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By robz, February 7, 2012 10:19 am

If I didn’t already live in Ilfracombe, I would book my holiday here. Plenty of accommodation, dining and activity ideas in the 2012 Ilfracombe brochure.

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By robz, January 17, 2012 8:35 pm

Similar to the European Union Stability and Growth Pact, I have an agreement with Mrs Z that when the deficit in my hair supply exceeds 3% of a full Barnet, it’s time to change my hairstyle to avoid comb over.

At the weekend, I suggested two possible actions:

1. To wear a badly made, shaggy, obviously false orange wig
2. To cut my hair short

Mrs Z considers only one of these options a possibility – otherwise my rating could be downgraded from ZZZ stable to considerably unstable.

In the meantime, I will luxuriate in what hair I still have.

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By robz, December 31, 2011 11:46 am

. . . especially in the following activities:

COMBEbusiness

After standing up and speaking at a public meeting, I was elected to the committee and then voted chairman of a new business group in North Devon. Thanks to my fellow directors and support from members, COMBEbusiness has established itself to promote business around the Ilfracombe, Woolacombe and Combe Martin area of North Devon.

This has been an inspiring year and the turnout and participation at our monthly meetings has been phenomenal. In 2012 COMBEbusiness plans to provide tailored support and training for businesses in the area.

Ilfracombe courteous town initiative

Again, the response from business and residents of Ilfracombe has been tremendous. This pilot initiative, run by pleaseandthanks.co.uk and the National Campaign for Courtesy, has trialled a campaign to recognise courteous businesses in the town and focus on the positive aspects of business and work.

During the course of the initiative, I have met hundreds of people in business in the town and have been amazed by the response when people realise that someone has nominated them for an award to recognise their courtesy: it means so much to them.

North Devon 101 Apprentices campaign

In my role as business writer for the North Devon Journal, I had no idea how the North Devon Employment and Skills Board’s campaign to sign up 101 apprentices in 101 days would succeed. As it turned out, the commitment from North Devon’s employers, jobseekers, schools, colleges and residents was impressive. We beat the target and will be repeating the campaign in 2012. Watch out in the North Devon Journal.

North Devon Journal Business Awards

This was the first time that the North Devon Journal had run its business awards and again the response was enthusiastic. We met some great businesses and judging the winners was very difficult. The awards evening was a contrast to many other events in this time of economic uncertainty in that it focused entirely on genuine achievement and success.

North Devon Business Alliance

As a founding member of the NDBA, I’ve always enjoyed its friendly, professional lunches and events. Blogging, discussion on LinkedIn and interaction on twitter help to bring this vibrant business community together and in 2011 I’ve got to know even more business people across North Devon through the NDBA. In 2012 I look forward to getting to know even more.

Studio Theatre car boot sales

I also organised six fund-raising car boot sales for Studio Theatre on the seafront at Ilfracombe. I know many people love these and come from Bideford, Barnstaple and elsewhere because the atmosphere is so enjoyable. I was considering giving these up, but this week bumped into a car booter who thanked me and pleaded with me to run them again in 2012. I shall have to think seriously about this.

So thank you to all who have supported these organisations and activities and have made all the hard work in organising them worthwhile.

I plan to do some more gardening, DIY and things for myself in 2012, but already there are many projects and events in the pipeline for some of the above organisations above.

Let’s hope 2012 is even more successful!

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By robz, May 14, 2011 7:52 pm

There’s so much wildlife to see around Ilfracombe, North Devon.

At the moment the foxgloves are just coming into flower up Hillsborough . . .

While conkers are already forming on the horse chestnut trees near the swimming pool . . .

While nearby a starling hopped around on the grass . . .

Over at Bicclescombe Park, a collection of goldfish and other fish have mysteriously appeared in the boating lake. From what I have been told they are not supposed to be there and may be someone’s unwanted fish from a pond . . .

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By robz, May 7, 2011 10:38 am

Studio Theatre, of which I am a director and trustee, will be staging a production of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Ilfracombe and Torrington, North Devon this June.

Not only is this production part of the North Devon Festival, but it is also part of the RSC Open Stages programme, which involves workshops with the RSC, mentoring and the chance to be selected to perform at the RSC at Stratford-upon-Avon. The play is directed by Bob Corwin and the cast features a number of younger performers as Studio Theatre aims to promote both Shakespeare and theatre generally.

You can book tickets online for performances at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on Thursday 9 and Saturday 11 June  or call The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington for tickets on Friday 10 June.

The production promises enjoyment for those who already know Shakespeare and for those new to his plays.

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By robz, April 24, 2011 7:47 pm

The bluebells on the north and east sides of Hillsborough, Ilfracombe, North Devon are astounding at the moment.

To see them:

• walk from the harbour round to Hillsborough
• go via the car park by the swimming pool
• climb the cliff steps from Hele Bay

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By robz, April 20, 2011 8:47 am

After our first batch of runner bean seeds failed to germinate (we did use last year’s seeds), I bought new seeds and they are just now starting to raise their heads above the compost.

The way they lift their ‘heads’ suggests it is a great effort . . .

The broad beans are also germinating as are marigolds.
The sunflower seedlings look a bit happier than they did several days ago . . .

Out in the garden itself, the comfrey is just about to burst into flower. The bees love these . . .

. . . and a small holly seedling, that really looked quite bare in the winter, is really putting on new growth . . .

It’s a marvellous watching everything emerge, stretch and grow in the garden.

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By robz, April 19, 2011 7:53 am

It’s been a glorious spring this year, but I don’t think anything provides as big a lift as the arrival of ducklings.

This morning, in Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe in North Devon, I heard ducks squabbling down in the East Wilder Brook as it passes under a small bridge. I looked over the fence and saw a mother duck and her fleet of ducklings. Unfortunately, there were three male ducks trying to mate with her, explaining the noise as she fought them off.

Some blurred photos, taken with zoom lens while hanging over a fence with two spaniels on leads . . .

One of the park-keepers said they were born on Sunday. I counted 12. Before I could take any more photos, they swam under the bridge.

Meanwhile, back on the duck pond, this pair were doing some serious courting and a bit more when they weren’t being interrupted by other jealous suitors . . .

Expect more ducklings!

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By robz, April 16, 2011 2:31 pm

Our blackcurrant bushes certainly seem to have set the ladybirds going . . .

They’re at it everywhere . . .

Fortunately, we don’t take a ‘not in my back yard’ approach . . .

. . . as we hope it’ll work up their appetite for eating aphids.

Meanwhile, a bee decided to ignore these goings-on by drinking . . .

. . . from the apple blossom . . .

. . . while a robin landed on the fence looking very pleased with itself . . .

He’d got a takeaway in his beak . . .

It looked like an insect, but I couldn’t tell exactly . . .

It was certainly eat, drink and be merry in our garden this lunchtime.