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By robz, October 3, 2008 11:30 am

Now, a lot of people criticise the Landmark Theatre, calling it a blot on the landscape or looking like a nuclear power station, but for any faults with its external appearance (apparently, the choice of brick used causes an unsightly lichen to turn its cones black!), ‘Madonna’s Bra’ is a wonderful facility for any town, let alone a small seaside town. 

The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, Devon

From Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th October 2008, two Ilfracombe theatrical groups, Small Pond Productions and Studio Theatre, will be staging a spectacular version (we think) of Me And My Girl. With a hired stage set, a cast of 37 and an 11-piece band, it should be a great evening’s entertainment.

See Me And My Girl at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, Devon

I’m biased, of course, because I’m playing Parchester, the family solicitor, but I genuinely do think this will be a great show and appeal to many people with such songs as The Sun Has Got His Hat On, Leaning On a Lamppost and The Lambeth Walk. Oi!

Book your tickets from the Landmark Theatre box office.

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By robz, September 20, 2008 9:16 pm

. . . 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.

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By robz, August 22, 2008 11:58 am

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!

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By robz, August 1, 2008 3:28 pm

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.

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By robz, July 7, 2008 10:39 am

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

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By robz, July 5, 2008 2:01 pm

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!