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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

Sunday, March 31, 2013

RELOCATION OF PETITOR GOLF COURSE?

Plans to relocate Petitor Golf Course and use the area for housing have been aired once more.  The golf course lies within the St Marychurch Ward which Maidencombe also belongs, so is of interest to residents in the area.  Predictably, the plans have been met with dismay and will face considerable opposition in the community.   We will be following this story closely and update if further details come in.

GIANT ROCK

Dominating the Valley of the Rocks below Maidencombe, the Giant Rock was the magnet for local residents in the 19th century who would turn out in force every Sunday to picnic on this lofty plateau .
Many hundreds of locals from the Torquay area would ascend the 150 foot red sandstone rock to enjoy sweeping views over Babbacombe peninsular and bay.

In those days, the Valley of the Rocks was just that - the striking stone formations were not hidden by trees and the area resembled a strange lunar-like landscape.  Indeed, the hollow adjacent to Watcombe House (built 1858) was excavated to extract potters clay.

Now, some 150 years later, there are discussions on restoring the area for tourists and residents alike.  Many obstacles have to be overcome if this ambitious project is to be realised.  A video feature is to be posted shortly.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Still blocked

As seen in the photo,  the remedial ditch clearing down Orchard Lane and the 'overflow' car park hasn't worked.  Video clip upcoming.

Hint of camouflague

The new paint job on the beach car park toilet block - the legend on the tin being 'Hint of Camouflague'.

Another casualty

So Cruise examines the felled tree some 50 yards from Smugglers Lane on the John Musgrove Heritage Trail.  The extraordinary rainfall claiming yet another casualty.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Natural England talk on the Cirl Bunting

A group from Natural England toured the RSPB reserve at Labrador and enjoyed an invigorating walk back via the South West Coastal Path to the Thatched Tavern where the talk took place.
The welfare of Maidencombe's most famous inhabitant, the Cirl Bunting, (photo below) was discussed and how everything was being done to protect the species.  There may be an opportunity
for Natural England to return if sufficient interest is registered.

Monday, March 25, 2013

MAIDENCOMBE TIMELINE EVENING WEDNESDAY MARCH 20

 Work commences on the ten metre scroll
 Maidencombe historian Jim Campbell discusses material with David Phillips
 Everyone contributing their knowledge
 Ziggy, the author of the Maidencombe Timeline with Cesca Harvey assisting
The group photo at the end of a highly enjoyable evening

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Combe inundated once more

With over 4 inches of rain falling in 48 hours, the combe is once more under water and the 'normal service' of excessive rainfall resumed.  We have fared a little better than other parts of the southern counties which have seen snow falling and disruption of traffic.

Friday, March 22, 2013

BREAKING NEWS: THE MAYOR IS COMING TO MAIDENCOMBE

Details coming in that the Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver, will be making a visit to Maidencombe next month to look at the area in front of Maidencombe Farm and adjacent to the Thatched Tavern known for many decades as the Village Green.
This visit will be a result of a meeting with the Mayor at the Town Hall, Torquay by the Secretary of the Maidencombe Residents Association, Jim Campbell.
The field in question is already protected by a covenant but it has long been an objective of residents to secure official registration with Torbay Council.  The Mayor has the power to grant registration without going through the submission of witness statements and subsequent lengthy delays.
The impending visit is seen as a major coup for the residents association who have worked tirelessly for full protection and use of this area by villagers.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

My apologies

Lack of posting due to illness.  I hope to be able to resume updating soon, my apologies to everyone.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

SEVERE WIND CHILL MONDAY

Set to be by far the coldest day of the year this Monday as eastern winds sweep icy cold weather in.  Please remember to put out food for the birds.  Wrap up warm and as Del would say 'Brace yourselves' ...

Friday, March 08, 2013

Pear tree knocked over


Toads are out

I came across this little fellow very early hours today - sitting forlornly in the middle of the road, as toads invariably do, awaiting destruction.   Here he is, safely installed in my garden.  The 'warm' weather had brought him out and this is the first toad I have seen this year, so be careful out there

Thursday, March 07, 2013

30 MPH SIGNS PUT UP

After years of trying by the Maidencombe Residents Association,  30 MPH speed limit roundels have been put up on the Teignmouth Road entering Maidencombe from Torquay.
Highways had consistently stated that no speed limit signs could be placed on Watcombe Hill after many requests by the Association.

Just by the notorious bend where the wall has been damaged on several occasions by vehicles, there is now a 30 MPH sign bearing the legend 'SPEED KILLS'.

Within 600 yards there's another new 30 MPH sign just before the English House reinforcing the warning.  Only another 100 yards along is the original and hitherto sole speed limit sign with the speed camera logo.

I will be enquiring what new legislation has been implemented to allow these signs to be put up.
Highways had always resisted these requests in the past.

Better late than never and the action is to be applauded.

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Rain incoming

After quite a protracted spell of dry weather - 3 weeks, the longest continuous period with no rain since last July - rain is incoming tomorrow and Thursday which will assist the daffs and snowdrops etc. 
Spring-like conditions in the combe today, mild and bright.

Saturday, March 02, 2013

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.