Introduction to Milton Damerel
Milton Damerel is a Parish rather than a Village, made up of a number of hamlets. The Parish covers some seven square miles, with a population of approximately 450 in the Torridge District of rural north-west Devon. It is approximately five miles from the market town of Holsworthy and 13 miles from Bideford. The A388 is the main road through the middle of the Parish from the south-western boundary at the Holsworthy Beacon cross roads to the River Torridge at the north-eastern boundary at Woodford Bridge.
According to the Torridge District Local Plan, development in rural settlements with relatively few local services is strictly limited to that which is essential for meeting local social or economic needs. Milton Damerel is one such settlement.
There are no schools in the Parish but the schools attended by local students include Bradworthy Community Primary, Bradford Primary and Holsworthy C of E Primary Schools, Holsworthy Community College and North Devon College. Information on eligibility for free or subsidised school transport can be obtained from: www.devon.gov.uk/school_transport_eligibility_check
There is a garage and shop with an ATM, a farm shop and tea room and country club leisure facility with a pub and restaurant. In addition there are numerous small businesses providing services to the residential and business community. The nearest full time Post Offices are at Bradworthy and Holsworthy with a limited service from a mobile facility that calls at Shebbear.
The focus for social activities and getting together in Milton Damerel is the Parish Hall. This community building is the venue for parish meetings and events. There is a Skittle Alley attached to the Hall which is used for regular skittles league matches during the winter months. Both the Parish Hall and the Skittle Alley are available for private hire.
The Milton Damerel Methodist Church holds weekly services and other events in the old school room. The grade II* listed Holy Trinity Parish Church dates back in parts, to the late 13th century and holds monthly services.
Public transport is provided along the main A388 road between Holsworthy and Bideford and on to Barnstaple. A bus travels 4 times a day in each direction. On Saturday mornings a bus goes to Launceston, Tavistock and Plymouth with a return service later in the day.
North Tamar Community Transport Association Ltd runs a Ring & Ride service together with a Volunteer Car scheme to help with transport difficulties for those eligible.
The mobile library visits the parish every two weeks. There is also a library in Holsworthy which is open 5 sessions a week.
Milton Damerel Newsletter, which is published quarterly, is delivered to all households in the Parish to welcome newcomers, advertise local events and services and generally keep everyone informed.
