Torquay weather and temp in Fahr.

MAIDENCOMBE.NET AUTHOR Jim Campbell

MAIDENCOMBE.NET AUTHOR Jim Campbell
Maidencombe resident since 1960. Local historian and author of the 'Coves of Maidencombe'.
Copyright © 2013 . All Rights Reserved.
Blog Directory & Business Pages - OnToplist.com

TIDES

KESTREL CALLING

BUZZARD IN MY GARDEN

RESERVE

NST

The bowl of the coombe as seen from Sladnor heights

The bowl of the coombe as seen from Sladnor heights

Maidencombe point

Maidencombe point
as seen above Maidencombe cove.

Blog Archive

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

BACK TO THE COVES

Still recovering from my five hour excursion from Maidencombe to the Ness via the coastal rock route, Monday afternoon.  Much information was gleaned but a further expedition is necessary to complete the field study.  This time I will be fully equipped with scaling gear and full length machete, as I will have to climb to the Southwest Coastal Path a number of times. 
Had I been so equipped on Monday,  I would have managed the ascent of Red Bag Cove, instead of having to abort only twenty feet from the summit.  The lacerations and multiple scratches sustained are a reminder of the abortive attempt. 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

A TIRING DAY

NESS COVE BEACH
Pretty tired after Monday's efforts.  I set off from Maidencombe Cove at 2:10 pm and got back home just short of five hours later.  Over a hundred stills and thirty plus video reference clips were taken for my Project Coves archive.  Now it's full steam ahead to compile text and produce the field guide.



Monday, July 29, 2013

PROJECT COVES

MACKEREL COVE
A sadly neglected project of mine for some months, I am now making time to survey and map the stretch of coastline from Maidencombe to The Ness at Shaldon.  There exists much confusion on the naming of the coves and sandy stretches - beach, inlet or cove - along this stretch with major map sites such as Google maps and Bing maps omitting names for lack of knowledge.

The first three weeks in July with virtual unbroken sunshine would have been ideal for such a project. Well, lackaday, I'll make do with what is on offer, starting this afternoon.  The forecast is (hopefully) dry with sunny intervals. 

To coin but two phrases by Douggie and Arnie - 'I shall return' and 'I'll be back'   ....

Friday, July 26, 2013

MAIDEN VOYAGE - EPILOGUE


BELL ROCK TO PORT

Part 2 of the maiden voyage of Titanic 2.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

CLIP COURTESY OF PRECONDEROTOUS



An adventurous 'action' hour in the life and times of Bluebird as the tiny Titanic 2 is launched from Maidencombe cove and fearlessly sets course for the Bell Rock, some 400 metres distant.  A tiny voyage for a tiny Titanic 2 - but fraught with danger as we shall see ...

MAIDEN VOYAGE OF 'TITANIC 2' - CLOSING WITH THE BELL ROCK

Such a tiny craft that I thought that the name Titanic 2 would be a hoot - little did I know how close to disaster I was sailing to - just like her namesake.  Videos being prepared.

WE HAVE DELIVERY

The redelivered FedEx package arrived an hour ago.  See the video clip 'Yippee kay ak'  over on our sister site at:
www.preconderotous.com

HEAVY RAIN

Heavy rain has now delayed our scheduled Night Patrol.  It could also interfere with my planned 'Action' seafaring adventures.  Not a drop of water has fallen in the combe for all of July and just when I get a boat, the heavens open.  FedEx called this morning with the boat but failed to act on instructions to sound their horn and duly took it away.  Now being redelivered today, fingers crossed.  It all goes to show that if it can go wrong, it usually does ...

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

RAIN ARRIVES

Just started to rain in Maidencombe!  Thank goodness.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

MAIDENCOMBE ESCAPES THE FORECAST RAIN

Out and about last night and there was a short, sharp heavy shower out at Galmpton near Churston.  Maidencombe, however, seems to have missed out and we may have to wait until later in the week for our share.

On the boating front,  the spray deck has arrived but the kayak is scheduled for delivery Wednesday morning.  I had a try on Bobbiball's kayak last night, footage can be seen over on our sister site www.preconderotous.com

Monday, July 22, 2013

FIRST RAIN IN THE COMBE

As forecast in an earlier post,  the first welcome drops of rain fell in the combe about 10:30 pm Sunday night.  The  gentle shower came shortly after a series of sheet lightning  with accompanying thunder roughly 30 miles distant to the south.  A gorgeous freshness in the air lingered in the combe several hours later as if Nature herself approved.  More widespread showers are forecast for this evening.

HAVE BOAT WILL TRAVEL PART 2

Delivery Tuesday/Wednesday - ordered the spray deck, vital if I don't want to be swamped and sink - also due for delivery same time window.  Confidence is high here at Cruisedog Towers and excitement is mounting...

Sunday, July 21, 2013

HAVE BOAT WILL TRAVEL

The advertised 'action'  in a previous post is bang on schedule as I've just won an Ebay auction for a sea-going craft.  Don't get too excited as it's tiny but ideally suited to my needs.  No roof rack on the car so length a major factor as is weight. 

The last time I took to the waves was many a year ago when I launched my surf canoe from Maidencombe cove late one afternoon.  I paddled with ease out towards Babbacome beach some two kilometres away but then had a nasty shock when I turned for home.

The wind and tidal current were against me and it was an exhausting paddle to get back in fading light.  When I did beach there was the fearsome climb up the steep steps carrying the heavy canoe.
Good adventure though it was, I never attempted 'putting to sea' again.

Stay tuned for 'Bluebird Sails Again' - coming to a blog near you shortly ... sigh

BLESSED RAIN COMING TO THE COMBE

A remarkable header given the soggy summers of the past two or three years but now the situation has changed dramatically.  Not a drop of rain has fallen in July thus far and only one day has seen cloud cover.  For three weeks the sun has blazed down on the combe, bleaching the fields and lawns as grass has died away. 

Inevitably, now cometh the thunderstorms and accompanying heavy rain and they could appear anytime from Monday - but more likely later in the week.

The rain will also be an absolute blessing for wildlife in the combe - particularly badgers who have been having a really rough time.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

STILL ALIVE

A yawning chasm since I last posted.  Internet speed has been virtually non-existent and pages take forever to load.  Uploading video has been impossible.  Fingers crossed, we're back in action now. 

'Action'  is the keyword as I am planning some sea operations and adventures next week.  A veritable visual video feast is in the pipeline for regular visitors to the Maidencombers. 

Monday, July 15, 2013

A BEAUTIFUL STUDY

Taken early hours today - fox cub 18 - 20 weeks old.  A really beautiful study of such a young fox taken at close quarters.

Friday, July 12, 2013

DEER CLIP

This clip shot early evening Thursday.

DEER SIGHTED AGAIN

Managed to capture a short video clip of one of our deer again, this time briefly out in the open.
So sharp was her hearing that she looked towards my location immediately I projected the zoom (quite audible) on my Canon Powershot SX40.  This one of many beautiful stills extrapolated from the clip.  Of course, the Holy Grail of combe wildlife snappers is the magnificent stag.  I have encountered him at very close quarters when he leapt across the road in front of me and literally ran up the side of an eight foot wall and disappeared leaving me gasping in amazement.

Tuesday, July 09, 2013

A TIRING DAY AND NIGHT

Quite a day Monday was.  I arose at 1 pm (bear in mind I am a creature of the night and usually retire around 4 am) made a cuppa and reclined by my pond with the dulcet tones of the fountain to relax by.  I somehow had it in my mind that it was Sunday and decided that I would have that rarest of things - a day off. 

Imagine my surprise an hour or so later to discover that it was Monday and I had many chores on my rota.  Cancel the day off.

Gardening, household cleaning, cooking and making a buck or two on the sports trading ensued and then off to the hash at 6 pm.  

A ninety minute run with adventures completed the evening and then it was back home to prepare for our Night Patrol around the combe.  All in all, a tiring 24 hours.

Sunday, July 07, 2013

HIGH SUMMER IN THE COMBE

There's been a glorious start to July with clear skies and temperatures more in keeping with the image of the English Riviera down here in Torbay. More of the same is forecast for the coming week.  After  previous dismal summers it's fingers crossed that we have a change of luck. 

The fine spell has greatly assisted my push for fitness and Saturday saw my eleventh consecutive day of gentle running.

Saturday, July 06, 2013

FOX CUB OUT AND ABOUT

Seen out early hours today.  More interested in a nearby badger than me and So Cruise.

Friday, July 05, 2013

SCENT OF LIFE - BREAKOUT

Left: as found April 21 2012. Right: Today tiny sprouts emerging from the narrow aperture.
Remember the 'Scent of Life' video last April?  There's been 'developments' as you can see from the above photo. Even though the plant inside the scent bottle is never watered, providing its own source of moisture, it is flourishing and growing.  See the original video over on Preconderotous.

Thursday, July 04, 2013

VIEWS FROM MAIDENCOMBE ON A SUNNY DAY

Zooming across Babbacombe and Lyme bays with my Canon Powershot SX40.

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I FEARED THE WORST

After not sighting Limper (injured front paw) for several nights,  I was beginning to fear that something dread had overtaken her in the night.  I was going to post her suspected demise after returning from our Night Patrol.

In the melee of feeding,  I saw a vixen approach from a certain position at my side and suddenly it struck me that this vixen was indeed Limper but - remarkably - with virtually no limp!  As she made off with some food I noticed a very slight limp every few strides, it was certainly her!

There had never been any swelling on the affected paw necessitating my administering antibiotics and I was curious what had caused the injury.

It occurred to me that she had probably been present for several nights without my noticing her presence.

Monday, July 01, 2013

PRECONDEROTOUS RIDES AGAIN!

THE BIG PRECONDEROTOUS SITE IS ROLLING AGAIN!  SEE RIGHT HAND SIDE PANEL FOR CLICKABLE LINK

The adventures of BLUEBIRD & CRUISEDOG continue ..


ONE-EYE APPEARS EARLY HOURS TODAY

Once a dominant fox,  One-eye has now got quite old and waits for the other foxes to retire before he moves in for his treat.  Unsure how he got the injury to his left eye about three years ago, but think it may well have been fighting. 

A NASTY END

So Cruise and I came across this macabre corpse at the end of our afternoon walk.  What was it?  Make up your own mind and I'll post the answer later today.  One thing's for sure, this fellow had a nasty end ..

BLOG CONTENT

BLOG CONTENT
The twinning of Maidencombe with Comeinbemad reflects the light-hearted nature of this gentle blog. The articles posted are written by the author alone and have no connection with any official body or association.

SLADNOR PARK CHALETS

SLADNOR PARK CHALETS
Eerily shrouded in mist, two of the lower chalets of Sladnor Park.

BURNING OF THE BAMBOO MAN JUNE 5 2016

AN ODE TO SLADNOR PARK

(sung to the tune of 'Home on the Range')

Oh give me a park where the badgers can roam
Where the deer and the wildlife reside
There never is heard the developer's word
To disturb where the denizens abide

Oh give me a park where the diggers are banned
And the architect can't earn his fee
Where the noise of the town
Is a far distant sound
And conservation is all it can be

For when houses are built
The council covered in guilt
And all the animals forlorn
Now the only sounds to be heard
Are vehicles absurd
And the cries of a motherless fawn

Jim Campbell

Search This Website

OUR MAIN LINK - CLICK ON IMAGE TO REDIRECT

OUR MAIN LINK - CLICK ON IMAGE TO REDIRECT
THE ENDANGERED CIRL BUNTING - SYMBOL OF THE MAIDENCOMBE COMMUNITY GROUP

PUTTING MAIDENCOMBE ON THE MAP

PUTTING MAIDENCOMBE ON THE MAP
Blogging Fusion Blog Directory

STAT

MOST VIEWED POST ON THIS SITE

MOST VIEWED POST ON THIS SITE
The old Toll House on the west side of the A379 Teignmouth Road, stands at the junction of Claddon Lane with the A379 about 50 yards from Ridge Road and the former position of the black and white Solomons Post sign (see side panel right). This early photo shows the open porch (lower left) - now blocked off and the blanked out toll-board recess (top right). Under the angled roof on the right, there is a small shop and working post office. The building probably dates from 1827 when the new road was built. Originally named Solomon's Post Gate when there was a gate across the road for the toll collector to open upon payment.

RAMBLING GROUP WRITE-UP OF WATCOMBE TO MAIDENCOMBE WALK

Found this interesting little site with a rambling group's write up of walks. CLICK HERE FOR MAIDENCOMBE WALK ARTICLE

MAIDENCOMBER SLADNOR VIDEO AND WRITE-UP

YOUR LOCAL WEB APPROVES DREAMINCOMBES

YOUR LOCAL WEB APPROVES DREAMINCOMBES
After scrutiny by a panel, this site has been added as a reputable source of information about Maidencombe.

ARCHIVE: MAIDENCOMBE TIMELINE EVENING AT THE THATCHED TAVERN

The first Timeline evening took place Wednesday evening March 20th at the Thatched Tavern. Local lad Ziggy Austin's brainchild, it was an endeavour to map out the history of Maidencombe on a ten metre paper scroll. The initiative was first mooted and widely supported on Ziggy's Maidencombe Residents Facebook page. Residents and non residents were asked if they could research local history on the area and bring along any material such as postcards or text to place on the scroll.
The first evening was well attended and as can be seen in the photos on the left, a great deal was achieved.
Longest residing villager, Alan Hunt attended to add his considerable knowledge and was supported by his 'young' student Jim Campbell with a mere 53 years of residence under his belt.
The pub opened up the restaurant area for the occasion and were most generous in providing sandwiches for the studious throng.


SOLOMONS POST AT THE JUNCTION OF TEIGNMOUTH ROAD & RIDGE ROAD

SOLOMONS POST AT THE JUNCTION OF TEIGNMOUTH ROAD & RIDGE ROAD
No known images of this iconic Maidencombe landmark exist. Post war and up to the late 1960's, sign posts were wooden posts painted black and white. This is a close reconstruction of the sign where buses would actually pull in to for passengers to alight or board.

A UNIQUE VIDEO

A video of one of my foxes being treated for Sarcoptic mange - taking the medication on the food by hand. She recovered completely and my thanks go out to the Derbyshire Fox Rescue who supplied the medication.

DRAMATIC EROSION OF THE SOUTHWEST COASTAL FOOTPATH

Worth a look as Maidencombe's section of the SWCP is also very much under threat.

From myfoxesandbadgers site

ARCHIVE: DANGEROUS STATE OF CLIFF FACE

ARCHIVE: DANGEROUS STATE OF CLIFF FACE
Photo taken from the beach cafe above Maidencombe cove and the arrows indicate the cause for concern. A minor land slip has already taken place and the Environment Agency had a look Christmas eve in case the cove had to be closed.

ARCHIVE: Entrance to Crossways at Maidencombe Cross

ARCHIVE: Entrance to Crossways at Maidencombe Cross
After a catalogue of antisocial behaviour displayed by motorists illegally entering a private area, the police recommended that the entrance be made narrower. A sad indictment of society.

THE FOLLY AT SLADNOR PARK

THE FOLLY AT SLADNOR PARK
Constructed between 1830-1833 by Mrs Groves who inhabited Sladnor Manor House at the time. The hexagonal tower and accompanying arched outbuilding were built of Devon red sandstone. A projecting castellated cornice crowned the gothic apertures and single faux crossbow slit at ground level. A most interesting aspect of the folly is the purpose-built pony and trap winding carriage-way which Mrs Groves carved through the north western woods of the estate to facilitate her passage to and from the folly. The structure is now in poor condition and it is earnestly hoped that Richmond Villages, the new owners of Sladnor, will be able to make safe the folly to enable residents to enjoy in years to come.

FEATURES OF MAIDENCOMBE

Some of the features we will be mentioning:

ROCK HOUSE GAZEBO
THE CASCADE
THE IRON STILE
THE CASTELLATED FOLLY
THE BAT RETREAT
THE PUMP HOUSE
THE PILL BOX
THE 190 OAK
SMUGGLER'S LANE

GRADE 2 LISTED ROCK HOUSE GAZEBO

GRADE 2 LISTED ROCK HOUSE GAZEBO
Circa 1850. Constructed of Devon red sandstone with unfortunately, as is the case with the Sladnor Folly, some cement patching. Sited at the eastern end of the garden, overlooking the sea. A single storey structure with faux castellated parapet. It has a one-window front incorporating a gabled porch on the front to left with a segmental headed and arched doorway. There is a matching arched window to the right. Reportedly, the structure had a flight of external steps for access to the flat roof with commanding views of Lyme Bay. The interior is clay-tiled laid.