Saturday, August 31, 2013
BRUNEL MANOR - A STROLL AROUND THE GARDENS
Thursday, August 29, 2013
THE TRAVERSE FROM MACKEREL COVE
An elevated shelf of breccia (rock formed in the Permian period about 250 million years ago) is a formidable barrier to overcome - whatever your athletic ability. Well, I did it, but won't be attempting it again until I am more suitably equipped and attired.
MAIDENCOMBE MILITIA CALLED IN
An alert went out late Wednesday evening about two cars seen parked up the John Musgrove Trail. After consultation, approval was given for the western branch of the Maidencombe Militia to investigate.
Around 1:20 am this morning the situation was clarified. Apparently a group of students had mistakenly took the trail off Rockhouse Lane believing it was an alternative route to Watcombe.
They were very surprised by the militia who descended upon them to gently enquire their intentions.
They stated that they would be moving on first thing Thursday and would not be leaving litter.
They were bid a good night and safe passage.
Around 1:20 am this morning the situation was clarified. Apparently a group of students had mistakenly took the trail off Rockhouse Lane believing it was an alternative route to Watcombe.
They were very surprised by the militia who descended upon them to gently enquire their intentions.
They stated that they would be moving on first thing Thursday and would not be leaving litter.
They were bid a good night and safe passage.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
SLOW WORK IN BRIM HILL
Brim Hill was closed for a period this afternoon as Highways put down five 'SLOW' markers on the road at sensitive points highlighted to the department. No excuses from now on for any accidents due to speeding down this stretch of road which has had its share of incidents the past few years. Well done the council.
THUNDER IN THE COMBE
Torrential rain and claps of thunder in the combe as I post. Swept in from nowhere, glad I got back from town before it started. Quite handy as I was getting ready to water the garden ...
Monday, August 26, 2013
BLACKOUT MAIDENCOMBE
Wending our way up Brim Hill a couple of nights ago on our Night Patrol, I noticed the main road at the cross was in darkness. Sure enough, the reason was the failure of the lurid orange street lamp by the gantry. Last night, the street lamp outside my bungalow failed to come on and there is now a blackout sector developing.
I don't mind the absence of light 'pollution' but am mindful of security and safety issues that are raised with no lighting. I'll contact the council Tuesday.
I don't mind the absence of light 'pollution' but am mindful of security and safety issues that are raised with no lighting. I'll contact the council Tuesday.
FERRO CEMENT BARGE
Remains of a WWII ferro cement barge (FCB) on Labrador Bay Beach which is only visible at low tide. The bow section is further up the beach. This one was believed to have been deliberately beached just after the war. FCB's played a crucial role in the D-Day Normandy landings where they were utilised for Mulberry harbours and transportation of fuel and munitions. Some were motorised, though the Labrador Bay example was not and could have been used for water transportation.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
CLAW TROPHY
Found this striking crab claw on the way back from the coves Saturday. So Cruise barked furiously at it and the cat fled under the settee so it must have impressed them as well!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
LANCASTER & SPITFIRE
AVRO VULCAN OVER DAWLISH
Friday, August 23, 2013
THE MIGHTY BORDER BEECH TREE
Truly a mighty beech tree, recognised and preserved on film before its possible future demise.
TREE IDENTIFICATION FROM LEAF SAMPLE
I found this interesting link and a little quiz to test what knowledge I had. I was surprised to see my leaf at number 1 and even more surprised to find that I had correctly identified it in the first place.
It must have been a fluke as I scored 8 out of 8. See how you get on by clicking on the link.
LEPRECHAUN SCARECROW
Made me chuckle as I walked down the hill this afternoon. It appears to be a Leprechaun Scarecrow in Terry's allotment garden to keep the thieving birds away. Nice one!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
A SURPRISING SIGHTING INDEED
On my way shopping up Moor Lane I was most surprised to see the Maidencombe road sweeper from the sixties walking along with a backpack.
It brought back memories of that now forgotten era.
It may surprise residents to know that there once was a full-time, council paid road sweeper for Maidencombe.
I have forgotten his name but he was a regular fixture around the village with his little wheeled cart and invariably smoking a pipe.
He was, on occasions accompanied by one or two dubious fellows and my little cameo recall ends somewhat dramatically.
For whatever reason, one late autumn's afternoon, the road sweeper and his two companions attempted crossing the narrow channel between Shaldon and Teignmouth in a tiny pram dinghy.
The current is very strong at this point with a severe undertow and local knowledge about the dangers here were evidently not sought by the hapless trio.
The dinghy overturned, tipping the occupants into the water. Their situation became dire as two of them were wearing heavy overcoats which became waterlogged, making it impossible to swim to safety.
I was running from Shaldon back to Maidencombe on the afternoon of the incident and vividly recall a dreadful sight that met my eyes.
A rescue helicopter had been called out and was hovering a few feet above the estuary entrance. I stopped to observe, not knowing of the dinghy capsizing earlier.
A line was suspended from the helicopter and suddenly, it was winched in. A body, with water pouring off it, emerged from the water and then the helicopter turned and flew off towards Teignmouth with the body still suspended below it.
I was never sure if the body of one of the others was ever found but the sole survivor was the road sweeper and I never saw him again - that is, until this afternoon. A surprising sighting indeed ...
It brought back memories of that now forgotten era.
It may surprise residents to know that there once was a full-time, council paid road sweeper for Maidencombe.
I have forgotten his name but he was a regular fixture around the village with his little wheeled cart and invariably smoking a pipe.
He was, on occasions accompanied by one or two dubious fellows and my little cameo recall ends somewhat dramatically.
For whatever reason, one late autumn's afternoon, the road sweeper and his two companions attempted crossing the narrow channel between Shaldon and Teignmouth in a tiny pram dinghy.
The current is very strong at this point with a severe undertow and local knowledge about the dangers here were evidently not sought by the hapless trio.
The dinghy overturned, tipping the occupants into the water. Their situation became dire as two of them were wearing heavy overcoats which became waterlogged, making it impossible to swim to safety.
I was running from Shaldon back to Maidencombe on the afternoon of the incident and vividly recall a dreadful sight that met my eyes.
A rescue helicopter had been called out and was hovering a few feet above the estuary entrance. I stopped to observe, not knowing of the dinghy capsizing earlier.
A line was suspended from the helicopter and suddenly, it was winched in. A body, with water pouring off it, emerged from the water and then the helicopter turned and flew off towards Teignmouth with the body still suspended below it.
I was never sure if the body of one of the others was ever found but the sole survivor was the road sweeper and I never saw him again - that is, until this afternoon. A surprising sighting indeed ...
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
CHESS CLUB AT THE ORESTONE MANOR
I'll have some explaining to do come Sunday lunchtime after arriving home to a house in darkness at 2:30 am. So Cruise was in the living room looking accusingly at me as I made my belated entrance.
Usually the excuse would have been that I had partaken of a few sherberts too many and had totally lost track of time. However, on this occasion the reason is somewhat bizarre.
I had been playing chess up at the Orestone Manor Hotel, after last playing in 1965!
Time simply flew by and after scrambling a couple of draws against better players, I returned home trying to think up a better cover story.
'Playing chess until 2:30 in the morning? Come on, pull the other one, it's got bells on!' On second thoughts, I'll say that I had one too many - at least that'll be more believable.
Usually the excuse would have been that I had partaken of a few sherberts too many and had totally lost track of time. However, on this occasion the reason is somewhat bizarre.
I had been playing chess up at the Orestone Manor Hotel, after last playing in 1965!
Time simply flew by and after scrambling a couple of draws against better players, I returned home trying to think up a better cover story.
'Playing chess until 2:30 in the morning? Come on, pull the other one, it's got bells on!' On second thoughts, I'll say that I had one too many - at least that'll be more believable.
Friday, August 16, 2013
BLACK SAIL UP
The type of small, inshore craft that would make drops of 'tubs' off secluded coves for later collection from the land. The tubs (containing all manner of merchandise from brandy to tea) were often bought in the Channel Islands and sailed across the English Channel under cover of darkness with black or maroon sails to cloak their progress.
Notorious smuggler Jack Rattenbury from Beer on the east coast of Devon plied his lucrative trade all along the Lyme Bay coastline.
If challenged by a coastguard cutter or Royal Navy vessels, the tubs were thrown overboard and the smugglers could proceed without arrest. On many occasions they could return an hour or so later to retrieve their cargo.
Notorious smuggler Jack Rattenbury from Beer on the east coast of Devon plied his lucrative trade all along the Lyme Bay coastline.
If challenged by a coastguard cutter or Royal Navy vessels, the tubs were thrown overboard and the smugglers could proceed without arrest. On many occasions they could return an hour or so later to retrieve their cargo.
UP THE CLIFFS WITH SMUGGLED GOODS
From the stretch of coastline between Maidencombe and the Ness, smuggled goods such as brandy, rum and tea would be landed at any sandy cove with no access for horses. The only way up the steep cliffs was by men carrying goods on their shoulders or backs. Once at the top of the cliff, ponies and carts were waiting. The hooves of the ponies were often covered in leather to muffle any sounds.
EXCISE MEN AWAITING SMUGGLERS
On a lofty vantage point high up on the cliffs, excise men in the early nineteenth century on the lookout for smuggling along a stretch of Devon coastline.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
TWO CENTURIES OF KNOWLEDGE
It is a duty of those with knowledge to pass it on lest it fade and be lost in the mists of time forever.
A special little gathering took place this afternoon up at Ferndale House when Bob Hunt and his younger brother Alan took tea with Jim Campbell, the junior of the venerable trio.
Their pool of Maidencombe knowledge is well over two hundred years and stretches back to pre-1930.
The decades were rolled back as the brothers related experiences and life in Maidencombe before and during WWII. The shape and positioning of former buildings down in the village were confirmed by notepad sketches and tales aplenty were swapped.
A few popular stories going the rounds in the village were discussed and subsequently debunked.
The afternoon flew and my head was buzzing with several new facts hitherto unknown.
A worthwhile meeting indeed.
A special little gathering took place this afternoon up at Ferndale House when Bob Hunt and his younger brother Alan took tea with Jim Campbell, the junior of the venerable trio.
Their pool of Maidencombe knowledge is well over two hundred years and stretches back to pre-1930.
The decades were rolled back as the brothers related experiences and life in Maidencombe before and during WWII. The shape and positioning of former buildings down in the village were confirmed by notepad sketches and tales aplenty were swapped.
A few popular stories going the rounds in the village were discussed and subsequently debunked.
The afternoon flew and my head was buzzing with several new facts hitherto unknown.
A worthwhile meeting indeed.
SUMMER'S NEARLY GONE
It came with a surging virtually uninterrupted spell of three glorious weeks in July and then stuttered and stalled as August gathered pace. Yes, that elusive rascal we call summer has seemingly made its main appearance for this year and now the last fortnight ticks away. A sensational red dawn Tuesday heralded the weather breakup as the rain swept in this morning. The garden really needed it, far more than our human desire for blue skies. Summer's nearly gone but my favourite season beckons ...
Sunday, August 11, 2013
CORRUPTION OF PLACE NAMES
I am indebted to Paul down Stoke Road for the article on 'Lost Village of Labrador' he sent in to me.
The medieval map (above) was included. Of great interest are the place names, some of them familiar but others are real shockers. Present day name of one of the lanes running from Forches Hill eastwards is Butterfly Lane. The medieval map shows it as 'Better Flee Lane' and there is a good reason for this unusual name. At the old cross stood a gibbet or gallows, positioned high up on the hill to be evident for all to see. The corruption to Butterfly Lane may or may not have been accidental, but is intriguing, nevertheless. A fascinating map, I think you will agree.
The medieval map (above) was included. Of great interest are the place names, some of them familiar but others are real shockers. Present day name of one of the lanes running from Forches Hill eastwards is Butterfly Lane. The medieval map shows it as 'Better Flee Lane' and there is a good reason for this unusual name. At the old cross stood a gibbet or gallows, positioned high up on the hill to be evident for all to see. The corruption to Butterfly Lane may or may not have been accidental, but is intriguing, nevertheless. A fascinating map, I think you will agree.
Thursday, August 08, 2013
PROJECT COVES NEARING COMPLETION
After three expeditions over the rocks, down tortuous cliff paths, I've amassed sufficient footage and hi-res stills for Project Coves. There now remains the 'Yippee Kayak By' when water and tide conditions are favourable to view all coves from offshore and confirm identifying features from seaward.
After the woeful Titanic2 maiden launch and tiny voyage, I will be swapping craft for the Red Surfer, a sit-on kayak with no stability issues. Also, hopefully, I will be accompanied.
After the woeful Titanic2 maiden launch and tiny voyage, I will be swapping craft for the Red Surfer, a sit-on kayak with no stability issues. Also, hopefully, I will be accompanied.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
BUZZARD ZOOM
BUZZARD CALLING
Rare sighting of a Common buzzard (Buteo buteo) on the ground calling to its mate circling high above.
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
HUE AND CRY INVOKED
For the first time in living memory in Maidencombe, a hue and cry was invoked from the Thatched Tavern at ten minutes past ten Monday evening.
A vigilant resident had observed the northern gate to the cider orchard being opened and a land rover type vehicle drive in with a caravan in tow. It had then exited the orchard and proceeded into adjoining fields under lease to the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.
A call was made to the pub and several residents set off up Rock House Lane to investigate.
The landlord, Mick Bruckin and an employee, Andy Maltas were joined by three Maidencombe Residents Association committee members, James Harvey, Rodney Horder and Jim Campbell.
The group caught sight of the vehicle exiting Tipley Finch and driving across the John Musgrove Heritage Trail path into private land opposite.
A strange hour to make such an unusual journey up difficult terrain and it is questionable whether permission had been sought to cross Trust land. Further investigations will follow today.
The residents returned to the Thatched Tavern for a well-earned pint. A little adventure and a story to be remembered.
A vigilant resident had observed the northern gate to the cider orchard being opened and a land rover type vehicle drive in with a caravan in tow. It had then exited the orchard and proceeded into adjoining fields under lease to the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.
A call was made to the pub and several residents set off up Rock House Lane to investigate.
The landlord, Mick Bruckin and an employee, Andy Maltas were joined by three Maidencombe Residents Association committee members, James Harvey, Rodney Horder and Jim Campbell.
The group caught sight of the vehicle exiting Tipley Finch and driving across the John Musgrove Heritage Trail path into private land opposite.
A strange hour to make such an unusual journey up difficult terrain and it is questionable whether permission had been sought to cross Trust land. Further investigations will follow today.
The residents returned to the Thatched Tavern for a well-earned pint. A little adventure and a story to be remembered.
Sunday, August 04, 2013
EXPEDITION 3 OF PROJECT COVES
ROCK FLATS |
With high tide around 5 pm I set out at exactly midday knowing that it would be tight to get to the Ness at Shaldon and back before the tide cut me off around 3:30 pm.
Proceeding via the South West Coast Path to my designated drop down one of my cliff paths, I encountered several groups of hikers travelling in both directions.
I began to feel like a tour guide as everyone stopped to ask questions about the route. Although I was in a hurry, it was only courteous to pass a few minutes to convey information.
By the time I cleared Bundle Head just before the Ness, the flat section of rocks was beginning to flood. After squeezing off a few shots and telephoto video, I gulped down some water and legged it back to my chosen cove escape route up over the cliff.
I just made it with waves breaking up to my knees. I've scanned the footage and I think I've got everything I need now. Looking good ...
Saturday, August 03, 2013
HITTING THE COVES FOR EXPEDITION 3
Weather good for filming and tides reasonable for Expedition 3 of Project Coves. Bumper edition this evening, fingers crossed.
Friday, August 02, 2013
ON THE CLIFF FACE FOR PROJECT COVES
It may not look like it, but this is a clearly defined path above one of the fourteen coves from Maidencombe to the Ness.
SEA FRET AND SURF
Thursday, August 01, 2013
MOVING OUT
Wall to wall sunshine here at Maidencombe-upon-Sea which is ideal for the second photo shoot for Project Coves. A couple of access points to be mapped as well. I won't be negotiating the elevated plateau from Mackerel Cove to Herring Cove this time! Back with (hopefully) the goodies later this evening. Moving out .... Rawhide!
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