Exmouth Roadies

Budleigh & Brewster United

2009-05-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that there’s been a long silence from me. That’s not just because the garden’s been calling out for help. I’ve been drawn across the Atlantic.

Not literally I have to say.

But to discover at http://www.brewstercapecod.org/ the statement that Budleigh has a sister-town in the USA was so intriguing that I’ve spent a bit of time investigating. The result is http://budleighbrewsterunited.blogspot.com/ a new site where I will be putting all the Budleigh news for the benefit of our US as well as our UK readers.

So I think that Exmouth Roadies will be taking a break for the time being. Do make Budleighbrewsterunited your new favourite, and I’d welcome your comments and contributions to the new site, from both sides of the pond.

Artist Charlie Morrissey Lights Up the Coast!

2009-04-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

Celebrating UNESCO World Dance Day at Budleigh Salterton
Wednesday 29 April 2009, 8 PM - SUNDOWN
Here Now is a movement performance and projection event under the cliffs on the beach, celebrating local heritage, world heritage and UNESCO World Dance Day.

"Sadly I won't be able to make this as I've booked for the Peter Donohoe concert but I hope it goes well and the weather stays fine."

World Dance Day at Budleigh

2009-04-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Budleigh’s beach will be the setting for a spectacular event staged by internationally-renowned dancer Charlie Morrissey on 29 April.

Here Now is a site-specific night-time performance event which takes place on the beach under the cliffs west of Steamer Steps at 8.30 pm.

The piece, created by Charlie Morrissey, is a mix between live performance and projection onto the cliffs, and looks at the relationship between humans and their environment – at our place in the landscape. It is part of Deep Time - a trilogy of events taking place along the Jurassic Coast in 2008-09.

“The performance is something that anyone can take part in – the more, the merrier!” says Julie Penfold, Director of PVA MediaLab which has commissioned the event as part of the Jurassic Coast Arts Programme.

“All you need to do to be a part of the performance is to turn up at 5.00 pm on the day. You, along with lots of others, will be taught a very simple sequence of movements on the beach and then, as darkness falls everyone will perform the piece to music with the sea in the background. Once the live performance is finished, there will be a film projected onto the cliffs.

The piece will be very simple and fun to do – you don’t need to have any performance experience – just come along and take part.”

Charlie Morrissey is a director, performer, teacher/workshop leader and researcher. He trained in dance and choreography at Dartington College of Arts and has been working in the UK and many other countries around the world for nearly 20 years. He creates large and small-scale site-specific and theatre and gallery based performance work in diverse contexts.

If you’d like to take part, please email admin@pva.org.uk For further information please see: http://www.jurassiccoast.com/ and www.pva.org.uk/UV08.htm

Photo credit: PVA MediaLab

Piano Recital by Peter Donohoe at St Peter's, Budleigh

2009-04-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Programme includes works by

Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Liszt and Chopin
Sponsored by Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management

Sonata Op.27 No 1 in E flat Beethoven
Piano Sonata in F major K322 Mozart
Vier Klavierstuck Op.119 Brahms
Années de Pèlerinage Première Année Nos 4-9 Liszt
Grand Valse Brilliante in E flat major Op. 18 Chopin
Nocturne in E flat major Op.2 No 2 Chopin
Scherzo No 3 in C sharp minor Chopin

St Peter’s Music is delighted to have secured this recital by world renowned pianist Peter Donohoe. Well known as a concerto player as well as a recitalist, he is playing a lovely varied programme. If you never come to another concert this season, this is the one to come to!

Peter Donohoe was born in Manchester in 1953. He studied at the Royal Northern College of Music with Derek Wyndham and then in Paris with Olivier Messiaen and Yvonne Loriod. Since his unprecedented success as joint winner of the 1982 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, he has developed a distinguished career in Europe, the USA, the Far East and Australasia. He is acclaimed as one of the foremost pianists of our time, for his musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique. In 2006 he was invited by the Netherlands to be Ambassador for Music in the Middle East.
During the 2008/9 season Peter Donohoe’s performances include the Dresden Staatskapelle with Myung-Whun Chung, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra with Gustavo Dudamel and Gurzenich Orchestra with Ludovic Morlot. He will also perform with the Czech Philharmonic, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and play both Brahms Concertos with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Last season Peter Donohoe’s engagements included the City of Birmingham Symphony and Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestras and an extensive tour to South America. He was also resident artist in a major Messiaen Festival in the Spanish city of Cuenca, which celebrated the centenary of the composer’s birth.

Peter Donohoe has recently performed with all the major London Orchestras, the Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw, Leipzig Gewandhaus, Munich Philharmonic, Swedish Radio, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Vienna Symphony and Czech Philharmonic Orchestras. He was an annual visitor to the BBC Proms for seventeen years and has appeared at many other festivals including six consecutive visits to the Edinburgh Festival, La Roque d’Anthéron in France, and at the Ruhr and Schleswig Holstein Festivals in Germany. In the United States, his appearances have included the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit Symphony Orchestras. Peter Donohoe has worked with many of the worlds’ greatest conductors including Simon Rattle, Christoph Eschenbach, Neeme Jarvi, Lorin Maazel, Kurt Masur, Andrew Davis and Yevgeny Svetlanov.

Peter Donohoe is a keen chamber musician and performs frequently with the pianist Martin Roscoe. They have given performances in London and at the Edinburgh Festival and have recorded discs of Gershwin and Rachmaninov. Other musical partners have included the Maggini Quartet, with whom he has made recordings of several great British chamber works.

In 2001 Naxos released a disc of music by Finzi, the first of a major series of recordings which aims to raise the public's awareness of British piano repertoire through concert performance and recordings. Discs of music by Rawsthorne, Bliss, Darnton, Rowley, Ferguson, Gerhard, Alwyn, Pitfield and Harty have now also been released to great critical acclaim.

Peter Donohoe has made many fine recordings on EMI Records and has won awards for them including the Grand Prix International du Disque Liszt for Lizst’s Sonata in B minor and the Gramophone Concerto award for the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto no. 2. His recordings of Messiaen with the Netherlands Wind Ensemble for Chandos Records and Litolff for Hyperion have also received widespread acclaim.

Peter Donohoe maintains a strong artistic link with the area in which he now lives with his wife Elaine and daughter Jessica. His close association with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra dates back to 1974. He is vice-president of the Birmingham Conservatoire and has been awarded Honorary Doctorates of Music from the Open University and the Universities of Birmingham, Central England, Warwick, East Anglia and Leicester.

Photo credit: Susie Ahlburg

Tickets are £15

From:
The Lawn Bakery, The Lawn, Budleigh Salterton
Lesleys, Stationers, High Street, Budleigh Slterton
Eagle House, The Strand, Exmouth
Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, Sidmouth

By telephone:
Ring 01395 442275 and request the tickets. You will be asked to forward a cheque made payable to St Peter's Music and a return S.A.E.

At the door on the night.
These are subject to availability.

Concessions: Full time students pay half the advertised price.

For more information about St Peter's Music concerts please see the website at http://www.stpetersmusic.org.uk/

Property for sale: Halse Hill House

2009-04-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Estate agents Fulfords are marketing this five-bedroomed detached residence just off West Hill. Halse Hill House sits centrally within generous gardens, which enjoy a high degree of privacy, being well screened by numerous established trees and shrubs.

Designed by the respected Hatchard Smith Architects and of 1920s construction the house, described by the agents as a lovely family home, has rendered elevations under a Rosemary tiled clay roof with distinctive Oriel style bay windows to the Southern elevation. The external appearance is further enhanced with brick quoins around the latticed uPVC double glazed windows.

The principal rooms both on the ground and first floors are south facing, thereby taking full advantage of a wonderful aspect over the gardens, which are a real delight and comprise a number of secluded, landscaped areas in addition to an enclosed vegetable plot.

The accommodation briefly comprises of a fine dual aspect sitting room with an attractive fireplace, French doors opening onto the rear garden terrace and access to a cosy snug and separate study. There is also a South facing dining room and an up to date integrated kitchen/breakfast room comprehensively fitted with storage units and appliances.

From the kitchen/breakfast room there is access to a useful studio/office, ideal for those working from home. The first floor provides a master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Halse Hill House still retains many original features including panelled doors, architraves and even some servant and bell call buttons. The property additionally benefits from a gas central heating system with individual thermostats and fitted wardrobes to all bedrooms.

Outside there is ample parking and a double garage with a remotely operated up and over door. A gravelled driveway leading to the garage provides ample off-road parking and a turning area. At the side of the driveway there are established shrub beds, well stocked with a variety of plants and a wrought iron gate leading to the South facing rear garden. Halse Hill House stands in particularly large gardens and grounds, which have been designed very much with ease of maintenance in mind, having shaped lawns with many mature trees and shrubs for privacy and seclusion.

A terrace extends across the rear elevation of the property, being a real sun trap and overlooking the rear garden, which additionally features an ornamental pond complemented with many evergreen shrubs. The garden continues on the Eastern side of the house, where there is an enclosed vegetable garden with raised beds and a further lawned area with an archway cut into a large evergreen hedge providing access to a small orchard and a wrought iron gate leading to West Hill Lane connecting to the town centre. There are also three timber storage sheds and a timber framed greenhouse within the vegetable plot.

A guide price of £750K is suggested. For further information, see the Fulfords website at
http://www.fulfords.co.uk/

Blue Lights in Budleigh

2009-04-08T00:51:00.001-07:00

Police officers and fire fighters are teaming up this weekend in Budleigh Salterton to help improve their levels of service to the local community.

Members of the Fire and Rescue and Police services will set up at two locations in the town with their respective vehicles between 10.00 am and 12 noon on Saturday April 11 2009. Both services will be speaking with local residents on ways they can help the community.

Police officers will be focussing on establishing a "top 3" list of actions for the new PACT (Partners and Communities Together) Panel to address. The Fire service will be offering the opportunity to obtain free smoke detectors supplied and fitted along with fire safety advice in the home for everyone.

Local beat manager PC David Lea said: "It’s great to work alongside the local Fire and Rescue Service. It is typical of what we are trying to achieve with PACT by having local networking of likeminded people working together to make the whole community of Budleigh even better. Once we have completed our survey we should know what concerns the people living here and we can then bring that to the PACT Panel for some action to be taken."

Steve Hunt, local Crew Manager at Budleigh Salterton Fire Station, said "We aim as a service to have working smoke detectors coupled with a Fire Safety Awareness in every home."

Both emergency services will have a prize Easter Egg donated by local businesses Spar, of Fore Street, and And Cards Too of the High Street. At the end of the initiative a random draw will take place from those who have helped with the PACT survey and the Fire Safety checks. There will be one prize giveaway egg from both of the emergency services.

Shoppers in the High Street on Easter Saturday should look out for the Blue Lights vehicles where a warm welcome awaits them and maybe a big Easter egg to boot.

Haydn in Exmouth

2009-04-07T10:34:00.001-07:00

Haydn’s splendid St Cecilia Mass will be the centrepiece of the next concert given by Exmouth Choral Society.

The Society will be performing at Holy Trinity Church, Rolle Street, Exmouth on Saturday 25 April 2009 at 7.30 pm under their inspiring conductor Brian Northcott.

Soloists include Bethany Partridge (soprano), Harriet Gibson (contralto), Michael Gormley (tenor), Michael Vian Clarke (bass). The orchestra will be led by Gillian Crew.

J S Bach’s Suite No. 1 in C is also being performed.

Above: Franz Joseph Haydn 1732-1809

Haydn’s St Cecilia Mass, also known as the Cäcilienmesse or the Missa Cellensis, is the lengthiest and most ambitious of the composer’s Masses. The elaborate orchestration, using ceremonial trumpets and timpani, led many to believe that the Mass had been written at a later period in his life until the chance discovery in Romania of an autographed manuscript of the Kyrie dated 1766. The date of the first performance of the work, is however unknown.

Tickets in advance cost £9 (adult) £5 (young person) and £18. (family), obtainable from Premier (Rolle Street) and Cabin News (The Parade) in Exmouth, and The Lawn Bakery in Budleigh Salterton; or ring 01395 275188.

The cost at the door is £12 (adult), £8 (young person), £24 (family).

Above: Holy Trinity Church, Exmouth

Property for sale: Flat 4, Montague Gardens, Moorlands Road

2009-04-06T10:42:00.001-07:00

Budleigh Salterton agents Palmers Whitton and Laing are offering what they describe as a particularly spacious ground floor flat in Montague Gardens, Moorlands Road. The property has a large private and sunny terrace and benefits from most attractive communal gardens.

Montague Gardens is approached from Moorlands Road via a tarmacadam driveway leading to a visitor's parking area and flanked by lawns fringed by hedgerow. The flat has a shared outer hall. A reception hall gives access to all rooms, including Georgian paned glazed doors to the sitting room and dining room, and there is also a cloakroom with a white suite and ceramic tiled floor. The sitting room, measuring 22'10" x 11'5" (6.96m x 3.48m) has a UPVC double glazed window to the front aspect with a pleasant outlook and distant rural views and a further UPVC double glazed window to the rear with a delightful outlook across the private terrace to the communal grounds. There is a marble plinth for an electric fire.

There is a similarly pleasant view from the dining room, which measures 11'10" x 10'8" (3.61m x 3.25m).

The kitchen has a range of fitted units in white with curved edge worktops comprising an inset one and a half bowl stainless steel sink by Franke with mixer tap, cupboard and plumbed in Hoover washing machine beneath; adjoining worktops to either side with drawers and cupboards beneath incorporating inset Proline ceramic hob, plumbed Bosch dishwasher and towel rack. There is a Hotpoint eye level electric fan oven and Panasonic combination microwave with cupboards above and beneath; a recess with high level shelving housing Hoover refrigerator/freezer; a tall shelved larder cupboard; a generous range of matching eye level cupboards incorporating a Tricity extractor hood above the hob, three lights beneath and one concealing the Glow-worm gas fired condensing boiler supplying central heating and hot water which was installed in March 2007.

All three bedrooms have an attractive outlook over the grounds.

The bathroom has a white suite comprising panelled bath with mixer tap, hand shower and thermostatically controlled shower unit above with glass shower screen; there is a partially recessed counter-top wash basin with mixer tap, pop-up waste, cupboard beneath and two deep eye level cupboards above flanking a central mirror; a close coupled WC. The walls are fully tiled with additional eye level shelved cupboard. There is a ceramic tiled floor and a tall towel radiator.

The garage, which measures 17'2" x 8'6" (5.23m x 2.59m) is situated in a block of 4 with up-and-over door, striplight, double power point and shelving.

Lawns fringed by flower beds adjoin the front of the apartment and a gate on the right hand side leads to a paved terrace with rotary clothes line which is shared with the first floor flat. This terrace provides access to a further terrace running full width across the rear of the apartment measuring approximately 60' x 11' (18.29m x 3.35m). This is bordered by an attractive stone retaining wall surmounted by deep flower beds with a fine variety of mature shrubs and flowering plants. The terrace has a sunny southerly aspect and a very fine outlook over the extensive communal grounds which are beautifully maintained and a most impressive feature of the development. Adjoining the terrace is a water tap and a loggia providing a sheltered covered sitting area with paved floor, access from the dining room and a built-in storage cupboard.

There are a total of eight properties in Montague Gardens, each one owning two shares in Montague Gardens Management Company (Exmouth) Ltd in which the Freehold of the entire development is vested. This flat is sold with a 999 year lease and no ground rent is payable. The maintenance charge is currently £85 per month. The maintenance of the building within which Flats 4 and 5 are located is apportioned equally between the two properties. Council Tax Band - E

Offers in the region of £295,000 are invited.

For further details see http://www.palmerswhittonandlaing-search.com/

Rolling Stone Survey

2009-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

People with pebble structures on their properties are being asked to help with a four-year survey which will take place in the local area.

Chris Tilley, Professor of Anthropology at University College London, is heading the team which is researching the landscape and archaeology of the East Devon Pebblebeds. He is interested in the present day value and significance of the heathlands as well as the use of pebbles in contemporary architecture.

Above: East Devon’s pebbles have long fascinated geologists. Here a group of students is visiting the Budleigh Pebblebeds.

Pebble structures form an important part of the contemporary domestic architecture and local heritage of east Devon. Team member Jill Cobley is currently recording all structures built out of pebbles in the area of East Devon between the river Exe and the River Otter from Ottery St Mary in the north to Budleigh Salterton in the south.

Local pebbles are great for wall-building

With others she has been recording pebble walls, pebble pavements and courtyards, wall footings, drains, paths, house walls and pebble decorative features – in short anything made of pebbles. The aim is to create a comprehensive record of the use of pebbles in this area of East Devon which eventually will form a digital photographic archive on the web.

Pebbles make useful rockery ornaments

“There are probably many hidden pebble structures not visible from roads or paths in people's back gardens or in sheds and barns and in older houses, for example cellar floors, walls, barns and so on,” says Professor Tilley. “If you have or know of such structures we would like to hear from you so that we can record them. Please email Jill Cobley at jillcobley@tiscali.co.uk or telephone her on 01404 814406.”

In addition, excavations will be taking place between 29 August 2009 and 20 September 2009 on Aylesbeare and Colaton Raleigh Commons. Further research will be carried out by team member Kate Cameron Daum. Kate will be carrying out brief car park surveys of visitors this year to find out the views of the pebbles from the public using the Commons.

“What do you like, or dislike, about our Pebblebed heathlands? Where do you like to walk, or cycle, or ride? What are your favourite places? How would you like the heathlands to be in the future?” are some of the questions to which Kate will be seeking answers.

Professor Tilley said today that very little research has been done into the heathlands since the 1930s, when a retired civil servant George Carter settled in Budleigh to write about the pebblebeds, having spent much of his career with the Indian Civil Service studying the history, archaeology and folklore of Pakistan.

Above: A simple drainage channel using pebbles outside a house in Budleigh

Property for sale: 1 Sherbrook Hill

2009-03-26T07:57:00.001-07:00

A mature semi detached house in a most convenient position just off West Hill, midway between the town centre and the golf course, the property provides two charming reception rooms, three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, and has the benefit of gas fired central heating.

Bays are a feature of both the sitting room and the dining room, with the former having a period fireplace with inset living flame gas fire and ornate coving. The dining room has windows on two aspects.

The kitchen has a range of fitted wall and base units with gas and electric cooker points. There is a Glow Worm gas fired boiler, complete with programmer, supplying the central heating and hot water.

Bedroom 3 on the first floor has an airing cupboard with factory lagged cylinder and a supplementary immersion heater.

Outside there is a shared double width driveway with Yew Tree Lodge. The lower driveway provides additional parking for several cars. The gardens feature lawns and shrub beds. There is a patio and a gazebo.

The property has a garage with up and over door.

All Main Services are connected. Council Tax Band 'F'.

Offers of £335,000 are invited via agents David Rhys. For further information see the website:

http://www.david-rhys.co.uk/

Town Council Surgery

2009-03-26T07:29:00.001-07:00

For some months now Budleigh Salterton Town Council has held a regular surgery at the Public Hall in Station Road, where residents can pop in for an informal chat with Town, District or County Councillors or a member of Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. It is a great opportunity to raise any queries or complaints, says the Council, and if we are unable to assist we usually know someone who will able to help.

The next Surgery will be held on Saturday 4 April at the Public Hall from 10.00 am until noon.

Call to protect an East Devon Conservation Area

2009-03-26T01:53:00.000-07:00

Budleigh residents who appreciate the peaceful setting of the nearby Commons and the Pebblebed Heaths for walking, cycling or horseriding are being asked to report illegal activities which could damage an area recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Above: One of the many tracks on Dalditch Common

And the battle to keep off-road drivers and fly tippers from spoiling one of Devon's most important rural habitats has taken a step forward with the forging of closer links between owners Clinton Devon Estates and the police.

Student Police Officer Chris Warfield has been shadowing East Devon Pebblebed Heaths' warden Bungy Williams as part of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary's Community Engagement Scheme. As part of their initial training, Student Officers work alongside staff and clients within key organisations and community groups on two one-week placements, gaining first-hand knowledge and essential community perspective that will greatly assist them in their future careers. Bungy hopes the experience will help Chris appreciate the importance of the 3,000 acre site which is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"This is a great opportunity to spend time with someone who will be patrolling this area in future and to explain to them what we are doing and the problems that we have with such large areas to protect," says Bungy.

"Illegal campers, off-road drivers and people dumping rubbish are a real threat to this very special environment. It's not just the damage to the habitat either. Vehicles using the heaths illegally could easily cause an accident and just recently we had rubbish with asbestos in it dumped here - it's not good for the flora, the fauna or people who want to enjoy the area responsibly."

Above: Looking towards Squabmoor Reservoir

Student Police Officer Chris Warfield, has welcomed the chance to learn more about the Heaths. Chris will be based in Exmouth when his training is complete. As well as spending time on the heaths, Chris's week-long attachment to Clinton Devon Estates also involves sessions on forestry, pest control and a day with the Land Agent.

According to Chris, "It's a brilliant opportunity to learn more about Clinton Devon Estates which plays such a major part in the area. Even though I was brought up in Sidmouth, I hadn't realised how much impact the estates have on life in East Devon.

"This induction is giving me a valuable insight into what goes on here and will be of great help in understanding key local issues when I get out on patrol."

Meanwhile, Clinton Devon Estates is also asking the public to be its 'eyes and ears' in a growing battle with the motorists using the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths for off-road driving. John Wilding, General Manager of Forestry and Environmental Economy wants people using the Heaths for legitimate leisure pursuits to collect the registration numbers of any vehicles using the land illegally and report them to the Estates office or the local police. He says that the biggest danger caused by illegal off-roading is to the public; "We're naturally worried about the damage this is causing to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but our biggest concern is that a car, motorbike or quad bike could collide with someone walking, cycling or riding.

"Vehicles are getting onto the Common because barriers are regularly broken and we do have to keep access points open for horses.

"The Royal Marines have permission to use the land for training and our management team at Clinton Devon Estates sometime need to take 4X4's onto the land - but that doesn't mean it's a free for all," says John Wilding.

"We take a very serious view of this kind of illegal activity and we are working closely with the police and with local people to make sure it stops," he adds.

Illegal motorists face being charged under the Road Traffic Act, which can mean a fixed penalty fine for a first offence to a maximum fine of £300 for persistent offenders who are sent to magistrates court. Those who damage the Site of Special Scientific Interest also face charges of Wildlife Crime which can result in a prison sentence and fines of many thousands of pounds.

If anyone witnesses vehicles illegally using the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, they are asked to contact Clinton Devon Estates wardens on 07976 062712 or 07976 062717.

A posting we all look forward to

2009-03-21T02:51:00.000-07:00

He doesn’t have a black and white cat called Jess, and he laughs at the idea of using a gyrocopter and a Blackberry to deliver his letters, but Steve Harrison, our local postie has all the qualities which made Postman Pat everyone’s favourite mailman. And I reckon he must be 100 times fitter when I see him cycling up Exmouth Road.

Postal workers, it’s said, are living the nightmare of modernisation: job losses, closures and pensions at risk. But Steve keeps smiling. In a traditional town like Budleigh there is still an expectation of telephone boxes, village policemen and personal friendly service in local shops. And in our rural area the arrival of the postman does a little to reassure us that commitment and stability are still possible in the unstable and crazy world that we live in.

Above: Budleigh postman Steve Harrison

You could say that the traditional postie is still at the heart of British life, and there are plenty of people who will stand up for him or her. Devotees of TV’s best-known postman who has recently received a 21st century make-over have even revolted against the media trendies who want to turn Postman Pat into a “gadget obsessed freak.”

One of approximately 15 postal workers at Budleigh Salterton’s Delivery Office, Steve Harrison has worked for Royal Mail for over two years, having previously worked as a social worker in the Greater London area. The move to Devon was one of the best decisions he made, he feels. “I get really affected by the pollution now whenever I go back to London.” He reckons that the sea air combined with all the cycling and walking that he does as a postman have certainly contributed to a healthier lifestyle. Within the first nine months he found that he had lost three stone in weight. “I used to be cooped up in a van or an office. Now I’m in the open air most of the time. It’s a definite plus.”

He uses a bike to deliver mail for only part of his shift, on what he calls his ‘small loop’ along Exmouth Road, including Moorlands Road and Lansdowne Road, and through Knowle Village and Little Knowle. For the longer loop through Castle Lane, Dalditch Lane, Inner Ting Tong and Bear Lane he uses a van. Not only is this faster – his speed in the van averaging 6 mph, including deliveries, being double that of the bike – but also easier, as the weight of mail to be delivered can be considerable: Steve often finds that his bags can weigh as much as 16 kg (35 lb). In fact Health & Safety rules dictate that up to 32 kg (70 lb) is allowable on a bike, although as Steve points out this would be impossible on some of the gradients that he has to tackle.

Issues like the average speed of delivery and mail-load weights are bound up with the various management initiatives aimed at making Royal Mail more efficient, and Steve admits that such matters are very far from people’s view of their friendly postman with time for a doorstep chat. That’s certainly an aspect of the job that he appreciates, but he points out that Mondays and Tuesdays are best from that point of view. By mid-week, when businesses are back at work sending out mail after the weekend break, pressure is building up for postal workers.

Above: The Victorian letter box at the corner of Links Road: as traditional a feature in Budleigh as our local posties

Steve Harrison is in fact working on a part-time basis of 34 hours per week, but even so has to make an early start at around 7.00 am to be finished by 2.15 pm. There is a certain amount of flexi-time to the job, with long weekends on a cyclical basis giving it some variety. Meeting different people as he makes his deliveries is also something that he enjoys when he is not in a hurry; he agrees that the postman has a social role to play. A friendly conversation of 10-15 seconds is enough to check that an elderly resident is in good health, for example. On one occasion he spotted that a door had been left open; it turned out that the house had been burgled. “I always make an effort,” says Steve. “Of course I have to balance that out with the time pressures.”

The only people he is not so keen on chatting to are those with dangerous dogs. Injuries to postal workers’ legs and fingers really are an issue, it seems. “I’ve been bitten twice within a month,” he says. Some post-workers believe that feeding the animal before making a delivery is the answer, but Steve disagrees. “I’ve been chased down the road by dogs wanting biscuits.” Not surprisingly Royal Mail wants the law governing dogs to apply to private as well as public land.

The other major negative of Steve’s work involves the weather. “Cold I can cope with, heat is bearable, but wet weather is awful. Nothing’s worse than pushing a soggy letter through a letterbox.”

When arranging the interview with Steve I had worried that my suggestion of using email as “an easy way of communicating” was a tactless blunder, given the decline in the number of people posting letters. No, said Steve. He is a fervent believer in the Internet. “It’s true that the volume of letters is going down, but the weight of mail deliveries is going up all the time. A paperless council tax mailing would have saved me hours of work today!” And many people in rural areas like Budleigh still tend to write letters as well as getting more parcels because they order goods by post or the Internet rather than do their shopping regularly at big city stores. For that reason, he believes, Royal Mail has an advantage over firms like TNT, which would prefer business with a high volume urban distribution.

Above: Steve with his Royal Mail bike and an appreciative customer

And what about the new technology that Postman Pat has been threatened with to make him more efficient? Scanners are certainly used now for dealing with registered and tracked mail, says Steve. “Some time ago they were talking about motorised carts for making deliveries, but it didn’t really work out.” Maybe Budleigh’s awkward gradients were the problem.

So we hope to see Steve for many years to come, preferably on two wheels. The sight of him pedalling up Exmouth Road always inspires me to dust down my bike and get fitter by tackling some of those hills that drew us to Devon.

Criminal execution on Exmouth Road!

2009-03-19T03:57:00.000-07:00

Monty Ray Syprus* of 12 Exmouth Road has been executed this week. He was tried and found guilty of criminal damage, attempted murder, and failing to keep within the limits of his territory.

Mr D. Clarke of number 10, said that just before Christmas he was out walking his dog, when the said subject hurled an enormous branch at him.

Above: Monty Ray Syprus at the height of his powers

Fortunately he just missed, but it was attempted murder! On the same day the criminal tried to murder the postman and also to prevent the escape of a friend who called at the address to collect something.

Fortunately all these attempts failed, but it was agreed by the authorities that this should not be allowed to continue. The executioners were called to the address on 17 March to carry out the deed.

Right: The executioners assess Monty's weight

Monty was hung, drawn, quartered and indeed carved up into thousands of pieces to be sure that his activities are no longer able to cause a menace to the community.

Above: The executioners set to work

Below right: Monty's last moments

* AKA Monterey Cypress or cupressus macracarpa. Janet and Chris Parrish write: We have received consent

from EDDC to take down the large tree in the middle of our drive. In a way it is sad because it was such a ‘grand’ old tree but after the collapse of several branches before Christmas, it was left in a poor state and the gash left by the fall would have attracted rot and disease. So it was really past its sell-by date and we felt this was the time it had to go. All the authorities agreed. We have guessed it was 100 years old or so; the EDDC Tree Officer thought a little less. Whatever, it must have been planted, we think, before the house was built in 1925.

Photos and text © Janet and Chris Parrish

2009 Annual Town Meeting on 25 March

2009-03-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Town Council's Annual Town Meeting is an opportunity for Budleigh residents to express their views and ask questions about issues in the town. It is also an opportunity for the Town Council to inform members of the public about achievements during the preceding year and aims for the future.

Above: Budleigh Salterton's Public Hall

This year’s Annual Town Meeting takes place on Wednesday 25 March at 7.00 pm in the Public Hall, Station Road. There will be two speakers from the Environment Agency and they will be talking about the recent flooding in the Otter Valley, particularly the problems at Granary Lane and the Cricket Club, and any possible solutions.

Above: Last year's flooded car park at Otterton Mill

Photo credit Otterton Mill

If you have a question for them or for any member of the Town Council please contact the Clerk in writing by Monday 23 March at the address below:

Mrs J Vanstone
Clerk to Budleigh Salterton Town Council
Council Offices
Station Road
Budleigh Salterton
Devon EX9 6RJ

Email: office@budleighsaltertontowncouncil.gov.uk

Spring brings jazz to Budleigh

2009-03-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

“Forget the economic blues and prepare to join us for the best new jazz festival,” say the organizers of yet another first in Budleigh’s music calendar. A development of the town’s highly successful Festival of Music and the Arts, Budleigh’s three-day extravaganza of sounds ranges from danceable traditional New Orleans style to powerful big band swing. The Jazz Festival will take place in the Games Club in Cricket Field Lane, where there is a full licensed bar and comfortable seating.

Above: Mike Denham and Sunset Café Stompers.

Picture credit: Budleigh Festival of Music and the Arts

Sunset Café Band

Thursday 23 April 7.45 pm Tickets: £8

Sunset Café Stompers play exciting traditional jazz in the style of the New Orleans pioneers. The band takes its name from the famous night-spot on Chicago's South Side, owned by Al Capone, where Louis Armstrong once played.

Formed in 1989, with a mission to become the finest exponents of the New Orleans sound in the South West, the SCS have acquired a strong following in their home territory, and a national reputation. Based in Wessex, the band tours to jazz clubs further afield, and has appeared frequently at the Bude, Keswick and other major festivals.

SCS’s repertoire, while firmly rooted in New Orleans, covers a wider range than most British bands and includes compositions made famous by Duke Ellington, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton.

The Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra

Friday 24 April 7.45 pm

Tickets: £8

Last November the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra's senior section was awarded the highest accolade by being selected to play in the Schools' Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Tutored by three professional jazz musicians the Jazz Orchestras exist to help young players learn about, develop skills in and increase their appreciation of big band music. Members have the opportunity to play music in a wide range of styles, from swing to be-bop, from latin to funk. A key activity is improvisation: band members are encouraged to express their musical ideas through a graded programme of workshops, and are given opportunities to try out their ideas in concerts. Big band links have been made with Plymouth, Hampshire and Staffordshire. Original works for performance have been provided by Dave O’Higgins and Steve Waterman.

Above: Student players give top-class performance

Picture credit: Devon County Council

Scott Hamilton with the Craig Milverton Trio

Saturday 25 April Tickets: £15

“Following a Scott Hamilton solo is like listening to a great conversationalist in full flow,” writes fellow tenor saxophonist and writer, Dave Gelly. “First comes the voice, the inimitable, assured sound of his tenor saxophone, then the informal style and finally the amazing fluency and eloquent command of the jazz language.”

In demand the world over as a saxophonist, Scott Hamilton was born in 1954, in Providence, Rhode Island. During his early childhood he heard a lot of jazz through his father's extensive record collection, and became acquainted with the jazz greats. He had some clarinet lessons when he was about eight years of age, but that was the only formal music tuition he has ever had.

Picture: Saxophonist Scott Hamilton

Picture credit: Peterborough Jazz Club

For some years now he has been based in London, where he first played in 1978, and he travels the world from there. He returns to America three or four times a year to play at festivals, including the New York JVC festival in June 2007 and Irvine, California in September 2007.

Craig Milverton plays with a ‘who’s who’ of British and International jazz talent including Digby Fairweather, Paul Jones, Julian Marc Stringle, Mark Crooks, Scott Hamilton, Dominic Ashworth and a host of others.

Craig was born in Bexley, Kent and took piano lessons from the ages of 7 -12, but has no formal jazz training. His jazz interest was spawned by his father’s record collection, initially the Boogie Woogie pianists and then Oscar Peterson and Ella Fitzgerald. He moved to Devon in 1985 and tours internationally. Few British pianists have Craig’s thorough knowledge and grasp of jazz styles. His love of the music shines through and he is a natural at whatever he plays.

Picture: Jazz pianist Craig Milverton

Picture credit: Craig Milverton

For further information about Budleigh's first Jazz Festival see
http://www.budleigh-festival.org.uk/Programme%20Detail%20jazz%202008.html

Trial Opening for Police Station

2009-03-16T04:37:00.001-07:00

Budleigh Salterton Police Station is to open its doors for regular community surgeries. The station will open between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm every Monday except Bank Holidays from 23 March 2009, and at the same time every alternate Saturday from 4 April 2009.

The surgeries will be held by the local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Chantalle Major and will be focussed on speaking with the public who wish to drop in and discuss local issues. The aim will be to gauge what concerns residents and visitors may have and discuss them with staff who will initiate work to try and resolve those concerns.

Additionally PCSO Chantalle Major has been joined on the Budleigh Salterton beat by PCSO Malcolm Maguire, who is going to be active in patrols around Budleigh Salterton and East Budleigh. With PCSO Sarah Trayhurn responsible for Otterton and Colaton Raleigh and the beat manager PC David Lea overseeing the whole area, this brings the number of staff for the rural beat centered at Budleigh Salterton to four.

PC David Lea said, "It has been a wish of mine utilise this local police station to greater effect. It will provide a service for the public to come to us and talk over their concerns. We will try this out for four months with the hope to extend it further. Chantalle will leave us sometime in August for the birth of her second child. By then we are hoping to have a pool of volunteers in place who can speak with visitors to the station and listen to their concerns.

"The addition of PCSO Malcolm Maguire is also a very welcomed boost to the area."

Malcolm is also looking to open up a community surgery at East Budleigh information room near the village hall. This will be happening from 6 April with further details of times being released via local media, the police website, the local shop in East Budleigh and at the venue itself.

PC David Lea added, "I have to thank Inspector Capey at Exmouth for releasing Malcolm to help here at Budleigh. This will go a long way to increasing the PACT panels which will be used to resolve community issues. These panels have already proven their worth in other parts of the Devon and Cornwall policing area and I hoping for similar good results here. These are all positive moves to increase public satisfaction with the level of local policing. We are confident we can deliver what are embarking on and make ourselves more available to the general public."

PACT (Partners And Communities Together) Panels comprise of local police, residents, youth representatives, councillors, trades people and the like. There is an appeal for people to join their local PACT Panel. If you are interested and think you could represent your local area or wish to know more about PACT then please use the contact details below. Similarily, if you feel you could help out at Budleigh Police Station as a volunteer, later this Spring, then use the same contact details.

For further information contact PC David Lea via, the Devon and Cornwall Police website and follow the links to Neighbourhood Policing or call Budleigh Salterton Police Station on 01395 442431.

Bruce McLean at the Brook

2009-03-15T08:34:00.001-07:00

Bruce McLean, Professor of Fine Art and Head of Graduate Painting at the Slade School of Fine Art in London will open his solo exhibition at the Brook Gallery on 28 March 2009. “Witty and to the point”, is how his work has been described.

Bruce McLean has gained international recognition as a painter, film maker and performance artist. His commissions are many and varied, from work designed for Credit Suisse in London’s Canary Wharf to sculpture and architectural work for the British Embassy in Berlin.

Bruce is recognized for taking Brit art to a new level on the international scene. Startling colours and clever use of form are combined into witty parodies of current expressionist work, a trade mark style which is much coveted. His satirical works in all media confront the pretensions of the art world and wider issues such as the nature of bureaucracy and institutional politics. Brook Gallery is delighted to welcome Bruce and play host to works of art from one of the UK’s greats.

Above: Sausage Street, by Bruce McLean

The exhibition runs from Sunday 29 March – Sunday 19 April.

The Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 am - 5.00 pm; Sunday - 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm
For further information see http://www.brookgallery.co.uk/

Bach’s St John Passion at Exeter

2009-03-15T02:56:00.000-07:00

Bach’s St John Passion is the next major work performed by the Exeter Bach Society, writes Exmouth Road’s Chris Parrish. The performance will take place on Saturday 4 April at 7.30 pm at the Mint Church in Fore Street, Exeter, with the Exeter Bach Society Choir and Orchestra under its Director of Music, Budleigh-based Nicholas Marshall.

The soloists are:

Richard Rowntree – Evangelist;

Armin Zanner – Christus;

Elizabeth Drury – soprano;

Matthew Venner – counter-tenor;

Leslie Baker – tenor;

Stephen Foulkes – bass.

On April 7, 1724, the citizens of Leipzig crowded into the St Nicholas Church for Good Friday services. What they heard – in addition to a one-hour sermon (to which, you will be relieved to know, we shall not subject you!) – was a retelling of the Passion story as recounted in the book of John, set to music by their recently hired cantor, Johann Sebastian Bach.

The St John Passion is no small work, but it has often been overshadowed by the even more imposing St Matthew Passion that Bach produced a few years later.

Yet for many listeners, the drama and pacing of Bach’s first Passion setting give it a unique appeal. Robert Schumann, for example, not only admired it, but preferred it, writing to a friend: “Do you know Bach’s Passion According to St John, the so-called little one? … Don’t you think it is much bolder, more powerful, and poetical than the Passion According to St Matthew? … How full of genius, especially the choruses. And what consummate art!”

We last sang this Passion in 2005 and as before we will sing it in the original German which fits the music so much better.

Pictured in descending order are: Richard Rowntree, Armin Zanner, Elizabeth Drury, Matthew Venner, Leslie Baker and Stephen Foulkes.

Tickets: £12 unreserved (full time students half price) may be purchased from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets (Tel: 01392 211080), in Dix’s Field, Exeter; members of the Exeter Bach Society, or by phoning Roger Churchward on 01392 468867. Also at the door before the performance. Wheelchair access.

Gone clubbing

2009-03-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that Exmouth Roadies’ postings have been less frequent recently. The weather is largely to blame for this. The spring sunshine is bringing out the flowers in our garden but plants are also begging to be saved from strangulation and slow death by the evil weeds. We’ve been told that Devon is the ivy capital of the UK.

But last Saturday I saw that my Exmouth Roadies blog could be in danger of withering away altogether. Budleigh Salterton Town Council had organised a get-together in the Public Hall of some of the clubs and societies that flourish in the town. It was only by chance that I found out about it that morning, so I thought I’d pop in for five minutes.

An hour later I emerged, completely clubbed out of my mind by all the amazing things that are going on in Budleigh, and charmed by a crowd of very enthusiastic and friendly people, all keen to invite us newcomers to join up. The Public Hall was packed with stands advertising societies and activities of all sorts, and I may have missed quite a few of them. There’s not just one gardening group in Budleigh: at least three are needed to deal with the frantic demands of all those flowers, fruit and vegetables bursting away in the fertile Devon soil. I have a choice between the Garden Club, the Flower and Produce Show and Budleigh in Bloom. If gardening isn’t your thing but you want some exercise there’s no shortage of sporting activities ranging from cricket to croquet. For the walkers and those interested in Budleigh’s wildlife and other environmental matters or even historical matters, the Otter Valley Association was there, as well as Fairlynch Museum. The arts were represented by groups like the Art Club, St Peter’s Music, Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir and the recently formed Budleigh Film Society. And then there were the many charity activity groups: the Lions Club, the Community Bus Project, the Friends of Budleigh Hospital, the Royal British Legion and the town’s Youth Project. It’s clear you can never be bored in Budleigh. There certainly wouldn’t be much time for blogging if I joined just a few of these groups.

I noted some absentees. The Salterton Drama Club was not there of course because they were busy preparing for the last night of their excellent production of Rattigan’s Separate Tables. And where were the Budleigh Salterton Wives, listed in the clubs section of the Budleigh Diary at http://www.budleighdiary.co.uk/main.htm as meeting every week through the year and offering lectures with challenging titles such as “keeping your man happy”, “maintaining a spotless home”, “how to agree with your man”, and “cooking his perfect meal”? I’ve looked in vain for their website, supposedly at www.budleighsaltertonwives.co.uk

Ah well, that’s one more little Budleigh mystery to be investigated. But meanwhile I’ve got to go and deal with the ivy.

Budleigh Salterton Garden Club

Budleigh Salterton Flower & Produce Shows Society

Budleigh in Bloom

Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club

Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club

Budleigh Salterton Games Club

Otter Valley Association

Fairlynch Museum

Budleigh Salterton Art Club

St Peter's Music
Budleigh Salterton Film Society

Budleigh Salterton Lions Club

Budleigh Salterton Community Bus

The League of Friends of Budleigh Salterton Hospital

Budleigh Salterton Royal British Legion

I saw some funny things today on my way to the fishmonger

2009-03-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Thousands of people across the country are taking part in events for Red Nose Day today, Friday 13 March, with money going towards helping the disadvantaged in Africa and Britain. To get involved just “Do Something Funny For Money!” is what we were told.

Normally ‘sedate’ Budleigh is not the sort of place where people wear red noses, but even here funniness has broken out. And on the High Street too, in full view of everyone.

First there was Simon Blissett (48 and “old enough to know better” as he admitted) of Budleigh’s West Terrace. His feet in a bucket of “genuine”mushy peas donated by the Premier Café, red-nosed and grass-skirted, he confessed that he was standing there making a fool of himself as the result of a conversation that he’d had “after a few drinks.” Full marks for originality, I thought. Of course anyone who can dress up as Dame Martha Muffett in the Salterton Drama Club pantomime as Simon did can carry off this sort of thing. But would he be eating the mushy peas as a reward, I wondered? He was certainly getting lots of cash for Comic Relief from passers-by.

Above: Did Simon eat up all his mushy peas?

Jenny Roberts, also from Budleigh, was also attracting much attention in the High Street in her outlandish gear complete with bright red pigtails to match the red nose. She had spent the morning at Exmouth Leisure Centre at her Latin DX dance class where she’d raised £60 for charity.

It’s good to know that Budleians can be as bonkers as the best of them.

Right: Jenny does a twirl for Comic Relief.

The Taj Mahal

2009-03-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Indian cuisine is something that many Budleigh residents know quite a bit about thanks to last year’s popular Tantalising Tastes of Asia presentation by the town’s Taj Mahal restaurant during the May Gala Week.

The family-owned Taj Mahal in the High Street gets very busy at the weekend and during the summer so we chose a quieter weekday evening last night not only to enjoy the meal but to discuss the different dishes with the experts.

I never remember which Indian dish I tried last, and always want to try something new, so on this occasion went for the Chef’s Special Treat, a delicious combination of chicken tikka, lamb tikka and tandoori king prawns, with mango and pineapple mixed in with ground cashew nuts, butter, honey and tomatoes. “Sinful pleasures abound in every mouthful,” as the menu warns customers. Anthea by contrast chose her usual tandoori chicken, which I think she always goes for because it invariably arrives at the table in that spectacular sizzling fashion. And of course she says it never disappoints.
Above: (l-r) Taj Mahal staff Tusha and Russel

The Taj Mahal specialises in Bangladeshi and Indian dishes based on lamb, chicken or fish, but offers a wide variety to suit all tastes, including vegetarian. The restaurant is fully licensed and offers an excellent wine list, from which we chose a good claret. Our waiter Tusha and his colleague Russel were welcoming, helpful and informative. Both have worked in city-based restaurants throughout the UK and appreciate Budleigh because of its quiet charm and the friendly customers.

Above: Taj Mahal cooks spice up Budleigh at the Tantalising Tastes of Asia event in May 2008.

Photo credit: Ray Ambrose of Randa Creative

It’s great to have a restaurant which is open every day until late in the evening, serving excellent food at moderate prices. Our meal came to just under £40, including a bottle of wine.

Tel: 01395 446097
Taj Mahal
1b High Street
Budleigh Salterton
EX9 6LD

Scam warning to small businesses

2009-03-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Police in Devon are warning members of the public to be wary of a long-term scam, which has been operating for a number of years and now appears to be targeting small businesses in Devon.

European City Guides are a Spanish based company who send out Pro-formas with the company details already completed.

The form states that filling in the form would give the recipient “the opportunity to be published in an inter-professional Guide on CD-Rom and Internet”. The cost for this is €997.00.

Detective Constable Peter Kilpatrick from the Devon and Cornwall Police Economic Crime Unit explained, “This Pro-forma is an invitation only.

“By completing it you are deemed to have entered into a contract and if the amount is not paid, they then threaten the recipient with legal action.

“People have paid the fee as a result of these threats.

“Our advice will always be to throw these forms away and do not respond to the company.

For further information please visit
http://www.lindamcavanmep.org.uk/news/2009/0227
http://www.conservativeeurope.com/news/1062/meps-demand-action-on-small-business-scams.aspx
www.stopecg.org

Gardening on the Wild Side

2009-03-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Keith Wiley, the celebrated horticulturalist, author and garden designer of Garden House and Wild Side fame will be giving an enlightening talk for the Exeter Leukaemia Fund on Friday 20th March.

Mr Wiley spent 25 years as Head Gardener of The Garden House, the elegant former home of the vicars of Buckland Monachorum on the edge of Dartmoor, before leaving in 2003 to concentrate on writing and creating his own nursery nearby, Wildside Plants.
Starting at 2.30 pm the talk will be held at Budleigh Salterton Public Hall with refreshments and raffle.

Noel Allen, ELF Supporter comments, “Keith Wiley has been and continues to be an outstanding gardener. His twenty-plus years at the Garden House and now his superb garden at Wild Side have taken gardening to new horizons. Formality is not in his vocabulary; his gardens have made ordinary gardeners think ‘outside the box’. His gardens excite the imagination, even for those of us who do not have access to acres of land.”

Tickets are £5 and can be purchased from the ELF Office on 01392 493344 or The Garden Shop on Station Road on 01395 442695.

Exeter Leukaemia Fund supports the excellent work of the Haematology Centre at the RD&E Hospital in Exeter, by providing funds for enhanced patient care, state of the art equipment and research.

For further information about Exeter Leukaemia Fund see http://www.elfcharity.org.uk/

A snack at the Riviera

2009-03-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

It was during a camping holiday in East Devon chosen during one of the many wettest Augusts on record. Streets soaked in a sea fog that had transformed a summer afternoon into the gloomiest of winters. Folk festival followers splashing around in their flooded camping sites… those are the memories of my first visit to Sidmouth. But as we hurried along the Esplanade back to our damp caravan we caught through the gloom a brief sunburst of the Hotel Riviera. And did I imagine it or was that the silhouette of a maître d'hôtel in tails resplendent amidst the radiance of its grand entrance? Above: Sidmouth's Hotel Riviera

I suppose it could well have been, judging by a recent comment on the TripAdvisor website. “A lovely, if quirky, time warped hotel.” http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/

Ten years on, since moving to Budleigh and on visits to Sidmouth we’ve often drooled over the multi-course menus posted at the entrance but wondered whether the Riviera wasn’t just a little too grand. Were we really up for a starter of Ham Hock and Flageolet Bean Terrine With Ciabatta Crisps, Pineapple and Chilli Compote, followed by Roast Yellow Pepper Soup with Sautéed Garlic before a main course of Seared Scallops With a Sharp Apple Compote, Confit Celeriac Discs, Diced Vegetables and a Vanilla and Mustard Dressing? And I haven’t yet got to A Various Selection of Sweets from the Kitchen followed by A Selection of West Country Cheeses Served with Biscuits, Grapes, Celery and Chutney, and to end, Coffee and Petit Fours. That was dinner. Lunch was just as grand, though marginally lighter with A Selection of West Country Cheeses being offered as an alternative to dessert.

Yesterday the hotel’s white façade was radiant in the spring sunshine and its four stars were gleaming hautily. “Hotel Riviera, with its echoes of the South of France and prime position on the seafront, is the choice for the discerning in search of relaxation and quieter pleasures,” claims the website, but does that include slightly sweaty people who’ve been tramping over the Devon countryside? I certainly felt just a bit intimidated wearing my rucksack, jeans and walking-boots when we decided to try out the bar snacks. Would that imposing Head Waiter insist on my dumping the rucksack at reception and borrowing a hotel tie?

We needn’t have worried. TripAdvisor’s comments about the Riviera are by no means unanimous in their praise of the hotel and I suppose the absence of a sauna and gym might mean that it’s not to everyone’s taste. But just about all the Riviera’s visitors who had posted their comments were effusive in their appreciation of the friendly staff. Above: Jonathan and his colleague Hilary look after Anthea in the bar of the Hotel Riviera

And so were we. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. I was even tempted for a moment by the thought of a long lunch in the splendid dining-room. But time was short and we’d gone there with the idea of exploring Sidmouth in the afternoon sunshine. So the bar it was, with its excellent selection of snacks. Jonathan, the friendly and chatty barman produced a glass of decent French red wine for Anthea. I was going to join her, but since arriving in Devon I’ve begun to appreciate its great real ales. No Otter bitter unfortunately, and the draught cider pump was not working, so I settled for a half of Tetley’s bitter. Jonathan’s colleague Hilary, just as chatty and welcoming, brought us our choice of snacks: a Ciabatta speciality sandwich, with chicken, watercress salad, slices of avocado and cheese for me, and fresh crab sandwiches with a salad for Anthea, plus a bowl of chips as we were feeling greedy. With another round of drinks, coffee to follow and an exchange of traveller’s tales with Hilary and Jonathan on the good and bad points of Bath, Florida, Ankara and Brighton we were in danger of spending the rest of the afternoon in our too comfortable surroundings.

The meal was fairly priced, and for freshness and presentation it could not be faulted. And one evening I want to try that amazing multi-course dinner, even if it means having to wear a shirt and tie: at £38.50 per head it struck me as pretty good value.

For further information about the Hotel Riviera see http://www.hotelriviera.co.uk/

Council Tax guide - the future is orange

2009-03-02T10:45:00.001-08:00

People across East Devon will shortly be receiving their Council Tax bills. To help them understand the charges and the help that may be available for people struggling with household bills, a partnership of councils and other agencies have produced a 40 page guidance booklet.

Council Tax Bills for 2009-10 will be arriving at homes across East Devon in the middle of this month (March) along with the bright orange A5 guidance booklet. Above: The orange front cover of this year's A5 council tax booklet

The booklet explains where the money goes and makes it easier for householders to understand the charging system and the many ways in which people can get help with payments.

For example, the booklet explains that EDDC collects council tax for parish councils (2%), Devon County Council (75%), Devon and Cornwall Police Authority (10%) and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (5%). EDDC's share is just 8%.
EDDC's portion of the overall Council Tax bill has been frozen at last year's rate, so this part of the bill will show no increase. But the total that each household has to pay will still be more, because there have been increases in the charges made by some of the other organisations that are part of the Council Tax process.

For each band of council tax payer, the annual amount retained by EDDC works out as follows:

Band A £78.83
Band B £91.96
Band C £105.10
Band D £118.24
Band E £144.52
Band F £170.79
Band G £197.07
Band H £236.48

Councillor Andrew Moulding, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder Resources, said: "EDDC has the job of collecting Council Tax on behalf of five organisations, including itself. It's important that the public understand the difference between how much of their Council Tax payment EDDC actually keeps and how much it hands on to the other organisations.

"For the average Band D household, the annual payment to EDDC is £118.24 - that's just £2.27 per week, the same as last year. The full amount payable in the coming year by each Band D household after adding together the various agencies who take a share of the money is £28 a week. So in fact EDDC will be handing on £25.73 to others".
The new booklet also contains helpful advice for those who may be struggling to pay household bills in these difficult times. The message is: "Don't bury your head in the sand. If you are in danger of getting into arrears, please seek advice from an EDDC advisor as soon as possible".

Before dialling, please remember two things:

This is a very hectic few weeks for staff in EDDC's Council Tax service, so phone lines may be busy. Please be patient if you can't get through first time

To save you time, have a look through the orange guidance booklet, produced jointly by EDDC and its partner councils in East Devon, together with the police and fire authorities - it may just tell you what you need to know and save you a phone call.

The booklet is packed with useful information about the services that are paid for through council tax and examples of how this works in practice in everyday life.

The guide has 40 pages of facts and figures, diagrams and pictures. It covers every aspect of the Council Tax - from who receives the money to how it is spent and from what each parish will pay to how people on a low income can receive help.
Included are contributions from:
Devon County Council
Devon and Cornwall Police Authority
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority
East Devon District Council

The joint council tax and performance summary is produced by the organisations listed above working together and sharing the costs. Government legislation requires these authorities to inform council tax payers about many aspects of the council tax. The booklet is considered to be the most user-friendly way of presenting the information at a reasonable cost (15p per household) and also makes it possible to pass on other useful facts about the work these organisations do throughout the year.

There are sections on:

Coping on a low income
Helping pensioners or people who are disabled
Dealing with financial or legal problems
How the council tax "cake" is shared out across Devon
How each authority spends the money it gets
What services you get from EDDC
How these match the Council's priorities

There are also useful phone numbers including:

EDDC's Council Tax and Benefits Helpline
Business Rates Helpline
Inland Revenue Tax Credit Helpline
Pension Service
CAREdirect
Registering to vote
Concessionary Bus Fares Helpline
The Benefit Fraud Hotline

The booklet will be available from the end of March on EDDC's website at: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk

The Council Tax bills themselves are now more user-friendly, with clearer contact details and more easily identifiable payment options. They also include information about efficiency savings.

To reduce call handling time, there are direct lines for Council Tax and Benefit enquiries. However, with some 60,000 bills issued, the first week or so will bring a high level of enquiries.

An EDDC spokesman said: "Every call is important to us, but we expect to experience above average call volumes in the immediate period after bills are received. So we would ask customers to please be patient and bear with us".

The direct line for Council Tax and Benefit enquiries is: 01395 517 446.
The number for all general EDDC enquiries is 01395 516 551.
With their Council Tax Bill, householders will also receive a notice giving details of changes to Refuse and Recycling collections over the Easter, May and August Bank Holiday weekends.

The Feathers celebrates John’s life

2009-02-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Pub regulars, diners and hotel guests will be saddened to learn of the death from cancer of John Salt, landlord of one of Budleigh’s best-known inns.

Having moved from Essex to East Devon in 1980, taking over The Feathers in 2003, Mr Salt and his wife Joan were proud of their achievement in renovating, improving and enhancing this 16th century public house situated on the High Street at the heart of the town. They were also justifiably proud of The Feathers’ fine and growing reputation for providing excellent, hearty pub food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Ensuring that The Feathers remained a proper pub while restoring it to its original function as a hotel was a challenge which was met in full. Retaining the building’s many interesting features while refurbishing its accommodation has made The Feathers a much-loved Budleigh institution. Only a few months ago Mr Salt was reporting that the new rooms were proving exceptionally popular and that the hotel was already seeing returning guests booking up again for the next year.

John Salt, who was aged 60, leaves his wife Joan, and sons Neil and Jonathan.

Police warn on phone scam

2009-02-23T06:18:00.001-08:00

Police are advising people to be vigilant following reports of attempted telephone scams across the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary area.

In all the incidents a man has telephoned homeowners purporting to be from Nat West Bank and claiming that the owner has a debt and that bailiffs will be calling at the house to reclaim the debt.

In all cases the victims have told the callers to ‘go away’ and no ‘bailiffs’ have turned up at their homes but police want people to be on their guard if they receive such a call and ensure that no personal information is divulged over the telephone.

Looking for a Kitchen from Heaven?

2009-02-22T09:29:00.001-08:00

High quality kitchens and appliances for the lowest price possible is essentially how local firm YOURKITCHEN.COM sees its business, and this no-frills approach has gone down well with customers who have become disenchanted with ‘Half Price Sales’ or ‘40% off if you order before such a date’ type promotions.

“Our prices are the best we can do all year round,” explains the Yettington-based firm’s owner Adrian Browne. “These types of promotions just go to show how over-blown some companies’ prices are to start with!”

The firm’s reputation for providing the public with high quality kitchens at extremely low prices comes from years of hard work and negotiations with suppliers on a national scale. “We never stop looking for the best deals, so you don’t have to,” says Adrian Browne. “Our kitchens are of extremely high quality - nothing like the ones you’d find in DIY super warehouses that typically have hardboard backs, unsightly hinge cover-flaps, pre-drilled holes, and are rarely colour matched. Our ranges are ‘designer’ quality, hard-wearing, and built to last.”

YOURKITCHEN.COM does not employ smooth-talking sales people to promote its kitchens. “If you want a free survey and quote, we will simply visit to measure up - not to take an order,” declares Mr Browne. As for the follow-up service if the customer decides to go ahead, the firm believes that it is second to none. “You can rest assured that when we supply and fit your kitchen, the whole process will be smooth and efficient, from start to finish.”

Praise for this local business from Exmouth Road residents is reassuring when customers are faced with so many often extravagant claims by kitchen firms. “Very good and very reasonable,” is just one comment on the service provided by YOURKITCHEN.COM

For further information you can see their website http://www.yourkitchen.com/
“You can view some examples of our work, what our customers have said about us, and see some of the ranges on offer for your kitchen by browsing around the site. Please contact us if you would like to know more.”

YOURKITCHEN.COM
Coombe Park
Yettington
Budleigh Salterton
EX9 7BW

Tel: 01395 567280
Fax: 01395 567351
Email: adrian@yourkitchen.com

EDDC sets an 'exemplary' Council Tax for 2009-10

2009-02-20T05:09:00.000-08:00

With an eye to the current economic downturn, East Devon District Council last Wednesday (18 February) set an 'exemplary' Council Tax. There will be no increase in the amount householders in East Devon have to pay to EDDC in the coming year, making it the lowest in Devon.

Proposing that the EDDC precept for 2009-10 should be frozen at current levels, Miss Sara Randall Johnson, Leader of the Council, said: "Nobody is immune to the effects of the Credit Crunch, and that includes local councils like ours. But at times like this we all need to help each other - which is why we have worked out a way that we can make no increase in the Council Tax paid to EDDC by householders in our district.

"The Council Tax bill that householders in East Devon receive in March may still go up - due to charges made by others. But they will pay the same in 2009-10 for services provided by EDDC as they did last year.

"This is a very volatile time for Devon councils to be operating, not only because of the financial challenges that Governments, companies and individuals are facing, but because of the uncertainty caused by the ongoing Local Government Review.

"Despite all of this, East Devon proposes to lead the way with an exemplary budget and show how it is possible to manage resources in such a way that services can continue to be delivered without hitting hard-pressed residents in the pocket.

"This council demonstrates why Whitehall should not be tampering with the current two-tier system of local government. We are big enough to manage funds and resources effectively, whilst still being small enough to care.

"There are people out there who have lost their jobs; there are families who are struggling to make ends meet; and there are pensioners who are seeing their hard-earned savings bringing a smaller return as the interest rate plunges. This budget is for them".

Miss Randall Johnson added that due to prudent budgeting in the past, the Council has reserves on which it can draw in order to keep charges down. She said there would be no general increase in car park charges, although one or two prime sites may see a small rise.
She was also pleased to reveal that EDDC was now charging the lowest Council Tax in Devon.

Turning to the way that EDDC proposes to freeze Council Tax without reducing service levels, Miss Randall Johnson went on: "We always work hard to ensure that we give our residents the best possible value for money. This year, we have had to pull out all the stops to find ways of operating in a more challenging commercial environment without passing on costs to householders.
"We will make even better use of Government funding than before and we will continue to charge commercial fees for our services. That helps us to keep down the amount we ask for in Council Tax.

"In 2009-10, we are asking our Council Tax payers for £6.663m. A typical Band D Council Tax payer will pay £118.24 a year, exactly the same as last year and equivalent to paying just £2.27 a week for all the basic services EDDC provides.

"Delivering the ambitious programme of improvements set out in our Corporate Strategy will not be cheap but, through careful financial management, we believe we are again offering excellent value for money in the coming year".

Statins

2009-02-20T04:59:00.000-08:00

‘Statins’ is the title of the talk to be given by Dr Richard Mejzner of the Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre on Wednesday 18 March. It follows the AGM of the Medical Centre Patient Group, which starts at 7.00 pm in the Public Hall.

Statins reduce the levels of what has become known as ‘bad cholesterol’ which can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries and consequently to coronary heart disease. Research has shown that lowering blood cholesterol reduces one’s risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Picture credit: http://www.freeimages.co.uk/

The Patient Group welcomes new members. “If you are interested in joining please put a note into our mail box in the Medical Centre with your name and address and the name and address of another patient from the practice who would propose you,” says Group Secretary Angela Taylor.

Currently the Group has vacancies for new committee members following the retirement of two of the patient representatives who make up the seven-strong committee.

Praise for local businesses

2009-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

“Very entertaining and informative” is just one of the comments received from readers of this Exmouth Roadies blog since it started at the end of last year, and I’m very happy with that response.

One of the various purposes of Exmouth Roadies has been to recommend household and professional services that neighbours have found particularly useful.

Many of these services can now be identified on the site by using the search engine in the top left corner of the page. Simply type the word ‘praise’, click to find this word in the Exmouth Roadies blog, and the relevant articles featuring individual traders whose services have been praised by local residents will pop up on your screen, covering a range from chimney sweeps to tree surgeons.

On the same principle you can use the search engine to find, for example, a locksmith by typing the word ‘key’ or ‘lock’.

If any local residents would like to recommend services or other businesses that they have found useful let us know at mr.downes@gmail.com Recommendations are currently being sought for: architects/surveyors, painters and decorators, builders and restaurants.

If other trade services which have been used by Exmouth Roadies residents would like to be featured on the site please contact me, Michael Downes, at mr.downes@gmail.com There is naturally no charge for such features. Our aim is simply to support deserving local businesses.

Below is a list of other tradespeople whose work has earned praise from Exmouth Road residents:

Aerials: A1 Aerials, Exmouth
Tel: 01395 274777 “very quick”

Chiropractor: Kathryn Vickery, Exmouth
Tel: 01395 223307 “excellent”

Garden Services: David Bright
Tel: 01395 225386 “all garden services except horticulture”

Guttering: D. Squires, Woodbury Salterton
Tel: 01395 233253

Plumber: Roger Pollard, Budleigh Salterton
Tel: 01395 444049 “expensive but good”

Please recommend Exmouth Roadies to your friends and add http://exmouthroadies.blogspot.com/ to your favourites. If you have any items of news that you would like posted, or just feel like a rant, get in touch.

St Peter’s Music: Fauré and Vaughan Williams

2009-02-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

The usual pre-Easter concert on Friday 13 March given by the St Peter’s Church Choir and their friends will this year feature the very popular Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, reports Exmouth Road’s Chris Parrish.

As the soloist in this work we are pleased to welcome back James Birchall whose singing in The Creation last year was much acclaimed. James will also join the choir in a performance of Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs and sing the much loved song cycle Songs of Travel, also by Vaughan Williams.

Right: Guest soloist James Birchall

The concert will include Jonathan Watts (organ and piano) and is conducted by Sylvia Pritchard.

Below: St Peter's Church

Tickets are £10, available from The Lawn Bakery, The Lawn, and
Lesleys, Stationers, High Street, in Budleigh Salterton; from Eagle House, The Strand, Exmouth; and from the Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, Sidmouth. They are also obtainable by phoning 01395 442275; you will be asked to forward a cheque made payable to St Peter's Music and a return stamped addressed envelope. Subject to availability, tickets can also be bought at the door on the night.

Concessions: Full time students pay half the advertised price.

Further information about St Peter’s Music can be seen at http://www.stpetersmusic.org.uk/page4/page4.html

Carmina Burana: an update

2009-02-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Following his earlier report of 29 January 2009 Exeter Bach Society’s Chris Parrish writes with an update on the choral workshop and performance of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff.

The chorus for the workshop is now up to 111 as of this morning (17 February), most of whom will be singing in the performance on Sunday 22 February. There is still time to join in.

Further information can be found at http://www.exeterbachsociety.org.uk/workshop.htm

Nature notes – February/March

2009-02-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Janet Parrish writes from her garden on Exmouth Road:

This month often sees the most changes in weather patterns of the entire year. This February started fairly promisingly with mild days and crisp frosty sunny days. This was soon to change however as the forecasters promised, with snow and ice. In all the years we have lived in Devon we have hardly had a frost let alone snow.

This year my hopes of getting the garden sorted early in time to start sowing the spring crops were severely dashed. The camellias that usually flower at Christmas, kept their heads down and buds clamped tightly shut against the ravages of winter. They knew a thing or two. It was so cold one day that the pond did not unfreeze and at the beginning of February when I came to empty the rain gauge the tube was full of ice. Four and a half inches – using proper money – of rain that had fallen in January, was solid all the way through. It had to come inside and be dismantled. No bad thing as it was beginning to go green and gungy. So far this month there has been one and a half inches of rain and we are not quite half way through. Above: Pink and white heathers

At about this time of the year I look out for frogspawn in the pond. I think the frogs are going to be late this year too, as it is not yet consistently mild enough for them to venture out. Would you like to break the ice on your bath before wooing your chosen one in it?
Left: Red flowers of Chaenomeles japonica

There are however many signs of spring despite the cold. Many plants prefer to flower in the cooler months. Last week the snowdrops were doing what they do best; pushing up through the snow. Not very much snow I agree, but the ground was hard and inhospitable. There they were, the brave little things, barely two inches high already showing their white flower buds. This week they have come on a treat. Now at their best with several more clumps than last year. I did divide them up and spread them around a bit but it has rejuvenated the bulbs wonderfully. From now on it is the right time to divide and move these bulbs around – ‘in the green’ as they say. Do not let them dry out or they will take a long time to establish again. Above: Snowdrops

There were at least 12 species of plants flowering in the garden at the beginning of this month, from various hellebores to primroses. The Mahonia and Hamamelis were pumping out the most heady scents as I walked past, while the Prunus subhirtella autumnalis, which has been in flower sporadically all winter, is now beginning to put on a real burst of spring colour. Yes I think we can say that spring, at least in our part of the world, has really sprung at last!

Left: Hellebore

There will be a lot of casualties I fear. The risky stuff like Dicksonia Antarctica (Tree fern) will probably lose its outer leaves. I just hope the fronds tightly furled inside the crown and mulched each year by the bay tree that shelters it, will shoot into life in a month’s time. This is a very precious addition to the plot, bought at the Gardener’s World Show about six years ago and now about four feet high. The man in my life bought it for me and nobly carried this unpromising looking log through the crowds on his shoulder, to the plant crèche. It weighed about half a cwt then! Apart from that, the Echium that was the only survivor from a bunch of seedlings given by a friend on a really hot day in May last year, is looking decidedly sorry for itself. We can only hope! Right: Scented flowers of Mahonia

Tuesday 17 February.

So it is true then! Birds do pair up on St Valentine’s Day. They must have done because this morning there was the unmistakable sound of the dawn chorus. The blackbird started it all shortly followed by the robins. They have been vying for territory ever since the middle of January. There have been many odd scraps ‘over the scraps’ on the bird table. These are sure to be the males; the females fly off to sit in a tree and watch the affray! There were rooks sleepily joining in, in the background and a ‘jangle of keys’, denoted the presence of Dunnocks (Hedge sparrows), adding their line.

Since my last blog, the birds have been arriving in the garden thick and fast. All the ones I expected to see, turned up – too late to be counted – to thumb their….beaks at me – now that it was no longer important to be there for the survey. First in, to try out the fat-filled coconut half, was the Great Spotted Woodpecker, so striking in his black and white livery with brilliant red splash on the back of his head. Then came the Green Woodpecker probing for hibernating ants in the grass beside the path. He was having great success and stayed for a good ten minutes. Then, oh joy, the tree creeper appeared, characteristically flying to the bottom of a tree and working his way up the trunk to the canopy, picking off the over-wintering insects and grubs, before flitting off to do the same with the next tree. Numbers of Goldfinches have visited the niger seed feeder, while small flocks of Long-Tailed Tits have been gorging on the peanuts. Up in the tall Acer, a flock of passing Redwings rested for a time before setting off on their migration to the Baltic or Scandinavia. I am really pleased to see that there are at least two Song Thrushes, pottering about on the grass most mornings. I do hope they are male and female; difficult to tell, as they are alike in plumage.

Text and photos © Janet Parrish

Branching out all over Devon

2009-02-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

It may not be exactly local, but “very good” is how one Exmouth Road resident described Crediton-based company Greentrees when he asked it to tackle the tree problem in his garden. Such praise is not surprising when you realize that the firm’s wide range of top-name clients include The National Trust, the Royal Horticultural Society and English Heritage. Within the county it has done work for the Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon County Council and Exeter Cathedral.

Greentrees Arboricultural Services Ltd, to give the firm its full name, was established 17 years ago by Bill Crumby, who has 24 years experience in this field, and is becoming one of the most respected professional tree contractors in the South West of England. It has a large and loyal customer base - 98% of its work is repeat business or recommendations - which bears testimony to the high standard of work it provides.

Greentrees has carried out work for numerous private customers, including the pruning of trees, hedges and shrubs, tree surgery, including the felling and removal of dangerous trees, stump removal, and planting. “All work is carried out with the minimum disruption to your garden or site and is left clean and tidy, with much of the wood recycled,” says Mr Crumby. “At Greentrees, we take great pride in the quality of our work. All arborists attend regular training programmes and are fully qualified. You will find them to be polite and helpful, and dressed in company uniform. We have a wide range of equipment which is regularly checked and kept up to date.”

Bill Crumby is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, the Arboricultural Association and the Consulting Arborist Society.

For further information email bcrumby@greentrees.org.uk and see the Greentrees website at http://www.green-trees.co.uk/

Separate Tables

2009-02-17T03:27:00.000-08:00

Long derided by theatre’s Establishment since kitchen sink drama burst onto the scene in the late 1950s, Terence Rattigan has recently made a come-back and the local Drama Club’s forthcoming production of Separate Tables next month at the Salterton Playhouse is proof of renewed interest in this very British playwright famed for turning out the ‘well-made’ play.

Set in the Beauregarde Private Hotel in Bournemouth, some time after the war, Separate Tables, as Salterton Drama Club’s publicity puts it, “provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the residents.” It is in fact two plays within a play.

All photos are from the 2008 Salterton Drama Club production of Ladies in Retirement. Photo credit: Roger Simmonds. Above: Sue-Claire Morris (right) with Fay Hamilton, who is directing Separate Tables.

The Club’s Wendy Gomm explained that this is the first serious drama production to be staged at the Playhouse. With Rattigan’s gift for witty dialogue exposing what has been termed “the English vice of emotional repression” against a background of the tensions and unspoken conflicts within families, this staging of Separate Tables should provide a thought-provoking evening’s entertainment.

Directed by Fay Hamilton, an experienced former professional actress, the play’s large cast includes a début appearance from the Sidmouth Operatic Society’s Sandria Stewart. Above: Karen Bazeley and Richard Gomm.

There is a long tradition of successful amateur dramatics at Budleigh Salterton. Since the group was founded in 1938, it has gone from strength to strength, finally acquiring its own theatre - the Salterton Playhouse - in 1970. The Playhouse is a large wooden building set next to the stream in Meadow Lane, and offers raked seating and full facilities for approximately 80 patrons. Below: The cast of the 2008 production of Ladies in Retirement.

Separate Tables runs from 2-7 March 2009. Tickets are available from:
Budleigh Salterton Tourist Information Centre
Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NG
Office opening hours are:-
Summer [Easter to end October]: Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 17.00hrs
Winter : Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10.00 to 13.00hrs (Friday 10.00 to 15.00hrs.)
Tel: 01395 442208
Payment can be made via credit card over the phone and tickets collected
from the theatre on the evening you are attending the play.

For further information about Salterton Drama Club see http://www.saltertondrama.co.uk/

The answer’s there in black and white, and any other colour

2009-02-16T05:17:00.000-08:00

Are you having problems finding suitable ink for your printer? Expert advice and speedy service is available just up the road, and it’s from a specialist firm which has earned praise from Exmouth Road residents.

Cartridges-Direct UK has conducted extensive research to identify which particular brand of compatible ink cartridges perform well with the majority of printers on the market today. This has allowed the firm to confidently select from a handful of manufacturers the product that best suits your requirements.

Based in Dinan Way Industrial Estate, Cartridges-Direct UK specialises in supplying only the highest quality new compatible cartridges for makes including Epson, Canon and Brother Inkjet printers. All of these products comply to the ISO 9001 standard.

We can supply any cartridge for any UK printer, says the firm. If you cannot find it please email us at: sales@cartridges-directuk.co.uk and we will source it for you.

Cartridges-Direct UK is also special in that it remanufactures its own ink and toner cartridges for HP, Lexmark and other manufacturers such as Dell and Xerox, thereby allowing the firm to pass on the cost saving directly to customer.

“Because we passionately believe in a no gimmicks approach, all of our prices are fully transparent,” says owner Mike Camp. “The price you see includes VAT and delivery , so there are no nasty little surprises at checkout.” Orders received before 2.00 pm are shipped the same day.

Contact details:
Cartridges Direct
Unit 32 Dinan Way Ind Estate
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 4RS

Tel: 01395 278400
Fax: 01395 278400
Email: sales@cartridges-directuk.co.uk
http://www.cartridges-directuk.co.uk/

Where there’s a Mill there’s a Way

2009-02-11T12:24:00.001-08:00

Otterton Mill: back in action after last year's severe floods.

Following much hard work to repair the damage caused by the devastating October floods which hit communities along the river Otter last year, Otterton Mill owners Caroline and Simon Spiller and their team of helpers are looking forward to more settled trading conditions. With the credit crunch forecast to encourage more Britons to stay in the UK for their holidays they are optimistic about the future. A new charity to safeguard the future of the historic Mill is also being launched in 2009.

“Good things come from adversity, and we've all been overwhelmed by the support from our customers, suppliers and the community,” say the couple, who live on Exmouth Road. The bakery, shops, restaurant and galleries are now back in action and have even benefited from some improvements as a result of the restoration work. The restored flour-milling machinery is just one of the many attractions to be admired in this ancient building.

The Mill was hit by the worst local flooding in 40 years. “Water as high as 2ft swept through the site causing considerable damage to buildings and the surrounding area. As a result, we've been closed for most of November whilst the premises were cleaned, sanitised and dried,” they explained. “We've been overwhelmed by the support from our customers, suppliers and the community. We'd like to say a heartfelt thankyou to all who have offered practical help and words of encouragement. It's been greatly appreciated.”

The flooded car park at Otterton Mill last year.

The idea of a charity, Friends of Otterton Watermill, to be launched this year, is one of the good things to have resulted from the disaster, say Caroline and Simon. “Following the flood, we were inundated by so many offers of help that we have decided to create a charity that will hold funds to support the ongoing restoration of the historic mill workings. The maintenance of the Mill is very expensive, but it is our aim to preserve the milling practice and flour production for current and future generations, and continue to hold regular milling demonstrations for the public at no fee.”

The New Year has also seen the return to Otterton Mill of its five rescued battery chickens, Elena, Treacle, Jasmine, Rosie and Pumpkin, who had arrived at the site only a week prior to the flood. The five had had to be rescued again, this time by the RSPCA after their newly restored enclosure was washed away.

ASDA withdraws from Exe scheme

2009-02-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

Above: An artist's impression of the estuary side of the proposed ASDA development on the Exe.
Picture credit: http://www.asdadevelopments.co.uk/

News of the loss of funding to the tune of nearly £3 million for the proposed visitor centre on the Exe at Exmouth has been followed by the announcement that the principal backer ASDA has withdrawn.

The cash had been earmarked by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) to assist with the capital costs of building in partnership with ASDA the Exe visitor centre as reported by Exmouth Roadies on 27 January.

East Devon District Council has said that it is “deeply disappointed” at the news received last Monday, 9 February, that supermarket giant ASDA had confirmed it will not proceed with its plans for a supermarket development on the Royal Avenue site. The Council was told that ASDA's Development Team were unwilling to satisfy its requirements of a package of community benefits to the town, including a new sports centre and swimming pool, a Jurassic Coast visitor centre, a new library and a large town-centre food store and supermarket. The news means that a complete re-think will be needed by the various agencies that had been pinning hopes of regeneration on a major injection of private cash.

Councillor Ray Franklin, EDDC's Portfolio Holder Strategic Planning and Regeneration, said: “This is deeply disappointing. We felt we were reaching out for some really ambitious but exciting plans for Exmouth. In these difficult times, it is not a complete surprise that any company is cautious about a massive investment such as this, but it is still a great shame.”

Councillor Franklin, who lives on Knowle’s Dalditch Lane, continued: "We have always stated that provision of a new sports centre and swimming pool was the price that had to be paid for developing on the Royal Avenue site.”

“The supermarket was part of a package of facilities that we insisted on if this development was to go ahead. We would not dream of accepting second best. We would not sell Exmouth short.”

Councillor Peter Halse, EDDC's Portfolio Holder Economy, and Chairman of the Exmouth Regeneration Programme Board, said "We will now have to let the dust settle and have a re-think about the future. The implications of this news are obviously far-reaching.”

"This is not the end of the road by any means, but it will take time to come up with alternative ideas and we will actively investigate other options."

ASDA itself is blaming the credit crunch for the impact that it has had on the value of the scheme's residential element and its prospects for rental income as its Property Communications Manager Chris Marlow confirmed. "The economics of the development have changed substantially, leaving the proposal, as it stands, unachievable in the current market environment. With this in mind, ASDA believes that the most appropriate action is to withdraw."

The ASDA on the Exe plan has of course been controversial since it was first announced, arousing passionate opposition as well as support in local media.

“EDDC are missing a huge opportunity to regenerate Exmouth as a watersports haven, utilising the natural resources that we have in abundance (water, wind, sandy open spaces),” notes one blogger on Exmouth Citizens Forum.

“Just as Newquay is known for its surfing scene, Exmouth could and should become known for its sailing/wind surfing/kite surfing/kite buggies scene (but without the honky-tonk side of Newquay). This would bring in tourists of all ages, fill local hotels and B&Bs, keep restaurants and pubs busy, and enable more watersport and associated shops to flourish in town. People are already looking to holiday more in UK due to recession and the environmental impact of flying, so why is no one pushing this proposal instead of a carbuncle of a not-so-supermarket on a site of SSSI?” http://www.exmouthcitizensforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4&p=8#p8

In a statement issued by Exmouth Citizens’ Forum, chairperson Megan Armstrong commented: “This is marvellous news for all those thousands of people whose views have constantly been ignored by most local politicians. Now it is time for people to become involved in a new, community-led planning process for the estuary site which the Forum would like to promote as part of a quality vision for Exmouth.”

Ms Armstrong added: “The Forum has been battling for more than four years to stop such a development and during that time has held several public meetings and demonstrations, organised a 10,970 signature petition which was presented to the House of Commons and initiated a town referendum in which 94% of voters rejected such proposals. The Forum also carried out a public survey, 'Vision for Exmouth' in order to gauge people's views about how the town should be developed, including the estuary side.”

Property for sale: No. 2, Bushy Court, Knowle Hill

2009-02-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

No. 2 Bushy Court
Knowle Hill

Local agents Fulfords are marketing a three-bedroom property set within a wing of Bushy Court, Knowle Hill, which they say could be used as a primary residence or perhaps a second home. It has been recently converted to an exacting standard and is situated in lovely communal parkland gardens and grounds from which there is private access to both East Devon Golf Course and the South West Coast Path.

Bushy Court is an imaginative conversion of a large country house into five units. No.2 is an individual and spacious residence with accommodation arranged over three floors. Of particular note is the kitchen/breakfast room fitted with bespoke hand-made wooden units with granite work surfaces, which when combined with double-glazing, interior designed decor and fitted carpets, are indicative of the overall quality of the development.

The property boasts three bathrooms and there is also a cellar which the agents see as “definitely for the wine connoisseur” with extensive shelved wine racks and storage cupboards. There is a gas-fired combination boiler for central heating and domestic hot water, and a water softener.

The property is sold with the benefit of a six-year architect’s certificate covering the works. Outside, the property has its own terraced garden, allocated garage with up and over door and visitor parking.

The property is being offered leasehold, held on a brand new 999-year lease with a freehold being transferred to the owners of 'Bushy Court' once all units have been sold. It is anticipated that initial management charges will amount to some £1,500 per annum. A guide price of £370,000 is suggested.

For further details see
http://www.fulfords.co.uk/properties-sales-rpsFUL-CWH070085-1233677974

Tel: 01392 813333
Fax: 01392 813320
Email: newhomes@fulfords.co.uk

Watch out for those moles!

2009-02-11T03:32:00.001-08:00

While a disfiguring mole on the face can cause worry for the afflicted person a different type of mole can be a source of even deeper anguish and even rage for the keen gardener. How upsetting it can be for your neatly mown lawn complete with stripes to be covered overnight by little piles of earth. And it’s even more annoying when you realize that the molehills mark a network of tunnels under your garden which are likely to damage the roots of your choicest plants.

Moles are a common British mammal. They are very territorial and generally live alone only coming together for mating. “Molehills are created as the animals dig tunnels which act as traps to catch worms which are their staple diet,” explains Ian Upton, of East Devon Pest Control.

“Their molehills are often the only evidence of their existence. They cause damage because of their tunnels and the resultant molehills which can cause damage in a range of situations. In garden and amenity areas, for example golf courses, they can be a significant nuisance. There is also a risk of damage to grass cutting machinery.”

East Devon Pest Control’s service dealing with “moles and thing” has earned praise from satisfied Exmouth Road residents. For moles, as with all other pests, a full survey will be carried out and an estimate given for treatment, says Ian Upton.

“Trapping is the method of choice and is best carried out between October and April. This is when they are most active prior to the breeding season. Frequent visits need to be carried out until mole activity ceases,” he warns.

“Gassing compounds are available – this treatment may be appropriate in particular situations. Aluminium phosphide which is extremely toxic is in the form of gas pellets held within a container which are placed deep in the mole runs.”

For further information please contact Ian Upton on:
Tel: 01395 222112
Mobile: 07798 843804
Email: ian@eastdevonpestcontrol.co.uk
http://www.eastdevonpestcontrol.co.uk/

Is your £20 note now completely worthless?

2009-02-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are warning the public regarding a number of reports of counterfeit £20 notes being passed as genuine.

These notes may seem genuine but businesses and members of the public should take care when handling all twenty pound notes.

The suspects will either pass them as genuine when attempting to buy goods or services or more recently offenders have approached an unsuspecting member of the public and asked that they change a twenty-pound note for smaller denominations.

Anyone with information regarding this please contact police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Tourism organisation predicts return of the Great British Holiday

2009-02-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

A leading south west tourism organization headed by a Budleigh Salterton resident is calling for the industry to join together to build a better showcase for the region, claiming this is the best way to stimulate and revive the Great British Holiday tradition.

Left: Great Sloncombe Farm, Moretonhampstead, is one of the many West Country bed & breakfast businesses promoted by Cartwheel Holidays.

According to Cartwheel Holidays, a leading non-profit tourism firm exclusive to the West Country, the industry needs to link together all the elements that draw visitors to the region such as quality accommodation, locally sourced food, fun activities and local heritage, rather than promoting them separately if it’s to make the most of the holiday-at-home boom predicted this year.

In response to the changing economic climate, Cartwheel has just re-launched its website in an expanded format featuring not only its 570 accommodation listings, but also details of farm shops and farmers markets across the region where visitors can buy locally produced food, numerous attractions and activities, plus information about the region’s counties and towns.

It’s all about promoting the whole experience of the West Country,” says Gina Woodcraft, chief executive of Cartwheel Holidays which celebrates its 10th birthday this year. “Everyone’s feeling the pinch, but visitors are more likely to be drawn to the region if we share our local knowledge and make it easier for them to imagine and believe they will have a good holiday experience before they even book.

“Currently the tourism industry is very accommodation focused, but this is only a small part of the experience potential visitors to the West Country are after. If we can become more integrated, show and deliver the whole experience they’re after, it will encourage people to return year after year. I believe this is our best chance to revive the Great British Holiday indefinitely.”

Covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, the Cartwheel website is believed to be the only one of its kind offering integrated holiday information across the region. It’s hoped this and others like it, if they’re developed, will help address the £400m hit taken by the wider economy due to the drop in visitor spend in the region last year, mainly through a fall in secondary spending on eating out and visiting attractions.

“We know visitors love being signposted to good food and fun activities, as it helps them make the most of their stay,” continues Gina Woodcraft, who lives on Exmouth Road. “By putting more information in one place, people can get a better feel for the area and the authentic West Country experience quickly and easily. This will encourage bookings and, once they’re here, help visitors find places that they otherwise wouldn’t know about.”

Food and drink organisation Taste of the West supports this approach and has provided Cartwheel with a comprehensive list of farm shops and farmers markets for the new website. “I think this approach makes a lot of sense,” says John Sheaves, chief executive of Taste of the West. “If we can get more people enjoying our delicious local food and drink during their stay here, it gives them even more reason to return. There’s no denying it’s one of the reasons people love visiting the region.” Above: Cartwheel is actively promoting West Country Farmers' Markets such as Budleigh's.

Cartwheel has grown steadily since the early days and now offers more than 570 independently owned properties to chose from, mainly in rural and countryside settings. This demonstrates how the region’s small tourism businesses are making more effort to market themselves professionally, which means they are well place to survive the economic slump.

Other new features on the Cartwheel website include searches by county, by town and also by niche, including fishing breaks, business breaks, pet friendly and toddler friendly breaks. In response to market demand there is now a new 'last minute deals' availability search with links to google maps.

Cartwheel’s primary aim is to offer visitors a true taste of rural life with the opportunity to enjoy the experience of a working farm or relax in idyllic surroundings in the countryside. “We select businesses that are family run and encourage the sourcing and serving of local food,” says Gina. “Cartwheel actively supports the protection and conservation of our landscape and wildlife habitats. We believe that the adoption of green tourism activities will enrich the holiday experience.”

For more information visit http://www.cartwheelholidays.co.uk/

Praise for local landscape gardening firm

2009-02-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

“Pleasant, efficient, hard working and fairly priced” is how one Exmouth Road resident has described the service provided by L M Landscapes and Garden Maintenance, based in Exmouth. You could hardly ask anything more in order to see your dream garden take shape and flourish, and in a fraction of the time that it might take you on your own to achieve that longed-for result you wanted.

L M Landscapes and Garden Maintenance has been in business for five years now. Owner Leroy Morley lived originally in Northamptonshire and moved to Exmouth ten years ago. “I started with a few pieces of garden equipment and one van,” he explained. At Bicton College, he achieved a National Certificate in Horticulture and City & Guilds certificates issued by the National Proficiency Test Council. “The business has now expanded, enabling me to recruit a team of local skilled people to assist in supplying a service that we are proud to be part of.”

Below are just a few of the specific jobs the company has carried out. “We offer free quotations, design advice and planning to help our customers to achieve their dream garden projects.”

“This project entailed a large patio area, using Natural Stone paving, with steps leading to the rear gate. A new lawn complements the colours in the natural stone paving. A new timber shed, fencing and gate completed the appearance the customer was looking for.”

“After laying new turf and planting more shrubs this garden started to take shape. With regular garden and lawn maintenance visits, the garden will always look its best.”

“With our experience we offer a garden design service and built this rear garden after discussions with the customer on their requirements. We have also carried out projects with customers using their own plans.”

Leroy and his team stress the importance of providing a professional, personal service and strive to reach a high customer satisfaction level. His customer base is both regular and one off specific jobs. Whatever the nature of the work, he believes that maintaining the high standards of his service will ensure that that his customers continue to recommend him.

For further information, contact:
Leroy Morley ( NCH - NPTC )
L. M. LANDSCAPES & GARDEN MAINTENANCE
3A Byron Way.
Exmouth.
Devon.
EX8 5SB

Tel (h): 01395 266599
Mobile: 07791217166
Email: lmgmain@tiscali.co.uk

LOW MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPES.
PATIOS, DRIVEWAYS, WALLS, PATHS.
TREE WORK & TURFING.
FENCING & DECKING.
GARDEN DESIGN.
HEDGE & GRASS CUTTING.
CONTRACT MAINTENANCE.

On Budleigh Beach

2009-02-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Sir Walter, dear Sir Walter,
Poet, scholar, soldier, courtier.
Although I write to you in verse
I’m sure you’ll think it must be worse
Than any lines you wrote to please the Queen.
Nay, worse than any you have ever seen.

I write to you from Salterton,
That place where you had lots of fun
Beside the sea four centuries ago,
And where the view down on the beach
Goes further than the eye can reach,
To blood-red sunsets, distant lands of fame,
Of plants and beasts and such wild things and ships
As we can only dream of. Yet your name
For many people stands for nothing more
Than bikes, roll-ups, and naturally chips.

And Budleigh, with its pebbles known as buns,
Down where that naughty lively river Otter runs
Into the sea, is, so many say,
A town of wealthy pensioners, nothing more,
“Famed for its elderly population” reads Wikipedia, for
Long ago that ‘witty’ playwright Noel Coward
Described it as a place of potted palms and monumental bores
Who live life on the golf course, and of course that soured
The reputation of the place,
For bitchy comments oft destroy a cause.

Yet thanks to Mr Millais and his painter’s easel
You’ll say, I hope, that Coward was a weasel
Who’d never seen that masterpiece
In oils which captures so exactly children’s dreams,
Where your and Master Gilbert’s portrait seems
To say that life on Budleigh beach beside the wall
Is pure and innocent and full of fine belief
Such as they say Man had before the Fall,
Before he twists and turns and prostitutes himself
In search of happiness which often turns to grief.

For so you found, that London town, antithesis of Devon,
Cut short your age of innocence, seduced you out of Heaven.
A life of intrigue, war and politics
Took you from walks beside the Otter
To face the spite of Jacobean rotter
James the First, the Scottish king who coward-like
In fear of Spain agreed to see you dead.
While you with brave advice to “Strike man, strike!”
Lay willing victim on the block
Before you lost your head.

So please Sir Walter, if you’re there
And by some chance you hear my prayer,
Do look at this iconic spot.
Go see the state of Budleigh’s wall.
It isn’t very grand at all.
There is a small blue plastic plaque.
But couldn’t there be something better?
And when I saw the lack
Of screws attaching it
I thought I simply had to write this letter.

Snowstorms hit waste and recycling collection

2009-02-07T04:39:00.001-08:00

While Exmouth Road and the Budleigh area are seeing brilliant blue skies today with not a snowflake in sight it’s a different story further inland, with roads made hazardous by blizzards and icy conditions.

The severe weather forced East Devon District Council’s waste and recycling contractors to cancel all collections yesterday.

There were no landfill waste collections in Budleigh Salterton and Littleham. EDDC spokesman Nick Stephen advised: “Householders should put out their bins for collection on Monday of next week, when they will be collected – weather permitting!” Above: Snow has affected many of Devon’s roads inland.

Recycling boxes in Budleigh Salterton were not be emptied yesterday for similar reasons. Householders have been asked to keep their boxes until Friday of next week (13 Feb), when they will be emptied. This is not a normal recycling day for these areas, but contractors will collect on that day, weather permitting.

The next collection will be on the following Friday (20 Feb), when collections will return to the normal fortnightly cycle.

EDDC have said that their REACT team will be out and about in the district, concentrating on picking up any split litter bags that they find. “Dog waste bins may not be emptied according to the normal schedule. But Council teams will also be out and about emptying any dog waste bins that are full or overflowing.”

Councillor David Cox, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder StreetScene, said: “We apologise to residents for any inconvenience they may experience as a result of these changes.” He explained that the exceptional weather conditions meant that there was a combination of reasons why the Council’s waste contractors could not be working yesterday. “Some crews cannot get to the depot and lorries can’t get out of the depot,” he said. “If they did get on the road, they may not be able to get to many homes Even if they could collect the waste, many waste tips are closed. The roads to waste and recycling centres are treacherous and some are impassable.”

EDDC’s Nick Stephen added: “We hope to be able to return to normal service as soon as weather conditions allow.” Above: All clear on Exmouth Road

National Bird watch on Exmouth Road

2009-02-06T08:33:00.001-08:00

Left, Goldfinches on Janet Parrish's bird-feeder.

Exmouth Road’s Janet Parrish writes: Some of you may have heard that last month the RSPB held their annual nationwide bird watching exercise, in which members are asked to choose one hour over the last weekend in January to record the birds that land in their gardens. The rules are that the birds must land and not merely fly overhead and you may only record the total number of birds of each species seen in your garden (or indeed park, or wherever it was you chose as a location) at one time. For

instance two blackbirds must be on your lawn to count as 2. Two more half an hour later will not count as 4!

So………As a staunch member of the RSPB for over 30 years, your scribe set to work with binoculars and a full bird table to see what could be done. It was a fairly unsuccessful morning. You cannot control who visits your garden or unfortunately, explain to them that they ought to turn up to be counted.

For instance; on the 'dummy run' that I conducted with video camera poised on its tripod, as well as the usual blackbirds, robins, pigeons, crows, rooks and gulls, (yes, they all count) I recorded several small flocks of goldfinches 4 - 6 in a group; long tailed tits crammed together around the seed-feeder, so tightly that some had to wait in the camellias for their turn; blue and great-tits as well as both the resident blackcaps. These latter I thought had become residents, but according to a birding friend, migrate here from Germany, while our summer dittos fly south. Above right, the robin arrives to join the goldfinches.

What happened on the day? The robin arrived bright and early and true to form, launched into its regular impression of a humming bird, as it raided the seed feeder hanging at the 'feeding station.' (RSPB term for your bird table or, nowadays, your rather up-market wrought iron pole with various curlicue hangers and expensive add-ons.) After quite a while a blackbird began picking its way across the lawn. The hour was going very slowly. Another long wait and a coal tit deigned to feed from the peanut feeder nearer the kitchen window. Hm… three birds in one hour is not going to look good on my return. Perhaps I should try looking elsewhere in the garden. Left, Robin with the wind up.

Right, the coal-tit. Upstairs through the bedroom window, hurrah, a wren was busying itself foraging around the steps. Well that is four birds altogether. Shocking count. I know we have a rich diversity of birds and other wildlife here. In fact in the past we have boasted everything but wild boar and hedgehogs. Where were the song thrushes that only last week were feasting on the vast snail population? I know they do, as they use the edge of the path outside the back door for an anvil. Why were there no pigeons even, which together with the herring gulls are the scourge of every one's back yard? Most days a crow can be seen swaggering around with an eye to the main chance, to say nothing of the magpies. There is a large rookery only about 500 metres away, so why no rooks? Not so much as a ripple! The pheasant usually includes a walk through our garden as a matter of routine. He stayed resolutely in the field. Rats!! He cannot be included………..or can he??

Left, magpies are regular visitors. I'm getting desperate. Time is ticking on. At the 11th hour great news, there is our blackcap; just the male. They were both around last week. This is becoming a fishy story; 'They were all here last week and they have got away'. The equivalent of the gardener's cry, "You should have seen it last week." Just as I am thinking, "I have chosen the wrong day at the wrong hour in the wrong year" a chaffinch shows up, skulking in the rhododendrons, too close to focus the binoculars. I nearly missed him. Then, O joy, one blue tit on the peanuts and a goldfinch on the niger seed. Well, could be worse. Also two, TWO dunnocks, gleaning around the base of the feeding station. Well that brings the count to a more acceptable level of nine. Time is nearly running out. As if to take pity on me or perhaps to taunt me, four long-tailed tits arrive and cluster around the peanut feeder. Finally one solitary pigeon flaps noisily into the holly tree. Any other day and..….yes you guessed it, there would be at least three if not more.

So I have 11 species out of ….Oh I should think at least 20. Why did the woodpecker fail to turn up to be spotted? Answer, waiting until this morning - February 4th - to put in an appearance. What were the nuthatches up to? Hatching a plot to keep a low profile. Greenfinches? Gone off to greener pastures. Above, the pheasant on his regular walk through the garden.

OK, I didn't expect the green woodpecker. He only comes in when the ants are active. I didn't expect a visit from the peregrine falcon or the sparrow hawks, but it would have been a great coup. Buzzards? Yes, all these have been known to land in our bit of green space. Tawny owls too; once during the day when they were trying to teach their youngster to fly and hunt and not sit on the washing line looking gormless. Of course the warblers will not be here yet, but the chiffchaff has been known to over-winter here in the past. I shall keep my eyes peeled for anything unusual, including the other creatures that have been seen here. Deer, badgers foxes and rabbits will not be counted by the RSPB, of course, but it is rather a privilege to know they use this area, although a bit of a pain, as they all do damage to what I rather fondly regard as 'my garden.' Above, the green woodpecker.

Oh well, as far as birds are concerned, there is always next year.

Text and photos © Janet Parrish 6 February 2009

St Peter’s Music 2009

2009-02-02T11:35:00.001-08:00

Applications are now welcome from music-lovers for St Peter’s Music Concerts 2009 season tickets, writes Exmouth Road’s Chris Parrish. The tickets entitle the holder to entry at all eight concerts taking place between March and October this year.

The tickets cost £75 for the whole season but must be purchased before 1 March 2009.

As usual the series of concerts, now in its 15th year, features a varied programme with music ranging from choral works next month to a fascinating recital in October based on the tuba and its musical antecedents. Celebrated musicians who will be playing include the pianist Peter Donohoe and the London Concertante, regarded as one of the finest chamber ensembles in Europe.

Right: St Peter's Parish Church, Budleigh Salterton

Below: St Peter's, interior

St Peter's Music was started in 1994 by the then Vicar, The

Reverend Robert Gibbs and the Director of Music, Sylvia Pritchard. The intention was to provide regular concerts, mainly, but not exclusively, chamber music, to enable local residents to enjoy serious music without the need to travel to Exeter. Since then the organisation has changed little and the aim not at all. There is some emphasis in the programming to feature young musicians. Exeter School has been included for several years and Wells Cathedral School and the Purcell School have played on a number of occasions. We have also welcomed the Takacs Quartet, pianists Paul Lewis and John Lenehan as well as the Chamber Ensemble of St Martins in the Field in the last few years.

To apply for tickets, send your cheque made payable to St Peter's Music and a stamped addressed envelope, to St Peter's Music, 12 Exmouth Road, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6AQ. Season Tickets are not transferable and entitle the named holder to entry to each concert in the season. In addition season ticket holders are entitled to a complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice during the interval of each concert at which refreshments are served.

For more information see http://www.stpetersmusic.org.uk/page1/page1.html

New roof for Fairlynch Museum thanks to funding from airport sale.

2009-02-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Fairlynch Museum, one of the few thatched museums in the country, is to get a new roof thanks to a grant of £12,000 by Devon County Council from funds allocated from the sale of Exeter International Airport.

The Grade II listed building is owned and occupied by the Budleigh Salterton Arts Centre and Museum and houses an extensive collection of material of local interest including quantities of Honiton lace most of which was made in the cottage industry of East Devon and items relating to the Jurassic Coast.

This year the museum will host an exhibition of dresses designed by the internationally famous designer Zandra Rhodes and 'Curious Curves', an exhibition of underpinnings on loan from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter.

The museum is built of cob and thatch and a new roof is needed to protect the local archives. Recent heavy rainfall has caused damage. The total cost of the re-thatching is £30,000 and it is to be carried out by a local master thatcher.

The bid for money from the County Council's Invest in Devon Green Fund was supported by Budleigh Salterton County Councillor Christine Channon. Devon County Council had previously sold Exeter International Airport for £60 million, and after first paying £12 million to cover existing borrowing against their previous investment in the airport, the Council had £48 million available for local projects. The money available was divided in funds - all targeting areas of improvement.

Councillor Channon said: "I am very pleased that money from the sale of the airport is being given to help the Trustees of the Fairlynch Museum repair the roof. The museum is a little gem in East Devon and it is most important that it is preserved. "

The Chairman of Budleigh Salterton Arts Centre and Museum, Sonia Stone, said: We can't thank the County Council or Christine Channon enough. Without the grant from DCC the thatching would have been put on hold to the detriment of Fairlynch. Now this beautiful building will be protected from rain, wind and snow for the benefit of both the local community and visitors to Fairlynch."

Property for sale: Elm Cottage

2009-01-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

Elm Cottage
Knowle Hill
Budleigh Salterton EX9 7AL

A detached property of great charm with delightful gardens in a most attractive park-like setting is how Elm Cottage is described by agents Palmers Whitton & Laing. It is one of only two houses leading off an impressive ‘country house’ driveway to Bushy Park. Set in pretty landscaped gardens with a spacious deck and summerhouse, it benefits from an exceptional level of seclusion whilst situated only about one mile from the town centre.

In recent years the property has been thoroughly refurbished with excellent attention to detail creating a stylish home of great charm presented to a very high standard. A good porch leads to a welcoming hall and a fine turning staircase to a part galleried landing. The sitting room and dining room both overlook the rear garden and have handsome fireplaces with living flame gas fires.

The dining room connects with the kitchen which has central heating, making it a year-round third reception room. Updated with stylish contemporary units the kitchen features a dual fuel range cooker in satin finish stainless steel and ceramic floor tiling. There are three double bedrooms on the first floor, two of which have superb built-in wardrobes. The well-appointed bathroom has an over-bath shower and there is a loft ladder to a largely boarded roof space with light and power.

The rear garden is an exceptional feature of the property. Immediately to the rear of the house a spacious deck bordered by trellis and shrubs leads with one step down to a second deck which is also fringed by trellis/balustrade and has an adjoining Summerhouse with veranda. A gate from this deck opens onto a lawned garden bordered by flower beds and a fine selection of mature shrubs and trees. The lawn continues down the right hand side of the house, screened by a high brick wall, against which is a useful potting/mower shed. A pathway from here leads through an arch with mimosa in the forecourt, passing a further shrubbery. There is a partly covered compost area in the far corner of the garden which also offers a useful storage facility, and also an outside water tap. Overall the gardens provide a delightful secluded setting for the house.

Entrance porch – Reception hall – Ground floor shower room – Sitting room – Dining room – Large conservatory – Fitted kitchen – Utility room – 3 double bedrooms – Bathroom with shower – Gas central heating – UPVC double glazing – Garage & forecourt – Secluded garden with summerhouse.

Council tax: D

Offers in the region of £465,000 are invited for the Freehold. For further details see http://www.palmerswhittonandlaing-search.com/propertydetails.aspx?propid=DJB1138&locx=30616&locy=8225&place=budleigh+salterton&sale=s&distance=50&propertytype=%25&minbeds=0&maxbeds=100000&minprice=0&maxprice=99999998&order=desc&uo=3&new=%25&everyhours=0&skip=20&isaPostCode=False

Bank crime is on the cards

2009-01-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

Devon and Cornwall Police are warning members of the public throughout the region following a suspected card-cloning operation which was disrupted in Tiverton yesterday, 29 January.

One man was arrested after staff at the Morrisons supermarket became suspicious of activity around the cashpoint.

Above: Bank customers need to recognize a ‘skimming’ or ‘card cloning’ device like this at cashpoints to avoid losing money to ‘smart’ criminals.

A nearby off-duty police officer became aware and arrested the 24-year-old suspect who was found to have a ‘card cloning’ device in his possession. A second man is still being traced.

Police are asking any member of the public who may have used the ATM at Morrisons in Leat Street, Tiverton to contact their bank immediately to ensure that their details have not been compromised.

A police spokesman said: “It is very important to contact your bank as soon as you can to make sure that your details have not been used or money deducted from your account.”

Police are also appealing for any witnesses who may have seen two men hanging around the cashpoint area in Tiverton to please contact police on 08452 777444 quoting police ref. 415 290109.

Brook Gallery announces a new leading light in the art world … and she's from Devon!

2009-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

When the Brook Gallery in Fore Street announces a solo exhibition of work by a young artist from Plymouth, it might be worth taking notice. The Brook continues to work with emerging as well as established artists and its forthcoming exhibition of work by new talent Jessie Brennan entitled Black Light ticks all the boxes.

Says Angela Yarwood, owner of the Brook: “Jessie has already been recognised for her skillful and intelligent combination of realism and fantasy with her work included in an extensive list of exalted venues. It was a comment during a recent meeting with one of my regular and prominent contributors that raised awareness of her growing national and international acclaim and I'm delighted to say that Jessie agreed to hold her first solo exhibition in Devon at the Brook.” Above: Life Class

When Angela says ‘acclaim’ she means it. Jessie has already won a number of awards and has shown her work at such prestigious venues as the Royal Academy and the Mall Gallery in London. A graduate with a first class honours degree from the Cardiff School of Art and Design and London's renowned Royal College of Art, Jessie is accomplished in drawing, painting and printmaking.

Black Light isn't for the faint hearted. Jessie's skills in depicting human relationships –images of life, memory and reality juxtaposed with the raw truth of reality – prove her a consummate professional in portraying life recognised by us all. It's clever stuff, thought provoking and dramatic. If it starts a conversation, Jessie and Angela have achieved their shared goal.

Right: Swan and Girl

Jessie Brennan's Black Light will run from 8 to 27 February. Jessie will join Angela and the team at the Brook for a private view with wine and canapés on Saturday 7 February. Call 01395 443 003 or email info@brookgallery.co.uk.

The Portuguese artist Francisco Lobo has contributed the following thought-provoking interpretative essay on Jessie Brennan’s art.

Drawing Distance: On ‘Black Light’ - Jessie Brennan’s recent works

One of drawing’s archetypical modes is that of a place of departure. Drawing seems to be partially rooted on the grounds of separation and loss, as a means of preserving and protecting an object of affection that is about to go. In the Plinian account we can find a sort of classic myth of origin for drawing. To Pliny, drawing had probably begun when a Corinthian girl traced the shadow of her lover on a wall, when he was about to go on a long journey. Drawing was being associated with departure and absence – also as serving the purpose of memento. The girl turned away from her lover in order to draw his contour, she retracted from his presence into a shadowy place. In this place, the place of drawing, a spell occurs, in which loss is forever delayed, countered by a process of coming into being, of passage and retention. The operating modes of drawing are many, as are those of painting, but one of these seems to invoke a sense of arresting transient things in the moment of their manifestation or eminent departure. It is at once nostalgic – when it connects to a past state of the world, and disruptive – when it becomes infused with excess, with the transformative power of the gaze and the gesture.

I believe this to be the case for Jessie Brennan’s recent work – that the description of this mode of drawing is applicable to her own practice. Both in the case of Mourners and Light there is a sense that dying is the place of departure – the place where drawing is mostly needed or vital. A French philosopher once described how, on visiting his father in hospital, he felt an urge to draw his contour, to preserve him, even though he hadn’t drawn since childhood. The hand wants to follow the mind’s urge not to let go, and drawing is once again a means of preserving a light and of opening another, still obscure, new door. The scene in Light is that of a dying man surrounded by objects of a domestic nature – an arrangement of flowers, picture frames, which reveal a deep attachment to particularity and place, and a sense of overabundance of brightness, as if the human figure were the source of the light from the title.

In Mourners there is apparently a similar matter-of-factness in the depiction of a farewell, but the open grave around which the mourners are gathered draws you in, as a source of reflection and ambivalence. The darkened grave, at close inspection, reveals a shadow world, in the form of a miniature village, and this aperture becomes a place of exchange and passage, a window that is looking back, as the past seems to look back on the mourners. The economic gestures in this composite print seem to belong to the world and logic of drawing, and so does the subject matter – the suspension in the moment of letting go, the urgency that is perceived.

Another instance in which passage and magical transformation come to us is the work Girls in the Night, which depicts a group of young girls in confirmation dresses, standing on a dark soil strewn with small houses. Here the moment of passage is a more conventional one, a common rite, and there is a stronger connection to a socially constructed photographic moment. The work gains its strength precisely from the conventionality and repetition of the figures – little girls made to look like prototypical angels or brides, symbols of purity and passage to adulthood, overgrown and yet proud. The group towers above a tiny world abandoned, as if on the moment of their first step out of childhood, a magical, ritual step. The link between the viewer and an abandoned world of childhood is mirrored or re-enacted in the work itself, in a way that transcends nostalgic feelings precisely through nostalgic imagery.

Above: Lose Gain Lose, by Devon artist Jessie Brennan

In Lose Gain Lose the arena is also that of childhood and its archaic rites – spectators are gathered around a ring (much like a bullfighting circle), while children seem to be engaged in a form of game. The references to animal spectacles are clear, with one of the figures wearing a bear suit, and two isolated children clinging to each other, seemingly for protection. The ritualistic prevails over narrative, as if a theatrical moment became detached from its flowing background, and was made to inhabit a more private world. There is no narrative, precisely because the viewer is forever looking for one, eluded by one. Illumination comes only through attention to the drawing itself, and the instance of its production – how there is a perceived struggle for power occurring, a shifting between performance and protection. These children are being prepared for life in a larger circle, and they will never be quite ready for it.

Other works centre on the portrayal of children as seen through adult eyes, children confronted with a foreign gaze, as in When the Children Were. Isolated from an original context, a former life within a landscape, situation and photographic arrangement, the children are further arrested, kept still, drawn on. A child’s figure is then a place of projection and distance, a foreign territory where we can judge our own position as viewers.

Another work, Grandpa, apparently deals with regressive compulsions in later life – a frail elderly man is seen riding a hobbyhorse, as a radical figure of nostalgia. He seems to have been drawn back to a world of protection through rhythm and play, closing down a circular life, riding backwards.

In some of these works, childhood seems to be used as the moment of departure, a point where drawing can collect lost things, and redirect them to new purposes. The subject comes from a distance, and is brought closer, arrested through drawing. The distance is either that between childhood and here, animal and human, loss and preservation. These works arrest that distance, delay its effects – they are in a sense a spell against loss.

Francisco Lobo, London, 31 January 2009

For more information about Jessie Brennan's work, see her website http://www.jessiebrennan.co.uk/

Bruce McLean's stunning work will be on show from 29 March to 19 April. See http://www.brookgallery.co.uk/ for more information and to purchase work online. Brook Gallery opens every day, except Sunday mornings, from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm.

At the top of his tree

2009-01-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

“Exmouth Road is lined with mature oaks, beech, holmoak, Monterey cypress, Scots pine and a variety of other evergreens, forming a wonderful canopy all the way into town,” says Budleigh’s Town Design Statement. “This wealth of mature trees is the result of thoughtful planting, pruning and preservation by generations of residents over the years.”

It sounds idyllic, but trees, like people, need care and attention. Neglected or in the wrong hands, they can be a dangerous liability resulting in often costly consequences for the owner.

Pictured left: Exmouth Road's wonderful tree canopy

Tree surgery, or arboriculture as it is properly known, is a specialist business requiring not only knowledge and skills but physical and mental stamina. “Climbing day in and day out for many hours a day, with a chainsaw hanging from your harness, in all conditions and weather is highly demanding,” says Steve Swift, a Starcross-based tree surgeon who has worked for Exmouth Road residents. This oak, right, is definitely not ok.

Experienced arborists know that it is also a risky business. The Health & Safety Executive announced in 2004 that tree surgery was currently the most dangerous occupation in the UK. Safety precautions, risk assessments, protective clothing, and comprehensive training are essential to minimise risk, but accidents do and can happen.

Steve Swift Tree Care is fully National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) qualified and is also fully insured up to £5,000,000 for any one accident.

There are safer and easier ways to earn money. But Steve enjoys his work. “I love caring for trees, and working outdoors. And the views can be spectacular,” he says.

Steve’s work has earned praise from customers in the Exmouth Road area, being described as “professional, and tidy, and comes at a good price.” He also sells logs.

Steve Swift is pictured with some of the equipment he uses in his work.

Contact STEVE SWIFT TREE CARE

on 01626 890951 or 07786 685897
Email: steve-swift@hotmail.co.uk

Carmina Burana in Exeter

2009-01-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

Exmouth Road’s Chris Parrish reports on an exciting music event to take place in February when Exeter Bach Society stages a choral workshop with director Gavin Carr to study Carl Orff’s masterpiece Camina Burana, followed the next day by a performance at Exeter's Corn Exchange with the Devon Sinfonietta conducted by Scott Stroman.

The two-day event, starting on Saturday 21 February in The Mint Church Exeter, is a further departure from the Exeter Bach Society’s usual baroque fare. Non-members are most welcome to take part.

“Following our very successful workshop led by Scott Stroman in February 2008, we were thrilled to be asked by Scott to provide the chorus for Carl Orff’s exciting and very popular work Carmina Burana, to join with the Devon Sinfonietta on Sunday 22 February this year,” explains Chris, who is the Society’s co-Chairman. “Since we had already asked Gavin Carr to lead a workshop on the previous day, the two events seemed just made for each other. Normally after a workshop there is no proper performance: you just go home! But this workshop is different. Effectively you get two for the price of one: the workshop on the Saturday with Gavin, followed on the Sunday afternoon by a final rehearsal and then a proper performance accompanied by the Devon Sinfonietta under the baton of Scott Stroman, the orchestra’s Music Director.”

“The Devon Sinfonietta is really the Devon Youth Orchestra,” adds Chris. “The opportunity to support youth music in Devon is a compelling enough reason to join in, but quite apart from that it will be a memorable musical experience helped by the fact that both Gavin Carr and Scott Stroman are very charismatic guys and Carmina Burana is a tremendous piece for a choir to tackle. At last year’s workshop we had 180 people taking part.”

Gavin Carr was born in London and studied at King's College, Cambridge, where he was a Choral Scholar. He then emigrated for five years to Australia, where he began his conducting career. He also made his name as baritone, performing throughout much of the world in opera and appearing at many festivals and with major orchestras and choruses in concert and recital. Gavin has been Music Director of The Athenaeum Singers since 2003, Assistant Conductor at the Wexford Festival and at the Cantiere d'Arte di Montepulciano as well as the Associate Principal Conductor with the The Bath Philharmonia since 2006.

Celebrated choir director Gavin Carr: “the best in the business.”

In 2006 Gavin formed a new professional choir, Chorus Angelorum, making his and their début with the English Chamber Orchestra, in the St Matthew Passion in Bath Abbey. In both 2006 and 2007 Chorus Angelorum toured Italy singing Messiaen's Trois Petites Liturgies de la Présence Divine with Jan Latham-Koenig and the orchestra of the Teatro Regio at the Turin opera house and in August 2007, for performances of Carmina Burana in Naples, Montepulciano, Bologna and Llubljana. He made another Italian tour in August 2008 under the auspices of the Emilia Romagna Festival in Bologna. He is now also the conductor of Bath Minerva Choir and recently took up the post of Director of the Bristol Bach Choir.

Gavin was described recently as "the best in the business" of choir trainers. “You will instantly warm to him,” say the Exeter event’s organisers.

Scott Stroman is renowned for his keen ear, rhythmic strength, attention to detail, broad knowledge and wide experience. His musical vocabulary genuinely embraces classical, jazz, and world music. His musical strength and depth also allow him to bring his insight and inspiration to the standard orchestral and choral repertoire.

Conductor Scott Stroman, “an inspiring and uniquely broad musician, equally at home in classical, jazz, and world music.” Photo credit: Juan-Carlos Hernandez

He works regularly with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, where he directs their ground-breaking Renga Ensemble. As a jazz-trombonist and singer, Scott has performed with many of the great players.

Since 1983 he has been a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and since 1984 head of their jazz programme, renowned as one of the best in Europe. His work with youth includes directing the Devon Sinfonietta.

“If you met Scott at the workshop last year you will know what a charismatic leader he is. If you did not, this is your opportunity to find out,” says Chris Parrish.

Further information can be found at http://www.exeterbachsociety.org.uk/workshop.htm

Councillor philosophical about loss of funding

2009-01-27T06:55:00.001-08:00

A locally-based District Councillor has expressed his disappointment at the news of a setback for plans involving a major component of a regeneration project for Exmouth while maintaining that enthusiasm for the venture remains undiminished.

East Devon District Councillor Ray Franklin: disappointed but still hopeful for Exmouth visitor centre.

Funding to the tune of nearly £3 million had been earmarked by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) to assist with the capital costs of building in partnership with ASDA a visitor centre on the Exe at Exmouth.

In a letter to East Devon District Council, the area director of SWRDA says the agency has had to “re-evaluate its spending plans due to a progressive reduction in our budget as the Government meets other priorities.”

Responding to news of the removal of this part of the funding, Councillor Ray Franklin, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Strategic Planning and Regeneration, said: “We understand completely the difficult position our partners at SWRDA face. We are living in an economic downturn and we cannot expect to be immune from pressures on funding that are happening not just in East Devon but frankly all over the world.”

Councillor Franklin, who lives on Dalditch Lane in Knowle continued: “Here in East Devon we have a challenge to deliver something really special for our special place and this setback will not diminish our enthusiasm for continuing with regeneration work in both these towns. We will have to be even more creative with the funding options open to us from the private sector and other cash sources. The visitor centres are part of our strategy for improving the tourism offering for both towns and they must be supported enthusiastically and energetically.”

The message from EDDC Members was: “This is disappointing, but we are still determined to ensure that these projects are delivered and other funding avenues are being pursued”.

View of the estuary side of the development. The viewing gallery of the visitor centre follows the curve of the Exe. Picture credit: http://www.asdadevelopments.co.uk/

The Exmouth visitor centre, along with a similar project at Seaton, was a major component of regeneration projects for the two seaside resorts, and was part of the Jurassic Coast Framework Programme, a joint initiative with Dorset to celebrate the unique attraction of the World Heritage Coast. Lyme Regis is also set to lose £1 million.

Property for sale: Downderry House

2009-01-27T03:33:00.000-08:00

Downderry House
10 Exmouth Road
Budleigh Salterton
Devon EX9 6AQ

Noted both for its architectural distinction as a classic 1920s residence and for its success as a small boutique Bed & Breakfast, Downderry offers in the words of its selling agents “a wonderful lifestyle and easy to run business opportunity.”

Beautifully presented, the detached property has been transformed into a five-star (Gold Award) Bed & Breakfast with five luxury guest suites plus owner's living accommodation in a separate wing. Downderry House stands in magnificent grounds of nearly an acre and architecturally is of great importance, being featured in Pevsner's Architectural Guide. It is one of only a few houses designed in the shape of a butterfly to enable the principal rooms to all have double aspects and enjoy, in this case, wonderful views over the gardens and adjoining meadows through which runs the little lily brook. The small boutique hotel, which could still be used as a handsome private residence, only started trading in April 2007 and is already successfully established, with bookings being taken for a twelve month season. 'Downderry' has been given a gold award by the English Tourist Board and is one of the most highly awarded establishments providing guest house accommodation in England. During the first year of trading 'Downderry' has achieved a coveted Michelin Red House award (only 43 in the country). It is listed in the AA in the Premier Collection with 5 yellow stars and carried a highly recommended accolade.

Although the property has been brought right up to date, it still retains much character with many lovely original features, including brick mullions, moulding and plasterwork being retained. During 2006 the present owners carried out a full programme of modernisation and refurbishment. In addition to being re-plumbed and re-wired, we are advised that fire and sound insulation was added between the floors. The efficient heating and pressurised hot water system, which is on a loop, operates form a recently installed condensing boiler in the basement. The property benefits from uPVC double-glazed windows and enjoys some superb rural views with glimpses of the sea being enjoyed from the top floor Tipton Suite.

The quality Underwood kitchen features solid oak units with green granite surfaces and includes a Mercury cooking range. Each of the lovely bathrooms has ceramic tiled floors with underfloor heating, together with dual heated designer towel rails, the suite and sanitary ware being sourced mainly from Porcelanosa. The property has also been re-decorated throughout using quality fabrics and wall coverings and the sale now includes the expensive drapes and carpets.

Designed with ease if maintenance in mind and extending to nearly an acre the lovely landscaped grounds are laid out mainly to lawns with substantial shrubberies and hedging providing privacy and seclusion. The recently tarmacadamed driveway sweeps down from the road through double wrought iron gates hung on substantial stone pillars with coach lights, and there is a double garage.

The main terrace enjoys a Southerly aspect extending to the rear of the property with sweeping steps sweeping down to the level lawn. A mature Wisteria has been trained across this part of the house, giving a lovely backdrop to the terrace. There is plenty of storage beneath the property with two doors opening from the rear. The recently installed gas-fired condensing boiler has been installed here). A summerhouse has been constructed to one side and again enjoys some lovely views over the lawn and across the valley.

Downderry House is being marketed by Fulfords Budleigh Salterton office and Fulfords Country & Waterside who suggest a guide price of £950,000. For further details see http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-20577265.html?locationIdentifier=BRANCH%5E3497&includeSSTC=true&_includeSSTC=on&pageNumber=1&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffind%2FFulfords%2FWest-Hill.html%3FlocationIdentifier%3DBRANCH%255E3497%26includeSSTC%3Dtrue%26_includeSSTC%3Don

Property for sale: Woodland Grange

2009-01-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Woodland Grange
2 Exmouth Road
Budleigh Salterton
EX9 6AF

Described as “a gracious and well presented Hatchard-Smith designed family residence offering flexible accommodation,” Woodland Grange, on Exmouth Road near the East Devon coastal golf course, retains much of its original charm and character, and benefits from a host of 1920s features. The property boasts four double bedrooms and five reception rooms.

Period features include solid wood flooring in the hall, the dining room and the drawing room, which also has an original stone fireplace with a slate hearth; the dining room has a brick arched fireplace. A handsome wooden staircase with a half landing leads to the first floor.

The kitchen/breakfast room, with a serving hatch through to the dining room, includes a double stainless steel sink and drainer unit with waste disposal unit, set into a rolled work surface. It has a built in four ring gas hob with extractor and light unit over and a gas range unit.

There is a modern double glazed conservatory with electrically operated fan lights, an air circulating ducting unit, sun blinds and a tiled floor.

Woodland Grange is approached through electrically operated entrance gates. A long sweeping block paved driveway leads up to an area providing ample parking and turning. Set in a plot of just over 0.5 of an acre, the gardens are mainly laid to lawn with well established trees, shrubs and borders, having a backdrop of the Clinton Devon Estates woodland behind. A generous patio area is also included in the design of the garden. A further pedestrian gate leads out to the Salterton Common.

The garage block has two single electrically operated up and over doors, which can be controlled remotely, and two internal doors offer access to the workshop and potting shed, both with power.

The selling agents Bradleys give a guide price of £850,000 Freehold

Tel: 01395 442201
Fax: 01395 443719
E-mail: budleigh@beagroup.co.uk

For further details see http://www.bradleys-estate-agents.co.uk/properties-sales-brdrps-BUS080085-1232716787

Why Exmouth Roadies?

2009-01-23T02:37:00.000-08:00

It’s called Exmouth Roadies because I live on Exmouth Road in Budleigh, and because part of the original idea was for our neighbours to benefit from each others’ recommendations about local tradespeople. I wanted it to be on a small local scale because I don’t want to spend all my time glued to a screen. I came to Budleigh to enjoy life in retirement and not embark on a second career as a media magnate. Inevitably it will grow so that it can provide items of interest to people in the Exmouth Road vicinity, all the way from Knowle and along West Hill. It will probably develop as a magazine with all kinds of news items and features, including the occasional rant. However the blog will aim for editorial neutrality to provide a balanced forum for all viewpoints. I hope that it will do its bit to promote local businesses and events in the area.

The search engine at the top left can be useful for locating articles of interest which may be included: just type in ‘music’ ‘chimney’ ‘tick’ or whatever and up will pop the item.

Contributions on the same lines from other Budleigh residents are welcome. In my past life as a teacher in Oundle, Northamptonshire, I helped to run a community newspaper and website as an educational/charitable venture and many of our participants went on to pursue careers in the media; see http://www.oundleschool.org.uk/news/newsItem.php?id=48 and also http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=30215872621 If any students in the Budleigh area with aspirations to a career in journalism would like to contribute to Exmouth Roadies, please email me at the address below.

If you'd like to join the restricted Exmouth Roadies facebook group, read more news and see the faces behind the stories, email me: mr.downes@gmail.com

Enjoy the read! It could get massive!

Blog contents copyright © 2008 - 2010 Exmouth Roadies. Individual comments and entries are the opinions of the contributors. They should not be taken as policy or opinion of any body corporate unless they are explicitly stated as such.

Cross ticks

2009-01-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

Local gardeners may have been dismayed by the unusually hard frosts that Budleigh has experienced. But pets and their owners should be pleased that the cold weather will have helped to see off many of the pests and parasites which can turn a pleasant summer walk in the woods into an annoying and even dangerous experience.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in cases of Lyme disease in the UK, from under 200 in 1997 to nearly 600 in 2005. The rise has been blamed on the growing number of infected ticks carrying the spiral-shaped bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by some types of ticks which live on sheep, deer, badgers and other warmblooded animals in forested, heathland and moorland areas.

East Devon MP Hugo Swire has been at the forefront of a campaign to draw attention to the problem and organised a one-day seminar at the House of Commons in November last year. “Lyme disease is like an alien,” he says. “The bacteria tries to take over your body. It is very serious and can make you permanently disabled. We need to be more aware of its dangers and more open to its diagnosis and more determined in its treatment.” Mr Swire was prompted to speak out on the issue by a constituent from Sidmouth, Stella Huyshe-Shires, who contracted the disease in 1999 but was not diagnosed until 2002, and then only because she insisted on a blood test and a referral to a neurologist. She approached the MP because she was concerned that knowledge of the affliction amongst GPs and consultants was insufficient.

Infected ticks can transmit the organisms during blood feeds, when they may be attached to the skin for several days if left undisturbed. The most common problem associated with the infection is a rash spreading from the site of a tick bite, but other more serious problems can occur. These include a viral-like meningitis, facial palsy, other nerve damage or arthritis.

“No vaccine against Lyme disease is currently available, so tick awareness, appropriate clothing in tick infested areas, and early removal of attached ticks remain the most important prevention measures,” says Mr Swire.

While ticks can attach themselves to humans, most people become aware of the blood-sucking parasites when they discover that their pet cat or dog has an unexpected lump which turns out to be an engorged tick. The pests can be easily removed with a tick hook, available at veterinary practices, but it is important to remove the entire tick including the head.

Hopefully we will see fewer of these annoying creatures this year. “Last winter I was removing ticks regularly from animals. I have not personally done one in the last few months,” says local vet Chris Ridge of Raddenstiles Veterinary Centre on Salterton Road. “I would say the frosts will be of benefit in reducing the impact of ticks and other arthropod parasites where the reservoir of infection is outside the home.”

Unfortunately the cold winter will not have seen off all parasites, warns Mr Ridge. “Those that breed and reside in our homes – primarily the ever present flea – tend to benefit as we turn the central heating up so that our carpets and flooring have the microclimate of the African Savannah.”

A sizeable problem: ticks can grow alarmingly if left attached.
Ticks will bury themselves deep in your pet’s hair or fur. Hook and twist, and the little monster can be disposed of.

Picture credit: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/

Piping in the New Year

2009-01-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

Putting the sparkle back into your water supply

Exmouth Road customers of South West Water are about to be affected by a major rehabilitation programme to improve water mains in the Budleigh area. Work was carried on laying new mains from the Golf Club to Links Road late last year, and 2009 will see completion of the project as far as the town centre.

Steve Manning, Liaison Officer for the company, explained that there had been a slight delay in implementing the projected timetable, originally planned for the beginning of January. However with the start now made at the Knowle Road/Exmouth Road junction he anticipated that steady progress should now be made eastwards towards Budleigh town centre. “We’ve had a few problems with bends in the mains pipework, but there’s nothing there that we can’t cope with,” he told Exmouth Roadies. Digging up the entire road will not be necessary as the iron pipework is being cleaned rather than replace, with excavation needed only every 50 metres. “After all the muck has been scraped out a nozzle is used to spray two layers of paint.” However road closures will be required near North View Road, Meadow Road and Station Road.

Customers affected by disruption to water supplies during the daytime are being sent letters warning them three days in advance. Mr Manning is hopeful that work on Exmouth Road mains will be completed within four weeks, with the total project for Budleigh lasting eight weeks. He is available for further information on 07791925581 between 7.30 am and 6.00 pm while the work is being carried out.

South West Water’s programme of water improvement commenced in 1989 and since that time the company has replaced or relined over 3,100 km of mains pipelines across the region.

Exmouth Roadies support local businesses like St John’s Farm Shop

2009-01-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Open seven days a week all year round.

St John's Country Store is on St John's Road, at Withycombe. Leaving Budleigh, take the B3178 to Exmouth and turn right at Dinan Way. St John's Road is the 5th turning on your right. The farm shop next to the camp site is 1/3 of a mile on your right side.

Tel: 01395 263170/273004 Email: stjohns.farm@virgin.net http://www.stjohnsfarm.co.uk/

District Council decides to bring the house down

2009-01-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

East Devon District Council has finally approved a planning application which would see the demolition of one of Exmouth Road’s oldest properties and its replacement by five detached houses. The approval has been given in spite of objections made by local residents and criticism of the plans by both Budleigh Salterton Town Council and the Otter Valley Association.

Plans for the demolition of Clyst Hayes House and development of its extensive site have been the subject of five separate applications to EDDC over the last few years. It is clear that while local residents and Budleigh Town Council had concerns about what they considered to be the unsuitable location of the development, the issue of affordable housing was the over-riding factor in the District Council’s decision.

The Town Council believes that over-development of the site and the proposed loss of trees would have a detrimental affect on the surrounding area, and has concerns that the development will have a serious impact on the adjoining County Wildlife Site. Town councillors are also concerned about the dangerous exit for five extra households onto a busy road and believe that the additional sewerage and surface water will cause problems to the existing drainage system.

Budleigh’s Town Council has also criticised the proposed demolition and development of Clyst Hayes House as contrary to guidance laid out in the Budleigh Salterton Design Statement, a document adopted by EDDC as interim Supplementary Planning Guidance to the emerging East Devon Local Plan in October 2004. The property, which the District Council admits is “an Edwardian house of attractive proportions” would appear to be a typical example quoted in the Design Statement of large detached houses saved from demolition and successfully converted to multiple occupancy. “Greater attention should be paid to the sub-division of large houses of distinctive character rather than the soft option of demolition and redevelopment of the site,” urged the document, which appears in a link on the District Council’s own website.

The District Council had raised concerns at the absence of affordable housing provision in previous applications, but following applicant Richard Gosling’s claim that part of the site has been sold has now conceded that this is no longer a valid issue. District Councillors commented that it is “extremely disappointing” to learn that the site area has been reduced in area in order to avoid the requirements of the Government’s Affordable Housing policy. “As it stands there is now no requirement to adhere to this policy, and legal advice which has been sought suggests that there are no grounds for the refusal of planning permission on this basis.”

Bach's choral masterpiece in Exmouth

2009-01-22T02:32:00.000-08:00

Eight gifted soloists, a charismatic conductor, and sublime music will combine to create a memorable experience in an Exmouth church in under a week's time, believes Budleigh resident and singing enthusiast Sheila Birch.

The excellent acoustics of Exmouth's Holy Trinity Church will make next Saturday's concert a memorable occasion.

Mrs Birch will be one of nearly 100 choral music lovers who will be singing and playing in one of Bach's greatest works. Exmouth Choral Society will be performing his wonderful B Minor Mass on Saturday, 24 January, at 7.30 pm in Holy Trinity Church, Rolle Road, Exmouth. Members of Exeter Symphony Orchestra will accompany this inspiring work under conductor Brian Northcott.

The Mass in B Minor is such an established part of the choral repertoire that it may come as a surprise to learn that it is also an enigmatic work. For example, at what point did Bach, a Lutheran Protestant, plan to write a full Roman Catholic Mass? And did Bach himself really intend the full work to be performed on a single occasion?

The Mass was first performed in 1733, but did not assume its final form until Bach's last years, perhaps by 1748. It may be that the composer wished the Mass in B Minor to be regarded as a monument of his skill, for it is a work based much upon his earlier music, which he adapted and refined to meet a sacred purpose. In choosing to reuse earlier material he may have felt himself to be selecting his finest work, laying it out for inspection, and putting it to the service of praising God.

Mrs Birch, who lives in Victoria Place and has been a member of Exmouth Choral Society for ten years, is confident that the audience will be thrilled with the performance. "The B Minor Mass is a very difficult piece to learn," she says, "but the rehearsals have gone really well and we have a most charismatic conductor in Brian Northcott."

The soloists in the B Minor Mass are Elizabeth Drury and Alison Burnett, Mike Dobson and James Armitage, Philip and Thomas Hobbs, Julian Rippon and Michael Vian Clarke. The leader of the orchestra is Gillian Crew.

Exmouth Choral Society, whose origins go back to 1867, is a mixed voice choir of approximately 70 members. It enjoys an enviable reputation with a repertoire based around Masses and oratorios and gives two main concerts a year. New members are welcome and should contact Sue Kalaugher on 01395 273344 for further details.

The price for tickets purchased in advance is £9 for adults, £5 for children or students, and £18 for a family ticket for two adults and two children under 18. Tickets purchased on the night will cost £13 for adults, £8 for children and £24 for a family ticket.

Planners ask the public for guidance

2009-01-22T02:26:00.000-08:00

Budleigh is among the towns chosen by local government officials to host one of a series of exhibitions this month which will give East Devon residents and businesses a chance to comment on important local planning issues in reports which concern development in the district over the next 20 years.

A one-day public exhibition will be held on Friday 23 January at The Public Hall in Station Road from 10.15 am-6.45 pm, at which relevant sections of the reports, maps and illustrative material will be available, together with questionnaires for residents to complete. EDDC staff will be on hand to answer questions.

EDDC Communications Officer Nick Stephen explained: “The East Devon Local Development Framework (LDF) will replace the current Local Plan and will determine how the developments proposed in the Regional Spatial Strategy 2006 - 2026, including expansion of the proposed new community at Cranbrook and a possible second new community/urban extension, might be delivered.

The LDF Issues and Options Consultation Report, Planning for the Future, sets out issues identified as being of greatest local importance and possible options as to how we might respond to them.”

Exhibitions are being held from 16-30 January in eight other East Devon towns. Each exhibition will have district-wide information on display and also material specifically relevant to the particular town or locality where it is taking place.

A full copy of the Planning for the Future report is available for viewing on the Council’s website at www.eastdevon.gov.uk/planning-limehouse-consultation-portal

2009 Farmers' Markets

2009-01-22T02:16:00.000-08:00

This year will see the anniversary of Budleigh’s successful series of Farmers’ Markets, which were launched on 28 March 2008. The Markets, in Brook Road car park, take place on the last Friday of each month, and the dates below have been announced for 2009.

Budleigh’s Market, with its 15 or so local producers of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, dairy products and processed food and drinks, is following a national trend which has seen more than 600 Farmers’ Markets in the UK.

There are certain rules that should apply to a genuine Farmers’ Market. Producers must be based within a specified radius of the Market site (usually 25/30 miles), and must sell only their own produce. The person behind the stall must be the producer, a close family member or an employee directly involved with production.

Local shoppers and residents have been enthusiastic in their support of the Farmers’ Markets, and some even think that the concept could grow further. “A bigger and more frequent market will benefit the town and its traders and having it down the centre of town will be even better!” believes Budleigh Town Councillor Roger Bowen. However District Councillor Malcolm Florey has advised that to close the High Street would cost the Market £600 to £1,000 each time.

Also below are the dates for Exmouth’s Farmers’ Markets, which take place on Wednesdays.

Budleigh Salterton Farmers’ Markets: 30 January, 27 February, 27 March, 24 April, 29 May, 26 June, 31 July, 28 August, 25 September, 30 October, 27 November, 18 December.
Brook Road car park 9.00 am -1.00 pm.

Exmouth Farmers’ Markets: 11 February, 11 March, 8 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 12 August, 9 September, 14 October, 11 November, 9 December
The Strand Gardens, 9.00 am – 1.00 pm.

Property for sale: Lavenderhayes

2009-01-22T02:01:00.000-08:00

Lavenderhayes

9 Moorlands Road

Budleigh Salterton EX9 6AG

Dating from the mid-1920s, Lavenderhayes, near the top end of Moorlands Road, is described by its selling agents as a fine example of this highly regarded period in the building industry. With five double bedrooms and three spacious ground floor reception rooms it is a substantial property occupying a fine site of approximately an acre, and benefits from an exceptional level of seclusion with a wooded aspect from the rear boundary.

All the principal rooms are at the rear of the house overlooking the garden and there are fine views, especially from the first floor to High Peak, Sidmouth and beyond.
The external appearance is enhanced by distinctive red brick mullioned windows which are fitted with leaded lights.

Period features include a handsome oak front door, the fine turning staircase and fireplaces in three of the bedrooms. The house benefits from cavity wall insulation, a recently installed gas fired condensing boiler and solar panels on the rear roof.

Vestibule – Reception hall – Cloakroom – Drawing room – Dining room – Sitting room – Breakfast kitchen – Rear hall with utility room, workshop, larder & gardener’s WC – 5 double bedrooms including principal suite – 2nd bathroom – Gas central heating – Detached double garage – Mature gardens with summerhouse – Council tax band G.

Agents Palmers Whitton & Laing are inviting offers in the region of £900,000.
Tel: 01395 445600 Email: budleigh@palmerswhittonandlaing.com

For further details see
http://www.palmerswhittonandlaing-search.com/propertydetails.aspx?propid=DJB1140&locx=30500&locy=8210&place=ex9+6ag&sale=s&distance=50&propertytype=%25&minbeds=0&maxbeds=100000&minprice=0&maxprice=99999998&order=desc&uo=3&new=%25&everyhours=0&skip=0&isaPostCode=True

Star performer at Exeter Cathedral

2009-01-22T01:52:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: Harry Richards

Exeter Bach Society gets off to a flying start in 2009 with star performer Amy Carson, reports Exmouth Road’s Chris Parrish. Amy’s feature film debut as lead actress Pamina in Kenneth Branagh’s film The Magic Flute, which was premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2006, won international acclaim for the Bristol-born soprano.

Her recital of songs and arias by Bach, Handel, Monteverdi and Purcell on Sunday 8 February in Exeter Cathedral Chapter House will be one of the many highlights of the Society’s 2008/9 programme.

Two of the songs that she will be singing in this recital in the outstanding series organized by the Exeter Bach Society are entitled Music for a while and Endless Pleasure, titles which might equally well serve to advertise this evening’s concert. The recital ranges widely in mood, with moments of virtuosity and moments of calm, ranging over much of the eighteenth century and going back a bit earlier too: it includes operatic arias by Monteverdi, Purcell, Handel and Mozart, arias from one of Bach’s Wedding Cantatas and some piano solos performed by her distinguished accompanist Nicola Rose.

The dazzling soprano Amy Carson was born in Bristol; her mother, Mary, is a classical and Baroque violinist, and her father, Ian, produced music for BBC Radio 3 in Bristol. At the age of eight Amy was the youngest chorister in the first girls’ Cathedral choir at Salisbury Cathedral. She was educated at Bryanston School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where as a choral scholar she studied music and sang in the chapel. She sprang to national fame in 2006 in the role of Pamina in Kenneth Branagh’s highly acclaimed film of Mozart’s Magic Flute, a performance about which reviewers used adjectives such as gorgeous, bright-eyed, wondrous, sweet, charming and eloquent. Branagh has described her as “very winning, with transparent intelligence.” Multi-talented, she is a composer and instrumentalist (viola, piano, organ and guitar) as well as a singer (choral, solo, jazz and pop) and actor (Mme de Tourvel in Dangerous Liaisons, Cicely in The Importance of Being Ernest and other roles).

Originally from Somerset, Nicola Rose first met Amy when they were both accepted into the Salisbury Cathedral Girls’ Choir in 1991. She feels she owes a great deal of her musicianship to her training under the direction of its conductor, Dr Richard Seal. She went on to gain a scholarship to Clifton College, Bristol, and has recently graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where she studied accompaniment.

Photo credit: Gareth Evans

Nicola received the accompaniment prize in 2005 and 2008, and the Mansel Thomas Award for Musicianship in 2007. She enjoys playing for an array of singers, instrumentalists, circuses, choirs, children’s groups and drama societies in and around Cardiff and works as a repetiteur for the Welsh National Opera. She is a member of staff at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Junior Department and also plays for singing lessons and classes at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice. She gives class and private piano lessons too.

The recital will be preceded by the singing of J. S. Bach’s Cantata BWV 144 Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe hin during the 5.00 pm Evening Service by the combined forces of the Exeter Cathedral Voluntary Choir and the Exeter Bach Society, with soloists and orchestral accompaniment. The Cantata will be conducted by Nicholas Marshall, Director of Music, Exeter Bach Society. Entrance to the Cathedral 5.00 pm service and the Cantata is, of course, free.

Tickets for all Exeter Bach Society events are available from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets, Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1GF Tel: 01392 665700. Or telephone 01392 211080. Also from choir members and at the door. For further information on tickets, telephone Roger Churchward on 01392 468867.

CARMINA BURANA

Founded in 1995, Exeter Bach Society is the only choral group in Exeter devoted to the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach. “We set out to cater for enthusiasts for Bach's music in a serious manner but without undue pedantry,” says Chris Parrish, who is the Society’s co-Chairman. However its programme is not exclusively limited to Bach, including for example an all-day workshop and performance on Saturday 21 February in the Mint Church, Exeter, of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, with chorus master Gavin Carr. The intention is to sing it in performance the following day with Devon Sinfonietta, conducted by Scott Stroman. There is still time to join in. Ring Gill Manning on 01392 255177 to find out how.

Property for sale: Clyst Hayes

2009-01-22T01:41:00.000-08:00

Clyst Hayes
4 Exmouth Road
Budleigh Salterton

“A very rare development opportunity in Budleigh Salterton,” is how selling agents David Rhys & Co describe Exmouth Road’s Clyst Hayes House.

The site consists of an existing detached house and a plot of 1.14 acres, which has approved outline planning permission for five traditionally built and spacious detached houses with similar size plots.

Situated less than a mile from the town centre and sea front, the site enjoys a high degree of privacy and convenience with a most attractive and open aspect to the rear, overlooking a designated English Heritage area with protected wildlife. “There is no doubt that Clyst Hayes offers a superb opportunity to develop a select private estate, and indeed is one of the last plots available in Budleigh Salterton with such proximity to the town centre and sea front,” say the agents.

The site has an area of 1.146 acres (0.464 hectares), having an average length of 102 metres (frontage 110m) and an average depth of 45.50 metres. There is an existing house and outbuildings on the site, which are to be demolished.

The road frontage is protected by a Devon bank and specimen trees giving it a semi-rural appearance. The site slopes away from the road frontage increasing the privacy of the development. The agents note that the planning application is in outline, and therefore the following matters are to be reserved: layout, siting, design and external appearance of dwelling, landscaping.

Viewing is strictly by appointment with the agent. A guide price of £1,250,000 is suggested.

For further details see
http://www.david-rhys.co.uk/search/index1.htm?page=search.asp

Exmouth Roadies support local services like CB Chimneys for your chimney sweeping and fireplace maintenance.

2009-01-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

Are you stacking up the odds on a chimney fire?

Has your fireplace suddenly become a welcoming feature of your house in this unusually cold winter? Do your hearth’s living flames make panel radiators seem ugly and unfriendly? But has your chimney not been properly swept for years?

A good chimney is essential to the continuing efficient and safe operation of all solid fuel burning heating and cooking appliances, and the importance of chimney maintenance and regular and frequent chimney sweeping cannot be over-emphasised if you want to enjoy your fireplace safely.

HETAS is the only competent persons scheme specialising in the installation and maintenance of open fires and stoves which use solid fuels, including wood, and recommends that chimney sweeping is best carried out by HETAS Approved chimney sweeps like Exmouth’s Steven Cornish.

Mr Cornish is a member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps, whose members have to have insurance cover and undertake to operate to a Code of Conduct carrying out their work to an agreed Code of Practice. In order to maintain and improve the standards of chimney sweeping NACS is accredited to operate the HETAS Solid Fuel Awareness two-day course which is specifically aimed at members involved in sweeping chimneys serving solid fuel heating and cooking appliances. They study a range of topics such as chimney design and construction together with potential faults and their detection and correction, solid fuels and their properties and the design, construction and proper and safe operation of solid fuel burning appliances.

Mr Cornish has won praise from customers in the Exmouth Road area, who describe his work as "thorough, and very clean." He can also install woodburners.

Steven Cornish can be contacted at:

CB Chimneys
32 Marpool Hill
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 1TD

Tel: 01395 268046

Email: cbchimneys@tiscali.co.uk

Exmouth Roadies support local businesses like The Exe Locksmith, for the key problems in your home

2009-01-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

A real keyhole surgeon

One of the worst domestic nightmares is being locked out of your own home. It may not be the worst thing that can happen, but it will probably feel like it. It happens to everybody. When it does happen, you’ll feel better when you remember that you put your local locksmith’s emergency call-out number in your mobile phone’s directory.

There are many locksmiths, but we would always recommend that you choose one who is a member of an accredited association such as the Master Locksmiths Association or The Independent Locksmiths Guild.

Frank Lyons, a member of the Institute of Certified Locksmiths, is the owner of Exe Locksmiths, which is conveniently located in Exmouth near the town centre on the Exeter Road.
Of course, responding to emergency ‘lock outs’ is only one of the many situations that a locksmith has to deal with on a daily basis. “We not only supply and fit all types of locks, but we also offer a rapid key cutting service while you wait,” says Mr Lyons. “As experienced locksmiths we are familiar with all kinds of devices, including electronic door locks and chipped keys, deadlocks, digital locks and so on, and we’re skilled at fitting or repairing door and window locks set in wood or uPVC.”

Engraving, sign-making and shoe repairs are among the other services offered by Exe Locksmiths, which has won praise for its efficiency from Exmouth Road residents.

Frank Lyons can be contacted at The Exe Locksmiths, 27 Exeter Road, Exmouth EX8 1PN Tel: 01395 277490 Mobile: 07973 128556

Exmouth Roadies support local businesses like Garden Kit of Colaton Raleigh for all your garden machinery requirements

2009-01-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

Garden Kit Ltd has won praise from Exmouth Road residents for the quality of its products, advice and service.

Christmas Crime warning

2008-12-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

Detectives in the Budleigh area are asking householders to be vigilant in the run up to Christmas as this is the anniversary of a spate of burglaries in the district.

Detective Sergeant Peter Jones said, “During the Christmas and New Year 2007 there were a number of household burglaries in the Exmouth and East Devon area.

“It appears that those responsible targeted premises in the Clyst St Mary, Exton, Honiton and Sidmouth areas, stealing mainly jewellery and antique items.

“In most instances the occupants of the attacked premises were away on holiday.

“During 2008 there have been further similar burglaries in the Axminster, Seaton, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh and Exmouth areas and we believe these may be the work of one person.

“We are following a number of leads to arrest the suspect but believe that he may return again this year.”

Police are asking local residents who will be away to take extra precautions in relation to the security of their possessions. If possible consideration should be given, subject to the necessary insurance cover being in place, for valuable items of jewellery being left with relatives or close friends for safekeeping or concealing these items. Similar consideration should be given to portable antique items such as porcelain figures, silverware and clocks. If possible, neighbours should be asked to check security of unoccupied premises regularly and report anything untoward to Police.

DS Jones continued, “Detectives in Exmouth and East Devon are committed to bringing the activities of this burglar to an end. We are working closely with colleagues elsewhere in the country to achieve this but need the assistance of the local community in disrupting his activities until he can be brought to justice”.

Suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately. Anyone with any information regarding the crimes that have been committed is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

These Boots are made for talking

2008-12-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Credit Crunch has made all of us aware of the need to count the pennies, and Exmouth Road’s Annie Dent has certainly helped her neighbours to save a few by suggesting that they join the Boots Health Club.

Annie feels that good deals such as those offered by the Club ought to be more widely known, and was prompted to email local residents about some of the ongoing benefits for members aged 60 or over which she has only just discovered.

“If you are interested you can pick up an application form from any Boots store, call 0845 124 4545 or visit the website www.boots.com/healthclub” explains Annie. “The good deals include 10% off Boots brand products such as the No 7 range, and 30% off Boots own-brand frames and lenses.”

“The deals also include half price on selected health products every time you shop. A full
list is provided with the application form but includes vitamins, pain relief, and things like indigestion relief etc.”

Annie is keen for local residents to let her know of any other good deals so that she can circulate the information – “anything to help beat the Credit Crunch!” as she says.

Annie can be contacted by phone on 01395 444238 or by email at alandent@btinternet.com

Picture credits: LoopZilla @ Flikr; Michael Downes

Downderry gets a well-deserved break

2008-12-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

Award-winning bed & breakfast owners Don and Amanda Clarke are taking an extra week’s holiday over Christmas, and judging by delighted guests’ comments they certainly deserve it.

The couple, who have run Downderry House on Exmouth Road for the last two years, have had a busy summer. “It’s been non-stop,” says Don who with his wife Amanda has a background as a professional hotelier.

With South West Water’s proposed excavation of Exmouth Road announced for the beginning of the New Year, the couple are proposing to take an extra week’s holiday and plan to re-open for business in the second week of January.

Word of the high standards at this boutique hotel and the friendly welcome that guests receive from Don and Amanda has spread nationwide thanks partly to the favourable reports posted by online reviews such as http://www.tripadvisor.com/ “We felt we were staying in the beautiful home of friends, but without them breathing down your neck,” was one comment from a guest last September.

The couple’s readiness to put themselves out for guests was also remarked on. “Nothing was too much trouble for them, even going as far as to ring around some of the local golf courses for my husband,” said another visitor to Budleigh, while another was impressed that Amanda ran out to get more eggs when he and his wife ordered omelettes one morning.

With its excellent reputation and Downderry House’s handy situation, close to the town but within reach of beautiful countryside, Don and Amanda are sure to be even busier next year.

Further information about Downderry House is available at
http://www.downderryhouse.co.uk/
Tel: 01395 442 663
Mob: 07917 814 824
Email: info@downderryhouse.co.uk