Buckfastleigh Community News

Liz Fenwick, affectionately known as 'the queen of the Cornish novel', will be gracing us with her presence at Buckfastleigh Library on Monday, 21st July at 1:30 PM. She will be sharing insights into her writing journey and discussing her latest book, 'The Secrets of Harbour House'.

For those keen on getting a personalised copy, books will be available for purchase and signing. Additionally, attendees will have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy an informal chat with Liz over tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Tickets are priced at only £2, which includes all the refreshments. Make sure you don't miss out on this delightful gathering - tickets can be booked by emailing buckfastleigh.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk.

The charming town of Ashburton is the setting for an enchanting evening of choral music featuring the Collati Singers. This special event will take place at St Andrew's Church, West Street, TQ13 7JQ, on Saturday 12th July at 7:30pm. Delight in an evening filled with beautiful harmonies and no need to fuss over tickets—it's absolutely free!

Prepare to be moved by a splendid programme that includes Bach’s vibrant motet 'Singet dem Herrn', Rutter’s 'Magnificat' with accompaniment by the talented Robin Stubbs on organ, and a selection of both ancient and modern unaccompanied anthems and motets. All of these performances will be skilfully directed by Buckfastleigh’s own Trefor Farrow.

We warmly invite everyone to bring family and friends to enjoy this musical treat. While entry is free, retiring donations are kindly invited and will be much appreciated.

For those driving, there's convenient and free parking available at the nearby Kingsbridge Lane public car park.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday 12th July
• Time: 7:30pm
• Venue: St Andrew's Church, Ashburton, West Street TQ13 7JQ
• Entry: Free
• Parking: Free at Kingsbridge Lane

For more information, feel free to turn up on the night or simply enjoy the music and community spirit! Donations are welcomed upon departure.

The Buckfastleigh Library is thrilled to announce a splashy start to the summer with our Summer Book Quest - Deep Sea Adventure, kicking off on the 12th of July. This exciting initiative invites children to plunge into a sea of books and engage in a treasure trove of activities designed to foster a love of reading.

Throughout the summer, our young readers can earn stickers, certificates, and finishers keyrings by reading their favourite books, visiting the library, and completing various entertaining activities. The library will transform into a creative hub, where children can craft merfolk, construct sea creature dioramas, and much more. Don't miss out on getting snapped in our Super Sub or learning fascinating facts about marine life with experts from the Wembury Marine Life Centre.

Participants will also enjoy a treasure hunt and receive a goodie bag filled with cards, stickers, bookmarks, and worksheets. By completing the quest, participants will be entered into a raffle with a chance to win incredible prizes generously donated by local businesses including River Dart Country Park, Dyno Climbing Centre, Buckfastleigh Pool, Buckfastleigh Otters & Butterflies, and J Searles and Son.

To join this underwater adventure, simply sign up at the library and start reading the books that capture your imagination. Dive in, enjoy the journey, and who knows? You might just emerge as one of our lucky raffle winners!

The Wool Hub is your go-to place for woolcraft workshops, regular drop-ins, and a woolly shop, all brought to you by the Woolly Nanas.

Saturday Workshops:

• 19th July, 10am - 2pm: Rug Making Skills Workshop with Noni. Suitable for all ages and abilities. £30, materials included.
• 26th July, 10.30am - 3.30pm: Wet Felting a Bag with Rita, for ages 16+. £55, materials included.

Book workshops and children’s sessions by emailing woollynanas@gmail.com. Payment in advance is required, with free cancellation up to 7 days before the event.

Weekly Drop-ins and Shop Opening:

• Monday: 10.30am - 12.30pm
• Tuesday: 10am - 3pm
• Wednesday: 10.30am - 2pm
• Thursday: 10.30am - 4.30pm
• Friday: 1pm - 5pm

Drop-in sessions are open to all ages and abilities. A suggested donation of £5 is appreciated. No booking required. Our shop offers handmade woolly items and all the knitting essentials.

Children’s Craft Sessions (School Term):

• Mondays 3.30 - 5pm: Felting Fun. £15 per session. 8 years and up.
• Tuesdays 3.30 - 5pm: Crochet & Yarn Crafts. £15 per session. 8 years and up.

Save the Date: 18th-21st August - Through the Wardrobe: A Crafty Summer in Narnia - Children’s Summer Textile Club in a rural location.

For the latest updates, visit our Facebook page or website: thewoolhub.org. You can also reach us at woollynanas@gmail.com.

Hello Summer is back, bringing free sessions for children and their families to enjoy in Buckfastleigh! Open to all families in the area, including HAF (Holiday Activity and Food) eligible children in Devon. For more details, please visit the DCC website or our Facebook page.

Enjoy daily free swim sessions and lunches, alongside a fun-filled programme of activities. In case of wet weather, we'll move indoors.

• Tuesday 22nd July: Swim and Games Day with lifeguards in the park.
• Wednesday 23rd July: Model Village Day - create a scrap model village of Buckfastleigh with clay figures, plus a swim.
• Thursday 24th July: Games with Nerea and the Bin Rat Show by Theatre Alibi, provided by Villages in Action, plus a swim.
• Saturday 26th July: Buckfastleigh Water Day at Orchard Millennium Green - enjoy puppet and flag making, wool crafts, a free lunch for children, BBQ, and music, culminating in an end-of-day procession.
• Monday 28th July: BioBlitz and Microscope Photography, plus a swim.
• Tuesday 29th July: Swim and Games Day with lifeguards in the park.
• Wednesday 30th July: Play in a Day with Libby and Ryan - help create a play with games and music, 2pm show, plus a swim.
• Thursday 31st July: Local Trip TBC, Games with Nerea, Arts and Crafts, plus a swim.
• Monday 4th August: Bouncy Castle and Treasure Hunt, plus a swim.
• Tuesday 5th August: Swim and Games Day with lifeguards in the park.
• Wednesday 6th August: Make Shadow Puppets and enjoy the Piskie Path Glove Puppet Show at 1pm, plus a swim.
• Friday 8th August: Coach trip to Exeter - visit RAMM Museum and have fun at Exeter Quay Festival.
• Monday 11th August: Bouncy Castle and Space Hopper Games in the park, plus a swim.
• Tuesday 12th August: Swim and Games Day with lifeguards in the park.
• Wednesday 13th August: Fancy Dress, Photo Booth, and Karaoke Day, plus a swim.
• Thursday 14th August: Celebrate the Sea Day - sea-themed crafts with Buckfastleigh Library and a visit from Wembury Marine Centre, plus a swim.

Join the Buckfastleigh History Society for a fascinating evening as they present a talk on The Vikings in the West Country. The event will be held on Thursday, 24th July at 7:30pm at the Valiant Soldier Museum and Heritage Centre. Derek Gore will delve into both written and archaeological evidence of Viking activities in our area.

Tickets are £5, and you can pay by card, making it convenient for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the intriguing history of Vikings in the West Country.

For more details or inquiries, please contact the Buckfastleigh History Society directly.

Moorland Community Caring invites all local residents aged 50 and over to join our warm and welcoming Moor Social event in Buckfastleigh. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to socialise, enjoy a slice of cake, sip on a cup of tea, and engage in various talks and activities, or simply relish the company of others.

The July session of Moor Social will take place on Wednesday 2nd July at Buckfastleigh Bowling Club, Duckspond Road, TQ11 0NL, from 12 noon to 2 pm. With a suggested donation of £4, attendees can delight in delicious sandwiches, a scrumptious pudding, and unlimited tea and coffee. Please note, our usual social gathering scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month will instead be a lovely beach trip to Dawlish.

Please be aware that the Moor Socials will be on a summer hiatus during August and will joyfully resume on Wednesday 3rd September.

We endeavour to facilitate transportation to and from the Moor Social events for those who need it. If you require assistance with transport or desire more information about the event, do not hesitate to contact us at 07794 599206 or email info@moorlandcommunitycaring.org.uk.

We are delighted to announce the winners of the Dean Prior Church 100 Club draws for May and June. In the May draw, the winners were:

• 1st Prize: Philip Langley-May
• 2nd Prize: Katherine Jeffery
• 3rd Prize: Jeanne Pinney

In June, the lucky winners were:

• 1st Prize: Adrian Langley
• 2nd Prize: Valerie Chew
• 3rd Prize: Tony Palmer

A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your continued support. Your participation helps us greatly. Sincerely, Lynda Grieveson.

Saturday 26th July - Wine Bar: Join us at the Valiant Wine Bar from midday to 4 pm for a glass of wine, Pimms, beer, or cider. We'll also have a raffle with lots of lovely prizes. On the same day, visit our mini exhibition on the 19th-century battle for clean water at the 'Water Day' on the Millenium Green. If you have an old wooden toilet seat, we’d love to borrow it for an activity!

Saturday 23rd August – 60s Evening: Celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Valiant's closure as a pub with a 1960s-themed evening from 6-10 pm. Enjoy delicious cocktails like a Mai Tai, Tom Collins, or Gimlet. Dress in flared jeans, mini-skirts, or daisy flower prints for a fun-filled evening.

Buckfastleigh in the Roaring 20s: Discover what life was like in Buckfastleigh during the 1920s as part of 'A festival of Devon in the 1920s'. Visit our exhibition running until October.

Volunteering: We're always looking for volunteers! It's a great way to gain skills, experience, and meet new people. If interested, drop by for a chat or email us at info@valiantsoldier.org.uk.

The Garden: Our garden is thriving and we need help with maintenance. If you're interested, email us for gardening meet-up dates. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day with fellow enthusiasts.

Museum Visits: Free entry for TQ11 residents. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 3.30 pm (last entry at 3 pm) until the end of October, with additional openings on Sundays from late July to August and on Bank Holidays. Bring your children to enjoy the quiz and spot the hidden woolly sheep!

Support Us: Enter the Teignbridge lottery for a chance to win £25,000! Tickets are £1, with 50p supporting the Valiant Soldier. Donate via our Facebook 'Go fund me' page: https://gofund.me/f819a57a.

Sales: Our Visitor Centre offers local crafts, jewellery, ceramics, wooden items, greetings cards, local maps, games, pre-read books, and Salcombe ice cream.

Room Hire: If you’d like to hire a room, please email: info@valiantsoldier.org.uk or visit: valiantsoldier.org.uk.

Coffee Mornings: Held on Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm, run by the friendly Methodist group. Everyone is welcome.

We look forward to welcoming you to our unique museum this summer!

Welcome to Purl and a Pint at The Kings Arms, Buckfastleigh, where we meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting out, our group offers a supportive and friendly environment to enjoy your craft.

Engaging in hobbies like knitting can be beneficial for your mental health, helping to reduce anxiety by releasing positive hormones. So, why not join us and experience the joys of crafting in good company?

Upcoming dates include:

• 9th & 23rd July
• 13th & 27th August
• 10th & 24th September

If you have any questions or would like to chat before your first visit, please call Dawn at 07990 332816.

End of life is a topic that's often avoided, but at the MIC Centre in Buckfastleigh, there's a chance to change that. Join us for a monthly meeting where you can explore this broad subject, ask those lingering questions, and discuss how you feel about it.

Meet informally over a cup of tea to share, listen, and inquire. While the meeting is facilitated, there's usually no fixed agenda. Possible topics include:

• Bereavement
• Coping with grief
• Preparing for dying
• Living with someone who is dying
• Fears and anxieties about dying
• What happens after we die
• Funerals and costs
• Advanced decisions and living wills
• Palliative care

We meet on the last Thursday of each month from 6.30 to 8.00 pm. Our next meeting is on 31st July at the MIC Centre, Chapel Street, Buckfastleigh. We will take a break in August and resume on 25th September.

This is an open drop-in group, so feel free to join us. There's no charge, just a donation for tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Enquiries can be directed to Simon Smith at Heart & Soul Funerals, Buckfastleigh. You can reach him on 01364 643522 or via email at hello@heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk.

From the Rev Alex Holmes

Thank you for the warm welcome I've received in the weeks since starting on my ministry in Buckfastleigh and in the wider Dart and Avon Mission Community. I am very much enjoying meeting more of you, both those who are church members and those who are not, and learning more about the local community, with its joys and its needs. If you see me out and about, please do stop and say hello - I'm always up for a chat. My email is revalexholmes@gmail.com or phone 07576 193701. My working days are Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Sunday services in July and August

• July 6 and August 3: Quiet evening service of Compline at 6.00pm.
• July 13 & 27 and August 10 & 24: Holy Communion at 11.00am.
• July 20 and August 17: Lay-led Morning Worship at 11.00am.
• August 31: No service at St Luke's, instead an open-air service for all 7 churches of our Mission Community at 10.00am. (Venue to be confirmed).

We are an inclusive church, and we always aim to ensure everybody feels welcome at our services, regardless of age or background, or whether you have any experience of attending church services, or any clear understanding of faith in God.

Help from the Foodbank

Support is available for those in need, including food and advice from our CAB worker, who can often help in finding financial assistance. The Foodbank and the accompanying café run on Friday mornings at St Luke's. Each week representatives of an outside agency come into the café to offer information and advice. If you need help, call 01364 644485 (messages can be left at any time).

Further information

Our website has full information about church events - www.stlukeschurchbuckfastleigh.org.uk, or contact Rev Alex Holmes as above.

Drop In All Ability Yoga on Wednesdays:

• When: Wednesdays, 7.30pm to 8.30pm
• Where: St Luke's Church, Buckfastleigh (entrance at the back)
• Parking: Free parking at Victoria Woodholme car park
• No booking required. Regulars, drop-ins, and visitors are all welcome.

One to One Yoga: Personalised yoga sessions for one or two people in their own home.

Private Classes for Groups and Organisations: Ideal for promoting wellbeing in workplaces or other settings.

Yoga offers numerous benefits, including improved strength, balance, and flexibility. It can also help with anxiety, stress, back pain, arthritis, heart health, relaxation, and sleep.

Contact Kevin:

• Phone: 07540 751745
• Email: wellswoodyoga@gmail.com
• Website: www.wellswoodyoga.com

We’re preparing a free online directory for businesses and traders in Buckfastleigh, Scoriton, and Holne, launching this autumn. All local businesses—whatever the size—can apply now for a free listing, including space for a photo, contact details, and a short description.

To be included from the start, just complete the form at buckfastleighnews.org.uk/Traders/RegisterTrader.

Full eligibility and details are on our website. This is a free community service—donations are welcome but not required.

The Rotary Club of Ashburton and Buckfastleigh invites you to enjoy the vibrant talents of local artists at the annual Artex Art Exhibition. This year, the exhibition will be held in the stunning surroundings of Buckfast Abbey, running from 31st July to 17th August. All paintings on display are original works by artists from our community, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate and support local creativity.

The exhibition promises an inspiring array of art, and entrance is free, making it a delightful outing for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you're an avid art collector or simply enjoy a leisurely look at beautiful artwork, this exhibition is sure to have something for everyone.

If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to the Rotary Club of Ashburton and Buckfastleigh. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our love for art within our community.

The Buckfastleigh Memory Café is next departing on Tuesday 15th July and if you are living with dementia or other memory problems, please do join us, together with a companion, for a supportive and very friendly afternoon on board the train. This month’s trip will be quite a busy one as we will be joined by the Kingskerswell Memory Café and Elaine Musgrove from Teign CVS.

Simply turn up at the South Devon Railway station for 3.15pm, the train arrives at 3.30pm and we leave at 3.45pm for the trip to Totnes and back. Parking, refreshments, conversation and a joyous trip out are free – we just ask for a suggested donation of £2.50 per person.

It’s all thanks to the amazing volunteers, the wonderful South Devon Railway and the generous grant funding that keeps us steaming along. So we are so pleased to announce that McCarthy Stone have awarded us just over £6000 to continue supporting people with dementia in our community.

The Buckfastleigh Women's Institute has been bustling with activity recently. We embarked on a delightful visit to Delamore House for their art festival, and despite a brief spell of rain, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our members also had a lovely outing to the Barn Cinema at Dartington, where we watched The Salt Path.

Our recent meetings have featured some exceptional speakers. In May, Peter captivated us with a fascinating talk about guide dogs for the blind. Then, in June, Mick introduced us to the Devon Freewheelers, a remarkable charity providing a 24/7 courier service for the NHS. All their motorbike riders are volunteers dedicated to supporting this essential service.

Looking ahead, we're excited for a summer filled with skittles, walks, and various events, including a cruise on the River Exe and a trip to Exmouth. We're also planning our support for the WI resolution, ‘Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers’. More updates, along with details about our upcoming coffee morning for Rowcroft Hospice, will be shared in future editions.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, 8th July, where we will be treated to a presentation on our local Pengelly Caves. It would be lovely to meet you—your first visit with us is free! The WI offers a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and engage in local and national events. Join us from 7pm to 9pm in the lounge at St Luke’s Church, Buckfastleigh.

For more information, feel free to contact us at buckfastleigh@devonwi.org.uk.

We are a friendly worshipping community, meeting weekly at St Benedict’s Catholic Church in Chapel Street, Buckfastleigh (TQ11 0AQ), served by our priest Fr Francis Straw, from Buckfast Abbey.

We warmly invite you to join us on Saturdays at 5pm for Mass, followed by tea and coffee. Children are very welcome to enjoy our quiet activity area during the service.

A special note to holiday visitors: Are you reading this whilst on holiday? The congregation at St Benedict’s is always pleased to welcome visitors to our Saturday 5pm Mass. Come and find us. We look forward to meeting you.

Friday August 15th Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Blessed Virgin Mary: We are reminded that Mary, chosen by God to bring us Jesus, holds a unique place in Heaven, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death. Holy Mass will be celebrated in this parish as follows:

• 10.15 a.m. Our Lady of Lourdes & St.Petroc, Ashburton, TQ13 7AT
• 12.05 p.m. Abbey Blessed Sacrament Chapel
• 5 p.m. The Abbey Church
• 7.30 p.m. St. Dunstan, South Brent,TQ10 9AQ

The Chosen: We are looking forward to the general release of Season 5 of this wonderful TV series which brings us the life of Jesus, told through the eyes of those who knew Him. Look out for further details in the autumn.

Buckfastleigh Foodbank: As we continue to support the Foodbank with our donation point at St Benedict’s, we thank parishioners for their generosity. A list of items particularly needed is available in the church or on the Buckfastleigh Foodbank website.

Buckfastleigh Action for Nature Group has been busy this year with two projects aimed at supporting our precious pollinator insects, whose numbers have been declining. The Community Pollinator Project, which began in February with a seed swap at the MIC, has encouraged businesses and residents to create pollinator-friendly spaces. The results are now visible in beautiful displays throughout the town. Long-time supporters like John have been showcasing their efforts, such as his trough of recycled, pollinator-friendly plants.

Don't miss the fantastic floral displays from local businesses along Fore Street! Our wildlife gardener, Charlie Scullion, has also been instrumental, organising the Open Wildlife Gardens event this summer, which sparked interest in eco-friendly gardening practices, including composting and wildlife-friendly garden design. Charlie also hosted a children's workshop at the library, focusing on model-making and planting.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to support the Devon Swift Project with a talk by Jerry Horn on 16th July. Thanks to funding from Riverford, we aim to enhance nesting habitats. If you have suitable buildings for swift boxes, please reach out to us for more information.

Additionally, we plan to conduct a Bat Count towards the end of July. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.

Stay connected with us for more updates and photos of seasonal displays as we move into autumn. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/buckfastleighactionfornature. Visit our website for newsletters and more: www.buckfastleighactionfornature.org.uk.

On Thursday 5th May, members were able to hear the talk by Marigold Seager-Berry at our normal meeting. Marigold is a regular speaker at our meetings, and we were very pleased to see her again.

Our next meeting is to be held on Thursday 3rd July when we will enjoy our yearly trip. After our journey by coach to Totnes, we will sail by boat to Dartmouth where we will have time for lunch and enjoy Dartmouth. We will then return to Buckfastleigh by coach.

There will be no August meeting, but we will meet again on Thursday 4th September to hear Kate Gouldon on ‘Reflection of a Gardener’s Retreat’. Visitors are welcome to join our friendly group.

More information about Mothers’ Union please contact Janet Jones on 01364 643637.

Join us every Tuesday at Buckfastleigh Town Hall from 2:30pm to 4:30pm for our social supermarket initiative. Enjoy a free cuppa while you shop, with the shopping opening at 3pm and our new closing time extended to 4:30pm.

Our social supermarket is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the community to access good quality food at a low cost, while also playing a part in reducing food waste. Come along and support this brilliant community effort!

For more information about Better Places and our initiatives, please visit our website at www.bebuckfastleigh.co.uk.

The Orchard Millennium Green celebrated another successful Fun Day on Sunday, 29th June. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and attended.

A special thank you to Jane at the Globe Inn for sponsoring our Duck Race for the second consecutive year. Be sure to visit the Globe for a friendly pint.

Our gratitude also goes to the wonderful ladies of the Buckfastleigh WI for their delicious cakes and for managing the cake stall. Your contributions were truly appreciated.

We are immensely grateful to our fantastic volunteers, whose hard work made the day memorable by running games, stalls, and the Tea Hut. Thank you all!

Upcoming Events: Water Day - End of July. Keep an eye out for posters with more details!