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

Saturday, May 31, 2014

WWII MEETS THE MODERN NAVY

Hearing the music booming up from Maidencombe Bay, I assumed that it was one of the 'Booze Cruises' which ply their trade across Babbacombe Bay and Tor Bay in the summer months.  I also assumed that the River class warship was HMS Severn which has been a regular visitor to our waters over the past few months.  BONG!  Completely wrong on both counts!  The pleasure craft was in fact, MV The Fairmile, a refitted Rescue Motor Launch number 497 from WWII.  It was also formerly one of the Western Lady class Torquay to Brixham ferries.
The warship was HMS Tyne (P281) and was making her first visit to Babbacombe Bay in place of the other River-class offshore patrol vessel, HMS Severn (P282) which has made multiple visits over the past months.  Unusually, she was showing her AIS (Automatic Identification System) which has always been turned off for HMS Severn.
RML 497 (1941)  MV Western Lady III (1947) MV The Fairmile (2009) 
HMS Tyne (P281)

Friday, May 30, 2014

SANKO MINERAL - CREW WELFARE CONCERNS

AoS charity concerned over welfare of crew of the Sanko Mineral
More news of the now departed Sanko Mineral (left a week ago and presently anchored off the Lizard Peninsula) emerged as the Apostleship of the Sea, mariners welfare charity recently posted this message on their website:

April 10th 2014
The local AoS has been particularly concerned in recent weeks for the crew of a cargo ship, the "Sanko Mineral" which has been anchored off Teignmouth pretty much constantly since early November 2013. Whilst unable to visit the ship AoS has been sending out parcels of various necessities to let the crew know they are not forgotten.

It now appears that the recent move to another location may have been prompted by the crew becoming aware of the publicity surrounding their eight month 'tarriance' in Babbacombe Bay.


Wednesday, May 28, 2014

OUR SOLE SURVIVING PHONE BOX

Maidencombe's only phone box 
A precious few residents can remember the time when Maidencombe hosted three Post Office  K6 (kiosk number 6 model) red telephone boxes.  Two were withdrawn and the last K6 was replaced by the British Telecom BT KX100 series booth in the early 80's. 

After nigh on three decades, the fate of the sole surviving phone box at Maidencombe Cross remains uncertain.  However,  it would be a shame if its demise was hastened by total neglect.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

HAS SHE FINALLY GONE?

Sanko Mineral
The mystery and controversy surrounding the Sanko Mineral continues after her unexpected departure last Friday evening.  It no longer appears to be a case of bunkering (taking on fuel).  The vessel is currently anchored some 5 kms off the Lizard Peninsula and in clear sight of the village of St Keverne.

The Sanko Mineral first arrived in Babbacombe Bay on September 15th of last year and has been an almost permanent fixture since then.

See my other post (January 15th 2014) by clicking on this link:

SANKO MINERAL - A SHIP WITH NO DESTINATION

Monday, May 26, 2014

MAIDENCOMBE COMMUNITY GROUP: THE PHONE BOX PART 2

Made a start but more to do.  At least you can now get into the phone box without stepping into the A379 and risk getting hit by a car!  Hard to believe that BT hasn't visited for over a year at least.

MAIDENCOMBE COMMUNITY GROUP: THE PHONE BOX PART 1

A few people thought that the last remaining phone box in Maidencombe had gone (originally three) but a visit today shockingly reveals what has become of it now - and the action taken: MAIDENCOMBE COMMUNITY GROUP:  THE PHONE BOX PART 2 to follow ...

MAIDENCOMBE SCARECROW WEEK

And my next door neighbours get into the act with a lady chef scarecrow, complete with matching accoutrements.  Bravo!

Sunday, May 25, 2014

MAIDENCOMBE SCARECROW WEEK

And giant strides have been taken in the past half hour ...

MAIDENCOMBE SCARECROW WEEK

'I'm going to need a little more time, Ziggy ...'

HMS SEVERN IN BABBACOMBE BAY AGAIN

Late afternoon Saturday May 24th and HMS Severn, a River class offshore patrol vessel, is anchored in her usual position about half a mile offshore.  This is about the tenth time the warship has been sighted here in the past few months.  She usually only stays overnight and is gone by the morning. 

Saturday, May 24, 2014

SANKO MINERAL MOVES

The Sanko Mineral left her mooring just off Tor Bay at 18:13 hrs yesterday and is now turning in to approach Falmouth.  The purpose of the manoeuvre is unclear, though the vessel has made a few journeys to this vicinity for taking on stores and refuelling.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

ANGUIS FRAGILIS SURVEY AT SLADNOR PARK

A wildlife survey initiated by Richmond  is currently underway at Sladnor Park.  The evidence for widespread location of  slow worms (Anguis fragilis) is undeniable as shown in this specimen clip.

In the United Kingdom, the slow worm is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Under this act, it is illegal to kill, injure, and sell individuals of this species.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

MAIDENCOMBE COMMUNITY GROUP - A SEA CHANGE FOR MAIDENCOMBE

Officially launched at a meeting held at Orestone Manor on Monday May 5th, the Maidencombe Community Group website is now fully functioning with live feeds coming in from this site, the facebook page (Maidencombe Community Group), the TCCT, the Orestone Manor and the Thatched Tavern.  Registrations are now being taken - click on the 'members' tab at the top of the home page.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MAIDENCOMBE COMMUNITY GROUP WEBSITE

Thursday, May 15, 2014

EIGHT MONTHS 'AWAITING ORDERS'

Any vessel anchoring in Lyme Bay outside of Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay comes under the designation 'awaiting orders' or 'sheltering'.  Well, today marks the eighth month that the Sanko Mineral has been awaiting orders.   Questions may be asked why this vessel has been languishing here for such a long time. 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

SHEEP IN TANK FIELD

Felt a bit sorry for this sheep which seemed distracted by a sticky plant on its forehead.  Cattle are present in Walnut field and sheep in the Tank field.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

SANKO MINERAL TECHNICALLY IN LYME BAY

Interestingly, the Sanko Mineral which moved station from some 10 kilometres off Maidencombe in Babbacombe Bay, is now approximately 8 kms off Hope's Nose - neither within Babbacombe Bay or Tor Bay.  So, technically, she now is at anchor in Lyme Bay.  She is still within sight of me, here in Maidencombe and here's a zoom out to her taken on May 8th:
The Sanko Mineral has achieved a minor cult following since her arrival in strange and somewhat controversial circumstances last September 15th. 

Friday, May 09, 2014

MAIDENCOMBE'S 'GRANDE CORNICHE'

Talking to Marshall Ritchie, Chair of the Torquay Chamber of Commerce, I was surprised and pleased to hear him describe the stretch of road from Maidencombe to Shaldon as Torbay's 'Grande Corniche'.  My post and video clip on May 19th last year stated:

' The A379 Teignmouth Road could justifiably be termed a corniche, running as it does along the coast and steep cliffs bordering Babbacombe Bay to the east. '

On a few occasions, I have reinforced the fact  that one of Maidencombe's claim to fame is that it is the Northern Gateway to Torbay and if we can keep 'plugging' the idea of a Grande Corniche, we may even get a renaming of this stretch of spectacularly scenic road in the future.

Here is that video clip again:

A TREE-LINED CORNICHE





NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN FOR TORBAY

Susie Colley outlines the Neighbourhood Plan
The relevance and importance of the Torbay Neighbourhood Plan (three separate submissions: Torquay, Paignton & Brixham) was emphasised at a Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Grand Hotel on Thursday evening. Representatives from various organisations in Torbay attended from Brixham to Maidencombe.

The Neighbourhood Plan will supply detail to the framework of the Local Plan and has many startling proposals and innovations designed to regenerate growth from the undeniable stagnation that currently exists.

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

SANKO MINERAL NOW IN TOR BAY

Just after 4 am this morning, the Sanko Mineral got underway and is presently anchored some twelve kilometres off shore in Tor Bay.  Her intentions are not known at this time.  The Sanko Mineral first arrived in Babbacombe Bay on September 15th of last year and has allegedly been at the centre of various disputes.

Monday, May 05, 2014

LOOKING INTO SLADNOR PARK

A peek through the hedge from brim Hill, looking into the heart of beautiful Sladnor Park, where the deer and the badgers play.

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.