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.

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.

NOW SHOWING OVER ON OUR SISTER SITE

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

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.

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. 

FULL MOON PHOTO SHOOT

FULL MOON RISING O'ER THE COMBE

VILLAGE GREEN MOWED - READY FOR UPCOMING BANK HOLIDAY

Looking down the green from Rock House lane. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SURPRISE VISIT OUTSIDE OUR KITCHEN WINDOW

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.

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.

Hashers leave Whitsand Beach en route for Watcombe Beach

Last Birthday Hash - Bobby departs Whitsand beach in the Beer Boat

.. and nearly gets sunk by friendly fire ..

'THROUGH A GLOOMY GORGE HE STRUGGLED ...'

More footage from the Last Birthday Hash recce

LAST BIRTHDAY HASH RECCE

'Last Birthday Hash' recce

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.

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. 

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.