Great Torrington is a historic market town, built mainly on an inland "clifftop", and thus it commands spectacular views over the River Torridge and acres of farmland set out far below you in a patchwork of natural colours that change with the seasons.  

       
              

Immediate Past President John Bungay hands over to new President Gordon Wiseman

          Here come 'the girls'  President Elect Jenny Stains (right) & President Nominee Linda Facey  

WHY JOIN ROTARY?   Click Here       District Conference 25th,26th & 27th Feb 2011 Details

PRESIDENT GORDON welcomes

District Governor, Carole Angliss to a club meeting

The Crier, News and Community Diary for the Torrington area

See pictures of The Burning of the Castle Sat 28th August

During the Civil War, Great Torrington was, first, a Royalist Garrison and then it was taken by General Fairfax, who mounted a surprise attack in one of the largest battles of the Civil War, on February 16th 1646. This proved to be one of the last and most decisive battles of the Civil War in the West Country, with a battlefield of some fifteen thousand men. The Royalists were defeated and events moved forward to the eventual culmination of the Civil War in England with the execution of King Charles I. The Civil War is commemorated by a permanent exhibition and interpretation centre "Torrington 1646".

Dartington Crystal

The hand blown glass, made in Great Torrington, is famous throughout the world, the factory and shop is open for most of the year. A tour of the factory provides a fascinating insight into glass making and the skills of blowing red hot molten glass. The finished fine crystal ware can be purchased from the factory shop.

Royal Horticultural Society - Rosemoor Gardens
The RHS gardens are situated just outside the town and feature a Winter Garden, Bog Garden, Cottage Garden, Fruit and Vegetable Garden and over two thousand roses. There is an extensive gardening and gift shop, refreshment facilities and plant sales.

Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail can be accessed from the "Puffing Billy" which is the former Southern Railways station at Great Torrington. From here, you can cycle north to Bideford, or south along the line of the old railway track, through the quiet countryside to Petrockstowe and Meeth. During the Summer months bicycles, may be hired and refreshments taken at the "Puffing Billy"

Literary Connections
The wonderful countryside surrounding the rivers Taw and Torridge inspired Henry Williamson to write "Tarka the Otter" in the 1920's.

In the next 30 days..

14/09/2010  Club Weekly Meeting -  Holly Lake - RYLA experience.  Holly is coming to tell us about her RYLA experience at Okehampton
28/09/2010  Club Weekly Meeting -  Devon Air Ambulance - Richard Rumbold.  Richard was Mayor of Torrington some years ago. This will be his second visit to collect a donation
02/10/2010  Business Breakfast.  Breakfast at the Black Horse Torrington. From 8.00am

Last Meeting

31/08/2010 Topic: Paul Heard - South African Cricket Tour
We helped Paul with his fund-raising to go on tour. He's going to tell us all about it