Workers at an Ilfracombe care home have scooped an award for their hard work and dedication during the coronavirus outbreak. Staff at Pinehurst Care Home on Chambercombe Park Road were thrilled to receive the most nominations in a competition to find ‘Care Home Heroes’.Members of staff at the 23-bed care home won pamper sets and gift vouchers for ‘going above and beyond the call of duty since the outbreak of Covid-19’ in the contest, which was organised by local food wholesaler Savona Foodservice.Julie Farrell, who is the manager of Pinehurst Care Home, said: “As all care staff know, it is wonderful to be recognised and appreciated for the hard work we do, so winning the most nominations out of more than 30 care homes means Local News – The Ilfracombe Magazine…

It is a pleasure to share yet another image of hope on this month’s front page. Graham Schlisske’s wonderful photo of the boats being returned to the water is a symbol that life is starting to return, slowly, to normal. Of course, even using the word ‘normal’ seems flippant when so many of us still can’t hug our parents or enjoy a beer with our closest friends.But there is something reassuring about partaking once more in the simple pleasures we used to take for granted. For me, this took the form of an enjoying an ice cream from Joey’s on The Quay recently. I was disproportionately excited about a cone with a flake, and when Mary Challacombe served me, she too seemed even more gleeful to be allowed contact with customers once more.Traders on both the sea front and the High Street have gone to great efforts to get ready for re-opening, and as the article in this edition mentions, now is the time when local businesses need our support more than ever. My sense of glee at the shoots of Ilfracombe’s recovery reminded me how lucky we all are to live in such a wonderful corner of…

With the Government announcing last month that non essential shops could re-open to customers, Ilfracombe High Street has once again flung open its doors to the people of the town. Many shops will have been closed for up to three months, depending on the nature of the business – so they could really do with your custom. Many local shops and businesses ave been the ones to stay with us through what has been a very difficult time – so now it’s our turn to stick with them through what will be, in business terms, another very difficult time. Those who have already visited the town centre will have noticed some changes to the way things work in the High Street and sea front. Here’s all the important things you need to know:* All over North Devon there are physical changes so we all have more space and feel safe. These changes include a range of practical safety measures including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers. Please adhere to any social distancing measures implemented, including queueing and one-way systems both inside and outside premises as well as across the public transport network.* The government has given clear guidance…

An Ilfracombe car park is doubling as a testing centre in the fight against coronavirus. Ilfracombe Town Council’s car park at Ropery Road has become a Covid-19 swab hub.At the time of the June magazine going to print, the council has said the car park will be closed every Friday and Tuesday until further notice to allow testing to take place. All vehicles must be moved by 9pm the night before.The hub became operational from Friday, May 15. Testing at the site is only available for those who have booked on the Gov.uk website. It has been stressed that no drop-ins will be permitted and that those who do arrive without an appointment will be turned away.You can book a test by visiting www. gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test or over the telephone by calling 111. The process for the testing station is as follows:- People will only attend if they have been booked in previously and are logged.- People cannot just turn up and ask to be tested. They will be turned away- Those attending will be asked to complete a form whilst sitting in their car- They must arrive by car and keep all windows up until a nurse is ready for…

We asked for YOUR unsung community heroes in Ilfracombe during the lockdown – and you responded in droves. Here’s just a few of the people YOU have said are making a big difference in our town…Steve Robinson and his partner Sandra for their twice weekly quiz every Saturday and Wednesday. People from all over the world tune inJo Bolton she just got on and sorted face masks and co-ordinated fabric, elastic, people to sew and deliveries without any fussCharmain Lovett has as always been her amazing self and yet again gone above and beyond for our communityThe George and Dragon’s Jonathan Quinn for carrying on the pub quiz and raising thousands of pounds for local charitiesSmall Pond Productions for the great entertainment they put on every week with their Virtual Variety showsAll the staff at Edds for delivering farm boxes. Some days my husband works between 12 and 14 hours depending on where he has to deliver.Jenny Parsons for her contribution and setting up of the “Ilfracombe In Isolation” Facebook pageIf you’d like to nominate an unsung hero, drop us an email: theilfracombemagazine@outlook.comLocal News – The Ilfracombe Magazine…