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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

Friday, May 31, 2013

RED MOON RISING O'ER THE COMBE

This taken early hours today.  As it rose higher, the red dissipated.  The red is caused by extra layers of atmosphere when it's low down in the sky compared to overhead.  Red light passes through the atmosphere without being dispersed so much, whereas blue end spectrum white light 'scatters' much more.  So there you have it, when a 'red' moon is visible, you are observing the red light that hasn't been dispersed.   Not many people know that ...

POLICE HELICOPTER CRUISES THE COMBE

Logged at 2:25 pm this afternoon.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

HMS EDINBURGH LATEST POSITION

Just checked latest position and the destroyer is apparently now moored very close to Lyme Regis - barely a kilometre offshore.  Could it be that a jolly boat has taken some crew ashore for a beer or six?

HMS EDINBURGH EN ROUTE TO PORTSMOUTH

Just been watching the passage of the Royal Navy's last Type 42 Destroyer HMS Edinburgh across Lyme Bay en route to Portsmouth for decommissioning.
Rather a sad ending for this old lady of the seas which has given such sterling service to the nation for the past thirty years.

The passage of the frigate has been somewhat mysterious as she was sighted in the bay two days ago and details on maritime agencies still refuse to give details of destination (reserved) as she is still classed as a combat vessel.

We salute her as she goes to her resting place.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

NOW SHOWING OVER ON OUR SISTER SITE

see clickable link in the right hand column for www.myfoxesandbadgers.blogspot.com

Monday, May 27, 2013

WHO'S A PRETTY BOY THEN?

Colourful plumage of the male bullfinch displayed outside my window a few moments ago.  A rare visitor to many UK areas but Maidencombe and Stokeinteignhead have plenty to go around.

VIXEN STANDS HER GROUND

Early hours Monday May 27th - a vixen stands her ground as a badger approaches.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

DREAMINCOMBES DEAL FINALISED

SUNDAY MAY 26TH:   After talks with interested parties, a deal has been finalised which will see the Dreamincombes blog now pointed to a new domain destination.  The domain transfer should take place within the next 48 hours.   The new address is:

www.maidencombe.net

The original URL of www.dreamincombes.blogspot.co.uk (or .com) will still work.
At present, editorial authority still lies with the author of the blog, though possible changes in 'direction'  may apply in the future. 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

FULL MOON PHOTO SHOOT


FULL MOON RISING O'ER THE COMBE


Friday, May 24, 2013

VILLAGE GREEN MOWED - READY FOR UPCOMING BANK HOLIDAY

Looking down the green from Rock House lane. 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

EARLY HOURS PHOTO SHOOT

The one-eyed badger boar eyes me up with his one good eye - note the long powerful claws.

EARLY HOURS PHOTO SHOOT

'Self-service'  - the one-eyed badger boar roots around in my backpack.

EARLY HOURS PHOTO SHOOT

As good as it gets ... a trusting friend obligingly poses for the camera.

EARLY HOURS PHOTO SHOOT

Yes, a fox can smile.

LINE PAINTING MAIDENCOMBE CROSS 12:40 AM THURSDAY

Helluva racket greeted us as we breasted the summit of Brim Hill.  Line painting commenced by the layby east side of Maidencombe Cross.

They gather ...

EARLY HOURS PHOTO SHOOT:  Six hopeful customers.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

PLANNED PHOTO SHOOT

My planned photo shoot for early hours Thursday now in doubt after a garden accident late this afternoon.  Some fir needles have brushed against my eye and scratched the cornea  resulting in  blurred vision.  I'm still assembling the equipment and am going out on our Night Patrol anyway but expect to be hampered in my quest for new footage.

Monday, May 20, 2013

THE WOODPECKER & THE CAT

It's the turn of the female Great Spotted Woodpecker to visit (no red stripe on back of the head). Her attention is drawn to the carved wooden cat in the shed behind her which she views with some suspicion.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

A TREE-LINED CORNICHE

A first sight of Maidencombe approaching from the south on top of the double-decker bus that runs from Torquay to Teignmouth.  The A379 Teignmouth Road could justifiably be termed a corniche, running as it does along the coast and steep cliffs bordering Babbacombe Bay to the east.  Right at the end of the clip look for a glimpse of the sea.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

MAIDENCOMBE MAP PUBLISHED 1940 BY THE WAR OFFICE


WEBBED FEET BUT STILL WELCOME

Often seen circling above our bird table, the seagull pops in for a quick snack.  The webbed feet look a bit out of place amidst the greenery, but the sea is only a few hundred yards away and all visitors are welcome.

BUMBLEBEE UPROAR




A bumblebee flew into my extension a few minutes ago and uproar ensued. 



In my haste to ensure its safety, my cup of tea and plate went flying.  It was with great relief that I managed to open a window and see it fly away unharmed.
Bumblebees and bees in general are getting scarcer and we all know the cloud that hangs over their populations through a variety of ailments, so please do all you can to assist this marvellous insect.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

MAIDENCOMBE DECIDES

At a village meeting from the Thatched Tavern Wednesday evening, residents unanimously voted to push for voluntary registration by Torbay council of the area in front of Maidencombe Farm long known as the 'village green'. A lively discussion ensued with numerous questions posed to the panel of the Maidencombe Residents Association who had set up the meeting to seek the views of residents. A report will now be submitted to the Mayor of Torbay and it is hoped that the issue will be discussed at a full council meeting in July. The Mayor, who has expressed support for this endeavour at a previous visit to Maidencombe, possesses the authority to override the council should it vote against the registration. More on this significant story to follow.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

BUZZARD VIDEO: 'LOOKING INTO THE SOUL OF A BIRD OF PREY'

LOOKING INTO THE VERY SOUL OF A BIRD OF PREY

After weeks of trying,  I've finally got a video of our buzzard (see also 'Buzzard in my garden' vid clip left hand panel) on the fence some twenty feet away from my window.  Every time I have lined up the camera, she (female larger than the male) senses the movement and flies off.  Just reviewed the clips and astonished at the content - hand-held with no tripod - and from a most uncomfortable position.  I gasped at the images which I believe to be quite striking close-ups of this remarkable predator.  Video now being processed and hopefully posted shortly.

VILLAGE MEETING WEDNESDAY MAY 15TH

There will be a meeting of residents at the Thatched Tavern Wednesday May 15th to discuss the registration of the village green.  All Maidencombe residents have been notified by letter of the meeting which will commence at 7:30 pm in the restaurant area.  Full report of the meeting to follow.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

CREAM TEAS WITH LIVE PIANO AT THE ORESTONE MANOR


Whilst partaking of delicious home-made scones accompanying the cream teas, diners enjoyed  charming piano music played by Chloe.  Chloe is a pupil at Torquay Girls Grammar and hopes to study music at university.  An aspiring concert pianist in the making.  The Sunday afternoon 'Tea for Two' event was well supported by local residents and was excellent value.  The  background piano playing was delightful and befitting of a peaceful Sunday in the combe.

Tempting home-made scones

JUDAS TREE COMING INTO BLOOM

There are various suggestions put forward as to the origins of the Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum).
Perhaps a corruption of Judean from the very hills whence the tree flourished.  Most popular myth is that it is the tree from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself after betraying Jesus. Supporting this myth is the peculiar manner in which the flowers and pods 'hang' - reminiscent of the act itself.

WARNING TO RESIDENTS

THIS SENT IN BY A RESIDENT:

I am reporting that two youths with three  pit bulls were seen in Sladnor Park Road and looking very suspicious. A resident chased them from his garden as his dogs chased his chickens and injured one. Another resident found them studying his property and he warned them off. They were very unsavoury characters and the neighbourhood should be warned of the dangers. Police have been informed of the incident.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Monday, May 06, 2013

'THROUGH A GLOOMY GORGE HE STRUGGLED ...'

More footage from the Last Birthday Hash recce

LAST BIRTHDAY HASH RECCE


'Last Birthday Hash' recce


Sunday, May 05, 2013

RECCE FOR BLUEBIRD'S LAST BIRTHDAY HASH

Sunday is the recce for my 'Last Birthday Hash' this Bank Holiday Monday from the Thatched Tavern pub.  Video clips (if) when I get back.  It is so titled as there is a distinct possibility that Bluebird may not survive the trail ... you'll see why when you watch the clips.

Thursday, May 02, 2013

SUNRISE O'ER THE COVE

Taken at 6:15 am from the top of my garden shed overlooking next door, The Cove.  The compression rate does not really do justice to the blood red orb shimmering on the rise above Lyme Bay.  The video clip in its entirety - and I think you will agree that there's a lovely natural ending to the clip. 

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

THE NAMING OF HASHERS

Just type the word 'hashing' into your browser to get over 5 million references.  There is a hash in every country in the world.  Hashers are mad, hashes have no rules.  After you have hashed a few times you become eligible to be 'named'.  A hasher has two names - his hash 'handle' and his real-life name or 'nerd' name.

And so it came to pass  that a certain Jim Campbell came to the Teign Valley Hash in 1986.  He had 'retired' from competitive athletics in 1972 when he could boast a little athletic talent.  Ranked in the top fifty UK athletes ranking lists for 1500 metres, one mile (4 minutes 4 seconds),  3000 metres steeplechase and 10,000 metres, Jim Campbell  had qualified for the Southern Counties 1500 metres final in 1971 with a spectacular 54 second last 400 metres, matching strides with the mighty Jim Douglas, who had gone on to break the UK 1500 metres record two weeks later.

After six hashes, Jim was presented to the hash for a naming.  Names are usually awarded for two reasons - doing something singularly silly or noteworthy, usually on trail.  There is a tendency to give an embarrassing or derogatory name - so the nominee is usually nervous for the name will last forever with no recourse to appeal.

Jim Campbell awaited the verdict.  The hashers present were puzzled and an unusual silence prevailed until Pottsie - the senior hasher aka 'The Great Hash God' spoke.

"Well, Jim's an athlete, he's broken two world records so it's a no-brainer .... BLUEBIRD! "(Donald Campbell)

And it was echoed through the ranks of hashers - a most unusual hash name, equivalent some say to an A1 car number plate.

Bluebird's 'LAST BIRTHDAY HASH' will take place Bank Holiday Monday May 6th from the Thatched Tavern commencing at 7:15 pm.  More details upcoming.






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.