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.
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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

Friday, January 31, 2014

MAIDENCOMBE A YEAR AGO

Looking through the sitemeter results for visitors today and saw someone had been looking at the archive of a year ago.  Just spent a few minutes looking at the posts and you may like to as well.  Clickable link below.

Click here for Maidencombe a year ago

VIXEN 'SCREAM' (REPOSTED FROM MYFOXESANDBADGERS SITE)

Recorded (only audio) outside my bungalow a few minutes ago.   The vixen 'scream' is misleading as a dog fox can also make the same call.  The call sets off a dog barking from a house nearby.  Listen for the very loud calls at about 40 seconds in.  A little later I heard the answering call of this fox's mate.  The calls of foxes are complex and a language all of their own ranging from fighting, mating, socialising and various alarm calls.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

A FATAL FASCINATION

Spotted today, the Bonn Express moored perilously close to the exclusion zone around the Emsstrom wreck.  Designated an 'A' Hazard cargo vessel, it is a strange choice of anchorage - albeit temporary - by the crew.  There seems to be a sort of 'fatal fascination' of vessels mooring close to the wreck in the past few months.
The Emsstrom sank just over a year ago after being in collision with the tug that was towing it en route to the breakers yard.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

FIELDS OF MAIDENCOMBE HANDED OVER




Sepia sample map North fields


A tiring but very worthwhile day.   The Fields of Maidencombe North & South maps were handed over to the St Marychurch Ward Partnership and Torbay Council Monday evening to be placed on file.  A council representative was grateful for the maps and commented that there had been confusion over a parcel of land within Maidencombe in the past when individual field names were unknown.

The map came into play a few moments later when the location of the South West Cliff Path subsidence was brought to the notice of the Partnership and TCCT and a discussion ensued over action to be taken.  The field adjacent to the slip is Tiddly Pinch aka Tipley Finch to the south of the village.

Many thanks once more, Alan and Bob.


Saturday, January 18, 2014

A CORMORANT SUCCUMBS ...

Saturday afternoon on Maidencombe Cove the sad sight of a cormorant washed ashore which had evidently succumbed to the elements.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

SANKO MINERAL: A SHIP WITH NO DESTINATION?

The reason that the MV Sanko Mineral has been moored off Maidencombe in Babbacombe Bay (for over four months) became apparent as it emerged that the vessel may be or has been at the centre of a legal dispute. 

Owned by the Sanko Steamship Company, the Sanko Mineral allegedly was in collision with a moored barge in the Mississippi  River during Hurricane Isaac in August 2012.  The owners of the barge sought compensation.

Three months prior to the incident, the Sanko Mineral was seized by federal authorities at the Port of Baltimore in connection with two federal maritime lawsuits filed by two shipping companies against the ship’s owner.

It has been reported that the company filed for bankruptcy in July of 2012.

The results of the two incidents are not known but it is evident that the Sanko Mineral cannot proceed at this time and may well be a vessel with neither destination nor home port for the forseeable future.

TWO CRASHES IN MAIDENCOMBE

Last Monday a car went off the A379 near Gabwell Hill to the north of Maidencombe.  It went down an embankment and lodged in the roof of a bungalow.  The road was blocked for a time as specialist lifting equipment was brought in to remove it.  Fortunately, there was no one in residence at the time. The driver was not injured.

This follows on from another traffic incident near Brunel Manor.   A section of wall was demolished about a month ago on the west side of the A379 on the bend outside Little Acre.

The stretch of the A379 running through Maidencombe has now acquired an unenviable 'black spot' status and the council have been warned that it is only a matter of time before there is a fatality unless action is taken.

The 30 mph repeater sign at Maidencombe Cross now has little effect on traffic speed.   Highways have stated that it is not possible to put up permanent speed restriction signage or 30 mph roundels due to central government policy.


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

'HIGH AND DRY'

On our Night Patrol, early hours today, So Cruise and I were surprised to see this high powered sports car marooned at the top of Brim Hill in Bowden Close House's entrance.
It had apparently tried a turning manoeuvre which had 'turned out' disastrously wrong, leaving the vehicle balanced astride the low paving and unable to move.
Hopefully, there has been little damage to the chassis and the car can be recovered later today.

Thursday, January 09, 2014

BLUE SKY O'ER THE COMBE

It was notable enough for me to go outside into the garden to take a few shots.  The day has been dry up to now after many, many days of rain and wind.  Probably merely a 'blip' and 'normal service' will, doubtless, be resumed soon.

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

MUD MUD MISERABLE MUD

The weather pundits who forecast a bitterly cold winter got it right - for the United States anyway - but are, thus far, wide of the mark with regard to UK weather.   It has been one of the mildest winters on record as of the first week into January and the only records being set are for rain and wind.

Maidencombe is a sea of mud and miserable for all who try and get around.  A spell of dry colder weather would be welcomed by many.

Friday, January 03, 2014

PATARA SHELTERING

The Gibraltar flagged cargo vessel Patara currently sheltering off Maidencombe along with Rusich-2 (RUS), Bbs Sea (NED), Christina (ANT), Havstraum (NOR), Fri Langesund (GIB) and, of course, the Sanko Mineral (JAP) which has become a permanent fixture off Maidencombe.

South West Coast Path subsidence

Taken earlier today.

SUBSIDENCE WARNING

More protracted wind and rain for Maidencombe which coming on already saturated ground means that there is a subsidence warning for all paths and trails within Maidencombe.  A slide has already taken place on the SW Coast Path beside Tipley Finch in the south and it would be unwise to venture along this stretch.
The drain immediately above Rose Vine in Steep Hill is, as usual, blocked and water cascading down the hill from the fields is simply running down Steep Hill past the Thatched Tavern.
Similarly, the culvert opposite the Court House in Rockhouse Lane is also blocked and run-off from Rockhouse Lane is cascading down Orchard Lane which becomes Orchard stream at times of heavy rainfall.

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

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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

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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.