When people say “it’s raining, there’s nothing to do”, Ilfracombe is the place to be. There are lots of things to do in this seaside resort on the North Devon coast. In fact, the Ilfracombe and District Tourism Association have put them into a leaflet, which you can view online.

And if you want even more ideas on what to do, where to eat and stay in Ilfracombe, see visitilfracombe.co.uk.

I am biased, but then I moved here because I love it.

The latest guide to Ilfracombe in North Devon is out now. You can view it online or download a PDF.

Whatever the weather, whatever the season, it’s always a beautiful part of South West England.

We hope to see you soon.

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See visitilfracombe.co.uk for even more details.

For some while Mike Turton’s butchers has been generously collecting plastic milk bottle tops from customers, which have then been collected by a recycling company. On the whole, we are able to recycle many things in Ilfracombe, either through council doorstep collection or at the nearby rubbish tip, sorry recycling centre.

However, today Mike Turton gave us the news that the recycling company that has been collecting the bottle tops he collected will no longer do this as it’s not worth their while.

Does anyone know of any other way of recycling this waste?

Breakfast on a Good Friday is a one-off for us: a supply of freshly baked hot cross buns from the Pantry in Ilfracombe High Street, North Devon.

They only make hot cross buns for a short period so they remain special, unlike the unimaginative supermarkets who peddle them all year round.

Once again, we delighted in the fluffy, light dough and currants, accompanied by butter, some by homemade jam, and a mug of fresh coffee.

Thinking of the residents of Cockermouth in Cumbria and hoping that they can return to normal life as soon as possible after the floods, it struck me how powerful water is.

Even the East Wilder Brook that runs through Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe is swollen.

It changes from still pool to torrent with no warning . . .

. . . and although not very deep has the power to drag along anything in its way.

It commands my respect.

Yesterday I was rehearsing for Oh, What a Lovely War! in the Landmark Theatre. The more I perform there, the more I realise what a wonderful theatre this is. A newcomer to the company was impressed with the facilities and agreed what a marvellous asset it is for Ilfracombe.

Yet many people dismiss the theatre because of its external appearance. I have to agree that the building’s exterior does not thrill me, but it’s really the facilities inside that really matter. We’re lucky as a small town to have a theatre like this and we should value it. It would be very easy for funding to be cut and it would not surprise me, although it would sadden me, if in a few years time we had to fight to keep the Landmark open.

If it did close, no doubt those people who grumble about it would grumble even more about the town and the lack of things to do.

Let’s be glad we’ve got the Landmark, a cracking theatre and a draw for visitors to North Devon.

In the meantime, we’re looking to see all these seats filled on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November.

We were lucky to watch the hundreds of minis drive into Ilfracombe this afternoon on the North Devon Mini Grand Tour 2009 in aid of Children’s Hospice South West. Here are just a few of the cars . . .

Great fun . . . hope to see them all again next year!

Sometimes it’s too easy to miss what we have now. This evening we wandered down to the seafront and enjoyed a pint of locally brewed Wizard Ales’ Old Combe at the Landmark Beer Festival. Then we walked to Maddy’s Restaurant for fish and chips. As we walked back in the twilight, the seafront took on a different kind of magic . . .

Ilfracombe promenade at twilight

It’s a time of it’s own, fleetingly breath-taking in beauty . . .

Ilfracombe seafront at twilight

And as the sun sinks slowly below the horizon, you couldn’t wish for anything better.

Ilfracombe seafront as the sun sinks

PS More novel updates tomorrow.

Once again, Ilfracombe in North Devon will be offering audiences in search of special entertainment something fresh and new for Christmas when Small Pond Production’s original cast from their 2007 UK amateur stage premiere re-assemble for a new stage version of the Vicar of Dibley on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th December 2009 at the Landmark Theatre.

Based on three different episodes of the popular BBC TV series written by Richard Curtis & Paul Mayhew Archer,  and presented by special arrangement with the writers and Tiger Aspect Productions, the stage show features Debbie Hadley as the Vicar supported by Pamela Beecham, Mike Bennett, Laurence Butler, Tony Scarratt, Ted Turner, Elena Wright and Robert Zarywacz and is directed by Lee Baxendale.

Book tickets for performances on the Landmark web site:

• Friday 18th December 2009 8.00 pm evening- Tickets £10; family ticket £36
• Saturday 19th December 2009 3.00 pm matinée- Tickets £85.0
• Saturday 19th December 2009 8.00 pm evening – Tickets £10; family ticket £36

Buy 10 tickets, get 1 free
Only available for evening performances by calling the box office (not online).

or call the box office on 01271 324242.

For more details and cast photos, visit the Small Pond Productions Vicar of Dibley web site at dibleyonstage.co.uk.

Yesterday afternoon we went for fish and chips at Maddie’s and strolled down to the harbour to enjoy the summer afternoon. The MV Balmoral was just coming in and people were queuing to board. It doesn’t matter how many times we walk down here, it’s always lovely a lovely sight to see.

Hobson's Choice @ Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe & Croyde & Pilton, North Devon

Studio Theatre will be staging Harold Brighouse’s comedy, Hobson’s Choice, at

• Friday 24 July 2009 – Pilton Church Hall – tickets on the door £7
• Sunday 26 July 2009 – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe – tickets £8.50. Family ticket: £28.00.
• Thursday 30 July2009 – Croyde Village Hall – tickets on the door £7
• Sunday 2nd August 2009 – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe – tickets £8.50. Family ticket: £28.00.

Book Landmark tickets online or call the Landmark box office on 01271 324242.

Set in 1880s Salford, Henry Horatio Hobson is a successful shop owner selling shoes made by his employee Will Mossop. Hobson rules his household with a rod of iron, but when his children and shoemaker rebel, what choice is he presented with? Discover the hilarity of his dilemma as Studio Theatre brings this delightful Lancashire comedy to life.

Many will remember the famous film version starring Charles Laughton, John Mills and Brenda De Banzie, and Studio Theatre’s cast bringing the play to life on stage features Alan Bailey, Matt Cann, Larry Fabian, Carla Morgan, Lisa Morgan, James Morrison, Jason Morrison, Sara Pruce, Tony Parker, Peggy Strudwick, Rod Vass and Fenella Watson.

Visit Studio Theatre online for more details.

Grey clouds and spots of rain could not put off the procession to Ilfracombe of Jack-in-the Green to welcome summer.

Preceded by Ilfracombe’s town crier and followed by a procession including drummers and morris dancers, the revellers made their way to the seafront.

A good crowd turned out to watch the celebrations . . .

. . . including the world’s tallest person or shortest lamppost . . .

Then we enjoyed the beer festival in the Landmark Theatre and the music . . .

While Ilfracombe may give the impression that nothing much happens over winter, in reality there’s a lot going on, especially preparation for the year ahead.

This weekend the Landmark Beer Festival is in full swing and on Monday 4th May, the Jack-in-the-Green celebration takes place with children dancing round the Maypole, morris dancing, music and, of course, Jack-in-the-Green himself welcoming summer.

In addition, Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration launches its 24-page colour 2009 programme packed with over 50 Victorian-themed events from 6th to 14th June 2009. Committee members in Victorian dress will be distributing copies and they will also be available through local outlets in the run-up to and during the week-long celebration.

You can download a PDF version of the programme (2.8 Mb) or view details of all events on the online events diary at the Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration web site.

. . . admiring the daffodils up Hillsborough . . .

. . . followed by some gardening perhaps . . .

. . . maybe not in this hail and rain . . .

How many different types of weather can we have in one day?

Ah well, there’s plenty of other things to do inside.

Well done to Ilfracombe High Street Traders for reviving the annual pancake race and, miraculously, having the High Street closed so the pancake tossers could run down the middle of the road.

I paid a hurried visit to support the event, which was well-attended by children from the town’s schools, Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration and the High Street traders themselves.

I took a few snaps from the side, but I’m sure the Journal photographer will have got better ones with all the details of the teams . . .

And to round the day off we had pancakes for tea!

]]> http://www.robzlog.co.uk/ilfracombe-north-devon/ilfracombe-pancake-race-2009/feed 0 http://www.robzlog.co.uk/ilfracombe-north-devon/ilfracombe-high-st-pancake-race http://www.robzlog.co.uk/ilfracombe-north-devon/ilfracombe-high-st-pancake-race#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:31:56 +0000 robz http://www.robzlog.co.uk/?p=1091

Top marks to Ilfracombe High Street Traders who are taking the initiative to revive the annual Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday 24th February 2009 11.00 to 11.30am in Ilfracombe High Street, North Devon.

In these over-regulated days, closing a high street for half an hour is beyond the means of mere mortals, so the Traders have achieved a lot to get permission to cordon off the lay-by oppositie Pedlar’s. Contact Robert McFarlane on 01271-862031 for more details.

Which leads me on to . . .

Will you be eating pancakes this Shrove Tuesday? We will!

We’d been meaning to pop in and see what the Rainbow Corner Café was like for some time as it’s changed hands several times in the past few years, so yesterday we made it and it was wonderful.

I had a belly buster – two eggs, jumbo sausage, bacon and beans plus toast and tea. Sometimes food just doesn’t get any better.

The menu ranges from fish and chips to breakfasts, cottage pie and chilli with rice (I think), so there’s quite a range.

We don’t have a fry-up often, but Rainbow Corner Café comes recommended by me for the food, bright and clean decor, and friendly service. It’s on the corner of the High Street and Northfield Road, opposite the Ilfracombe Centre.

Ilfracombe is so lucky to have such a wide range of restaurants and cafés offering pretty much anything you could want.

We’ll certainly be going again, although maybe for a cup of tea rather than a belly buster – got to think of my waistline.

I’m in the North Devon Journal this week, pictured next to a llama called Wilbur, in an article about online networking and how it can help businesses in North Devon. Buy the paper or click to read online.

North Devon Council is tendering for a company to develop a proposal to improve Ilfracombe seafront. See North Devon Council news item and tender advert in Arts Industry for details. Tender deadline 30th January 2009.

Coincidentally, we organised some fund-raising car boot sales along the seafront last year. Everyone loved it – sellers, buyers, locals and holiday-makers – because it provided a focus. From my observations, I concluded that the seafront needs a covered shelter where the old pavilion used to be. This would provide shelter from the wind, which comes straight off the sea, as well as creating a covered space for craft stalls, entertainers, musicians and a café. The area desperately needs dedicated public toilets – people are always asking where the nearest ones are – in the Landmark Theatre, if it’s open, or on the Quay, which is 10 minutes or so walk. I’ll happily take the £80K offered to develop this proposal.

Seriously, Ilfracombe needs companies with imagination to handle this. The natural beauty of the seafront is astounding and needs imaginative and sympathetic management.

I know it’s only down to -3°C here, but that’s cold for this part of the world. Yesterday morning I took the camera out as I walked the dogs before dawn; the harbour view was picturesque, but instead my unsteady hands produced this impressionistic image, which I quite like . . .

squiggly lights of Ilfracombe harbour before the dawn

Anyway, this morning I took out the one-legged-tripod-thingy, but still my hands shook in the cold. But I did get this . . .

Ilfracombe harbour at dawn

. . . and this one looking across to Wales . . .

Looking across from Ilfracombe to Wales at dawn

Worth getting up in the dark to see.

We went for a walk with our dogs on Woolacombe beach on Boxing Day . . .

Woolacombe, Devon in the evening sunlight on Boxing Day 2008

. . . and the light was wonderfully clear . . .

Woolacombe, Devon in the evening sunlight on Boxing Day 2008

. . . and as the sun went down . . .

The waves of the incoming tide on Woolacombe Beach, Devon on Boxing Day 2008

. . . the views got better and better . . .

Sunset over Woolacombe, North Devon on Boxing Day 2008

. . . who could ask for anything more?

With all the gloomy news in the papers and on the television, I opened the North Devon Journal to find rays of light shining out from the pages this morning.

Apparently, the Capstone Hotel has been bought and is to be refurbished as a boutique hotel, while Whitbread is apparently looking at a site for a new hotel or an existing hotel to redevelop. Following on from Damien Hirst’s bed and breakfast venture and Wetherspoon’s go-ahead to redevelop the Collingwood Hotel, this is very good news for the town, which needs investment in its dwindling hotel stock.

While the setting is beautiful, the town has great charm and the community is wonderful, there is no denying that Ilfracombe needs hefty investment to re-invigorate it. This news could not come at a better time. We have some fantastic businesses here, including some very good hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shops – and many of the owners work tirelessly at what they do – but this should good everyone a boost.

And just before Christmas too!

A new recipe and wonderfully delicious, we tried these new sausages from Mike Turton Family Butcher in Ilfracombe High Street.

Now, I’m a bit of a stick-in-the-mud when it comes to sausages and find some of the exotic recipes over the top, but I love these orange and ginger sausages.

We’re so lucky to have adventurous retailers who not only sell excellent quality, local food, but are also innovating.

Definitely worth trying next time you’re passing through town.

Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it isn’t: Lundy Island.

The other evening, the cloud appeared to end over Lundy as it rose up out of the sea.

Lundy Island seen rising out of the sea from Ilfracombe, Devon

It was a murky evening, a bit like tonight, but the view was still stunning. The wind was blowing and the sea lashing at the rocks. Beautiful.

I took my camera with me yesterday to record what a beautiful, tranquil spot this is, even when it’s cold and grey.

The East Wilder Brook running through Bicclescombe Park

The East Wilder Brook runs through the park down a number of miniature waterfalls.

The duck pond in Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe

The boating lake, where the model boat club members sail their vessels on a Sunday morning, looked particularly serene.

The tree-lined model boat lake in Bicclescombe Park

And the tree-lined avenue between the boating lake and tennis courts was still relatively leafy for this time of year.

Tree-lined avenue in Bicclescombe Park

There are reminders everywhere of our milder, seaside climate and even the sheltered hydrangeas are still in bloom.

The milder climate of Ilfracombe in evidence at Bicclescombe Park

In warmer months you can enjoy afternoon tea at the old water mill, which still operates.

The water mill tea rooms at Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe

It’s no surprise that Bicclescombe Park has been awarded a Green Flag. All in all, it’s a lovely park to visit.

If you know Ilfracombe, you may know Bicclescombe Park, a delightfully peaceful haven hidden towards the Score Valley. With a mix of well-maintained lawns and flower beds, an old corn mill (now housing tea rooms) and millstreams, tennis courts, a boating lake, duck pond and children’s play area, it’s a lovely place for a relaxing walk in all weathers. The gardeners do a magnificent job keeping the park immaculate and there is a user group chaired by the council’s park department.

This morning as I walked through the park, I noticed that one of the wooden benches had been dumped in the boating lake. It’s half-term so not surprising if bored youngsters get up to mischief. But it’s not just harmless pranks: the damage is serious.

Up on the highest level of the park is a wooden shelter with a thatched roof. Youngsters often shelter in here at night when they have nowhere else to go (who minds this?), but why do they have to damage it by pulling wooden panels off it and sometimes burning them? At the moment it seems they have been damaging the thatch and, to stop this, an ugly fence with a steel grille is being erected at one side to prevent access to the roof.

In recent years a brand new concrete all-weather tennis table was wrecked by vandals within weeks of being installed, while young trees are often damaged.

I don’t think there’s any excuse for this behaviour. I didn’t understand mindless vandalism when I was a teenager and I don’t understand it now. I can understand people being bored, angry, frustrated and in need of stimulation and encouragement, but not wrecking the good things that are provided.

The authorities don’t seem to bothered, focusing instead on painting yellow lines on the lovely stone steps in case someone falls down them, erecting intrusive barriers to reduce the numbers of people drowning in the stream (I’m not aware of any), and putting up half a dozen maps of what is a very small park in which it would be quite a challenge to get lost.

The council uses cotton wool when the youngsters want challenge, excitement, adventure and stimulation.  

I feel angry at the damage and angry at those who do it, although I understand there are problems which cause this. I was lucky enough never to have to spend my time on the streets at night when a teenager and I believe no one should have to do this, but it’s not always the case. Providing facilities for bored youths is not necessarily an easy answer, having seen brand new, purpose-built play and sports areas in other towns wrecked by vandals with weeks of opening. No, the problems are more deep-rooted, which is a shame because it’s sad to think of these nocturnal battles during the daylight enjoyment of Bicclescombe Park when it is a delight for families, the elderly, children, dog-walkers, model boat enthusiasts, tennis players and others.

Should it put anyone off going there? Definitely not. It’s as safe as anywhere, especially in the daylight, and I’d recommend Bicclescombe Park to anyone, even bored youngsters, as long as they respect it.

As we turn back the clocks for winter, in Ilfracombe many of the boats have been lifted out of the harbour on to the quay and harbour car parks to protect them from the ferocity of the stormy weather until next spring.

Boats lifted out of the harbour on to Ilfracombe quay

It’s also a sign that most of the holiday-makers have gone and the town is back in the hands of residents, who can enjoy its beauty in the winter months.

It’s not all peace and quiet though, as it’s the only time that many of those in the tourism industry have to enjoy themselves after spending the summer season working all hours of the day.

Ilfracombe quay in October 2008

It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the town and countryside, even when the sea and sky are grey, it’s raining and the wind is howling. Certainly beats the M25.

. . . up Hillsborough as another beautiful sunset develops over Ilfracombe . . .

September sunset over Ilfracombe

I know I posted photos of sunset and sunrise only a few days ago, but after a wet and cloudy July and August, it seems like the summer we feel we have missed . . .

Breathtaking September sunset in Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . truly spectacular.

A similar sight introduced me to Ilfracombe in 1969 when my family arrived by train and at the hill-top station were greeted by the sun dancing on the sea: a powerful image, both then and now.

It can be difficult some days, especially when it’s dark, cloudy, you feel tired and the news on the radio is depressing. But even then, once I’m up, it’s worth being out . . .

Ilfracombe quay on Monday 15th September 2008

It doesn’t matter that the sun’s not shining or that it’s cloudy, there’s always a lot to see and enjoy. But when the sun is shining . . .

Ilfracombe quay on Friday 19th September 2008

. . . it’s fantastic.

We’ve had beautiful mornings this week. Yesterday was sunny and clear . . .

Looking eastwards up the Bristol channel from Hillsborough

Even the moon was reflected in the water beneath the quay yesterday . . .

Moon reflected in the sea at Ilfracombe

So even though there is a lot of bad news about the economy, it’s on mornings like this that I appreciate and am grateful for what I have got and the simple pleasure of enjoying the beauty around me, especially as the sun rises . . .

Sunrise at Ilfracombe on Friday 19th September 2008

I don’t get happy clappy, but it’s moments like this that give genuine inspiration and hope.

. . . the colours and shades are intricate but fleeting.

Ilfracombe twilight

Sometimes the dying day blazes behind the Torrs . . .

The departing day blazes behind the Torrs

 . . . and all I can do is . . .

Ilfracombe sunset

. . . marvel.

The fair has come to town . . . to Ilfracombe quay . . .

The funfair on Ilfracombe quay

After what has not been the sunniest of summers, it’s good to see the funfair . . .

The funfair on the quay at Ilfracombe

. . . and the sea so calm on a clear September evening.

It was a wonderful, dry evening and people lined the streets without coats as we waited for the 2008 Ilfracombe Carnival procession to leave Hillsborough.

I got the impression that there were less floats than previously, but the standard was superb. It was a great spectacle for holiday-makers and residents alike and all in aid of St John Ambulance Brigade.

So I was waiting for some of the cast of the Studio Theatre and Small Pond Productions joint production of Me And My Girl to arrive with our advertising banner – the show is on at the Landmark Theatre from 16th to 18th October 2008.

And here they are . . . 

Here’s Uncle Tom Cobbleigh . . .

And Steptoe and Son’s horse . . .

Are they on their way to the Notting Hill Carnival?

Followed by an original Olympic hero . . .

And the drummers of Humdrumconundrum . . . .

Is that fire-breathing dragon from across the Bristol Channel?

And the Youth Band . . .

There were bagpipes, drummers, majorettes, youngsters and old’uns alike.

Ilfracombe should be proud to put on such a great spectacle and well done to all who built the floats, made their costumes, drove the vehicles and stewarded on the day.

Here’s looking forward to next year’s Ilfracombe Carnival!

The town’s residents and holiday visitors will be turning out for Ilfracombe Carnival, in aid of St John’s Ambulance Brigade, on the evening of Thursday 21st August 2008. 

The carnival processions winds it way from Hillsborough car park, along to the High Street and down Wilder Road and along the seafront until it reaches the quay.

Great fun and even better if it’s dry and warm.

Details here.

A magical time, the evening . . .

The Torrs blazing at sunset in Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . when the sun blazes as it sinks behind the Tors into the sea . . .

A fiery sunset in Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . and on the seafront, the lights illuminate Capstone Hill . . .

Capstone Hill, Ilfracombe in summer twilight

. . . nothing else matters in the magic of light and dark.

On Sunday 3rd August 2008 Ilfracombe Pier will host the annual South West Birdman competition which involves lots of crazy people or so called ‘would-be aviators’ flinging themselves over the pier to see who can ‘fly’ the furthest or at least plummet hilariously into the waiting sea.

See more details at www.ilfracomberoundtable.co.uk.

Rescue Day in Ilfracombe, Devon on Wednesday 13th August is Britain’s biggest emergency services live charity display day, featuring:

Coastguard. Police Force. Fire Brigade. RAF 22 Squadron Rescue Helicopter. RNLI Lifeboat. Lifeguards. Exmoor Search and Rescue. Ambulance Service. Red Cross. Devon 4×4. National Blood Service. Devon Air Ambulance. Maritime Volunteer Services. North Devon Animal Ambulance. RNLI boating sea safety roadshow.

Meet the real-life professionals and learn what it takes to keep us safe. 

Live air-sea Rescues with RAF helicopter, RNLI lifeboats, Coastguard cliff rescue. Drugs dog. Huge chip-pan fire. Lifeguards jet-ski surf rescue. See the roof being cut off a car. Handheld flare demonstration. 75^th Mountain-rescue anniversary “Then and Now” enactment. Birds of Prey Display.

Read full details of Rescue Day at Ilfracombe Round Table web site.

WildCurl.co.uk is your new guide to the North Devon area. You can search for events, places or groups in the search link at the top left hand corner of the site and you can register for FREE to access a variety of handy facilities by going to the top right hand corner of the site. You can also advertise your business, group, event, artwork and more with our FREE listing service. If you are planning a holiday in North Devon, WildCurl can help you to make the most of your time here. Whether you are looking for events, restaurants, accommodation, surf schools, or theatre listings WildCurl will be your guide! 

What a glorious July day, just right for the first excursion of the pleasure steamer ‘Balmoral‘ from Ilfracombe.

There was quite a lot of activity out in the Bristol Channel: a grey warship . . .

The Balmoral passing a ship off Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . and a passing speedboat. There were also quite a few other boats in the harbour.

Speedboat passing Balmoral as she approaches Ilfracome quay, Devon

Eventually Balmoral docked to pick up passengers for its first cruise of the summer.

Blamoral docks at Ilfracombe quay, Devon

They certainly picked a fine day.

Just take a walk and see what you will find . . . up the steps from Hele Bay climbing Hillsborough . . .

Climbing the steps from Hele Bay up Hillsborough towards Ilfracombe

. . . the view from the top northeast towards Wales and Bristol . . .

Looking out over Hele Bay from Hillsborough, Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . up above bright blue and white . . .

Clouds, blues sky and sun in Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . out in the distance . . . more blue . . .

The serenity of Ilfracombe quay on Devon summer's day

. . . and boats . . .

Boating at Ilfracombe harbour and quay, Devon

. . . and beautifully clear water . . .

Clear waters off Larkstone Beach, Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . and neverending Sunday blues in Ilfracombe.

A good question. Many think of the town as well past its sell-by date with Victorian and Edwardian buildings crumbling, hotels closing down and shops looking shabby. Superficially, this is true.

But underneath it remains a fascinating town with much to offer. Yes, it has rowdy youths (where else in England doesn’t?), but it also has a very warm, strong community. The outer shabbiness of the High Street conceals some of the fine produce on offer: locally produced fruit and veg, meat, dairy products, bread and cakes, chocolate and sweets. 

And wherever you are in town you can look up to see the sea, beautiful hills or the ever-changing sky.

Wildersmouth Beach in Ilfracombe, Devon

It all depends on what you want in life, but if you’re sick of the brutal environments created by town planning in many parts of the country, it’s a breath of fresh air here.

The biggest challenge is preserving what’s good and regenerating what has decayed in a sympathetic manner that avoids the mistakes made in many other towns.

View of Ilfracombe harbour from Larkstone Beach

After a night of rain and storm, this morning was beautiful. The walk round the north side of Hillsborough revealed some atmospheric views as the sun struggled to break through the cloud.

Moody view east from Ilfracombe, Devon

Coming round the hill and looking towards the town, St Nicholas’s Chapel stood clearly above the harbour.

St Nicholas's Chapel, Ilfracombe, Devon

Truly a wonderful July Sunday morning, even if more rain is threatened.

The RNLI is hosting its Summer Splash at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on Sunday 6th July 2008 from 1pm. There’ll be rescue demonstrations in and around Wildersmouth Bay plus fun and refreshments inside the Pavilion.

Pity I can’t find any details at www.rnli.org.uk as the volunteers deserve as much support as possible.

Hope the weather keeps dry!

Probably never if you’ve always shopped at a supermarket, for their produce has to be chilled, stored or worse to preserve it from grower to distribution centre to articulated transporter to shop to shelf, which doesn’t leave a lot of time or room for fresh in its true sense.

Eating fruit or vegetables picked by yourself from where they grow is an ecstasy alien to the concept of the supermarket and is the price to pay for convenience they offer. Convenience when used in conjunction with supermarkets is not common hassle-free sense of the word, but a marketing term which ignores annoyance, hard work, time and expense which a visit to a supermarket involves.

I certainly don’t have the time or garden space or even the climate to grow all my fruit and veg, so the next best option is to purchase it from a greengrocer which sources as much local produce as possible. We are so fortunate to have Norman’s at 40 High Street, Ilfracombe, from whom we enjoy the best home-grown lettuces we’ve had for years, Braunton potatoes grown 10 miles or so up the road and a superb selection of other seasonal produce.

What’s more we can walk there and back (although they do deliver in town), so we save the wear and tear on our car and the cost our fuel spent getting to a supermarket and back, which makes the shopping bill lower even before we’ve entered the shop. Also, when we have had to use a supermarket in an emergency when we’ve forgotten something, the supermarket produce can be more expensive, so don’t believe the advertising spiel that they are necessarily cheaper.

It probably doesn’t take any more time than going to a local supermarket, but I think we eat much better. This is what real choice is.