Since the pandemic started last year, Ilfracombe has become something of a mecca for relocating house hunters who have realised, after many years of commuting on dull motorways or packed trains, that it’s entirely possible to do their job from the comfort of their own home.And, given that their home could be pretty much anywhere in the UK, it’s not hard to see why so many are apparently choosing Ilfracombe. As well as the stunning coastal beauty, fantastic community, great schools, wonderful local businesses, clean air and steady pace of life, it’s also a perfect location to bring up children. But if you had to surmise that all into a picture, it would probably be something like this.Local News – The Ilfracombe Magazine…

People in North Devon who have been told to self-isolate are being advised that help is available from the North Devon Council support hub. The dedicated helpline offers practical support to people if they haven’t already got help from family, friends and neighbours or from within the local community.The support that can be provided includes:• food shopping and delivery for households self-isolating• urgent prescription collections and delivery• help with organising a priority supermarket slot with Tesco or Iceland• links to financial advice and short term financial payments for those in hardship as a result of self isolationAlso, people who are on a low income and face financial difficulty as a result of having to self-isolate, may be entitled to receive help through the Test and Trace support payment scheme. People can find out if they are eligible and apply on the council’s website or they can call 01271 388877.If people do not qualify to receive financial support via the Test and Trace support payment scheme, they may be eligible to receive a payment through the Covid-19 Local Hardship Fund. To find out if they are eligible, they need to call the support hub.Council Leader Cllr David Worden says: “Even though we are coming out the other side of this awful pandemic, we have to be aware that there is still a threat. If you are told to self isolate, you must do so and if you need support and advice, we are here to help or point you in the right direction.”The support hub can be contacted on 01271 388280. People are advised to plan ahead as 48 hours notice is required Local News – The Ilfracombe Magazine…

If you’ve ever felt that aligning your chakras and enjoying a jolly good stretch would benefit you, you can now put it to the test for free. The Community Yoga Project is partnering with Park Yoga this summer and bringing free yoga classes to Ilfracombe every Sunday throughout the summer.Sessions are held on Sunday mornings from 9.30am to 10.30am, at Ilfracombe Town Football Club. Sessions are open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or this is your first time stepping on to a yoga mat. If you’ve always fancied giving yoga a go and finding out what it’s all about this is the perfect opportunity.Instructor Hannah Stuart said: “Park Yoga connects people to the natural outdoors, through a relaxing, energising and breath-taking yoga session, improving wellbeing and creating a positive ripple effect throughout our community. The aim of these sessions is to encourage people to take part in activities outdoors which are good for their health and wellbeing, and you don’t need any special gear to take part, if you don’t have a yoga mat just bring a towel or blanket.“Each month will be led by a different local yoga teacher so you’ll get a chance to explore different styles and really discover that yoga is for every body. We have plenty of space to spread out so you can feel safe and socially distanced while still enjoying getting together with a really friendly and positive group of all ages and abilities and starting Sunday off the right way! We are so excited to share yoga with our community in Ilfracombe, we’ve had a great start with over 60 yogis joining us and we’d love to make it to 100!”For more information & to register your spot visit: www.facebook.com/parkyogaIlfracombe or www.parkyoga.co/ilfracombe. Sessions don’t run in the rain so check for updates online before travelling on the day if it’s looking wet.Local News – The Ilfracombe Magazine…

Marine Drive in Ilfracombe will be closed to through traffic from June 1st for just over a year, North Devon Council has revealed.A section at the top of Marine Drive will be closed to enable the new Community Watersports Centre to be built at Larkstone. During the construction period, the ‘mushroom’ car park at the top of Marine Drive will also be closed for parking and become a secure works compound for the construction contractor, although pedestrian access will be maintained.For walkers, the coastal footpath will also be diverted, either up and over the steps into Larkstone car park or up and around Larkstone Lane. The existing slipway will also be closed for access to and from the sea until the construction is complete. Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, said: “Part of Marine Drive will remain open for vehicle access, so some car parking bays will remain open to the public. However, a section near the ‘mushroom’ car park will be closed, so traffic will not be able to gain access through onto Hillsborough Road. A turning circle, enabling cars to drive back down Marine Drive will be created instead. We appreciate that the closure may cause some inconvenience for residents and visitors, and we apologise in advance for this. Access to Larkstone car park will not be affected.”The watersports centre is expected to be completed by July 2022Local News – The Ilfracombe Magazine…

Blue skies, warm weather, clean air, beautiful beer gardens and stunning surroundings – it’s no wonder people are flocking to Ilfracombe. With foreign travel unavailable at the moment, you can see why so many visitors have used their first gasp of postlockdown freedom to visit the town. It’s also great that so many local traders have used the time in lockdown wisely to spruce up their businesses with a lick of paint or a deep clean. Overall the town is looking fantastic and ready for what promises to be a big influx of visitors this summer. Combebird’s vista from the top of Capstone Hill shows off the hazy summer days we all love so much. See you in the beer garden!Local News – The Ilfracombe Magazine…