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.
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 opportunityfor 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
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.
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
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.
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.
Spring-like conditions in the combe today, mild and bright.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)