Friday, May 31, 2013
RED MOON RISING O'ER THE COMBE
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
LINE PAINTING MAIDENCOMBE CROSS 12:40 AM THURSDAY
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
Saturday, May 18, 2013
WEBBED FEET BUT STILL 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
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
Tempting home-made scones |
JUDAS TREE COMING INTO BLOOM
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.
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
Last Birthday Hash - Bobby departs Whitsand beach in the Beer Boat
Monday, May 06, 2013
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
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.
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.
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