the boys nEx t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team - page 21
Ex perience - North Devon Ramblers - page 24
Ex plained - Graham Bell Page - page 28
The Braunton Ex press - pages 32/33
Ex perience - The Hot House Combo - Live Music Night - page 34
Ex plained - Braunton Academy - Student Showcase - page 37
Ex perience - Stay and Play - Caen Primary School - page 40
The Dog Nex t Door - Ozzy - page 41
Ex perience - Get Closer to Nature -Braunton Countryside Centre - page 42
Ex perience - National Trust - page 48
Ex perience - Charity Car Tour - Braunton Caen Rotary - page 52
Ex plained - Grockle - Barry S Dowding - page 56
Ex plained - Greenfingers The Alan Titchmarsh Column - page 57 perplEX Just for Fun - page 59
The Cats nex t door - Reggie - page 60
EXperience - What’s On - page 61
indEX of Advertisers - page 62
The Braunton Community Page
BRAUNTON & DISTRICT U3A
Monthly meetings in the Parrish Hall, 1st Tuesday of the month.
Next meeting is Tuesday March 3rd.the Speaker this month is Todd Gray, his subject “Observations of North Devon. Entry £2 includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. Members only, new members welcome, sign up on the day. For more information on U3A activities check the Braunton U3A website.
BRAUNTON LIBRARY
Mondays 11.15-12.00 Stay & Play.
Every other Monday Crochet & coffee 2-4pm, enquire in library for details. Creative Writing second Wednesday of the month 1-3pm. £2. Wednesday’s Stay & Play 11.15-12.30. Thursdays 9.30-11am Stay & Play.
Fridays Crafts & a cuppa 2.30-4pm £2. Fridays 11.15 Mini Readers, Term time only. Saturdays Playmobil 10.15-Midday for 4 year Olds plus. Reading Groups please ask for details. Pebble painting for adults, ask in Library for details. Volunteers required to help with Library Extra opening, 2 hours a month would make a difference. Other activities and events are all advertised on our Facebook page and website.
Did you know that we have a free service delivering books to your door (Braunton area) if you are unable to get to the library? If you think you or someone else would benefit from the Devon Libraries Home Library Service then please contact us on 01271812808
BRAUNTON COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE
Open 10am-4pm every day except Sunday, come in and learn about local flora & fauna. Lots to keep children, and adults interested. Entry is free, but a small donation is always welcome.
CHRIST CHURCH, BRAUNTON
Saturday 7th March - 10am – 12 Coffee morning at Christ Church. All money raised will go towards Little Willows Wish www.littlewillowswish.co.uk. Everyone welcome. Home made cakes, raffle, books and more. Community Café meets every Thursday at Christ Church 2.30 - 4.30pm. Come along and enjoy a warm welcome, a cuppa and home made cake - all for just £1.50. All ages welcome. See you there!
THE BRAUNTON MUSEUM AND INFORMATION
Braunton Museum reopens Monday 2nd March at 10am until 3pm. Tuesday to Thursday will also be open 10 to 3pm. Friday will be 10 to 1pm. We are still hoping to invite more volunteers to join us. We are holding our annual Easter Tombola on the Saturday 4th April which is always popular, outside the museum, weather permitting, or inside otherwise. We look forward to seeing our regular visitors and welcome new.
BRAUNTON FUNDRAISING GROUP FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Hello everyone ,hope you are all well and looking forward to Spring. This month we have our Spring coffee morning on14th March 10am to 12 noon in the Parish Hall. £2 entrance to include coffee/ tea and biscuits. There will be our usual stall holders selling cakes, crafts and many others. We will have our ever popular raffle. Our quiz night in February had to be postponed. Our new date for you quizzers is being held on Thursday 26th March at the Cricket Club, opening at 7pm for 7.30 start. Price of tickets is £6 each and teams of 4-6 people is ideal. For more information and to purchase tickets please contact Jackie on 814475 Thankyou.
BRAUNTON PARKINSON’S CAFE
Second Monday of the month at the Vivian Moon Centre, Chaloners Road, Braunton, EX33 2ES- 10.30 -12noon. A Parkinson’s Cafe is specifically for people with Parkinson’s, their partners, carers, family and friends to meet together for a cuppa and a chat in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. It is organised by volunteers from Parkinson’s UK and the Rotary Club of Braunton Caen. Please join us for a chat and the opportunity to make new friends. Contact Sarah on 01271 816150 or just turn up.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF BRAUNTON CAEN MEMORY CAFÉ
Last Wednesday of the month at the Vivian Moon Centre, Chaloners Road, Braunton, EX33 2ES 2-4pm
A memory café is a friendly and informal café with a warm Rotary welcome in a relaxed atmosphere, for people with memory problems. Please come and join us for a chat, fun and refreshments, as well as making new friends. It is free of charge. Just turn up or contact Geoff on 01271 815377.
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• Residential Maintenance
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COMPUTER HACKING
Computer hacking refers to the unauthorised access or manipulation of computer systems, networks, or data.
What is Computer Hacking?
Hackers, the individuals who engage in this activity, exploit vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or human behaviour to gain entry into systems they do not have permission to access. Their motives can vary widely, from personal financial gain and stealing sensitive information to demonstrating system weaknesses and cyber espionage. The most common type of hacking reported to Report Fraud is the hacking of email and social media accounts.
The Impact of Hacking Computer hacking can have severe consequences, including:
• Financial loss from stolen credit card information or fraudulent transactions.
• Loss of personal and sensitive data, leading to identity theft.
• Damage to reputation for businesses and individuals.
• Disruption of services and operations.
• Legal repercussions for organisations found to be negligent in protecting their systems. Protect Yourself Against Computer Hacking
In today's digital age, computer hacking poses a significant threat to individuals and organisations alike. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities to steal personal information, financial data, and even identities. To protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of computer hacking, follow these essential guidelines. Advice for individuals: Your email account is where you keep your most personal and financial information.
• If a cyber criminal accesses your email, they could: access your other online accounts using the 'forgot password' feature (which often sends you an email)
• Access personal or business information and use this to scam you or people you know Two actions to instantly help protect your email Action 1: Passwords
• Your email password should be strong and different from all your other passwords.
• Combining 3 random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
• Do not use words that can be guessed (like your pet's name). You can include numbers and symbols if needed. For example, “Hippo!PizzaRocket1” Action 2: Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email
• 2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity.
• For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password. You won't be asked for this every time you check your email. Reporting Cybercrime
If you believe you have been a victim of hacking, report it immediately to - reportfraud.police.uk - the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, or call 0300 123 2040. Timely reporting can help prevent further damage and assist in catching cybercriminals. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to computer hacking. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and prioritise your digital security.
Sunday 1st March
Over the Border!
A moderate/strenuous 10 mile circular walk from Welcome Mouth along the SWCP.
Meet at Welcome Mouth car park.
Start Time: 10.15am, estimated finish 4.30pm
Wednesday 4th March
Westward Ho! To Abbotsham
An easy 5.5 mile circular walk along footpaths, country lanes and the coast.
Meet at Seafield car park.
Start time: 10.30am, estimated finish 2pm.
Saturday 7th March
Take A “Long slow walk” over Exmoor
A 9.5 mile varied circular walk with footpaths, tracks and open moorland.
A moderate walk taken at a leisurely pace. Please refer to NDR website for meeting place instructions.
Start time: 10.30am, estimated finish 4.30pm.
Saturday 14th March
Parracombe circuit
A 12 mile circular walk across Martinhoe Common, Woody Bay, SWCP and Heddon Valley.
Meet at Parracombe Village Hall car park.
Start time: 10.40am, estimated finish 4.30pm.
Tuesday 17th March
Daffodils and Codden Hill
A 5 mile circular walk along lanes and through woods to Codden Hill, taken at a leisurely pace.
Meet at Landkey Millennium car park.
Start time: 10.30am, estimated finish 1.30pm.
Saturday 21st March
Nether Stowey and Dowsborough
A 5.5 mile circular walk through fields, paths woodland tracks and quiet lanes.
Meet at the Public Library in Castle Street.
Start time: 10.30am, estimated finish 3pm.
Tuesday 24th March
Finding St Urith
A 7 mile circular walk from Umberleigh train station through Pitt Wood to Chittlehampton, returning along the river.
Meet at Barnstaple train station to catch the 9.35 or Umberleigh at 9.45am.
Start time: 9.45am, estimated finish 2pm.
Saturday 28th March
Two Moors Way- 50th Anniversary
An 11 mile circular walk to Lynmouth and Valley of the Rocks, returning on the TMW. Start time and meeting point TBA- please refer to NDR website.
Sunday 29th March
Classic Exmoor Walking.
A circular walk, fields, tracks and some moorland from Simonsbath and Cow Castle. Meet at Ashcombe NT car park.
Start time: 10.30am, estimated finish 2.30pm.
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Braunton Youth Voices…
This week, I was fortunate to attend and speak at LiveWells incredible Braunton Soup event at the Vivian Moon Centre when three fantastic teenagers told me that they recognised my face from the EX33 every month! GREAT to know that EX33 reaches every part of our community!
I had wanted to write about Braunton Youth Club this month so it was serendipitous that the girls asked for the opportunity to describe what the Youth Club means to them. So, without further ado Braunton Youth Club, unedited, in their own words:
Braunton Youth Club has been running for over a decade and has always been a safe space for young people. What that actually means is that any young person between the ages of 9-11 and 11-14 can show up at any point during the session (6.30-8.30) and can do anything from just sitting down and chatting to each other to playing a game of pool or table football and much more! Also, if you like to skate then you can go outside to the skate ramp (the bowl in Braunton), which is located right next to youth club.
There are lots of table games, such as ping pong and a pool table. If you like gaming, there is a Nintendo switch and a TV; we also play card and board games. As soon as you get in, there are colouring books, paper to draw on and books of sudoku and wordsearches!
Sometimes we enjoy dancing or doing karaoke, but the amazing thing is that nobody forces you to do anything, the choice is all yours!
Braunton Youth Club is run fully by volunteers: we have the lovely Mark Sumner, Angie, Tracey, Emily, Chloe and more! There are two sessions for two different age groups: 9-11 (years 5-6) is the first Tuesday of each month, whereas 11- 14 (years 7-9) is on every other Monday (following the February half-term, it will be starting on the 23 February). We are so grateful to all the volunteers who run the club and give up their time so that we can enjoy ourselves!
"Youth club is such an amazing place to go, it's so sociable and you can do anything you want. I look forward to it every fortnight and think you all should come along!" … POLLY
"I always look forward to youth club because everyone is super lovely and I love the fact that we get to run it ourselves and choose what we get to do. It's a really chilled out environment and I'd definitely recommend this to all of the youths of Braunton." … FLO
Thank you so much.
Cllr Graham M Bell (rn)
Devon County Councillor: Braunton Rural North Devon District Council: Lead Councillor for Housing & Homelessness, District & Parish Councillor for Braunton East
Please note, as an RN, I frequently work nights and unusual shift patterns, therefore it might not be possible to respond to queries immediately. If a matter requires an urgent response, please call, message or WhatsApp on 07929159996
THE BRAUNTON EXPRESS
Parish Council Car Parks
Parking prices to remain unchanged Braunton Parish Council own both the Caen Street and Chaloners Road car parks in Braunton. It is reassuring news that the Council have agreed to keep the current pricing structure in place for 2026 with no increases to the pay and display or app prices. The permit costs will also remain unchanged this year.
You may have noticed that we recently laid new tarmac on the entrance to our car park in Chaloners Road, together with new fencing. Some new planting is to be carried out in both the Chaloners
Road and Caen Street Car parks.
As well as the upkeep of the car parks, the income generated helps to support many of the services on offer in Braunton such as play parks and open spaces. In addition, it enables us to support valuable community organisations including those based around the car park - the Countryside Centre, Men’s Shed and the Museums, as well as supporting Livewell in Braunton with office space at the Community Work Hub.
Ringo is coming to Braunton
The current Flowbird app is being discontinued and we are in the process of moving over to the Ringo app under North Devon Council’s account. Most of the features are similar but we understand that it may be more reliable and there are fewer network issues. There is also a back up telephone number in case the app does have any issues. The change over will be announced on social media and new signage will be put in place.
Public Conveniences
New annual permits will be available for Caen Street Overflow car park from 1 April 2026. The price of the permits have not increased this year and remain at the very reasonable cost of £260 per annum. This works out at incredible value at just over 71p per day. For further information please contact the Parish Council or visit the Council office next to the library. Permit numbers are limited.
Clerk’s Office
Chaloners Road
Braunton
Devon, EX33 2ES
Phone: 01271 812131
Email: info@brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Web: www.brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Facebook.com/BrauntonParishCouncil
Hours: 09:00 - 12:00 Monday - Friday
Tracey Lovell, Clerk to the Council
Angela Corner, Senior Council Officer
Julie Spain, Admin Assistant
The Parish Council have recently taken on the Public conveniences in Caen Street car park. They plan to continue to keep these vital facilities free to users. The transfer was made from North Devon Council in December 2025.
Parking Permits
Meetings Calendar 2026
FullCouncilmeetingsareheldinthe Council Chamber and additional meetings, to primarily consider planning applications, are held virtually.
The next Councillor Surgery will be held in the Parish Hall at 10.30am on Saturday 11 April 2026.
Full Council Meeting 7pm Tuesday 10th March 2026
Additional Council Meeting 7pm Monday 23rd March 2026
Dogs Trust Ilfracombe
Dog of the Month - Ozzy
Calling all big dog lovers! Adorable Ozzy is a six-year-old Mastiff looking for a loving home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe.
Ozzy is known by his carers as being a gentle giant who loves nothing more than a big snuggle. Despite being a large dog, he’ll do his best to try and squeeze onto your lap if you share a sofa with him, as he adores lots of attention and fuss.
Ozzy is currently living off-site in a foster home, and has been enjoying trips out in the car to local beaches, cafes and pubs with his foster carer. Generally, he plods along gently on his lead, taking in his surroundings. He has met a few dogs out and about, and he’s bouncy and excited to greet them.
Ozzy could share his home with teenage children. He is looking to be the only dog in the home, and he’d like a home without any cats, other small pets or livestock, although he has been around horses. He is housetrained, can cope with a reasonably busy household, and is happy to be left alone for a few hours at a time.
If you think Ozzy might be the perfect match for you, please get in touch to find out more information.
Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe
Get closer to nature this spring with Braunton Countryside Centre
Braunton Bee & Bug Hunt
Saturday 21 March & Wednesday 8 April, meet at the Centre, 11am – 1pm
Join our knowledgeable volunteer, Debbie Frazer, to search for bumblebees, solitary bees, and other invertebrates. No booking required; suggested £4 donation on the day (free for under 16s).
Braunton Birdwatch
Saturday 14 March, meet at Heanton Court car park, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Saturday 11 April, meet at Crow Point Car Park, 10.30am – 12.30pm
A family-friendly birdwatch led by avid birder Andy Leat. No booking required; suggested £4 donation on the day (free for under 16s). Don’t forget £2.50 for the toll gate for the Crow Point birdwatch.
Seashore Safari, Saunton Sands
Thursday 16 April, 11am – 1pm
Discover the magic of rockpools in this family friendly rock-pooling session with marine ecologist, Mark Ward. Booking required via our website; suggested £4 donation on the day (free for under 16s).
Spring Dune Walk on Braunton Burrows
Saturday 18 April, meet at Sandy Lane Car Park, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Join local naturalist Mary Breeds on a circular guided walk to explore the famous dunes and discover the unique spring flora and fauna. No booking required; suggested £4 donation on the day.
Wildlife Gardening and Plant & Seed Swap
Saturday 25 April, 10am – 4pm
Swap and share your plants & seeds at the Centre and find out about Devon Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Garden Award Scheme. Plus, join us for drop-in sessions including pollinator-friendly planting, making bee hotels and crafting willow bird feeders. Free event, donations welcome.
Visit: www.brauntoncountrysidecentre.org/events-calendar for details of all our upcoming events!
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JUST FOR FUN
HIDDEN MESSAGE Types of Coffee
Februarys' answer was:
“Were it not for a coffee one could not write, which is to say one could not live.”
- Honoré de Balzac
CAT OF THE MONTH
Reggie
Reggie is a three legged, incredibly handsome boy with a big love of people and the great outdoors. He’s a natural wanderer and despite losing a front leg he hasn’t lost his spirit. He’s friendly, affectionate, and adored by everyone he meets.
We’re looking for a special home where Reggie can feel secure, loved, and able to enjoy some outdoor freedom.
As always with CP cats, he has been Vet Checked, Vaccinated, and treated against fleas and worms. The standard adoption fee of £85 applies.
For further information please contact; T; 0345 371 4203
For more details on any club or event please ring the relevant number
Dance / Fitness / Diet Classes:
Dancing Feet Academy of Dance - 816213
Salsa & Flamenco Dance Lessons with Mercedes - 269146
Yoga with Jules - 07813 874121
Yoga with Simone - 07860 604698
Cardio Kick! - 07876 406077
Toddler Groups:
South Street Baby Group - 07776 261541
South Street Toddler Group - 07776 261541
Noisy Nippers @ South Street - 07776 261541
St Brannock’s Babies & Toddler Group - 07980 915660
Paratroopers Fitness for 3 - 5 yr olds with Laura - 07775 182391
Tag Rugby for Years 2, 3 and 4 with Laura - 07775 182391
Chatty Paces Running Group - Start at the Athletics Track - 07980 342144
Chakra Dancing 07471 894200
Hypno Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth with Kristina - 07907508624
Women's Meditation and Relaxation Circle with Kristina - 07907508624
Paula Harrison Yoga - yoga@paulaharrison.eco - 07917 365318
Private/group yoga and somatic movement classes - 07738014383
Pilates, Yoga, Soundbaths and Over 60s sessions sue@sensegreaterpeace.co.uk
Clubs:
Braunton Original Badminton Club - 374419 or 890185
Braunton Art Group, meet on Thursdays at the Vivian Moon Centre at 1.30pm - 4pm. New members of all abilities are welcome. Tel: 07466 381 770 or email: oldhamstreamways@btintenet.com or just pop in and see us at work.
Braunton Bridge Club - 07734 219859 www.bridgewebs.com/braunton
Braunton Camera Club - Meet on Monday evenings contact Chairpersons 07812753361/01271883306
Braunton Judo Club - bjc@otani.co.uk
Vivian Moon Community Centre Coffee Morning - 815924
Rotary Club of Braunton Caen. www.brauntoncaenrotary.co.uk
Rotary Club of Braunton - www.brauntonrotary.org
Empathy - need some company - See www.brauntonchurch.org
Air Cadets 722 Chivenor Squadron - 07920 091557
Aikido Club - 01769 560605 or 861243
Braunton Army Cadets - 07970 082963
Croyde Surf Lifesaving Club - 890101
Croyde Surf Club www.croydesurfclub.com
Braunton Karate Club - 07736 936738 unionkaratedo.com
South Street Evangelical Church. (currently meeting at Christ Church) 4pm. Tel: 07879 773085
Coastal Community Church - Tel: 813515
(Currently meeting at Sticklepath Primary School, Barnstaple at 10.30am) Life GroupThursdays at 10.30am in Braunton. www.coastalcommunitychurch.org.uk Christ Church Braunton. 10.30am, Wednesday 10.30am. Tel: 07775 804439
Our Lady Star of the Sea at Ilfracombe is now the mother church of the parish. For information please phone 01271 863563
St Brannocks C of E Church (Braunton). 9.45am, Wednesday 10am. Tel: 813367
St Augustine's (Heanton). 11am. Tel: 815795
St Anne’s C of E Church (Saunton). 11am. Tel: 813367
