Easter 2016 - North Devon Journal

S JOHNS t

Garden Centre Barnstaple

Easter Guide

StJOHNS

GARDEN CENTRE BARNSTAPLE & STORE RESTAURANT

A handy guide to the Easter period

NDJ-E01-S4

All you need to know to plan your Easter this year

2

Luxury handmade

CHOCOLATE GIFTS for

Easter

Treat your family with some exquisite Melchior Chocolates

Opening time Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10.30am to 1pm Good Friday 10am to 1pm Tinto House, Station Road, South Molton, EX36 3LL

01769 574442

www.melchiorchocolates.co.uk

EASTER is a time to treat your loved ones, including friends, family and of course, your pets.

Sweeps is family-run business of three generations – mum, daughter and granddaughter. They know that pets are a huge part of each family, as they named their shop after their cocker spaniel who they sadly lost to cancer.

The shop in Westward Ho! has everything you need to make your pet feel pampered this Easter, as well as services you may not know about. Pick up pet food, bedding, grooming products, health and care and pet clothing, or order pet tags or buy comical animal greetings cards that any animal lover can relate too – a perfect Easter gift.

If the shop doesn’t have quite what you are looking for, the team are happy to research and order any items they do not regularly stock.

As well as this, the ladies are currently training to be SQP registered allowing them to provide veterinary medicines, and hope to provide this extra service soon.

Free delivery is available, as well as regular monthly offers making it a great place to find a bargain this Easter.

Visit www.facebook.com/Sweeps-PetSupplies for more details

ŠLW

NDJ-E01-S4

Spoil your pet this Easter at Sweeps

Sweeps Pet Supplies

WHEN you think of Easter, what comes to mind? Bunnies, lambs, flowers? Or is it chocolate?

Carlo Melchior and his artisan chocolatiers have been making exquisite, handmade chocolates for more than 25 years and are taking orders for Easter.

Carlo trained in the art of chocolate making in his nat-

Look out for our monthly offers in store

Stockists of Canagan Grain Free Dog and Cat Food

r 8JME CJSE GPPE r 'SP[FO GPPE GPS SFQUJMFT

ive Switzerland and brought his skills to South Molton to set up Melchior chocolates.

Using only the finest ingredients from around the world, from the Caribbean to the Scottish Highlands, Carlo has created an extensive range of mouthwatering truffles, pralines, liqueurs and glacĂŠ fruits in dark, milk and white chocolate.

If you’re looking for a chocolate treat this Easter, why not choose a dark chocolate Easter egg filled with luxury chocolate truffles, or a hand painted chocolate hen?

Visit Carlo in his chocolate factory and onsite boutique, where you can choose your own selection of chocolates and catch a glimpse of Carlo and his team at work.

Browse our lovingly hand selected range of beautiful Easter gifts & decorations. Brighten up your own home or make someone else’s Easter cracking this year with our great products • Heathcote & Ivory toiletries • Gisela Graham jugs and homewares • Wrendale Designs bone china and kitchenware • Brakeburn clothing and accessories • Voyage Maison cushions and footstools • Baa stools real sheepskin cushions and footstools • Marmalade of London scented candles & reed diusers

r -PDBMMZ NBEF XPPEFO CJSE UBCMFT BOE HBSEFO PSOBNFOUT r 1FU UBHT FOHSBWFE

We are soon to be Suitably Qualified Persons SQPs registered under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations which will mean we are able to provide medications and dietary foods.

exclusive range of lovely new clothing from Brakeburn along with gorgeous pre-loved designs in sizes to put a spring in everyone’s step.

Easter could be just the excuse you need to pamper yourself with something lovely from Heathcote and Ivory for a sumptuous bath while you nibble that chocolate egg you forgot to give away; bathed by Marmalade of London candlelight of course!

Go on, make your Easter smashing this year.

Easter Eggstravaganza At La Belle Maison & Boutique

r 'SP[FO NJODF GPS QFUT

We are happy to research and order in any items we do not regularly stock.

HOP down to La Belle Maison and fill your baskets with Easter brilliance.

The sun is shining, spring is here and the Easter Bunny’s in your garden at this time of year.

Karen at La Belle Maison has handpicked a variety of beautiful Easter decorations to brighten up your home along with some eggstra-ordinary Easter gifts.

If you love the Easter festivities but are looking to avoid the chocolate then hop in and take a look around. There is an

Shop choc-a-block full of tasty treats

A traditional pet shop with a modern approach to service and competitive prices.

r 0VS SBOHF PG DPNJDBM BOJNBM HSFFUJOH DBSET CZ "MJTPO BSF QFSGFDU GPS QFU MPWFST

Egg-stra special delights at La Belle Maison

Free local delivery Easy parking Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford, Devon. EX39 1LH

See our new spring and summer stock of Pre-loved, designer labels and top high street brands, ladies clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories.

La Belle Maison & Boutique

01237 475991 ŠLW

8 Fore street, Torrington, EX38 8HQ 01805 623254 | Open Tuesday 9.30 to 3, Wednesday 9.45 to 3, Thursday 9.30 to 3, Friday 9.45 to 3, Saturday 9.30 to 5

ŠLW

3

Easter!

"

"

Whatever you get up to, have a very happy Easter!

Ruth King, editor

Easter at St John’s Garden Centre

EASTER signals the beginning of spring and there’s no better time to think about planting your summer flowers and crops. St John’s Garden Centre in Barnstaple has everything you need to get growing this Easter.

It has a wide range of bulbs for sale including Asiatic patio lilies, crocosmia and Dutch mixed iris from the seasonal collection. It also stocks a wide range of fruit trees and bushes, plants and seeds, rose bushes, bird seed and feed, soil composts and vegetable plants to make your garden complete.

After choosing your plants for the spring season ahead, why not take a well-earned break in the Conservatory CafĂŠ? Offering everything from a refreshing drink and snack to a delicious main meal and even a Sunday carvery, the Conservatory CafĂŠ is a light and airy space to relax and rejuvenate.

If it’s a beautiful spring day, you can sit outside on the delightful patio, or alternatively visit Jungleland and marvel at the sub-tropical plants, flowers and trees.

St John’s has earned a reputation for providing a quality service to local and regional customers through the 56 years it has been trading. The reliable gardening business is run by three Oliver brothers: Nick, Simon and Tom. David and Patsy Oliver started the nursery as a smallholding and planted, harvested and sold flowers and vegetables from the site at the bottom of St John’s Lane.

With a wealth and experience and knowledge and a vast array of garden plants, furniture, flowers, seeds, barbecues, clothes, homewares, gifts and seasonal items, visit St John’s this Easter for all things gardening. www.stjohnsgardencentre.co.uk

St John’s will be open on Easter Friday, Saturday and Monday 9am to 5.30pm, and will be closed on Easter Sunday.

"

# #

!

" #

#

" ! " # """

NDJ-E01-S4

Happy

IT feels like winter has been going on forever, so if you’re anything like me, you’ll be overjoyed to see daffodils, crocuses and lambs springing up in our region, signalling the start of warmer and brighter weather to come.

Easter is the first opportunity many have to get out and about, whether it be entertaining the kids, getting some fresh air or doing up the garden. These pages are packed with inspiration for doing just that. Pages two to 10 are full of ideas for fun days out in North Devon – from hunting eggs with the Easter Bunny to feeding newborn lambs and even finding the Exmoor Beast! Take a stroll around beautiful gardens in bloom, or go paintballing for an adrenalin-pumping experience – the choice is yours.

Easter’s a great time to get out in the garden, and page 11 is full of tips to make your outdoor space look great. And if you want to have fun without breaking the bank, page 12 is full of Easter savers.

4

Now offering Splatmaster

a low-impact paintball game suitable for 9 year+.

1 or 2 hour Sessions available ©LW

01271 858279

South Down Woods, Yarnscombe, Nth Devon EX31 3LZ

.70&;

6*' 70+37' +5.#0& ':2'4+'0%'

IF you’re looking to get out and about this Easter, there’s plenty to do all around North Devon.

Take a trip to Lundy where an island adventure awaits for all egg-splorers.

Lundy is a unique haven offering peace and tranquility without roads, cars and pollution; away from the distractions of modern life.

The island's pirates have been up to their usual mischief and while helping the Easter Bunny create another amazing trail around the south of the island, they have cheekily stolen all of the chocolatey treasure!

Join the Lundy team for the first sailing on Saturday, March 26 to help the Easter Bunny find all of the lovely eggs by following the Easter trail. As well as the Easter Bunny, you might spot deer, sheep, goats and ponies as well as the famous puffins.

Cost per egg-splorer is £2.50 to take part. Book early to avoid disappointment.

If you fancy getting closer to creatures a little less cute and cuddly this Easter, visit Exmoor Zoo at Bratton Fleming – a special place that enables visitors to get up close and personal. It is an ideal family venue and it is always changing, so no repeat visit is ever the same.

Visitors get to meet the animals, join in the handling sessions, touch a snake, hold a spider, feed a wallaby and learn about the animals during talks and feed times. There are

even some ‘free range’ animals to encounter on your way around the grounds.

See cheetah, puma, European wolves, lemurs, penguins, meerkats and the famous "Exmoor Beast" black leopards, together with unique and rare smaller animals for which the zoo provides natural enclosures. Carefully planted shrubs and trees along the winding zoo paths keep visitors wondering what is next, providing a relaxing atmosphere.

Why not make a beeline for Quince Honey Farm this Easter, and enjoy free chocolate for every child? You may even meet the Easter Bunny over the Easter weekend.

Between March 27 and April 10, there will be something different happening every day at Quince Honey Farm, as well as the usual daily activities such as guided tours of BeeWorld, talks, critter encounters, candle rolling, honey tasting and much more.

For the first time the farm is offering beekeeping demos, allowing visitors to get even closer to the beeS and experience beekeeping first hand. There’s nothing quite like the sound and smell of a beehive!

Plus, kids can burn off some steam in the indoor and outdoor play areas while parents enjoy a Devonshire cream tea with honey in the café. There will be special offers on in the shop where you can taste and purchase some delicious honeys. Visit the website for more details.

If your kids have lots of energy to burn during the holidays, visit Survival Paintball – the biggest paintball site in the South West The centre has just started to offer Splatmaster, a lowimpact paintball game with

spring-loading paintball guns which fire a small paintballs, suitable for children nine years and over. As well as paintball, the team offers laser tag and airsoft in the scenic woodland location close to Barnstaple and provides everything you need including high quality weapons, ammunition, full face safety goggles, and freshly laundered overalls.

There are eight woodland playing areas with landmarks including a church, bridges, trenches, barricades, war pill boxes and towers so you will have loads to explore in combat.

There is plenty of fun to be had in the beautiful grounds of Hartland Abbey over the Easter weekend.

On Sunday, March 27 and Monday, March 28 is the annual Easter egg hunt.

Children can search the woodland paths for clues to a hidden treasure trove of Easter eggs. Then they can play traditional games like pin the tail on the Easter Bunny.

This is a great opportunity to visit the grounds of the 12th century lived-in Abbey, open from 11am to 5pm, when the spring flowers are looking their best. It is also a great chance to walk to Blackpool Mill where Tom Hiddleston starred in BBC’s The Night Manager.

The tea room will be serving lunches, cream teas and Easter cakes.

Dogs are welcome providing they don’t eat the Easter eggs first!

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ŽŶ ϬϭϮϳϭ ϴϲϯϲϯϲ ƚŽ Ŭ LJŽƵƌ ƚŝĐŬĞƚƐ Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ůƵŶĚLJŝƐůĂŶĚ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

EASTER EGG HUNTS AND SPRING FLOWERS SUNDAY 27TH AND MONDAY 28TH MARCH 11 - 5 PM

&,* HE:8>:H DK:G +%% 6C>B6AH

Follow the Easter clues around the gardens and grounds to an Easter Eggie surprise!

Easter at the Zoo

Enjoy the beautiful spring woodland and walled gardens and walks leading to Blackpool Mill where ‘The Night Manager’ was filmed.

Free Easter Quiz for all paying children with a chocolate treat prize Friday 25th March - Sunday 10th April

Visit the fascinating house too.

Delicious Easter treats in Old Kitchen Tea Room Dogs very welcome on leads

:ŽŝŶ ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ĨŝƌƐƚ ƐĂŝůŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ /ůĨƌĂĐŽŵďĞ ŽŶ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ DĂƌĐŚ ϮϲƚŚ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ƚŚĞ ĂƐƚĞƌ ƵŶŶLJ ĨŝŶĚ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůŽǀĞůLJ ĞŐŐƐ ďLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŚĞƌ ĂƐƚĞƌ ƚƌĂŝů͘ ŽƐƚ ƉĞƌ ĞŐŐƐƉůŽƌĞƌ ŝƐ άϮ͘ϱϬ ĞĂĐŚ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ƉĂƌƚ ƐŽ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ďŽŽŬ ĞĂƌůLJ ƚŽ ĂǀŽŝĚ ĚŝƐĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ͊

IFIOL G? CH ;M <?MN S? =;H²

& ;G::

Ŷ ŝƐůĂŶĚ ĂĚǀĞŶƚƵƌĞ ĂǁĂŝƚƐ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĞŐŐƐƉůŽƌĞƌƐ ŽŶ >ƵŶĚLJ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƐƚĞƌ͘ dŚĞ ŝƐůĂŶĚΖƐ ƉŝƌĂƚĞƐ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ƵƉ ƚŽ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƵƐƵĂů ŵŝƐĐŚŝĞĨ ĂŶĚ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĂƐƚĞƌ ƵŶŶLJ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ĂŵĂnjŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŝů ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝƐůĂŶĚ͕ ƚŚĞLJ ŚĂǀĞ ĐŚĞĞŬŝůLJ ƐƚŽůĞŶ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ LJƵŵŵLJ ĐŚŽĐŽůĂƚĞůLJ ƚƌĞĂƐƵƌĞ͊

Hartland Abbey

ĂůůŝŶŐ Ăůů ĂƐƚĞƌ ƚƌĞĂƐƵƌĞ ŚƵŶƚĞƌƐ͊

Child with two paying adults with this voucher South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Nr Barnstaple, EX31 4SG

01237 441496/234 www.hartlandabbey.com

Hartland, EX39 6DT (between Hartland and Quay)

©LW

NDJ-E01-S4

Hunt eggs, Easter bunnies and the Exmoor Beast in North Devon

01598 763352

www.exmoorzoo.co.uk

©LW

5 NDJ-E01-S4

Hunt for

dinosaur eggs in Combe Martin

IT’S nearly the Easter holidays and time for all you fledgling dinosaur rangers out there to join in the annual Dino Egg Hunt at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park.

Find the ten missing dinosaur eggs scattered around the park and you will be in for a treat! The hunt will be on throughout the whole of the holidays, not just the Easter weekend, giving everyone the opportunity to join in the fun whatever day you visit.

If that doesn’t wear you out then make sure you visit the Dinosaurus playzone, the area’s largest indoor soft play area for ‘Dinomite’ fun whatever the weather. Slides, tubes, rope bridges, ball pools and lots more

to keep the children entertained while mums and dads relax with a cup of coffee.

Lurking among the tropical trees in the depths of the park’s valley are some of the latest in dinosaur animatronics. Come face to face with ferocious spinosaurus, a family of triceratops and our very own British dinosaur, the vicious neovenator!

Watch out for the young T-rex lurking round the corner, his mother is close behind! Watch the UK’s most realistic full sized animatronic T-rex come to life, but don’t stand too close to dilophosaurus – you may get wet!

Visit the park’s dinosaur museum where you can see fantastic and rare exhibits including a complete allo-

saurus skeleton and one of the largest nests of fossilized eggs ever discovered.

The park is home to a variety of exotic animals including African lions, baboons, gibbons, sea lions, penguins, meerkats, timber wolves and rare White Hudson Bay wolves.

There are daily sea lion shows, talks and animal encounters for the whole family to enjoy.

Take a ride on the Dino Express, creep through bug world or be brave enough to enter the park’s underground tomb for a fascinating insight into Egypt.

There is something for everyone to enjoy this Easter at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park!

6 NDJ-E01-S4

Find the

gold

chocolate bunny DISCOVER the magic of Easter at RHS Garden Rosemoor and join the hunt to find the Lindt gold bunny.

Explore the gardens in all their spring glory and discover wonderful flowers, enjoy beautiful views and hunt the iconic Lindt gold bunny.

Hop along the Lindt trail and solve all the clues to be rewarded with a delicious chocolate treat, then enjoy events including seed sowing, hat making and crafts.

The Lindt gold bunny trail runs from March 19 to April 10.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on at RHS Rosemoor this Easter March 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 10: Garden detectives.

See quail chicks plus a pair of live bunnies, loaned by Diana Lewis of North Devon Animal Ambulance.

March 26 & 27 1pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.30pm: Bees in the garden with Bee Craft.

Free plant centre event on the courtyard or in the Lecture Hall if wet.

March 29 and April 6 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1pm and 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm: WOW recreate with Mrs Recycle.

Meet Mrs Recycle, become a garden detective and find who is living in the garden. Construct a wall hanging with the clues and use unwanted clean stuff to make fluffy bunnies.

March 30 and April 8 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1pm and 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm: Drop-in craft workshop.

March 31 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1pm and 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm: Willow work with Mary Jannaway.

Make a simple, secret woodland spirit out of willow, dress it with wool coloured fabric and decorate with felt pens. Then take it home and put it in your garden.

April 1 and 5 11.30am or 2.30pm: Garden detective family walk.

Walk off all your chocolate and see what wildlife is hiding in the garden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; apart from gold bunnies of course.

!

!

"

April 4 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1pm and 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm: Willow work with Jane Welsh.

Make a set of willow rabbit ears to wear as you hop on the Lindt Gold Bunny trail or make a willow bunny wand to guide you around the garden.

April 7 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1pm and 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm: Garden detectives with Rob Pudner & Tom from Pregnant Fish.

Join the Garden Detectives on the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but will they help or hinder your search?

Prepare for your hunt to be supported or sabotaged as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drawn into their stories, songs and surprises.

7 NDJ-E01-S4

Easter Eggstravaganza at the Sheep

BIG

THE Easter Eggstravaganza Festival is back at the BIG Sheep, with an outing for every age group.

Open from Friday, March 25 to Friday, April 8, the BIG Sheep has Toddler Takeover Days, an Easter breakfast and an attraction choc-ablock with chocolate eggs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if the Easter Bunny forgets to visit.

As well as 30,000 chocolate eggs for the whole family to find, the BIG Sheep boasts a great selection of rides and attractions, great shows, face painting and even the chance to meet the Easter Bunny.

You can also experience spring first hand and meet the newborn lambs as well as baby chicks, rowdy roosters, pygmy goats, adorable puppies, perky piglets and fluffy bunnies.

Rick Turner, director of the flock said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Easter is one of my favourite times at the BIG Sheep as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the arrival of spring. We have lambs born every day and I love to hear the squeals of delight and the look of sheer pleasure on the faces of the children when they discover a chocolate egg!â&#x20AC;?

Easter Toddler Takeover Days â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuesday, March 22, Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24

Pre-school children can enjoy one a Toddler Takeover Day which runs from 10am to 2pm.

Toddlers will be able to participate in a range of fun activities. Meet the Easter bunny, hunt for Mini Eggs and take a big egg home to eat.

Meet newborn lambs and help feed them their lunch, or meet baby rabbits and chicks in the animal barn.

Enjoy free Easter face painting, or paint your own egg. Make a chocolate birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest, handprint rabbit crafts or make your own Easter bunny ears.

Then go wild in the Ewetopia playground.

Tickets must be pre booked for all customers including season ticket members. Members can enter for free but numbers are limited to 250 per day.

( ' $ ' #$

"

# !

"

$

$

$ $ " !

' ' *# * ' , ' - ' " "!

"'' ")$ * ! %

) ' " #' " -!

" ! + (

. )($ $)(%%

,,,!' # ! !*

8 NDJ-E01-S4

Easter at the Landmark

fun

OVER the Easter holidays, North Devon Theatres presents some fantastic family fun for all ages at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe.

Enjoy a day out by the sea on Easter Sunday, March 27, as the Landmark hosts the Easter Craft Fair from 10am to 5pm. North Devon is lucky to have a treasure trove of crafts people, some of whom will be displaying their locally produced arts, crafts and produce in the Pavilion. Plus, the Rendezvous Cafe will be serving scrumptious traditional roast dinners and there will be activities on the front lawn to keep the younger members of the family entertained.

If you fancy a break from all those Easter eggs, then visit the Landmark to support Make The Move students in Seussical The Musical Jr on Fri-

day, April 1 at 7pm and Saturday, April 2 at 2.30pm. The wonderfully talented youngsters will bring some of Dr Seuss’ best-loved characters to life in this musical extravaganza. Join Horton the elephant as he goes on an adventure to protect a speck of dust containing a town of tiny people called the Whos. This bright and colourful show promises to be an unforgettable musical caper for all the family.

Then there is an extraordinary show roaring into the Landmark at the end of the Easter break, giving the whole family something special to enjoy together before the new school term starts. Dinosaur Zoo will arrive on Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8 at 1.30pm and 4.30pm on both days, and promises to give you a ‘dino-

saursome’ time! The show cleverly brings the awesome prehistoric creatures to life using incredibly lifelike puppets. From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, you can marvel at and interact with these ravenous reptiles in this imaginative and hilarious show. But be warned, not all of them are as tame as they seem!

As well as great entertainment, don’t forget that the Rendezvous Cafe at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe and the Gallery Cafe at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple offer delicious lunches, speciality teas and coffees, and home-made cakes, providing a great place to stop and relax.

For more information or to book tickets, please call the Box Office on 01271 324242 or www. northdevontheatres.org.uk

DARE TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL THIS EASTER

FOR E ALL TIHLY FAM 3+ AGES

“PUPPET-TASTIC!” TIME OUT CRITIC’S CHOICE

THU 7 - FRI 8 APR Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all of your favourite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in this fantastical musical extravaganza.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant

01271 324242

northdevontheatres.org.uk

MEET THE T- REX!

9 NDJ-E01-S4

Easter that’s out of this

THERE’S so much extra at The Milky Way this Easter.

The fun includes a massive Easter treasure hunt from Friday, March 25 until Sunday, April 10, with an ‘Eggs Galore’ scratch card game that offers a guaranteed chocolate egg for every child aged one to 12 years. Plus, there are thousands of other prizes to be won including an iPad, a family annual pass and vouchers to spend in the shop.

From Friday, March 25 to Friday, April 1 visitors can also expect daily visits from the Easter bunny as he spreads some excitement around the site. What’s more, fans of Peter Rabbit will be delighted to hear that the adventurous little rabbit will be appearing at intervals throughout the day on Easter Sunday, March 27.

Then, on Saturday, April 2, you can meet and have your picture taken with Storm Troopers and other characters from the legendary Star Wars films as they patrol the park throughout the day. This is all thanks to the 501st UK Garrison, the world’s largest and most accurate Star Wars costume character club. The Garrison are all volunteers who donate 100% of their appearance fees to charity.

“The highlight of Easter for me will be the visit of the UK Garrison on April 2, said Marten Stanbury, park owner. “It really is quite something to have Storm Troopers guarding the entrance to the park as you arrive! But visitors are going to love all of the extra Easter entertainment this year – we had such a fantastic award winning year in 2015 that we’re determined to kick off the 2016 season in style.”

Opening for 2016 is an amazing display of sci-fi memorabilia – one man’s vast private collection of characters, collectables and fan art from film and TV…from Daleks to Darth Vader!

You can also look forward to all of the usual attractions on offer at North Devon’s multi award-winning day out with rides, slides, shows and activities designed to entertain the whole family – including the innovative Little Stars play centre designed for babies to preschoolers. With more than 110,000 sq. feet of indoor fun and acres of outdoor activities, The Milky Way is the biggest all weather, family day out in North Devon. It’s designed to be fun for parents as well as kids and there are no hidden extras…with the extra fun at Easter all included in the normal entry price.

While you’re there don’t forget to grab yourself a VIP super saver ticket that will get you in for £7.50 per person all season, £3.50 for children aged one to two-years-old.

world!

“In addition to the Star Wars event day on April 2, sci-fi fans can also look forward to viewing Dave Bailey’s private collection of memorabilia. We’ve been working hard to get the collection ready as there really is so much of it!

“Dave has donated the collection in the hope of raising some funds for Make-A-Wish® – a fantastic charity that grants wishes to children with life threatening conditions. People who visit the sci-fi collection are invited to make a voluntary donation to the charity.”

Marten Stanbury – park owner

0 16 NEW feomro2 rabilia Sci-fi m

Multi AWARD Day Out WINNING

See website for dates

A This E STER 25th March to 10th April

FREE chocolate egg for every paying child 1–12yrs

Massive EASTER TREASURE HUNT

1000’s of prizes up for grabs EGGS GAL O SCRATCH C RE ARD for children aged 1-12 years

1st Prize a family annual pass and an iPAD!

Scratch to reveal your PRIZE!

Prizes/eggs while stocks last/subject to availability.

One man’s vast private collection of SCI-FI MEMORABILIA – see characters, collectables and fan art from film & TV. This exhibit has been donated by the collector – no increase has been added to the main entry price for this attraction but you are invited to make a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish ® UK when entering the exhibit.

SuNDay 27th MARch

GREAT OFFER FOR LOCALS

NDJ16

One HALF PRICE adult with every full paying child

Peter Rabbit™ © Frederick Warne & Co. Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited, 2016. All rights reserved.

Valid 19th March – 30th April. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

STAR WARS

Your group just needs to present this voucher on arrival, along with proof of your local address, such as a driving license or recent utility bill.

Saturday 2nd April

Meet characters from the films as they walk the site.

Characters subject to change

Tel: 01237 431255 info@themilkyway.co.uk

www.themilkyway.co.uk Open daily March 19th to Oct 30th from 10am. Only 10 miles from Bideford on the A39, Near Clovelly, Devon EX39 5RY

Come and see Peter Rabbit at intervals throughout the day

FREE

Easter Bunny Friday 25th March to Friday 1st April

facebook.com/themilkywayadventurepark

twitter.com/milkywaydevon

10

CASTLE Hill House and Gardens in Filleigh, near Barnstaple, are steeped in history and are cared for and cherished by the Fortescue family. This year sees a new generation – the 15th – of the family to become the custodians of the estate.

Castle Hill House is a beautiful Palladian home set in a wondrous grade one landscape among romantic woodland gardens. You can stroll through the Millennium Garden, wander through rare trees and follow winding pathways through a magical collection of herbaceous borders.

Experience the delights of magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas together with daffodils, bluebells and carpets of Devon primroses.

Families with youngsters and dogs on leads are very welcome to enjoy the gardens.

Children will especially enjoy climbing the Tanglewood Tree. Access is possible for visitors in wheelchairs and

with limited mobility although some areas of the gardens are only accessible by steep slopes.

The garden kiosk serves light refreshments and cream teas and is the perfect spot to round off an enjoyable visit.

On March 28, Castle Hill celebrates Easter with the annual Bunny Hunt – a trail of clues is hidden throughout the gardens leading to a gift from the Easter Bunny. Light

lunches and cream teas will be served throughout the day.

The gardens are open daily except Saturdays from April 10 so come and see the and beauty for yourself. Special discounts for groups with introductory talks and refreshments available on request.

Castle Hill then hosts a season of outdoor theatre performances, a country house sale and a fun dog show – visit www.castlehilldevon.co.uk.

What’s On at Castle Hill

R FUN E T S A E 28 MONDAY MARCH

from 11am

TH

trail through the Eggsplore the clues hidden by gardens to solve to y in your quest the Easter Bunn ! prize win a chocolate en e from the gard Tickets availabl ite bs we r ou t si y vi kiosk on the da . es ic pr d an n io at for more inform

Saturday 14th May Country House Sale

An auction of some of the family’s pre-loved artefacts with all donations going to charity.

Sunday 10th July

Dog Funday in partnership with K9Focus

A welcome return of this popular event. Lots of stalls and activities including amusing dog classes for your four-legged friends.

Outdoor Theatre Performances in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre

Friday 3rd June - 5pm

Illyria Theatre present Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl promising a magnificent, funny and heart-warming story perfectly suited to the open-air

Wednesday 27th July - 5pm

The Pantaloons take us on a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown with Gulliver’s Travels

Thursday 11th August - 6pm

A swashbuckling adventure of The Scarlet Pimpernel presented by Box Tree Productions The gardens are open free for two hours before the start of each performance. Bring rugs, blankets and picnics. Refreshments available.

For more information and to book your tickets for the Outdoor Theatre productions contact The Plough Box Office on 01805 624624 or www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

For further details on any of the above events or to find out more about Castle Hill and our open gardens season visit www.castlehilldevon.co.uk or call 01598 760421

©LW

NDJ-E01-S4

Experience the magic of Easter at Castle Hill Enjoy all the fun of the fair at Dingles

STEP into an Enchanted Easter at Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre near Lifton.

Every day from Good Friday to Sunday, April 10 will be an entertainment packed day at the centre.

Meet the biggest Easter bunny among a host of other costumed characters.

From Sunday, April 4 popular circus artiste Lucas Jet

will amaze you with his feats of skill and teach the little ones a few circus tricks.

Mikey J’s Dinky Donuts will serve tasty comestibles and creamy cappuccinos in the fairground building and the Carousel Café offers farmhouse breakfasts, delicious hot meals and sumptuous cream teas.

Enjoy all the fun of the vin-

tage fair with a world class collection of quirky and surreal fairground art.

Ride on the biggest dodgem track in the country as well as the spooky ghost train, golden gallopers, the hall of mirrors and children’s roundabouts.

All the entertainment is under cover with free parking, making it the ideal Easter day out, whatever the weather.

11

BEST Of British Gardens has been set up by a North Devon landscaper who has returned to the area after living and working in Australia for seven years.

Carlton Ridd ran a landscaping business in North Devon during the 1990s and early 2000s but was given the chance to go abroad in 2008.

“My travels took me first to South Australia and then north to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland,” said Carlton.

“Having gained a licence as a structural landscaper in both states, I ran my own business and was lucky enough to work on a diverse portfolio of projects, from high-end contemporary poolside makeovers using stone and hardwoods to clearing weed

species in the rainforest.”

Carlton is now using the diverse experience gained during his travels to transform gardens closer to home.

“It’s fantastic to be home in North Devon again, and I have

set up my new business with what I feel is the fitting name – Best of British Gardens.

“I am looking forward to creating innovative and inspirational spaces again here in the South West.”

LMZZQKS L ly myvt Mnnlzmvyk Ohykluz zh z uv~ pz {ol ilz{ {ptl {v vykly v|y ohunpun ihzrl{z mvy h z{|uupun z|ttly kpzwsh 6

Easter is perfect time to get in the garden

EVEN though it’s early this year, Easter is a good time to get out in the garden. The extra days holiday mean that you can make a real impact by tackling some of the jobs that take a little longer to complete.

With the vigour and energy of spring combined with extra days to work outside means that you can achieve some great results over the bank holiday weekend.

Once the soil has started to warm up it will be time for planting in the vegetable garden and there is a great range of vegetable plants and

seeds along with friendly help and advice available at Eggesford Gardens.

Looking ahead to summer displays, why not take advantage of Eggesford Gardens’ planting service for containers and hanging baskets? Just order them in the style that you like and pick them up in May ready to go straight outside for a stunning display.

There is always a great selection of quality plants at Eggesford Gardens so whether you are planting up baskets and containers or creating beautiful borders, pop along

and enjoy some relaxed shopping in a scenic setting – the garden centre is nestled on the edge of the Taw Valley and Eggesford Forest is close by.

As well as plants you will find everything else you need too – from compost to containers, fertilisers to forks and wellies to wheelbarrows.

With the Gardens Restaurant serving delicious home cooked food and the shop selling gift ideas and home accessories, it is a great place to visit – even if you aren’t a gardener. Dogs and muddy boots are welcome!

Garden Design & Construction

IV l htwsl vm h wyvqlj{ Khys{vu ohz ~vyrlk vu6

The Country Garden Centre

your garden this Easter Summer bedding plants Design Decks

Planting Pergolas

Structures Sculptures

Walls Lighting

Water

Relaxed shopping

Paving Timber

Trees & shrubs to plant now

Driveways

Garden care products

Maintenance

Call Carlton Ridd on 07507 939 243 Qualified, experienced landscaper

Eggesford Garden Centre

carlton@bestofbritishgardens.co.uk

Eggesford, Chulmleigh, Devon EX18 7QU Tel 01769 580250

www.bestofbritishgardens.co.uk

...the complete garden solution, IURP VWDUW WR ¿QLVK ©LW

www.eggesfordgardens.com

Help & Advice Delicious food in The Gardens Restaurant

NDJ-E01-S4

Carlton offers British best for Devon gardens

12 NDJ-E01-S4

ONE FREE CHILD

(WITH A PAYING ADULT)

S ave up to

13.95

QUINCE HONEY FARM

Terms and conditions: Buy one full priced adult ticket and receive a child’s ticket free. One voucher per transaction. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer including family, advanced or website tickets. No photocopied vouchers.

Offer valid until Sunday, October 31, 2016.

19.96

25% OFF ENTRY

Terms and conditions: Pay for one person and get the second person free. Cheapest goes free. Present this voucher at the entrance. One voucher per transaction. No cash refund or alternative is available. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No photocopies/damaged/ defaced/altered vouchers. Chocolate Eggs are subject to availability. Valid between 25 March and 8 April 2016. See website for opening dates & times. All rights of admission and cancellation reserved.

S ave up to

DIGGERLAND PARK, DEVON

5.50

2 FOR 1 ENTRY

Start your engines and get ready to race! Experienced drivers can have a go on the smaller, faster solo karts. If you want some family fun choose the larger two-seater version where children may ride free accompanied by an adult.

Come and experience the magic of glass making - watch and enjoy the masters at work creating something spectacular ! Much to see and do: Creative Activities, Visitor Centre, Factory Experience, Great Shopping and relax and unwind in our Cafe.

PEBBLE RIDGE ADVENTURE GOLF & GO-KARTS

Terms and conditions: Offer applies only to Go-Karting. One voucher per person. No photocopies accepted. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. No cash alternative or refund. Offer is subject being open - weather permitting please check before visiting to avoid disappointment. Valid until September 4, 2016.

2.00

Terms and conditions: Buy one full priced adult ticket and receive a child’s ticket free. Children under 5 go free.

Free entry will be of equal or lower value to the one purchased. One voucher per transaction. No cash refund or alternatives available. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until October 30, 2016.

2 FOR 1 KARTING

The Slipway, Westward Ho!, North Devon.

Tel: 07775644506 Web: www.pebble-ridge.co.uk

Save

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL

Worth up to

Linden Close, Torrington, Devon, EX38 7AN. Tel: 01805 626242 Web: www.dartington.co.uk

8.50

2 FOR 1 BOWLING ATLANTIS BOWL

17.10 20% OFF ENTRY WOODLANDS FAMILY THEME PARK Enjoy the South West’s largest Easter Eggstravagansa with the UK’s No 1 Easter Bunny Grotto and eggstatic workshops, zoo-farm activities plus free chocolate egg hunts. With all the rides, attractions and Easter festivities, Woodlands is the perfect day out for all the family.

Dartmouth, Devon, TQ9 7DQ. Tel: 01803 712598 Web: www.woodlandspark.com Terms and conditions: The voucher entitles the holder to 20% off standard day entry for up 5 people. No cash refund or alternative is available. Voucher must be presented at admission before paying. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or concession including group and online tickets. Offer valid until May 27, 2016. See website for opening times.

Terms and conditions: Buy one full priced game of bowling and get the second free. No cash alternative.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or voucher. No photocopied/damaged/defaced vouchers accepted. All rights of admission and cancellation reserved. Valid from 25th March to 29th April 2016.

8.95

ONE FREE CHILD

DARTMOOR ZOOLOGICAL PARK Dartmoor Zoo is set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland 5 miles from Marsh Mills, Plymouth. Meet the bears, lions, tigers and many more exotic species. Plus enjoy a regular program of daily events such as feeding sessions, talks, animal encounters and special activities for kids.

Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 5DG Web: www.dartmoorzoo.org Tel: 01752 837645 Terms and conditions: Buy one full priced adult ticket and receive a free child entry.

Admits one child only. No cash value. Not to be used in conjunction with any other Offer. Valid until November 30, 2016.

Terms and conditions: 2 for 1 entry to VC & Factory Experience only with one full paying adult. One voucher per transaction. No cash refund or alternative is available. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer including family, advanced & website tickets. No photocopies/damaged/defaced/altered vouchers.

Valid until November 4, 2016.

S ave up to

Fun for all the family with Short Lane HIGHWAY 66 10 PIN BOWLING and AMERICAN STYLE dining! Atlantis Bowl is an exciting venue for bowling, great food and drink in our licensed diner, birthday parties and holiday fun - We look forward to see you this Easter.

Atlantic Village Shopping Centre, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 3QU. Tel: 01237 478888 Web: www.atlantisadventurepark.co.uk/atlantisbowl

S ave

ARLINGTON COURT

Arlington, near Barnstaple, EX31 4LP. Tel: 01271 850296 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court

Terms and conditions: Voucher entitles up to 4 people to 25% off standard admission to Diggerland Devon Park. Pay on the day only. Only originals accepted. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount, concession or pre-booked ticket. Height restrictions apply on all rides. Valid until May 22, 2016. Office use: 30212.

4.00

(WITH A ONE FREE CHILD PAYING ADULT) Delve into an elegant house full of treasures and visit the interactive carriage museum to discover transport of the past. Plus gardens to explore, estate walks, two woodland play areas and family events throughout the year. More than just a day’s visit!

Diggerland is the ultimate adventure park experience where children and adults can ride and drive real diggers and dumpers! Visitors can enjoy 18 different rides, from the spectacular views on Skyshuttle to Spindizzy for the thrill seekers – there’s something for the whole family!

Verbeer Manor, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 2PE. Tel: 0871 2277007 Web: www.diggerland.com

S ave up to

THE BIG SHEEP

Love Chocolate? If so The BIG Sheep is the place to be this Easter as the Easter Bunny has delivered 30,000 chocolate eggs for you to enjoy! Known as the South West’s largest Easter egg hunt, the Easter Eggstravaganza Festival runs from 25th March until 8th April.

Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon.

Tel: 01237 472366 Web: www.thebigsheep.co.uk

Take a guided tour around the world’s largest Honeybee exhibition; BeeWorld! See inside working hives, and taste some of the bees delicious honey. The kids will love the indoor play hive and Critter shows!

North Road, South Molton, EX36 3AZ. Tel: 01769 572401 Web: www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk

Save u p to

2 FOR 1 ENTRY

Save

9.00

£9 OFF GREEN FEES LIBBATON GOLF CLUB

Set in the heart of the beautiful Devon countryside, 10 miles from Barnstaple, is one of the country’s undiscovered golfing gems!

Libbaton is destined to become one of the finest parkland tests of golf in the South west.

High Bickington, Umberleigh, Devon, EX39 9BS. Tel: 01769 560269 Web: www.libbatongolfclub.co.uk Terms and conditions: £9 off one green fee, present this voucher on arrival.

Normal green fees are £24. One voucher per person. No cash refund or alternative. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. No photocopies accepted. Valid until November 4, 2016.

How to use these great offers: Simply cut out the voucher for your chosen attraction, present it at the entrance when you arrive and have a great day out!

northdevonjournal.co.uk/daysout

Usual Trinity Mirroe=r rules apply as stated in today’s classified section. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

No photocopied/damaged/defaced/altered vouchers. Vouchers have no cash value and are not for resale. Additional conditions apply for each attraction, see voucher for details.

Check out more great offers online!