Buckfastleigh Community News

Join Wellswood Yoga for All Ability Yoga classes at St Luke's Church, Buckfastleigh every Wednesday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Entrance is at the back of the church, and free parking is available at Victoria Woodholme car park. No booking required, just turn up!

For personalized sessions, consider our One to One Yoga or Private Classes for Groups and Organisations, ideal for enhancing wellbeing in any setting.

Experience the numerous benefits of yoga, from improving strength and flexibility to aiding in relaxation and heart health. For more details or to book a private session, contact Kevin at 07540 751745 or wellswoodyoga@gmail.com. Visit www.wellswoodyoga.com for more information.

Dear friends and supporters of the Social Supermarket in Buckfastleigh, we have important updates to share regarding our beloved community resource. Due to the end of our core funding, Better Places (Be Buckfastleigh) has reviewed our projects to ensure each one is sustainable and self-funding, no longer reliant on grants.

Starting from Tuesday, 5th November, the suggested donation at the Social Supermarket will increase from £3.50 to £4.50. This decision, though difficult, is crucial for the continued operation and success of the supermarket, ensuring it remains a valuable asset to our community.

Previously, your donations have covered the cost of food from Fare Share and the rental of the Football Club premises. However, Better Places has absorbed all other operational costs such as back office support, administration, and insurance. Moving forward, these costs will also need to be covered by the supermarket's own funds, necessitating this change in donation amount.

We assure you that any surplus funds will be reinvested into the supermarket. We look forward to still hosting special events during the holidays and continuing to offer essential household products. Additionally, we are excited to introduce a range of eco-friendly products over the coming months. These include safety razors, cleaning products, reusable period products, drinks bottles, and hygiene items, all available within the suggested donation of £4.50.

If you have any questions about this change or wish to learn more about the funding of the Social Supermarket, please feel free to reach out to Rachel at rachel@bebuckfastleigh.co.uk.

The Social Supermarket continues to operate every Tuesday at Buckfastleigh Rangers Football Club from 15:30-17:00. This service is available to everyone in Buckfastleigh and the surrounding villages, and we warmly invite you to join us.

The Little Lambs Early Years Group, a cornerstone for local families, has joyfully reopened its doors every Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Luke's, specifically during term times. This beloved group, essential for parents and carers of children under five, continues to offer a nurturing environment filled with varied and engaging activities, alongside healthy snacks for the children and refreshments for adults.

With the recent challenges in funding, the group has seen some exciting changes, including the formation of a new committee and a dedicated team of support volunteers, easily identifiable by their volunteer lanyards. To ensure the sustainability of our group, we are now asking for a small donation of £2 per family per week. For convenience, there is also an option to pay this donation in advance for multiple weeks.

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved, from the volunteers at St. Luke's to each family that steps through our doors. Your support helps us continue to provide a safe and engaging place for our youngest residents and their families.

Contact details: For more information or to get involved, please feel free to reach out to us.

On the 26th of September, the Friends of Buckfastleigh Library hosted a delightful evening that captivated a full house. We were thrilled to have Stephanie Austin, a renowned author, share the intriguing journey behind her crime novels. Stephanie, whose stories are vividly set in Ashburton and the enchanting surroundings of the moors, provided fascinating insights into her writing process and her continuous passion for crafting exciting narratives.

Attendees enjoyed not only the engaging talk but also the lovely refreshments provided, making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It was a great opportunity for community members to come together, learn something new, and have a wonderful time.

Keep an eye out for future events at the Buckfastleigh Library! We look forward to welcoming you to more engaging gatherings like this one.

For more information, please contact Friends of Buckfastleigh Library or visit our website. We can't wait to see you at our next event!

Join us at Dean Prior Church for a special Remembrance Day Service on Sunday, November 10th at 9:30 AM. The service will be thoughtfully led by Rev. Gina Radford. It's a meaningful opportunity to honor and remember together.

Following the service, mark your calendars for a delightful fundraising event aimed at supporting our beloved church. We're hosting a mouth-watering lunch on Saturday, November 23rd at 12 noon in the Village Hall. The menu features homemade soup, freshly baked bread, and delicious puddings. Not only will there be great food, but you can also enjoy tea, coffee, and engaging conversation. Don't miss the raffle too!

• Tickets: £10.00 per person (children half price).

To ensure your spot, please book your table by calling 01364 72295.

Also, a hearty thank you to everyone who supported our recent Coffee Morning on October 5th, 2024. With your help, we raised £359.00 towards church repairs. Your generosity and participation at events like these make a real difference.

Contact: 01364 72295

The History Society Buckfastleigh is excited to invite community members to their upcoming talk titled "Patriotic Girls are We". This engaging presentation will focus on the pivotal role women played in agriculture during World War I. The event will be held at the Valiant Soldier on Thursday, 21 November at 7:30 PM, and will feature a lecture by the esteemed Tony Gale.

Everyone is welcome to join and delve into this fascinating aspect of our history. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the contributions of women during a critical time in our past.

For more information, please contact the History Society Buckfastleigh directly.

Cost of Living Support Event: Facing financial challenges? Attend our Free Cost of Living Event on Wednesday, 20th November, at Ashburton Town Hall. Free transportation from Buckfastleigh is available. Receive crucial advice on managing your expenses.

Christmas Lights Display: With a £2,000 donation from the Buckfastleigh Town Lottery Committee, we're enhancing our Christmas Lights. Decorate your windows by Wednesday 4th December for the Christmas Fair. We are ensuring all new setups meet safety standards.

Council Grants: Apply for up to £500 if your group benefits our community. The deadline is 31st January 2025.

Join the Town Council: We have openings! Discover more at our meeting on Wednesday, 20th November, from 7.00 to 9.00 pm. Contact Judith at clerk@buckfastleigh.gov.uk or 01364 642576/07904 033616.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our Community Harvest Celebration in partnership with the Moor Imagination Collective. Following the success of this event, we are pleased to announce a festive 'pop-up' carol sing on December 7th at the same venue. Do join us for an afternoon of joyful singing.

We are also planning an away-day this month with the Ashburton Methodist Community to discuss our future plans. Efforts to improve access at Buckfast Chapel are ongoing.

Our regular Sunday worship is held at 3pm, except for November 10th when it will be at 10:30am. Additionally, everyone is welcome at our Wednesday coffee mornings at the Valiant Soldier.

Contact Information: For further details, please contact us.

The Buckfastleigh Memory Café will convene on November 19th at the South Devon Railway, in a stationary carriage on the platform. This session, we'll enjoy the company from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, with free parking and refreshments provided. Look forward to entertainment by Buckfastleigh's renowned duo, 'Trev and Kev'.

We're grateful for the support from Buckfastleigh Town Council, ensuring we can keep providing this valuable community service. For more information, contact Kathrine at Kathrine@conversationworks.co.uk or call 07899 993134.

The Scoriton & Buckfastleigh Twinning Association warmly invites one and all to a lively Ceilidh on Saturday 9th November at 7.30pm, set in the cozy confines of Buckfast Village Hall. This event promises an evening of delightful entertainment suitable for the entire family.

Get ready to dance the night away to the tunes of a live Ceilidh band, expertly guided by our caller, Rod. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a newcomer to the Ceilidh scene, there's fun to be had by everyone. The best part? Entry is a mere £3 per person, and children under 12 can join in for free! Don't forget to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy.

A highlight of the evening will be our raffle, featuring an array of prizes, including a delectable hamper of French food. It's not just about fun; it's also an opportunity to support the Twinning Association and mingle with fellow community members in a relaxed setting.

For more information, feel free to contact the Scoriton & Buckfastleigh Twinning Association directly. Let's make it a night to remember!

Storytelling Session: Tales from This Side of Autumn

Join storyteller Sara Hurley at Buckfastleigh Library on Saturday, November 9th, 10:30-11:30 AM for enchanting autumnal folk tales. Learn about the magic of hedgehogs, pumpkins, and apple trees. Tickets: £2, book in advance.

Board Game Club

Enjoy a variety of board games at our club on Saturday, October 19th, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Suitable for ages 6 to adults. Entry: £1.50 pp, includes free refreshments.

For bookings and information, visit Buckfastleigh Library.

Join the delightful Purl and a Pint group at The Kings Arms, Buckfastleigh for evenings filled with knitting and friendly chats. Our gatherings take place from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on selected Wednesdays. Bring your projects, share tips, and enjoy the company of fellow craft enthusiasts.

Don't miss the chance to attend Stitch Fest 2024 at Newton Abbot Racecourse on November 2nd and 3rd, where you can explore a wide range of wool products.

Meetings are scheduled for:

• September 11th
• September 25th
• October 9th
• October 23rd
• November 13th
• November 27th

If you're new and would like to know more, feel free to call Dawn at 07990 332816.

Christmas is coming, and so is the Buckfastleigh Christmas Street Fair! On Wednesday 4th December, the charming Fore Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a festive wonderland from 4pm till 7:30pm. This beloved community event promises to be a delightful evening for both children and adults.

Fore Street will host around 50 fabulous stalls, featuring a variety of Christmas gifts, delicious food, festive drinks, and much more. Local businesses will also extend their hours, ensuring that everyone has ample opportunity to indulge in some holiday shopping. The fair will commence with heartwarming performances from the students of Buckfastleigh Primary School and Buckfast St Mary's Catholic Primary School.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the cheeky Christmas Grinch who will be roaming the fair this year! Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will be brand new stilt walkers and a festive photo booth for everyone to enjoy. A highlight for many is the Victorian Carousel, located in the Globe Car Park, offering timeless fun. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to sing along with the singing quartet "Raise the Roof" as they perform throughout the evening.

The evening will conclude with a Live Street Auction, where you can bid on gifts donated by local businesses—a perfect chance to find unique holiday presents.

We can't wait to see you there to kick off the festive season in style! For more details, feel free to reach out to the organizers at info@example.com or visit our website at www.buckfastleighchristmasfair.com.

St Benedict’s Catholic Church in Chapel Street, Buckfastleigh is a friendly Catholic worshipping community served by our Parish Priest, Fr Francis Straw, from Buckfast Abbey. We warmly invite you to join with 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.

Remembrance
During our Vigil Mass on Saturday, November 9th, we will be reflecting on all those whose lives have been lost or maimed in the two World Wars and the many conflicts since. You are very welcome to join us for this service of remembrance at 5pm. Buckfast Abbey’s Requiem Mass of Remembrance will be at 11am on Sunday, November 10th, followed by a short service in the parish cemetery where a plaque remembering parishioners who gave their lives for this country is situated. We will gather at the lych-gate.

Advance notices for Advent
Marking the beginning of the season of Advent, there will be an ecumenical Advent Service of Light at the Catholic Church in Ashburton - Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Petrock - on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7.30pm and at the Catholic Church in South Brent – St Dunstan’s - on Thursday, December 5th at 7.30pm. You are very welcome to attend and join us for refreshments afterwards.

Children’s Crib Blessing Service at St Benedict’s Church Buckfastleigh
On Wednesday, December 4th, at 2pm, one of the classes from our parish school, St Mary’s, will be leading us in a pre-Christmas reflection, where Father Francis will bless the crib which will have been decorated with the help of the children. This is a wonderful service where we always enjoy the children’s presentation of Christmas - especially their beautiful singing!

The Chosen
We are continuing to watch Season Four of the multi-season TV series, The Chosen, which tells the story of the life of Jesus through the eyes of those who knew Him. We meet on Saturday afternoons at 1.45pm in the Parish Meeting Room at Buckfast Abbey, to watch this wonderful production and chat over a cup of tea or coffee. We usually finish by 3.30pm.

Buckfastleigh Foodbank
There is a donation point for the Foodbank in St Benedict’s and we thank parishioners for their continuing generosity and especially all those who attended our parish Harvest Festival and gave so kindly for the Foodbanks of Buckfastleigh and Ashburton. A list of items particularly needed is available in the church or on the Buckfastleigh Foodbank website.

Contact Details: parish@buckfast.org.uk
Telephone Fr Francis Straw: 01364 645526

This November, the Woolly Nanas are excited to present a variety of craft workshops and free activities for all ages. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just starting, there’s something for everyone!

Workshops:

• Rug Making: Saturday 9th November, 10am-4pm, £30 + £10 materials. Led by Noni.
• Felt a Fairy: Saturday 16th November, 10.30am-2pm, £65. With Marcelle.
• Rug Weaving Skills: Saturday 23rd November, 10am-2pm, £45. With Noni.

Children’s Sessions:

• Mondays: Felting Fun, 3.30 - 5pm, £15. Ages 8+.
• Tuesdays: Young Weavers, 3.30 - 5pm, £15. All ages (under 6 with an adult).

Book by emailing woollynanas@gmail.com. Payment in advance, refundable if cancelled within 7 days.

Free Activities: Join us for weekly crafts like felting, weaving, and knitting. Check our Facebook for updates. Special sessions, 'Sort It' with Jackie Millichap, on 7th and 28th November from 1-3pm.

Find us at Moor Imagination Community, 218 Chapel Street, Buckfastleigh on weekends. Visit our craft library, purchase woolly items, and get expert advice.

Details at woollynanas@gmail.com or on our Facebook page.

Our last meeting of the Buckfastleigh Mothers' Union took an unexpected turn when our planned speaker could not attend. Instead, Janet Jones led a compelling discussion on issues such as women's workloads and illiteracy. Additionally, we decided to take a stand against domestic violence with a public display. A poster will be prominently placed outside of St Luke’s Church on 30th November to raise awareness about this critical issue.

Looking ahead, we're excited to welcome Chris Murray to our next meeting. Chris will enlighten us with a talk about Pennywell Farm. Join us on Thursday, 7th November at 2:30 pm at St Luke’s Church. After the talk, we’ll enjoy some time together over tea, coffee, and biscuits. We’re always happy to see new faces, so if you’re not a member yet, please feel free to come along and see what the Mothers’ Union is all about.

For more information about the Buckfastleigh Mothers' Union or to get in touch with us, please contact Janet Jones at 01364 643627.

Remembrance Sunday at St Luke's Church on November 10th starts with a service at 10:45 am, followed by a wreath-laying at Holy Trinity Church around 12 noon. The service is an occasion to honor those affected by past and current conflicts and is led by Revd. Marisa Cockfield.

November Services: Join us for our usual services; Compline on the 3rd at 6 pm, a lay-led service on the 17th, and Holy Communion on the 24th, all at 11 am.

Foodbank: Open Friday mornings for food and advice, with phone support available at 01364 644485. Visit www.stlukeschurchbuckfastleigh.org.uk for more details or call 07903 400480 for direct inquiries.

The Buckfastleigh Women's Institute had a productive month, starting with heartfelt gratitude to all who attended our coffee morning on the 8th of October. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over £300 for Rowcroft Hospice, supporting their incredible work.

Additionally, several members participated in the UK Water Blitz, discovering low levels of nitrates and phosphates in the local water sources. This is a promising sign of good ecological health in our area. More details on the findings can be viewed at Freshwater Watch.

We are excited to announce that preparations are underway for our annual Christmas Fair. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 23rd November, at the Buckfastleigh Town Hall. The fair will open to the public from 10:00 AM to 12:00 midday. Attractions include:

• Craft stalls
• Cake and produce stall
• Tombola
• Raffle
• Beverages and biscuits for sale

Our next gathering will be on Tuesday, 11th November at 7:00 PM at the Buckfastleigh Rangers Football Club on Duckspond Road. We warmly invite visitors to join us; a £5 donation from non-members is appreciated to help cover our expenses.

For more information about our activities or to get involved, please visit our Facebook page or contact us directly at 07884 221312 or via email at buckfastleigh1.wisec@gmail.com.

The quaint town of Buckfastleigh is set to celebrate its rich wool heritage with the Moor Threads Community Weaving Project, a collaborative endeavor brought to life by the Woolly Nanas and Moor Imagination Community. This project culminates in a vibrant launch weekend scheduled for October 19 and 20, 2024, where a large, community-crafted woven hanging will be unveiled.

Event Highlights:

• Community Weaving Project Exhibition: Running from October 19 to November 3 at Moor Imagination Community, this free exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can admire the main woven hanging as well as smaller tapestries created by local residents, alongside live demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and dyeing techniques through the ages.
• The Heritage Wool Walk: This self-guided trail features thirteen landmarks significant to the town’s wool history, including former wool mills and weavers' cottages. It offers insights into the historical importance of the local wool industry and the lives of the townspeople who thrived in it.
• Re-enactments of Historic Events: Throughout the weekend, the Woolly Nanas and other townspeople will don costumes to bring to life the rich stories, songs, and significant events of Buckfastleigh's wool history, spanning from neolithic times to the 19th Century.

The project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund under the ‘Heritage and Hope’ initiative, aims to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the old Buckfastleigh Methodist Church building by transforming it into a communal hub. The Moor Threads woven hanging, a symbol of community and craftsmanship, will be on permanent display at Moor Imagination Community following the exhibition.

The Woolly Nanas, based at The Wool Hub crafting centre, have spearheaded the creation of the hanging and the workshops, ensuring all materials were locally sourced. The community participated enthusiastically, contributing to the hanging by choosing yarns and adding lines to the loom at various locations around the town.

For further details, please feel free to reach out via email to Karen David at woollynanas@gmail.com or Sophie Lovett at moorimaginationcollective@gmail.com.

Welcome to a spirited celebration at the Valiant Soldier Museum and Heritage Centre! On Friday, 1st November, join us for a Halloween themed party featuring an open bar evening from 6-10pm. Come dressed in your scariest costume and enjoy our special Witches Brew cocktail. The evening will be filled with entertainment including Autumn tales in the Snug at 7pm (perfect for children) and musical festivities starting at 8:30pm.

Museum Closure: While the museum closes at the end of October, we are excited to announce special openings just for you! This Christmas season, we will open the museum on Wednesday mornings during our friendly Methodist coffee mornings from 10am to 12noon. Entry to the museum is free for TQ11 residents.

The Valiant Soldier Needs You! We are looking for volunteers to help us enhance the Valiant Soldier and maintain it as a cherished info and learning hub in Buckfastleigh. Whether you have skills in reception work, IT, administration, project management, museum skills, retail, interior design, gardening, guided tours, grant applications, or you just want to help keep the place tidy, we need you! We welcome anyone who can spare a few hours each week. Visit us any Wednesday morning to chat, or email us at: info@valiantsoldier.org.uk.

Be a Winner! Support the Valiant and get a chance to win a £25,000 jackpot every week. Tickets are only £1. Visit the ‘Teignbridge Lottery For Communities’ website and search for The Valiant Soldier Museum and Heritage Centre. Additionally, our chimney stacks require urgent repairs, and we would appreciate any donations. Please visit our GoFundMe page at: https://gofund.me/f819a57a.

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Our gift shop offers a variety of delightful items including specially designed Valiant mugs, copies of the 2025 calendar featuring historic photos of Buckfastleigh, souvenirs, second-hand books, records, and delicious Salcombe Dairy ice-cream.

Don’t miss our Record Fair on Saturday, 16th November, from 10am-3pm at The Valiant Information Centre. Explore a wide range of music from Jazz to Blues, Pop, Rare Grooves, and more.

Hiring Rooms: Even though we are closed during the winter season, our rooms are still available for hire. For the most current hire charges, please visit our website: valiantsoldier.org.uk.

The Moorland Community Care Group supports individuals over 50 in Buckfastleigh, Ashburton, and Bovey Tracey. We are looking for volunteers to drive these residents to our Moor Socials events, held twice a month in each town.

This volunteer role is a great chance to connect with and support community members, enhancing their wellbeing. We need regular as well as backup drivers. A DBS check is required, and you should notify your insurance company about your volunteer driving; we'll cover your local mileage costs.

To volunteer, email info@moorlandcommunitycaring.org.uk or call 01364 712013. Your involvement would be greatly appreciated!