture Team Leader at RHS Garden Rosemoor says: “Choose a fresh, locally grown tree that looks green and healthy and is shedding very few needles. Don’t bring your tree indoors too early and if bought in advance, keep it outside in water until you’re ready to decorate it.”

Before decorating, saw 25mm off the trunk and stand the tree in a holder filled with water, topping it up daily. Trees last longest in cooler rooms, away from heat sources such as fires or radiators, which can cause rapid drying and needle drop.

Chris adds: “Position your tree somewhere cool, keep it watered, and it should look good for around four weeks. A little care really does go a long way.”

Choosing Your Tree – The RHS suggests considering the characteristics of the different cultivars to help inform your choice.

Norway spruce – traditional with a classic scent, shorter indoor life and quick to drop its needles
Nordmann fir – one of the most popular Christmas trees in the UK due to its soft, slow-to-drop needles and sturdy branches
Blue spruce – striking blue tone, excellent needle retention
Fraser fir – compact and fragrant, ideal for smaller rooms
Lodgepole pine – are bushier than other Christmas trees with long deep green pine scented needles that sometimes bear cones.
Korean fir- Dark green, slightly curling needles. Excellent needle-holding quality.
Pot-Grown and Alternative Trees - For a more sustainable choice, pot-grown trees can be brought indoors briefly over Christmas, then returned outside and cared for year-round. Potted trees can also be planted in the garden in a sunny spot and dug up and potted each winter. The RHS also recommends dwarf conifers and aromatic evergreens, such as Norfolk Island pine, Japanese cedar, or bay tree ‘Little Ragu’ as stylish alternatives that can be reused each year.

After the festivities, trees can be recycled or composted to enrich garden soil and feed wildlife. Many local councils offer Christmas tree collection schemes.

Visitors to RHS Gardens can make their Christmas tree shopping extra festive by pairing it with a visit to RHS Glow. While enjoying the magical after-dark illuminations at RHS Garden Rosemoor they can browse and purchase a wide selection of cut and pot-grown Christmas trees, bringing a touch of RHS Glow home for the festive season.

For a full Christmas tree guide visit: Christmas Trees: Types and Care | RHS Advice or to book tickets to RHS Glow visit: rhs.org.uk/glow