RED FLAG ON MAIDENCOMBE COVE

Homemade red flag

Taking a stroll down to Maidencombe Cove yesterday, I was puzzled to see a homemade red flag positioned beside the final flight of steps before the beach cafe.

Displaced warning sign

Possible reasons could be because the warning sign (photo above) to keep away from the cliffs has somehow become displaced or there is a section of railing missing from below the cafe (photo below),

Missing guard rail

IMPRESSION OF MAIDENCOMBE'S TIN CHURCH

After further research on one of Maidencombe's enduring mysteries, I believe I have come up with a fair impression of what the 'fabled' Tin Church would have looked like - including its setting nestled between trees - back in c1904.The window of its existence was limited, perhaps from about 1890 until 1920.
Remarkably, a handful of these prefabricated ecclesiastical structures still survive today and are usually afforded listed status, such is their undoubted rarity.

Impression of Maidencombe's Tin Church in Sladnor as viewed from the south.

Situated east of Sladnor Park Road, the only existing evidence of the building is part of the stone entrance, though vestiges of the footprint can be made out below the path that led down to the church.  The building would have been of timber frame construction clad in CGI (corrugated galvanised iron) sheets. After assembly, the churches were painted, often in green or blue.

It is documented that a Parson Bird made the journey from Torquay every Sunday to hold the afternoon service which usually commenced about 2pm. At that time, before the advent of the motor car, he would have been either on horseback or in a pony and trap.

The religious denomination is not known for certain but amid the mid nineteenth century Noncomformist boom and demand for more churches, the probability is that the Maidencombe example supported that trend. 

In the impression (above) Sladnor Park Road would have been to the left of picture behind the screen of trees which, as today, were present a century ago.

MAIDENCOMBE SWIM SUCCESS

Neal Taylor from Brim Hill, Maidencombe, added to his list of achievements when he and his team claimed  two silver medals at the ASA National Masters  Age Group Champonships at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield. Neal is coached by Don Roberts BEM of Ashley Priors Lane.

Neal Taylor (right) at Ponds Forge ISC in 2012

There were over 1000 competitors participating at the three day event held between October 23 and 25.  Neal swam for Totnes in the 4 X 50 metres freestyle and the 4 X 100 metres freestyle relays, finishing runners up to Aberdeen Dolphins in both events.

Neal was first swimmer to go in the longer event and his opening leg can be viewed in the following video clip. He is in lane seven.

MAIDENCOMBER HONOURED BY THE QUEEN

Longstanding Maidencombe resident, Don Roberts of Ashley Priors Lane, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to young people and bell-ringing.  I have only just been made aware of this notable news item which I can now see was reported in the Herald Express last June - but without the Maidencombe connection.

A most respected member of the community, Don Roberts was my swimming master at Torquay Boys Grammar School and continues to coach and advise swimmers in Torbay including Maidencombe swimming star Neal Taylor from Brim Hill.

Don Roberts (centre left) Torquay Boys Grammar School photo 1968

A short quote from one of his pupils brings back memories of 'Mr Roberts' (all teachers at the grammar had nicknames - most of them uncomplimentary, but no-one could find fault or criticism with Don Roberts and he was affectionately known as plain 'Don Roberts' by pupils):

'Don Roberts, swimmer and chemist (in that order), an out-and-out Torquinian from Ellacombe and possessor of a booming singing voice: "And did those feet in Ancient Times?" (was that Concorde? No, it was Don)'.

Maidencomber Don Roberts honoured by the Queen

Article reproduced from http://devonswimming.org.uk/index.htm
A FORMER Torquay Grammar School boy has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to young people and bellringing.
Donald Roberts, 84, has been recognised for his ‘extraordinary commitment to swimming’ over four decades, according to his citation.
Mr Roberts started out as a newly qualified science teacher at the grammar school in 1953 and has remained an ever present at the school.
He took an active part in fundraising for the building of the Plainmoor Pool during the 1970s, which has remained an important part of the Torquay community.
He has carried on his involvement in the pool, and was instrumental in its recent refurbishment and survival when it was threatened with closure.
He carried this drive into Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, and has been leading swim and water polo teams throughout his time.
For the past 40 years, he has led at least one team, often two or three, to the national finals. In 2006, he was recognised as swimming coach of the year by Torbay Council.
During his 60 years, he has performed at over 1,000 bell towers, 380 in Devon. He has trained over 100 new ringers throughout the last 60 years, and in particular has shown great dedication to two churches, Babbacombe Church and St Marychurch.