Holsworthy

A friendly market town set in the rolling patchwork hills of west Devon’s “Ruby Country”, Holsworthy is not far from the popular surfing beaches of Bude. The dramatic viaducts on either side of the town are a reminder that, like Bude, it was once connected to the national rail network. Some of the line now forms part of the Ruby Trail Cycle Network.

The busy livestock market, with the “Muddy Boots Cafe”, provides a focal point for the large farming community as well as hosting a number of other events and auctions. The town has a keen amateur theatre group, “HATS”, with its own venue in the old cinema and a football club, “The Magpies”, which dates back to 1891, when a rugby vs football debate was won by the latter. There is a lively rugby club in Bude. There are also many active community groups including Lions and Rotary.

Holsworthy Community College is a small secondary academy with some 600 students. Its strap-line: “Educate, Enrich, Empower” reflects its ethos. It is now part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust.

Some of the key events in Holsworthy’s calendar include:

• Holsworthy Vintage Rally in June – when a mixture of vintage cars, tractors and steam engines chug into town followed by a crowd of devotees.
• St Peter’s Fair in July – proclaimed by the town crier with live music and a fun fair, this has a number of unique Holsworthy traditions; the quirky 900 year old “Court Leet”, the “Bread Weighing Ceremony”, the quaint “Pretty Maid Ceremony” and then there’s the “Furry Dance”.
• Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show, held in August, in collaboration with its neighbouring Cornish town – this is a great family day out for all, as well as being a chance for local farmers to show off their best and inspect the latest “must have” tractor.
• Holsworthy Carnival – in November! – which, despite its date, attracts a fun fair, a strong turn out from the local community and draws in participants from a wide area around.

Community is really important in this remote area of Devon.

Holsworthy is surrounded by a number of self contained villages and hamlets many of whose young people attend Holsworthy Community College. These are often focused around the characteristic towers of the local Anglican Churches and many have Methodist (or Baptist) Chapels too. A network of old railway lines and canals connect many of these communities and in some places these have become  cycle and footpaths to explore further.

Ashwater – community minded and independent it boasts its own popular agricultural show.

Bradford, Cookbury and Thornbury – host a popular all age Saturday Church. Started in 2014, “Our aim is for everyone to feel welcome, if they attend every month or just a couple of times a year, we are always there ready to welcome and help people learn about God.”

Bradworthy  Far enough from Holsworthy, Bude and Bideford to maintain good services, this notably large village square has a Parish Church, a Methodist chapel, a popular Primary Academy, a post office, a number of shops including a most amazing emporium where you can buy almost anything (from a sofa to a toothbrush), veterinary and medical surgeries and a garage with real fuel pumps!

Black Torrington – is friendly and caring, with lots of activities to bring people together, it has its own school and a playing field with equipment for both children and adults!

Chilsworthy  – although not far from Holsworthy is surprisingly different. Lots of local activities centre around the Village Hall and Methodist Chapel which is home to the “Rock Solid” Youth Group.

Clawton – has a supportive community with a popular primary school at its centre, blessed with dedicated staff and supportive parents.

Halwill & Halwill Junction, Beaworthy – self sufficient village communities with their own Churches Together group and home to Kree8 – a monthly youth based service as well as a fortnightly Youth Club hosted by the Methodist and Baptist churches.

Pyworthy – with a 13th-century Saint Swithin’s Church next to The Molesworth Arms at its heart, the village has a beautiful park with a tennis court and playing field and a busy village hall.