Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats
PeopleLiberal Democrats Representatives and Prospective Candidates at all levels of government. Adam Symons PPC
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Adam Symons NewsFor more information on any of the news items below contact Adam Symons on 01237 431498 or 07786 277470
Concern for Day Centre FundingOnly Provision for Many Elderly People to SocialiseFriday 30 April 2010 Prospective MP Adam Symons visited Holsworthy Day Centre lunch club this week to hear their concerns for the future funding of the service. 
Adam Symons meeting members of the lunch club at Holsworthy Day Centre. Stopping by to join them for lunch, Adam talked to residents and staff about their issues and concerns. Top of the list for concerns was the long-term future of the day care centre, given possible changes to funding. Adam said: “The Day Care centre needs help in finding funding to make improvements to the building so that bathing facilities can be provided. It is an excellent centre, which deserves all the support it can get.” “The lunch club provides many elderly people in Holsworthy with a chance to get together and socialise. They have told me how important they think the centre is, and how necessary it is that we protect it from any funding cuts.” “My thanks to all the staff there, most of whom are voluntary, for providing such a welcoming and caring environment.”
Its OUR CO-OP – We don’t want it shut!Local Shop Will Closed in Five Weeks TimeMonday 26 April 2010 An angry group of protesters converged on Appledore Co-operative Store this Friday as residents reacted angrily to proposals to shut the store. The Co-operative announced this week that the local shop would be closed in five weeks time, with no chance of rescue. 
Adam Symons with local residents of Appledore up in arms outside the shop. Adam Symons, Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon said: “Appledore residents are extremely upset. They have lost almost all the shops in Appledore over the years. The Co-op provides basic provisions to local residents, and the loss of this will mean hardship for many people who cannot drive.” “I will be writing to the Co-operative to reverse their decision - and we will be putting together a local petition. As a member of the Co-operative, I am dismayed how they can walk away from this shop. I do not believe that the shop is unprofitable – more that it is not making enough profit to meet silly targets. The Co-operative used to be sensitive to local communities, however, a more corporate approach has led to shop closures.” “Many elderly residents in Appledore will suffer from this closure. I encourage all local residents to write to the Co-operative to ask them not to shut it.”
Notes: If residents want to register their concern with the Co-operative, they can write to Nicholas Crocker, Operations Manager, The Co-operative, Wyndham Way, Portishead. Bristol. BS20 8LR – 01275 841961. It is noted that the Co-operative have identified that this is an unprofitable shop. However, is this in relation to certain targets for profitability per floor space area?
‘Holsworthy Market has Bright Future’ - SymonsKick Start for a New EconomySaturday 24 April 2010 Prospective MP Adam Symons visited Holsworthy market this week, to talk to buyer, sellers, suppliers and traders about the plans for the new agri-business centre. 
Adam Symons talking to suppliers at Holsworthy Market. Speaking to a group of agricultural suppliers, he said: “Holsworthy market has a bright future. Everyone is very excited about the plans for the Agri-Business centre. It could really kick start a new economy in Holsworthy. Coupled with plans for a new agricultural research facility in Bideford, it could turn Torridge into the centre for agricultural innovation in the South-west.” I talked today to farmers about lots of issues. From bovine TB to ‘price gouging’ by big supermarkets, local farmers face a tough time. We must do everything to help them innovate and add value to products so that they can increase their margins.” “We are in for an exciting time in Holsworthy. I hope the area will get behind the changes.”
Note: Adam is Chair of Holsworthy Area Advisory Group, and a Governor of Petroc (formerly North Devon College).
Thousands of Ducks Released by Prospective MPFriday 23 April 2010 Adam Symons, Prospective MP for West Devon and Torridge, helped local Rotary clubs release thousands of ducks into the Meadows in Tavistock as part of fundraising in aid of Shelter Box, Stroke Awareness and Rotary’s Thanks for Life campaign, which helps to eradicate polio worldwide. 
Adam Symons helping Rotary launch the ducks. The plastic ducks were released on the canal in the Meadows. Due to unusual conditions on the canal, the local fire brigade were called in to help ‘propel’ the ducks forward. Adam said: “We had great fun in the park. Although the ducks were not moving as fast as everyone wanted, it was a great day. The Rotary clubs raised thousands of pounds for the various charities. My thanks to Roborough, Tavistock and Yelverton Rotary.” Phil Greenwood from Rotary said: “The local fire brigade did a brilliant job ‘helping’ the ducks along.”
Note: The first four prizes went as follows - 1. Roborough RC, (Grier) (£100) 2. Tavistock RC (£50) 3. Tavistock RC (£25) 4. Roborough RC (Apps) (frozen duck - local firm's donation)
Ruby Move to Cookworthy Set For SuccessProject Goes From Strength to StrengthFriday 23 April 2010 Ruby Country’s move to Cookworthy Forest Centre is set for success, according to Torridge and West Devon Prospective MP, Adam Symons, who is also Chair of the Holsworthy Area Advisory Group. 
Adam Symons speaking at the open day of the Ruby Country Partnership at the Cookworthy Forest Centre. Speaking yesterday at the open day of the Ruby Country Partnership, Adam said: “How fantastic that this project goes from strength to strength. Next I want to see Ruby Country put on the map with Ruby signs for all the major routes into the area - if elected I pledge to help make this happen.” Originally started in 2001, Ruby Country was identified as an area between Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor, including the market towns of Holsworthy and Hatherleigh. The local economy was badly hit by the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and the Ruby Country organization was formed to promote trade and tourism in the local area. Adam added: “I really hope that this project is set for success. This was one of Des Shadrick’s favourite projects, so I hope we can keep the momentum going and make the most of our area.” Cookworthy Forest Centre is the hub for Ruby Country and also home to Forest Enterprise and Devon Wildlife Trust. As well as its own office, there are superb offices for Partnership members to rent, hot-desking facilities, a meeting room for hire, and outside events space.
Paddy Ashdown Visits TavistockCalls for Fresh Start in Torridge & West DevonSunday 18 April 2010 Lord Paddy Ashdown joined local Prospective MP Adam Symons in calling for a Fresh Start for West Devon and Torridge. Paddy addressed a rally in Bedford Square in Tavistock where he outlined the Lib Dems four steps to a Fairer Britain. 
Paddy Ashdown and Adam Symons, with Lib Dem Tavistock Councillors visit the Pasty Shop in Tavistock and meet the Proprietor, Nigel Eadie. Lord Ashdown said: “What we need is a team strong enough to represent the West Country in Westminster, not one whose only role is to act as Westminster lobby fodder for a Home Counties' Conservative Government.” “The West Country cannot afford another Tory Government, we’re still paying for the last one.” “Our strong team of West Country MPs and candidates like Adam Symons, have a strong record of action in delivering change that has already made a difference.” “Only the Lib Dems will give the West Country the fair deal we deserve.” The rally in Bedford Square was followed by visits to local businesses in Tavistock. Lib Dems Prospective MP Adam Symons said: “It’s time for a Fresh Start. People are fed up with a system where your vote doesn’t count, and where ordinary people feel powerless. We want to make the system fairer, invest in local communities and give power back to local people over decisions which affect them.” “It’s great to have Paddy here as he has so much experience of working with communities all over the world to help them make a difference.”
My Vision For A University In BidefordProvide aspiration for North DevonSaturday 17 April 2010 “My Mission – Provide aspiration for North Devon. That’s why I want a University in Bideford” Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons, has called for local people to join together to deliver a research university in Bideford. Speaking during the Torridge and West Devon hustings debate at the Bideford Baptist Church, Adam said: “I have a vision for Bideford. We know that jobs and skills are the key to regeneration in the area. I believe that a university focusing on our local strengths would be a game-changer for the area.”
“When we talk about regeneration, too often the answer seems to have been to build more houses and shops. This just does not work.” “The recession has proved beyond doubt, that for communities like ours, recognition must be given to our strengths.” “Other countries and regions within those countries have faced similar challenges. Their answer has not been to hunker down and passively accept that it is all inevitable. Instead they look to the future, seek out the strengths of their communities and build an infrastructure around them that will create a sustainable educational and economic environment.” "We have a situation here where there are pockets of wealth and achievement and swathes of unemployment, underachievement, low aspiration, and a lack of the means to break out of this seemingly unending cycle." “I am suggesting that here in Torridge and West Devon we can bring about a transformation, by recognising our native strengths of agriculture, maritime engineering, renewable energy knowledge, tourism and special conservation sites such as the Biosphere Reserve and Lundy No-take zone.” “I am proposing the establishment of a new University, based around Bideford. A new concept which will encompass the academic and the practical. A place that will specialize in developing our local industries, researching options, creating jobs and giving local people skills.” “I believe that such a development would attract students, teachers and business partners who together would provide the foundation of a structure that would not only enhance the immediate life of our community but would in the long-term create a whole new sustainable economy based upon the strengths of our people and their life experience!”
West Devon Crucify Tavistock on altar of easy housingCouncil Ignore the People’s VoteFriday 16 April 2010 “An insult to the intelligence of the people of Tavistock” is how Adam Symons, Lib Dem Prospective MP for West Devon and Torridge described the proposals put forward by West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) to build even more houses in the Crowndale Valley in Tavistock. WDBC published plans on Monday which sees an increase in housing numbers in the Crowndale Valley to over a thousand, while removing the controversial relief road. WDBC has also now identified the Kilbride group as their official partner for reinstating the railway line. This week he met with Jeremy Davies, Chair of the Rural Communities Alliance and Tim Selman, Team Leader for the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), to see the destruction that the mass housing development would cause to the AONB and the Gateway to the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Adam said: “Despite the fact that the people of Tavistock voted overwhelmingly against the development at Crowndale, WDBC has ignored any comments and seems certain to try and ‘bulldoze’ through even more housing there.” “Councillors are meeting this Monday to ratify the plan which will be consulted on. What hope does Tavistock have? The last consultation was completely ignored. This is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Tavistock.” “One of the arguments used to promote the scheme was to relieve traffic congestion in the town centre. However, they have removed the relief road from the plans. Now, all the traffic from over a thousand new houses will need to go through the town centre to get anywhere. This is madness!” “Several other sites which could accommodate housing needs in Tavistock have been suggested but have been ignored. WDBC see set on ruining the AONB and World Heritage Site by building housing right next to it. Maybe it is easy for them because it is just one site, but they are crucifying Tavistock on the ‘altar’ of easy housing.” Tim Selman, Team Leader of the Tamar Valley AONB said: “Tavistock has a wonderful cultural, landscape and environmental setting. National Park, AONB and World Heritage Site. The proposals at Crowndale do compromise all three, directly by rubbing up against their boundaries, and indirectly by compromising their context and setting. Great care is needed to avoid the slow incremental erosion of the sense of place which makes Tavistock such a great place to live and work in.”
Post Office Closures Have Devastating ImpactCause of Hardship for Some in Local CommunitiesThursday 15 April 2010 Adam Symons, the Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon visited several communities affected by the Post Office closures this week, including Shebbear, Tavistock, St. Giles-on-the Heath, Milton Abbott and Buckland Brewer.
He saw at first hand the impact that the Government’s network change programme has had on communities. Since the programme was rolled out, the community shop has shut in Buckland Brewer, and significant changes have had to be made in Shebbear, Milton Abbott and St Giles. Speaking to the owners of the local shop in Shebbear, Keith and Ann Horwell, Adam said: “I was here two years ago when they first announced the closures. We were worried it was a done deal then – and we were right. The closures have had a devastating impact on some communities, and caused real hardship for some people living in these communities. Those with limited public transport options such as Milton Abbott and Buckland Brewer have been especially hit at times of bad weather.” “I make a simple pledge to you today. We will invest in our post office network to make them the hub of the community. No more will shut.”
Win a Swim With the Seals of Lundy?Post Your Favourite Leftovers RecipeThursday 15 April 2010 Do you love food but hate waste? Did you buy too much veg or overestimate the portions for Sunday lunch? If you have some handy hints on how to turn leftovers into tasty treats or put life back into sprouting spuds and soggy tomatoes then you could be in with a chance of winning a fabulous trip to Lundy to swim with the seals! Torridge District Council has got together with bidefordpeople.co.uk and the Love Food Hate Waste campaign to invite you to submit your recycled recipes for the Great Leftovers Challenge 2010. Adam Symons, lead councillor for Waste and Recycling at Torridge District Council said: “What a fantastic prize just for cooking up leftovers. However, the message is really important - we waste billions of pounds every year by throwing away food. This is bad for the environment and bad for your pocket. If you help us with the ‘Leftover Challenge’ you might find a big treat in store for you!” Two finalists will then see their recipes brought to life by Torridge chefs in a Masterchef style ‘cook off’ at this year’s Potwalloping Festival in Westward Ho! with a public tasting to decide the winner. The overall winner will be presented with a trip for two to Lundy to swim with the seals and the runner up will win a season ticket for Tapeley Park Gardens near Bideford with a meal for two at their brand new Orangery dining rooms.
Note: The competition closed on 9 May 2010.
Doubts Cast on Government Plans for ParishesDecision-Makers May Consider Housing Provision in IsolationWednesday 14 April 2010 Adam Symons, Lib Dems Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, today criticized proposals from the Government to change Planning procedures as “A sticking plaster response to the very real wound that is the rural housing crisis!” The proposals, which will go out to consultation over the summer, envisage allowing Parish Councils to approve the building of new homes without reference to the relevant Local Authority and to act in isolation. “As someone who was born here and as a father of a young son, I am acutely aware of the often dire situation that has occurred with regard to housing and development. Many view the future of rural life with trepidation. We all know the vicious circle that exists of economic downturn, lack of employment opportunities, no affordable housing provision that then produces population flight by our younger generations leading in turn to the lingering death of our rural communities.”
“At first glance these proposals SEEM to address the need of local accountability and participation in any possible development. In fact, they run the risk of creating a ‘quick-fix’ answer that later falls apart at the seams because decision-makers may look only at housing provision in isolation.” Symons highlights the need for a new approach that will endure. “Our community deserves something better than this flimsy sticking plaster!” “As an example of new thinking, truly popular participation, in addition to involvement at all levels of local government, the concept of Community Led Planning, being pioneered by the High Bickington Property Trust and the Parish Council, is a shining example of real community development. An approach that has recognised that new housing alone is not the single answer but that workspace, community buildings, sports and recreational facilities are all complementary and necessary components to rural re-birth.” “In Dolton, the Parish Council and the recently established Dolton Vision Working Group, made up of local residents, businesses, voluntary groups, the school and the church are working together in conjunction with relevant local authorities and rural development agencies, to create a genuinely representative, sustainable future for the community.” “Tinkering at the fringe of our problems is not the answer. Giving the impression of local empowerment is no panacea. Finding solutions that really enthuse people, organisations, businesses and local authorities, bringing them all together, in common purpose, will take time and effort to create and carry through.”
Poor State of Roads May Deter TouristsLack of care of Our InfrastructureMonday 12 April 2010 The poor state of main roads around Bideford, Torrington and Holsworthy may be deterring tourists from visiting Torridge, according to Torridge and West Devon Prospective MP, Adam Symons. Speaking at Bideford Farmers Market on Saturday, Adam said: “I met many tourists at the Farmers Market, and it was clear that they were shocked by the state of the roads. Some had travelled from Torrington, where they said that the roads were like ‘ploughed fields’. One had damaged his vehicle from trying to avoid a pothole.” “I am concerned that the state of the roads will actually turn people away from the area. We look like we are not open for business and that we are not taking care of our infrastructure. This is not the kind of look which attracts tourists. We need to get this right before the tourist season starts.” “Investment in our infrastructure is essential to keep the tourists visiting Torridge. We already know from the figures that many tourists don’t bother crossing the boundary with North Devon, preferring to stay north of Braunton. We must attract these tourists our way, and into the heartlands of Torrington and Holsworthy.” Trevor Stanbury from the Milky Way said: “It is vitally important that we show case our region in the best light possible. Poor road surfaces only make it more difficult to attract visitors.”
Paddy Ashdown Calls For Fresh StartTorridge & West Devon needs a local MP to Back Local PeopleSunday 11 April 2010 This Tuesday, Lord Paddy Ashdown will join local Prospective MP Adam Symons in calling for a Fresh Start for West Devon and Torridge. Paddy will address a rally in Bedford Square in Tavistock where he will outline the Lib Dems four steps to a Fairer Britain. Lord Ashdown said: “What we need is a team strong enough to represent the West Country in Westminster, not one whose only role is to act as Westminster lobby fodder for a Home Counties' Conservative Government.” “The West Country cannot afford another Tory Government, we’re still paying for the last one.” “Our strong team of West Country MPs and candidates like Adam Symons, have a strong record of action in delivering change that has already made a difference.” “Only the Lib Dems will give the West Country the fair deal we deserve.”
The rally in Bedford Square will be followed by an evening of door knocking and speaking to local residents in Tavistock. Lib Dems Prospective MP Adam Symons said: “It’s time for a Fresh Start. People are fed up with a system where your vote doesn’t count, and where ordinary people feel powerless. We want to make the system fairer, invest in local communities and give power back to local people over decisions which affect them.” “It’s great to have Paddy here as he has so much experience of working with communities all over the world to help them make a difference.”
Note: The rally at Bedford Square will start at 4.30pm on Tuesday 13th April.
Regional House-Building Targets Would be ScrappedPlanning Power to be Given Back to Local AuthoritiesSaturday 10 April 2010 Plans to build thousands of houses across towns such as Bideford and Tavistock would be scrapped under Lib Dems plans to allow Local Authorities more control over the number and type of houses needed. Adam Symons, the Lib Dem Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon said: “Orders from unelected regional quangos to build thousands of houses do not take into account local conditions. We want to give power to local authorities to work out what’s best for them.” “In Northam, Bideford, Torrington and Holsworthy the current situation is resented by residents. Massive housing estates are being built without thought for where people shop, their green spaces, or whether there are jobs to support them.” “In Tavistock the current situation is leading to a potential disaster. West Devon Borough Council is planning to meet their targets by ruining heritage sites in the town. Most people don’t want this mass housing estate which has been foisted on them.” “We would ensure that Local Authorities are able to keep 100% of the capital receipts from Right to Buy sales, and allow them to invest in new affordable housing to replace those sold. We also want to see Local Authorities having more control over the building of new infrastructure such as schools and doctor’s surgeries, to compliment any new houses. This type of planning has been shocking in the past.” “These towns cannot keep growing forever. It is time that local people had more say over the building of new houses.”
Torridge and West Devon Rural Stroke Survivors Need Better ServicesChallenges Associated With Providing Local Support in Rural AreasThursday 8 April 2010 Adam Symons, Prospective MP for Torridge & West Devon has called on the Government to improve access to services for rural stroke survivors following a report which suggests that living in the countryside affects the quality of stroke care. The national report, drawn together from patients, families and service providers, some of them from the North Devon area, suggest that living in the countryside can affect the quality of stroke care. Adam said: “The report identifies that there are particular challenges associated with providing local support in rural areas, and getting patients to specialist centres. The provision of care for discharged stroke survivors remote from health services is a particular concern. “Each year 110,000 people suffer from a stroke; it is the single largest cause of disability in the UK and the country’s third biggest killer. The Government must do more to ensure that services are better coordinated.”
Kathy Dymond, whose father Norman was partly paralysed by a stroke said: “The people who are there to help stroke victims, such as physiotherapists, find the system really hard to work in. They just do not have the resources.” Kathy also said: “A single point of contact for all these stroke services would also be really useful.” Jon Barrick, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said one third of people who suffered a stroke were left with a long term, severe disability. “A significant number of stroke survivors and their families live in rural England,” he said. “Many feel isolated and don’t have the necessary access to the stroke services that they require.” Ian Golton, director of the NHS Stroke Improvement Programme, said the health service was working to improve rural stroke care. But he conceded that working with rural communities presented a particular challenge. “The most effective way to improve services is for them to work together, and to fully understand the needs of those for whom they care.”
Note: This research is part of a large-scale qualitative study for the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) on service provision and needs following major life events.1 Interviews were conducted with 40 people who had had a stroke within the last two years. Interviews were also conducted with local and regional policy managers and frontline providers working directly either with stroke patients, or their carers in rural England. The research explored the experiences of emergency care, acute and rehabilitative hospital care and the home based rehabilitation, as well as the longer term care they received. The sample was purposively selected to include a wide range of ages, experiences and support needs, and to reflect different levels of remoteness in rural areas – from market towns to isolated rural dwellings. The sample was recruited through service providers from the public, private and voluntary sector. Additional snowball sampling captured some people not accessing the relevant services. The research took place in four rural areas across England: Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland, Eden in Cumbria and South Holland in Lincolnshire, and North Devon in Devon.
Paddy Ashdown Calls For Fresh StartWe need a fairer system with investment in local communitiesTuesday 6 April 2010 This Thursday, Lord Paddy Ashdown will join local Prospective MP Adam Symons in calling for a Fresh Start for Torridge and West Devon. Paddy will address a rally at The Plough in Torrington where he will outline the Lib Dems four steps to a Fairer Britain. Lord Ashdown said: “What we need is a team strong enough to represent the West Country in Westminster, not one whose only role is to act as Westminster lobby fodder for a Home Counties' Conservative Government. “The West Country cannot afford another Tory Government, we’re still paying for the last one. “Our strong team of West Country MPs and candidates like Adam Symons, have a strong record of action in delivering change that has already made a difference. “Only the Lib Dems will give the West Country the fair deal we deserve.” The rally in the Plough will be followed by an evening of door knocking and speaking to local residents in Torrington and Bideford. Lib Dems Prospective MP Adam Symons said: “It’s time for a Fresh Start. People are fed up with a system where your vote doesn’t count, and where ordinary people feel powerless. We want to make the system fairer, invest in local communities and give power back to local people over decisions which affect them. “It’s great to have Paddy here as he has so much experience of working with communities all over the world to help them make a difference.”
Note: The rally in The Plough is at 5pm Thursday 8th April. Memorabilia from Mark Bonham-Carter’s famous Liberal election triumph in Torrington in 1958 will be on show.
Biogas Production Could be Devon Speciality?Use of Organic Rubbish to Produce EnergyMonday 5 April 2010 Plans to increase the use of anaerobic digestion to treat waste and generate biogas, a renewable energy source, have been welcomed by the Chair of Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee, Adam Symons.
Commenting on plans drawn up by the government to increase biogas production through anaerobic digestion, Adam said: “The aim is to make more use of the organic rubbish that we are throwing away to produce energy. This deals with two problems at the same time. I welcome the new proposals set out by DEFRA to encourage the use of anaerobic digestion.” “The £10m demonstration programme and research unit will I hope lead to cost reductions down the line. If we can reduce the amount of organic rubbish that we throw away, and produce energy from it, the long-term savings are substantial. The final produce can also be used as a fertiliser.” “The savings are not just about money, but about the amount of carbon dioxide released. If we can perfect the solution, it could have immense benefits for places like Devon which produce a lot of organic rubbish.” Its proposals are set out in an implementation plan called Accelerating the Uptake of Anaerobic Digestion in England.
Notes: Over the last three years, the number of anaerobic digestion plants has grown significantly from three to 10, with a further 10 under construction. The number of digestion plants on farms has also grown, with around 25 currently in operation and at least 15 more planned. Key Government actions to support anaerobic digestion include feed-in tariffs for renewable electricity generation to be introduced on 1 April 2010. These will operate alongside the double Renewable Obligation Certificates which are already available. Other financial support includes the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. A £3.5m project will fund a ‘mobile clean up facility’ demonstrating how raw biogas can be transformed into biomethane to power.
Hartland Farmers’ Market official openingBringing Life to the Local CommunityMonday 5 April 2010 Hartland Farmers’ Market started its fifth season last Sunday. Cutting the ribbon for the official opening was Cllr Adam Symons, who helped to arrange a Torridge District Council grant to support the market.
Cllr Symons, said, “If you support Fair Trade, then Farmers’ Markets are the local equivalent for many communities. Encouraging them is essential to developing strong rural economies. They help bring life to local communities and encourage tourists to explore rural areas. I am very pleased to be able to support Hartland Farmers Market. Coming from a local farming family myself, I can see the importance of being able to sell direct to the public and getting a fair price for their produce." The market opened with 15 stalls in Hartland Parish Hall on Easter Sunday, selling everything from local meat and veg to smoked fish, cakes and plants. The good weather and the start of the holiday season ensured a bumper turnout. The Renowned Farmers’ Café was open for business, and sold 60 of its best English breakfasts sourced from market traders. Market organiser, Rod Landman, said, “It was great to be back in business. We were really lucky with the weather, and rushed off our feet. We’re very grateful to Adam for his support. The market is an important part of the community now, as well as helping to raise money for local charities.” The markets will continue to run on the first Sunday of the month until October, 10am – 1pm, in Hartland Parish Hall.
Note: For more details, or to book a stall, contact Rod Landman on 441 786
Help for Northam to Get a Memory CaféA Valuable Resource for People With DementiaSaturday 3 April 2010 Adam Symons, Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, has thrown his weight behind plans to develop a memory café in Northam. A Memory Café is somewhere where people with dementia and their carers can visit to support each other and share information. The groups usually offer reminiscence-based activities. Health and social care professionals are also on hand to answer questions and offer advice in an informal setting. Adam, who is Torridge’s lead member for health and also the Public Shadow Governor for Devon’s mental health trust, said: “Memory Café’s run very successfully in other parts of Devon, including Tavistock. They provide very valuable experiences for people with dementia. It would be fantastic to set one up in Northam to cover some of the Torridge area.” “Music and reminiscing has been shown to boost self-confidence amongst people with dementia. This can help them to live more independent and healthier lives. We must do more to help the estimated 66,000 people in the South-West living with dementia.” A meeting of all parties who may be interested in the setting up of a memory cafe in Northam is to be held on Friday 9th April at Glebe Court, Northam. David Light from the Devon Dementia Partnership is coming to give a presentation. Those intending to attend, or requiring further information should contact Anna Malone of TorrAGE (e-mail: anna@torrage.org.uk)
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Prospective MP Adam Symons talking with a local supporter. 
Adam Symons with Keith and Ann Horwell at Shebbear Shop. 
Adam Symons in Shebbear talking to local people about the need for new housing and community facilities. 
Paddy Ashdown speaking at Tavistock. 
Adam Symons with Norman Harding, who is confined to a wheelchair after a stroke which mainly paralysed him, and his wife who cares for him. 
Cllr Adam Symons at the
Holsworthy Biogas Plant. 
Cllr Adam Symons cuts the ribbon for the official opening of Hartland Farmers’ Market.