A good Planning Committee meeting - Gary Lineker for President - our wildflower meadow - the artists of Marsland Valley

As Planning meetings are held at the Barnstaple Rugby Club I can easily cycle there (electrically-assisted) from home – about five miles. Last Wednesday’s meeting was particularly heartening. We were asked to consider how S.106 money – funds due to a local council from a developer to create social value – should be allocated in Rackenford.

The circumstances were unusual but Rackenford parish council and its district cllr Peter Jones asked that the 106 money – £58,500 – should not be put towards affordable housing (which might or might not happen) but be allocated to projects the council is actively pursuing: extending its community shop, finding a way to reopen its pub (closed a year ago) and enhancing its Common, where there is Culm grassland.

I spoke in favour, reminding members of how little power parish councils have in planning decisions (as I know from being chair of planning on Swimbridge pc for the past five years). A motion to allow Rackenford to use the 106 money on its projects, in consultation with planning officers and Cllr Jones, was carried unanimously.

For any readers who think my support of parish councils in the planning system is counter to my position on the White Cross wind farm cable route, this Guardian article may be of interest: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/20/sea-level-rise-migration

Gary Lineker for President? Who better (except Caroline Lucas, of course), if King Charles proves to be our last monarch?

Lineker has proved himself a master in three fields – a great striker and England captain, a fine sports presenter, and a non-party political commentator of straightforward eloquence and moral clarity.

The BBC, on the other hand, has failed us again and again on the most pressing issues of the day, including – most urgently – Gaza. If you have not read the report on this by Owen Jones, it is here:

BattleLines with Owen Jones

Gary Lineker was driven out the BBC because he opposes genocide

Gary Lineker being forced out of the BBC is a reminder of an iron rule which has prevailed since Israel began its genocide against the Palestinian people…

5 days ago · 651 likes · 11 comments · Owen Jones

In the past week damselflies and dragonflies have appeared around our pond. Suddenly the Yellow Rattle flowers have emerged in our small wildflower meadow.

As many readers will know, Yellow Rattle parasitises the roots of grasses, thus creating the space for other wildflowers to emerge. The Oxeye Daisies have also arrived but they are much smaller than usual – which I think may be a consequence of the very worrying lack of rain this spring.

They are more like Dogseyes Daisies this year. While on the subject of gardens, I was delighted to hear that the admirable Freedom Centre in Barnstaple has adopted three allotments in the town and will open them to those for whom working with the soil and plants in the open air will bring substantial health benefits.

You can donate, specifying this project if you wish to, here: https://freedomcommunityalliance.org.uk/donate-money/

On Saturday afternoon we went to the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon to hear Peter Stiles give a talk and see his show (catalogue above, illustrating a painting by Gillian Ayres).

It is a fascinating text and an engrossing exhibition. Highly recommended – Northern Devon is a remarkably creative place. Which reminds me to mention that I’ll be reading with other writers on landscape and wildlife at the Parracombe Festival tomorrow evening (Sunday 25 May) at the Fox & Goose at 7.30pm. Thank you for reading.

CLLR MHB BLOG

Blog 19 – local election triumph – new book by star poet – Gaza update – Dr Pat Hart – Big River Watch

May 2•

Mark Haworth-Booth