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'.
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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, November 30, 2012

UPDATE ON 'PROWLERS & THEFT' IN THE VILLAGE

Just had a report by a resident in Sladnor Park that a silver Subaru Impreza was seen entering the lodge car park area and leaving without stopping a few days ago.  I have looked at a photo of this make and it is very similar indeed.  If you see this make and colour of vehicle driving in or around Maidencombe, please take a note of the registration number and forward it to me at preconcruiser@aol.com 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

PROWLERS IN THE VILLAGE

So Cruise and I were walking past the Thatched Tavern at about 12:50 am this morning when we encountered two men - in their twenties, both wearing dark jackets - walking towards us from the direction of the Court House.  Neither looked at me as we passed each other, but I did venture a 'good evening' (can't really say good night at that time of the morning) and they replied in similar vein.  I thought it odd as they were strangers but assumed they were occupants of Suite Dreams.  I looked back and saw them walking down towards the beach car park.   There was a high powered silver sports type car parked opposite the Court House.   It was only later today that I learned that two prowlers had been chased off Maidencombe Farm by a very alert resident - some 10 minutes or so after my encounter.  Apparently some tools were also stolen from a nearby property.  Counter measures have now been put into place by a concerned community to augment/assist local police.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A respite

Our dedicated weather chart shows a dry week ahead - fingers crossed that this is accurate.  Water still flooding down Rock House Lane and Steep Hill.  Cattle present in the orchard before presumably being put into the barn adjacent to winter.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Beach waterfall a 'no-show'

Reportedly back in action after the recent rains - but no evidence of this when I inspected an hour ago.  However, there is cause for concern as parts of the cliff face are in the process of slipping as seen here.

Casualty in the car park

Tree down blocking the entrance to one of the overflow car parks at Maidencombe CP.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Monsoon Maidencombe

Another very wet day and I cannot recall such sustained rainfall in one year such as we have encountered here in Maidencombe.  I have spent much of the afternoon and evening cleaning up after my outside shed was swamped by near liquid mud on Saturday evening. Yet, all things considered, we have got off lightly compared with other areas in Devon and Cornwall.  The inordinate rainfall in June and July was blamed by forecasters on a southward meander of the jet stream though that reason has not been cited this time round.  My garden is currently a sea of mud and a journey to replenish the bird table is now a perilous mission.

Tor2 quick off the mark to clear land slip


LAND SLIP AT THE BOTTOM OF BRIM HILL EARLY HOURS SUNDAY


Friday, November 23, 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012

PROPOSED NOTICE BOARD FOR VILLAGE (as posted on MRA website)

Plans are afoot for placement of a notice board on or near the village green adjacent to the Thatched Tavern public house. Approval has been sought and readily given from the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust and Hal Bishop on the Torbay Council. Siting proposals are in progress but would probably be at the northern end of the green facing Steep Hill lane. Councillor Ray Hill has been notified at a meeting of the Neighbourhood Steering Group held on Monday November 19th. There is an existing covenant on the green and planning permission will be needed though it should be noted that there was a notice board on the green several decades ago.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

TORRENTIAL RAIN FORECAST THURSDAY

From 3 pm Thursday afternoon further bursts of heavy/torrential rain forecast. Flooding into properties down Brim Hill/Steep Hill/Rock House lanes owing to leaves blocking the flow of water. Just finished clearing the road outside my bungalow which was blocked and directed water down my entrance. House holders in these lanes should ensure their entrances are clear.

THE COMBE SATURATED ONCE AGAIN

No sooner had the combe nearly dried out from sustained rainfall, a further four inches has fallen over the past 72 hours with watercourses once again inundated. The natural bowl of the combe will always pose serious problems with heavy rainfall and care of the maintaining of hedges and trees is essential.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

MAIDENCOMBE FARM DEVELOPMENT

Nearing completion ...

Maidencombe Cross leviathan

Five days and counting ... presumably awaiting pick-up - the rather large digger cat parked next to the bus shelter at the cross.   Suspect that it may be damaged as it was leaking oil when down the bottom of Steep Hill.   It isn't lonely, however, as the infamous Pink Horse Lorry is within chatting distance ... UPDATE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20: Now collected and Maidencombe Cross clear in front of the bus shelter.

Monday, November 19, 2012

FOLLY AT SLADNOR REVISION


Sunday, November 18, 2012

THE FOLLY AT SUNSET SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18

An updated video was taken earlier this evening and will be posted after compressing from the very large 1920 HD MOV format.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

FREEZE FRAME

Poor image but I'm convinced it is a bat outline.

UFC (unidentified flying creature)

Taken at the top of Brim Hill this evening at 17:52 hrs.  I've retained the MOV video format (high quality & uncompressed) and only cut the clip at the best visual points.  As So Cruise and I approached the top of the lane, this bird/bat flew straight at us and either circled and returned or there was another following it.  I was sure that it was a bat at the time - the light was almost gone and the much smaller Common pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) is common place along this stretch. However, on playing the clip back, I became aware how big it was and it just might have been a very rare  Greater Horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) that I saw.  On the other hand, could it have possible been a bird - sometimes the mind can play tricks ...  Take a look for yourselves and see what you think. UPDATE:  Just taken a freeze frame and it has bat wings - just a matter of identifying the species.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Barn clearing

Preparations commenced Thursday for wintering of stock in the Rock House Lane barn.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

The historic Court House

Nestling deep within the combe lies the historic Grade II Listed Court House.  Previous to this, it was one of the original farm houses - Court Farm.  Retreating back into the very mists of time, this is reportedly the same site as the near legendary manor house named 'Mansum', owned by, amongst others, one Ralph Tregoz who was granted a licence by Bishop Grandisson of  Exeter in 1330 for an oratory at the property.
The ancient Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum) lies within the garden and is believed to have been brought back from the Lebanon as a sapling in the mid-16th century.


Monday, November 12, 2012

Strange 'spectral' shape in Rock House Lane

Walking back home in the early hours of Sunday November 11th, I heard a low hum or buzzing sound and whirled and took a flash photo - shown above.  So Cruise my collie cross was spooked and wouldn't come back to me when I called.  It was only when I processed the photo that I saw this 'cloud'.  It is, coincidentally, positioned outside the two labourer's cottages which were demolished in the 60's.  May be a camera flaw - but it is strange nevertheless.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Impromptu notice board

Photographed inside the orchard this evening.  A space had previously been made when cows grazing in the orchard knocked the TCCT map down.  This was kindly retrieved by Mick, the licensee  of the Thatched Tavern.  Having not as yet been replaced by the trust, the 'vacancy' has been exploited, as can be seen by the photo.

Plans are already in motion for an official village notice board to be sited on the village green.  I'll keep you updated on this ongoing project which has been favourably received by the TCCT and Torbay Council.

WEEKEND FEATURE: FEATURES OF MAIDENCOMBE

As part of our history of the area,  we'll take a look at some of the known, and not so well-known features of Maidencombe which I trust some will find of interest. See right hand column.

Friday, November 09, 2012

Early hours Friday November 9th

So Cruise and I heard the 'Hound of the Baskervilles'  again and the sound appeared to be coming from the Teignmouth Road and behind or beyond Jon Glanvill's Garage.  It still had an echoing quality as if the animal was in a large room or hall.  The howl stopped after a few seconds and was not repeated.  Strange ..

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Hound of Baskervilles in Maidencombe?

A few days ago I had an enquiry from a concerned resident about a dog howling in the combe.  The resident had heard this howling in the day and at night but couldn't exactly identify where the sound was coming from.  I hadn't heard anything from my side of Brim Hill and thought no more of it until ... two nights ago.  So Cruise and I were setting out for our Night Patrol a little later than usual at around 12:45 am and were just starting up Brim Hill when we heard the most extraordinary sound.   It was a loud and echoing howl which seemed to be coming from the Orestone Drive direction, though it could have been from over the top of Glass Wood slightly to the left.  It was an eery sound and we stood, transfixed for several seconds, listening intently.  Then the howling stopped abruptly and there was an uncanny silence ...

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

An unusually quiet night in the combe

Well, what happened last night?  Apart from a few isolated bangs mid-evening, the expected barrage never came on Bonfire Night.  The weather was obliging, but apparently the wallets were not.  In the midst of bleak economic conditions, the like of which have not been witnessed since the depression, folks made the wise decision to 'opt out' of sending their cash up in flames.   It was particularly good news for the denizens of the night (wildlife) who are reluctant to venture abroad on this dreaded night. 

Sunday, November 04, 2012

A BIRD TABLE CAN BE A DANGEROUS PLACE ..


Our highly unusual black and white blackbird (getting whiter as time goes by) was making a late visit to our bird table trusting that all traffic had finished for the day - and I happened to catch the saga that unfolded.  It happened literally in the blink of an eye - slow motion of the attack included at the end of the clip.

FIREWORK DISPLAY FROM THE ORESTONE MANOR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3RD

Maidencombe residents joined other diners to enjoy a three course meal followed by a firework display in the grounds of the Orestone Manor.

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.