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

Monday, February 24, 2014

ODDICOMBE TRIP SUNDAY PART 1

Recce to see the damage done by the storms at Oddicombe.

Friday, February 21, 2014

AN AVID TV WATCHER

It  is strange that some animals are able to make out images on television whilst others either choose to ignore it or are unable to translate the output.

Remy (above) is clearly able to see the images and only responds to animals (or cartoon animals  above) by jumping up directly in front of the television to get a closer look.  Remy is the kitten I rescued when he was being carried, more dead than alive, in the jaws of a vixen, late October.

WELCOME HOME

Well, she's back in Position 'A' some five miles off Maidencombe.  Of course I'm referring to the Sanko Mineral which has been anchored, on and off, in Babbacombe Bay for over five months.  Her outline, in daylight or illuminated in darkness is easily discerned now and even allowing for her distance offshore, I recognised her immediately on our Night Patrol a few minutes ago.

Welcome 'home' Sanko!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Japanese interest in Sanko Mineral

Just noticed the Japanese taking an interest in the Sanko Mineral, which is 'sailing' under a Japanese flag.  Japanese search engines noted on my sitemeter referrals the past couple of days.

WARSHIP BACK

Going out on our Night Patrol,  spotted a single warship back in Babbacombe Bay, as is usual, lit up like a Christmas tree.  Still nothing on AIS to reveal its presence.  Evidently operational.

The Sanko Mneral is at anchor  in the deep draught vessels’ anchorage some 5 kms south east of Hope's Nose, which is where she was back in September of last year.  My thanks to Graham for keeping me supplied with relevant information concerning the Sanko Mineral.

The four buoys marking the exclusion zone over the wreck Emsstrom are malfunctioning - possibly due to the bad weather.  They should be flashing blue and orange, roughly every second but now there are only two lights visible, flashing white.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

WARSHIPS DISAPPEAR

The two Royal Navy warships which arrived yesterday off Maidencombe have departed and are still not showing on AIS.  HMS Mersey is designated as 'Operational: Fishery protection' on the Royal Navy website although attempts to get the location of the vessel are unsuccessful.

MORE DAMAGE ON THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH

A large branch has been sheared off by the storms on the South West Coast Path adjacent to Gypsy, two fields south of the path down to Maidencombe Cove.  This adds to the woes of the coastal link path which is closed another two fields along after a recent landslip.

Monday, February 17, 2014

ROYAL NAVY OP IN PROGRESS OFF MAIDENCOMBE

Startled to see two Royal Navy warships - one very close in to shore - off Maidencombe a few minutes ago.  Rushed out with both cameras to see if I could identify the vessels as both are currently cloaking AIS.  The vessel (above left) closest in is HMS Mersey P283 a River-class offshore patrol vessel of the Royal Navy.  I cannot make out the other vessel but it could be another River-class vessel, HMS Severn, which was last spotted close to shore off Babbacombe on December 8th last year.   Probably a naval exercise and I'll try and get video and close in shots tomorrow if they're still there.

A CHANGE OF BAY

The Sanko Mineral has arrived back from refuelling off Falmouth but has, for now, changed location.
When she arrived on September 15th of last year, she positioned herself a little north east of Hope's Nose just within Babbacombe Bay.

Walking down the hill just after midnight, I could make out the unmistakable outline of the vessel loitering apparently the other side of Hope's Nose in Tor Bay.

Looking at the Live Ships site,  the Sanko Mineral is currently anchored about a mile and a half south east of Hope's Nose and strictly speaking, now in Lyme Bay.  Perhaps the crew want a change of scenery after spending three months off Maidencombe.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

ROUNDING EAST PRAWLE POINT

The Sanko Mineral is nearly 'home'!  Rounding East Prawle point and under thirty miles off us now.

DESTINATION - BRIXHAM!

Just been alerted that the Sanko Mineral is now showing a destination ... Brixham!  This means that most probably she will be coming back to take up station in Babbacombe Bay once more.  Scheduled to arrive just before midnight tonight. 
The continuing saga rolls on ...

SANKO MINERAL UNDERWAY

Bunkering presumably completed, the Sanko Mineral is now underway, making 7.3 knots on a heading of 150 degrees away from Babbacombe Bay.  Could she finally have destination orders?

BUNKERING PROCEDURE INITIATED?

Just checked the progress of the celebrated Sanko Mineral which left for Falmouth yesterday, presumably for refuelling.

She currently lies at the outer limits of Falmouth Bay at anchor.  Virtually alongside is the UK flagged tanker Whitchampion which appears to have rendezvoused with the Sanko Mineral.

The bunkering (refuelling) procedures are complex and potentially hazardous with multiple checklists and precautions to be adhered to by both vessels.

Monitoring the situation closely.

SANKO MINERAL EN ROUTE FOR FALMOUTH

As per information received, the Sanko Mineral is underway, currently making 13.7 knots.  The destination is Falmouth for bunkering (taking on fuel).  It will be interesting to see where the vessel goes after that. 
The vessel has been a permanent fixture in Babbacombe Bay since September 15th last year.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

A SLICE OF THE COMBE

Taken earlier this afternoon - looking south from Big Arrow.  In the foreground is the historic  Grade II Listed Court House (formerly Court Farm).  Above and slightly to the right is Barn Hayes (formerly Barn Hayes Country Club) and at the top of the photo, nestling amid the trees are the eight cantilever Scandinavian style lodges that lie within Sladnor Park.

Friday, February 14, 2014

SANKO MINERAL RIDING OUT THE BAD WEATHER

I am indebted to the 'Grim Snapper' for providing me with information regarding the Sanko Mineral which is underway at very low speed in Babbacombe Bay.
Apparently the reason why the vessel is underway is that whilst moving, the vessel won't be prone to dragging its anchor or be under threat from other vessels doing likewise.
I am also informed that the Sanko Mineral  will be sailing some time tomorrow as she is due to arrive in Falmouth at 1000 on Sunday – presumably to take bunkers and fresh water.
What her destination is after that is open to question, both the Grim Snapper and myself will not be surprised if she returns to take up station off Maidencombe once again.


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

ODD CARGO VESSEL SHELTERING OFF MAIDENCOMBE

Noticed this odd looking vessel presently sheltering about 4 km offshore.  It's the Valiant Energy, a  Marshall Islands flagged cargo vessel en route to Falmouth down the coast.  Unusual configuration for a cargo vessel along with the 'RESCUE ZONE' logo on the side.
The very strong winds of last night and today (over 50 mph gusting stronger at times) have eased off but we await, with some trepidation, the violent weather coming in for Friday.
A St Valentine Day's massacre?

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

SONY HX300 ZOOM TO MOON

Had a quick zoom test on the Moon but only resting on gate, tripod would've been steadier.  Nevertheless, a certain 'wow' factor as I nudged the zoom to full.

A comparison with my old Canon Powershot SX40 (tripod mounted)

Click on both videos at the same time and you can evaluate the respective zooms of the cameras.








Monday, February 10, 2014

MONSTER ZOOM IS MINE

Collected my new camera yesterday and it's a crackerjack!  The old Canon Powershot SX40 has given sterling service but had started to give the 'lens error - camera shutting down' message all too frequently which had begun to be frustrating.  Its replacement is the Sony Cybershot HX300 which  features an astonishing 50 X optical zoom and a monster 200 X digital zoom - which, as can be seen above - makes a huge difference.  Both the above images are on automatic setting  and the quality of the Sony image at extreme zoom is remarkable.
Now we'll be able to get right to the action on anything moored in Babbacombe Bay!

Saturday, February 08, 2014

ZOOM TO THE SANKO MINERAL

Friday afternoon and the Sanko Mineral, which had been moored about 5 miles off Maidencombe, has moved closer  in with the expected gales forecast for the weekend.  Seen here from the stern.  The 140  X zoom of my old Canon Powershot SX40  (which has become prone to the dreaded 'lens error - camera now shutting down' ) will be increased to 200 X with my new camera expected tomorrow.

Thursday, February 06, 2014

TUG FEROX BACK ON AIS

As we surmised, the Ferox rerouted from its original destination of Lagos, Nigeria given the intense scrutiny of vessels arriving there by the Nigerian government.  The Ferox has appeared on AIS and is currently anchored some 5 kms south of Lagos in Senegal.  Interesting,  anyone got further details?

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

TEMPORARY REPAIRS

I've spent the afternoon effecting temporary repairs to the damage caused by the storm force winds last night.  The roofing felt was torn off my extension (above) and I've had to put a tarpaulin down to stop the rainwater coming through the flat roof.

Only just got in now (23:25 hrs) after replacing roof felt on two sheds which also were damaged.  a short (thankfully) sharp shower ensued whilst I was on top of one shed with only the light from my head torch to see what I was doing. 

Now having a cuppa before going out again on our Night Patrol around the combe,  looking after various animals.

More heavy rain expected Thursday afternoon.

ROUND & ROUND SHE GOES ...

More bizarre behaviour by the Sanko Mineral as she lies off Maidencombe.  For the past few days, she has been prescribing a series of tight circles at low speed within the confines of Babbacombe Bay.
Round and round she goes, where she ends up, only the captain knows ...

STORM FORCE 10 HITS MAIDENCOMBE

Awoke today to a trail of damage on my property.  Roofing felt torn off both sheds and my extension with green branches ripped off trees and strewn across the bungalow and conservatory.  Makeshift repairs will have to be made before the next batch of bad weather comes in tomorrow and at the weekend.

Nearby, Dawlish seafront is a disaster area with parts of the seawall gone and the rail line washed away in sections.  The main rail line will be out of action for many weeks.

A neighbour reports a large tree down in his garden and there will be  others throughout the combe.

Reports state that a Force 10 storm hit South Devon yesterday and overnight which exceeded the forecast gales.

MAIDENCOMBE TAKES A BATTERING

Quite a frightening day here in Maidencombe Tuesday as severe gale force winds hit throughout the day and evening, bringing down small trees and branches around the combe.  Wheelie bins were sent careering across the lanes and Brim Hill was blocked for a time with large branches coming down late evening. 

Wind noise was severe with several gusts in excess of 60 mph.   Of course the most destructive weather system to hit Maidencombe in the past 50 years was the Great Storm of 1987.  I can still vividly recall the wind screeching and the large fir tree opposite my bungalow falling while I was outside in the garden trying to anchor the porch which was lifting off the ground.  A colleague and friend,  Jurgen, lost his life a short distance away when he was hit by a falling tree at about the same time.

A welcome lull in the wind for now but more gales are due to sweep in shortly.  

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

BACK IN POSITION

Evidently another short maintenance cruise for the Sanko Mineral as she's now back in position off Maidencombe after a ten hour tour  of Babbacombe Bay.  After travelling at less than 1 knot on her south-bound track, the vessel picked up speed to 6+ knots on the return journey.

Monday, February 03, 2014

SANKO MINERAL UNDERWAY

The Sanko Mineral got underway mid-morning - that is if you count moving at 1 knot as underway.  She is currently clearing Hope's Nose on a southward track.  It remains to be seen if she is en route to any destination.  The cargo vessel made a maintenance cruise of Lyme Bay at the end of December before returning to her original mooring off Maidencombe.

MAIDENCOMBE MAP BLUNDER


The council map at Maidencombe Cross
Countless residents and visitors must have perused the map and information board at Maidencombe Cross without realising that the names of the coves have been wrongly placed on the map.  I must admit to being slow on the uptake as I only noticed it this Sunday afternoon.

Only Maidencombe Cove is correctly labelled 
The white area shows the fields managed by the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.  Teignbridge is to the north at the top of the map.  Blackaller's Cove, Mackerel Cove and Herring Cove are within the boundaries of Maidencombe.   However, Herring Cove is in Teignbridge, according to the council
map above.


The correct positions and names of the coves
I'll contact the council and give them the corrected positions and names of the coves as shown above.
Hopefully forthcoming is our publication 'Coves of Maidencombe' and I'll give out information where you can purchase it from on this site when it comes available.

.

Saturday, February 01, 2014

CONTINUING SAGA OF THE SANKO MINERAL

The Greek owned, Japanese flagged cargo vessel, the Sanko Mineral first dropped anchor in Babbacombe Bay on September 15th of last year, presumably 'awaiting orders'.

One hundred and forty days later, she's still here and it's been a fascinating exercise - akin to a detective investigation - unravelling the strange story behind this extended stay in UK waters.

The Sanko Steamship Company - one of Japan's largest shipping companies - sought bankruptcy protection in July 2012.  The previous month, the company owned sixteen ships outright but operated some 140 vessels on charter from other owners.

Earnings for cargo ship charter have collapsed since the 2008 financial crisis and Sanko found themselves in a position whereby fees to ship owners outweighed the income they could earn.

Some of Sanko's creditors attempted to recover unpaid charter fees by trying to seize the Sanko Mineral when she called at the US Port of Baltimore on May 8th 2012.  She remained there for three months before being released on August 7th.

The same month, 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.

The ship managed to evade internment by the US authorities and now she lies off Maidencombe in limbo.

On December 23rd of last year, the Sanko Mineral embarked on a maintenance cruise around Lyme Bay after being at anchor for over three months.

Formerly owned outright by Sanko Steamship,  the Sanko Mineral reportedly passed into Greek ownership in 2012 for $21.5 million.

Who is paying the crew for this self-imposed internment off Maidencombe is a mystery.

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.