Barnstaple Town Clerk’s Chronicles: Renovations progress well
In our monthly column, Barnstaple town clerk Rob Ward keeps readers up-to-date on what is happening in the town
THIS month I’d like to talk about a number of recent projects and events, all aimed at improving our town, via development and community engagement.
The project to renovate the Guildhall is ongoing and progressing well. Thankfully, to date, the work hasn’t presented too many challenges beyond what you might expect for a 200-year-old building. However, it has thrown up one or two things we hadn’t bargained for.
On exploring the rounded dome at the top of the building, known as the cupola, we found the old bell that we believe dates back to 1716. The last record we have of it being rung was in the 1980s. Our contractor is looking to restore the bell, along with the mechanism that goes with it, so it can once again be used for significant civic and ceremonial events.
On closer inspection we also found that the crest at the top of the High Street apex needed further restoration and TLC. Being able to get up close to parts of the building that are challenging to access can be quite revealing, showing things we would never normally get to see. Each new discovery brings about its own set of problem solving, aimed
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at making sure all is restored safely and securely.
Recent work projects around the town include further work on Rock Park, the planting of trees, the installation of new public benches and the continued clean-up of our streets and paths. Whatever the weather throws at our town rangers, they always show great fortitude in carrying out their tasks.
Recently, along with our Mayor, Louisa York, I attended the inaugural meeting of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance. Its key aim is to promote the reopening of the Barnstaple to Bideford line.
Public transport is hugely influential to local and regional economic development. The success of the Tarka Line, with nearly 900,000 journeys in 2023, shows just how willing local residents and visitors are to use and support it. Many share the view that a restoration of the line linking our two main towns would bring further benefit to our area.
Finally, I’d like to say a few words about International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8 and 9, and the tremendous work our community developers Rosie and Ella did in supporting events over the two days. These took place in the library, Guildhall and pannier market, with the performance stage in the courtyard of Down the Rabbit
Hole providing the venue for several live music acts, as well as talks and speeches aimed at highlighting various issues.
Most of the activities were well attended and the feedback we received expressed how inspirational they felt the event was. Discussion panels covered subjects including women in business and local government, and women in sport. There were also speeches and discussions highlighting issues around domestic abuse. On the Friday there was a quiz which reflected many of these issues. Indeed, there was a whole round of questions which alerted everyone to the awful reality of our domestic abuse statistics. Not the sort of questions you might normally find at a quiz, but a very creative way of highlighting such a serious issue.
Skate Molton put on a special event in the pannier market which proved really popular, with a variety of skateboarders and roller-skaters enjoying the facilities provided. The pannier market also saw hula hooping, yoga and a gardening workshop.
It was a very successful weekend, and one we were proud to engage with and support.
I will catch up with you all again in April, by which time the clocks will have gone forward, and spring should truly be here.