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

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

MAGICAL EYE TO EYE CONTACT

Spotting wildlife is painstakingly methodical.  At first casual glance, the meadow appeared bereft of life.  However,  on closer examination, I found this beautiful creature at rest just as the light departed.
She was well aware of my presence and eye to eye contact was established - making for a magical few moments.

Monday, September 22, 2014

BECBLA THE BLIND VIXEN

So Cruise and I had a most special Night Patrol early hours this morning when I managed for the first time to get footage of Becbla the totally blind vixen I have been feeding for over three years.

She is incredibly elusive and emerges briefly to snatch her food before disappearing into the undergrowth to escape from other foxes and badgers who chase her for the food.

Fortunately, Becbla knew me when she was sighted and would come very close to take food from me.  Gradually she lost sight in both eyes and became dependent on me for food.  She has a sighted male companion who I suspect is one of her offspring.



Sunday, September 14, 2014

THE INDY TAPES: SENSATIONAL FIND

Labrador Bay Hotel discovered!
The weight of evidence is undeniable,  this is part of the foundations of the Labrador Bay Hotel...

THE INDY TAPES: Physical evidence

Some 35 yards due west of the glade, physical evidence is discovered.  I keep referring to the Labrador bungalow when in fact it was the Labrador Bay cottage which was situated southwest of the hotel.

THE INDY TAPES: Southward foray

Indy Jim sets off to the south, searching for the link path to Cherry Red Cove and Thorns.

THE INDY TAPES: Looking up to Smugglers Top


THE INDY TAPES: 'Call me Indy'

Let's cut to the chase here.  I've parked at the Ness car park and come down the tunnel on to the Ness beach and traversed Bundle Head to Smugglers Cove beach. Now  made the ascent up to the 'glade' or the supposed footprint of the Labrador Bay hotel ... take it away 'Indy' ...

Friday, September 12, 2014

EFFLUENT DISCHARGE IN BRIM HILL

Hose clip from the vehicle?
Returning from my Night Patrol with So Cruise in the combe after 1 am this morning, we encountered a broad swathe of effluent entering the culvert (and lower reach watercourses) alongside the Cider Orchard in Rock House Lane.  I traced it back to its source in lower Brim Hill between Five Meadows and Home Orchard. It had not emanated from the road.  On closer inspection, I found a hose clip (see photo above).  I then remembered that a waste tanker (septic tank vehicle) had gone up Brim Hill sometime around 7:30 pm Thursday evening.
I am unsure what the liquid is, though I took the precaution of washing So Cruise's feet when we got back home.  Care should be taken negotiating the effluent whether by vehicle or on foot as it is very slippery.  Even if harmless, the operator is responsible for the discharge and cleaning up the highway.
Effluent spill in Brim Hill & Rockhouse Lane     



Monday, September 01, 2014

FAREWELL TO SUMMER

September 1st and autumn is here, but there is always a lively discussion as to what date is the true start of autumn. There are three definitions: meteorological, celestial and those derived from the changes in nature.
For consistency and comparison of weather records, the Met Office nominates three month cycles, each commencing on the first of the month.
Astronomers  utilise celestial events such as equinoxes and solstices with autumn occurring this year on September 22nd.
Phenology, or the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events, dictates that autumn is here when oaks and beech trees start to tint and the ripening of sloes and elderberries is evident etc.

Well, the sloes and elderberry are everywhere in the combe,  so I stick with the first of September as the true start of autumn - my favourite season






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.