Heritage Harbour Blog

North Devon Journal

The River Torridge Heritage Group has been contributing this column in the North Devon Journal since December 2023. The column was previously written by the late Peter Christie, who did so much to research and promote the history and heritage of Bideford and North Devon.

The column follows a similar style with historical themed stories mixed with local politics and community interest.

The River Torridge Heritage Group is a partnership of local heritage organisations led by Way of the Wharves

Columns are copied here after publication

  • Rolle Canal loses a stalwart champion NDJ 22/08/24

    We are shocked and saddened to report the sudden death of a valued member of the River Torridge Heritage Group, Adrian Wills. Adrian was a stalwart of the Rolle Canal and Northern Devon Waterways Society, and a trustee at North Devon Maritime Museum. His energy and drive will be much missed. To honour his memory,…

  • Plenty of interest at Appledore Book Festival NDJ 8/08/2024

    Publicity about the Appledore Book Festival mainly focusses on the big names who will be gracing our much-loved coastal village this September. But alongside Rick Stein, Nigel Planer, and Judy Murray, there is plenty of exciting local interest too.  Wednesday 18th is dedicated to ‘Seafaring: Past, Present, and Future’ when our Chair Mike Teare – the…

  • Harbour News NDJ 1/08/24

    So, Brunswick Wharf Mark 2 has now got planning permission, Torridge District Council has joined the Northern Devon Railway Alliance, and the clock on St Mary’s Church is back doing what it is supposed to do which is to tell the time. It seems like everything is happening in a rush now before the summer…

  • Our heritage seen from the river (1) NDJ 25/07/24

    Many of us see the River Torridge most days. We casually note the state of the tide and maybe even focus on the channels that remain at low water. Like all navigable rivers, there will be evidence of past activity, sometimes the remains of a boat or a fixture in the bank or mud. Only…

  • Seaweed – a new harvest from the sea NDJ 18/07/24

    Later this summer we are expecting an unusual to arrive at Bideford Quay. Unusual because it is a harvest from the sea that hasn’t been landed here previously. But if this first production is a success, then it will only be the start. What is it?  Seaweed, grown in Bideford Bay. This first harvest is…

  • Future prospects with a new government NDJ 11/07/24

    So, we have a new government. We await with interest what it will mean for the future of the projects lined up in Torridge for consideration under the Conservatives’ Levelling Up Partnership funding to tackle regional inequality. Labour have said that the Levelling Up policy has failed and were reportedly intending to axe the phrase,…

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.